|
This Sunday is Groundhog Day, but unlike the movie, it will not be like any Sunday ever before. Even though our Episcopal Church enjoys quite a bit of repetition in the Anglican Tradition, even though we repeat most of the same prayers every week, and we repeat the same seasons every year, and we repeat the same Scriptures readings every three years, every Sunday is different. And even though we see many of the same faces every week (one of the greatest gifts of coming to church!), every Sunday is different.
The prophet Isaiah says of God: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”1
And even in a song of lamentation, the Bible reminds us that God’s mercies are “new every morning.”2
This is the day that the Lord has made, different from every day before it. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!3
Yes, every Sunday is different. For me, this Sunday will be different because I will be leading my first ever Annual Meeting. I don’t love a lot of meetings, but I love an Annual Meeting. It is a time for us to look back with joy and gratitude as we reflect on all the good work God has done in the life of the church and we have done together. And is it a time for us to look ahead with hope and wonder as we discern God’s vision for this church and our role in it. It is a meeting, but it is also a celebration! And I can’t wait.
This Sunday is also the Feast of Candlemas, which seems appropriate for an Annual Meeting. Candlemas is when the church remembers Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem. They were bringing this most special gift from God, their child, a child who was God and belonged to God, presented to the people of God. Presenting a child at the Temple was of course a way of dedicating their child to God, but it was also a way of enveloping their child in the community of faith and love that would support them all in the years ahead. They were doing what we all do when we come to church.
One of the traditions of Candlemas is to bless all the candles of the church. We are blessing the light that continues to grow as the days get longer. This Sunday, I want to bless the light that you are, St. Martin’s, and I want to bless all the ways I see the light growing in you. Come to the Annual Meeting and see how we shine!
| | |
|
Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | |
|
Annual Meeting & Breakfast
February 2, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
You are invited to our annual meeting and continental breakfast. We will discuss the past year and the coming future for St. Martin’s, and vote in our vestry candidates. Click here to meet the four parishioners who have prayerfully accepted nominations to join our vestry as the class of 2028.
The meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. Please arrive early to grab breakfast and be seated and ready for the start of the meeting.
| |  |
|
EYC: Cookie Bake Off
This Sunday, February 2, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Join us for a fun and tasty time baking and decorating cookies. Dinner is included. All youth and friends in grades 6 through 12 are invited to take part in the fun. Contact Rev. Nathan.
| | |
|
Last CALL for Foyers this Season
Spring foyers groups have been formed but we are holding a space for you. Foyers are small groups of parishioners who meet monthly to share a simple meal and join in fellowship. Sign up today, contact Judy Bonanno, (410) 991-3562.
| |
Rabb Lecture featuring Bishop Michael Curry
February 8, 2025, 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join Rev. Lauren and members of the St. Martin’s community at the Rabb Lecture featuring The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, the 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. The topic for the lecture is “Considering Dr. King’s Great Question: Where Do We Go From Here — Chaos or Community?” Event is held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ellicott City. Cost: $40 (includes breakfast and a boxed lunch). Register at http://bit.ly/RabbLecture-2025
| |
The Rite 13 Ceremony
Sunday, February 9
We’ll be celebrating our youth entering grades 8 and 9, with their parents, at our 10:00 a.m. service. The Rite 13 ceremony celebrates marking a young person’s progress beyond childhood, acknowledging their new status and responsibilities in the community and the world, and providing support and companionship for the path ahead. Join us in congratulating our young people as they move to the next stage of our Journey to Adulthood youth program. You’re invited for cake and to talk with our young celebrities about their posters in the Narthex following the service. Contact Rev. Nathan.
| |
Scout Sunday
Sunday, February 9
At our 10:00 a.m. service we will celebrate our Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troops. Come and meet some scouts, learn more about what they do, and how we can support them. In true St. Martin’s fashion there will be cake! If you are interested in our scout troop email info@pack855.org.
| | |
|
Super Bowl Watch Party
Sunday, February 9, 6:00 p.m., (Lower Heck Hall)
Come one come all to the St Martin’s Super Bowl party! Main course provided, please bring a side dish and any adult beverage you want to drink. For details contact John Theune.
| |
Love is Love Celebration
February 16, 11:15 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Come decorate Valentine’s cookies after the 10:00 AM service on Sunday, February 16. No matter who you love or how you love, let us celebrate the love that makes us one in Jesus Christ! This event is brought to you by LGBTQIA+ parishioners and allies. Anyone and everyone who enjoys cookies and fellowship can attend—all ages and stages, all characters and conditions, ALL are welcome! Please contact Doug Benoit or Rev. Lauren with questions.
| |
Youth Happening Retreat at Claggett
February 21-23
Happening is a national program designed, staffed, and run by and for Episcopal youth grades 9th-12th. Deepen your relationship with Jesus and make connections through group talks, small group discussion, prayer through art, games and more! Retreat is held at the Claggett Center. Cost: $75. Sign up online - click here.
| |
Baptisms
Sunday, March 2, 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, please contact a member of the clergy by February 16. Contact Rev. Lauren.
| |
Save the Date - VBS
July 28- August 1
Mark your calendar for St. Martin’s Vacation Bible School! VBS for 2025 will be July 28- August 1.
| |
|
|
|
Winners Of the Chili Cook Off
The chili cook-off was a great success. Many thanks to our cooks, youth, families and coordinator Kate Cleven for putting on a wonderful night. Our chili winners were Andy Taylor, Tabitha Carman, and Tim George. The event raised over $1400 toward our J2A pilgrimage to Italy where youth will walk the footsteps of Francis and Clare of Assisi. Thank you to the many chili tasters and silent auction winners who supported our young people!
| | | |
|
Faith and Family Group
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
St. Martin’s Faith and Family Group is an inclusive community dedicated to nurturing faith and service in our families. Drop your kids off for Sunday School and/or youth group, grab a cup of coffee or a donut, and join us. This group is open to all adults. Contact Chris and Liz Lucas.
| |
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.
| |
Children’s Chapel
During the 10:00 a.m. service, from before the reading of the Gospel to the Peace, children from 3 years old to 2nd grade are invited to experience an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word led by Children’s Chapel adult leaders. Contact Rev. Nathan for details.
| | |
|
Bible Challenge Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s House)
Join us for a 16 week study of the Gospel of Luke. We will be using the LifeChange Study Guide on Luke which can be ordered on Amazon, click here. Contact Cindy Neseth.
| |
Shepherd Group
Thursdays, 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a group discussion of the readings for the upcoming Sunday. All adults welcome. This group meets via zoom every Thursday afternoon. All are welcome. For zoom link and details contact Susan Griesmyer.
| |
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.
| |
Nursery Care
Care is available from 8:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Sundays for infants and children ages 3 and under. Located in Parish Hall, see an usher for directions.
| |
|
Bingo Night at Light House Shelter
Friday, February 7, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
You’re invited to 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. Click here to sign up today or contact Rachel Erdman.
| |
Responding to the Wildfires in California
Episcopal Relief & Development is working closely with partners to support people affected by the Southern California wildfires. The Wildfire Response Fund is an important tool for responding to immediate needs and supporting long-term recovery. Visit episcopalrelief.org to donate and get more information.
| | |
|
SPAN Opportunities for FEBRUARY
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 SPAN’s February theme is “Love One Another.” Please donate shelf stable foods such as: soups, beans, rice, olive oil, pancake mix, flour, sugar, syrups, pasta, whole grains, canned meats and fish, coffee, tea. Additionally, household products like toilet paper, paper towels, soap, detergents, diapers size 4 and up, shampoo and conditioners are appreciated. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. For details about SPAN click here.
| |
Our fearless 8th graders braved the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay for the annual Polar Bear Plunge, supporting Special Olympics Maryland. Before heading to Sandy Point State Park, they were sent off with cheers from students in Kindergarten through 7th grade. It was a frigid but fun experience for an incredible cause! | | |
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. | |
NEW PRAYERS FOR OUR PARISH FAMILY: Skidmore-Williams family, David, and Amalia.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: Kip, Elise, Sara, Wilma, Merla, Lisa, Mike, The Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Kevin, Melanie, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Doug, Abby, Ethan, Madison, Richard, Rob, Michele, Andrea, Cormac, Rodney, Elaine, and Leah.
| 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
| | | | |
