|
What is love?
Last week I was working on the schedule for our Adult Spiritual Formation on Sunday mornings now through Lent. I am excited to teach an “Episcopal 101” class over the next couple of months. I have taught this class so many times over the years, and I learn something new every time! It is a great class for people who are new to the Episcopal church or just new to St. Martin’s. It’s a great class for people who were confirmed as teenagers and want to revisit or refresh their theological perspective. It’s a great class for anyone who wants to grow deeper in their faith. And at the end of the class, folks have the opportunity to confirm or reaffirm their faith with the Bishop of Maryland. This year’s confirmation service will be at the Cathedral of Incarnation in Baltimore on June 8th, and three of our youth will be confirmed at that service. Would you like to join them in saying YES again to Jesus? I hope you will!
As I worked on the class schedule, I wrote “What is love?” as the title for this week’s class, and I had to chuckle. Does anybody else have visions of “Night at the Roxbury” when they hear those words?
What is love? The question seems simple enough, but the answers are generally complex. Love is so hard to define, despite how universal it is. The Bible uses three different Hebrew words to describe love and four different Greek words to describe love. We have many words for love because each one only scratches the surface of what love is. You might say that describing love is as difficult as describing God—because, of course, God is love.
So that is why we are taking up the question “What is love?” in our class about what it means to be an Episcopalian. Love is the most core tenant of our faith as Christians. Jesus says to his friends—people will know you are my disciples by your love for one another. Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love. Love matters.
So let’s spend some time talking about what love is and how we can love one another well. Let’s pray for the ability to love like Jesus. Let’s give thanks for a love so big, we can barely wrap our heads around it, much less describe it. And if you have time to stick around for our “Love is Love” cookie decorating party after the 10am service, let’s celebrate God’s all-encompassing, unconditional, unfathomable, limitless love.
God loves you. I love you. Let us love one another!
| | |
|
Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | |
|
Love is Love Celebration
February 16, 11:15 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Come decorate Valentine’s cookies after the 10:00 AM service on Sunday, February 16. No matter who you love or how you love, let us celebrate the love that makes us one in Jesus Christ! This event is brought to you by LGBTQIA+ parishioners and allies. Anyone and everyone who enjoys cookies and fellowship can attend—all ages and stages, all characters and conditions, ALL are welcome! Please contact Doug Benoit or Rev. Lauren with questions.
| |
EYC: Mall Scavenger Hunt
February 16, 5:30 p.m.
Youth and friends are invited to meet at the church at 5:00 p.m. to carpool to the Annapolis Mall for a team Scavenger Hunt. Dinner will be in the food court, plan to bring about $20 depending on food choices. For all youth grades 6th-12th. Friends are welcome. For questions contact Sam Burdette or Amy Miller.
| |  |
|
What is an Episcopalian?
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Are you curious about the Episcopal Church? Or did you grow up in the Episcopal church, but want to refresh/revisit your faith as an adult? Have you ever considered saying “yes” again to Jesus by reaffirming your faith? Or are you interested in growing deeper in your faith with your St. Martin’s community? If so, join this weekly conversation with Rev. Lauren. We’ll meet in the Parish Hall at 9:00 a.m. 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, your coffee, and a friend! Contact Rev. Lauren.
| | |
|
Youth Happening Retreat
February 21-23
Happening is a national program designed, staffed, and run by and for Episcopal youth grades 9th-12th. Deepen your relationship with Jesus and make connections through group talks, small group discussion, prayer through art, games and more! Retreat is held at the Claggett Center. Cost: $75. Sign up online - click here.
| |
Baptisms
Sunday, March 2, 10:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)
Join us at the 10:00 a.m. service, as we do all in our power to support the persons baptized in living out their new life in Christ, and in renewing our Baptismal Covenant. If you or a member of your household would like to be baptized, please contact a member of the clergy by February 16. Contact Rev. Lauren.
| |
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, March 4, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
To honor the tradition of using up eggs, butter and fat before Lent, we will gather for pancakes and a family-friendly service. $10/person, $30/family. Gluten Free/Allergy friendly pancakes available. We will also burn the palms from last year for our Ash Wednesday ashes. Please bring any palms you have. For questions about food allergies contact Lori Skalitzky. Contact Rev. Nathan.
| | |
|
Ash Wednesday Services and
“Ashes to Go”
Wednesday, March 5
Ashes to Go: Drive up to our campus between 7:00-8:00 a.m. to start your day with prayer and the imposition of ashes.
Ash Wednesday Service: Come and observe a Holy Lent on Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes and the Holy Eucharist. All are welcome to worship with the Middle School Chapel Service at 10:30 a.m. or our Evening Service at 7:00 p.m. Contact Rev. Lauren.
| |
Claggett Youth Camps
Sassafras Seniors Week: June 15-20 (grades completed: 8-12)
Camp Spirit Song: 22-27 (For youth grades 4-8 impacted by a family member’s opioid substance abuse)
Family Camp: June 29- July 2 (For families of all ages!)
Mulberry Middle Week: July 6-11 (grades completed: 6-8)
Juneberry Juniors Week: July 13-18 (grades completed: 2-6)
Adventure Camp: July 20-25 (Grades completed: 4-8, special focus on outdoor skills and activities)
For details visit the Claggett Youth Camps webpage.
| |
Save the Date - VBS
July 28- August 1
Mark your calendar for St. Martin’s Vacation Bible School! VBS for 2025 will be July 28- August 1.
| |
|
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| | |
|
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.
| |
Bible Challenge Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s House)
Join us for a 16 week study of the Gospel of Luke. We will be using the LifeChange Study Guide on Luke which can be ordered on Amazon, click here. Contact Cindy Neseth.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
|
SPAN Opportunities for FEBRUARY
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 February theme is “Love One Another.” Please donate shelf stable foods such as: soups, beans, rice, olive oil, pancake mix, flour, sugar, syrups, pasta, whole grains, canned meats and fish, coffee, tea. Additionally, household products like toilet paper, paper towels, soap, detergents, diapers size 4 and up, shampoo and conditioners are appreciated. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. For details about SPAN click here.
| | |
|
A Note from the House of Deputies
President of the House of Deputies of the Episcopal Church, Julia Ayala Harris, wrote a letter to deputies and alternate deputies this week. St. Martin’s is home to several deputies and alternate deputies. Deputies are called to represent their dioceses in crafting and voting on legislation at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention every three years. This letter speaks to the Episcopal Church’s decision to join a religious freedom lawsuit challenging ICE enforcement actions in churches. If you heard about this in the news this week, you might want to read President Ayala Harris’s letter for more context. If you have questions about this, feel free to ask Deputies David Mallery, Rachel Erdman, Nathan Erdman or Lauren Holder.
| |
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: Sarah, David, and Amalia.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: Edmund, Anna May, Joey, Kip, Elise, Sara, Wilma, Merla, Lisa, Mike, The Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Kevin, Melanie, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Vicky, Porter, Caroline, Adam, John, Gretchen, Tyler, Nathan and Rachel.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: Eric and Cindy Neseth.
| 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
| | | | |
