DECEMBER 28, 2025 NEWSLETTER | | |
Merry Christmas!
Jesus is born! Gloria!
On Christmas Eve afternoon, after our young people told the story of Jesus’s birth with our Christmas pageant, I suggested that we bring back the word Gloria.
Wouldn’t it be a fun experiment to respond to any good news, any time we felt love or joy, any time we felt the presence of God in the person sitting beside us or on the quiet of being alone—what if instead of saying: “OMG!” We said “GLORIA!”
On Christmas Eve night, I encouraged folks to take up the practice of pondering... of letting the truth and mystery of God showing up in the person of Jesus to love us up close to weigh on us. To sit with that truth, weigh it, ponder it, let it shape us as it grows in our hearts and minds.
On Christmas morning, I shared with those gathered that I think these two practices are connected.
I think that if we were to say “GLORIA” every time we noticed God’s presence or felt God’s love, we might be more inclined to ponder the same.
Whispering or shouting or singing “GLORIA” throughout our day might help us notice not just goodness in the world, but GODness.
Hey look—there's God’s love! Gloria! And over there—more love! Gloria! And, oh, I feel it right here in my heart and in my body—Gloria! And it feels so good to share that love with a friend—or even a stranger—Gloria! Oh my goodness, look at this mess! And look at God’s love IN THE MESS! Gloria!!
Do you think if we practiced saying gloria, we might notice God’s love a bit more frequently? Do you think we might start to ponder the mystery of Jesus and the presence of God’s love in and around us just a bit more?
Here’s something I believe to be true—something John’s gospel speaks to—words matter. Look at how John describes Jesus: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God... and the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen the Word’s GLORY.” Gloria!
Why in the world would John call Jesus the Word?
I don’t actually know the answer to that question. It’s not something they teach in seminary, and I don’t have a personal relationship with John.
But I have some thoughts! First, words express things. And Jesus is an expression of God’s infinite and eternal love for us. Second, words matter.
So today I invite you to ponder the words we’ve heard and sung this week, just as Mary “treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart,” I invite you to pause and ponder.
And today I invite you to use your words to point to God’s presence in this world: Gloria!
Use your words to express God’s love for you, and to express God’s love for everyone you encounter. Not just the people you know and love, but all people, who are all created in the loving image of God.
Because the way we say “Merry Christmas” all year long, is by saying “I love you.”
Merry Christmas! I love you! Gloria.
| | | | Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | | |
No Classes this Sunday
This Sunday we will not be having our 9:00 a.m. children, youth or adult Christian Education classes. Classes will resume January 4.
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Church Office Hours
Please note the church office will be closed through January 1, 2026, and will resume regular hours on January 2.
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To date, 119 households of our parish family have responded to the blessings that God has given us by pledging $731,194. Thank you! Our goal is to receive $850,000 for the 2026 Operating Budget. If you have not yet filled out your pledge card, please take some time in the coming week to prayerfully consider how you will partner with St. Martin’s in funding the ministry we share. Pledge cards are in the Narthex and pledging online is simple and fast. Consider adding the ACH automatic payment option, details and the form are both online. Thank you for pledging!
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Bingo Night at Light House Shelter
Friday, January 2, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Share a meal and enjoy a few games of Bingo with our neighbors from the Lighthouse Homeless Prevention Center. Volunteers (ages 11+) are needed to help make this outreach opportunity successful. Sign up today. Contact Eileen Hartzell.
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Epiphany Take-Home Blessings
Starting on January 4 we will have kits with all the ingredients you need to perform a simple blessing for your home. We will furnish the pre-blessed chalk, and a simple short service bulletin for you. Kits will be available for pick up from the front porch of the church. Send photos to Amber Kaltz to share with the parish.
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Epiphany Party
Tuesday, January 6, 5:30 p.m. (front of church)
Come celebrate the feast of Epiphany with a bonfire, s’mores, and hot apple cider! Bring a branch from your Christmas Tree to contribute to our burning of the greens as we celebrate the light of Christ in our hearts and in the world. Feel the warmth of Love Incarnate and the community we share at St. Martin’s. Come-and-go on your way home from work or school and join us in the front parking lot for this festive occasion.
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Baptism of Our Lord
Sunday, January 11, 10:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)
Join us at the 10:00 a.m. service, as we do all in our power to support the persons baptized in living out their new life in Christ, and in renewing our Baptismal Covenant. If you or a member of your household would like to be baptized, contact Rev. Lauren.
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MLK Jr. Youth Service Lock In
January 18-19, 2026 (St. Phillip’s, Annapolis)
Youth ages 6th grade to young adult are invited to gather for a lock in focused on servant leadership. Presenters will give lessons on leadership development, saints of the Civil Rights movement, and putting words into action. The group will participate in a service project that supports those marginalized in the local community. A lock in with purpose and prayer - join us for fun and learning! Service hours included! No cost! For details click here.
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Diocesan Winter Retreats
The Claggett Center retreat weekends are designed to provide space for rest, renewal, and connection. Last year, 29 women from St. Martin’s went to the Women’s Retreat and this year we hope to send groups to:
- Men's Retreat: January 30 - February 1, 2026
- Women's Retreat: February 20-22, 2026
For details and to register click here.
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Happening Retreat: We Are All Part of God’s Greatest Show
February 27- March 1, 2026 (Claggett Center)
Happening is a national program designed, staffed, and run by Episcopal youth grades 9th-12th. This weekend will deepen your relationship with Jesus and connections with those on similar spiritual journeys. Most of this weekend is kept a surprise for those attending so they can fully live into the moment and the community. General activities include large group talks, small group discussion, prayer through art, and games! This retreat is like New Beginnings for middle schoolers and Cursillo for adults. Cost: $75. Register today, click here.
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Save the Date for VBS 2026!
Get ready for an unforgettable week of fun as St. Martin’s-in-the-Field hosts Cokesbury’s “Snowball Mountain Challenge” VBS the week of July 27-31! More details coming soon… but for now, mark your calendars and get excited! Our VBS is powered by the gifts of volunteers. If you feel called to serve, we’d love to have you join the team. Contact Tabitha Carman.
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Are you feeling called to Vestry?
Are you feeling called to—or just curious about—this creative, strategic, prayerful, meaningful ministry of the church? Vestry members act as stewards for the parish and serve as the church’s governing board with both spiritual and legal duties. The Nominating Committee consists of the outgoing Vestry class (Dan Sturgeon, Julie Reiter, Mark Sabins and Wendy Gatanas) as well as the two previous Senior Wardens (Darin Parkison and Susan Shingledecker). Please talk to any of these folks—or current vestry members—to learn more!
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Children & Youth Formation
No classes this Sunday, please join us January 4, 9:00 a.m.
Children and youth are welcome to join any time.
- 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
Youth grades 11 and up meet alternating Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. For details contact Rev. Grace.
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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.
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Faith and Fellowship
No classes this Sunday, please join us January 4, 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.
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From Prophet to King Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s House)
Are you watching House of David on Amazon Prime and want to know more? Join us as we explore Samuel 1 and 2 which take us from the birth of the prophet Samuel through the reign of King David. Join us starting Tuesday, November 11. We will be using the book “1 & 2 Samuel” which can be ordered here on Amazon. Contact Cindy Neseth.
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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.
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Walkin’ Loves
Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00 a.m. (Kinder Farm Park)
Lace up your shoes and join our 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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 December's theme: Home for the Holidays.
Please donate items that are needed on a daily basis around the house like baby wipes, diapers, toddler pull ups, Depends for men and women, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer .Also needed are shelf stable milk, fruit, vegetables, pasta, rice, beans, meats and anything else you’re willing to share. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex hallway. We welcome additional donations. Click here for a list of our most needed items.
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Help The Way Homes Keep Warm
Our Outreach partners, The Way Homes, thanks St. Martin’s for donating the food that was left over from our Wednesday community meals. It helped warm many bellies. Now they need our help to keep their residents warm at night. Please donate new or gently used queen sized: Comforters, blankets, and sheet sets. New pillows are also requested. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “The Way Homes” in the Narthex. Thank you for helping us fill this wintry need.
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SMES Application Now Open!
If you or somebody you know are interested in applying for St. Martin's Episcopal School for the 2026-27 school year, applications are now live! The Admissions page can be found here. For questions, please contact Kira Dickson.
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Admissions Open House!
January 14, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Explore our school's classrooms and facilities while students are actively engaged in learning, discuss our curriculum and programs with teachers and administrators, interact with students, and current and alumni parents. Register today! Contact Kira Dickson.
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See The Spitfire Grill
Interested in seeing an uplifting musical in the heart of the dreary winter? Consider "The Spitfire Grill" playing at the Bowie Playhouse. The play is described as a "joyous celebration of human kindness set to a melodic folk-inspired score" and will feature our very own Lori Skalitzky in the role of Hannah Ferguson along with Connor Skalitzky working on the technical crew. The show runs January 23 - February 8. Performances on Fridays at 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets and more details can be found at 2ndstarproductions.org, or you can contact Lori Skalitzky.
| | 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: Rosemary, Brett, Katie, Lew, Karen, Suzanne, Lisa, Greg, Bruce, David, Joey, Michele, Kerry, Carter, Amalia, Edmund, Kip, Wilma, Merla, Mike, the Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Cody, Maureen, Mike, Elizabeth, Ruth Marie, William, Ana, James, William, Lois, Jim, and Patti.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY: John and Kassy Sodergreen.
| 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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