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Thank you St. Martin’s!
Do you have any idea how many volunteers it takes to prepare for our worship on Sunday mornings, or how that number increases as we welcome so many new faces on Christmas Eve? So many! Altar guild, flower guild, lectors, intercessors, servers, acolytes, vergers, ushers, adult choir, bell choir, pageant coordinators, costume wranglers, parking lot greeters, sound and camera technicians... so many people played a part in making St. Martin’s a welcoming space of joy as we shared the story of Jesus. I am so thankful.
Thank you for showing up on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and for rehearsals and planning meetings that proceeded Christmas. Thank you for the hours of careful attention to detail and thank you for embracing the inevitable chaos. You make a difference in the life of the church! You are a gift!!
And thanks, too, to all who gave simply of their presence, which is no small gift. Every time you show up at church, you make a difference. The energy shifts. The light grows. We are changed—better!—because you are here. Thank you.
And finally, thank you for your generosity. I announced at both Christmas Eve services that the loose-plate offering would go to people in need in our community, and you responded with abundance. Moving forward, on the first Sunday of every month, the loose-plate offering will go to a discretionary fund for people in need. The church canons actually require us to set aside these funds monthly, and we are choosing to do so the first Sunday of every month so that we may lead with generosity.
Thank you, thank you, thank you St. Martin’s. I see the light of Christ in you!
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Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | |
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Epiphany Baptisms
This Sunday, January 5, 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. Contact Rev. Lauren.
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EYC: Bowling
This Sunday January 5, 5:30 p.m. (AMF Southdale Lanes, 8056 Jumpers Hole Rd., Pasadena)
Whether you have mad bowling skills or are aiming for the ten pins for the first time we hope you will join us for a fun time. Dinner is included. All youth and friends in grades 6 through 12 are invited to take part in the fun. Contact Rev. Nathan.
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Epiphany Take-Home Blessings
This Sunday we will have kits with all the materials 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. Remember to send photos of your chalked door to: communications@stmartinsinthefield.org. For questions contact Rev. Lauren.
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Our 2025 Vestry Candidates
Let us introduce you to the four parishioners who have prayerfully accepted nominations to join our vestry as the class of 2028: Elaine Bachmann, Tim George, Linda Heiss, and John Thuene, with Kevin O’Connell in a new position as Chancellor. Join us on February 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. for the Annual Meeting where the candidates will be acclaimed by the congregation. For questions contact Rev. Lauren.
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Celebration of New Ministry: The Rev. Lauren R. Holder’s Installation
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
You are invited to attend The Rev. Lauren R. Holder’s installation at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Reception for follow. As is customary, the congregation presents a gift to a new rector. For Lauren, we wish to have a Cope added to the vestments of the church. Click here for details or to donate. However you donate please put CLERGY VESTMENTS in the memo area.
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Annual Meeting
February 2, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
You are invited to our annual meeting. We will discuss the past year and the coming future for St. Martin’s. Join us at 9:00 a.m. for both the meeting and continental breakfast. For details contact the church office.
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Rabb Lecture featuring Bishop Michael Curry
February 8, 2025, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
The John L. Rabb Lectures in Contemporary Theology & St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ellicott City will proudly present The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, The 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, as keynote speaker at their annual lecture. Cost: $40 (includes breakfast and a boxed lunch). Register at http://bit.ly/RabbLecture-2025
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Women’s Weekend at Claggett
February 21-23, 2025
Join Rev. Lauren and other women from St. Martin's-in-the-Field for a women's retreat with women across the diocese at Claggett Conference Center. The Keynote Speaker will be Bishop Carrie Schofield-Broadbent and the theme for the weekend is Love in Action. Sign up online.
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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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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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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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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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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.
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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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Making Holidays Brighter A Thank You From SPAN
This community came together in an amazing way to help make the holidays a little better for others. Thank you! Together you provided holiday food for about 150 families at Thanksgiving and 200 families at Christmas. This year you helped close to 500 children with Christmas gifts - more than previous years! A huge thank you to: Asbury UMC, Baldwin Memorial UMC, St Andrew by the Bay Catholic Church, St Martins-in-the Field Episcopal, Severna Park UMC, Trinity Bible Church and Woods Memorial Presbyterian for your generous support in making this possible!
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Gift Cards to Support J2A
Our J2A Youth Group is selling gift cards for 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 to set up an account and order online contact Amber Kaltz.
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SPAN Opportunities for JANUARY
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 January’s theme is “the S(o)uper Bowl.”
Please donate: canned fruits and vegetables in addition to pantry staples like cereal, oatmeal, flour, sugar, masa, rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauces and soups. Additionally, high need items include: 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.
Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. For details about SPAN click here.
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Interested in Becoming a Mustang
Want to learn more about our school, which offers programs from Preschool – 8th Grade? Click here to schedule a personal tour or register for our January 15 Open House.
New student applications for 2025-26 must be received by January 8, 2025 for Preschool and siblings of current students. The deadline is January 31, 2025 for all new K-8 applications. Tuition Assistance is available. Contact Kira Dickson, Director of Admissions.
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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: The Sacra family, David, Martha, Amalia, Edmund, Stewart, Sara, Anna May, Wilma, Elana, and Joey.
FOR THOSE WHO DIED: Steven Carroll.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: Lisa, Vivian, Mike, The Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Kevin, Melanie, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Jack, Elizabeth, Wilma, Derek, Lisa, and Ashley.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY: Alex and Dawn Major.
| eLet 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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