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Dragon Tales E-News

November 6, 2019
The New Advent/Christmas Spire is now here! Click to download.
A Note from Patti

In last week’s sermon, Peter told us that our community of love was counter-cultural. Indeed it is! Jesus said as much last week in what is known as the “Sermon on the Plain”. ( In the similar story in Matthew, Jesus “went up the mountain”, hence it is called the “Sermon on the Mount”.

In Luke, Jesus “came down with them and stood on a level place,” so, Sermon on the Plain.) In that reading from Luke 6, Jesus tells the crowd (us, really) how to be a community of love. He stresses that we are to reach out to those around us and not just to our “Facebook friends.” (“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” v.32)

Our Gospel reading this coming week will show us again that Jesus will not “play by the rules” of the status quo, but will continue to show us the Way of Love. This is something for us to really ponder. I catch myself all the time hewing to what is comfortable, to opinions I know are similar to mine, to people who look like me, or people I already know! I have to make an effort to reach out, to break the habits of mind that I have developed. Being in community takes intentional effort, whether it is a family, a workplace or our Christ-centered community.

I got to spend time, a few years back, in the Benedictine monastery in Erie, Pa. I talked with some of the sisters who have lived decades with each other in community. Talk about patience!! They laughed talking about some of their struggles with one another over the years, just trying to stay in community, to stay, in love.

And that’s the key: Love. That’s why we worship together. Love. The Eucharist is our food for the journey, feeding our hearts with Jesus’ tender, boundless love for us. That’s why we contribute our time and talents to St. Margaret’s. Love. It’s all for the sake of Love. “We love, because He first loved us.” (1John 4:19) And he loves us still!

We strengthen ourselves and each other by contributing to our community in love. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put in your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38)
Thanks be to God!!
Between War and Here
Concert on Nov. 10 at 4:00 p.m.

Between War and Here is a powerful new collaboration between journalists and musicians exploring honor, courage, loss and hope.  Ensemble Galilei is teaming with award-winning National Public Radio foreign correspondents Neal Conan and Anne Garrels for a November U.S. Tour that includes St. Margaret's this Sunday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m.

Ensemble Galilei founder and poet as well as SMC parishioner Carolyn Surrick created this show from her recent poetry collection titled Between War and Here. .

Tickets for the concert can be purchased at
Current Pledge Information (11/6/19)
$369,15
Current # of Pledges 147 (57% of goal)
Current Amount of Pledges: $704,286 (76% of goal)

Why do we ask for an increase in pledge for last year?

Here is the total pledged dollars we have received to date in 2019-
If you have not yet pledged for next year, please pledge online HERE, or fill out a pledge card and return to the church office or place in the offertory plate. And pray for our vestry as they make financial decisions based on pledging amounts.

We wi
New Grieving Support Program Coming Soon

Just in time for the holidays, our clergy will be holding a support group for those grieving the loss of someone or something important to them. There will be three classes, the third Sunday of the month (Nov. 17, Dec. 15, Jan. 12) at 2 p.m. in the All Saints Lounge, in the annex building next to the church. Each session will be clergy led. All are welcome.
Thanksgiving Basket Meal Donations Now Being Solicited

Again this season, members of the parish are asked to provide holiday meals to neighbors in need. We have received the names of local families from Broadneck Elementary School and the A.A. County Dept. of Social Services who are needing help in purchasing their holiday dinner .The list includes both seniors and families with children. The Mission Commission will provide the turkeys: volunteers will provide the the rest of the meal's ingredients and deliver the food basket to the recipient a few days BEFORE Thanksgiving Day. NO COOKING INVOLVED. Turkeys will be available for pick-up in the Parish Hall on Sunday, Nov. 24 or by separate arrangement. In advance, you will receive the name of your recipient and delivery instructions. Sign up by contacting Barbara Marder at 410-518-9978 or at scubaesc@aol.com .
Endowment Grants Program for 2020

The 2020 St. Margaret's Church Endowment Grants application is now available on the church website . New this year: the committee will award one multi-year grant to a deserving organization. Applications are due by November 30, 2019. Pass this along to your favorite non profit! 
The Day School's Annual Scholastic Book Fair will be held next week, Nov. 7 and 8 in the Parish Hall. Parishioners are welcome to visit and shop (a part of the proceeds goes to the school.) We will also be having Grandparents Day on both days. If anyone would like to sub for those who don't live nearby, please volunteer with laura@st-margarets.org.






* On Nov. 15, the school will sponsor a recycling day for small tech components . St. Margaret's parishioners are welcome to bring any of these kinds of items and place in a designated box in the Formation building foyer on Nov. 17. They're collecting cellphones & accessories, computer pieces, speakers and keyboards, digital cameras, GPS systems, ink cartridges, laptops, MP3 players, tablets, and toner cartridges.






On November 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Day School is sponsoring "Bringing Up Resilient Kids" a program from specialist Dr. Duane M. Isava of Halcyon Wellness Center. All are welcome. The program is free, with light refreshments and childcare provided! Go to www.stmargaretsdayschool.org for more info.
Children's Communion Class

Younger children ages four to nine are welcome to join the Rev. Peter Mayer on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. in the sanctuary as he explains the components and symbolism of Holy Eucharist on their level. Children will then participate in communion at the 9:00 a.m. service on Sunday, Nov. 17. Contact
Peter@st-margarets.org for more information.
Youth Events

Bishop Unplugged on Nov. 23
St. Philip's in Annapolis will hold this annual fall event on November 23, 2:00-4:00 pm. Cost is $5. (For grades 6-12). Participants will spend the afternoon with Bishop Sutton in fellowship and fun. No registration required, but for questions contact Kate Riley at  kriley@episcopalmaryland.org .

Youth-led Sunday service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 12th.

A MLK Day youth event through the Diocese will take place on January 19-20th. More details to follow.

Youth Happening #13 will take place for students in grades 9-12 at the Claggett Center near Frederick, MD. Participants should arrive Friday at 7 p.m. with parent pickup on Sunday at 3 p.m. Cost is $95 due by Jan. 23. Scholarships available.

Nightwatch, an overnight youth program at St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York City, is on Feb. 20 & 21 . A $15 per person deposit is due in the next few weeks. There is limited space for this not to miss event! To be put on a waiting list, contact jeff@st-margarets.org.

New Beginnings diocesan program for grades 6-8 will be held April 26-28 at Camp Wright in Stevensville, MD. Cost is $75. Scholarships available. Deadline is April 18 for registration.

End-of-Year Lock-in will be held at St. Margaret's on Friday, June 15th . Look for more registration information in the future.
Faith & Fellowship Mondays

The schedule for Faith & Fellowship is:

5:15 to 6:00 p.m.- Spirit Singers Kindergarten through second grade and third grade to fifth grade - Meet in Formation Building Classrooms B & C
5:30-6:15 p.m.- Youth Chorale (grades 6-12) - Choir Room
5:45-6:15 p.m.- Acolyte practice - Sanctuary
6:00-6:15 p.m.- Arts and Crafts - Parish Hall
6:20-6:45 p.m.- Fellowship Dinner - Parish Hall
6:45-8:30 p.m.- Youth Group - Classroom D
7:00-8:30 p.m.- Adult Formation -Formation Building
7:00-8:30 p.m.- Motet Ensemble Rehearsal - Choir Room

There is no F&F on Monday, Nov. 25th.

Adult Formation Schedule:

Monday Evening Book Study
Our Monday adult formation class is studying the riveting story of seeking safety in another land. The book is a gripping journey of loss, alienation, and belonging. Author Karen Gonzalez recounts her family’s migration from the instability of Guatemala to making a new life in Los Angeles and the suburbs of south Florida, in the midst of language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and the tremendous pressure to assimilate, Join us!

** On Monday, Nov. 16, the author Karen Gonzalez will visit St. Margaret's to discuss her book recounting her immigration experience that we have studied this fall! Please plan on joining us for a special Peruvian dinner and discussion. Dinner starts at 6:20 p.m. All welcome!
Join the Thursday AM Book Study

Our Thursday morning book study is held in Classroom E from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. of the Formation Building. The group will discuss the C.S. Lewis book " Mere Christianity ." All are welcome. Childcare for ages 0-4 is available in the church nursery.
and White Elephant Sale
(Donations can be brought to Fellowship Hall on Nov. 22 after 5 p.m.)
Sponsored by St. Margaret's Women's Guild
Proceeds benefit missions projects of the Guild
Saturday, November 23 * 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
*Vendors *Crafters *Raffles *Food
advent wreath
Advent Class & the Advent Wreath

Please attend our Sunday morning Advent class in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays, December 8, 15 and 22. On Dec. 1st, we’ll be learning about the practice of the Advent Wreath and making our own in the parish hall. Donations of greens are very welcome (evergreen, holly, magnolia, etc.). Leave donations at the doors of the Parish Hall by 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 1. Freewill donations for wreath kits are $20.
St. Margaret's Women's Guild
Christmas Luncheon

The Guild will hold their annual Christmas luncheon on Weds., Dec. 4, Noon, at Carrol's Creek in Annapolis. Tickets are $30. Make checks available to "St. Margaret's Church" with "Guild Luncheon" in the memo line.
Third Sunday Band Christmas

Join the Third Sunday Band as they perform a joyful, holiday concert for the parish and community on Saturday, Dec. 7, 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. All are welcome!
Advent Lessons & Carols on Dec.8

The choirs of St. Margaret's will offer Advent Lessons & Carols on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. This service is intended to be a time of spiritual preparation, as we watch and wait for the coming of the Kingdom of God. Nursery care is provided.
Monday Adult Study in Advent

Monday night’s Faith and Fellowship study group (7 p.m.) will have a chance to explore the world of the icon during Advent in December. Rowan Williams, the last Archbishop of Canterbury, has written two books about praying with icons. Using one of these books as a guide, we will take an in-depth look at what it means and has meant throughout history to pray with icons. We will have two sessions on this topic – Dec. 2 and Dec. 16. The book, “Ponder These Things – Praying with Icons of the Virgin Mary” is available online. We will have a few to sell in the church office.

Christmas Eve Services
3:00*, 5:00* p.m.
Traditional Choral Services
7:30* p.m., 10:30 p.m.
*Nursery care available at that service

Christmas Day Service
10:00 a.m.

Christmas Lessons & Carols Services
Sunday, Dec. 29
9:00* & 11:15* a.m.
*Nursery care is available

New Year's Brunch
Sunday, Dec. 29 - 10:15 to 11 a.m. - Parish Hall
Bring a breakfast casserole to share

Children's Epiphany Pageant
Sunday, Jan. 5 - 10:30 a.m. in Parish Hall
Rehearsal on Sat., Jan. 4 in Parish Hall
Parent helpers needed!
Sunday's Service
Realm: Get Connected.

We are asking all parishioners to join Realm to foster efficiency and communication at SMC. You need to be invited by us which will take you to a sign-in site. To ask for an invite (or another one), just email
laura@st-margarets.org. If you need help getting started, call the church office and we will schedule a time you can come in with your laptop.

To log in, go the www.st-margarets.org website homepage and look for the Realm logo.

TAKE NOTE: Dragon Tales will be distributed through Realm starting next week!

PLEASE NOTE: Due to unexpected circumstances, staff may not have the ability to set up for coffee hour or other events for a few months. Anyone that can show up a bit early and help set-up please do so. Coffee hour takes 5-6 round tables and chairs.
Church Clergy/Staff

The Rev. Peter W. Mayer, Rector
peter@st-margarets.org

The Rev. Patti Sachs, Asst. Rector
patti@st-margarets.org

Elizabeth Radley, Director of Operations
elizabeth@st-margarets.org

Jim Douglas, Director of Music
music@st-margarets.org

Laura Tayman, Communications Asst
laura@st-margarets.org

Jeff Conover, Youth Ministries Leader
jeff@st-margarets.org

Teresa McCorkle, Bookkeeper
office@st-margarets.org

Tricia McVeigh, Day School Director
tricia@st-margarets.org

Judy Hall, Churchyard Adm.
churchyard@st-margarets.org

Christine Feldmann, Grants Adm.
missions@st-margarets.org

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

THiS Sunday, Nov. 10
EM @ 7:30: Malcolm Foster
Lector @ 7:30: Sally Brice O'Hara
EM @ 9:00: Beth Knorr, Katy Strother
Lectors @ 9:00: Mark Torrence, Jean Clarke
Acolytes @ 9:00: Zacca Jackson, Joseph Jackson, Ella Tomko, Molly Rose Svendsen, Sarah Mayer
Children's Chapel: Kristen Berthelotte, Arvilla Wubbenhorst
EM@11:15: Jim Reising, Janis Brewer
Lectors@ 11:15: Valery Weekley, Ann Lallande
Acolytes@ 11:15: Wes Reising, Connor Feldmann, Grace Feldmann
Altar Guild: Nancy Saroch, Stephanie Ceruolo, Lynn Goff, Kim Morrow
Flower Guild: Kathy Lang
Coffeehour Hosts: Sarah Westcott, Anne Sessions, Mary and Ted Lesster

NEXT Sunday, Nov. 17
EM @ 7:30: Ben Tolley
Lector @ 7:30: Ben Tolley
EM @ 9:00: Terry Otis, Kim Coble
Lectors @ 9:00: Russell Jackson, Barbara Marder
Acolytes @ 9:00: Sunny Bowers, Anna Morgan, Julia Morgan, Caroline Viscardi, Dylan Bishop
Children's Chapel: Cory Greene, Zack Greene
EM@11:15: Jim Hall, Stacia Bontempo
Lectors@ 11:!5: Mel Kessler, Pat Hall
Acolytes@ 11:15: Emily Bontempo, Sarah Mayer, Allen Mayer
Altar Guild: Charlie Lang, Teresa Todd, Susan Byrom, Robert Thomas
Coffeehour Hosts: Arvilla Wubbenhorst, Don and Hope Schroeder, Stacy Canuel, Vera Torrence, Mary Kirkeby

ALL servers on Sundays now have a Fall Schedule. A copy is available HERE . Any changes or swaps will not be on this copy but in the scheduling system. Bulletin listings are taken from the scheduling system.

Go to our scheduling system to request a replacement or sign up where needed.
Then email a note to Laura@st-margarets.org .

(Bulletins are usually printed
on Wednesdays each week.)

A Christmas services sign up
is available HERE .



St. Margaret's Church
 Office Phone: 410-974-0200
Emergency Pastoral #: 443-837-5463
info@st-margarets.org
www.st-margarets.org