Dragon Tales E-News
September 2, 2020
WWW.ST-MARGARETS.ORG
For pastoral emergencies, contact clergy at 443-837-5463.
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I can't begin to tell you how excited I am for next Sunday, the 13th, when I get to see some of you in person again. I'm excited, but I'm also nervous. I want everything to go well, I want your expectations to be exceeded, I want the time we spend together to be a balm on our shared hurts over the past year, and I want it to be HOLY! That's a lot to put on, isn't it? So pray for the strength to manage expectations, and the acceptance to let it be what it will be.
Ok, for specifics, here are some of the things you'll need to know if you are choosing to attend church soon: 1. When you arrive, the ushers will greet you with blessed hand sanitizer. 2. You will be asked to sign in, agreeing to abide by the covenant for regathering and at the same time, provide information for any contact tracing that might need to be done. 3. Please be aware of the spacing that we've done in the sanctuary. Pews are marked, so please keep your 6-ft distance from others. 4. Everyone in the church will be masked, except those who are speaking or leading music at a particular time (celebrant, cantor, lector). We have been careful to exceed 20 feet of distance from anyone speaking to the congregation. 5. When you line up for communion, please maintain six feet in back of the person in front of you. 6. While you enter through the narthex, please exit through the south transcept. And finally 7. please be courteous of those who might need to leave early and not have time to catch up in the parking lot after the service.
It's a lot, I know, but we'll get used to it. We've adapted in so many ways so far. Again, I'm looking forward to worshiping this wonderful, understanding, loving and living God with you in person.
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There is still room for attendees at the 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. service as of noon today.
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Blessing for the School Year - Tomorrow!
We know that this coming school year will be a challenge for all of our students, teachers, and families. Our clergy wish to prepare all our parishioners for the road ahead.
Drive-by Blessing & Gift
from Rev. Peter & Rev. Patti
Thursday, Sept. 3
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Enter the campus at the entrance and turn toward the sanctuary. Clergy will greet you by your car outside the parish hall with a little gift and a blessing.
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Adult Formation Study This Fall
We will continue our adult study on Monday evenings this fall through Zoom, starting Sept. 14. We are excited to announce we will be studying Diana Butler Bass' popular book titled Grateful.
"With honest stories and heartrending examples from history and her own life, Bass reclaims gratitude as a path to greater connection with god, with others, with the world, and even with our own souls. It’s time to embrace a more radical practice of gratitude—the virtue that heals us and helps us thrive."
The Rev. Patti Sachs will be leading the study. If you would like to participate, simply email her at patti@st-margarets.org and let her know so you will get the link to participate.
You can order a copy HERE or on Amazon.com.
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Thursday AM Book Study
Our Thursday morning book study group continues its work through “Saints and Sinners” by Karen Wright Marsh with Zoom meetings. All are welcome to join at 9:00 a.m. each Thursday! Email the Rev. Patti Sachs at
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Youth Group for Year 20-21
Youth Group on Monday nights for middle and high school students will be back through Zoom on Sept. 21.
Youth Group for our new middle school students (and a number of high school mentors) will be meeting on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.
There will be a separate middle school and then high school meeting night with age-appropriate lessons and discussions. Meetings TBD.
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 an onsite meeting occasionally throughout the year. When you sign up, you will receive more information about the teachers' plans.
For questions, contact Jeff Conover, Youth Ministries Leader, at
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It's Sunday School Registration Time!
As we begin to prepare for our formation classes, 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 an onsite meeting occasionally throughout the year. When you sign up, you will receive more information about the teachers' plans.
If you are new to St. Margaret's, email info@st-margarets.org so we can get you connected with the right teachers.
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Senior Sessions Continues This Fall
As we continue to physically distance ourselves during the pandemic, our clergy are committed to keeping in touch with our senior parishioners. Our “Senior Sessions” are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 10:00 a.m. through Zoom. Our next session will be on Sept. 14. If you are 65+ and wish to participate with clergy, discussing the Gospel reading of the week and sharing joys and challenges, contact the Rev. Patti Sachs at
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Education for Ministry at St. Margaret's begins soon
EfM is a four-year study program through the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee. Tennessee. We look at the Bible historically, literally, metaphorically, theologically, and “scientifically” (using science now known, we can apply dates, ascribe authorship, have political background, etc). We refer to historical events-which certainly set the pace- but also look at social and political ramifications. Consideration is directed at social justice movements that have impacted our world community.
Part of our class time is sharing what we the reading assignment for that week, not as a book report, but how the reading touched us in some way. The chapter lessons have a common theme that crosses the four-year study. Another part of the discussion is call “Theological Reflections” in which we discuss words, issues, art, religious objects, and concepts by looking at the “issue” through lens of Biblical tradition, personal beliefs, today’s culture, and personal action.
St. Margaret’s EfM will meet on Wednesdays from 9 am until 11:30 weekly, September through May in a location TBD. Please contact Jim Hall (jhhall1942@verizon.net) or by phone (410-507-6820). The cost is $375 and includes all texts. Scholarship help is available. Students who have completed a year or more previously are encouraged to rejoin the program. If you have any questions, we could arrange to meet with you and present the texts and other literature.
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School Supplies Drive
This year the school system will be supplying supplies to ALL children in grades K-5, but none are being given to the children in middle school, grades 6-8. The area's students attend Magothy River and Severn River Middle School. Guidance counselors hope for supplies that can delivered to these students with the greatest need. If you and your family can help with this project, please contact parishioner Barbara Marder via Realm or direct email or by telephone. She will provide you with the supply list and delivery instructions. She can be reached at scubaesc@aol.com or 410-518-9978 (h)/ 410-991-7114 (c).
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Citizenship Instructors Needed
Under the auspices of the Missions Commission, volunteers from St. Margaret’s teach applicants to prepare them for the Civics Test portion of their citizenship interview. Offered through the Center for Help in Annapolis, the classes cover everything from the 18-page Application for Citizenship (USCIS N-400) form to U.S. geography, government, history and holidays. With students from Mexico to Pakistan to China our volunteers present 13 units to students covering the 100 potential questions which may will be asked. If you are interested in joining our teaching team, please contact Robert Thomas at thomas.byrom@gmail.com or 757-408-1225 to be blessed by meeting and helping a group of wonderful potential new U.S. citizens.
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UTO Boxes to be Collected
Remember the blue United Thanks Offering (UTO) boxes the Women's Guild distributed for members to place change in to thank God for daily blessings? When you return to the campus, please bring your box and place in the large blue bag in the narthex.
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Sewing Mission Continues
NBC News reported on 8/22/2020: Six months into the Covid-19 crisis, there is still a dire shortage of personal protective equipment for our health-care workers. The Sewing Mission has produced 900+ masks & 50+ isolation gowns thanks to your generous donations. Please continue to help us provide PPE for AAMC & clients of West Annapolis Pop up Pantry. All products we donated include a SMC label that declares "All are welcome" with hope that we grow the church & spread the good news of Christ. Contact Beth Kopack at esolchamp@iclould.com for more information.
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Please note the following safety precautions:
- A drive through check-in station will eliminate the need to stand in a check-in line.
- We ask that you buy Raffle Tickets and Mulligans on our website ahead of time.
- Breakfast will be served grab and go style.
- In lieu of the traditional awards luncheon, a Grilling Station at the turn for lunch.
- If you feel that you need your own cart for health and safety reasons, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate those requests.
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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 and toiletries for hundreds of children and families each week. The Pantry is located at Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis on Ridgely Avenue. |
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The pantry is in need of breakfast cereal, snacks/bars/treats for the kiddos, pasta, pasta sauce, Mac n Cheese, Sazón seasoning packets or bouillon, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, feminine pads, razors, deodorant, counter spray, laundry pods, dishwasher pods and sponges. Anything you can do to help us much appreciated. Donations can be dropped at the pantry after 4 p.m. |
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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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Prayer Requests for Fridays at 8 p.m. |
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Our Sunday services in August were pre-recorded and 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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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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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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