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Dear St. Martin’s,
It is a time of new beginnings! Fall is coming upon us. A new school year is here. And we have our amazing new rector on her way and will be joining us on October 1. New beginnings can be wonderful. My daughters have always loved back to school shopping with new supplies and new clothes. But new beginnings can also be a little scary. What’s coming next? Everything’s new? What’s going to happen?
Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians writes to young church communities in Asia Minor. The church is really just starting out in the new century. There’s a joyful new beginning with the resurrection of Jesus and spreading the good news of God’s love. But there’s also anxiety with the threat of persecution and so much change in families and communities that comes with the birth of a new religion.
Paul tells the people to put on the armor of God, to trust in God’s strength and hope and love. You’ll hear more about that in this Sunday’s sermon. And we have backpack blessings, where we will say special prayers for teachers, students and everyone starting out a new year.
Be sure and join us this Sunday for a celebration of fresh starts and the power of God to bolster all of us as we embark on new beginnings.
Yours in Christ,
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~ The Rev. Nathan Erdman, Associate Rector and School Chaplain | | |
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Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | |
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Blessing of the Backpacks
This Sunday, August 25, 10:00 a.m.
Students are invited to bring their backpacks or book bags to church to receive a blessing during the 10:00 a.m. service. This is a wonderful way to acknowledge the beginning of a new school year and recognize the importance of learning, as well as, a call to bring Christ into our everyday places of study and work. Contact Rev. Nathan.
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Children's and Youth Programs
Register today!
Classes resume, September 8, 9:00-9:45 a.m.
> Sunday School: Creates many opportunities to build the foundation of our children’s relationship with God. Children play games, learn Bible stories in age-appropriate language, and do crafts and activities. There are two classes: Pre-K through 2nd Grade and 3rd Grade through 5th Grade.
> Youth Groups: For young people in grades 6-12 to come together for fellowship, fun, and prayer. Excited to join the new Rite 13 group? Moving up to J2A? Don’t know what Rite 13 or J2A means but want to get involved? We are happy to help!
Register for Children and/or Youth today! See below. For details contact Rev. Nathan.
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Keep Your Pledge Current
Remember the church doesn’t take a summer vacation from funding mission and ministry. Please continue with your regular pledge payments so we can keep up with our commitments. Make life easy, sign up for automatic withdrawal (ACH) and the church will automatically withdraw your pledge from your designated bank account. Sign up on our website or contact Jory Bender, Director of Finance.
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Nursery Care
Care is available from 9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Sundays for infants and children ages 3 and under. Starting September 8, the nursery will be available from 8:45-11:00 a.m. to cover our Christian Education hour and 10:00 a.m. service. Located in Parish Hall, see an usher for directions.
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EYC: Messy Sunday
September 15, 5:30 p.m. (meet in Parish Hall)
All youth grades 6th-12th are invited to kick off the EYC program year with this hallowed St. Martin’s youth ministry tradition, involving pudding, shaving cream, marshmallows, sticky syrup, and more. Join us for pizza before the festivities begin. Come dressed to get messed! Contact Rev. Nathan.
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St. Martin’s Fall Kick Off
Sunday, September 8, following the 10:00 a.m. service
You’re invited to join us as we Kick Off the start of the program year. The party starts September 8 following the 10:00 a.m. service where all are welcome for games and a delicious treat. Contact Katrina Schultz.
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Seeking Nursery Assistant
We are looking for a new nursery assistant to join our childcare team! If you or a loved one over the age of 18 and are available to assist Miss Reita on Sunday mornings from 8:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall, please contact Katrina Schultz. This is a paid position.
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Bible Challenge Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s House)
Come and study the Book of Proverbs with us. Join us whenever you are able. The study guide can be purchased online. Contact Cindy Neseth.
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Church Office Hours and Closings
On August 26 the church office will resume regular office hours Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Please note the church office will be closed Monday, September 2 for Labor Day. Contact the office at 410-647-6248 or email.
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Children’s Chapel
During the 10:00 a.m. service, from before the reading of the Gospel to the Peace, children from 3 years old to 2nd grade are invited to experience an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word led by Children’s Chapel adult leaders. Contact Rev. Nathan for details.
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Parents’ Group
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall) Resumes September 8.
Drop your kids off for Sunday School and/or youth group, grab a cup of coffee or a donut, and join the St. Martin’s Parents’ Group. We have an exciting semester of activities, learning and fellowship planned. This group is open to all parents/guardians. Contact Chris and Liz Lucas.
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Shepherd Group
Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. Resumes September 12.
Join us for a group discussion of the readings for the upcoming Sunday. All adults welcome. This group meets via zoom every Thursday afternoon. All are welcome. For zoom link and details contact Susan Griesmyer.
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Fall program resume dates: Sunday School, Youth Classes and Parents’ Group (Sept. 8); Shepherd Group (Sept. 12); EYC (Sept. 15). | |
SPAN Pantry is Sparse
Summer is a slow time for food donations. When you are picking up snacks for the pool throw a few extra items in the cart to help your neighbors. SPAN's most wanted list includes:
> Breakfast items: pancake mix, syrup, oatmeal, cereal, coffee and tea
> Canned meat and fish
> Instant Potatoes
> Peanut butter and jelly
> Pasta, sauce and other canned tomato products
> Basic toiletries: shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, soap
> Basic cleaning products: paper towels, laundry detergent, dish soap
Please put donations in the bins in the Narthex. For more information about SPAN, call 410-647-0889, email spanhelps@yahoo.com or visit www.spanhelps.org. Financial donations may be made through the website.
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AUGUST Outreach:
Annapolis Civitan Club #177
The Annapolis Civitan Club #177, established in 1926 as the 177th Civitan Club in the World, serves the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County communities in creating good citizenship. The club has dedicated its efforts to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Click here for more information. Click here to donate online and put Annapolis Civitan Club in the memo area. For details contact Kathy Berge.
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Light House Shelter Meal Prep
The Light House is seeking volunteers to provide breakfast, lunch, or dinner for clients experiencing homelessness. Many of our clients struggle with food insecurity and often go without meals. If you’d like to sponsor a delicious breakfast, a hot lunch, or a savory dinner for our 65 residents, please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteers@annapolislighthouse.org.
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Join the Adventure of Cub Scouting
Cub Scout Pack 855 is hosting a Fall Kick-off Pool Party and recruiting event. Elementary-aged boys and girls at St. Martin’s are invited to attend and learn more about becoming a scout! Please join us on Tuesday, August 27 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Swim Club. Please RSVP so we can be sure to have enough food and beverages for the party, by Sunday, August 25. You can RSVP here or for details contact us at info@pack855.org.
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SPAN Opportunities for AUGUST
SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) serves our neighbors by helping them through a critical or emergency situations. St. Martin’s supports SPAN’s mission this month by asking for donations for SPAN’s August’s theme - “Back to School Snacks.” Donate items that are individually packaged such pretzels, crackers, trail mix, nuts, and popcorn (Skinny Pop is always a hit). Additionally, dried fruits, fruit cups or granola bars. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. For details about SPAN click here.
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AAUW: Donate 2 Educate
Donate your good, clean, used books as proceeds from the sale of your books allows AAUW to provide yearly scholarships to Anne Arundel County women. Donations are collected on August 24; September 7 & 21; October 5 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon in the St. Martin’s parking lot. Please no encyclopedias, VHS tapes, magazines or condensed books. No textbooks, computer manuals or travel guides more than 2 years old. For sale date announcements and details follow AAUW Anne Arundel County Used Book Sale on Facebook or call (410) 647-7041 or (703) 599-9646.
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Your Prayers are Invited... | Prayer is the universal way people of faith stay connected, both with one another and with God. You are invited to pray daily for our parish family, for your own needs, and in thanksgiving for all that God has blessed you with this day. | |
Prayer for our Rector-Elect
Gracious Lord the giver of all life and blessings, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit we have called Rev. Lauren to be our next rector at St. Martins-in-the Field Episcopal Church. We pray that by her words and good example she may continue faithfully serving you and be a benefit in your Holy Church. May that same Holy Spirit give each of us all wisdom and imagination, energy and drive, that together we will have the ability to make ministries continue to happen in this church and in the larger community. Hear the prayers of your faithful people that in our vocation and ministry each of us may continue to be instruments of you and your blessings. We pray this in the unity of the Holy Trinity, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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NEW PRAYERS FOR OUR PARISH FAMILY: David, Inez, and Sarah.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: Dora, Scott, Olivia, Mike, The Murray family, Ben, Melanie, Jeanne, Philip, Sara, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Finn, Holly, Eileen, Ethan, Kyle, Abby, James, Kathy, Liam, Pam, Brett, Isabel, and Hadley.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY: Tim and Hilary Sayers, Brian and Alison Benner, and Andy and Wendy Gatanas.
| eLet us know if you have a specific prayer request so we can hold you in our daily prayers. | | |
ST. MARTIN'S-IN-THE-FIELD EPISCOPAL CHURCH
375 Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146
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