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Dragon Tales ENews - Jan. 4, 2016
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A Note from Jenelle
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Finally--
The process of waiting is very difficult. Waiting during the Christmas season is no different. The anticipation quickly builds with Advent wreaths, countdowns and wrapped presents under the tree. It is made more urgent when school releases, cookies are decorated and carols are sung. The day arrives and after the opening of some gifts and a big dinner it feels over. But it is not. It is not over yet. There are still 12 days of waiting until Epiphany-- the countdown resumes.
What is there to do during this time? What exactly is it that we are waiting for again? Life sets back into motion. School starts, piles of work on our desk need to be tended to, but in the back of our minds we know we are still waiting. Waiting for the second half of the mystery. The first mystery has unfolded-- God is made human, born in a manger and the prophesies proven true.
During Epiphany, the story becomes brighter and more brilliant. The small babe, born in a manger is declared King of the Universe, and we celebrate the coming of light into the entire world. The wise men followed an unknown star (light), to an unknown place, to meet this king of the world. They then returned this information (light) to their homelands.
We have been on our own journey through Advent and Christmas and just like the Wise Men we must follow the light then take that light to the ends of the earth--to our homes and work places and into our neighborhoods. We must have the courage to use that light and write our own faith story to share with others.
This Sunday, our children and youth will present our very own Epiphany pageant. It will be joyous and fun and probably make you laugh. It will remind you of the entire story--the waiting, the birth, the mystery and the days to come. We hope that the story does not end here and that it will inspire you to carry your own light into the world and tell others about the Christ child.
Children's Annual Epiphany Pageant
Costumed rehearsal is from 9-11 this Saturday, January 7th.
The performance will be at 10:20 on Sunday in the Parish Hall.
Participants should meet in Classroom C after the 9 a.m. communion.
We invite all children and youth to participate. Please come and FINALLY share in our story!
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The Suspicious Cheeselords in Concert
Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017 - 7:30 p.m.
Our next concert series performance is from The Suspicious Cheeselords, a men's vocal ensemble that
unearths forgotten works, breathes new life into familiar pieces, and supports emerging composers. Tickets are $20 each and can be bought by cash or check at the door that evening or by credit card online. Don't miss it!
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Bloodmobile Visit This Sunday
Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017
The AAMC Bloodmobile will be visiting St. Margaret's this Sunday, Jan. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The need is great. Save a life in your community.
If you want to donate blood, you must be:
- Between 17 and 75 years old; 16 with parental consent
- In good health; and
- At least 110 lbs.
- Note: You can give blood while taking most medications.
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Confirmation Sunday
Bishop Sutton to Visit SMC
Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017
The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, will visit St. Margaret's Church on Sunday, Jan. 15. He will confirm a number of our parishioners at the 9 a.m. service and will preach at all morning services. He will also visit our Sunday School classrooms during formation hour and have a coffee question and answer session in the parish hall afterwards.
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Winter Relief Coming Soon to SMC
February 13-20, 2017
St. Margaret's will once again provide shelter to people in our community who are in need of shelter from the cold weather from Feb. 13-20.
As a lead up to this mission, we will be hosting speakers about homelessness at Faith & Fellowship Monday nights starting at 6:45 p.m. Speakers include:
Jan. 23 - Justin Bieler, Administrator, County Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Jan. 20 - Pam Walton, Director of Housing Resources for the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County
Feb. 6 - Helen Reines, RN, Executive Director of Pathways Treatment Center
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Annual Meeting - Call for Vestry Candidates
January 29, 2017 - 12:45 p.m.
This year's annual meeting will be held on Sunday, Jan. 29 in the parish hall. We will have a potluck lunch starting at 12:15 p.m. We ask parishioners bring the following:
Last Names A-F - Entrees
Last Names G-P - Side Dishes
Last Names Q-Z - Desserts
Help is needed for setup and cleanup. Please let clergy know if you can help.
The meeting will include a review of 2016 and a presentation on the 2017 budget. We will also elect four vestry candidates to replace those rotating off.
If you are interested in becoming a vestry member, please contact Ernie Tucker at [email protected].
A Meet the Candidates forum will take place on Sunday, Jan. 22nd, during the formation hour starting at 10:20 a.m. in the Parish Hall.
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Schedule
5:00 p.m. - Spirit Singers Rehearsal, Choir Room
5:30 p.m. - St. Margaret's Youth Chorale Rehearsal, Choir Room
5:30 p.m. - Acolytes Practice, Church
5:30 p.m. - Arts & Crafts, Parish Hall
6:00 p.m. - Fellowship Meal, Parish Hall
6:45 p.m. - Youth Group, Youth Room
6:45 p.m. - Adult Formation Class -- See below
6:45 p.m. - Motet Ensemble Rehearsal, Choir Room
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Special Presentation at Next Faith & Fellowship
Monday, Jan. 9 - 6:45 p.m.
St. Margaret's own Sue Snyder supports an organization called Women LEAD that's dedicated to empowering women to lead in the country of Nepal. Sue and Claire Naylor, a 2011 Georgetown grad and one of the co-founders of Women LEAD working with young women in Kathmandu, will share their story and answer questions.
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Anti-Racism Training at SMC
Saturdays, Jan. 14-21 - All Day
St. Margaret's Church will host two full days of the Episcopal Church's anti-racism training sponsored by the Daughters of the King -- Saturdays on Jan. 14 & 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome!
Clergy and certain categories of laity are required to complete these workshops as mandated by the General Convention. Contact Adam Barner, [email protected], to register.
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Bible Women Book Study Continues
Please join us!
We continue our book study on the book "Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter" by Episcopal priest Lindsay Freeman. So far, we have learned of daring, devoted, determined, and, yes, even domineering females who lived exciting and meaningful lives. Please join us! It is never too late! We meet on:
*Thursday mornings at 9:15 a.m. in the formation building (childcare provided in the nursery); and the third Sunday of every month during the formation hour.
**PLEASE NOTE: Because of the Bishop's visit on the third Sunday of January, we will actually meet in the conference room on the fourth Sunday, Jan. 22nd from 10:20 a.m. to 11 a.m.
We also have a weekly video on the characters of study with a parishioner and the Rev. Jane Hague. Here is this week's video:
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Office Reminders
*We still need for the person who donated Exxon stock recently to come forward. You may contact Elizabeth in the office or by email at
[email protected]g.
*We are in need of a regular volunteer for the office on Thursday mornings and substitutes that can be called upon when a regular volunteer needs to be away. The person would be primarily answering phones and performing light clerical work as needed. If you can help out, please contact Elizabeth in the office.
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Contacts
Quick Links
Office Phone: 410-974-0200 Pastoral Emergency No: 443-837-5463
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Important Upcoming Deadlines:
Next Issue of The Spire -- THIS Friday, Jan. 6
Sunday Announcements -- Wednesday afternoon
Dragon Tales -- Monday afternoon
Annual Report -- Wednesday, Jan. 12
STAY CONNECTED
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