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God is Always Waiting to be Born
A favorite quote of mine comes from the 12th century church mystic Meister Eckhart. He says: “We are all meant to be mothers of God, for God is always waiting to be born.”
I usually pull this quote out in the season of Advent, as we consider Mary’s proclamation, “My soul magnifies the Lord,” even as her body grows and changes to accommodate Jesus, God incarnate, within her womb.
But this week I am leaning on Meister Eckhart as we prepare to worship God together on what happens to be Mother’s Day. All of us came from a mother. Everyone gathered for worship on Sunday entered this world after gestating in the womb of a woman. Some of us have lost our mothers, some of us talk to our mothers daily, some of us never knew our mothers or have a strained relationship with our mothers, some of us remember the figures who stepped in when our mothers could not. Some of us are mothers, some of us long to be mothers, some of us lament that we could not be mothers, and some of us feel like we are failing as mothers.
Each of us brings with us a unique perspective and experience of motherhood.
And yet all of us came from a mother.
And as Meister Eckhart reminds us, all of us are meant to be mothers of God.
In the days leading up to worship on Sunday, I encourage you to ponder this possibility: that you, too, could be pregnant with God—that you, too, could usher God into this world in a new way—that you, too, could give birth to God in the life of your a friend or stranger—that you, too, could participate in God being born again and again.
If that idea strikes you as illuminating, exciting, challenging or odd, I hope you will join us for Adult Formation at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Together we will ponder with Mary what it means to be a mother of God.
| | | | Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | | |
Partners in Transition (PIT) Group Kick-Off Meeting
Saturday, May 10, 9:00 a.m.
Join us as we come together to support those affected by the Federal Government reduction in forces. You’re invited to the Partners in Transition (PIT) Group Kick-Off meeting on Saturday, May 10, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. in the St. Martin’s House meeting room (2nd floor). This gathering will provide a space for discussions on how St. Martin’s PIT group can offer resources, support, and fellowship during this time. Refreshments will be provided, so come connect with others and explore ways we can uplift one another. If you are unable to attend in person and would like to join us virtually - click here for link. For any questions, feel free to reach out to: Dan Tootle, Susan Gibbons, Chris Werth, Ann Platoff, or Wendy Gatanas. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Piano Recital and Dedication
Sunday, May 18, 5:00 p.m. (All Saints Episcopal Church, 106 West Church Street, Frederick)
You are invited to a musical performance at All Saints in Frederick as they dedicate their new piano. Our talented, Director of Music Minitries, HyeSung Hwang, will be playing selections from Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven and Modest Mussorgsky. Click here for details.
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We’re Moving to Realm Connect!
Tuesday, May 27
We’re making the transition to Realm Connect, a new online platform and mobile app that will help us all stay more connected to St. Martin’s—anytime, anywhere.
With Realm Connect, you’ll be able to:
- View our online directory
- Access your giving history
- Update your personal profile
- And much more!
What to Expect: On Tuesday, May 27, you’ll receive an email invitation from St. Martin’s to join our online community. This email will include a secure link to create your Realm account—either through the website or the Realm Connect app (available on iOS and Android).
We’re excited to launch this new way to stay engaged and grow together as a community! Details to come. Contact Katrina Schultz.
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Register for St. Martin’s VBS Today
St. Martin’s is offering Vacation Bible School, the week of July 28- August 1, for kids ages four to 12 years old. For $50 you can register your child for half-day VBS, which would be from 8am to 12pm, or for $75 we will have a full-day of VBS, from 8am to 3pm. To register click here or contact Tabitha Carman.
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Have You Lost Something?
Our lost and found bin is pretty full. If you are missing something have a look and see if we have found it for you. The Lost and Found is located in the Narthex coat closet, on the top shelf. Current items include: 3 umbrellas, 3 pairs of glasses/sunglasses, a child's sweater, dark green gloves, travel mug (says Nathan), bag of craft bands, and 2 scarves. Any unclaimed items will be donated on June 1.
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Free Youth Event! Bird's Eye View
Presented by Parenting for a Different World
Tuesday, May 27, 7:00 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Balancing life in high school and beyond - A casual conversation with recent local high school graduates, open to the greater Severna Park community. Are you a teen or a parent of a teen? Join us. Bring your questions! No registration required. Contact Director of Admissions Kira Dickson with any questions or check out Parenting for a Different World.
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Youth Sunday and Teacher Appreciation
Sunday, June 1, during the 10:00 a.m. service
During our annual Youth Sunday service, youth will participate in all aspects of Sunday worship. We will also celebrate the ministry of our many teachers and mentors who have kept our youth and children’s ministries thriving. Join us for a special treat following the service. For details contact the church office.
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Feast of the Ascension Evensong
Sunday, June 1, 5:00 p.m. (the Cathedral of the Incarnation)
St. Martin’s Choir is collaborating with choirs from the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Baltimore and All Saints, Frederick on Sunday, June 1 at 5:00 p.m. You are invited to the Cathedral of the Incarnation to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension with an Evensong program featuring: O Clap Your Hands by Orlando Gibbons and Magnificat and Nunc Dimities in C by Charles Villiers Stanford. For more information contact HyeSung Hwang.
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Living Out a Life in Christ
Sunday, June 8, 10:00 a.m.
Join us as we do all in our power to support the persons baptized in living out their life in Christ and in renewing our Baptismal Covenant. Following the 10:00 a.m. service there will be a reception for the newly baptized. For those seeking to be baptized, please contact Rev. Lauren or Rev. Nathan.
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Strawberry Festival Parade
Saturday, June 7, 9:30 a.m.
You are invited to join St. Martin’s Episcopal School and Church as we walk the Cape St. Claire Strawberry Festival Parade on Saturday, June 7. We will meet at CSC Fire Department at 9:30 a.m. (parade starts at 10:00 am). As we walk the parade route we’ll share St. Martin’s pencils with friends and neighbors inviting them to our school and church. All students, alumni, staff, parishioners and families are invited to join. Please wear your St. Martin’s swag, if you’ve got it! Following the parade, feel free to stay and enjoy the Strawberry Festival. For details and to sign up contact Kira Dickson.
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Summer “Meet & Eat”
Starting June 18, 6:00 p.m.
You are invited for fellowship and delicious food Wednesday evenings from June 18 - August 20 at 6:00 p.m. Suggested donation is $6.00 per person or $20.00 per family. Food and drinks provided; side dishes or desserts are greatly appreciated. For questions or special dietary needs please contact John Theune. We are also looking for volunteers to help on July 2, July 9 and July 23.
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Church Office Closings
Please note that the church office will be closed on the following:
> Tuesday, May 20 for staff work retreat.
> Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
> Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteeth.
Additionally, our summer office hours from June 16- August 15, 2025 will be as follows: Open Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Closed Fridays
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Need Gift Cards?
Our J2A Youth Group is selling gift cards in support of their pilgrimage. For every card purchased, they receive a percentage back. These cards make great graduation gifts, but most importantly can be used for everyday purchases. Give a card to yourself to buy your everyday groceries. It’s a easy way to support the youth at St. Martin’s without costing you extra. To place an order or set up an account contact Amber Kaltz.
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SPAN Opportunities for MAY
SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) serves our neighbors by helping them through a critical or emergency situation. St. Martin’s supports SPAN’s mission this month by asking for donations for May’s theme: “Flowers.”
Please donate: any type of flour for baking as well as other shelf stable foods that are plant based. Such foods would include nuts, seeds, beans, rice, pasta, corn, salsa, canned vegetables and fruits. Of course we’re also happy to collect anything else you’re willing to share. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. For details about SPAN click here.
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Children and Youth Programs
Sundays, 9:00 a.m.
- Sunday School (K-Grade 5): SMES Art and Science Rooms
- Rite-13 (Grade 6-8): SMES History Room
- J2A (Grade 9-10): Lower St. Martin’s House
- YAC (Grade 11-12): St. Martin’s House
Register your student today, just click the link: Sunday School (PK-Grade 5) and Youth Ministry (Grades 6-12).
For questions contact Rev. Nathan.
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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 4 and up are invited to experience an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word led by Children’s Chapel adult leaders. Contact Rev. Nathan.
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Nursery Care
Care is available from 8:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Sundays for infants and children ages 4 and under. 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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Faith and Family Group
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
You are invited to this inclusive community dedicated to nurturing faith and service in our families. Grab a cup of coffee or a donut, and join us. Open to all. Contact Chris and Liz Lucas.
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Tuesday Night Group
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Deepen your understanding of theological beliefs and how they impact our everyday lives by studying readings on Christian Theology from various authors. Join us virtually, contact Charlie Fitzgerald, 410-353-4719, 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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Shepherd Group
Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a group discussion of the readings for the upcoming Sunday. All adults welcome. Meetings are virtual. For zoom link and details contact Susan Griesmyer.
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Midday Bible Study
Thursdays, 12:00 noon (St. Martin’s House)
Join us for a weekly, midday 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.
| | 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 Neseth family, Nando, Joey, the Smith family, Michele, Kerry, Elaina, Carter, Matthew, Julia, Sarah, Amalia, Edmund, Joey, Kip, Wilma, Merla, Lisa, Mike, the Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Melanie, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE WHO DIED: Linda Blackburn and Robert Sederberg
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Cody, Ken, Emily, Emmy, Marcia, Elyse, Cynthia, Barbara, Clay, Lukas, Peter and Connie.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: Matthew and Rachel Deleonibus and Aaron and Jessica Zentner.
| 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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