Dragon Tales E-News
July 25, 2018
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A Note from Peter
I didn’t plan to be on vacation during General Convention, but that’s what happened. Someone at our church camp that we attend each year in North Carolina (
www.kanuga.org
) asked me what I thought of the ‘news’ from Austin, and I quickly sighed/rolled my eyes/thought of something I probably shouldn’t say/smiled and asked ‘what news?’ I honestly didn’t have a clue as to what business the church had attended to, so I couldn’t comment. Through the wonders of Twitter, I found out that a new prayer book is in the works for 2030. Along with that news, there was also much discussion on immigration, gender equality, Cuba, and other matters. Here’s a link for the headlines:
I think we can safely call this convention “The Curry Convention” because of the incredible presence brought by our current Presiding Bishop. Coming off his stirring sermon at the Royal Wedding earlier this summer, his stock has never been higher. He has even been accused of hijacking the Jesus Movement he has built, and turning it into the Curry Movement. Again, insert eye roll.
My biggest concern with the news about a new prayer book isn’t about gender-inclusive language, or different imagery of God, but rather what church will look like in 2030. Some of us won’t be here. Frankly, there are many churches (20%? 40%) that will have closed. It’s not that our churches are getting older (they are), but it’s also that our churches are failing to attract millennials. I think leaders like Michael Curry can stem that tide, and can infect other leaders to help change the narrative around communal worship.
I think the Episcopal Church has a lot to offer this world. Our current banner is part of that message: we’re a church that holds faith and reason in tension. We’re a church that seeks to ask honest and authentic questions, and not hide when the answers aren’t apparent right away. We’re a thinking church, but also a church were faith moves us to tears inexplicably.
So as much as I roll my eyes about things like conventions and prayer book revisions (mostly because I am constantly reminded that Jesus did not die on the cross so we could call the question on such and so resolution), I am proud of the Episcopal Church, and I am glad to be a part of it. I am proud to be part of St. Margaret’s, a place where we practice a unique way of exercising our Anglican roots, and a liturgy in which we balance the ancient and the modern. I don’t know what church will look like in twelve years, but I know that God’s work will continue in the world in many of the same ways that our church operates right now. That gives me profound hope.
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We are grateful to parishioner Harry Caldwell for organizing the recent county forum on homelessness held at St. Margaret's this week. It was a standing room only crowd who heard from candidates for county executive discuss possible solutions at the local level.
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Bishop Visits St. Margaret's on August 12
The Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudsen, assistant bishop of the Diocese of Maryland, will participate in worship services at St. Margaret's on Sunday, August 12.
Knudson was bishop of the Diocese of Maine for a decade, served as a missionary in Haiti, and then as assistant bishop in Kentucky, New York, and Long Island.
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Annapolis Chamber Music presents
"Two in One"
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
7:30 PM 8:30 PM
Each of the works on this program is chosen to highlight the artistry of collaboration, which demands not only virtuosity but also the ability to "talk" musically to one's partner. You will be part of the dialogue as well - in the fantasy pieces on the first half of the program, you will hear the composers speaking to you in soaring, rhapsodic tones. Come and join the conversation!
Paul Taffanel - Fantasy on themes from "Der Freischutz"
Robert Schumann - Three Romances for Bassoon and Piano, op. 94
George Gershwin - Selections
Porgy and Bess
for Violin and Piano (arr. Heifetz)
Johannes Brahms - Trio for Horn, Violin and Piano op. 40
**You may enjoy members of the group
as they perform in the Parish Hall
this Sunday during coffeehour**
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LAST WEEK!
Food Drive for the Light House
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Pick up bags in the sanctuary narthex with a list of needed items and return to the church at any time this month. All donations should be non-perishable and nutritious.
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Volunteers welcome to join St. Margaret's parishioners as we offer a half-day, week-long summer camp for the Hispanic families of Allen Apartments in Annapolis.
Children's swimsuit donations needed as well. Contact Coordinator Sarah Hyde at
smhyde@aol.com to volunteer or for more information or sign up during coffeehour on Sundays.
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Back to School Backpack Drive
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Vacation is on, but the new school year is not that far away. The Missions Commission is again asking members of the parish for help with back-to-school supplies for local children whose families are unable to provide.
We are partnering with Broadneck Elementary on Shore Acres Road in Arnold. Their guidance counselor has requested we provide filled backpacks for needy children who register late or are otherwise not qualified to be listed with county social services. The counselor will ensure the supplies will be given to students who need them.
As in the past, the
Missions Commission will provide the actual backpacks; parishioners are asked to provide the fillings or supplies requested per grade level.
If you can help make a child’s first days of school more rewarding, please contact Barbara Marder at scubaesc@aol.com or 410-518-9978. She will provide you with a list of needed supplies for an assigned grade level.
You can also submit a check to "St. Margaret's Church" with "Backpacks" in the memo line to help purchase additional needed supplies. You can mail to the church office or put in the plate on Sundays.
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Help new Americans by teaching citizenship classes!
After a fruitful first semester of teaching citizenship classes at Center of Help in Annapolis, our social justice team is looking for two new volunteers to join a team in September. You'll teach once a month (as part of a team with comprehensive curriculum) to a small group of adult students who are preparing for their citizenship tests.
No teaching experience or foreign language knowledge is needed and you'll discover that investing time in new American citizens is a meaningful and rewarding experience!
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Foyers Forming for 2018-19
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Are you interested in joining the St. Margaret’s Foyers social groups? If you participated last year, you do not have to do anything as you will receive a phone call or e-mail from one of the committee members in which you will be asked of your interest. If you did not participate last year but want to meet other parishioners in a social setting, please contact Vera Torrence at
vdtorrence@verizon.net.
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Tanzania Trip Planned for 2019
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St. Margaret’s Missions Comm. members are leading a group to Tanzania on March 7-20, 2019. The all-inclusive trip will include a safari visiting the most beautiful spots of the Serengeti and a three-day visit to the Dageno Girls Center. Dageno has been a St. Margaret’s grant recipient since 2014 but this is the first time we’ve visited in person. The itinerary has been planned and will be led by Teri Priebe of King George Travel—a very experienced TZ tour operator. A $500 deposit secures your space now. Space is limited - a few rooms left.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
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Be sure to mark your calendar for the Rev. Patti's ordination on September 15, 11am at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore. Please arrive by 10 am if you want to be seated. Parking will be limited, so please carpool if possible.
*Mary Barcome funeral on Saturday, August 4, Noon
*Sunday School Open House -- Sept. 9, 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.
*First Day of Sunday School -- Sept. 16, 10:15 a.m.
*First Day of Faith & Fellowship Mondays -- Sept. 17
NOTE--
The Fall Spire newsletter deadline for submissions is Friday, August 17th.
Submissions should be sent to
info@st-margarets.org.
Deadline for Dragon Tales - Monday afternoon
Deadline for Sunday Announcements - Wednesday morning
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As the summer vacation season continues, our regular office volunteers and staff are taking vacations. As a result, phone calls may not be answered right away,
Email may be the fastest source of communication and is encouraged if possible.
Staff will be able to collect voice mail phone messages throughout the day as long as they are not on vacation.
As a reminder, pastoral
emergency
calls can be made at 443-837-5463.
Office Emails
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