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Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. – James 1:17
Dear St. Martin’s Family,
Happy New Year! On behalf of the vestry, I would like to thank you for your generous gifts you gave back to God as part of our Stewardship campaign. We received 111 pledges totaling $659,163. These gifts will be used to support all our ministries at St. Martin’s. Thank you!
Last Saturday, your vestry met to review and approve the 2024 budget. Unfortunately, our current pledge dollars do not cover our budgeted expenses for 2024. We were faced with some difficult decisions to balance the budget but failed to do so.
We approved a 2024 budget deficit of ($7,009), which included cutting monies from some of the following areas as well as important St. Martin’s ministries:
- We zeroed out the cost-of-living increases for our clergy (this decision was not made lightly)
- Children’s and Youth Ministries
- Music
Please know that these decisions were made with the support and recommendations of Sally and the Finance Committee. They are an amazing group of people who deeply care about St. Martin’s.
We’d love to get back to 2023 levels but need an increase $280/pledging family to make that happen. Please give prayerful consideration of increasing your pledge.
The vestry is confident that God’s presence is alive and well at St. Martin’s. HE will lead us where he wants us to be. I assure you that we believe that we are following the guidance of 1 Peter that “Based on the gift each one has received, we are using it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.”
Yours in Christ,
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~ Darin Parkison, Senior Warden | | |
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Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | |
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Important Notices
> Church office will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
> Interim Rector Bible Study is canceled for January 15. Please join us January 22. Click website below for details.
> Missing Coat: On Sunday, January 7 a coat was mistakenly taken and another coat left behind. The missing coat is a Loden, dark olive green wool coat with brown leather buttons. The coat left behind is a gray wool coat. We would like to return the coats to the correct owners. Please contact the church office. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
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ASP in 2024
June 23-29; Sign-up deadline February 15
ASP (Appalachian Service Project) is a week-long, life-changing, work mission trip open to everyone ages 14 and up. We will spend a week working with home owners in Central Appalachia doing the work of Christ helping to make homes warmer, safer and drier. The cost for this week-long trip is $600 per person and includes all transportation, training, supplies, materials and lodging. We are taking 28 participants this year, so space is limited—deadline to sign up is February 15. To sign up or with questions, contact Charlie Fitzgerald.
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Great American Chili Cook-Off
Sunday, January 28, 5:00 p.m. (Parish Hall)
The Great American Chili Cook-Off fundraiser helps fund the upcoming J2A Youth Pilgrimage. Do you have a mean (or nice) chili recipe? Or would you rather eat than cook? Now is your chance for both. $5 per person, $20 per family, $1 per vote. The J2A Youth will be offering Silent Auction items, sharing their time and talent in support of the Pilgrimage, so plan to bid early and often. Prizes awarded in different categories for the tastiest chili. Click here to sign up.
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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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Bingo Night at Light House Shelter
February 2, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
St. Martin’s will be sponsoring a pizza night at Lighthouse Homeless Prevention Center on the first Friday of every month. This is a great opportunity to be with our neighbors by sharing a good meal, and playing a few rounds of Bingo with them. Children must be at least 11 to volunteer. Please click here to sign up so we have a head count.
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SPAN Opportunities for January
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 January is "It’s Cold Outside." Please donate foods that can be used to warm people on a chilly day. Beverages that would be useful are coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and shelf stable milk. Additionally, broths, soups or vegetables would be appreciated. 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. 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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January Outreach Collection: Orphan Grain Train
Orphan Grain Train is a Christian volunteer network that ships donated food, clothing, medical, and other needed items to people in over 69 countries including the USA. In addition to monetary offerings, we are also accepting donations in kind in the Narthex bin. Requested donations include linens and blankets, sewing supplies, winter jackets, children’s books, Bibles. The complete list of items requested can be found here. More information about Orphan Grain Train and their services can be found at More information on Arundel Lodge and their services can be found at https://www.ogt.org/#
Click here to donate and put Orphan Grain Train in the memo area. For more details contact Kathy Berge.
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NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Family Support Group
January 24, 7:00 p.m., Heck Hall
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. A new support group will begin meeting on the 4th Wednesday of each month at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church in Heck Hall. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. Registration is not required – attend when you can. For questions, email fsg@namiaac.org or read more on https://namiaac.org.
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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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Interim Rector’s Bible Study
Canceled January 15, resumes Monday, January 22, 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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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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Claggett Women's Weekend 2024
January 19-21, 2024
Join women from across Maryland and Washington, DC for a weekend of spiritual learning and community. This year's theme, Passing it On, is all about finding ourselves in the future of the church. Worship, join in fellowship, and deepen your spiritual life with workshops and keynote talks. For more details and to register click here. Email chumm@claggettcenter.org for information on our "Under 40" discount!
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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: Lillian and the LaPorte and Chambliss families, the Tilyou family, Idonas, Stephanie, Kate, Austin, and Dora.
FOR THOSE WHO DIED: Ruth Flood
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: George, Geoffrey, Joe, Joey, John, Bill, Lee, Jax, Sumner, Candy, Dora, Ellen, Diane, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Tom, Jonathan, Alex, Anand, Connor, Robert, Scott.
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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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