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Wishful Thinking
In the wee hours of the morning, when I should have been sleeping, I noticed the chirping of crickets. I was immediately filled with delight, thinking spring had arrived. My very favorite thing about warmer weather is the night sounds it brings. I have almost always lived near rivers or streams, even in the city. I love the night sounds of bugs and frogs, and I’m not accustomed to those sounds going silent in the winter.
Alas, the chirp I heard was the smoke detector downstairs.
The bugs and frogs have not returned quite yet.
But while walking around the Memorial Garden yesterday, I saw many signs of spring. My ears might have fooled me this morning, but I’m confident in what my eyes behold to be true. I plan to walk through the garden every day in the coming weeks, looking for new life and transformation. So many miracles just below the surface!
I hope you’ll join me.
See you Sunday,
| | | | Join us for Worship this
Sunday at 9:00 a.m. | | |
Guest Preacher and Teacher
This, Sunday, March 8
We are honored to welcome Archdeacon Denise Schiavone to preach and teach. Ordained a vocational deacon at St. John’s Episcopal Church during the height of the pandemic, she brings a deep commitment to inspiring and empowering others for ministry—especially in new and “stretch” spaces. She is Archdeacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and an active advocate for interfaith collaboration and community partnership. Join us for adult education at 9:00 a.m. for the wisdom she will share from her rich experience in service, leadership, and faith.
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Help NEEDED with Winter Shelter Meals - SIGN UP NOW!
March 16 - 23
Sign up today to help with the winter shelter. We need volunteers to supply MEALS! If you don’t cook; no problem - you can help by providing prepared items or volunteering for serving or clean up. Check our sign ups for all the ways to support the shelter including:
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For details contact Kathy Berge.
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Wednesday Nights in Lent
Wednesdays through March 25, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Gather with us for a simple community meal of soup and bread, and explore a short teaching for Lent followed by hands-on options for all ages. We’ll consider simple, sustainable practices like daily prayer, putting scripture before screens, sharing intentional meals, Sabbath rest, meaningful conversation, physical stewardship, and fasting. Participants will have space to reflect, experiment, and begin shaping a personal (or family) Rule of Life for this season. This series is designed for all ages. Join us at the table. We look forward to seeing you there! If you are able to help in preparing or funding our community meal, sign up today by clicking here.
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“The Theology and Practice of Peacebuilding”
Sunday, March 15 & 22, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Led by parishioner Dr. John Keiss, who holds a PhD in ethics and theology and is a professor at Loyola University, this two-week study will move from theory to practice. On March 15, we will examine theological perspectives on peace, from Augustine and Aquinas to Martin Luther King, Jr. On March 22, we will explore real-world examples of churches engaged in peacebuilding, including the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative in Northern Uganda. These classes invite us to move beyond longing for peace and toward understanding—and practicing—what it means to be people of peace in a complex world.
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Easter Flower Dedications
Deadline: Monday, March 23
We are accepting sign-ups now for those who wish to dedicate flowers to give glory to God and bring focus to the cross during our Easter service. Please use the forms in Sunday’s bulletin or complete our online form. Deadline is March 23.
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Children’s Voices for Easter
We are seeking choristers for Easter Sunday! If weekly rehearsals are difficult to attend, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience singing with fellow choristers in a festive and meaningful celebration. Please join us for rehearsals on March 8 and 29 after the 10:00 a.m. service. We will prepare two simple and joyful anthems together. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact HyeSung.
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Registration Open for VBS 2026!
Get ready for an unforgettable week of fun as St. Martin’s-in-the-Field hosts Cokesbury’s “Snowball Mountain Challenge” VBS the week of July 27-31! Registration is now open. Click here and sign up today! Our VBS is powered by the gifts of volunteers. We’d love to have you join the team. Contact Tabitha Carman.
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St. Martin’s Christmas Mart Returns
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Mark your calendars: the Christmas Mart is back in town! This is more than just a craft fair. It’s a festive tradition, a celebration of local talent, and a joyful gathering that brings our whole community together. How do we make it happen? With YOU! We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Christmas Mart Committee. Lots of prep needs to be done to make the Mart successful and fun for everyone. And we’d love for you to be part of it! Interested? Talk to: Amy Theune, 410-353-7664; Kate Cleven, 410-703-7130.
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Claggett Youth Summer Camps
- Sassafras Seniors Week: June 21-26 (Grades completed: 9–12)
- Wildcard Week: July 5-10 (Grades completed: 3-8)
- Mulberry Middle Week: July 12-17 (Grades completed: 6–8)
- Juneberry Juniors Week: July 19-24 (Grades completed: 2–6)
- Special Challenge Camp: July 26-30 (Adults aged 21+ with developmental disabilities)
- Adventure Camp: August 2-7 (Grades completed: 4–10, focused on outdoor skills)
- Generations Gathered: August 8-11 (For families of all shapes and sizes!)
For details visit the Claggett Youth Camps webpage.
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Matching Donations
An anonymous couple is matching all NEW pledges received in March. We are so excited to see so many new faces in this community of faith, and we want to spark a joy of giving for all! The couple will also match any new increases to pledges. Rev. Lauren is reaching out to new folks with an invitation to pledge. If you would like to increase your pledge, contact Rev. Lauren, or Jory Bender, Director of Finance.
Click here to give online. Our Realm payment option now has Google Pay and Apple Pay to make it super easy.
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SPAN Opportunities for this month
SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) serves our neighbors by helping them through a critical or emergency situation. Please donate: pantry staples, baby wipes, diapers, toddler pull ups, Depends for men and women as well as toiletries. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. For details about SPAN visit: www.spanhelps.org/support_us.
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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! Click here for our schedule of events. 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
Thursdays, 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. Martin's 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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SMES Gala & Auction: Come Sail Away! - Saturday, April 18
Please join us at the gala! Tickets are now on sale for the biggest social and fundraising event of the year. This is the one school event you do not want to miss! Gather your friends and family and put a table together, or purchase individual tickets for a night of excitement, friendship, and fun, benefiting the students and teachers of St. Martin’s Episcopal School! Early-Bird Pricing ends on Thursday, March 12. Enjoy an evening full of adventure. Purchase your tickets today!
| | | 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: John, Rosemary, Alec, Mary, Eileen, Susan, Cris, Barbara, George, Jim, Kiera, Mike, Marie, Emma, Brett, Katie, Lew, Karen, Suzanne, Greg, Bruce, David, Joey, Michele, Kerry, Carter, Amalia, Kip, Wilma, Merla, Mike, the Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Elena, Jennie, Jeffrey, Liberty, Betsy, Kassy and Justin.
| 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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