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All fall, we reflected on the many blessings God has given us at St. Martin's as part of our Rooted in Abundance stewardship campaign. On Sunday, we will gather in the Parish Hall at 9 AM to share the blessings we have received with others. Please sign up to bring food or a gift as part of our Christmas Holiday Sharing. We are also in need of cardboard boxes to use to wrap gifts.
This Sunday we will also have our annual Advent Lessons and Carols service at 10 AM. Join us as the choir enriches our worship with special music as we remember the story of our salvation. This service traces God's action in the world from the time of Adam and Eve until the angel Gabriel's announcement of Jesus' birth to Mary, his mother.
Finally, there is still time to participate in our Christmas Pageant. We will have a rehearsal in the Church immediately following the 10 AM service. You can sign up at this link to let us know that your child plans to participate. The children will perform the pageant at our 4 PM service on Christmas Eve.
Christ's peace,
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~ Rev. Josh 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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December Holiday Sharing
This Sunday, 9:00 a.m.
Help make Christmas a little more special for our neighbors. We are sponsoring 20 families and 5 seniors and need everyone’s help to make that happen. Click here for details and to sign up to donate food and/or gifts. All are invited at 9:00 a.m. in Parish Hall to assemble the food baskets and wrap gifts.
EYC: The Great Gingerbread Build-off
This Sunday, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Come ready to build your own gingerbread creations! Gingerbread kits and dinner are provided. Builders will be able to mix and match to customize their architectural triumphs. All youth grades 6th-12th are invited. Friends are welcome.
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Advent Lessons & Carols
This Sunday, 10:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)
Hear the story of the foretelling of Jesus’s birth through readings of Holy Scripture and music. Click here for details.
Christmas Pageant Sign Up
This Sunday, at 11:15 a.m. (Sanctuary)
Don't miss your opportunity to get involved in this year's pageant. To sign-up - Click here!
Christmas Flower Dedications and Memorials
DEADLINE is this Sunday
To make a dedication or memorial for a loved one for Christmas please complete this online form or use the forms in the Narthex.
Parish Survey
DEADLINE is this Sunday
We are conducting a Parish Survey asking for your experience as a parishioner at St. Martin’s, the importance of some of our ministries, and the qualities you are seeking in the next rector. Click here to complete this confidential survey by December 17. If you prefer a paper survey, please call the church office at (410) 647-6248.
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Epiphany Worship
Saturday, January 6, 12:00 p.m.
St. Martin’s will be joining St. Andrew’s, Pasadena to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. Join us at St. Andrew’s (7859 Tick Neck Road) as we commemorate the wise men’s visit to the Holy Family. Please bring Christmas cookies to share for a reception following the service.
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Listening Session with Bishop Carrie
Tuesday, January 9, 5:00-7:00 p.m. (Sanctuary)
St. Martin’s will host our new bishop, the Rt. Rev. Carrie Schofield-Broadbent, for a listening session. Bishop Carrie will host listening sessions across the diocese in January to help her learn more about the Diocese of Maryland. You are invited to attend this open forum to learn more about our new bishop and to ask her any questions you may have.
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Epiphany Baptisms
Sunday, January 7, 10:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)
Join us at the 10:00 a.m. service, as we do all in our power to support the persons baptized in living out their new life in Christ, and in renewing our Baptismal Covenant. If you or a member of your household would like to be baptized, please contact a member of the clergy by December 23. Contact Rev. Josh.
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Bible Challenge Book Study
Resumes January 2, Tuesday, 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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Service Times for Christmas
Sunday, December 24 - 10:00 a.m.
We will have one service of Holy Eucharist, Rite II at 10:00 a.m. for the fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Eve & Pageant - 4:00 p.m.:
Service of Holy Eucharist & Pageant
Christmas Eve - 9:00 p.m.: (Prelude 8:30 p.m.) Service of Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Christmas Day - 10:00 a.m.: Service of Holy Eucharist, Rite II. More details.
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Holiday Help for the Homeless
December 16
Join us in supporting Linda’s Legacy, an organization that runs a large drive to help the homeless over the holidays. Part of the drive is collecting travel size toiletries. Please bring your donation to the Narthex and add to the Linda’s Legacy bin by December 16. For details contact Hanni Monroe.
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Holidays with SPAN
SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) has been serving our neighbors to help them through a critical or emergency situation such as hunger, utility turn-offs, court-ordered evictions, and prescription/medical needs. We at St Martin’s want to continue supporting their mission. Thus, we have a year round collection bin in the Narthex.
The theme for December is “Home for the Holidays.” Please donate items that are needed on a daily basis around the house like: baby wipes, diapers, toddler pull ups, Depends for men and women, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer. Of course we’re also happy to collect anything else you’re willing to share.
Click here for details about SPAN.
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December Outreach Collection:
Rector’s Discretionary Fund
This month’s Outreach collection will go to support the Rector’s Discretionary Fund. Rev. Josh uses this fund to help those in need with payments such as rent, utilities, phone, car, and gas money, or to help organizations that are not supported by Outreach with their needs. This fund also helps ensure that other clergy discretionary funds are kept healthy so they can be used to provide similar aid. Please prayerfully consider donating to this month’s second offering to ensure that Rev. Josh can continue to serve God, our neighbors, and each other. Donate online now and put Rector’s Discretionary Fund in the memo area. For more details contact Kathy Berge.
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Gift Cards to Support J2A
Our J2A Youth Group is selling gift cards for their pilgrimage. For every card purchased, they receive a percentage back. These cards make great graduation gifts, but most importantly can be used for everyday purchases. Give a card to yourself to buy your everyday groceries. It’s a easy way to support the youth at St. Martin’s without costing you extra. To place an order or to set up an account and order online contact Amber Kaltz.
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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.)
Register today! Click below links.
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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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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SMES Admissions Open House
January 24, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Learn more about Preschool through 8th grade at St. Martin’s. See how our small class sizes and individualized learning can benefit your child. Explore our classrooms while learning is in action. Meet our talented teachers, and speak with students, administrators, and parents. Register here to attend or schedule a private school tour. 2024-25 Applications are due by January 31, 2024. For details contact Kira Dickson, 410-647-7055 x4044.
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The Nutcracker at Maryland Hall
See Lena Heiss and Markella Gatanas, two of St. Martins-in-the-Field's youth, performing with The Ballet Theatre of Maryland in The Nutcracker. This is Lena's first year and Markella's 12th and final year performing with Maryland's only professional ballet company. Performances are at Maryland Hall on December 9 at 7PM; December 10 at 1PM and 4:30PM; December 16 at 7PM; December 17 at 1PM and 4:30PM. Before each Sunday performance, there is a Sugar Plum Fairy party where some of the dancers come out and take pictures with guests. Beautiful decorations and treats can be enjoyed. This is a great way to introduce young children to the arts. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Ballet Theatre of Maryland's website.
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Deacon Ordination, of Lisa Work
Our St. Martin's family is invited to attend the ordination of Lisa Work, our seminarian from last year, to the Scared Order of Deacons. Her ordination will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral, Harrisburg, PA on Saturday, December 16 at 10:00 a.m. Please RSVP here. If you are unable to attend click here to view the live-stream.
If you would like to send her a card, her address is 3737 Seminary Rd. VTS WO 204 Alexandria, VA 22304
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Institution of The Reverend Pierre-Henry Buisson
Your prayers and presence are requested at the celebration of new ministry and the Institution of The Reverend Pierre-Henry Buisson as the Rector of Church of the Ascension. Join us Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Ascension, 23 North Court Street, Westminster, MD 21157. Reception to follow. Please RSVP by December 8 by email or call 410-848-3251
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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: Christopher, Daniel, Stephanie, Kate, Austin, Dora, Cole, Debbie, and Ethan.
FOR THOSE WHO DIED: Virginia Pierson.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: Bri, George, Geoffrey, Joe, Joey, John, Bill, Lee, Jax, Sumner, Candy, Dora, Ellen, Diane, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: John, Alex, and Ellie.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: Bob and Joyce Lee.
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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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