T H E P A R I S H N E W S
St. Mary’s United Church of Christ
Silver Run, Maryland
Volume XXV May, 2004 No 5 - modified for the Web.
"Remember, I am with you always…" Jesus reassures his followers with these words that we find at the end of Matthew’s gospel. As followers of Jesus, we too can find in these words a constant source of comfort and encouragement. From Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate Easter as the "Great Fifty Days" of our joyous response to the good news of Christ’s resurrection. These are weeks in which we encounter the risen Christ as he appeared to those first disciples, knowing that the Christ who died and rose again is still with us. Like Mary Magdalene, we too see the risen Christ outside the tomb in the garden. We too are able to walk with him and talk with him along the roads we travel. And on the day that we see his ascent into heaven, we know that we have not been abandoned. As he promised, Christ has sent to us the divine presence of the Holy Spirit which unites us as his church and empowers us to be his true disciples.
The Sundays of May promise experiences of joy and celebration as together we encounter the risen Christ. On May 2nd, we will observe Good Shepherd Sunday as we received new members. We will also participate in our annual observance of Change A Pew Sunday with its opportunity to see life from a new perspective. We will observe Mother’s Day on May 9th with special thanks to the Mothers Class for all that they have accomplished through the years. Our youth will lead us in a special service on Youth Sunday, May 16th. We will use this opportunity to honor our graduating seniors and also to thank all our Sunday School teachers. The Sundays of Easter conclude with our Contemporary Worship service on May 23rd. And finally on May 30th, we will usher in the season of the Spirit with our communion service on Pentecost Sunday. Christ has promised that whenever we are gathered, he is present with us. I hope that each one of can take advantage of our opportunities to worship as the church Christ has gathered together. The risen Christ is with us. The Spirit unites us and empowers us. Together we are called; together we worship; together we serve.
Grace and peace,
Dick
On Sunday, May 2nd we will be having our annual Change-A-Pew Sunday. On this day everyone is encouraged to sit in a different part of the sanctuary. This will give you an opportunity to get to know other people, and also to participate in the worship service from a different point of view. Take a risk, you might enjoy your new seat better then your usual one. Hope to see you there, but in a different location.
St. Mary’s United Church of Christ will be receiving new members on Sunday, May 2nd. Current members are encouraged to save this date and plan to attend as we welcome new members into our church family.
Sunday, May 9th, is Mother’s Day. This is always a special Sunday at St. Mary’s as we remember and honor our mothers as we gather to give praise and thanksgiving to God. We thank the Mother’s Class for their work each year in soliciting names for our Mother’s Day bulletin and we encourage everyone to keep attendance at worship as a part of our Mother’s Day celebrations. This is also the Sunday that we receive a special offering for the care and good work with the elderly at the facilities of Homewood Homes. Special envelopes will be provided and everyone is reminded to make checks payable to St. Mary’s UCC. Many of our St. Mary’s members have become residents at their retirement community at Plum Creek. Please give as you are able to help the ministries of this UCC related institution.
Please mark your calendars. On Sunday May 16th we will be celebrating Youth Day. The youth will be taking an active role in worship on that Sunday. During the service the Christian Education Department will be honoring the teachers from the adult and children’s department. Graduates will be announced and children will be receiving Bibles on this Sunday. Please plan to attend to support the young people of our congregation.
Sunday May 16th, we will honor our Church School Teachers for all their hard work and dedication. The Children’s teachers are: Lisa Kilmartin – Pre-school and Kindergarten, Mary Bowie – grades 1-5, Barbara Brown – grades 6-8, Brian Chilcoat – grades 9-12. The adult teachers are: David Watson, Allen Stiles, Billy Heath, Robin Staples, Dorothy Ellen and Steve Dutterer.
On Sunday May 16th, the Children’s Department will award Bibles to the children that are in 3rd grade, or older, and have been faithfully attending Sunday School, and have not already received them. These will be presented during the worship service.
Sunday May 16th during the worship service we will be honoring our graduates.
This year, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday on May 30th. This service is our annual commemoration of the birth of the church universal when God poured out the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Christ to unite them and empower them for service. The sacrament of Holy Communion is included as part of our worship at 10:00 AM and will be served in the pews.
The final tally on our "Pot of Gold" campaign for Hoffman Homes was $1,629.96. This was more than fifty percent above our $1000 goal, and the Concern for Others Committee would like to again thank our St. Mary’s congregation for their enthusiastic support for this worthy project that will mean so much to the children of Hoffman Homes for years to come.
Thanks to everyone who made and purchased arts and crafts and gave money. It made our Easter and Spring Sales a great success. Listed are the results of our sales: Farmers Market April 3 $345.80; Private sales April 4, following worship $145.50; 75 rice krispie baskets and 21 bunny bags $194.75; Private sales at church and work $510.45; making a grand total $1,196.50. Arts and Crafts also delivered 16 Easter goodie bags to some of our shut-ins and their friends. All funds will go to the Sanctuary Fund and we thank everyone for your support. We will have crafts at the Farmers Market, May 8th.
My Relay for Life Team is currently running two fundraisers to benefit the American Cancer Society. One is the annual golf tournament to be held on June 8 at Oakmont Green and the other is the "Cooking for Life" cookbook. These books may be of interest to you because some of your favorite St. Mary’s cooks have submitted a few of their secret recipes. There will be a signup sheet in the vestry for cookbook orders as well as flyers describing the details of the golf tournament. All proceeds from both events will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Thanks in advance for your support! Debbie
Sunday, June 6th, we will receive our annual offering to help "Strengthen The Church." Great works of redemption can be accomplished when we offer our resources to be utilized by the Spirit in the building and rebuilding of the Body of Christ. "Strengthen The Church" is our United Church of Christ effort to renew and revitalize the church so that we may continue to be a faithful witness and servant of Christ’s love in the years ahead. Envelopes will be made available. Please give generously.
The Children’s Department is looking for volunteers to teach summer Sunday School during June, July, and August. This is a great opportunity to be with the children of our congregation. All supplies are provided. The sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.
This year Vacation Bible School will be held the week of July 19th from 9:30 to 12:00 noon. We are still in need of helpers. Please contact the church office if you are interested in helping.