|
Dear St. Martin's Family,
Are you ready for some chili? Please plan to join us in the Parish Hall at 5 PM on Sunday, January 28 for our annual Chili Cook-Off! Don't worry; the Raven's game will be playing. This is our biggest fundraiser for our J2A group's pilgrimage to Italy next year, so please support our youth ministry programs by participating or donating.
Speaking of donations, I'm happy to report that our budget deficit continues to shrink. Our ministries for 2024 are almost fully funded, but we still need families to consider increasing their pledge by $280 (or more). If you are willing and able to increase your pledge, please let Jory Bender, our Director of Finance, know.
Our Profile Committee is producing a profile video of St Martin’s for our rector search. Our videographer, Josee Molavi, will be on campus on Sunday morning to capture footage of our Sunday School, Youth Groups, and 10:00 a.m. service.
Finally, Lent is almost here. I hope you'll join us for our Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday, February 13 and for our Ash Wednesday services on February, 14. During Lent, we will offer several opportunities for you to engage in adult or intergenerational Christian Education. My Bible study on Mark's Gospel will continue to meet on Mondays at 11:30 AM, and Rev. Nathan will be offering a class on one of Rowan Williams' books over Zoom on Thursdays (with an in-person offering as well if he hears there's interest). On Tuesdays, we'll gather in the Parish Hall at 5:30 for a simple meal and for intergenerational activities to help parishioners young and young at heart explore the events of Holy Week. You are invited to attend!
Christ's peace,
| |
~ The Rev. Joshua Rodriguez-Hobbs, Interim Rector | | |
|
Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | |
|
Profile Video of St Martin’s for Our Rector Search
Our Profile Committee is producing a profile video of St Martin’s for our rector search. Our videographer, Josee Molavi, will be on campus on Sunday morning to capture footage of our Sunday School, Youth Groups, and 10:00 a.m. service.
| | |
|
Great American Chili Cook-Off
Sunday at 5:00 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Warm up with some delicious chili this Sunday! Whether you are bringing a chili to enter or bringing your appetite for tasting we are looking forward to seeing you at our Great American Chili Cook-Off this Sunday at 5:00 p.m. in Parish Hall. Only $5 per person, $20 per family and $1 per vote. We will be streaming the Ravens game during this event.
| | |
|
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |  |
|
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.
| |
Scout Sunday
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.
| |
EYC: Cookie Bake Off
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
SPAN Opportunities for January
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 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. We are 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.
| |
Outreach Meeting
February 7, 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.
| | |
|
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 https://www.ogt.org/#
Click here to donate and put Orphan Grain Train in the memo area. For more details contact Kathy Berge.
| |
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.
| |
|
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
| | | |
YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR WEEKLY PROGRAMS: | |
|
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
| |
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.
| |
Interim Rector’s Bible Study
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.
| | |
|
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.
|
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
|
Apply Now for Preschool – 8th Grade!
2024-25 Applications for students in Preschool 3’s through 8th Grade are being accepted until January 31. Parishioner families qualify for priority registration and may qualify for a tuition discount. Apply online or contact Director of Admissions Kira Dickson.
| | | |
|
Men’s Claggett Retreat ~ February 2-4
Join us for a weekend of fellowship, reflection, and worship. This year’s theme centers on Seeking Spiritual Identity in a Frenetic & Divided Time. Our Keynote Speaker will be Bishop Eugene Sutton. Register online.
| |
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.
| |
NEW PRAYERS FOR OUR PARISH FAMILY: Jared, Clyde, Bunny, the LaPorte and Chambliss families, the Tilyou family, and Dora.
FOR THOSE WHO DIED: Lillian LaPorte
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: Missy, Nicholas, Ginny, Emma, Rebecca, Roy, Stephen, Camden, Jeff, Madeline, Amy, Doug, Abby, Ethan and Madison.
|
Let us know if you have a specific prayer request so we can hold you in our daily prayers.
| | |
ST. MARTIN'S-IN-THE-FIELD EPISCOPAL CHURCH
375 Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146
| | | | |
