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Page last updated: November 1, 2004
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 October, 2004 No 9 - modified for the Web.
World Communion - October 3rd
Neighbors in Need Offering - October 3rd
Laity Sunday - October 10th
Stewardship Sunday - Pledge Campaign- October 17th
New Member Sunday - October 17th
It's A-MazE-ing! - October 17th
Catoctin Association Fall Meeting - October 17th
Fall Clothing Drive - October 3rd-31st
Mothers Class Family Banquet - November 13th
Supper at the Vicarage - November 19th
Candy Sales - November 21st
Live Nativity - December 19th
Bus Trip - December 20th
Who are our neighbors? Who is my neighbor? This was the question of the young teacher of the law that we read about in Luke 10. His original question to Jesus was: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus responds by quoting from the books of the law a simple summary of faithfulness: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. When asked, "Who is my neighbor?", Jesus tells the story of a man who fell victim to robbers along the Jericho road, and who was helped not by his own people, but by the kindly foreigner from Samaria. This was the man who although he was despised by our unfortunate traveler’s own people proved to be the person who showed caring, compassion, and mercy. This is the person whose action out of concern for another has made the term, "Good Samaritan," synonymous with our highest ideals about being a true friend and neighbor.
This is our season of caring. This is our time to remember what it means to be a good neighbor and to act out our concern through our sharing with those who need our prayers and our assistance. This is our time to be reminded of our need for reconciliation with those whom we may regard as enemies. In the busyness of our life together, in the midst of a world of hate and violence, we need this constant reminder of our duty and responsibility to care for our neighbors in need. Who are our neighbors? Those who suffer. Those who have been victimized. Those who live in fear and in want. Those who have only the hope that God will touch our hearts with the spirit of caring, the spirit of acting, the spirit of being good neighbors. Near and far, our neighbors are those of whom we have become aware and whom we are called upon to assist. Jesus calls upon us to act as good neighbors, not just as fulfillment of the ancient law, but as a sign that our hearts have truly been transformed by the gospel. Our contributions to this year’s Neighbor’s In Need offering is one way to participate in this transforming process. As the people of St. Mary’s United Church of Christ may we continue along our journey to be the loving, caring, compassionate people that God calls us to be. May God bless us all in our caring and in our sharing.
Grace and peace, Dick
World Communion Sunday is October 3rd. We will observe this expression of our unity with Christians around the world as we gather to celebrate with a service of Word and Sacrament at our normal 10:00 AM service. Communion will be served in the pews. All are reminded that this is also the Sunday to receive this year’s Neighbors In Need offering.
On Sunday, October 3rd, we will be receiving the Neighbors In Need special mission offering as part of our observance of World Communion Sunday. Your gifts to the Neighbors In Need offering will support work of the United Church of Christ in alleviating poverty, improving education for children everywhere, and addressing injustice in all its forms. Please think about how your own generosity can help in coming to the aid of our neighbors in God’s neighborhood. Your support is greatly needed and appreciated!
Our annual Laity Sunday worship service will be held on Sunday, October 10th, during our worship hour at 10:00 PM. Robin Dawson will be the featured speaker for the morning. Other leaders of our church will join with her in this service of worship. Let’s show them our support as we gather with them and each other as the people of St. Mary’s United Church of Christ.
Our Fall Stewardship Campaign will begin on Sunday, October 17. Pledge cards for next year will be mailed out at the beginning of November. Watch for your letter from the Stewardship Committee and please give your church your prayerful response. Pledges can be mailed to the church office or brought to our dedication service during worship on Stewardship Sunday, November 14. Thanks to all of you who continue to support the ministries of our church through your faithful giving.
St. Mary’s will be receiving new members on Sunday October 17th. Anyone interested in becoming a member should contact the pastor as soon as possible. All perspective members are encouraged to attend an orientation October 3rd following worship. Current members please plan to attend the October 17th worship service and welcome new members into our church family.
It’s A-MazE-ing! Fall Picnic & Adventure
Bring your family and friends and join us for a fall picnic and adventure! Sunday October 17th the Christian Education Department will have a fall picnic at the church, then travel to Westminster and tour the corn maze.
The picnic will be at 5:00 PM and we will leave at 6:00 PM to go to Westminster to tour the corn maze. There are three paths visitors can take: a short path, a medium path, and a long path. The maze is made up of 3.8 miles of paths. Each group will be given a large map with numbered stations throughout that will help them track their way through. Flashlights will be available for purchase or you can bring your own.
Cost for the maze is $5.00 age 13 and up, $2.50 for ages 6-12, and children under 6 are free. This is ½ price, the Christian Education committee is paying the other half. Sign up sheets will be in the vestry. Questions see Nancy or phone the church office.
CATOCTIN ASSOCIATION FALL MEETING
The 2004 Catoctin Association Fall Meeting will be held October 17th at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Westminster. Registration will begin at 1:30 PM.
There are many exciting things going on in our church today. Perhaps the most exciting is the "God is Still Speaking Initiative" so our focus at this fall meeting will be on "The Still Listening Church".
The day will offer a little something for everyone. Begin with music and end with the youth leading in worship. A variety of workshops should appeal to all ages. Topics include: Spirituality with Bruce Epperly, Stewardship with Bob Ziegler, "God is Still Speaking" with Jerry Foltz, "Evangelism" with Amy Sens, "Open and Affirming" moderated by Mary Ellen Rhoderick, "German Church Relationship" with Fred Wenner, "Nightwatch" with Mark Wakefield, "Peace and Justice" with Holly Miller, "Story Telling" with Carol Hallman, and a workshop led by Partners in Education.
Register to attend this informative meeting of the Association by letting the Pastor or the Church Office know before October 11. 2004
This year’s Fall Clothing drive will run from Sunday, October 3 to Sunday, October 31. Donations of clothing items can be brought to the church and left in the Vestry. These items will be distributed among the needy in the Appalachian region where they are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in sharing with others.
The Mothers Class will sponsor their annual Family Banquet again this year on November 13th at the Taneytown Activity Building, Taneytown, MD.
Supper will be served promptly at 6:00 PM and will consist of the usual of the usual Roast Turkey and Fried Oysters. Prices will be the same as last year – Adults $12.00, Children 5-10 $6.00 and Under 5 free.
A special program is being planned so come and enjoy a delicious meal and a wonderful evening of fellowship.
Sign up sheets will be available or contact Betty or the church office. Deadline to sign up will be November 7th.
A pre-show supper to benefit The Shepherd’s Staff will be held at St. Paul’s UCC, Friday November 19 at 6:00 PM. After supper see a show. "See How They Run" will be presented at the Carroll Arts Center, by The Little Community Theatre. For tickets or group reservations call The Shepherd’s Staff at 410-857-5944. Enjoy a delightful evening with a supper and a show. For further information see flyer on bulletin board outside the church office.
It’s time to start our Wolfgang Candy sales. Order books will be on the back windowsill of the sanctuary. Please sign sheet if you take a book. Also a book will be left on the sill for church orders. Please participate to make this our best sale ever. The deadline for candy orders will be November 21 and pick up day will be December 6. Any questions call Tommie at 410-346-7650.
Sunday December 19th – Live Nativity Program will be held outside or inside depending on the weather, Look for more information in upcoming newsletters!
When: November 20th
Where: American Music Theater
2004 Christmas Show
Cost: $50.00 per person includes
Dinner and Bus Ticket
Sign up sheet in the Vestry.
Any questions see Tommie or call the church office.
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Email: office@stmarysucc.org Page last updated: November 1, 2004 |
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