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Dear St. Martin's Family,
I hope you're all staying warm during our snowy weather this week! I want to begin with good news this week. Following Darin Parkison's appeal from last Sunday, we received new and raised pledges to close our budget deficit. However, we have not received enough pledges to fully restore the decreases to ministry funding the vestry needed to make to responsibly budget for 2024. If you are able, an additional contribution of $280 per family will allow us to fully fund important ministries like our children's and youth formation programs and our music ministries, and to provide cost of living increases for our clergy team. You can make a one-time donation online. If you would like to increase your 2024 pledge, you can e-mail Jory Bender, our Director of Finance, or Sally Burton, our Treasurer.
Please mark your calendars for our upcoming events! Join us at 5 PM on Sunday, January 28 for our annual Great American Chili Cook-Off. You can sign up online to enter the competition. The chili cook-off is a major fundraiser for our J2A group. Each teen needs to raise approximately $1,000 to participate in their pilgrimage to Italy next year. Come out, support our youth ministry, and have one less dinner to cook.
Lent is quickly approaching. We will have our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper from 5:30-7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 13. On Ash Wednesday, February 14, we will offer Ashes 2 Go from 7:00-8:00 AM in the parking lot. We will have services in the Church at 11:45 AM and 7:00 PM. Can you think of a more romantic way to celebrate Valentine's Day than remembering that you are but dust, and to dust you shall return? Even if you can, I hope you'll accept my invitation to begin your Lenten observance with us at one of our Ash Wednesday services. In the coming weeks, we'll offer more information about our special Lenten offerings and our Holy Week and Easter services.
Finally, Bishop Carrie will lead a regional confirmation service on the afternoon of Sunday, May 19. If you are interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, please let me know. Rev. Nathan and I will be offering an Inquirers' Class after Easter to prepare individuals to be confirmed or received. We need to register confirmands with the diocese before the beginning of Lent to reserve space at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.
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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The Meaning of the Cross and Resurrection
Thursdays, February 22-March 21; 12 p.m. St. Martin’s House and 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.
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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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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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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 see below for how to sign up. For questions contact Rev. Josh.
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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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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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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
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)
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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Religious Life Sunday ~ January 21, 2024
Did you know that there are monks, nuns, sisters and brothers, and friars in The Episcopal Church? We invite you to learn what religious life can offer you and to observe Religious Life Sunday on the 3rd Sunday in Epiphany. What is “Religious Life Sunday”? Click here for details.
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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: Clyde, Bunny, Lillian and the LaPorte and Chambliss families, the Tilyou family, Idonas, Stephanie, Kate, Austin, and Dora.
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: David, Claudia, Adley, Vivian, Charles, Mark and Lew.
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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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