SAINTS ALIVE

June Edition

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MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR

I come from the land of corn, soybeans, hay and cabbage.  There’s a pretty strong fruit connection, too — peaches, pears, and apples, plus a lot of grapes grown for the local wine industry.  It’s been such a treat to be here in Calvert, watching fields get tilled and crops begin to come up. These winding roads allow me to marvel at God’s creation and get curious about what will be coming. It’s a time of great learning. (By the way, Gordon Grahame gave me quite a tutorial in growing and curing tobacco. I learned a lot!)  

This has been a time of pleasant surprises, too. For instance, I think of strawberries as being a late June delight. Is there anything better than a fresh strawberry, right off the plant? My grandmother used to make the BEST strawberry shortcake for the 4th of July. That would be too late if we lived here! A number of folks have been kind enough to share their fresh strawberries with me. Strawberries in May? Thank you! Now on to other kinds of berries.

I can’t wait to explore all the farmers’ markets over the next few months. If you have a favorite farmers’ market, please let me know. I’m eager to explore and find more. 

Closer to the church, have you gone down to look at the Project Spudnik garden? Go check out what they have growing there — all of which benefits our local food cupboards. Also, if you have a green thumb (or even an interest in learning more), please consider helping Spudnik. Many hands make light work and happy veggies. For more, please contact Glenn Iona at therave_1999@yahoo.com.

Almighty God, we thank you that you have made the earth fruitful, so that it might produce what is needed for life: Bless those who work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that we may all share the fruits of the earth, rejoicing in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Honoring Our Military Family — May is National Military Appreciation Month

Though May is drawing to a close, we would be remiss not to pause and give thanks for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation in uniform. All Saints is blessed to have active duty and retired military members among our parish family, and we are grateful for their sacrifice, dedication, and service.



Let us pray:

Gracious and loving God, we give thanks for all who have answered the call to serve — those who are deployed far from home, those standing watch at home and abroad, and those who have carried the weight of service and now walk among us in our daily lives. Surround them with your protection and peace. Comfort their families who share in their sacrifice. And grant to all who have served the knowledge that their courage and commitment are seen, honored, and deeply appreciated. We ask this in the name of your Son, who himself knew sacrifice beyond measure. Amen.

With gratitude and pride, we honor our All Saints military family — past, present, and always.

Happy Father's Day on June 14 to dads and the men who help to father us.

SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATES

Search Committee to Hold Info Gathering Sessions on June 14 

Our Search Committee is off to a great start, and they’d like your feedback on some of their early work. They will be holding two sessions on Sunday, June 14 —one during coffee hour and one after the 10:30 service. Each session will be the same content. Rev. Virginia will facilitate a discussion on the characteristics we are looking for in a new rector, as well as some other fun activities to solicit what you feel makes All Saints so special. Please join us for these important conversations on June 14!

Congregational Survey to take place in June and July

As part of our Search process, we are undertaking a parish survey beginning in mid-June. We contracted with Holy Cow! Consulting to use their Congregational Assessment Tool. This survey will give YOU the opportunity to weigh in on the rector search and strategic planning thoughts for All Saints. Ben Reist and Rev. Virginia will be overseeing the process. More information to come — please stay tuned!

VESTRY AND LEADERSHIP NEWS

Our Vestry members are the lay leaders who help steer the vision and governance of All Saints. In this section, you will find updates on our monthly meetings, Rector Search committee progress, and building-related decisions. It’s your window into the leadership and future planning of our parish home.

All Vestry members, officers and staff are required to complete Safe Church Training and Anti-Racism Training through the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland every three years. These trainings are mandated through the General Convention and the Canons of the Diocese of Maryland. Several of our vestry and members have completed the training it is mandatory for the groups listed but anyone can benefit from it. The lessons it offers help us keep our community a place where all can feel safe and welcome.

Safe Church Training for Volunteer Leaders

To view the video trainings, click https://episcopalmaryland.org/required-workshops/ 

Scroll down and click on the red tab labeled "Initial Enrollment in Praesidium Academy," or, if you already have an account, “Log Back Into Your Praesidium Academy Account.”  

Add your name, email address, a personal password and a registration code. The registration code for anyone at All Saints, Sunderland is:

reg-episcopalmaryland-188-saintssunderland

Once registered, volunteer leaders must complete the 8 Safe Church/Safe Communities videos. These eight video trainings have a 3-year certification period and include:

Safe Church Safe Communities: Universal Training (4 videos)

-             Inclusion

-             Healthy Boundaries

-             Organization Rules & Policies

-             Introduction & Theological Background

 Safe Church Safe Communities: Specialty Training (4 videos)

-             Power & Relationships

-             Pastoral Relationships

-             Bullying

-             Abuse & Neglect

Upon completion of the trainings, please print email your transcript to Tam at allsaints1692@allsaints1692.org. If you need help locating or formatting your transcript just call the office.

Please also send a copy to Sally Swygert (contact information below) so that she can update the parish’s diocesan databank record.  

Feel free to contact Sally if you have any questions.

Sally Swygert

Administrative Coordinator for Development, Stewardship & Accounting

410-467-1399; ext 1369

sswygert@episcopalmaryland.org

STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE

Supporting the Mission of All Saints Faithfulness in our resources allows our ministry to flourish.

Financial performance for the first quarter is on track, though we remind everyone to stay current with their pledges and/or consider making a pledge if they have not already done so.

Donate online through EasyTithe.

Give through Our Website 

Did you know that you can give through our website? It's quick and easy - you can make one-time transactions or you can schedule recurring giving. Try it using the steps listed below:

Click the link (top of page) to be taken to our allsaints1692.org website and then click on the GIVE NOW button.

1. If you’re using easyTithe for the first time, create an account under "Sign In" and fill in your basic information. 
2. Next choose a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift by clicking the appropriate tab, and fill in the amount you'd like to donate.
3. From the dropdown bar entitled "Fund," choose the appropriate fund in the dropdown menu.
4. Enter your credit or debit card information or bank account information to make a payment. You can choose to add 2.5% to help cover costs of processing.
5. Click submit. It’s that easy!

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Don't forget Bible Study!

Join us on Wednesdays, on Zoom or in person to learn about the coming Sunday's readings. Last week we looked at various paintings of Pentecost and talked about how the scriptures informed what we expected to see in the art. We also noted how the art helps us to think through the Pentecost story, how we think about the Holy Spirit, and how we find joy in the stories of God's people.  Join us at 7 on Wednesdays in the Heritage room to explore with us!

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/715310766 

Meeting ID 715 310 766 Password 014954

Episcopal for Everybody

Join us this Sunday at 9:15 in the Heritage Room for our last Episcopal for Everyone gathering to learn more about the Episcopal Church, our history, what we believe, and how we live our faith. All questions are welcome, no prior knowledge is assumed. Whether you are curious about our Prayer Book, our Sacraments, our worship, or how we govern ourselves….anything and everything is on the table! Please join us! This program is also accessible via Zoom using the Sunday worship link.

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND NURSERY

Children & Families at All Saints We love having children in our worship services! For families who prefer it, we provide a consistent nursery attendant each Sunday to offer a safe, welcoming space for our youngest members. Whether your little ones stay with you in the pews or visit the nursery, please know they are a cherished part of our parish family.



As we look toward the fall, we are always open to ideas for youth engagement. If you have a heart for our children’s ministry, please reach out to the office.

ECW Updates.

Our women’s breakfast at Dreamweaver in Prince Frederick is always on the first Saturday of the month. It will be on June 6 this month. We meet at 9:00 a.m. in the back of the restaurant, where we have a table reserved.

Our next ECW meeting will be on Saturday, June 20, at 9:00 a.m. We will meet upstairs in the Parish Hall.

Join the ECW Community



All parish women are welcome to join us in our mission to serve the parish and community. Whether you can attend our monthly meetings (held on the third Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. in the upstairs parish hall) or not, we invite you to get involved. Contact Jill Dowell at (443) 610-5294 to find an ECW mission that meets your passion!

OUTREACH AND MISSIONS

PROJECT SPUDNIK GARDEN — JOIN US & GROW HOPE

The Project Spudnik Garden is blooming with community involvement but could benefit from  additional volunteers to help grow fresh food for local pantries. In May, 11 dedicated volunteers helped over two weeks — special thanks to Alex, Jessica, Brianna, and our core team. Come learn to grow your own food, connect with others looking to make a real difference. We also maintain raised, accessible beds for gardeners of all abilities.

Dates

·       Workdays: Saturdays June 6 & 20, 10:00–12:00; July 11 & 25, 9:00–11:00

·       Harvest Days: Every Tuesday in June, 10:00–12:00; July harvests 9:00–11:00

June Plans

·       Transplant & plant grow bags: cucumbers, more tomatoes, basil, parsley, peppers

·       Direct-seed: bush green beans, pole beans, melons, peppers

·       Maintenance: monitor grow bags for pests and weeds

·       Harvesting: carrots, strawberries, and radishes should be ready in June

·       Soil: round two of soil-making — more rich soil incoming

May Highlights

·       Planted grow bags: 6 tomatoes, 6 zucchini, 6 yellow squash, 6 sweet potato, 6 eggplant, 4 peppers;refreshed soil and fertilizer across beds

·       Accessible garden: seeded lettuce beds for easy access harvesting

·       Potatoes: recovered from April freeze — added soil & fertilizer; hopeful for a strong harvest

·       Strawberries: refurbished bags, weeded, added 9 plants — many berries nearly ready

·       Blueberries: weeded and topped with fresh soil

·       Irrigation: added 20+ drip lines for new grow bags and fixed multiple issues

·       Herbs: cleared two trees from the herb bed and tidied the area

·       Trees: weeded and fertilized figs, Sherril’s tree, and the cherry tree

·       Cabbage: added wire hoops; netting planned for June to keep pests out

How to Help

·       Bring your yard clothes, water, and a smile — all skill levels welcome

·       Stay for an hour or the whole shift; every bit helps feed our neighbors

Thank you to everyone pitching in — together we’re growing food, community, and hope.

The garden is located on the grounds of All Saints Church by the Parish Hall

on 100 Lower Marlboro Road, Sunderland, Maryland. Contact Glenn Iona at 443-684-1353 for more information.

Be A Reading Camp Hero

Reading Camp Calvert will take place at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Prince Frederick, from Monday, July 6th trough Friday, July 10th. This is an all volunteer, free day camp for reluctant and emerging readers going into 3rd, 4th and 5th grade who need a boost over the summer. Our theme this year is BE A HERO, and YOU can be a hero to our campers.  

Volunteer:  

• Be a Buddy Reader, one morning from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. Sit with campers one-on-one and read a book of their choosing with them.
• Be our camp Healthcare Person - Nurse/Doctor/EMT available throughout camp for medical emergencies (mostly precautionary). Also assists at check-in and check out. This can be a shared position.
• Lead an Afternoon Camp Activity



Apply HERE: https://forms.gle/S5MrNCPWhV94E7Gf8

Donate:

In keeping with our theme, we need books for campers to read during camp, and to take home at the end of camp. Browse our Amazon Wishlist HERE https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1XZLHESTP3AVK/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2

Your help is greatly appreciated. Questions? Contact Cheryl Thompson, Director, Reading Camp Calvert readingcampcalvert@gmail.com

ALL SAINTS PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY

May is National Stroke Awareness month A stroke can be a frightening and life-altering event but knowing the signs and acting quickly can significantly improve outcomes and minimize damage. Understanding the early signs of a stroke, commonly known as BE FAST, can help you or someone you know receive prompt medical attention and potentially minimize the impact of the stroke. If someone you know is displaying any of the following symptoms, call 911.

GIVE BLOOD, SAVE LIVES!

All Saints Episcopal Church and the American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive again this year.

Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today using the QR code on the flyer! If you would prefer, you can click here to make an appointment.

Drive Details:

Site: All Saints Episcopal Parish Hall

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Blood Program Leader Name: David Lippe

Blood Program Leader Phone Number: 202-365-3924

We hope to see you there!

C4 Sunday on June 28

Mark your calendars for Sunday June 28, when we will celebrate the many accomplishments of the Calver Concept Charitable Corporation (C4). Did you know that this summer, TWO C4 client members will achieve their goals of home ownership? One person has already closed on their new home and another is expected to close in a few weeks. These milestones are important for the home owners and for C4, as we look to bring housing justice to our region. Let's celebrate C4 on June 28!

WANTED: Volunteers to provide a meal to the Project Echo Homeless Shelter. Open dates are August 10th. Please contact Meghan Westland at mmcmahon18@gmail.com to volunteer,

LIFE OF THE PARISH AND FELLOWSHIP

NEWCOMER’S BRUNCH



At the beginning of May, All Saints hosted a brunch at the rectory for newcomers. Reverend Virginia opened up the rectory and gave a very warm welcome to our new parishioners. Everyone enjoyed good food, laughter, and stimulating conversation. 

New members introduced themselves, and some expressed areas of interest in our various ministries, commissions, and committees. The children who attended had a lot of fun looking for Phoebe, the cat who was hiding from all. When you see our new members, please reach out to them and welcome them. Get to know them and invite them to join you at various church activities. Connect with one another. Thanks be to God. 



The Parish Family Life Commission was responsible for this event.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES



All Saints is very happy to congratulate three members of our parish who will be graduating from High School this year. We are so proud of these three students and we are asking God to put a hedge of protection around them as they enter the next chapter of their lives.

Avhlee Reist is a senior at Northern High School, where she is a member of the cross country track and tennis teams. She also participates in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program. In the fall, Avhlee will be attending the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland to study engineering and participate in the Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps. At All Saints, she serves as an acolyte, youth vestry member and leader of the Sunday School Team.

Ryan Horn is a senior at Huntingtown High School and she will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall to study engineering. Ryan has a strong interest in math, technology and problem-solving, and is involved in MESA, Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, psychology club, peer tutoring, and her school’s swim team. Outside of school, Ryan enjoys spending time with her dogs, reading, working on projects, and hanging out with friends and family. She loves learning new things, helping others, and being involved in her community. At All Saints, Ryan serves as an acolyte and a reader.

William Dougherty is graduating in June with honors from DeMatha High School, Hyattsville, MD. He has been accepted to the engineering school at the University of Delaware and will study biomedical engineering there beginning in the fall. While at DeMatha, William played varsity hockey, lacrosse and golf. 

In addition, we would like to send congratulations to Joyce Arthur’s daughter and granddaughter. Joyce’s daughter, Darlene, received a Doctorate degree in Nursing Practice with an emphasis on Palliative Care in the Critical Care Population. She is currently employed with Howard Community Hospital in Columbia, MD. Jolie Beavers, granddaughter of Joyce Arthur, graduated from Leonardtown High School and she will be continuing her education at North Carolina State and majoring in Veterinary Medicine.

KUDOS TO ALL OF OUR GRADUATES AND THE HARD WORKING PARENTS WHO GUIDED THEM ALONG THE WAY. THANKS BE TO GOD!

The Crafting/Needlework Group will be meeting on Zoom, Thursday, June 4th from 6:30 - 8 pm. Please join us to work on your projects or just to talk. Share with your friends who might be interested. No crafting required! All are welcome! If you have any questions about this or our in-person meetings, please contact Cindy Overstrom at cynthiaoverstrom@gmail.com or 410-474-0086. Hope to see you. Cindy

Here is the link:

Join the Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81550525385

The Men’s Breakfast is always the first Saturday of every month at 9:00 a.m. at Traders Restaurant in Chesapeake Beach. Jim Thrift, our convener, will be in attendance, setting up the room before 9:00. The breakfasts are for all Christian men for fellowship and fun. We discuss most everything except religion. Plan to attend and bring a friend, as all are welcome, especially newcomers. If you attend, you’ll have fun; if you don’t, we'll talk about you.

VOLUNTEERING

We Need Your Photos — and Your Talents!

It is an exciting time at All Saints! We have begun our Rector Search and are preparing to refresh our website at www.allsaints1692.org — our digital front door to the world. We want it to reflect who we are today: a vibrant, active, and inclusive parish community.

Do you have photos from All Saints events or services taken in 2026? We are building a photo library to bring our website to life, and we need your help! Whether you snapped pictures at a Sunday service, a parish event, or a special occasion this year, we would love to have them. Please share them with Deb Shupe at allsaints1692connections@gmail.com.

Do you enjoy photography or video? The Connections Commission is looking for 1-3 parishioners willing to capture both services and parish events on an ongoing basis throughout the year. We are also looking for someone with video editing or reel-making skills to help create short-form content for our website and social media. No professional experience necessary — just enthusiasm and a willing heart!

Interested in either? Please get in touch with Deb Shupe at allsaints1692connections@gmail.com or 410-231-8150.

CALVERT ARTS FESTIVAL

We're still celebrating the Calvert Arts Festival and invite you to enjoy these photo memories taken by Deb Shupe LINK

NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF MARYLAND

Chesapeake Deanery Leadership Meeting — June 7

The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland has recently reorganized its regional structure, creating larger groupings called Deaneries. All Saints now belongs to the Chesapeake Deanery, and June 7th marks our very first gathering under this new structure — a significant moment in the life of our Diocese.

Bishop Carrie will be joining us at St. James Parish in Lothian for this inaugural meeting, and we’d love to have All Saints well represented. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Episcopalians from across the region, meet our new Dean, and hear directly from our Bishop about the future of the Diocese.

The meeting begins at 3:00 p.m. at St. James Parish, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, MD 20711, with a reception to follow.

All are welcome — laity and clergy alike. We hope to see you there!

FROM EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT NEWS

From Episcopal Relief and Development News:

In partnership with faith-based and secular organizations across the country, the Episcopal Relief and Development Organization responds when disasters strike—supporting communities with care, immediate relief, and long-term recovery efforts, whenever they need it most.

Learn how they’re making a difference at:

https://www.episcopalrelief.org/our.../us-disaster-program/

A Free Resource for Planning Your Future

Did you know that the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland has partnered with FreeWill to offer every Episcopalian access to a complete, legally valid will — entirely free of charge and in about 20 minutes?

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but this simple tool makes it accessible to everyone. We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful resource, which we pray will give you peace of mind and allow you to care for the people and ministries you love. You can get started here.



Have you already created a will that includes a gift to All Saints or another diocesan ministry? We’d love to thank you personally — please let us know by completing a brief Gift Intent Form here

IN THE CALVERT COMMUNITY

Juneteenth — Celebrate Freedom! 



Juneteenth, observed each year on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas finally received word that they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a day of reflection, celebration, and community.

This year, the Calvert County NAACP invites everyone to join their annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20th, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in St. Leonards. This free, family-friendly event features food trucks, vendors, and community resources — a wonderful day of fun and fellowship celebrating Freedom Day!



You may also spot a few familiar faces there — Calvert Concept (C4) will have an information booth at the event. Stop by and show your support!

Project ECHO needs your help!

CALVERT PEACE PROJECT

Summer of Service 2026 | July 13-17, 2026 | Register Your Youth Today

Gain Life Skills! Form Friendships! Discover the Power of Service!

The Calvert Peace Project is pleased to offer our county’s youth the Peaceful Youth Leaders Summer of Service. This week-long volunteer experience, enriched with lessons and reflection, for youth ages 12-18 will take place July 13–17, 2026, with each day at a different community organization location. Learn more about the Summer of Service and register your youth at https://peacethroughaction.org/summer

Our Summer of Service will provide youth a meaningful and fun way to grow as leaders while serving people and the environment of Calvert County. This activity will introduce them to the importance of and satisfaction from taking positive actions with their peers and for their communities. Through service projects with community organizations and leadership development lessons, youth will gain life skills, form friendships, and discover the power of service.

ALL SAINTS SERVICE INFORMATION

Healing Services are now Hybrid

We have shifted our Healing Services to a hybrid format, with some folks in church, and some online. Whichever way works for you, join us at 10 on Wednesdays to pray for those who are ill or in any need, and to pray for healing for ourselves.

Join us on Zoom, or in person to raise your voice in prayer too. Prayer requests may be sent to Virginia.

Here is the Zoom link:

By pc, laptop, or smart device, click on this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/479413263

If asked for a password, enter 015568

The Lessons for Trinity Sunday

Worship with Us Online

https://www.lectionarypage.net/

Sunday 8 a.m.

For those not attending in person, the 8 a.m. liturgy is live-streamed on our Facebook page. You may tune in at 8 a.m. by clicking on this link:  

https://www.facebook.com/allsaints1692  

The bulletin may be found just below. [Please note: Unlike our 10:30 a.m. service on Zoom, the 8 a.m. service is not interactive. You will be able to view the liturgy and the sermon, but will not be able to see or speak with the other viewers.] 

Link to our 8 a.m. >>>     BULLETIN

Sunday 10:30 a.m.



To join the 10:30 a.m. service by pc, laptop, or smart device, click on this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/715310766  

(You can join directly through the Zoom app by entering the Meeting ID: 715 310 766)

To join by cell phone (audio only)

Call in number: 1-301-715-8592 When asked for the access code, enter: 715310766#

To join by landline:

Dial: 1 301-715-8592 Meeting ID: 715 310 766

Link to our 10:30 a.m. >>>    BULLETIN

The July monthly newsletter will be published on Friday, June 26th. Submissions for the July edition will be due by Friday, June 12th.

NOTE: Please send all submissions complete and to both the office email and the Connections email. Submissions sent in pieces, on different days, or across multiple platforms are extremely difficult to assemble accurately.

Submissions for the weekly updates will continue to be due by 8:00 a.m. Wednesday of the same week.

Link to our submitter’s GUIDELINES