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You Belong Here
Dear St. Martin’s family,
I am still basking in the glow of love, joy and welcome from Tuesday night’s celebration of ministry and installation. Thank you for showing up with your prayers, your voices, your support, and your hospitality. One of the supreme joys for me was “showing off” this wonderful community of faith to so many friends who traveled near and far (and online) to pray with us. I felt like shouting, “Look! Look at these people I get to belong to! I belong here!”
And you belong here, too.
In the midst of all that joy, I want to share some difficult news with you. This past Sunday, a member of our church family found a note on their car after worship. The note said something hateful and targeted, and closed with the words: “You don’t belong here.”
Beloved in Christ, this breaks my heart. And I know it could break your heart too, just reading it.
You belong here. You belong here. You belong here. Every one of us belongs in the Body of Christ. It takes every single one of us, even the people we disagree with. The only thing that does not belong here is hate. Hate is the absence of God, for God is love, and we are called to live in the very center of God’s love so that we can share our love more boldly and more bravely as Jesus followers.
Know that the leadership of this church—the vestry, the staff and myself—are committed to St. Martin’s being a place of inclusivity, hospitality, and the kind of joy that comes from loving like Jesus.
God loves you, I love you, you belong.
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By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
~ John 13:35
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Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | |
We give thanks for the life of Adelaide and Rolfe Herron in whose memory today’s altar flowers are given. | |
RESPONDING TO THE WILDFIRES IN CALIFORNIA | |
Episcopal Relief & Development is working closely with partners to support people affected by the Southern California wildfires. The Wildfire Response Fund is an important tool for responding to immediate needs and supporting long-term recovery. Visit episcopalrelief.org to donate and get more information. | |
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Evensong at All Saints
Sunday, January 19, 5:00 p.m.
Come join us and invite friends to a stirring service of Evensong to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Historic Church of All Saints Frederick. The music selected for this service includes favorites of Dr. King as well as music by Black composers. St. Martin’s choir members will be joining the All Saints choir. 106 West Church Street, Frederick.
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Church Office Closed
The church office will be closed January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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Midday Bible Study
Thursday, January 23, 12:00 noon
New year, new way to connect with God’s word! Join us for a weekly, midday Bible study beginning on Thursday, January 23rd at noon, in the conference room of St. Martins house. Bring a Bible. We will explore the gospel of Luke. For information contact Julie Reiter, 443-875-1457.
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Service of Remembrance for Mark Kellogg
Saturday, January 25, 11:00 a.m.
All are invited to a service of remembrance for the life of Mark Kellogg. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Memorial Garden Fund. Reception in Parish Hall to follow.
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The Great St. Martin’s Chili Cook Off
Saturday, January 25, 5:00 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Do you have a mean (or nice) chili recipe? Or would you rather eat than cook? Now is your chance for both. Any chef can enter and any attendee can come and taste and vote for the best. $5 per person, $20 per family, $1 per vote. St. Martin’s Chili Cook-Off fundraiser helps fund the upcoming J2A Youth Pilgrimage. Prizes awarded in different categories for the tastiest chili. Sign up your chili today - click here!
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EYC: Cookie Bake Off
Sunday, February 2, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Join us for a fun and tasty time baking and decorating cookies. Dinner is included. All youth and friends in grades 6 through 12 are invited to take part in the fun. Contact Rev. Nathan.
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Our 2025 Vestry Candidates
Let us introduce you to the four parishioners who have prayerfully accepted nominations to join our vestry as the class of 2028: Elaine Bachmann, Tim George, Linda Heiss, and John Theune, with Kevin O’Connell in a new position as Chancellor. Join us on February 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. for the Annual Meeting where the candidates will be acclaimed by the congregation. For questions contact Rev. Lauren.
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Annual Meeting
February 2, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
You are invited to our annual meeting. We will discuss the past year and the coming future for St. Martin’s. Join us at 9:00 a.m. for both the meeting with a continental breakfast. For details contact the church office.
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Rabb Lecture featuring Bishop Michael Curry
February 8, 2025, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
The John L. Rabb Lectures in Contemporary Theology & St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ellicott City will proudly present The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, The 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, as keynote speaker at their annual lecture. Cost: $40 (includes breakfast and a boxed lunch). Register at http://bit.ly/RabbLecture-2025
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Super Bowl Watch Party
Sunday, February 9, 6:00 p.m., (Lower Heck Hall)
Come one come all to the St Martin’s Super Bowl party! Main course provided, please bring a side dish and any adult beverage you want to drink. For details contact John Theune.
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Women’s Weekend at Claggett
February 21-23, 2025
Join Rev. Lauren and other women from St. Martin's-in-the-Field for a women's retreat with women across the diocese at Claggett Conference Center. The Keynote Speaker will be Bishop Carrie Schofield-Broadbent and the theme for the weekend is Love in Action. Sign up online.
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Youth Happening Retreat at Claggett
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.
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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.
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Foyers Groups At St. Martin’s
Foyers are small groups of parishioners who meet monthly to share a simple meal and join in fellowship. In the past gatherings have included dinners, picnics, boating outings, bowling, trivia night, etc. This is a great way for adults (any age, singles or couples)—especially those new to St. Martin’s— to make strong and lasting connections with other parishioners. Groups are forming now, contact Judy Bonanno, (410) 991-3562.
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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 Gospel of Luke. We will be using the LifeChange Study Guide on Luke which can be ordered on Amazon, click here. Contact Cindy Neseth.
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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): Lower Heck Hall
- 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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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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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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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. Drop your kids off for Sunday School and/or youth group, grab a cup of coffee or a donut, and join us. This group is open to all adults. Contact Chris and Liz Lucas.
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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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Gift Cards to Support J2A
Our J2A Youth Group is selling gift cards for their pilgrimage. For every card purchased, they receive a percentage back. These cards make great graduation gifts, but most importantly can be used for everyday purchases. Give a card to yourself to buy your everyday groceries. It’s a easy way to support the youth at St. Martin’s without costing you extra. To place an order or to set up an account and order online contact Amber Kaltz.
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SPAN Opportunities for JANUARY
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 January’s theme is “the S(o)uper Bowl.”
Please donate: canned fruits and vegetables in addition to pantry staples like cereal, oatmeal, flour, sugar, masa, rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauces and soups. Additionally, high need items include: baby wipes, diapers, toddler pull ups, Depends for men and women, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer.
Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. For details about SPAN click here.
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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: All those effected by the wildfires in Southern California, Kip, Merla, Susan, David, Amalia, Edmund, Anna May, Elana, and Joey.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: 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: David, Claudia, Adley, and Vivian.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY: Bob and Julie Reiter.
| 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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