NOVEMBER 23, 2025 NEWSLETTER | | |
Encountering the Gospel this week was a bit of a shock. Jesus on the Cross with the two thieves? What’s that doing here? It’s not Good Friday. Clearly someone has it wrong. Yet, it is here, the reading for Christ the King Sunday. Here is Jesus, lifted high on a cross of shame, still in relationship, still able to forgive His enemies, still able to comfort the thief who asks to be remembered. This is the King we have.
I took seriously Rev. Lauren’s challenge last week to be in relationship with someone whose story we needed to hear. I thought I might encounter someone at the community meal, and maybe I will next week. Instead, on a webinar, I listened to a story of a young woman from my college who, despite being raised in relative poverty, is able to attend because of a full scholarship. She’s paying it back and paying it forward in service to others, and I was moved enough to write her a letter back.
I am really grateful that I get to be in relationship with Jesus who shows us what radical love looks like, and I’m glad I get to be in relationship with all of you.
~ Susan Griesmyer
| | | | Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | | |
Piano Program - This Sunday, November 23, 4:00 p.m.
HyeSung will be giving a piano recital at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in York on November 23 at 4:00 p.m. The program features R. Schumann’s Fantasiestücke Op. 12 and M. Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. For more information visit https://stpaulsyork.org/ or email HyeSung.
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To date, 104 households of our parish family have responded to the blessings that God has given us by pledging $646,119. Thank you! Our goal is to receive $850,000 for the 2026 Operating Budget. If you have not yet filled out your pledge card, please take some time in the coming week to prayerfully consider how you will partner with St. Martin’s in funding the ministry we share. Pledge cards are in the Narthex and pledging online is simple and fast. Consider adding the ACH automatic payment option, details and the form are both online. Thank you for pledging!
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Community Dinners
Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
We typically gather for meals on Wednesdays during Advent and Lent. This Advent, in response to food insecurity, our Wednesday meals will be open to the whole community. We need help to set a bigger table! We need home cooks, shoppers, and servers. Also set up/clean up help. Sign up today to volunteer in various capacities, or to support this ministry financially. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.”
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Advent Wreath Making & Taco Bar
Sunday, November 30, 11:15 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Join us in the Parish Hall following the 10:00 a.m. service for our yearly tradition - Advent Wreath Making & Taco Bar. $25/wreath. Parishioners are asked to bring greens to share; candles, materials and lunch provided. Sign up today to donate food items for the taco bar and help with set up and clean up. We need your support to make this annual tradition happen! For details please contact the church office, 410-647-2648.
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Christmas Eve Pageant Kick-Off
Sunday, November 30, 11:15 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Join us as we plan and prepare for this year’s Christmas Eve Pageant! All children, youth, and families are invited to our kick-off meeting on Sunday, November 30. We’ll gather in the Parish Hall following the 10:00 a.m. service to review details, assign roles, and start building the joyful spirit that makes this tradition so special. Come be part of celebrating the wonder of Christ’s birth with our church family! Contact Tabitha Carman.
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Bingo Night at Light House Shelter
Friday, December 5, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
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 Eileen Hartzell.
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Scout Wreath and Green Sales
December 7 (Narthex)
St. Martin's sponsored cub scouts will be selling wreaths and greens on Sunday, December in the Narthex. They will have all items on hand so you will leave with your purchase. Wreaths cost $33 and centerpieces with LED lights are $40. Accepted payment methods are cash, check (to Pack 855) or Venmo. For details contact Meredith Memmer. Thank you for supporting Cub Scout Pack 855!
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EYC: Gingerbread Houses
December 7, 5:30 p.m. (lower Heck Hall)
Join us for our gingerbread house creation and story contest. Open to all youth in grades 6th-12th. Friends are always welcome. We look forward to having you there! Contact Sam Burdette or Amy Miller.
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Christmas Holiday Sharing
Sunday, December 14, 9:00 a.m.
This year we are partnering with parishioner Dr. Jeannine Mogavero Theoret of Parker Place Children’s Health & Wellness Center, to provide 35 families with gifts for children and a holiday meal. There are three great ways to support this mission:
1 ) Select a child from the Angel Tree in the Narthex to provide a gift. Tree will be up on November 30.
2) Make a $25 or more monetary donation and help provide a holiday meal. Sign up here.
3) Provide toiletry items for each family. Sign up here.
Join us in Parish Hall on Sunday, December 14 at 9:00 a.m. to organize and wrap the gifts for the families. Wrapping stations will be available. Thank you for you support and for helping us to make Christmas special for those in need. For details contact Patti Zielinski.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
December 3, 10 & 17: Wednesday Night Advent Program
December 14: Advent Lessons & Carols and
Holiday Sharing
December 17: Blue Christmas Service
December 24: Christmas Eve services and Pageant
December 25: Christmas service
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Diocesan Retreat Schedule
The Claggett Center offers a variety of programs for adults, including retreat weekends for congregations, and space for all to come and be themselves. Last year, we sent 29 women from St. Martin's to the Women's Retreat and they had a blast. We're hoping to send another great group to both retreats! For details and to register click here.
- Men's Retreat: January 30 - February 1, 2026
- Women's Retreat: February 20-22, 2026
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Thanksgiving Office Hours
Please note the church office will close at 12 noon on November 26 and will be closed November 27 & 28.
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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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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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From Prophet to King Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s House)
Are you watching House of David on Amazon Prime and want to know more? Join us as we explore Samuel 1 and 2 which take us from the birth of the prophet Samuel through the reign of King David. Join us starting Tuesday, November 11. We will be using the book “1 & 2 Samuel” which can be ordered here on Amazon. Contact Cindy Neseth.
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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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Walkin’ Loves
Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00 a.m. (Kinder Farm Park)
Lace up your shoes and join our 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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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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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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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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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: November’s theme - “a time to be thankful.” Please consider donating the following items: Stuffing mix, Snack foods, Rice, Canned Meats (sausages, tuna, beef stew, chili, Spam, etc.), Peanut butter & Jelly, Pancake Mix and Pancake Syrup, Canned Fruit & Vegetables, Pasta, Potato mixes (mashed, scalloped, au gratin), Muffin and Bread Mixes, Toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products & diapers), and Water Bottles (for volunteers and for clients whose water has been turned off). Additionally, household items like hand sanitizer, soap, laundry and dish detergent would be appreciated. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex hallway. We welcome additional donations. Click here for a list of our most needed items.
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Holiday in the Field
Saturday, December 6, 2:00-4:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s Field)
Our school invites parishioner families to bring their children and grandchildren to Holiday in the Field on December 6 from 2:00-4:00 p.m., sponsored by the Parent’s Association. Enjoy a meet and greet with Santa, play some reindeer games, create themed crafts, listen to story time with teachers, warm up with some hot cocoa, and more! Don’t forget to swing by the Glazey Days Donuts truck for a special treat (additional purchase). Click here and RSVP today!
SMES Application Now Open!
If you or somebody you know are interested in applying for St. Martin's Episcopal School for the 2026-27 school year, applications are now live! The Admissions page can be found here. For questions, please contact Kira Dickson.
| | | 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: The Blair and Madden families, Kathy, Brett, Katie, Lew, Karen, Suzanne, Lisa, Greg, Bruce, David, Joey, Michele, Kerry, Carter, Amalia, Edmund, Kip, Wilma, Merla, Mike, the Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Alex, Marc, Jay, Christine, Cathy, Sean, Andy, Scott, and David.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY: Prince and Nancy Jernigan.
| 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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