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Dear St. Martin's Family,
Let me begin this week's Epistle by quoting the Book of Common Prayer's Ash Wednesday service: "I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word."
As we enter this holy season, how will you prepare to welcome the Risen Christ at Easter? How is God calling you to invest in your spiritual life? Traditionally, Lent is marked by the discipline of fasting, giving something good up to help us focus on God in its absence. This may be what God is calling you to do this Lent. However, fasting, especially from food, it not always wise for everyone. For this reason, God might be calling you to take up a spiritual practice as your Lenten discipline this year.
At St. Martin's, we have three special educational offerings to help you grow in your spiritual life this Lent. On Mondays, we will continue to gather in St. Martin's House at 11:30 AM for our Bible study of the Gospel of Mark. No advance reading is required! On Tuesdays at 5:30, we will gather in the Parish Hall for a simple meal (sign-up if you're willing to bring soup to share) and for intergenerational activities as we explore the events of Holy Week using Godly Play. And on Thursdays, Rev. Nathan is offering a 7 PM Zoom study on Rowan William's book The Sign and the Sacrifice. Participating in any of these activities might be part of your Lenten discipline.
If you're interested in taking up a practice of prayer or reading the Bible, Forward Movement has several podcasts that might help you. They offer daily devotionals, scripture readings, and recordings of the Daily Office. I use their A Morning at the Office podcast to remind me to pray Morning Prayer every day.
Whatever God is calling you to focus on this Lent, I pray that your Lenten discipline helps you to grow in the knowledge and love of God. Lent, above all else, is a reminder that God loves us.
Christ's peace,
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~ The Rev. Joshua Rodriguez-Hobbs, Interim Rector | | |
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Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | |
Pancake Supper a Delicious Success!
Thank you to everyone that helped make our Shrove Tuesday pancake supper possible. The pancakes were delicious and plentiful. Our handbell ringers lead us singing into worship with a service of burning the palms and saving our Alleluias.
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Baking Bread Together
The Parents' group and Sunday School partnered last Sunday to bake our altar bread. During Lent, we will use bread for Holy Communion instead of our usual wafers.
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Important Closings
Monday, February 19
In observance of President’s Day the church office will be closed on Monday, February 19. Please note there will be no Bible study that day.
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Tuesday Night Lenten Program: Taste and See
Tuesdays, February 20-March 19, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Join us each Tuesday in Lent and Holy Week for a simple dinner and an intergenerational program. We will gather to hear the story of Jesus’ experiences in Holy Week using Godly Play, an interactive storytelling format. Following our story, we will reflect on how Jesus’ story impacts our own stories through art, movement, music, and discussion. Volunteers needed to bring soup to share. If you’re willing to help provide dinner, please click here to sign up. For questions contact Rev. Josh.
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Need to Be Confirmed or Received?
Clergy will be offering an Inquirers’ Class after Easter to prepare individuals interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. Contact Rev. Josh by February 18 to register for the class. Bishop Carrie will lead a regional confirmation service on Sunday, May 19 at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.
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For Everyone Born: Songs of Justice and Joy
Sunday, March 10, 3:00 p.m.
The Annapolis Chapter of the AGO invites you a to hymn festival featuring combined choirs from eight area churches, including St. Martin’s. The festival director will be Daniel Aune, Professor of Organ at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, and Director of Music and Organist at Christ Lutheran Church in Baltimore. HyeSung will also appear as one of the accompanists. A free-will offering will be accepted to benefit the Annapolis Chapter of the AGO and the Light House shelter of Annapolis. The concert will be at Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, MD.
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The Meaning of the Cross and Resurrection
Thursdays, February 22-March 21; 12 p.m. (St. Martin’s House) or 7 p.m. (Zoom)
Join us for a Lenten book discussion of The Sign and the Sacrifice: The Meaning of the Cross and Resurrection by Rowan Williams. Rowan Williams is one of the greatest living Anglican theologians and a former Archbishop of Canterbury. We’ll explore his short and accessible book on the meaning of the Crucifixion and Easter. Please register here. For questions contact Rev. Nathan.
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EYC: Mall Scavenger Hunt
February 25, 4:00 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Youth and friends are invited to join us at Arundel Mills mall for an epic scavenger hunt. We will meet at St. Martin’s at 4:00 p.m. to carpool to Arundel Mills and return at 6:30 p.m. For all youth grades 6th-12th. Friends are welcome. For questions contact Rev. Nathan.
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VBS Is Back!
Save the date - July 22-26
St. Martin’s is excited to launch Vacation Bible School this year! Open to kids Pre-K through 5th grade. Full day ($75) and half day ($50) options will be available. For details and to register click here. Contact Tabitha Carman.
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New Parish Directory Underway
Our Vestry members, Jeannine Mogavero Theoret, Wendy Gatanas or Judy Bonnano, are creating a new parish directory. Please be on the look out for a Sign up Genius to secure your time slot. If you already have a favorite photo, please email it to us with your updated contact information. If you have any questions, email Judy Bonnano.
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The Arundel House of Hope Winter Shelter been providing a warm place to stay, meals, and hospitality for the homeless for about 30 years. This year St. Martin’s will welcome men in need to stay in Heck Hall from March 18-25. This is a time where parishioners rally to cook, serve meals, provide transportation, socialize with our guests, purchase snacks, do laundry and transform Heck Hall. It is a great time to share your time and talents to serve God and help others. Details and sign ups coming soon. Don’t delay, become involved now! For details contact Kathy Berge. | |
SPAN Opportunities for February
We at St Martin’s supports SPAN's mission, serving our neighbors to help them through a critical or emergency situation with our year round collection. The theme for February is "Show the Love." Please donate shelf stable foods that can be used to keep the heart healthy. This would include canned fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals, oatmeal, whole grains, vegetable oils, and bottled water. 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. Click here for details about SPAN.
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February Outreach Collection: LASH
February’s Second Offering will go to support the LASH. LASH stands for Lions Association for Sight and Hearing, a regional nonprofit organization comprised of Lions Clubs in Central Maryland that works with Towson University’s Communication Department providing hearing exams and if needed, hearing aids for low income individuals. If you want to learn more about LASH’s mission and the ways you can help click here.
Click here to donate and put LASH in the memo area. For more details contact Kathy Berge.
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Bingo Night at Light House Shelter
March 1, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
St. Martin’s will be sponsoring a pizza night at Lighthouse Homeless Prevention Center on the first Friday of every month. This is a great opportunity to be with our neighbors by sharing a good meal, and playing a few rounds of Bingo with them. Children must be at least 11 to volunteer. Please sign up so we have a head count.
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NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Family Support Group
February 28, 7:00 p.m., Heck Hall
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Meetings on the 4th Wednesday of each month at St. Martin’s in Heck Hall. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. Registration is not required – attend when you can. For questions, email fsg@namiaac.org or read more on https://namiaac.org.
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Profile Committee Members: Elaine Bachmann (Chair), Lori Skalitzky, Markella Gatanas, Ellen Hays, Aaron Carman, and Charlie Fitzgerald
Search Committee Members: John Theune (Chair), Sandi Blair, Sam Burdette, Ardath Cade, Greg Church, Rob Fraser, Tim George, Derek Heiss, Porter Hill, Prince Jernigan, Mark Kellogg, Mike Radike, Tony Shaffer, Susan Shingledecker, Amy Tate, Marcia Taylor, and Patti Zielinski
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YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR WEEKLY PROGRAMS: | |
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Sunday School and Youth Programs
Classes Sundays from 9:00-9:45 a.m. (Arrival time 8:45-9:00 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
Confirmation Class/YAC (Grade 10-11): St. Martin’s House
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Children’s Chapel
Children’s Chapel happens 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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Interim Rector’s Bible Study
Mondays, 11:30 a.m. (St. Martin’s House)
**Please note no bible study on Feb 19 as the office is closed for Presidents' Day
Join Rev. Josh for a weekly drop-in Bible study. Bring your Bible (or borrow one from the Church office) and a brown bag lunch as we study the Gospel of Mark. Contact Rev. Josh.
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Parents’ Group
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Each week we explore different aspects of faith-based parenting and join in fellowship. This group is geared for parents/guardians of school-aged children, but is open to all who wish to attend. Click here for a schedule of events. Contact Chris and Liz Lucas.
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Shepherd Group
Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. (via 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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Nursery
Our nursery is available from 8:45-11:30 a.m. on Sundays for infants and children ages 3 and under. Located in Parish Hall, see an usher for directions. Contact Rev. Nathan for details.
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Bible Challenge Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s House)
The Bible Challenge group will start a 10-week study of the book of James. Join us beginning January 2 on Tuesdays upstairs in St. Martin’s House at 7:00 p.m. The study guide can be purchased through Lamplighters International. Here’s a link. Contact Cindy Neseth, (443) 534-3277.
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Educator Of The Month: Kelcey Wohlgemuth
For St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School (SMES) learning support coordinator Kelcey Wohlgemuth, her role translates to all things special education. She not only teaches academic support classes to first grade through eighth, but she also collaborates with division coordinators, teachers, students and their families to determine the best learning strategies, methods and avenues for students.
Click here for the full article from the Severna Park Voice.
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Do You Know A Family Who Needs A New Roof?
It’s the 8th annual Landmark Roofing Giveaway with partners GAF and Superior Distribution providing a brand new roof completely free of charge, to a local family in need. The Landmark Team strongly believes in giving back and supporting the community. If you know a local family in need that would benefit from a new roof, you can nominate them anonymously using the contact form below. Give us an idea of who they are and why they need a new roof in your own words. Winner will be selected in the Spring. Submit nominations today!
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February 2024 Caregiver Educational Workshops
The Dementia Live® workshop immerses participants into life with dementia, resulting in a deeper understanding of what it is like to live with cognitive impairment and sensory changes. Meets on February 21, at 10:00 AM. Workshop held at North County/Hein Office Building, 7320 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie. Register online at www.aacounty.org/aging or call 410-222-4375 or 410-222-4339.
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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. I invite you to pray daily for our parish family, for your own needs, and in thanksgiving for all that God has blessed you with this day.
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NEW PRAYERS FOR OUR PARISH FAMILY: Carenza, Alex, Dan, Phillip, Mark, Sara, Gloria, Nolan, Jared, Clyde, Bunny, and Dora.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: George, Geoffrey, Joe, Joey, Bill, Lee, Jax, Sumner, Candy, Ellen, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Adam, John, Gretchen, Tyler, Nathan, Rachel, Thomas and Ryan.
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Let us know if you have a specific prayer request so we can hold you in our daily prayers.
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ST. MARTIN'S-IN-THE-FIELD EPISCOPAL CHURCH
375 Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146
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