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One of my favorite Lenten hymns is “Now the Green Blade Riseth.” I remember it from my childhood, learning the hymn in music class and singing it in school chapel. I loved (and love!) how the hymn has this melancholy quality to it, given the minor key, but also this joyful quality, given the tune was originally a French Christmas Carol. The text echos this mix of dark and light, sadness and joy:
When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain,
Thy touch can call us back to life again,
Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.
The pain and the hope are woven together like hands clasped in prayer. I just love it.
I share this with you because I’ve been singing this hymn in my head the past several weeks.
It all started when I ventured under my back porch to check on some iris bulbs I had neglected. The bulbs are special to me because they belonged to my grandmother, and my dad and I dug them up with my grandmother the last time I saw her. I planted the bulbs at home in Atlanta, and they flowered for the first time last Spring. I dug them up again in August with some help from friends in my Bible study, and I brought them here to Maryland. I should have planted them in September, but I did not.
At least once a week I would think of the bulbs and my neglect of them. I was afraid to check on them, worried they would have rotted or grown moldy under my porch, worried I had ruined an heirloom and treasured connection to my dad and my grandmother.
But on February 25, the anniversary of my dad’s death, the sun was shining, and I decided it was time to check on the iris bulbs. I lifted the bag from beneath the back porch, and friends, strong green blades were rising from bulbs I thought would be dormant. Now the green blade riseth! Love is come again!
Is your heart wintry, grieving or in pain? Has the field of your heart been dead and bare?
The miracle of Jesus and the stubborn love of God is that love comes again, and again, and again. In the winter, in the grief, in the pain, in death, it what was thought to be barren—there is life and love.
Love doesn’t erase the pain. Love doesn’t stop death. But love grows right there in the midst of it. Nothing and no one can put a stop to God’s love for you.
May we, like Jesus, learn to be stubborn with our love this Lent.
Yours in Christ,
| | | | Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | | |
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. If you receive any suspicious email, forward it to the church office. DO NOT RESPOND to the email.
If you are in doubt, please contact the church office.
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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 in the Parish Hall at 9:00 a.m. Bring your questions, your coffee, and a friend! Contact Rev. Lauren.
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New Seating in the Sanctuary
We are excited to say that the organ console and the choir have been moved down from the balcony, and the hand bell choir tables moved under the organ.
These changes have created a new seating situation which offers our parishioners an opportunity to sit somewhere different and see the church from a new angle. We now have seating in the balcony and more seating on the right side of the church. We encourage members to fill in the spaces closest to the altar leaving the back of the church available for those who may be running late or who are new here.
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Winter Shelter
March 17-24
We are excited to see all of the ways that our St. Martin’s family will come together to welcome men in need of fellowship, hospitality, and shelter to our campus for the week of March 17-24. We encourage you to take some time today to discern how God is calling you to participate in this ministry. There are many ways to help! Click here and sign up today! Contact Kathy Berge.
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Journey through the Triduum
Wednesdays through April 9, 12 noon (Zoom)
Tridu-what? 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! If you have ever wondered why some people “geek out” over the Easter Vigil (your clergy included), this Zoom class will illuminate that Paschal mystery. Click here for the ZOOM link. Contact Rev. Lauren with questions.
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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
Don’t forget that we have childcare available for children age 4 and under in our nursery each 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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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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EYC: Winter Shelter
Sunday, March 23, 5:30 p.m.
EYC will serve a meal for Winter Shelter at 5:30 p.m. in Parish Hall, then eat with our guests. It’s always wonderful to serve our community together! Dinner is provided, but if your family would like to support our Winter Shelter efforts, click here. For all youth grades 6th-12th. Friends are welcome. For questions contact Sam Burdette or Amy Miller.
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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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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
Early-Bird Pricing Available Now! Special Pricing through March 15th
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: Peter and Rosemary.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: 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 THE ALTAR GREENS ARE GIVEN IN MEMORY OF: Nancy Griesmyer.
FOR THOSE RECENTLY JOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY: Greg Church and Laura Watkins
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Matthew, Kay, Ann, Lindsay, Owen, Conner, Finlay, Dawn, Grant, David, Doug, David, Jackson, Amanda, Anna, and Bryan.
| 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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