|
Every Sunday, as I step into the vesting room to put on my robes, adjust my microphone, mark my hymnal, and prepare for worship, I pause to look at the grainy black-and-white photo of St. Martin’s-in-the-Field's very first service. That service was held outdoors, just down Tewksbury Lane. I often wonder what it would be like to gather in that very same spot again when we celebrate the 75th anniversary of St. Martin’s in just a few years.
That photo has also stirred a more immediate question in me: when might be the right time for us to worship outdoors now? We are blessed with so much green space, and it feels like a fitting way to honor the bold and faithful people who once had the audacious idea to plant an Episcopal church in Severna Park.
So—we will worship outside once again!
And what better time than the first Sunday in October, when we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis? St. Francis loved creation deeply. The more Francis connected with the natural world, the more he discovered the presence of God. Our pilgrims learned a great deal about St. Francis and St. Clare this summer in Florence, Assisi, and Rome. Interestingly, the moments when we most felt that sense of sacred wonder came not in the cities, but in the Assisi countryside—journaling in forests and praying together beneath a breathtaking sunset.
I hope you’ll mark your calendar for Sunday, October 5, at 10:00 a.m. Bring a chair or a blanket, and come ready to sing and pray under the open sky, just as the very first congregation of St. Martin’s once did. Those driving down Benfield will see us gathered in praise, delighting in the wonder of God’s creation.
It will be different. It will be joyful. And it will be a special moment to remember our roots as a community grounded in the love of a God who delights in every part of creation: the tiny ant, the towering trees, the whimsical clouds, and you. Thanks be to God!
| | | | Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | | |
Real Gods Don’t Cry: Or Do They?
September 21, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
To get ready for several months of reflecting on God’s story, we are going to start by looking more closely at one of God’s story tellers: Jeremiah. Together we’ll ask: ‘Who were the prophets?’ ‘What did prophets do?’ ‘And what are we supposed to do with these sometimes puzzling books?’ Join us in Parish Hall at 9:00 a.m.
| |  | |
Guest Celebrant and Preacher
This Sunday we welcome guest Celebrant and Preacher, The Rev. Daniel S. Meck. A lifelong Marylander, Dan has been a priest in the Diocese of Maryland for nearly twenty-five years. After serving as the Associate Rector at St. David’s in Roland Park for seven years, Dan moved on to school chaplaincy at St. Paul’s School. There, his ministry has included teaching, counseling, and leading chapel services for the different schools and divisions across campus. This year is Dan’s 19th academic year at the school.
| | | |
Let’s Get Glazey!
Sunday mornings
After brief hiatus, Donut Shack is back! Those grocery chain donuts were just driving parishioners glazey! Derek Heiss is our new donut ministry point of contact and he is looking for five additional volunteers to do the occasional order pick-up ahead of the 9:00 a.m. formation hour. Please contact Derek directly at 443-995-4942 if you’re interested in helping out.
| |
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Saturday, September 27, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents ages 12-18. You’ll build the skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to young people who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support. We are excited to offer this important course here at St. Martin’s and hope you will join us. For details and to sign up contact Donna Phillips.
| |
EYC: K-POP Night
September 28, 5:30 p.m. (meet in St. Martin’s House)
Join us for dinner and karaoke as we watch K-Pop and sing along. This fun evening is open to all youth grades 6th-12th. Contact Sam Burdette or Amy Miller.
| |
Talk About Abundance
September 28 & October 5, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Adult Formation will take up the topic of God’s abundance. Rev. Lauren will lead a discussion based on lessons learned from Sam Wells’s book: A Future That’s Bigger Than The Past. Together we will reimagine how St. Martin’s can live its vocation of receiving God’s abundance and sharing it far and wide.
| |
Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 4, 4:30 p.m. (Heck Hall)
Bring your pets to St. Martin’s and join us for an outdoor service with blessings for all of God’s creatures. Pets must be leashed or in a carrier. This is a great event to invite neighbors and friends to attend with you.
| |
Outdoor Worship
Sunday, October 5, 10:00 a.m.
We will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with an outdoor service! St. Francis cherished all of God’s creation, and together we will worship surrounded by the beauty of the natural world through prayer and song. It will be a little different—and a lot of fun! Please dress comfortably and bring a chair or blanket for seating.
| | | |
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.
| |
Young Voices Wanted
Sundays, 11:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)
We would be delighted to have your children share in the spiritual life of our church through music. Now open to children in 1st through 7th grade. Through this enriching musical opportunity, children will:
- Develop musical skills, including singing, rhythm, sight-reading, and musical expression.
- Participate in worship by singing anthems and hymns.
- Build teamwork, leadership, and confidence through group performance.
We will meet every Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. service until noon. Sign up here or simply join us on Sunday! For details please contact Dr. HyeSung Hwang, Director of Music Ministries.
| |
Annapolis Pride Festival
Saturday, October 18
The Love is Love Ministry at St. Martin’s in-the-Field, in collaboration with St. Luke’s Eastport, is participating in this year’s Annapolis Pride festival at Maryland Hall. We are looking for volunteers to help at the festival table on October 18 between 12:00 noon-5:00 p.m. We need your help engaging attendees, handing out St. Martin’s branded Pride swag, water, and information about our many programs and ministries. To participate, please contact Lori Skalitzky.
| |
Parenting for a Different World
Tuesday, October 21, 6:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Join us for a documentary on how smartphones, smartwatches, and social media impact kids. St. Martin’s school is hosting a Parenting for a Different World screening of “Screenagers: Elementary Edition.” This program is ideal for parents/caregivers of children of all ages and for kids themselves 3rd grade and up. Mental health professionals will be available for questions. For details contact SMES Director of Admissions, Kira Dickson.
| | |
Children & Youth Formation
Sundays, 9:00 a.m.
Children and youth of all ages are welcome to join any time. For details or questions contact the church office.
- Sunday School (K-Grade 5): SMES Art and Science Rooms
- Rite-13 (Grade 6-8): Lower St. Martin’s House
- J2A (Grade 9-10): Lower St. Martin’s House
- YAC (Grade 11-12): Upper St. Martin’s House
| |
Children’s Chapel
During the 10:00 a.m. service children from 3 years old to 2nd grade are invited to experience an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word. See Sunday’s bulletin for details.
| |
Nursery Care
Available for infants and children ages 4 and under on Sundays from 8:45 - 11:30 a.m. Located in Parish Hall, see an usher for directions.
| |
Faith and Fellowship
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Adult Formation is a time of both faith and fellowship at St. Martin’s. Our engaging and conversational classes are taught clergy and parishioners alike. Come build community and grow closer to God with us! Contact Rev. Lauren.
| |
Midday Bible Study
Thursday, 12:00 noon (St. Martin’s House)
Join us for this weekly Bible study and connect with God’s word. Meetings are held in the conference room of St. Martins house. Bring a Bible. Contact Julie Reiter, 443-875-1457.
| | | |
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.
| |
Shepherd Group
Thursdays, 4:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join us for a zoom group discussion of the readings for the upcoming Sunday. All adults welcome. For zoom link and details contact Susan Griesmyer.
| |
C.S. Lewis Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (Zoom)
All parishioners are invited for the EfM version of theological studies on "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis. Join us Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. No prior study is required. For details and zoom link please contact Charlie Fitzgerald.
| |
The Nicene Creed Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s House)
Did you know the Nicene Creed is 1,700 years old? Are you interested in learning more about the Creed and why we say what we say every Sunday? Join us for a study of the Nicene Creed starting Tuesday, September 2. We will be using the book “The Faith of Our Fathers” which can be ordered on Amazon. Contact Cindy Neseth.
| | |
SPAN Opportunities
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: September’s theme - “Time to stock up.” Please donate shelf stable pantry staples such as cereals, soups, vegetables, fruits, pasta, rice, sauces as well as peanut, soy, or nut butters, jelly, canned tuna or meats, and microwaveable shelf stable meals. Additionally, household items like hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, conditioner, laundry and dish detergent would be appreciated. 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.
| | | |
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 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.
| | |
Experience the Difference - SMES Open House
Wednesday, October 15, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (SMES)
Explore our School’s engaging learning environment within our inclusive Episcopal community, and experience the benefits of small class sizes in Preschool through 8th Grade. See how we encourage each student’s academic success while discovering their unique potential as they learn confidence, serve with compassion and lead with character. Contact Director of Admissions Kira Dickson with questions or to schedule a tour.
| | | 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 O’Connell family, Nando, Don, Max, Lew, Martha, Suzanne, Jim, Greg, Bruce, 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 THE BIRTH OF: Sadie Fremuth, granddaughter of Steve and Sally Burton.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: John, Mackenzie, Meg, Tim, Jay, and Guy.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY: Kyle Holleran and Elyse Cooper.
| 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
| | | | |
