NOVEMBER 9, 2025 NEWSLETTER | | |
What a mess!
I usually think this after I open my knitting bag and pull out a tangled ball of yarn. The yarn often looks like a cat went to town with it, but most of the time, it was just me moving it from one location to another.
My typical gut reaction is to yank any loop I can get my hand on until the multi-layered knot unravels. Experience tells me otherwise. Giving the loops a sudden hard pull will only tighten the knot until the yarn is past the point of no return. Careful examination and a gentle touch are needed here.
I usually start by finding a big loop and give it a soft pull. If I feel resistance, I move on to another loop until I find one that will work with me. I keep going until what was once a mess becomes an untangled cord of crumpled yarn that can be knit into its intended stitches.
At times, life can feel like a tangled mess. Just as God freely gives us grace, may we apply grace to life’s knots until they begin to unravel and we find harmony at long last.
Blessings,
| | | | Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | | |
Thanksgiving Holiday Sharing
This Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Thank you St. Martin's for your generous donations to provide Thanksgiving dinner for those in need. Join us in the Parish Hall to pack and prepare the boxes. For details, please contact Amy Theune.
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EYC: Laser Tag
This Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
We’ll take over part of the campus for a Laser Tag battle royale. This is one of EYC’s greatest events. We look forward to having you there! Contact Sam Burdette or Amy Miller.
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A New Creation Hymn Festival
This Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (Woods Memorial Presbyterian)
Join us for “A New Creation” Hymn Festival sponsored by the Annapolis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, Severna Park. Singers from several area church choirs, including ours, will combine to form the Festival Choir. Rev. Lauren will be in attendance as one of the readers. Come celebrate the joy of congregational singing. A free-will offering will be received.
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To date, 71 households of our parish family have responded to the blessings that God has given us by pledging $473,019. 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 or two to prayerfully consider how you will partner with St. Martin’s in funding the ministry we share. We hope to have full participation by November 16, when we will celebrate the Feast of St. Martin. 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
Starting soon 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! Stay tuned for an opportunity to sign up 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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Bullying Information Session
Wednesday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m.
We invite all families to join us for an important and informative evening with a specialist from the Maryland Center for School Safety. Together, we’ll learn more about bullying—what it is, what it isn’t, how to recognize it, and effective ways to respond and support our children. The presentation will take place on November 12th at 7:00 pm in Parish Hall and will include time for questions and discussion. For questions, please contact Libby Wild.
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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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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. If you would like to donate food items for the taco bar or help with set up and clean up please contact the church office, 410-647-2648.
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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! More information, when available, can be found here. Upcoming Event Dates:
- Men's Retreat: January 30 - February 1, 2026
- Women's Retreat: February 20-22, 2026
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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.
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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.
| | On Sunday, October 26 at our 10:00 a.m. service we welcomed those who attended in their Halloween costumes a for a special blessing. | | St. Martin's parishioners and students participated in our annual Candy Tithe! We received an ABUNDANCE of candy that we are donating to the USO, SPAN and Lighthouse shelter. Thank you to all those that participated in this sweet event. | | |
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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Suitcases for the USO
The USO at BWI is in need of 20 medium and large suitcases in good working order (wheels and zippers not damaged) to be used for deploying troops arriving at BWI for oversees assignments whose suitcases were damaged during travel to BWI. If you have old suitcases and don’t know what to do with them, please consider bringing them to St. Martin’s this coming Sunday and Pam Ward will transport them to BWI. Many thanks for supporting the USO. Contact Pam Ward.
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Call For Coats
Have a coat you don’t wear anymore? Or one your child has outgrown? This is the perfect opportunity to give it a second life and help keep someone warm this winter. Now through Thursday, November 14, our school is collecting new and gently used coats of all sizes to support local families in need. Please bring your donation to the Narthex on a Sunday, or drop it off at the school office.
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Socktober Success!
SMES Socktober was a huge success! Our Difference Makers club had a goal of collecting 200 pairs of socks - and our St. Martin’s community went above and beyond, collecting an incredible 2,502 pairs! The students loaded them up for delivery to the Lighthouse Shelter, Sarah’s House Family Shelter, and Ruth’s House Family Shelter this week. Thank you to everyone who donated - your generosity will help keep so many toes warm this season!
| | | 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: Katie, Lew, Karen, Henry, 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: Merla, Betsy, Toby, Dan, Christina, Scott, Jim, Ashleigh, Martha, Anna May, Max and Scudder.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY: James Mahoney and Linh Phung and Steve and Sally Burton.
| 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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