Dragon Tales E-News
August 5, 2020
WWW.ST-MARGARETS.ORG
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A Note from Jim
Amazingly we find ourselves in the month of August already! Where did the summer go?! For some strange reason, the summer months have flown by for me a bit faster this year despite having no conferences, VBS, camps or vacations to attend and enjoy.
Some of you know that I like to get as far ahead as possible with the things on my personal summer “to do planning list,” and under normal circumstances all things music at St Margaret’s for the upcoming program year are mostly finalized by now, certainly through the fall and winter months up to Ash Wednesday. Normally, rehearsal and lesson schedules are set, music lists of hymns, songs and anthems are created, and Sunday morning worship services are planned out. Obviously with this summer being one unlike any other, the health uncertainties of COVID have put such planning in a bit of a holding pattern, though information about the music ministry and worship is forthcoming!
At this point in the summer, I’m still riding high from my week at “choir camp,” all revved up for the fast approaching start to the program year! This year would’ve been my tenth year serving on the music faculty of the annual King’s College summer choral training course in Wilkes-Barre, PA, sponsored by the Royal School of Church Music in America. Like many other camps, we had to pivot to virtual mode and offered several events online, which were very well received and attended. The week concluded with virtual Zoom Compline (of course!) and I shared the recording of this service as a recent parish Facebook page music note.
However, a week physically absent did leave a spiritual and musical void for those of us with a long association with the course. As one colleague said, “going to Wilkes-Barre year after year is for many a pilgrimage…a spiritual ground zero…the place we all deeply long for these days in our respective pandemic wildernesses.” Participants return year after year, and in the blink of an eye the week comes and goes. All then depart for home so that the “world we live in might be lightened a bit more.”
St Margaret’s is that spiritual ground zero for us. We yearn to regather on Sundays and soon enough, we will. We’ll return, and then depart for the week to continue to do the work God has given us to do, lightening our world a bit more.
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What's Coming for Fall?
What will worship look like?
How will Sunday School work?
What about Faith & Fellowship?
Our upcoming issue of the Spire in a few weeks will be focused on the answers to these questions. Look for the issue in Dragon Tales, on our website, and on our Facebook public page.
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It's Sunday School Registration Time!
Isn't it still summer? Yes, but we need to begin to prepare for our formation classes to begin in September and we need the help of our parents.
We ask for parents to check their Realm account (and their kids) to sign up for participation in the correct formation classes for the 20-21 school year. Teachers have decided to use both online and perhaps an onsite meeting occasionally throughout the year. When you sign up, you will receive more information about the teachers' plans.
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Sewing Mission Continues
Our Sewing Mission continues to fill orders for the local hospitals, and they could use some funds. The materials used are very specific for the gowns, and the need is quickly out-stripping the funds. Make a check to "St. Margaret’s Church" with "Sewing Mission" in the memo line, or donate through Realm. In these times, we can use our gifts to support those doing life-saving work for others.
Thanks be to God for all you all are doing!
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VBS Available throughout Summer
We recently shared our virtual Vacation Bible School featuring the stories of Dr. Seuss. Children ages 3-9 enjoyed storytelling by the Rev. Patti, lesson from the Rev. Peter, a familiar song from St. Margret's musicians and options for a snack, craft, and movement activity.
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Prayer Requests for Fridays at 8 p.m. |
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For pastoral emergencies, contact clergy at 443-837-5463. |
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A group of volunteers are collecting food and supplies from generous neighbors around Annapolis, Arnold and Cape St. Claire, led by Diana Love. The pantry has provided food for hundreds of children and families each week. The Pantry has grown enough that the pick-up/drop-off has moved to a larger space in the empty classrooms of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis on Ridgely Avenue. |
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We appreciate all of the parishioner volunteers who have worked to make this happen. And we're proud our Missions Commission has provided funding.
To help with this effort, you can sign up online at:
For more information, watch this video from the Today Show:
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Wherever you are in the world...enjoy your own scenic 5K, half marathon, or walking route for this virtual event!
All proceeds benefit the Light House shelter.
It's virtual! Map your own course! Compete at your own pace! Report your time! Support the Light House!
First Day to Participate: Saturday, September 12, 2020
Last Day to Participate: Sunday, September 20, 2020
For those local to the Annapolis, MD area:
In-Person, Drive-By Packet Pick Up
Saturday, September 12, 2020
From 8 am - Noon
Light House Homeless Prevention Center, 10 Hudson St., Annapolis, MD
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The need is great in Anne Arundel County for food and other necessities. Thank you to our volunteers who have been involved in community "pop-up" foodbanks. Our missions commission has been busy supporting these kinds of efforts financially. The county has now launched a Food Access Warm Line: 410-222-FOOD that connects people with the services they need, and ensures that county staff have direct contact with families. The purpose is to ensure that every program aligns with the needs of all county residents. If you know anyone who needs such help, please show them the flyer above.
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Honor or Remember Loved Ones
Would you like to remember or honor an important person(s) to you? All are welcome to provide a special honor to loved ones by purchasing altar flower dedications for a Sunday.
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Diocese of Maryland Youth!
Youth are encouraged to join Kate Riley, Youth Programs Leader for the Diocese, and their peers for games, check-ins, and prayers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Noon-1:00 PM. Join the Online Youth Leadership Program on Tuesdays, 3:00 PM for Bible study, current events, leadership, and games. Contact Kate Riley, kriley@episcopalmaryland.org to join these virtual gatherings.
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Give to St. Margaret's
By texting GiveSMC to 73256
By giving online
By mailing checks to:
St. Margaret's Church, 1601 Pleasant Plains Road
Annapolis, MD 21409
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Suicide Prevention Walk in Annapolis on Saturday, Sept. 19 |
The Maryland and Delaware Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host an "Out of the Darkness Walk" at the Navy Stadium in Annapolis on Saturday, Sept. 19th. Hundreds of thousands of people are involved in similar walks that raise awareness and funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The funding goes to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. AFSP has been able to set a bold goal to reduce the annual suicide rate 20% by 2025.
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The group is also sponsoring a Virtual Talk:
August 13, 7 pm
Virtual Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention - Register Here
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Take Care of your Mental Health During These Challenging Times.
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Our Sunday services in August will be pre-recorded and will include a look back at some of our favorite hymn singing as a congregation. |
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A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
Episcopal Prayer Book for the Armed Forces (1988)
In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. And since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.
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Office Times Now Being Scheduled by Appointments
Staff is now coming into the office at various times throughout the week. If you need to contact a staff person, the fastest way is email. If you need to see someone in person, please make an appointment with them, as we cannot guarantee when they will be in the office on different days. Rest assured they are hard at work and staying safe mostly at home.
If you do come into the office for an appointment, please be sure to wear a mask for the safety of our staff, cleaning crew, and parishioners.
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The Rev. Peter W. Mayer, Rector
The Rev. Patti Sachs, Assoc. Rector
Jim Douglas, Director of Music
Elizabeth Radley, Dir. of Operations
Laura Tayman, Communications
Teresa McCorkle, Bookkeeper
Jeff Conover, Youth Ministries Leader
Tricia McVeigh, Day School Dir.
Judy Hall, Churchyard Administrator
Christine Feldmann, Grants. Admin.
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Transforming Lives in Christ through worship, formation, and giving. |
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