Church Office Hours:

Monday - Wednesday - 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Thursday and Friday - By appointment only

NOTE: The office will be closed next week for the Thanksgiving holiday.

A Note from Peter

peter@st-margarets.org

It was 25 years ago that I began earnestly thinking about becoming a priest. I remember it as a very heady time, filled with deep reflections and long inner conversations with myself, and with God. I spent the better part of six months in prayer, walking, working and praying. There’s really no better way to do discernment. Discernment is what we call ‘deep thinking around my purpose.’ It’s also what we call the process of deciding to pursue Holy Orders (ordination, becoming a priest).

I’m thrilled that our middle school formation leader, Karin Ekholm is discerning such a call. She is attending Virginia Theological Seminary, and has been approved by the Diocese of Maryland to enter the Masters of Divinity track. It’s very possible that next year at this time, St. Margaret’s will be sponsoring our first postulant in over eight years. As Karin helps me on the altar at the 9:00 am services, please welcome her, and pray for her time of discernment. 

Also this Sunday, please join us in the fellowship between the 9 am and 11:15 am services for a conversation on ‘Why St. Margaret’s Church’s Past Matters” with the members of the Trust, Reconciliation and Reparations Task Force. We will explore parts of our history in light of our ongoing Gospel work of racial reconciliation. I hope that this conversation will serve as a next step in our collective journey to learn more about our past in order to better understand our present, and our responsibility to build a more just and equitable world.

Note -- There are many of you asking how to get cards, notes, and other expressions of support to Rev. Patti as she begins treatment for her cancer. Our office has a box where you can leave items for Patti when the office is open. The items will be delivered directly to Patti on a regular basis.

STEWARDSHIP REMINDER

Campaign Ending Soon!

As our Stewardship "Grateful" campaign for 2022 comes to a close we thank you for your generous pledges! We are closing in on our funding goals. Currently we have met 75% of the dollars needed by receiving pledges from 60% of our membership. If you have not yet pledged for 2022, please do so today. 

Simply access your account on Realm, select the Giving tab, and select the 2022 Pledge page; or

pledge on our website;

or contact Elizabeth Radley in the church office, elizabeth@st-margarets.org, to make your 2022 pledge.

MATCHING FUNDS STILL AVAILABLE! What gift giver doesn't like the Matching Funds option? We are grateful that funds remain to match your pledge if you increase from last year, are a returning pledger who needed to take a year or more off, or if you are a first time pledger. 

Your Stewardship Committee and Vestry feel extremely grateful this Thanksgiving season! St. Margaret's reputation as "the church that gives" was maintained through our a record-setting global pandemic. Our 2021 global gifts and service did not waiver thanks to your commitment to stewardship.  

Now is the time your Vestry is cautiously discerning over our 2022 budget. This is never an easy process as we stay committed to our reputation for giving and service, meet the costs of necessary campus maintenance and improvements, compensate our diligent clergy and staff appropriately, and plan for our future as a growing church community.  

The Stewardship committee wishes you and your family a peaceful and healthy Christmas season.

Greg Smith, Stewardship Chairman

Doug Seybert

Dan Tootle 

Brad Callahan

Zach Greene

Elizabeth Kopack, Vestry Liaison to Stewardship

Afghan Refugee Support Group

St. Margaret’s is welcoming a recently arrived Afghan family by collecting for them new and gently used items to help start their lives in Maryland. Recently the father told us a little about them and their journey. They are 9 people: 6 girls and 1 son, led by 2 courageous parents. Imagine these individuals around your table during the upcoming months, sharing in hospitality, and telling you of their love of learning, and pride in their family.

This is a link to an Amazon wish list for our friends. You may order and pay for items from this list and they will be delivered directly to the family.

https://www.amazon.com/registries/holiday/2R0K359YRUR2Y/guest-view?ref=gr_search_page_result

Here is a three page Sign-up Genius list of additional items. Look here to see suggestions for needed items. Put your name where you see something you can contribute, and bring it to St. Margaret’s. There are drop off zones in the narthex during the week and the Formation Building lobby on Sundays.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4DADA82BA2F85-smcthanksgiving

THIS SATURDAY

Friends! Let’s work together to sort and label the recently donated items for Afghan refugees. They worked for America during the war and/or were journalists, female judges, LGBTQ and others on the Taliban “kill list.” They have just relocated to Maryland and are starting over. We will be working under the direction of the IROC (Immigrant & Refugee Outreach Center). Meet at St. Margaret's (1601 Pleasant Plains Rd, Annapolis, MD) at 8:30 a.m. to carpool or at the Diyanet Center at 9:00 a.m. where the donations are being sorted and stored for the refugees.Trucks or vans are especially needed to help bring items from a Hyattsville storage unit to the center on Saturday morning. Winter clothes of all sizes, dressers, sewing machines, used laptops and bikes still needed. Afterwards, we’ll have lunch together at the Turkish Cafe - which is supposed to be delicious.

Prayer for the Afghan Crisis

Resettlement Agencies are struggling with scaling up to handle the efforts to settle the very large numbers of refugees living on military bases in the US and abroad.

We pray for all those who work for and with Afghan refugee resettlement agencies that they may be provided with the resources, volunteers and housing needed to provide welcoming homes for the refugees.

Coffee Hour Chats Begin November 21st

The first of the Coffee Hour Chats that discusses the work of our Truth, Reconciliation & Reparations Task Force will take place on THIS Sunday, November 21st, 10:20 to 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall with a discussion on “Why SMC’s History is Important” for all SMC parishioners. The information is from the recently completed SMC Historical and Present Practices Report, a snapshot in the current time of our presence within the Broadneck Peninsula. Additional “Chats” will cover the results of the T,R&R Survey that documents our need for both formation and education leading to our discernment for reconciliation, as well for what actions we may take to repair any hurts or damage that has occurred.

Endowment Grants Program 2021-22

APPLICATIONS DUE NOV. 30

In the 1990's, St. Margaret's parishioners Ed and Zoe Hall left a financial gift to the church to do with what the parish decided. It was voted to create an endowment fund that would be used to fund nonprofit projects each year that followed the priorities of St. Margaret's. Since that time, over $2 million has been awarded to nonprofits locally, regionally, and around the world.

Go here for the 2022 grants application:

https://www.st-margarets.org/endowment-grants-program.html

Children's Formation Coordinator

Emily Delsordo, emily@st-margarets.org

Youth Ministries Leader

Jeff Conover, Jeff@st-margarets.org

Professional, loving nursery care open

Sundays from 8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and

Mondays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

YOUTH Formation Information

Warm Tree Coming to the Narthex

We will be setting up the Warm Tree in the Narthex on Monday evening, the 29th of November.

As a reminder, this is an annual youth- sponsored drive at Christmas time to solicit donations of warm wear such as hats, scarves, and gloves to young people in our community who need them during the coming months. Ornaments on the tree will have the age and sex of the student.

As a very special treat, we will have the awesome Alison Matthews of the Broadneck feeder system come talk to us about specific needs of her charges. All are welcome to come hear her speak. Her presentation won’t be long, but it is an excellent opportunity to learn a lot more about the hidden poverty and economic challenges facing our neighbors here on the Broadneck Peninsula. Following her talk, we will get the tree set up and make sure we have the correct number and type of tags for the items she needs this Christmas season.

MLK Diocesan Youth Event -- Save the Date

Martin Luther King Jr Lock In

January 16-17

7th-12th Grade

Memorial, Baltimore (1407 Bolton Street). Cost: $25

An overnight stay at at the church that includes discussions about history and reconciliation and about racism in the church and the country.

Youth Group

In-person sessions on Monday evenings for middle and high school students

(6:45 - 8:30 p.m.) Masked when indoors.

Zoom Faith Formation Meetings

Wednesdays - 7 p.m.

For those who may not know, Jeff puts out a newsletter highlighting Youth events called the "Holy Hotmail." 

THE LATEST HOLY HOTMAIL CAN BE FOUND HERE.

It comes out as needed and contains a comprehensive calendar of all parish and Diocesan youth events. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Jeff Conover at jeff@st-margarets.org.



Adult Volunteers Needed - Youth Group events are painless, funny, sometimes moving, and always leave you feeling more hopeful for our futures! Contact Jeff for more information!

Advent Wreath Making Kits

Now Available

St. Margaret’s Church is offering an Advent wreath kit for St. Margaret’s parishioners in the narthex of the church sanctuary while supplies last. The Advent wreath is the traditional centerpiece of the Advent season. If you wish to provide a donation for it, send a payment of $20 with “Advent Wreath” in the memo line on Realm or with a check sent to the church office.

Note -- We will not be holding a wreath making activity in the Parish Hall this year. We will post a video with instructions on using the wreath soon.

Guild Luncheon on December 1

The Women’s Guild is back in person. We had a lovely meeting on Nov. 3 with Ernie Tucker as our speaker. The next meeting is a Christmas luncheon at Carrol's Creek at 11:30 a.m. on December 1, 2021.

There will be a menu with four choices of entrees and two desserts, but you don't have to decide until the day of the luncheon. The cost is $40 per person and can be paid via check mailed or dropped off at the church office (office is open M-W from 9 -2), credit card payment thru Realm (designate it is for the Guild and add "luncheon"on the memo line) or pay at the door.

Judy Hall needs a head count by Nov.26th. Please let her know (judy.hall0404@gmail.com) if you are coming and how you intend to pay. Please feel free to bring a guest if you would like. Several husbands are coming. There is a bar, however you will be responsible for that payment.

Should you have any questions or need a ride, please contact either Janis Brewer at 410-991-3647 or Judy Hall at 410-533-1551. 

Advent Adult Formation

Sunday Mornings --

Nov. 28-Dec.19 - 10:30-11 a.m. -- Fellowship Hall

Hope in Advent

Join the Rev. Peter W. Mayer in weekly discussions on finding hope in the season of Advent.

Tuesday Evenings --

Nov. 29-Dec. 20 -- 7:00 p.m. -- on social media

on FB (www.facebook.com/smcannapolis) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/c/saintmargaret)

Join the Rev. Patti Sachs on a journey from darkness toward Light every Tuesday in Advent.

Advent Lessons & Carols

December 12 - 5 p.m.

This service, led by the choirs of St. Margaret's, is intended to be a time of spiritual preparation, as we watch and wait for the coming of the Kingdom of God. The service will be held in the sanctuary in-person and live-streamed on our public Facebook page (www.facebook.com/smcannapolis) and our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/c/saintmargarets).

Christmas Services

A Quiet Christmas

Wednesday, Dec. 15 -- Noon

An opportunity to experience the significance of the birth of Christ in a quiet and peaceful setting among the business of the holidays. This service will also be live-streamed.

Third Sunday Band Christmas Concert

Saturday, December 18, 7 p.m.

Join the Third Sunday Band as they perform Christmas favorites in a casual and welcoming setting.

Christmas Eve Services

Because of safety protocol, we must limit the amount of seating for each service. We will soon be offering registration for seating for all three of these services. If you serve a role in a service, you will automatically be placed in the seating number.

Family Christmas Service - 3:00 p.m.

Service led by and including the children of St. Margaret's.

Christmas Lessons & Carols - 5:30 p.m.

A presentation of the Christmas Story in word and music.

Traditional Candlelight Service - 7:30 p.m.

Carols and readings, a traditional candlelight service.

All three will be live-streamed on our Facebook public page and YouTube channel.

Christmas Day - 10:00 a.m.

Parishioners are encouraged to come and worship the new-born King at St. Margaret's morning worship service.

Christmas Wreaths and Poinsettias

to Honor or in Memory of Loved Ones

We once again offer the opportunity to support decorating the sanctuary for Christmas by purchasing poinsettias and wreaths in honor of or in memory of loved ones. Poinsettias are $25 and wreaths are $40. You can purchase them by credit card at https://onrealm.org/smcannapolis/Give or by check to "St. Margaret's Church" with "Christmas flowers" in the memo line.

After you have purchased the items, please email Laura@st-margarets.org with your dedication information.

Worship @ St. Margaret's

Wednesday Worship

9:00 a.m. - Rite II - Holy Eucharist

Sunday Worship

7:30 a.m. - Rite 1- No Music

9:00 and 11:15 a.m. - Rite II with Music

Update:

Congregational singing (with masks) now approved by the Diocese!

 Additionally, there are still some rules we will follow for the safety of us all.

·        Hand sanitizer will still be available.

·        We will continue to share an elbow or a wave at the Peace.

·        Please be conscious of physical distancing. Four feet is the recommended distance now.

Thanks to all for continuing patience and adherence to all safety rules.

See you Sunday!

AS A REMINDER --

We will offer a live-stream of the service at 9:00 a.m. every Sunday on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/smcannapolis) and our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/c/saintmargaret).

MONDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES

RETURNED - IN-PERSON

MASKS ARE REQUIRED

Schedule

Want to donate for food expenses?

Use this QR code or go to onrealm.org/smcannapolis/give

5:30 to 6:15 p.m. - Choristers Rehearsals (grades K-2, 3-5)

Contact: Jim Douglas, Director of Music, music@st-margarets.org

NEW -- 5:45 to 6:15 - Crafts and Story with Miss Emily

Contact: Emily DelSordo, Children's Formation Director

emily@st-margarets.org

6:15 to 7:00 p.m. - Dinner (All should be masked except when eating.)

(Cooking and serving will be done with safety protocols in place.)

6:45 to 8:30 p.m. - Youth Group for Middle & High School ages

Contact: Jeff Conover, Youth Ministries Leader, jeff@st-margarets.org

7:00 p.m. - Adult Formation Study

"Destructuring Prayer"

Questions? Contact laura@st-margarets.org

7:00 p.m. - Adult Choir Rehearsal

Limited numbers for safety protocols

Contact Jim Douglas at music@st-margarets.org to participate.

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Professional Nursery Care is Available!

RSVP to emily@st-margarets.org

Senior Sessions

All parishioners 65+ are welcome to join our Senior Sessions at 9:00 a.m. on Zoom on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month.

Participants will join clergy in a faith and fellowship hour, with sharing of joys and challenges. To participate, contact the Rev. Peter Mayer at peter@st-margarets.org.

NEW STUDY -- Monday Evenings

On Zoom at 7 p.m.

Creation and the Cross: The Mercy of God for a Planet in Peril by Elizabeth Johnson

In this fresh creative approach to theology, Elizabeth Johnson asks how we can understand cosmic redemption in a time of advancing ecological devastation. In effect, how can we extend the core Christian belief in salvation to include all created beings. Immediately this quest runs into a formidable obstacle: the idea that Jesus’ death on the cross was required as an atonement for human sin—a theology laid out by the eleventh-century theologian Anselm. Constructing her argument (like Anselm) in the form of a dialogue, Johnson lays out the foundations in scripture, the teachings of Jesus, and the early Church for an understanding that emphasizes the love and mercy of God, showing how this approach could help us respond to a planet in peril.

If you wish to participate and have not participated on the Monday Night Book Study before, contact Laura@st-margarets.org for the Zoom link.

Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. on Zoom

This Fall's Thursday online study is based on Strength for the Journey: Biblical Wisdom for Daily Living by Peter J. Gomes.

To participate, contact Pat Hall at pshall1@verizon.net.

Provide dinners for the Light House shelter residents the third and fourth Sunday of the month. At present, volunteers buy the food, prepare the dinner, and take it to the shelter for distribution. Volunteers are reimbursed for the food purchased. For more information, contact MartiEngstrom@gmail.com.

Donate food to the Light House. Use this list of needed items and place in the Narthex. Donations are picked up every two weeks. Contact Pam Roth for more information.

Donate food or volunteer for distribution at the Broadneck area food pantry My Brother's Pantry. Contact: Russell Jackson.

Volunteer with the West Annapolis Pop-up Pantry - feeding hungry families in the Annapolis area two Thursdays a month.

UPDATE

West Annapolis Pantry could use some help this week--a last minute call.

Today there will be pantry box packing from 5-7 p.m.

Thursday there will be food and baby products distribution from 5-7:30 p.m.

All work will be done at the Pantry site in the back of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Ridgely Rd in West Annapolis. Wednesday is indoors; Thursday is inside and outdoors. High Schoolers needing service hours can have their time validated. It's fun; it's friendly; it helps neighbors in need--anyone with questions can call or pm Barbara Marder (scubaesc@aol.com or 410-991-7114)

Sunday's Bulletin

Sunday's Announcements

Sunday, November 21

Lectors

7:30 a.m. Ben Tolley

9:00 a.m. Barbara Marder

11:15 a.m. Jerry Smith

Children's Chapel

Cory and Zack Greene

Altar Guild

Charlie Lang, Susie Byrom, Robert Thomas

Acolytes

9:00 Sarah and Allen Mayer

11:15 Emily Bontempo

Greeters

9:00 - Jean Clarke

11:15 - Carroll Morgan

Ushers

9:00 - Peter Wiernicki, Gail Pelton, Judy Hall

11:15 -George Saroch, Stacia Bontempo, Jim Hall

Coffee Hour Hosts - Jan Little, Sarah Hyde

Sunday, November 28

Lectors

7:30 p.m. Joan Rich

9:00 a.m. Russell Jackson

11:15 a.m. Phil Meeder

Children's Chapel

Jen Thomas, Ernie Tucker

Altar Guild

Jeanne Nardi, Jan Little, Kim Morrow

Flower Guild

Ann Lallande

Acolytes

9:00 Molly Rose Svendsen, Charlotte and Clara Berthelotte

11:00 Grace and Connor Feldmann

Greeters

9:00 - Web Chamberlin

11:15 - Teresa Todd

Ushers

9:00 - Molly Owens, Judy Hall, Russ Phillipi

11:15 - Ray Feldmann, Bosworths

Coffee Hour Hosts - Beth and Justyn Kopack

ALL USHERS AND GREETERS

Remember that anyone can show up to serve even though their name is not listed on a specific date. It's just that the assigned people are committed to being there that particular day so we have enough numbers to serve.

Altar Flower Dedications Available

The beautiful flowers offered on our altar each Sunday can be dedicated to honor loved ones marking special life events such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, baptisms, confirmations, and in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving for life’s blessings.

To reserve a Sunday date, email laura@st-margarets.org. Once reserved, you can make the payment of $50 by logging on to Realm and choosing "Flower Fund" or sending in a check (or placing it in the Sunday offertory plate) made out to "St. Margaret's Church" with "Flower Fund" in the memo line. Your dedication will be posted in the service bulletins.

A/V Tech Associate Needed

We are in need of people with some A/V tech experience to live-stream services at St. Margaret's on a regular basis. A stipend is possible. For more information, e-mail Laura Tayman, Director of Communications, at Laura@st-margarets.org.

Have a prayer request to put in our weekly announcements?

Go to https://www.st-margarets.org/prayer-request.html to use our automated request form or contact clergy.