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Discernment is a word that, until a couple of years ago, I wasn’t terribly familiar with. But now it has become one of my favorite words, and certainly one of the most meaningful practices in my life of faith. At its core, discernment is the Spirit-led practice of seeking God’s truth and wisdom in order to guide our decisions, shape our relationships, and sustain the life we share as a community of faith.
For me, discernment has become very real and very personal in this season of life. As many of you know, I am walking through the process of discerning a call to the priesthood. That journey has been anything but solitary—it has been grounded in prayer, shaped by conversations with mentors and friends, and nurtured by the support of this community. I am reminded daily that God speaks not only in the quiet of our hearts, but also through the voices and gifts of the people around us.
And so I find myself thinking a lot about discernment as we enter this season of stewardship together. Stewardship is not only about filling out a pledge card or balancing a church budget—important as those things are. It is prayerfully asking: How is God inviting me—inviting us—to use our gifts and our resources to strengthen the mission we share at St. Martin’s?
Discernment in stewardship asks us to listen more deeply. To hold our calendars, our abilities, and our finances before God in prayer and to ask, “Lord, how would you have me use these gifts you’ve entrusted to me?” Sometimes the answer is clear and joyful; other times it takes patience, persistence, and trust. But in every case, it draws us closer to God as we learn to listen, to wait, and to respond in faith.
I wonder what might it look like if, as a whole community, we approached stewardship in this way?
Not as a duty to be checked off, but as a holy practice of listening and responding together. What if we saw stewardship as a spiritual discipline—a way of aligning our lives more fully with God’s call? My guess is that we would discover not only the resources we need for ministry, but also the joy and freedom that come from offering ourselves wholly to God.
As we step into this stewardship season, I invite you to join me in the work of discernment. Take time in prayer. Have conversations with your family, with friends in the parish, with others who walk this road of faith with you. Listen for the Spirit’s gentle nudges. And then, when you are ready, make your pledge not only as a financial commitment, but as a faithful response to God’s call.
May we, as the people of St. Martin’s, discover together the joy of discernment—the joy of listening for God’s voice and responding with open hands and open hearts.
With many blessings,
| | | | Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | | |
Talk About Abundance
This Sunday, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Adult Formation will take up the topic of God’s abundance this Sunday and on October 5. Rev. Lauren will lead a discussion based on lessons learned from Sam Wells’s book: A Future That’s Bigger Than The Past. Together we will reimagine how St. Martin’s can live its vocation of receiving God’s abundance and sharing it far and wide.
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EYC: K-POP Night
This Sunday, 5:30 p.m. (meet in St. Martin’s House)
Join us for dinner and karaoke as we watch K-Pop and sing along. This fun evening is open to all youth grades 6th-12th. Contact Sam Burdette or Amy Miller.
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Employment Opportunities at SMES!
St. Martin's in-the-Field Episcopal School has open employment opportunities. We are currently looking for After Care Assistants - both part-time and full-time. This is a great opportunity for anybody over the age of 18 who loves children and wants to make some extra money!
Full-time positions are Monday through Friday, 11:00 am - 6:00pm while part-time positions are Monday through Friday 2:45am - 6:00pm.
For more information, contact Jessica Mahfoudi or Shannon Casteel, or view this link.
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The St. Martin’s Vestry met on September 17, opening the meeting sharing thoughts on the prompt, “What is saving your life right now?” This elicited a variety of thought provoking answers, with a common theme including "prayer" and "friendship."
Rev. Lauren’s report included gratitude for the growth of the renewed Endowment fund; gratitude to all the volunteers who made the Homecoming event such a success; and acknowledgment of the joy experienced by so many people in celebrating the life of Lee Marston.
Interim Head of School, Kathy Mahar, reported that the school year is off to a great start, with several new teachers who are invigorating the curriculum and inspiring the students with new clubs. She also reported that the SMES will publish an annual report for the first time in several years this school year.
Debbie Fitzgerald, on behalf of the Memorial Garden Committee, presented the design and contract from KW Landscape. The Vestry voted to proceed with this contractor, noting a "not to exceed" amount. The Vestry is thankful for the leadership of Debbie Fitzgerald, David Bourdon, and the rest of the Memorial Garden Committee.
In the context of the Treasurer’s report, the Vestry discussed the start of the stewardship campaign which will run for two months. There will be three sets of letters sent to initiate the campaign: one to current pledgers; one to non-pledgers; and one to former pledgers who no longer pledge. Vestry members are available if anyone has questions on pledging and the stewardship campaign.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine R. Bachmann
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Let’s Get Glazey!
Sunday mornings
After brief hiatus, Donut Shack is back! Those grocery chain donuts were just driving parishioners glazey! Derek Heiss is our new donut ministry point of contact and he is looking for five additional volunteers to do the occasional order pick-up ahead of the 9:00 a.m. formation hour. Please contact Derek directly at 443-995-4942 if you’re interested in helping out.
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Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 4, 4:30 p.m. (Heck Hall)
Bring your pets to St. Martin’s and join us for an outdoor service with blessings for all of God’s creatures. Pets must be leashed or in a carrier. This is a great event to invite neighbors and friends to attend with you.
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Talk About Abundance
October 5, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Adult Formation will take up the topic of God’s abundance. Rev. Lauren will lead a discussion based on lessons learned from Sam Wells’s book: A Future That’s Bigger Than The Past. Together we will reimagine how St. Martin’s can live its vocation of receiving God’s abundance and sharing it far and wide.
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Young Voices Wanted
Sundays, 11:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)
We would be delighted to have your children share in the spiritual life of our church through music. Now open to children in 1st through 7th grade. Through this enriching musical opportunity, children will:
- Develop musical skills, including singing, rhythm, sight-reading, and musical expression.
- Participate in worship by singing anthems and hymns.
- Build teamwork, leadership, and confidence through group performance.
We will meet every Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. service until noon. Sign up here or simply join us on Sunday! For details please contact Dr. HyeSung Hwang, Director of Music Ministries.
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Outdoor Worship
Sunday, October 5, 10:00 a.m.
We will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with an outdoor service! St. Francis cherished all of God’s creation, and together we will worship surrounded by the beauty of the natural world through prayer and song. It will be a little different—and a lot of fun! Please dress comfortably and bring a chair or blanket for seating.
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Italy Pilgrimage Presentation
October 5, following the 10:00 a.m. service
Our young people took an amazing pilgrimage to Italy this summer. Please join us following the 10:00 a.m. service on October 5 in the Parish Hall to hear reflections from our pilgrims about their journey to grow closer to Christ and to one another in Florence, Rome and Assisi. For details about youth ministry and pilgrimages at St. Martin’s, contact Rev. Lauren.
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Annapolis Pride Festival
Saturday, October 18
The Love is Love Ministry at St. Martin’s in-the-Field, in collaboration with St. Luke’s Eastport, is participating in this year’s Annapolis Pride festival at Maryland Hall. We are looking for volunteers to help at the festival table on October 18 between 12:00 noon-5:00 p.m. We need your help engaging attendees, handing out St. Martin’s branded Pride swag, water, and information about our many programs and ministries. To participate, please contact Lori Skalitzky.
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Parenting for a Different World
Tuesday, October 21, 6:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Join us for a documentary on how smartphones, smartwatches, and social media impact kids. St. Martin’s school is hosting a Parenting for a Different World screening of “Screenagers: Elementary Edition.” This program is ideal for parents/caregivers of children of all ages and for kids themselves 3rd grade and up. Mental health professionals will be available for questions. For details contact SMES Director of Admissions, Kira Dickson.
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Let’s Get Glazey!
Sunday mornings
After brief hiatus, Donut Shack is back! Those grocery chain donuts were just driving parishioners glazey! Derek Heiss is our new donut ministry point of contact and he is looking for five additional volunteers to do the occasional order pick-up ahead of the 9:00 a.m. formation hour. Please contact Derek directly at 443-995-4942 if you’re interested in helping out.
| |
Talk About Abundance
October 5, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Adult Formation will take up the topic of God’s abundance. Rev. Lauren will lead a discussion based on lessons learned from Sam Wells’s book: A Future That’s Bigger Than The Past. Together we will reimagine how St. Martin’s can live its vocation of receiving God’s abundance and sharing it far and wide.
| |
Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 4, 4:30 p.m. (Heck Hall)
Bring your pets to St. Martin’s and join us for an outdoor service with blessings for all of God’s creatures. Pets must be leashed or in a carrier. This is a great event to invite neighbors and friends to attend with you.
| |
Young Voices Wanted
Sundays, 11:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)
We would be delighted to have your children share in the spiritual life of our church through music. Now open to children in 1st through 7th grade. Through this enriching musical opportunity, children will:
- Develop musical skills, including singing, rhythm, sight-reading, and musical expression.
- Participate in worship by singing anthems and hymns.
- Build teamwork, leadership, and confidence through group performance.
We will meet every Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. service until noon. Sign up here or simply join us on Sunday! For details please contact Dr. HyeSung Hwang, Director of Music Ministries.
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Outdoor Worship
Sunday, October 5, 10:00 a.m.
We will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with an outdoor service! St. Francis cherished all of God’s creation, and together we will worship surrounded by the beauty of the natural world through prayer and song. It will be a little different—and a lot of fun! Please dress comfortably and bring a chair or blanket for seating.
| |
Italy Pilgrimage Presentation
October 5, following the 10:00 a.m. service
Our young people took an amazing pilgrimage to Italy this summer. Please join us following the 10:00 a.m. service on October 5 in the Parish Hall to hear reflections from our pilgrims about their journey to grow closer to Christ and to one another in Florence, Rome and Assisi. For details about youth ministry and pilgrimages at St. Martin’s, contact Rev. Lauren.
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Annapolis Pride Festival
Saturday, October 18
The Love is Love Ministry at St. Martin’s in-the-Field, in collaboration with St. Luke’s Eastport, is participating in this year’s Annapolis Pride festival at Maryland Hall. We are looking for volunteers to help at the festival table on October 18 between 12:00 noon-5:00 p.m. We need your help engaging attendees, handing out St. Martin’s branded Pride swag, water, and information about our many programs and ministries. To participate, please contact Lori Skalitzky.
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Parenting for a Different World
Tuesday, October 21, 6:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Join us for a documentary on how smartphones, smartwatches, and social media impact kids. St. Martin’s school is hosting a Parenting for a Different World screening of “Screenagers: Elementary Edition.” This program is ideal for parents/caregivers of children of all ages and for kids themselves 3rd grade and up. Mental health professionals will be available for questions. For details contact SMES Director of Admissions, Kira Dickson.
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Children & Youth Formation
Sundays, 9:00 a.m.
Children and youth of all ages are welcome to join any time. For details or questions contact the church office.
- 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
- YAC (Grade 11-12): Upper St. Martin’s House
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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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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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Faith and Fellowship
Sundays, 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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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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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.
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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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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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The Nicene Creed Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s House)
Did you know the Nicene Creed is 1,700 years old? Are you interested in learning more about the Creed and why we say what we say every Sunday? Join us for a study of the Nicene Creed starting Tuesday, September 2. We will be using the book “The Faith of Our Fathers” which can be ordered on Amazon. Contact Cindy Neseth.
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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 this month’s theme: September’s theme - “Time to stock up.” Please donate shelf stable pantry staples such as cereals, soups, vegetables, fruits, pasta, rice, sauces as well as peanut, soy, or nut butters, jelly, canned tuna or meats, and microwaveable shelf stable meals. Additionally, household items like hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, conditioner, laundry and dish detergent would be appreciated. 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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AAUW: Donate 2 Educate
Donate your good, clean, used books as proceeds from the sale of your books allows AAUW to provide yearly scholarships to Anne Arundel County women. Donations are collected on October 4 & 18 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon in the St. Martin’s parking lot. Please no encyclopedias, VHS tapes, magazines, condensed books or textbooks. No computer manuals or travel guides more than 2 years old. For sale date announcements and details follow AAUW Anne Arundel County Used Book Sale on Facebook or call (410) 647-7041 or (703) 599-9646.
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Experience the Difference - SMES Open House
Wednesday, October 15, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (SMES)
Explore our School’s engaging learning environment within our inclusive Episcopal community, and experience the benefits of small class sizes in Preschool through 8th Grade. See how we encourage each student’s academic success while discovering their unique potential as they learn confidence, serve with compassion and lead with character. Contact Director of Admissions Kira Dickson with questions or to schedule a tour.
| | | 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: Nando, Max, Lew, Suzanne, Greg, Bruce, David, 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: Kate, Jane, Taylor, Richard, Bob, Peter, Adele, Gary, Nat and Audrey.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY: Alex & Sandi Blair, Drew MacNaughton & Sam Burdette, David & Lisa Mallery, Aaron & Tabitha Carman and Tom & Ashley Baldwin.
| 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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