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Stop and Smell the Roses
This is the time of year when we are all tired of the feeling of malaise caused by cold, dreary, sometimes wet and snowy days even though periods of daylight are getting longer. Things are still moving at a slower pace, and now is the time to re-ground ourselves by stepping back and finding ways to reflect on the wonder of God's creation.
During the past few years, I have had the opportunity to visit the Arctic area of Norway and Antarctica. Both of these areas allowed me to experience God's awesome creation in ways I never thought possible. The northern lights in Norway reminded me of the angels celebrating the birth of Christ with their songs of Hallelujah in the sky over Bethlehem. Even now, I am truly amazed at even the smallest view of the aurora.
Antarctica provided a completely different view of God's creation. The landscape is majestic and static; however, the ocean is ever changing with gigantic glaciers and icebergs, humpback and other whale species, seals, and penguins. Whales meandered slowly and were graceful marine specimens of enormous size, seals and penguins exhibited speed and agility in the water but spent a lot of time resting. All of the wildlife was dwarfed by the glaciers and icebergs. It was quite a contrast from the Arctic region, yet the glory of God's creation was evident in the relationship between the landscape and marine animals.
So, how does all this relate to life in this area? God's creation is at work all around us. Be purposeful in watching God's creation change from day to day as spring approaches. Crocus and hyacinth are sprouting new growth through the frozen land, days are getting longer, trees and flowering plants will be budding soon, and sunrises and sunsets provide amazing colors. Watch as God continues to amaze us as our little area on earth awakens for yet another year. You just need to take the time to stop and smell the roses.
In peace and wonderment of God's creation,
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~ Dan Sturgeon, Senior Warden | | |
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Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | |
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The Vestry met on Wednesday, February 12th at 7pm.
This meeting included our incoming class of Vestry members, as well as our outgoing members. The outgoing class shared some words of wisdom for the group and where thanked heartily for their time on the Vestry - which included serving under three different Rectors, which is no easy feat! Thank you to Kris Chappell, Kathy Berge, Claudia Kirkup, and Jeanine Mogavero Theoret for their service. Thank you to Susan Griesmyer, who served as our Registrar for the past several years. We are excited to see the ways in which God calls them to serve in the coming weeks and months.
The Vestry approved the 2024 Parochial Report, which will be submitted to the Diocese next week. This report showed us the many ways that St. Martin's has grown in the last year - yay us!
The 2025 Budget was approved. Big thanks go out to Sally Burton, our Treasurer, as well as members of our Finance and Joint Finance Committees for their hard work on this. And thank you all for your pledges and gifts - they, and you, make a difference here at St. Martin's!
Respectfully submitted,
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~ Katrina Schultz, Parish Administrator & Registrar | |
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What is an Episcopalian?
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Are you curious about the Episcopal Church? Or did you grow up in the Episcopal church, but want to refresh/revisit your faith as an adult? Have you ever considered saying “yes” again to Jesus by reaffirming your faith? Or are you interested in growing deeper in your faith with your St. Martin’s community? If so, join this weekly conversation with Rev. Lauren. We’ll meet in the Parish Hall at 9:00 a.m. To take up questions like: What are the sacraments? What is Lent and what are other ways we mark time in the Church? What do we believe? What is the Church? What is love? What is the Anglican Way? Bring your questions, your coffee, and a friend! Contact Rev. Lauren.
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, March 4, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
To honor the tradition of using up eggs, butter and fat before Lent, we will gather for pancakes and a family-friendly service. $10/person, $30/family. Gluten Free/Allergy friendly pancakes available. We will also burn the palms from last year for our Ash Wednesday ashes. Please bring any palms you have. For questions about food allergies contact Lori Skalitzky. Contact Rev. Nathan.
Bingo Night at Light House Shelter
Friday, March 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. Sign up today! Contact Rachel Erdman.
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Ash Wednesday Services and
“Ashes to Go”
Wednesday, March 5
Ashes to Go: Drive up to our campus between 7:00-8:00 a.m. to start your day with prayer and the imposition of ashes.
Ash Wednesday Service: Come and observe a Holy Lent on Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes and the Holy Eucharist. All are welcome to worship with the Middle School Chapel Service at 10:30 a.m. or our Evening Service at 7:00 p.m. Contact Rev. Lauren.
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EYC: Noodle Hockey
Sunday, March 9, 5:30 p.m.
Join us for a meal and Noodle Hockey (like regular hockey but instead of sticks we’ll play with pool noodles) at 5:30 p.m. in Parish Hall. For all youth grades 6th-12th. Friends are welcome. For questions contact Sam Burdette, or Amy Miller.
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Wednesday Night Lenten Series
Beginning March 12, 5:30pm
Wednesdays in Lent we will be having food, fellowship, and formation in the Parish Hall starting at 5:30pm. All ages are welcome to join as we come together weekly throughout Lent.
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Claggett Youth Camps
Sassafras Seniors Week: June 15-20 (grades completed: 8-12)
Camp Spirit Song: June 22-27 (For youth grades 4-8 impacted by a family member’s opioid substance abuse)
Family Camp: June 29- July 2 (For families of all ages!)
Mulberry Middle Week: July 6-11 (grades completed: 6-8)
Juneberry Juniors Week: July 13-18 (grades completed: 2-6)
Adventure Camp: July 20-25 (Grades completed: 4-8, special focus on outdoor skills and activities)
For details visit the Claggett Youth Camps webpage.
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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.
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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. Open to all. Join us during Lent for a rector led class on What is an Episcopalian? Contact Chris and Liz Lucas.
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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 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.
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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 3 and under. Located in Parish Hall, see an usher for directions.
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Tuesday Night Group
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Our goal is to help to deepen our understanding of our theological beliefs and how they may impact our everyday lives. Readings are based on Christian Theology from a variety of authors. Join us on Tuesday evenings via Zoom from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Contact Charlie Fitzgerald, 410-353-4719.
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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 Gospel of Luke. We will be using the LifeChange Study Guide on Luke which can be ordered on Amazon, click here. Contact Cindy Neseth.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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: Sarah, David, and Amalia.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: Edmund, Anna May, Joey, 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: Vicky, Porter, Caroline, Adam, John, Gretchen, Tyler, Nathan and Rachel.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: Eric and Cindy Neseth.
| 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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