SAINTS ALIVE

July Edition

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MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR

To Dip or Sip, or None at All?

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve spoken during the announcements about Communion. Many folks receive the wafer, then dip the it in the wine. Having the individual dip the wafer is called self-intinction. Some people prefer self-intinction because drinking from the chalice can be a little awkward. Others prefer self-intinction due to fear of germs. For others, they learned to do it when they first started taking Communion, and it’s all they’ve ever done.

However, self-intinction is not intended to be the norm. The Book of Common Prayer says “the sacrament may be received in both kinds simultaneously,” this can only take place “in a manner approved by the bishop” (BCP, p. 407-08). 

Recently, our bishop, the Right Rev. Carrie Scholfield-Broadbent, told the clergy that she would like us to stop using self-intinction. She has two reasons behind this: one is theological and the other is practical. Theologically, we are people of a “common cup.” Jesus held up one cup and asked us to take the wine in memory of him. We are to drink the same wine, which has been made holy in him.

In practical terms, research has found that intinction is actually much more risky than drinking from the cup. (The CDC’s research can be seen here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7377019/

First, the cup itself is silver, which is antimicrobial. Germs do not live on the silver. Second, the altar server carefully wipes after a person has taken the cup, and presents a new port of the cup to the next person. On the other hand (pun intended), our hands carry significant amounts of bacteria and germs. When we dip the wine, it’s easy for our fingers to get into the wine, or to touch the edge of the cup that other people will then touch. We want to avoid passing those germs and bacteria on to others.

Now I understand there has been controversy and strong opinion about this for decades. When I began in ministry in the 80’s, HIV transmission was a major fear. Then came SARS. Then COVID. Various approaches were recommended, including the priest dipping the wafer and placing it on the outstretched tongues of the people at the rail. I believe that practice has more pitfalls then benefits (not the least of which is dropped wafers!). 

So what are the options?

1.     You can drink from the chalice, as Bishop Carrie recommends. I recognize this can be awkward if you aren’t used to the practice. Some fear the wine spilling on them. Others fear the chalice banking on their teeth. What can help?

a.      Look up to at the altar server, which will help him/her to guide the chalice to your mouth.

b.     When the altar server presents the chalice, help guide it to your mouth by grasping the bottom (the “foot”) of the chalice. The altar server will still hold the chalice lightly, to prevent it from falling.

c.      Open your mouth slightly so that the chalice does not bang you in the mouth.

d.     The altar server will say, “The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.” Say “Amen,” and then take a sip.



2.     You can choose not to take the wine. The bread is a sufficient and complete on it’s own, so not taking the wine is acceptable. However, please remain at the rail, with your arms crossed. It’s important to recognize that the wine is still part of Communion and has been offered. The altar server will still say, “The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.” You may nod, or say Amen, and then get up to leave from the rail. (By the way, if kneeling is too difficult for you, it’s perfectly fine to stand at the altar rail.)

I hope these instructions will help. If you have any questions about Communion or why we are making this change, please let me know. 

Yours in Christ,

Virginia+

The news out of Venezuela has us all concerned. Please pray for those who were harmed, who are looking for relatives, who are doing the rescue and recovery work. If you would like to donate for disaster relieve, please consider Episcopal Relief and Development: https://www.episcopalrelief.org/

Updating the Prayer List

Did you know that we maintain a prayer list that we include in the Newsletter and in the Wednesday Healing Service? We are in the process of updating the list now. We will keep the person on the prayer list for a period of 12 weeks (or longer, if you request). For those who are in mourning, we keep the family on the prayer list for six months. You will probably recognize a lot of names on the list. Unless explicitly instructed to do so, we will not disclose why someone is on the list. Please trust that God knows why the person needs prayer, and our job is to lift the person up to God and to offer love.

If you would like to add someone to the prayer list, please contact the church office.

A Note of Affirmation

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate and affirm the dignity and worth of our LGBTQ+ neighbors, friends, and family members. As the month draws to a close, All Saints holds close the words of our Baptismal Covenant — to respect the dignity of every human being — and extends an open and affirming welcome to all who seek a spiritual home here. A prayer, as we end Pride month: HERE.

SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATES

Dear All Saints Members,

You’ve learned about the Congregation Assessment Tool (CAT). Now, let’s outline just how easy it is to participate and what you can expect during the assessment process for All Saints Parish.

Participating in the CAT is straightforward:

1. Access the Assessment: We will send you a link to the online assessment on June 26, 2026.

2. Complete the Survey: Take about 20 to 30 minutes to thoughtfully answer the 86 questions. Your honest input is invaluable!

3. Share Your Voice: Your participation helps us gain a collective understanding of our church’s strengths, areas for growth, and future aspirations.

Our Assessment Timeline – Your Participation is Key!

● Assessment Launch: The online assessment will be live and ready for your input starting June 26, 2026.

● Open for 3-4 Weeks: We recommend keeping the assessment open for this period to gather robust participation from everyone. We will provide updates on participation throughout this time.

● Assessment Close Date (Around Week 4): The assessment will close on July 24, 2026. Please ensure you complete it before then!

● Reports & Interpretation (Weeks 5-6): Our leadership will receive the comprehensive “Vital Signs” reports a few days before our scheduled interpretation session, where we will review the findings.

A quick tip for leaders: We strongly recommended our leadership team take the survey before sending it to the wider congregation. This provides a valuable perspective and helps us prepare for any questions.

Ready to embark on this insightful journey with our congregation?

Look out for the assessment link coming soon to your inbox!

We are committed to making Better Decisions | Less Time | More Confidence as we move forward together, guided by your valuable input.

Sincerely,

Virginia+ and Ben Reist

VESTRY AND LEADERSHIP NEWS

Calvert Arts Festival check donations

Reverend Virginia has presented the donations from funds raised by the Calvert Arts Festival to the Calvert Community Churches Food Pantry Board President Dwight Williams and to the Sherriff's office liaison for Safe Harbor, Sharon DiMaggio

The vestry gave vestry member David Lippe a going away party at the June meeting. Sending love and gratitude to David Lippe as he begins a new journey. A wonderful friend, colleague, and volunteer, we will miss you!

STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE

Church Finance Update 

We are now halfway through the budget year, and we want to give you a financial update. The good news: We have taken in more in pledges than expected for this point in the year. However, we have not taken in as much as we expected in “plate,” meaning the Sunday offering that was not pledged. Other income is doing well and we are pleased to report that the Calvert Arts Festival (CAF) made 50% more than we budgeted. 

In terms of expense, we are significantly over budget in two areas: utilities (from our very cold winter) and work on the property. This has been an expensive year for the campus: we’ve had to replace a furnace in the Church, work on pest remediation in the Parish Hall and Rectory, and we’ve done a great deal of renewal work in the Rectory. To cover some of these costs, the Planned Giving Committee recommended that we move $100,000 of the Mann gift into the Building Fund. 

Outreach is another area of focus. Our outreach breakfasts and the CAF income, we are well positioned to continue our 10% tithe to community organizations and those in need. Representatives from the Episcopal Church Women, Finance Committee, Outreach Committee and Planned Giving are working with Vestry to review a new process for gathering information prior to making giving decisions. Our goal is to understand who most needs funding, and to identify opportunities to work with organizations through volunteer presence, awareness building and financial support. 

Since February we implemented a reimbursement and check request form that is going well. We are also starting a process for an internal audit, and revitalizing the counter ministry. Counters are the folks who record and help prepare the deposit after the Sunday services. If you would like to be involved in either the Audit Committee or the Counters, please speak with Steve Watson or Ken McKenzie. 

We want to Acknowledge You!

We work hard to record all gifts given to the parish. If you have not pledged, but would like to give funds to the church, you have a number of options to do so. You can use the envelopes in the pews to put cash in the plate. Please note your name and contact info on the envelope, so we can acknowledge you. You may also give through Easy Tithe at https://allsaints1692.org/support-us/

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Don't forget Bible Study!

Join us on Wednesdays, on Zoom or in person to learn about the coming Sunday's readings. We'll discuss 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

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.

Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Updates.

Our next ECW meeting will be in August on the 15th as we take a summer hiatus. Rest assured although we don't have an official meeting we will still be having the women's breakfast at Dreamweaver on the first Saturday except for July as it's the 4th of July holiday weekend. We will be available for parish needs throughout the summer.

New Coffee Hour Sign-Up Process! Want to share your kitchen talents with our community? We’ve updated our coffee hour sign-up process to make it easier for new faces to get involved. Hosting is a wonderful way to enjoy fellowship and serve our church family. Look for the new sign-up notebooks located at the back of the church and directly at the coffee hour table.

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!

ECW Publicity Coordinator Needed

What you’ll be doing…

Working with the Connections Commission, explore various means of promoting the ECW mission through internal parish communication and media releases, community calendars, exhibits and displays.

Work with Connections Commission to arrange for advertising (social media and community news outlets) for community events, as approved by the ECW.

Prepare a short blurb or pictures about an ECW activity in each monthly newsletter. 

Create flyers for special ECW events. Emphasize that every event offers an opportunity for visibility for the group and the church.

Encourage ECW members and volunteers to take pictures at their stations and throughout events to be included in social media, newsletters and other promotions.

OUTREACH AND MISSIONS

Outreach Newsflash - Our July Focus

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.” — Matthew 25:35

At All Saints Episcopal Church, outreach is not a program — it is a calling. Our Outreach Ministry exists to carry the love of Christ beyond our walls and into the surrounding community, responding to needs both near and far. Through the generous time, talent, and treasure of our parishioners, All Saints participates in a wide range of efforts that feed the hungry, shelter the vulnerable, and offer hope to those in need. In the months ahead, this section will introduce you to the many ways our congregation lives out that call and invite you to join the work.

One of our most tangible expressions of outreach is our long-standing support of the Calvert Churches Community Food Pantry, Inc. (CCCFP). All Saints is one of ten area churches that sustain this all-volunteer charitable organization, which provides food to families in need across Calvert County, offered in the spirit of Christ’s love. The CCCFP operates efficiently: every dollar donated goes directly to food distribution or related support, with monetary contributions used to purchase perishable and other essential items. It is neighbor helping neighbor in the most faithful sense. A few facts for you to note include: during January through April 2026, CCCFP served 674 families (1,933 individuals) and distributed 22,566 pounds of food.

Our partnership with the CCCFP was on beautiful display recently when the Calvert Arts Festival presented a donation check to the pantry on behalf of All Saints — a reminder that even our community celebrations can be acts of outreach. Watch for more opportunities to learn about, support, and participate in the ministries that make All Saints not just a place we gather, but a force for good in our community.

PROJECT SPUDNIK GARDEN — JOIN US & GROW HOPE

The Project Spudnik Garden continues to operate with a core team and a few volunteers from the community. We could benefit from additional volunteers to help grow fresh food for local pantries. Come learn to grow your own food, and share in the satisfaction that together we are helping those in need. We maintain raised, accessible beds for gardeners of all abilities.

Dates

• Workdays: July 11 & 25, 9:00–11:00

• Harvest Days: Every Tuesday 9:00–11:00

July Plans

• Transplant & plant grow bags: planting more snap beans, carrots, lettuce and some root vegetables. 

• Harvesting: tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers and cabbage. We may also have potatoes to harvest.

• Fig Trees:  Which looked dead, now have new branches and are filling out.  

• Maintenance: monitor grow bags for pests and weeds

 NEEDS: Please leave your small tomato and berry containers in the back of the church on the right side. Label “ for spudnik”. We can use for our July harvest. 

June Highlights

• Accessible garden: seeded lettuce beds for easy access harvesting

• Potatoes: continue to grow quite well; hopeful for a strong harvest starting in July

• Strawberries: harvested some berries while other continue to grow from ever-berry variety

• Carrots and radishes were harvested

• Zuccini: added netting and harvested several plants

• Cabbage: added netting 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

We are celebrating C4 Sunday at All Saints Episcopal Church this Sunday, June 28th! Come hear two incredible stories of determination, community, and the moment a concept became keys to a brand-new home. All are welcome to join the parish celebration — 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in Sunderland, MD.

Northern Calvert Little Free Pantry

Currently, the wooden pantry is very full of canned items, but most are the same few varieties. We need fruit and protein. We always need protein!

The additional box storage is quite empty. This is the time to add items like pasta, rice, mac and cheese, cereal, bread mixes, drinks for the hot weather, and snacks! We also have no personal hygiene items!

Thanks to everyone for bringing books. It’s also the time to leave small summer toys and items that might be needed, like sunscreen and bug spray!



Thanks to all for keeping the pantry running and helping our Calvert community!

ALL SAINTS PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY

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!

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

The Crafting/Needlework Group will be meeting on Zoom, from 6:30 - 8 pm July 2,16,30, and in-person in the parish hall lounge on July 9th and 23rd. 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 zoom 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

Meeting ID: 815 5052 5385

July 19th Meeting of Les Saints du Vin 4 PM 

The July Les Saints du Vin wine tasting is being hosted by Mary and Joe Klausner. The event will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, July 19th. They do not have a theme yet but that usually doesn't make much difference in the food people bring.  They have a beautiful beach view so it's a great place to enjoy some wine and friendship.

Their address is 2913 Bay Blvd, Huntingtown 

Use their driveway. 4 cars can fit, there should also be additional space nearby. 

As usual, bring a dish to share with others, we will also share in the cost of the wines, and we will be voting for our favorite wines with cash donations to a charity.  

Please RSVP if you plan to attend by replying to joverstrom01@gmail.com.

A few photos from our ice cream social last week. Parishioners enjoyed ice cream and fellowship while learning more about the search process.

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.

Safe Harbor needs your help!

Items that are always appreciated as donations include:



Items from the Safe Harbor Wishlist... Non-Perishables: Mayonnaise, Sugar, Coffee, Powdered creamer, Mac and cheese, Fruit juice ,Peanut butter, Cooking oil, Soup, Ranch dressing, Ketchup.

Personal Items:

• Pull Ups all sizes

• Diapers all sizes

• Baby Wipes

• Adult hair shampoo and conditioner

• Body wash

• Deodorant

• Hair spray

• Body lotion

• Shaving cream

• Women’s under garments

• Female hygiene products

to arrange a donation you may contact (202)271.6452 tballesteros@gmail.com

DID YOU KNOW?

A History Tidbit for July

The Story Behind the Episcopal Shield

If you’ve ever glanced at the Episcopal Church seal — on a bulletin, a banner, or a vestment — you’ve seen it hundreds of times. But did you ever stop to wonder what those nine tiny crosses in the blue corner actually mean?

Each one represents one of the nine original dioceses that gathered in Philadelphia in 1789 to formally organize the Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Those founding dioceses were Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina.

Maryland. That's us!

When those delegates met in Philadelphia, All Saints Church in Sunderland was already 97 years old — a living, worshipping congregation that was part of the very tradition being formally organized into a new American church.

The shield itself tells a layered story. The red cross on a white background is the Cross of St. George, honoring the Church of England roots from which American Episcopalianism grew. The blue canton with its nine crosslets is uniquely American — distinguishing our shield from a generic Anglican one. And those small crosses? They are cross crosslets — crosses made of crosses — a heraldic symbol representing the spreading of the faith in every direction.

The next time you see the Episcopal shield, take a second look at that blue corner. One of those nine crosses belongs to Maryland — and All Saints has been part of that story from the very beginning.

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 the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

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 August monthly newsletter will be published on Friday, July 31st. Submissions for the August edition will be due by Friday, July 17th.

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