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Dragon Tales E-News

August 7, 2019
A Note from Laura

I remember when I created my first email address. It was 1995. I was pregnant with my first child and working from home as a consultant with the Delaware Department of Education. I learned I could email my work rather than have to fax it! My mind was blown away! The two years before I had worked in the White House, designing a database system that would allow all offices of the campus to talk to each other and share information. (Historically, these offices had their own computer software programs.) Even back then I knew that there had to be way that people could talk to each other in a more convenient and efficient way.

St. Margaret's is tackling that issue head on by initiating Realm - a church communications and record-keeping system that provides a safe and secure way of information sharing.

This summer we have migrated our data from our old ACS database to Realm. That means that most of you are already in Realm. Our invitation to participate is to just have you check and make sure your contact information is correct and then communicate with other members through Realm.

Realm allows parishioners to update their own contact information in real time. Parishioners can ask to join groups they see in Realm. Group members can have conversations and share photos, resources, or links without having to look up emails. Sunday School teachers can print rosters and connect with parents with one click. Parishioner contact information is available to all participants 24/7. And parishioners can view and print out their giving information anytime they wish.

The most important thing to know is that it is available on a cloud - meaning that we are not using social media to talk to each other, to share information, or create an event. All communication and data is safe in this secure system. (We will soon be taking down our Facebook Members Group.) Financial giving is even more safe and available 24/7 whenever parishioners wish to give. No more mailbox mischief!

PLEASE NOTE: We will be "opting in" everyone for our church directory. You will get an email when we do it saying we have changed your privacy setting. If you do not want your contact information (address, email, phone #) in the directory, click on your privacy button at the top and "opt out."

Also, please list your birthdate in your profile if it is not already in the system. It could really help with planning and programming if we had an adequate picture of the ages St. Margaret's serves.

Please take a look at the information below. Take us up on the invitation to begin using Realm. (Check your spam box if you didn't receive the email invite.) Please help us make St. Margaret's a more connected community to transform lives in Christ.

Look for Elizabeth and me at coffeehour on August 18 and 25 to assist users with any issues.

We will host an information session about Realm on Aug. 25 during coffeehour.
Realm: Get Connected.

Here are just a few examples of how Realm will make life easier at St. Margaret's:

✨The Profile system will enable you to update your contact information and choose a privacy setting you are comfortable with (see note above). We ask you to opt in to the church directory.

✨Users can ask to become members of other St. Margaret's Church groups through the system. Take a look at all of our groups, when they meet, and who the parishioners are that are involved already. It's an easy way to get more active here at St. Margaret's.

✨Users can give safely online through Realm and check their up-to-date giving totals (but not anyone else's).

✨Users can register for classes and events easily and receive more information on each program.

✨✨✨✨AND, there is an app called "Realm Connect" that allows you to access this information anywhere you bring your cell phone!

Sunday School Registration will be done in Realm.

Students who registered for Sunday School last year have been placed into classes/groups in Realm for the 2019-20 program year. Please make sure your child's contact info is up to date.
Upcoming Spire Deadline -- The deadline for submissions for the new Spire that covers the new program year (Sept - Oct) is THIS Friday, August 9.
THANK YOU!

To all the volunteers who are working at Camp Allen this week!
Back to School Supplies Drive

Members of the parish are asked to help with back-to-school supplies for children whose families are unable to provide. Again this year we will be partnering with Broadneck Elementary on Shore Acres Road in Arnold. Their guidance counselor has requested we provide supplies for students who require assistance and register late or are otherwise not qualified to be listed with county social services.

As in past years, the Mission Commission will provide the actual backpacks; parish families are asked to provide the supplies requested per grade level. If you can help, please put a note in the collection plate or contact Barbara Marder at i [email protected] or 410-518-9978. She will provide you with a list of supplies needed. If you would like to contribute but cannot shop, a cash donation will help; let Barbara know and someone will do the shopping for you.
Faith and Fellowship Mondays -
Starts Monday, Sept. 9

We have a new schedule!

5:15 - 6:00 Spirit Singers (K-2)-Classroom C
5:15 - 6:00 Spirit Singers (3-5)-Classroom B
5:30 - 6:15 Youth Chorale (Middle/High School ages) - Choir Room
5:45 - 6:15 Acolyte Practice - Sanctuary
6:00 - 6:15 Arts and Crafts - Parish Hall* *Not a group in Realm
6:20 - 7:00 Fellowship Dinner - Parish Hall
6:45 - 8:30 Youth Group - Youth Room
7:00 - 8:30 Adult Formation - Formation Bldg.
7:00 - 9:00 Motet Ensemble Rehearsal - Choir Room

Check Realm to see if you/your child are in these groups already or ask to join. Note: Realm automatically sends parents emails for their children so parents don't need to be put in a children's group to get messages from the leader.

Sept. 9 Adult Formation -- Beth and Tug Knorr discuss their recent trip to Alabama's new lynching museum.
You may have come to St. Margaret’s looking for a church home, for a baptism, or a special service, but you have stayed because of the people you have met. We want to help you connect with more parishioners through our Foyers program --social groups who meet regularly during the program year.
The Foyers Planning Committee members for this coming year are Lesal Kilcrease, Arvilla Wubbenhorst, Janice Roper Graham, and Web Chamberlin. For more information, email i [email protected] .
Men's Breakfast on August 24

Mark your calendar for the next Men's Breakfast to be held on Saturday, August 24, 9:00 a.m., at the Riverbay Roadhouse in the Cape St. Claire center. Speaker is Newcomer Bob Moore (West Point Grad) who will discuss Nantucket baskets that he makes and bat houses that he installs for free. For questions or to RSVP, contact Tug Knorr at
blessing of the backpacks
Blessing of the Backpacks on Aug. 25

Our annual blessing of students and educators for the new school year will be on Sunday, Aug. 25 at the 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. services. Students are encouraged to bring their backpacks for a special gift.
65 and Over Invitation

Parishioners 65 and over are invited to Jim and Judy MacGregor's home on Sunday September 8th for fellowship and a light supper from 4 to 7pm. Located in Twin Harbors, off the Magothy, their address is 201 Nomini Dr, Arnold, 21012.  

Car pooling would be best if possible from the nearby middle schools lot on Peninsula Farm Rd. Those with walking challenges, drive down our gravel driveway and park in front of our garages. There is a no stair approach on the far right side.  Questions and RSVPs can be made with Judy MacGregor at 410 991 9115. 
All are welcome to attend this full production of Rachel Portman's opera, The Little Prince , based on the novel by Saint-Exupéry. The production is provided by the Teen Opera Initiative supported by the Voix Vocal Studio.

The show features an amazing cast of over 30 students, ages 8-20 who are excited to explore this great work of art and this challenging art form! 

Friday, August 16
Saturday, August 17
8:00 p.m.
St. Margaret's Church
$20 General Admission
August 25 - Realm Forum at 10:15 a.m.
September 4 - Women's Guild Monthly Meeting
September 8 - Sunday School Open House
September 9 - First Faith & Fellowship Monday
September 10 - Senior Session
September 15 - First Day of Sunday School
Church Clergy/Staff

The Rev. Peter W. Mayer, Rector

The Rev. Patti Sachs, Asst. Rector

Elizabeth Radley, Director of Operations

Jim Douglas, Director of Music

Laura Tayman, Communications Asst

Jeff Conover, Youth Ministries Leader

Teresa McCorkle, Bookkeeper

Tricia McVeigh, Day School Director

Judy Hall, Churchyard Adm.

Jim Bowersox, Facilities/Operations Asst.

Quick Links

To give to St. Margaret's online, click here:   

To give through text, then text GIVESMC to 73256

Church Office Summer Hours
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Mon - Thurs
Service Participants

This Sunday, August 11
EM @7:30: Ben Tolley
Lector @ 7:30: Ben Tolley
EM @ 9: David Allen, Janet Allen
Lectors @ 9: Charlie Lang, Kathy Lang
Healing Team @9: Beth Knorr
Current Acolytes @ 9: Kaden Huntley Joseph Jackson, Zacca Jackson, NEED MORE
Summer Children's Hour: Berthelotte Family
EM @11:15: - Peg Overton, Jim Reising Lectors@11:15: Ann Lallande, Jan Brewer
Current Acolytes @ 11:15: Wes Reising, Connor Feldmann, Grace Feldmann NEED MORE
Coffeehour Hosts: Elizabeth Kopack, Justyn Kopack, Seung Won Wenz, Heidi Ruegg, Jan Brewer
Flower Guild: Mary Kirkeby
Altar Guild: Susan Byrom, Robert Thomas, Stephanie Ceruolo, Lisa Moylan

Next Sunday, August 18
EM @7:30: Joan Rich
Lector @ 7:30: Joan Rich
EM @ 9: Elizabeth Bowers, Beth Knorr
Lectors @ 9: Beth Knorr, Jean Clarke
Current Acolytes @ 9: Ella Tomko, Sunny Bowers, Katharine Parker, Matthew Parker
Summer Children's Hour: VanArsdall Family
EM @11:15: Spencer Johnson, Jim Weekley
Lectors@11:15: Rex Pingle, Valery Weekley
Current Acolytes @ 11:!5 Caroline Bontempo, Emily Bontempo, Caroline VanArsdall NEED MORE
Coffeehour Hosts: Jan Little, Carol Williams, Lyn and Sam Sloan, Sarah Layman
Flower Guild: Elizabeth Kopack
Altar Guild: Charlie Lang, Teresa Todd, Nancy Saroch, Lynn Goff

Go to our scheduling system to request a replacement or sign up where needed.

Swapped with someone else? Email a note to [email protected] .

(Bulletins are usually printed
on Wednesdays each week.)
St. Margaret's Church
 Office Phone: 410-974-0200
Emergency Pastoral #: 443-837-5463
www.st-margarets.org