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Dragon Tales E-News
November 13, 2019
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A Note from Peter
The readings for this Sunday stink. I’ll be honest, I’m searching for the good news in words of warning from the prophets and from Jesus, and the ‘end-of-the-world-and-no-one-should-feel-fine’ message from the epistle. I’m somewhat comforted by the collect for this week which tells us to ‘hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest’ the words of scripture, no matter how difficult or distasteful. (I mean, seriously, the epistle says “Anyone unwilling to work should not eat.” Really?)
Whatever punk rock roots I can claim tell me to be suspicious of everything: of easy answers, of soothing words, of comfortable solutions. So as a preacher, it’s up to me to sit with these difficult lessons and try to massage them so that you can get the truth hidden in what we can perceive to be ugliness. Not an easy task.
These days, the truth is that the truth is hard to come by. My mentor and former boss used to quote Williams Sparrow with these words before he preached “Help us to seek the truth, come whence it may, cost what it will.’ The truth is that many of us would prefer an easy falsehood over a difficult truth.
But also know that these conditions won’t last. Day by day, our rough edges are being smoothed out, even when we feel ragged. Month by month, our sins are being burned away from us as we turn to our baptized life in Christ and away from our former lives. Year by year, we are being made more Christ-like through the difficulties of the present age: through sleepless nights and restless dreams, with people who are stiff-necked and hard to love and in spite of all our own faults. We are loved through all of it.
So come this week to hear about these awful readings. About why we read them, and why we might read them now. Prepare yourselves for the rest of your lives.
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Children's Communion Class
Younger children ages four to nine are welcome to join me
THIS
Saturday, Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. in the sanctuary as he explains the components and symbolism of Holy Eucharist on their level. Children will then participate in communion at the 9:00 a.m. service on Sunday. Contact
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Current Pledge Information (11/13/19)
$369,15
Current # of Pledges: 164 = 63% of goal
Current Amount of Pledges: $769,936 = 83% of goal
This Sunday we will be blessing the pledges we have received so far
and giving thanks to God for the generosity of our parish.
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News from Matching Campaign Drive
Through this Sunday, an anonymous donor will to match each pledge that was turned in if it was (a) from a new pledger or (b) if a last year pledger increased their pledge amount.
Since the Matching campaign began, the church has received 7 new pledges and 22 pledges which were increased from last year’s campaign. These 29 pledges have met just over $32k of the $50k donated for the matching campaign.
This means
there is about $18,000 remaining for new or increased pledges to be matched.
If you have not yet pledged for next year, please pledge online
HERE, or fill out a pledge card and return to the church office or place in the offertory plate. And pray for our vestry as they make financial decisions based on pledging amounts.
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New Grieving Support Program This Sunday
Just in time for the holidays, our clergy will be
holding a support group for those grieving the loss of someone or something important to them. There will be three classes, the
third Sunday of the month (Nov. 17, Dec. 15, Jan. 12) at 2 p.m. in the All Saints Lounge, in the annex building next to the church. Each session will be clergy led. All are welcome.
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Thanksgiving Basket Meal Donations Now Being Solicited
Again this season, members of the parish are asked to provide holiday meals to neighbors in need. We have received the names of local families from Broadneck Elementary School and the A.A. County Dept. of Social Services who are
needing help in purchasing their holiday dinner
.The list includes both seniors and families with children. The Mission Commission will provide the turkeys: volunteers will provide the the rest of the meal's ingredients and deliver the food basket to the recipient a few days BEFORE Thanksgiving Day. NO COOKING INVOLVED. Turkeys will be available for pick-up in the Parish Hall on Sunday, Nov. 24 or by separate arrangement. In advance, you will receive the name of your recipient and delivery instructions. Sign up by contacting Barbara Marder at 410-518-9978 or at
scubaesc@aol.com
.
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Endowment Grants Program for 2020
The 2020 St. Margaret's Church Endowment Grants application is
now available on the church website
. New this year: the committee will award one multi-year grant to a deserving organization. Applications are due by November 30, 2019. Pass this along to your favorite non profit!
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*
On Friday, the school will sponsor a recycling day for small tech components
. St. Margaret's parishioners are welcome to bring any of these kinds of items and place in a designated box in the Formation building foyer
THIS SUNDAY
. They're collecting cellphones & accessories, computer pieces, speakers and keyboards, digital cameras, GPS systems, ink cartridges, laptops, MP3 players, tablets, and toner cartridges.
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TOMORROW, November 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Day School is sponsoring "Bringing Up Resilient Kids"
a program from specialist Dr. Duane M. Isava of Halcyon Wellness Center. All are welcome. The program is free, with light refreshments offered. Childcare is now full. Go to
www.stmargaretsdayschool.org
for more info.
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Youth Events
The Youth Group's
annual Giving Tree
will go up in the Narthex before the 1st of December. The Tree helps serve students in need at Magothy & Severn River Middle Schools. There will be tags for scarves, hats, gloves/mittens, and blankets, and each will specify boy or girl, and the grade. They will be distributed before the last day of vacation before Christmas (20 December). I will need all donations no later than December 17th. The Youth Group will actually be making the tags this coming Monday.
Children and Youth's
annual caroling
will be held on Sunday the 15
th
. As in the past, all who are interested will meet in the Parish Hall following the 11:15 Service. We will have a quick lunch of cold cuts, and then off for about 90 minutes of visiting/singing.
The youth program is planning
a visit to one of the Bello Machre
homes in the area on Thursday, Dec. 5. They provide semi-independent living for developmentally challenged adults. It is a Thursday, but there is a two hour early school dismissal for AA County Schools. The idea is that a small (10) group will meet and decorate the house with the residents, and maybe bake cookies, etc. The event would be from 3-5pm that afternoon. Location TBD
The Youth Group will have its Christmas Party on the 16
th
.
Bishop Unplugged on Nov. 23
St. Philip's in Annapolis will hold this annual fall event on November 23, 2:00-4:00 pm. Cost is $5. (For grades 6-12). Participants will spend the afternoon with Bishop Sutton in fellowship and fun. No registration required, but for questions contact Kate Riley at
kriley@episcopalmaryland.org
.
Youth-led Sunday service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 12th.
A MLK Day youth event
through the Diocese will take place on January 19-20th. More details to follow.
Youth Happening #13
will take place for students in
grades 9-12 at the Claggett Center
near Frederick, MD. Participants should arrive Friday at 7 p.m. with parent pickup on Sunday at 3 p.m. Cost is $95 due by Jan. 23. Scholarships available.
New Beginnings diocesan program for grades 6-8
will be held April 26-28 at Camp Wright in Stevensville, MD. Cost is $75. Scholarships available. Deadline is April 18 for registration.
End-of-Year Lock-in will be held at St. Margaret's on Friday, June 15th
. Look for more registration information in the future.
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Faith & Fellowship Mondays
The schedule for Faith & Fellowship is:
5:15 to 6:00 p.m.- Spirit Singers Kindergarten through second grade and third grade to fifth grade - Meet in Formation Building Classrooms B & C
5:30-6:15 p.m.- Youth Chorale (grades 6-12) - Choir Room
5:45-6:15 p.m.- Acolyte practice - Sanctuary
6:00-6:15 p.m.- Arts and Crafts - Parish Hall
6:20-6:45 p.m.- Fellowship Dinner - Parish Hall
6:45-8:30 p.m.- Youth Group - Classroom D
7:00-8:30 p.m.- Adult Formation -Formation Building
7:00-8:30 p.m.- Motet Ensemble Rehearsal - Choir Room
There is no F&F on Monday, Nov. 25th.
Adult Formation Schedule:
THIS COMING MONDAY
!
This Monday, Nov. 18, the author Karen Gonzalez will visit St. Margaret's to discuss her book recounting her immigration experience that we have studied this fall!
Please plan on joining us for a special Peruvian dinner and discussion. Dinner starts at 6:20 p.m., program at 7 p.m. All welcome!
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Join the Thursday AM Book Study
Our Thursday morning book study is held in Classroom E from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. of the Formation Building. The group will discuss the C.S. Lewis book "
Mere Christianity
." All are welcome. Childcare for ages 0-4 is available in the church nursery.
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and White Elephant Sale
(Donations can be brought to Fellowship Hall on Nov. 22)
Sponsored by St. Margaret's Women's Guild
Proceeds benefit missions projects of the Guild
Saturday, November 23 * 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
*Vendors *Crafters *Raffles *Food
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Advent Class & the Advent Wreath
Please attend our Sunday morning Advent class in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays, December 8, 15 and 22. On Dec. 1st, we’ll be learning about the practice of the Advent Wreath and making our own in the parish hall.
Donations of greens are very welcome (evergreen, holly, magnolia, etc.). Leave donations at the doors of the Parish Hall by 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 1. Freewill donations for wreath kits are $20.
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St. Margaret's Women's Guild
Christmas Luncheon
The Guild will hold their annual Christmas luncheon on Weds., Dec. 4, Noon, at Carrol's Creek in Annapolis. Tickets are $30. Make checks available to "St. Margaret's Church" with "Guild Luncheon" in the memo line.
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Third Sunday Band Christmas
Join the Third Sunday Band as they perform a joyful, holiday concert for the parish and community on
Saturday, Dec. 7, 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Light refreshments follow. Tickets sold at the door for $5. All are welcome!
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Advent Lessons & Carols on Dec.8
The choirs of St. Margaret's will offer Advent Lessons & Carols on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. This service is intended to be a time of spiritual preparation, as we watch and wait for the coming of the Kingdom of God. Nursery care is provided.
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Monday Adult Study in Advent
Monday night’s Faith and Fellowship study group (7 p.m.) will have a chance to explore the world of the icon during Advent in December. Rowan Williams, the last Archbishop of Canterbury, has written two books about praying with icons. Using one of these books as a guide, we will take an in-depth look at what it means and has meant throughout history to pray with icons. We will have two sessions on this topic – Dec. 2 and Dec. 16. The book, “Ponder These Things – Praying with Icons of the Virgin Mary” is available online. We will have a few to sell in the church office.
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Christmas Eve Services
3:00*, 5:00* p.m.
Traditional Choral Services
7:30* p.m., 10:30 p.m.
*Nursery care available at that service
Christmas Day Service
10:00 a.m.
Christmas Lessons & Carols Services
Sunday, Dec. 29
9:00* & 11:15* a.m.
*Nursery care is available
New Year's Brunch
Sunday, Dec. 29 - 10:15 to 11 a.m. - Parish Hall
Bring a breakfast casserole to share
Children's Epiphany Pageant
Sunday, Jan. 5 - 10:30 a.m. in Parish Hall
Rehearsal on Sat., Jan. 4 in Parish Hall
Parent helpers needed!
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Realm: Get Connected.
We are asking all parishioners to join Realm to foster efficiency and communication at SMC. You need to be invited by us which will take you to a sign-in site. To ask for an invite (or another one), just email
laura@st-margarets.org. If you need help getting started, call the church office and we will schedule a time you can come in with your laptop.
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PLEASE NOTE:
Due to unexpected circumstances, staff may not have the ability to set up for coffee hour or other events for a few months. Anyone that can show up a bit early and help set-up please do so. Coffee hour takes 5-6 round tables and chairs.
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Church Clergy/Staff
The Rev. Peter W. Mayer, Rector
peter@st-margarets.org
The Rev. Patti Sachs, Asst. Rector
patti@st-margarets.org
Elizabeth Radley, Director of Operations
elizabeth@st-margarets.org
Jim Douglas, Director of Music
music@st-margarets.org
Laura Tayman, Communications Asst
laura@st-margarets.org
Jeff Conover, Youth Ministries Leader
jeff@st-margarets.org
Teresa McCorkle, Bookkeeper
office@st-margarets.org
Tricia McVeigh, Day School Director
tricia@st-margarets.org
Judy Hall, Churchyard Adm.
churchyard@st-margarets.org
Christine Feldmann, Grants Adm.
missions@st-margarets.org
Jim Bowersox, Facilities/Operations Asst.
Quick Links
To give to St. Margaret's online, click here:
To give on your phone,
text GIVESMC to 73256
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Church Office Hours
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Mon - Thurs
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Service Participants
THIS Sunday, Nov. 17
EM @ 7:30: Ben Tolley
Lector @ 7:30: Ben Tolley
EM @ 9:00: Terry Otis, Kim Coble
Lectors @ 9:00: Russell Jackson, Barbara Marder
Acolytes @ 9:00: Sunny Bowers, Anna Morgan, Julia Morgan, Caroline Viscardi, Dylan Bishop
Children's Chapel: Cory Greene, Zack Greene
EM@11:15: Jim Hall, Stacia Bontempo
Lectors@ 11:!5: Mel Kessler, Pat Hall
Acolytes@ 11:15: Emily Bontempo, Sarah Mayer, Allen Mayer
Altar Guild: Charlie Lang, Teresa Todd, Susan Byrom, Robert Thomas
Coffeehour Hosts: Arvilla Wubbenhorst, Don and Hope Schroeder, Stacy Canuel, Vera Torrence, Mary Kirkeby
NEXT Sunday, Nov. 24
EM @ 7:30: Jim Barnett
Lector @ 7:30: Susan Roberts
EM @ 9:00: Elizabeth Bowers, Beth Knorr
Lectors @ 9:00: Jeff Conover, Karyn Sproles
Acolytes @ 9:00: Austin Canuel, Cole Canuel, Sophia Canuel, Joseph Jackson, Zacca Jackson
Children's Chapel: Sarah Balcom, Froggi Jackson
EM@11:15: Peg Overton, Jim Weekley
Lectors@ 11:15: Peg Overton, Valery Weekley
Acolytes@ 11:15: Peter Saroch, Emily Carroll, Hannah Carroll
Altar Guild: Jeanne Nardi, Jan Little, Mary Lesster, Kim Morrow
Flower Guild: Shelly Hupp, Elizabeth Kopack
Coffeehour Hosts: Web Chamberlain, Sarah Luisi, Danielle Rubino, Barb Lundien
Go to our scheduling system to request a replacement or sign up where needed.
(Bulletins are usually printed
on Wednesdays each week.)
A Christmas services sign up
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St. Margaret's Church
Office Phone: 410-974-0200
Emergency Pastoral #: 443-837-5463
info@st-margarets.org
www.st-margarets.org
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