Dragon Tales 2/15/17

Dragon Tales E-News - Feb. 15, 2017

A Note from Peter

I am thrilled to announce the reboot of our adult formation offering in the administrative conference room at 10:15 am on Sundays. Formerly known as Heretic class, this new Seekers group will be studying the book "What Did Jesus Ask?"-- a collection of short reflections written by some of the best spiritual authors of our time.

The first lesson will be on Matthew 5:46 (Jesus said, "If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?") , and it is written by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. The following week, we will study the question asked in Matthew 6:27 ("Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"), the reflection written by Barbara Brown Taylor.

Beginning in March, the season of Lent brings a new question, asked in a book by Tony Jones entitled "Did God Kill Jesus?" In the vein of the original Heretics group, we will delve into some tough material surrounding atonement theology and what it means to go through a season which culminates in the death of God's son.

Please purchase both books on Amazon using the links below. We hope you will join us in the conference room!

Purchase "What Did Jesus Ask?"

Purchase "Did God Kill Jesus?"

*Correction (from previous published scheduling)

We WILL HAVE Faith and Fellowship THIS coming February 20th (Presidents Day).

5:00-6:00 Arts and Crafts

5:00-5:30 Spirit Singers

5:30-6:00 Youth Chorale

6:00 Dinner (THANK YOU kitchen volunteers!)

6:45-8:00 Youth Group (we will continue our work with ABUMC-no need to bring money for pizza.)

6:45-8:00 Adult Formation -- see below

Adult Formation on Mondays -- "Waking Up White" book study

Starting NEXT MONDAY, February 20th, we will be offering a book study on "Waking Up White" by Debby Irving -- a sometimes cringe-worthy struggle to understand racism and racial tensions; a fresh perspective on bias, stereotypes, manners, and tolerance.

The study will occur from 6:45pm-8:00 p.m. This will be a Lenten Series, just starting a few weeks early and is co-lead by Valery Weekley, Maggie Beth Arruda and Ernie Tucker. Child care will be provided.

Books will be sold on Sunday during coffeehour (10:15 to 11 a.m.) and on Monday evenings before the study begins. You can also purchase a copy online here.

If able, please read part one before attending (though not required).

There will be NO children and youth Sunday school this Sunday, February 19th due to Winter Relief. Youth participating in the Civil Rights project- please meet at ABUMC at 12:00 noon.

Contact [email protected] if you need transportation.

The Nightwatch trip to New York has been rescheduled because of last weekend's weather. The new date is April 21st and 22nd. Those students who already registered and paid have secured a space on the next trip. If you weren't able to make last week's trip, but can participate in April, please let us know so we can place your name on a wait list. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information or to sign up.

If you are not receiving the youth weekly newsletter for students in grade 6-12, please contact [email protected].

Green Team Meeting on Feb. 22

There will be a Green Team meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in Classroom E of the Formation Building. All who are interested in planning environmental friendly efforts here at SMC are welcome! For questions, email [email protected].

Coffeehouse on Feb. 25

Chase away those winter blues and join the Third Sunday Band and friends for some social time with live music in the Parish Hall on February 25. Doors open at 6:30 PM, Music begins at 7. Coffee and snacks provided.. Show your talents at the open mic. Contact Al Todd at [email protected] if you want to perform. Otherwise, just come relax, listen, and sing along.

Lenten Meditation Booklet from SMC

Pick up your copy of St. Margaret's new book of Lenten meditations on Sunday, Feb. 26 in the church narthex or the church office (one per family). The booklet will also be available online at

www. st-margarets.org. The meditations are based on the national Episcopal Church's Lenten meditations of 2016 based on scriptures with the word "go." Parishioners, clergy, and staff have shared some wonderful reflections to bless your Lenten season.

Newcomers Dinner on Feb. 26

New to St. Margaret's? All newcomers are welcome to our next Newcomers Dinner on Feb. 26th, 5 p.m., (NEW TIME) in the parish hall. You will meet and hear from church leaders and see how you can best fit in with our many program opportunities. Childcare can be provided. Please RSVP with our Newcomers Committee Chair Jane Piche at [email protected] or 410-349-0961.

Pancake Supper on Feb. 28

Pancake Supper tickets will be sold in the Parish Hall or in front of the church on Sunday the 19th and 26th. SAVE ON COSTS BY BUYING EARLY!

The Brotherhood welcomes all men of St. Margaret's to join them. The international Brotherhood unites in three disciplines of prayer, study and service. Their next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. in classroom C of the Formation Building. For more information, contact Jim (Tug) Knorr at [email protected].

Ash Wednesday on March 1

Ash Wednesday services will be held on Weds., March 1 at 7:30 a.m., noon, and 7:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday is the start of the Lenten season and derives its name from the practice of blessing ashes made from palm branches blessed on the previous year's Palm Sunday , and placing them on the heads of participants.

There will be Lenten soup luncheon sponsored by the St. Margaret's Guild on March 1 after the Ash Wednesday noon service in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome!

Shenandoah Run on 3/5

Our next concert series performance is on Sunday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. The popular Shenandoah Run returns to St.Margaret's playing both vintage Americana and contemporary folk, with some originals and some from the worlds of bluegrass, country or foreign lands. Expect top-notch musicianship and multi-part harmonies that lures audiences in for an irresistible sing-along. The members of Shenandoah Run share a desire to keep folk music alive and fresh, and that passion has been the key to their success. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door with cash or check or online by clicking here.

Lenten Compline on Wednesdays

St. Margaret's will hold weekly compline services during Lent on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Dates are March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12. The service includes a simple office including a confession of sins, one or more psalms, a short reading from scripture, versicles and responses, the Lord's Prayer, collects which ask for God's protection during the night to come, and special music.

This annual tournament to benefit the Light House will be held on Thursday, June 15, at the Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville. Parishioner Mike Winn is putting teams of four together. If you wish to participate, please write a check for $137.50 (per player), payable to Friends of the Light House, with "Golf Tournament 2017" in the memo line and either give to Mike on Sunday or place it in the History & Archives box in the church office. For questions, contact Mike at [email protected].

Bible Women Study

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.

We also have a weekly video on the characters of study with a parishioner and the Rev. Jane Hague. This week, we have our first male participant! Here is this week's video: