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Wednesday of this week was the Feast of the Transfiguration. I was blessed to celebrate the feast with a Eucharistic Visit at the home of St. Martin’s parishioners. What a gift! And the celebration continues this Sunday when we will celebrate Transfiguration with baptism and, of course, cake.
What are we celebrating when we celebrate transfiguration anyway? What does transfiguration even mean?
In the life of the church, we are celebrating a time when Jesus’s appearance changed to reveal Gods glory in him. Jesus was dazzling with the truth of God’s love. It is like celebrating incarnation (God with skin on) and transformation (God’s saving love in the world) at the same time.
I wonder... what needs to change in me to reveal God’s glory? Is there anything dimming the light of Christ in me? When people talk to me, can they see and feel God’s love, or am I too distracted or busy to let it shine?
I wonder... what needs to change at our church to reveal God’s glory? Is there anything dimming the light of Christ at St. Martin’s? When people show up on Sundays, can they see and feel God’s love emanating from all of us, or are we too busy to too distracted to let it shine?
My favorite quote from Irenaeus of Leon says: “The Glory of God is the human person fully alive.” Friends, my ask of you this week is that you would come to church on Sunday as the fullest expression of yourselves—whatever that looks like right now. Let God shine in you!
And, if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe wear your favorite color, or wear some ridiculous costume jewelry typically reserved for a fancy event. Pull out some glittery shoes or bedazzled tops. Let it shine.
Or, maybe you forgo all that and let the twinkle in your eyes or your dazzling smile be what sparkles on Sunday. Let it shine.
And if your spark is struggling right now, come as you are. There is light for you here. Indeed, the more we share light with one another, the more light there is to go around. As long as we are sharing the light of God’s love in the world, we will never run out of light to share.
Come ready to be transfigured. And come because your presence is what transfigures the church.
| | | | Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | | |
Baptism Sunday
Join us as we do all in our power to support the newly baptized in living out their life in Christ and in renewing our Baptismal Covenant this Sunday at our 10:00 a.m. service. After the service we will celebrate the with cake.
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Sunday's Guest
We welcome Nelda Clelland as our guest organist this Sunday. Nelda has degrees in Physics and Music, as well as a Masters in Education. She plays the organ regularly at several churches in the Baltimore area and has over 40 years of experience as an organist and accompanist.
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St. Martin's Homecoming - Save the Date
September 7, 9:00 a.m.
Welcome home, St. Martin's! We are having a homecoming event to start the return of the 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. Mark September 7 at 9:00 a.m. on your calendar now. Exciting details to come!
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Summer “Meet & Eat”
Wednesdays through August 20, 6:00 p.m.
Come and enjoy fellowship and delicious food Wednesday evenings in the summer 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. Last dinner will be August 20.
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The Beethoven Project
Sunday, August 24 at 4:00 p.m.
Pianist, Dr. HyeSung Hwang and violinist, Dr. Ahreum Kim, launched the Beethoven Project in 2023 with the goal of performing all ten of Beethoven’s violin sonatas. This summer, they are excited to return to St. Martin’s with Beethoven’s monumental Kreutzer Sonata. Please save the date: Sunday, August 24 at 4:00 p.m. and join us for an unforgettable musical experience! 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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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. Contact Katrina Schultz.
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Choir Rehearsal Starts
Thursday, September 4 at 6:30 p.m.
The choir will start rehearsing for the program year soon! If you are interested in checking out the choir, bell choir, or email HyeSung.
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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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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 than 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. Please sign up by September 7 to join the fun! Contact Judy Bonanno, (410) 991-3562 to get introduced to your new group of St. Martin’s friends.
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Join the Children’s Choir
Sunday, September 21 at 11:00 a.m.
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, and will take place each week after the 10:00 a.m. service, lasting approximately 40 minutes. If you are interested sign up online today or contact Dr. HyeSung Hwang, Director of Music Ministries. If your child falls outside that age range but is interested, please contact HyeSung directly.
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Church Read Along
This summer, the Vestry is reading “A Future That’s Bigger Than The Past” by The Rev. Dr. Samuel Wells, the Vicar of St. Martin in-the-Fields, London. Wells casts a vision for renewing the local church that is energizing, realistic and practical for congregations of all sizes. In response to prevailing narratives of decline, Wells reimagines how the church can live its vocation of receiving God’s abundance and sharing it far and wide. We will discuss the book in the fall.
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Register for Fall Children and Youth Programs
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. Classes resume Sunday mornings, 9:00-9:45 a.m. on September 7. Register today! Click here for Sunday School Registration (PK-Grade 5). Click here for Youth Ministry Registration (Grades 6-12). For details contact the church office.
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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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The Bishop’s Appeal: $55,000 raised, $145,000 to go!
As a diocesan community, we celebrate the many distinct ministries of our 100 congregations, and we come together to tend to additional gaps. There are 11 ministries supported by our annual Bishop’s Appeal, ensuring that our Community of Love broadens to include campers at Claggett, refugees and asylum seekers through ERICA, Spanish-speaking immigrants, youth and college students, Baltimore City high school students in the Sutton Scholars program—and more! We invite you to contribute in celebration of our #CommunityofLove, knowing that your financial support strengthens ministry in cities, towns and rural areas from the Appalachian Mountains to the Susquehanna River. Click here to give a gift and support our #CommunityofLove.
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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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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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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.
| | 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: Greg, Bob, Dot, Bruce, Danny, Karl, Jim, David, Lee, 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 CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Inez, Michael, Erik, Susie, Alexander, Paul, Kelley, Jennifer, Kate, Jonah, Prince, Alex, Stewart, Carly, Betsy, Hastings and Nancy.
| 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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