DECEMBER 7, 2025 NEWSLETTER | | |
Trimming the Wicks
I’ve been spending a lot of time with candles lately. Early Sunday morning, I was carefully shaving the extra wax from the bottom of each Advent candle so they would sit securely in our sanctuary’s Advent wreath. Two weeks earlier, we took inventory of the smaller candle sets we needed for our wreath-making kits. When I walked into the office on Tuesday, I promptly lit a candle from a convent in Sewanee, TN, after taking out some very stinky trash in the kitchen of St. Martin’s House. In preparing for our Advent programming this past Wednesday, I stocked up on small battery-powered votives for the luminaries we created together. And now it is time, once again, to inventory candles for our Christmas Eve services. So many candles.
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’Tis the season. As the nights grow longer, so many faith traditions turn to candles to speak to our shared longing for light. While we light candles for Advent and Christmas, our neighbors may be lighting candles for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali.
One thing I’ve learned in all this candle lighting is the simple wisdom of trimming the wick. If the wick is too long, the candle smokes, burns unevenly, and doesn’t shine as brightly. You might assume that a longer wick makes for a brighter flame—but the opposite is often true. The ideal wick is trimmed to just ¼ inch.
I wonder: what needs trimming in our own lives? What habits, clutter, or overfilled commitments keep us from shining with clarity and warmth? Where am I burning the candle at both ends—the least effective way of shining at all?
I hope you’ll light a candle today and ponder this same question. Because you were created to be light, and the world needs you to shine.
| | | | Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | | |
Scout Wreath and Green Sales
This Sunday, 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
This Sunday, 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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To date, 108 households of our parish family have responded to the blessings that God has given us by pledging $660,359. 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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Dear St. Martin’s Family,
The vestry has several wonderful updates to share about life and ministry:
Welcome Rev. Grace!: We are delighted that Rev. Grace has officially joined our community. In just a short time, she’s met with ministry and school leaders, settled in beautifully, and jumped right into supporting our children, youth, and chapel programs. We’re so grateful she’s here and excited for all she brings to St. Martin’s.
Our Memorial Garden Is Complete: The memorial garden is finished, and it looks fabulous. We’ve received lots of positive feedback, especially from families with loved ones resting there. To date, we’ve also received 28 pledges and gifts toward the garden. Thank you for your generosity. Please note: the memorial garden doors will now be unlocked after our Sunday services. We encourage you to visit and enjoy this peaceful space.
2026 Pledge Campaign Update: Our 2026 pledge campaign is off to a strong start with 108 pledges already received. Thank you to everyone who has made a commitment. Our goal is 150 pledges for the coming year, and every pledge helps sustain our ministry and mission.
St. Martin’s in the Community: St. Martin’s has really stepped up for the Severna Park community. We’ve collected more SPAN food than we can store, brought in a record amount of Halloween candy, hosted a community event on bullying, and launched our Wednesday evening community dinners, which will continue through the rest of 2025 as part of our Advent programming. Thank you for showing up and serving our neighbors so faithfully.
Improving Ministry Communication: We’re working to do a better job sharing the great things happening across our ministries. Winter shelter is coming up soon, and we’ll be sending out more information about how you can get involved.
Vestry Recruitment: We’re in the process of recruiting four new vestry members. We’re especially hoping to find someone with engineering or building/maintenance experience, or someone who cares deeply about church/school buildings. Self-nominations are welcome!
Staffing Update: We’re delighted to share that Amber is now full-time in her role as Director of Communication. Please join us in congratulating her!
Facilities Update: A new HVAC system is finally coming. Work is scheduled to begin in June, and we will share updates as the project progresses.
Thank you for your continued support and prayer,
Linda Heiss
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Community Dinners & Advent Programming
Wednesdays through December 17, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
This Advent, our Wednesday gatherings will combine a hot community meal with a simple intergenerational activity focused on hope, peace, and joy. Whether you’re part of the parish or visiting for the first time, all are welcome to share food, fellowship, and a moment of calm in the season. We look forward to seeing you there! If you are able to help in preparing or funding our community meal, sign up today.
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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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Christmas Flower Dedications & Memorials
DEADLINE is Sunday, December 21. To make a dedication or memorial for a loved one for Christmas fill out our online form. A $35 minimum donation is requested.
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Advent Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 14, 4:00 p.m.
Join us as we recount the story of Jesus’s birth through Scripture and music composed across the centuries. After the service, we’ll honor all our newcomers with a joyful Advent & Appetizers gathering!
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Advent and Appetizers
Sunday, December 14, 5:00 p.m. (Narthex)
Preparing for the holidays can get busy and overwhelming. Join us for an opportunity to take a break, enjoy a snack and connect with your church community. All are welcome.
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Blue Christmas Service
Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m.
As we prepare for the joyful arrival of love incarnate, we hold space for all the other feelings we may carry with us. This contemplative service is a refuge for all who are bereaved or bewildered. Come experience the peace of Christ.
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Service Times for Christmas
Christmas Eve:
- 4:00 p.m. Service of Holy Eucharist & Pageant
- 9:00 p.m. (Prelude 8:30 p.m.) Service of Holy Eucharist with Brass Band
Christmas Day:
- 10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist, Rite II
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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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Thank you Diocesan Convention Delegates!
Rev Lauren, Rev. Grace, Sam Burdette and Andy Gatanas represented St. Martins-in-the-Field at the 241st Maryland Diocesan convention held at the Claggett Center in Buckeyestown. Your representatives were able to thoughtfully discuss and vote on the four proposed resolutions as well as vote for clergy and lay persons to become members of various diocesan committees. David Mallery was also present as an elected member of the Standing Committee. Other activities included morning services, listening to the Very Rev. Winnie Varghese's amazing keynote speech, witnessing a gift exchange and initial steps toward reconciliation with representatives from the Piscataway Nation, engagements with various churches across the diocese and an enjoyable dinner in downtown Frederick which was beautifully decorated for Christmas. Sam and Andy report that: "It was such an educational experience to see Diocesan governance in action and learn about some current and ongoing issues. I also loved seeing so many familiar faces among the clergy and delegates. Lots of good work going on across Maryland!" If you are interested in representing St. Martin's at Diocesan Convention in 2026, please let Rev. Lauren know. We will elect delegates at our Annual Meeting on February 8.
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Are you feeling called to Vestry?
The Nominating Committee of St. Martin's is accepting nominations for the next class of Vestry members! Are you feeling called to—or just curious about—this creative, strategic, prayerful, meaningful ministry of the church? Vestry members serve for 3 years and attend in-person meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Vestry members act as stewards for the parish, handling governance, finances, property, and supporting the clergy and congregation's spiritual mission. They serve as the church's governing board with both spiritual and legal duties. Nominees must be confirmed members of the church and currently pledging. The Nominating Committee consists of the outgoing Vestry class (Dan Sturgeon, Julie Reiter, Mark Sabins and Wendy Gatanas) as well as the two previous Senior Wardens (Darin Parkison and Susan Shingledecker). Please talk to any of these folks—or current vestry members—to learn more! We would love to have a mix of new voices and seasoned voices in this year's incoming class.
| This year's Advent Wreath Making and Taco Bar was a memorable occasion indeed. Thanks to all our wonderful and dedicated volunteers for making this annual tradition possible! | | |
Children & Youth Formation
Sundays, 9:00 a.m.
Children and youth are welcome to join any time.
- 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
Youth grades 11 and up meet alternating Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. For details contact Rev. Grace.
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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 December's theme: Home for the Holidays.
Please donate items that are needed on a daily basis around the house like 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 .Also needed are shelf stable milk, fruit, vegetables, pasta, rice, beans, meats and anything else you’re willing to share. 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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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: Rosemary, Gail, 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: Janice, Betsy, Camille, Toni, Greg, Riley, Skylar, Gus, Jeannie, Nathan, Makayla, Evander and George.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY: Stephen and Erin Hammer and Scott and Kathryn Collier.
The altar flowers this week are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Frank Hilton.
| 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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