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This weekend marks one year since our family moved to Severna Park. While I started my role at St. Martin’s on October 1, we moved here at the end of August so the kids could start school with their new St. Martin’s community. Fun fact: They actually started school in Atlanta on August 1 before starting school here on August 28. It gave them a chance to see all their Atlanta friends every day for two weeks and it gave me the time I needed to pack up all our belongings! When I look back at the pictures from their first day of School at St. Martin’s, I see two nervous kids, a little excited, but also holding back tears.
Because this is our one-year anniversary in Severna Park, and because I’m on vacation this week, I asked the kids and Jay if they would help me write this week’s Epistle reflecting on all the ways this church, school, and town have welcomed us and made us feel at home.
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Charles says, “I really liked acolyting—especially on Easter when I waved the Holy Spirit streamers.” At school, he appreciates the smaller class sizes and kind teachers, as well as, “spending more time outside—for PE, recess, and lunch.”
Lucy Rae shared, “My favorite thing about the church is the nice people and that it’s very welcoming.” She also remembers how quickly she made her first friend: “I knew when Amelia helped me with my math that I had a friend.”
Jay reflects that, “St. Martin’s-in-the-Field reminds me of where I grew up…a small, tight-knit town where Sundays were when you saw everyone you knew.” He is grateful for the change of pace after many years in major cities and for the way this community supports and lifts up our family.
I also made a list of things I love: I love how people care for one another. I love how quick people are to put out more tables and chairs when we need them, and how quick folks are to break down those same tables and chairs after an event. I love that the staff eat lunch together and that I can usually spot my children playing on the field at school while eating lunch. I love the ideas people come up with: like the Walkin’ Loves walking group, the Partners In Transition care team for folks in job transition, participating in Annapolis Pride, and doing an actual homecoming theme for Homecoming Sunday. And I love the thoughtful discernment I have witnessed around restating and amending the Endowment Fund and hiring a new Associate Rector and Chaplain. I love looking out at all the beautiful faces of people I have grown to love when preaching on Sundays. There is so much to love, and I am so grateful to be the one who gets to love God and one another alongside you in this role.
As a family, we have found joy in worship, friendship, learning, and play—whether at church, in classrooms, at the Froyo House, or by the water. This first year has been a blessing, and we look forward to many more years of growing together at St. Martin’s and in Severna Park.
Thank you, St. Martin’s!
| | | | Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | | |
Blessing of the Backpacks
Sunday, August 24 at 10:00 a.m. service
Students and teachers of all ages 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, while also recognizing the importance of learning and leaning into our call to bring Christ into our everyday places of study and work.
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The Beethoven Project Concert
Sunday, August 24 at 4:00 p.m.
Please join us for an unforgettable musical experience! Pianist, Dr. HyeSung Hwang and violinist, Dr. Ahreum Kim, are excite to perform Beethoven’s monumental Kreutzer Sonata. This free concert will include a freewill offering to benefit the music ministry at St. Martin’s. For more information contact HyeSung.
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Sunday's Guest
Special thanks to Besty Lord our guest organist this Sunday. Betsy was previously the Organist for Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis, where she continues to serve as Music Associate. She is a past Dean of the Annapolis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and has been organist and choir director in several Lutheran and Presbyterian churches. Currently, a student of Monte Maxwell, the organist and Director of Chapel music at the US Naval Academy, Betsy also teaches beginning piano and organ, and sings with the Chesapeake Chorale.
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St. Martin's Homecoming
September 7, 9:00 a.m.
Welcome home, St. Martin’s! We are having a homecoming event and ministry fair to mark the beginning of the new program year and can’t wait to celebrate with you. Come and reconnect with fellow parishioners, create new memories and show your St. Martin’s team spirit! Don’t miss out on the fun:
> Take a memorable photo in our “photo booth.”
> St. Martin’s ministries bingo and other fun activities including corn hole.
> A chance to win one of three prizes: a) Select the hymns for one Sunday; b) Choose the coffee hour treat; c) Lunch with Rev. Lauren.
Come home for Homecoming!
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Mental Health First Aid
September 14, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Join us for an introduction to Youth Mental Health First Aid. This is a great opportunity for parents and anyone working with youth. We hope you learn from this informational overview and will sign up for the full course scheduled at St. Martin’s on September 27. For details contact Katrina, 410-647-6248.
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Join A Foyer Group
September 14, following the 10:00 a.m. service
If you would like to make lasting connections and get to know your fellow parishioners then sign up to join a Foyer group. These groups meet about once a month for varying activities including a simple meal/picnic or excursions like bowling, boating or trivia; the possibilities are endless. Groups are forming now! All Foyer groups will be meeting for a celebratory potluck supper on Saturday 14, following the 10:00 a.m. service. To sign up please contact Judy Bonanno, (410) 991-3562. Be sure to sign up by September 7 to get introduced to your new group of St. Martin’s friends.
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C.S. Lewis Book Study
September 16, 7:00 p.m. (Zoom)
All parishioners are invited Tuesday nights via zoom for the EfM version of theological studies. Our first reading is C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters. Join us every Tuesday from 7:00-8:30pm. No prior study is required. We look forward to seeing you starting September 16. Please contact Charlie Fitzgerald, for details and zoom link for the meetings!
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Church Office Hours and Closings
The church office has resumed regular office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please note the office will be closed Monday, September 1 for Labor Day.
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Join A Choir
Children’s Choir: The Music Ministry is thrilled to announce the return of Children’s Choir this fall! Students in grades 2 through 7 are welcome to join. Rehearsals begin on Sunday, September 21 after the 10:00 a.m. service.
Adult Choir: Rehearsal starts on Thursday, September 4, 6:30 p.m. All interested singers, 9th grade through adult, are welcome.
For details on joining the children or adult choir please contact Dr. HyeSung Hwang, Director of Music Ministries.
Handbell Choir: The handbell is an instrument that produces a unique and mystical sound. Join us in creating music that reverberates throughout the sanctuary. Contact Aaron Carman.
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Register for Fall Children and Youth Programs
> Does your child(ren) want to embrace and celebrate the joy of God’s presence in their lives? Click here for Sunday School Registration (PK-Grade 5).
> Does your youth want to explore their faith and begin to make it their own? Click here for Youth Ministry Registration (Grades 6-12).
Classes resume Sunday mornings, 9:00-9:45 a.m. on September 14. Register now! For details contact the church office.
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Preparing for Our Next Associate Rector
We are interviewing candidates and discerning who our next Associate Rector and Chaplain will be! And we would like to spruce up the office they will be using. We are in need of the following new or gently used items: sofa, or chairs (2 to 4), and curtains (for 2 windows). If you are able to donate these items or help finance them, please contact the church office, 410-647-6248.
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Italy Pilgrimage Presentation
October 5, following the 10:00 a.m. service
Our young people took an amazing pilgrimage to Italy this summer. Please join us following the 10:00 a.m. service on October 5 in the Parish Hall to hear reflections from our pilgrims about their journey to grow closer to Christ and to one another in Florence, Rome and Assisi. For details about youth ministry and pilgrimages at St. Martin’s, contact Rev. Lauren.
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SPAN Opportunities for AUGUST
SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) serves our neighbors by helping them through a critical or emergency situation. St. Martin’s supports SPAN’s mission by asking for donations for this month’s theme: "Back to School Snacks.” Please donate: foods that are individually packaged into small bags that can easily be taken for snack or packed into a lunch bag like pretzels, crackers, trail mix, nuts, and popcorn (Skinny Pop is always a hit). Additionally, dried fruits, fruit cups or granola bars would be appreciated. We welcome anything else you’re willing to share. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex hallway. Summer is a slow time for food donations. We welcome additional donations. Click here for a list of our most needed items.
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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 September 6 & 20; October 4 & 18 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon in the St. Martin’s parking lot. Please no encyclopedias, VHS tapes, magazines, condensed books or textbooks. No 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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Children’s Chapel
During the 10:00 a.m. service children age 4 and older are invited to experience an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word. See Sunday’s bulletin for details.
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Bible Challenge Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s House)
Join us for a 16 week study of the Acts of the Apostles. We will be using the LifeChange Study Guide on Acts which can be ordered on Amazon: click here. Contact Cindy Neseth.
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Nursery Care
Available for infants and children ages 4 and under on Sundays from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Located in Parish Hall, see an usher for directions.
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Walkin’ Loves
Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00 a.m. (Kinder Farm Park)
Lace up your shoes and join our new Walkin’ Loves group for fresh air and fellowship. Meet at Kinder Park, off of Kinder Rd, near the small playground. The loop is 2.4 miles, mostly level, and takes about 45 minutes to complete. All ages and fitness levels welcome. Contact Julie Reiter, 443-875-1457.
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Education for Ministry (EfM) at St. Margaret's
Do you have questions about your faith? Most people do, and most find it challenging to get answers. Education for Ministry (EfM) was developed by the School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee, to provide a mechanism for people to work through those questions. There are 5 areas of study: Hebrew Scriptures, Christian Scriptures, Church History, Christian Ethics & Spirituality, and Wide Lens. Meeting weekly on Wednesday mornings in small groups, led by mentors trained to facilitate the experience, you will begin to think theologically, reflect faithfully, and speak civilly when confronted by beliefs and principles in opposition to your own.
Classes begin in September at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.. Register now! Contact Jim Hall.
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Broadway Songfest - SPAN Fundraiser
Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 5pm (doors open at 4:30pm)
An upbeat "backstage tour" includes a smorgasbord of show tunes hand picked from more than six decades of Broadway's best. Buckle your seat belt and enjoy the ride with irrepressible Laurette Hankins-O'Connell and terrific pianist/singer Anita O'Connor.
Purchase tickets in advanced for $25. There will be a Silent auction. Online bidding for the auction will start in early September online and then transition to in person for the concert. Concessions will be available for cash only purchases. 100% of the net proceeds go to support SPAN.
Join us on September 20, 2025 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at St Martins's in-the-Field in Parish Hall. For questions contact Michele Sabean, 410-647-0889.
| | 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. | |
PRAYERS FOR OUR PARISH FAMILY: The Marston, Cleven, and Kurtz families, Karen, Adia, Greg, Bruce, Jim, David, Joey, Michele, Kerry, Carter, Matthew, Amalia, Edmund, Joey, Kip, Wilma, Merla, Lisa, Mike, the Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE WHO DIED: Lee Marston
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Emme. Maggie, Finn, Eileen, Ethan, Kyle, Abby, Andrew, Kathy, Liam, and Brett.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY: Tim and Hilary Sayers, and Jim and Kathlyn Schofield.
| Let 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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