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Dear St. Martin's Family,
I pray your Holy Week has been filled with God's presence. This has been a busy week at St. Martin's, and it will continue to be a busy weekend! Sometimes, it can be easy to focus on the number of services and all of the details that go into them. I know I can miss the forest for the trees! Let me remind you today why we are doing all that we are doing: Jesus Christ's love for us overcomes every barrier—even death itself!
As you read this, we will be halfway through the Triduum, the Three Great Days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. I hope to see you at our evening Good Friday service today at 7 PM. Tomorrow, we will celebrate Christ's resurrection with the first Eucharist of Easter at the Great Vigil. And, of course, we will joyfully continue our Easter celebrations at 8 AM and 10 AM on Sunday. Each of these services offers us a chance to reflect with one another on the mighty works of God. We see the riches and depths of God's love for us. What wondrous love is this!
There is so much uncertainty in our lives and in the world around us today. I pray that this Easter you encounter God's presence in Jesus Christ, reassuring you that God will never leave you or forsake you.
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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Get Yourself In Our Parish Directory
This Sunday we have slots available to get your picture taken for the parish directory. Sign up to secure your time slot. Not available this Sunday? Not to worry there are additional dates and times available. Vestry members, Jeannine Mogavero Theoret, Wendy Gatanas and Judy Bonnano are creating a new parish directory. If you already have a favorite photo, please email it to Judy Bonnano, with your updated contact information. Sign up today.
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Deep Dive Into Sunday Bible Study
Sundays April 7 - May 19, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Want to understand Old Testament history better? Want to see how Israel’s experience of God intersects with their experience? Join us and take a deep dive into the Book of Kings, exploring the story of Elijah and Elisha. These two prophets will bring us face to face with political crises, theological challenges, and our own struggles to be a people faithful to God. Together we will work to sharpen our skills at reading the Bible and draw strength, courage, and hope from the ministry of these two prophets. For details contact Greg Church.
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Popsicle Playground Playdate
Sunday, April 7 following the 10:00 a.m. service
After church we are hosting a popsicle playdate to connect parents of Sunday School age kids. Join us on the playground behind the church. Spend time with other parents, Rev. Josh and Rev. Nathan while the kids play. For details 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 ($75) and half day ($50) options will be available. For details and to register click here. Contact Tabitha Carman.
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St. Martin’s Trivia Night
Sunday, April 14, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Come out for an evening of fun, fellowship, food and TRIVIA! Join us in Parish Hall on Sunday, April 14 starting at 5:30 p.m. for food, followed by Trivia beginning at 6:00 p.m. A chance to win prizes, bragging rights and support the 2025 J2A Pilgrimage class. TICKETS include dinner and trivia: $20/person, $10/for 10 yrs and under, $60/family. DON’T FORGET TO BRING CASH the night of the event for exciting extras. For details contact Rachel Erdman.
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EYC: Restaurant Night
April 7, 5:30 p.m. (Off Site)
We’re going out on the town for dinner and dessert. Meet at Squisito’s, 548 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park. All youth in grades 6 through 12 are invited to take part in the fun. Friends are welcome. For questions contact Rev. Nathan.
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Cabaret Performance & Silent Auction to Benefit SPAN
April 24, 2024
You are invited to a Broadway Bonanza performance to benefit our ministry partner, SPAN. This upbeat musical “backstage tour” includes a smorgasbord of show tunes hand- picked from Broadway’s best! One-hour show plus intermission at St. Martin’s in Parish Hall on Sunday, April 24 at 4:00 p.m. (doors open at 3:30 p.m.). Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. Click here to buy. 100% of the net proceeds go to support SPAN.
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March Outreach Collection:
The Way Homes
The Outreach Offering will be on the second Sunday of the month and will go to support the The Way Homes. The Way Homes provides a healthy drug and alcohol-free environment for individuals who have committed to a 12 step program with Jesus Christ as our higher power. Those residing in the home are expected to live and encourage others to live scripturally. If you want to learn more about The Way Homes’ mission visit their website. To donate online click here and put The Way Homes in the memo area. For details contact Kathy Berge.
Prayer for the Victims of Addiction:
O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.
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Bingo Night at Light House Shelter
April 5, 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 sign up so we have a head count.
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SPAN Opportunities for March
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. March’s SPAN theme is “Spring Cleaning.” Please donate household cleaning items: soaps, laundry detergents, sanitizing wipes and sprays. Additionally, sanitary items and baby diapers especially in the larger sizes are especially helpful. 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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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: | |
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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
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)
Each week we explore different aspects of faith-based parenting and join in fellowship. This group is geared for parents/guardians of school-aged children, but is open to all who wish to attend. Click here for a schedule of events. 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 invites you to study the book of Ecclesiastes on Tuesday evenings upstairs in St. Martin’s House at 7:00 p.m. The study guide can be purchased here. Contact Cindy Neseth, (443) 534-3277.
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SMES Gala Fundraiser
Don't miss our School's largest annual fundraising and social event, the Gala & Auction on April 6, 2024 at Chartwell Golf & Country Club! Tickets go fast, get them while you can. There are many opportunities to help the event become a success. For sponsorship and donation opportunities, click here. Questions? Email Christina Hanson.
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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: Ed, Cynthia, Lois, Olivia, and Dora.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: Sara, Gloria, Jared, Clyde, George, Geoffrey, Joe, Bill, Lee, Jax, Sumner, Sarah, Candy, Ellen, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: John, Craig, Katie, April, Melanie, Emily, Lauren, Connor, HyeSung, Will, Charlie, Susan, William, Pierce, and Ally.
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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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