Dragon Tales for September 4, 2019

Dragon Tales E-News

September 4, 2019

A Note from Peter

The poet Wallace Stevens wrote that ‘life is the elimination of what is dead.’ I would argue that many of us carry around many dead things and thus never really embrace the fullness of life that we are offered by God.

There is never a better time than right now to start pruning your life so that it bears more fruit. Think of it as blowing the leaves out of your garden, removing the vines choking the growth of your tree, or simply clutter that prevents you from crossing from one side of the room to the other. This fall, I invite you to consider how to live your life more fully, by being more present, by letting go of what is in the past, and by eliminating what is dead.

Realm: Get Connected.

We are asking all parishioners to join Realm to foster effciency and communication at SMC.

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. We have programmed everyone to "opt in" to the directory so that parishioners can contact you if needed. You can control that privacy setting if you wish to change it. You will get an email confirming that. Just know that we have done that for efficiency purposes. Communicating with other parishioners and staff will now NOT be available who is not a parishioner.

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

✨Users can give safely online through Realm (no more checks in the mail) 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 a cell phone and Ipad app called "Realm Connect" that allows you to have information and communications anywhere you bring your cell phone! But you must register online first before an app is downloaded!

Look for more information along with your personal invitation to join Realm. If you don't get it, be sure and check your spam folder.

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

If you are having trouble logging in, you can contact their support line (they are really nice AND patient) at 1-800-669-2509 (option 1) . Our site number is 09595.

Special Note on Dragon Tales

Starting Oct. 31, we will be sending Dragon Tales out through Realm only on Wednesdays.

For those not in Realm, you can view it on our website, but it will not be directly emailed to you.

Formation

Sunday School Registration for 2019-20 is now open!

Open House on Sept. 8 -- First Class held on Sept. 15

Student registration will be done through called Realm. Former students have been placed into classes based on last year's registration. Parents are asked to go to their child's profile and update required information, check their child's "Group," and request another group if they need one.

If you are not in Realm or your child is new to Sunday School, check your email for an invitation to participate in Realm (including your spam folder) or contact the church office. Once you are in, simply request the "Group leader" to put your child on the list. Make sure your child's information is correct and complete.

NOW is also a great time for your child to join the acolyte program here at St. Margaret's. Children ages 7-18 are welcome! Practice is at 5:45 in the Sanctuary on Mondays (NEW TIME) and every other Sunday after from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. starting on September 8th.

Faith & Fellowship Begins Sept. 9

The NEW Schedule for Faith & Fellowship is:

5:15 to 6:00 p.m.- Spirit Singers Kindergarten through second grade and third grade to fifth grade -

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

7:00-9:00 p.m.- Motet Ensemble Rehearsal - Choir Room

Adult Formation Schedule:

September 9 - Civil Rights Pilgrimage

Parishioners Tug and Beth Knorr share their experience traveling to Alabama and a Civil Rights pilgrimage this summer.

September 16 - Episcopalian Cursillo

Parishioner Mike Winn shares the components of the Episcopalian Cursillo program

September 23 - Book Study Begins -

The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong

by Karen Gonzalez

A riveting story of seeking safety in another land. Here is a gripping journey of loss, alienation, and belonging. In The God Who Sees, immigration advocate 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,

Thursday AM Book Study Resumes Sept. 12

Our Thursday morning book study begins on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 9:15 a.m. in Classroom E. The group will discuss the end of C.S.Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters" before taking up his book " Mere Christianity." All are welcome. Childcare for ages 0-4 is available in the church nursery.

Parish Life

65 and Over Invitation

All 65 and older and guests of those, are invited to Jim and Judy MacGregor's home on Sunday, September 8th for fellowship and a light supper from 4 to 7p.m. Located in Twin Harbors, off the Magothy, the address is 201 Nomini Dr, Arnold, 21012 .

Accepted RSVPs are needed please:

Judy MacGregor, [email protected] , or phone 410 991 9115 for planning purposes.

Car pool 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 phone Judy MacGregor at 410 991 9115. Our address is 201 Nomini Dr, Arnold, 21012.

Senior Sessions Resumes Sept. 10

Our Senior Sessions for parishioners aged 65+ and clergy resumes on Tuesday, Sept.10th, 10 a.m., in classroom E. Participants will discuss the upcoming Gospel lesson as well as joys and challenges experienced through the summer.

Newcomer Class with Rev. Peter begins Sept. 30

If you are new to St. Margaret's this year, the Rev. Peter will offer two classes that focus both on being Episcopalian and getting more involved to become a transformed member of St. Margaret's. Two classes will be held -- on Sept. 30 & Oct. 7 -- at 7 p.m. in Classroom E. Childcare is provided in the church nursery for ages 0 to 4. Come at 6:20 and join us for a Fellowship Dinner in the parish hall.

Registration is now available in Realm under "Registration Events."

Music

Music rehearsals with adult choirs begin Wednesday, Sept. 4.

September Youth Music Open House

Saturday, September 21

Join members of the SMC music ministry team for a fun morning of music making. All returning choristers and newcomers will join for full warmup, then split into three groups (grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-12) for rehearsals to prepare music for the next morning’s worship services. Those youth who play instruments, including guitar and drums, will also gather and rehearse. During a snack break, there will be time for Q&A for parents, followed by a short informal worship service to conclude the day’s activities. This will give both the youth and their families the chance to sing and play the music they learned earlier in the day

Coming Soon...

and White Elephant Sale

Sponsored by St. Margaret's Women's Guild

Saturday, November 23 * 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Other Upcoming Events/Dates

October 6 - Blessing of the Animals

October 12 - Third Sunday Band's "Rockin the Hall"

October 13 - Missions Fair

October 20 - Blue Jean Sunday

October 27 - Grants Program Reception

November 3 - All Saints' Mass

Missions

Sunday's Service

Community Info

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, where the Arundel Center stands in Annapolis, a historic marker will be unveiled. The location is close to where Henry Davis was lynched in 1906.

The marker will acknowledge the lynching of at least five black men in Anne Arundel County and the racial terrorizing of many more. In an effort to bring remembrance, reconciliation, and education about these painful events, Connecting the Dots, a local coalition of social justice activists has partnered with the Equal Justice Initiative, other activist groups, and local politicians to bring the first historic marker in Maryland acknowledging racial terror.

The annual Run for the Light House on Sept. 22 provides scenic half-marathon and 5K routes along the trails of Quiet Waters Park and through the beautiful Chesapeake Bay-front community of Hillsmere Shores. This race event is unlike any other in the greater Annapolis area! Returning in 2019 due to popular demand - 1.25 Mile Walk/Donut Dash! All proceeds from the Run for the Light House will benefit the Light House in Annapolis, a well-known public charity working to end the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Register HERE .

Province 3 Trail to Truth: Pilgrimage of Racial Reconciliation , October 11-14, 2019. Join the Province 3 Youth Committee for a pilgrimage by bus from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia, PA to discuss and dismantle the history of racism in the church and government. Be a voice for positive next steps. Included in the four day journey: African American History Museum, church histories, amazing guest speakers, and youth from the thirteen dioceses that are Province 3. Learn more here .

Baltimore International Seafarers' Center Golf Tournament , October 17, Elkridge Club, Baltimore. The day of golf includes a 4-person scramble, breakfast snacks, lunch and awards receptions following the tournament. Learn more and register online .