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Dear St. Martin's Family,
It is almost Lent, which I find hard to believe! The Season after Epiphany has flown by. Our Profile Committee has been hard at work, as many of us saw on Sunday when Josee Molavi was with us to film our worship as part of our profile video. Over the next month, they will wind down their work and submit materials to the diocese. We will begin formally receiving applications for our next rector in early March. This is exciting!
In the shorter term, I invite you to begin to prepare for Lent. It is traditional to take on a spiritual discipline in Lent. We often think of this in terms of "giving up," but a Lenten discipline can also be something that we "take on." What is God calling you to take on for Lent this year? Perhaps it's attending my Monday Bible study or Rev. Nathan's Thursday class on Rowan Williams' book The Sign and the Sacrifice. Maybe you're feeling called to join us on Tuesday evening for a simple meal and intergenerational education. Could God be calling you to commit to reading your Bible daily or spending quiet time in prayer? Or are you being called to join in one of our outreach or other ministries? Whatever it is, please know that Rev. Nathan and I are available to help you find ways to "give up" and "take on" as Lent approaches.
Lent begins this year on Valentine's Day. Although the juxtaposition of Ash Wednesday and candy hearts may seem strange, God's love for us is evident in the forgiveness we are assured we receive in Jesus Christ. I invite you to join us for one of our Ash Wednesday offerings: Ashes 2 Go (7-8 AM), our 11:45 AM Ash Wednesday service, or our 7 PM Ash Wednesday service with choir.
Christ's peace,
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~ The Rev. Joshua Rodriguez-Hobbs, Interim Rector | | |
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Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | |
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Scout Sunday ~ This Sunday, February 4
At our 10:00 a.m. service we will celebrate our Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troops for Scout Sunday. Come and meet some scouts, learn more about what they do, and how we can support them. In true St. Martin’s fashion there will be cake! If you are interested in our scout troop email info@pack855.org.
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EYC: Cookie Bake Off ~ This Sunday, February 4, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Youth and friends are invited to this delicious evening of fun as we bake and decorate cookies. For all youth grades 6th-12th. Friends are welcome. For questions contact Rev. Nathan.
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Tuesday Night Lenten Program: Taste and See
Tuesdays, February 20-March 19, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Join us each Tuesday in Lent and Holy Week for a simple dinner and an intergenerational program. We will gather to hear the story of Jesus’ experiences in Holy Week using Godly Play, an interactive storytelling format. Following our story, we will reflect on how Jesus’ story impacts our own stories through art, movement, music, and discussion. We need volunteers to bring soup to share. If you’re willing to help provide dinner, please click here to sign up. For questions contact Rev. Josh.
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Ash Wednesday Services
Wednesday, February 14
Ashes to Go: Drive up to our campus between 7:00-8:00 a.m. and receive your ashes and prayer.
Ash Wednesday Services: Join us for worship to start the season of Lent at 11:45 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
For more information or questions, contact Rev. Josh.
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Need to Be Confirmed or Received?
Clergy will be offering an Inquirers’ Class after Easter to prepare individuals interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. Contact Rev. Josh by February 19 to register for the class. Bishop Carrie will lead a regional confirmation service on Sunday, May 19 at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.
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Youth Happening Retreat
February 16-18 (Claggett Center)
Happening is a national program designed, staffed, and run by Episcopal youth grades 9th-12th! This weekend will deepen your relationship with Jesus and connections with those on similar spiritual journeys. General activities include large group talks, small group discussion, prayer through art, and games! Cost: $75. Register before February 9, click here. Contact Rev. Nathan.
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The Meaning of the Cross and Resurrection
Thursdays, February 22-March 21; 12 p.m. (St. Martin’s House) or 7 p.m. (Zoom)
Join us for a Lenten book discussion of The Sign and the Sacrifice: The Meaning of the Cross and Resurrection by Rowan Williams. Rowan Williams is one of the greatest living Anglican theologians and a former Archbishop of Canterbury. We’ll explore his short and accessible book on the meaning of the Crucifixion and Easter. Please register here. For questions contact Rev. Nathan.
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, February 13,
5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
To honor the tradition of using up eggs, butter and fat before Lent, we will gather for pancakes and a family-friendly service. Gluten Free/Allergy friendly pancakes available. $5/person, $20/family. We will also burn the palms from last year for our Ash Wednesday ashes. Please bring any palms you have. For questions about food allergies contact Lori Skalitzky. Contact Rev. Nathan.
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VBS Is Back!
Save the date - July 22-26
St. Martin’s is excited to launch Vacation Bible School this year! Open to kids Pre-K through 5th grade. Full day and half day options will be available. Additional information and registration details to come. Contact Tabitha Carman.
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Super Bowl Watch Party
Sunday, February 11, 6:00 p.m. (Lower Heck Hall)
Come one come all to the St Martin’s Super Bowl party. Main course provided, please bring a side dish to share and any beverage you want to drink. Hopefully we will be cheering on the Ravens! For details contact John Theune.
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Great American Chili Cook-Off Results
This year’s St. Martin’s chili cook-off was a great success and raised over $1,000 for our J2A’s 2025 pilgrimage fund. One youth auction item on its own raised $250! Everyone worked hard to make this event happen. Many thanks to all who made the evening possible, especially, our chefs, tasters, set up and clean up crews.
Your chili winners:
Tex Mex chili and Overall winner = Josh Stroud; West Coast chili = Chris Werth; East Coast chili = Wendy Gatanas; Southern Style chili = Elke Hendry; Midwest chili = Tim George; and Maryland chili = Melanie Boteler
If anyone has any pictures from the evening to share, please email Amber Kaltz, Communications Coordinator.
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The Arundel House of Hope Winter Shelter been providing a warm place to stay, meals, and hospitality for the homeless for about 30 years. This year St. Martin’s will welcome men in need to stay in Heck Hall from March 18-25. This is a time where parishioners rally to cook, serve meals, provide transportation, socialize with our guests, purchase snacks, do laundry and transform Heck Hall. It is a great time to share your time and talents to serve God and help others. Details and sign ups coming soon. Don’t delay, become involved now! For details contact Kathy Berge. | |
SPAN Opportunities for February
We at St Martin’s supports SPAN's mission, serving our neighbors to help them through a critical or emergency situation with our year round collection. The theme for February is "Show the Love." Please donate shelf stable foods that can be used to keep the heart healthy. This would include canned fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals, oatmeal, whole grains, vegetable oils, and bottled water. Of course we’re also happy to collect anything else you’re willing to share. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. Click here for details about SPAN.
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February Outreach Collection: LASH
February’s Second Offering will go to support the LASH. LASH stands for Lions Association for Sight and Hearing, a regional nonprofit organization comprised of Lions Clubs in Central Maryland that works with Towson University’s Communication Department providing hearing exams and if needed, hearing aids for low income individuals. If you want to learn more about LASH’s mission and the ways you can help click here.
Click here to donate and put LASH in the memo area. For more details contact Kathy Berge.
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ASP in 2024
June 23-29; Sign-up deadline February 15
Project) is a week-long, life-changing, work mission trip open to everyone ages 14 and up. We work with homeowners in Central Appalachia helping to make homes warmer, safer and drier. $600 per person and includes all transportation, training, supplies, materials and lodging. Space is limited—deadline to sign up is February 15. To sign up or with questions, contact Charlie Fitzgerald.
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Outreach Meeting
February 6, 7:00 p.m. (Parish Hall)
All are invited to join our Outreach Commission giving both time and talent to fulfill our mission to serve others. We welcome your help in the work of the commission to assist those who need our support. Get involved today! For details contact Kathy Berge.
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Profile Committee Members: Elaine Bachmann (Chair), Lori Skalitzky, Markella Gatanas, Ellen Hays, Aaron Carman, and Charlie Fitzgerald
Search Committee Members: John Theune (Chair), Sandi Blair, Sam Burdette, Ardath Cade, Greg Church, Rob Fraser, Tim George, Derek Heiss, Porter Hill, Prince Jernigan, Mark Kellogg, Mike Radike, Tony Shaffer, Susan Shingledecker, Amy Tate, Marcia Taylor, and Patti Zielinski
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YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR WEEKLY PROGRAMS: | |
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Sunday School and Youth Programs
Classes Sundays from 9:00-9:45 a.m. (Arrival time 8:45-9:00 a.m.)
Sunday School (K-Grade 5): SMES Art and Science Rooms
Rite-13 (Grade 6-8): Lower Heck Hall
J2A (Grade 9-10): Lower St. Martin’s House
Confirmation Class/YAC (Grade 10-11): St. Martin’s House
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Children’s Chapel
Children’s Chapel happens during the 10:00 a.m. service, from before the reading of the Gospel to the Peace. Children from 3 years old to 2nd grade are invited to experience an age appropriate Liturgy of the Word led by Children’s Chapel adult leaders. Contact Rev. Nathan for details.
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Interim Rector’s Bible Study
Cancelled on Feb. 5. Resumes Feb. 12. Mondays, 11:30 a.m. (St. Martin’s House)
Join Rev. Josh for a weekly drop-in Bible study. Bring your Bible (or borrow one from the Church office) and a brown bag lunch as we study the Gospel of Mark. Contact Rev. Josh.
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Parents’ Group
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
The St. Martin’s Parents’ Group has an exciting semester of activities, learning and fellowship planned. This group is for all parents/guardians of school-aged children. Contact Chris and Liz Lucas.
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Shepherd Group
Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. (via Zoom)
Group discussion of the readings for the upcoming Sunday. All adults welcome. For zoom link and details contact Susan Griesmyer.
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Nursery
Our nursery is available from 8:45-11:30 a.m. on Sundays for infants and children ages 3 and under. Located in Parish Hall, see an usher for directions. Contact Rev. Nathan for details.
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Bible Challenge Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s House)
The Bible Challenge group will start a 10-week study of the book of James. Join us beginning January 2 on Tuesdays upstairs in St. Martin’s House at 7:00 p.m. The study guide can be purchased through Lamplighters International. Here’s a link. Contact Cindy Neseth, (443) 534-3277.
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Educator Of The Month: Kelcey Wohlgemuth
For St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School (SMES) learning support coordinator Kelcey Wohlgemuth, her role translates to all things special education. She not only teaches academic support classes to first grade through eighth, but she also collaborates with division coordinators, teachers, students and their families to determine the best learning strategies, methods and avenues for students.
Click here for the full article from the Severna Park Voice.
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Do You Know A Family Who Needs A New Roof?
It’s the 8th annual Landmark Roofing Giveaway with partners GAF and Superior Distribution providing a brand new roof completely free of charge, to a local family in need. The Landmark Team strongly believes in giving back and supporting the community that keeps us in business, so we would like to ask the community to help us find our winner. If you know a local family in need that would benefit from a new roof, you can nominate them anonymously using the contact form below. Give us an idea of who they are and why they need a new roof in your own words. Winner will be selected in the Spring. Submit nominations today!
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February 2024 Caregiver Educational Workshops
The Chesapeake Life Center presents "Supportive Care." When you or a loved one is seriously ill, it changes all parts of your life. Understanding supportive care can lead to better decisions about the care you choose. Meet on February 8, 2:00 p.m.
The Dementia Live® workshop immerses participants into life with dementia, resulting in a deeper understanding of what it is like to live with cognitive impairment and sensory changes. Meets on February 21, 10:00 a.m.
Workshops held at North County/Hein Office Building, 7320 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie. Register online at www.aacounty.org/aging or call 410-222-4375 or 410-222-4339.
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Your Prayers are Invited... |
Prayer is the universal way people of faith stay connected, both with one another and with God. I invite you to pray daily for our parish family, for your own needs, and in thanksgiving for all that God has blessed you with this day.
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NEW PRAYERS FOR OUR PARISH FAMILY: Mark, Sara, Gloria, Nolan, Jared, Clyde, Bunny, and Dora.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: George, Geoffrey, Joe, Joey, Bill, Lee, Jax, Sumner, Candy, Ellen, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Richard, Rob, Michele, Andrea, Cormac, Rodney, Elaine, Leah, George, Vera, Emily, and Tim.
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Let us know if you have a specific prayer request so we can hold you in our daily prayers.
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ST. MARTIN'S-IN-THE-FIELD EPISCOPAL CHURCH
375 Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146
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