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Sometimes there’s a prayer in church, often it’s the Collect of the Day, that makes you scratch your head. What’s that all about? Or perhaps it sounds like a downer. Next Sunday’s collect begins, “Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves.”
No power? No power in ourselves at all? That’s not very uplifting. But then I remember that humanity definitely needs help. The wars, and division, and crises keep coming. Sometimes it feels like we’re living in the middle of a history book right now. So, yes God, we clearly don’t have the power to help ourselves, please, please, please help us!
The same can be true in our relationships and lives. Upon reflection, perhaps we think, “I shouldn’t have said that” or “I certainly shouldn’t have done that” or “I don’t know how I’m going to get out of this one.” Sometimes we feel powerless in our own lives too. “Yes, God, I don’t have the power to help myself, please, please, please help!”
Many of us have said those prayers. So, there’s a real honesty in that collect for this week. It acknowledges our powerlessness and our dependence on God. And it continues us down the Lenten path that reminds us that we are not God. Lent is about remembering our powerlessness, and that we need saving. The good news is that although we might not have power in ourselves, we do have power from God through the Holy Spirit working in us. We can repent and turn toward the crucified and risen Jesus. We can be restored, forgiven, and renewed.
May God be with you as you continue your Lenten journey. May God’s love surround you when you feel powerless. May the power of the Holy Spirit inspire you to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus who died and rose for you and for all the world.
Yours in Christ,
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The Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
| | | | Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | | |
What is an Episcopalian?
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Interested in growing deeper in your faith with your St. Martin’s community? Then join this weekly conversation with Rev. Lauren 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 and your coffee to the Parish Hall Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Contact Rev. Lauren.
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SPAM Alert
Members of the parish have been getting spam emails from addresses who claim to be Rev. Lauren and/or Rev. Nathan. These emails appears to be from to clergy, but are not. Fraudulent accounts are created to look like a legitimate one. These emails may request help or ask for money or gift cards. St. Martin’s clergy will never solicit cash gifts or request gift cards by email. DO NOT RESPOND to suspicious emails. If you are in doubt, please contact the church office.
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One of the first topics of discussion at the Vestry meeting on March 12, was the recently resumed Foyers groups. Several members had the opportunity to be part of the first of these small group get-togethers, and expressed what a great way it was to learn more about each other over an informal dinner or activity.
We also discussed the utilization of space in the buildings and around the St. Martins campus. As school and church activities grow, planning for the future is being considered.
Budget is always a big focus, and it was reported that incoming funds have kept pace with the anticipated budget. This is good news, as St. Martins operates year-to-year based on current pledges and donations.
Cate Hopkin has been leading up work on development of endowment fund structuring for St. Martins. She provided the Vestry with some basic information about that work.
The Winter Shelter program will wrap up on March 24. Thanks to everyone who filled the necessary positions to make this program possible.
April 6 will mark the return of the Bingo Sunday fundraiser – your Vestry looks forward to seeing you there.
~ Guy Merritt, Vestry Class of 2027
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Journey through the Triduum
Wednesdays through April 9, 12 noon (Zoom)
The Triduum marks the sacred time from Maundy Thursday, to Good Friday, to the Easter Vigil and Easter Morning. In familiarizing ourselves with the Triduum, we will reclaim our roots in the Early Church, preparing ourselves with study and devotion just as the early Christians did. This will ground our proclamation/renewal of our baptismal covenant at Easter and illuminate that Paschal mystery. Click here for the ZOOM link. Contact Rev. Lauren with questions.
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Lent for Everybody: Living Lent for all Ages
Wednesdays through April 9, 5:30-7:00 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Don’t want to give up chocolate for Lent again? There’s good news, you don’t have to—there are many ways to observe a holy Lent. Join us on Wednesday nights to learn and practice great ways to grow in faith during this special season of the church year. We’ll have both hands-on activity and discussion options each week. And leave the cooking to us! Each session will include a simple meal. Perfect for all ages. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Nathan.
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Job Loss and Support
Several people in our parish have been affected by recent Federal reductions in force. And several people in our parish have voiced an eagerness to support people in transition. If you have recently experienced job loss, or are anxiously awaiting the possibility of job loss, please let Rev. Lauren know. If you would like to support people experiencing job loss, please let us know. Parishioner Ann Platoff is willing to gather folks to brainstorm how we might support one another in prayer, relationship, and identifying resources.
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Nursery Childcare Available on Sundays
Our nursery is now available for ages 4 and under every Sunday. Children age 5 and older are invited to join us for Sunday School and Children’s Chapel. The nursery opens at 9:00 a.m. and children should be picked up no later than 11:30 a.m. each Sunday. We love having children in church, but if kiddos need a break during the service, this is a great resource. Many thanks to our wonderful caregivers Miss Reita and Isabella!
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Bingo Night at Light House Shelter
Friday, April 4, 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. Click here and sign up today! Contact Rachel Erdman.
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Bingo Night is Back!
Sunday, April 6, 5:30 p.m.
A hallowed St. Martin’s tradition makes its triumphant return! Our J2A youth with host a Bingo Night on Sunday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Dinner is included. Participants are invited to bring gently used and new items for the prize table. Extra bingo cards and other games will be available for purchase on Bingo Night. All proceeds will benefit the J2A Holy Pilgrimage to Italy this summer. Contact Rev. Nathan.
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VBS Sign Ups Ready
July 28- August 1
St. Martin’s is offering Vacation Bible School for kids ages four to 12 years old. For $50 you can register your child for half-day VBS, which would be from 8am to 12pm, or for $75 we will have a full-day of VBS, from 8am to 3pm. To register click here or contact Tabitha Carman.
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Save the Dates for Holy Week
Palm Sunday, April 13
8:00 and 10:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday, April 17
7:00 p.m.
Good Friday, April 18
12:00 noon Interactive Stations
of the Cross
7:00 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy
with Choir
The Great Vigil of Easter, April 19
7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 20
10:00 a.m. Service with Egg Hunt
at 11:00 a.m.
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Celebrate SPAN's 35th Birthday
Over the past 35 years, SPAN, Inc. has served an estimated 100,000 people. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, SPAN warmly invites you to these special events join us:
Milestone Recognition Service & Open House:
On Tuesday, April 1 at 4:00 p.m. we will celebrate with speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and an open house with light refreshments at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church.
35th Birthday Fest
Enjoy a free-admission celebration with food trucks (Chevy’s, Green Valley Marketplace, Always Ice Cream), live music, and carnival games hosted by SPAN member churches and community groups. Join us on Saturday, April 5 from 12:00–4:00 p.m. at Severna Park United Methodist Church parking lot (rain plan: Fellowship Hall) Food will be available for purchase.
In conjunction with these events, SPAN has set an ambitious $35,000 fundraising goal through sponsorships to ensure SPAN’s continued impact. If you would like to support this goal either financially or by lending a helping hand contact Amy Theune.
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SPAN Opportunities for MARCH
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 March’s theme is “Eat the Rainbow.”
Please donate canned or freeze dried foods that are colorful: Red-dried strawberries, pomegranate, lentils, beans; Orange-carrots, yams; Yellow-corn, dried bananas, potato; Green-peas, edamame, spinach; Blue-dried blueberries; Purple-pruned, raisins; White-garlic, onions, rice, pasta.
Of course we’re also happy to collect anything else you’re willing to share. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. For details about SPAN click here.
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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 Acts of the Apostles. We will be using the LifeChange Study Guide on Acts 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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Night at the Races Gala & Auction
Don your best Derby hat and get ready for an unforgettable night of fun at our School's largest annual fundraising event, our Gala & Auction on Saturday, May 3rd at Chartwell Golf & Country Club. Your evening includes cocktails, seated dinner, live and silent auction, and dancing with music by the Dan Haas Band! See you at the races!
| | | 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: Julia, Peter and Rosemary Coyne.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: Sarah, Amailia, Edmund, Anna May, Joey, Kip, Elise, Wilma, Merla, Lisa, Mike, The Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Kevin, Melanie, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE WHO DIED: David Herron.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Henry, Robin, Emily, Jonathan, Jeff, Kyle, Rowland, Charles, Samuel, Kyle and Cece.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: Andy and Marcia Tylor, Jarrod Hansen and Corry Yeuroukis, and Dan and Bambi Sturgeon.
| 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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