Home Page | Who We Are | Event Calendar | What We Offer | Related Sites
Email: office@stmarysucc.org
Page last updated: September 4, 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 September, 2004 No 8 - modified for the Web.
Choir Resumes - September 8th
Faith Renewal Sunday - September 12th
Mid-Week Study Group - Begins September 15th
Welcoming Ministry - September 19th
Special Music - September 19th
Electives Church School Class - Begins September 19th
Two Worship Services - September 26th, October 24th
Fall Retreat - October 2nd
New Member Orientation - October 2nd
St. Matthew's UCC, Kid's Consignment Sale - October 9th
New Member Sunday - October 17th
Bus Trip - November 20th
"When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" In Luke 18, Jesus asks us this timely and timeless question. In every age, and at every time, we in the church must be asking the question of ourselves. Should Jesus come among us today, will he find this a place filled with faith, or will our faith be lacking? Are we faith full; are we faithful; or are we faithless, devoid of the faith necessary to be the church?
We start our program year in September with a Sunday that emphasizes the centrality of faith in our being together. The faithful church is the church in which faith is the foundation that unties us into a common body. We gather in the name of Jesus Christ because of our faith. Faith in Christ does not mean that we all agree upon every point of doctrine. That which we believe about our faith may vary from person to person and may even vary over time for us as individuals as we grow in our personal faith. But faith in Christ means that for us, Jesus Christ is the center of that which we believe, that which we trust, that to which we are committed with our whole heart. Faith can be planted and nurtured. It can be tested and sometimes even lost. But it can also be regained and renewed and revitalized.
As the people of St. Mary's United Church of Christ, we begin this program year with our commitment to centrality of our faith that unites us. On Sunday, September 12th, we will celebrate "Faith Renewal Sunday". But let not our celebration obscure our continuing call to faith renewal. As Christian disciples, as followers of Jesus, we are encouraged and exhorted to make faith renewal a life-long commitment. We are called to a faith that grows and develops and is shared. Faith is what it's all about. Let's get together to share our faith!
Grace and peace, Dick
Choir rehearsals will resume on Wednesday, September 8th starting at 7:30 PM. We welcome back our returning choir members and invite new voices to join with us in this ministry that adds so much to our worship life together.
Our fall season begins with Faith Renewal Sunday on September 12th. Everyone is encouraged to gather for breakfast during the Sunday School hour at 9:00 AM with worship following at 10:00 AM. After the breakfast in the Fellowship Hall, we will have an opportunity to learn about this year's Sunday School program and meet the teachers. Regular classes will begin the following Sunday, September 19th. This year, we are privileged to welcome our Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Jerry Foltz to our Faith Renewal observance. He will join Pastor Scott in celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion served at the chancel rail during our worship hour. We hope that all will take this opportunity to nourish our faith and renew our commitment as we begin this new program year together.
The mid-week Study Group will again meet weekly on Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30 PM in the conference room, beginning on Wednesday, September 15th. For the first few weeks, the group will be discussing the book The Purpose Driven Life by Rocl Warren. This book has been the #1 New York Times bestseller. A blueprint for Christian living in the 21st century, it helps the reader to understand why he/she is alive and to understand God's amazing plan. The study group will share/discuss thoughts/ideas about The Purpose Driven Life. Why not come join this discussion and sharing as part of you faith journey? Give it prayerful thought to participate in this opportunity. In today's world, we are so concerned about being physically fit, but what do we do to become spiritually fit, which is going to count forever?
The Evangelism and Spiritual Life Committee is again inviting individuals interested in the Ministry of Welcoming to join current Welcomers for a brief meeting following worship, Sunday September 19th. We feel that identifying and welcoming those who are visiting our worship services, is not only vital to our church growth, but also in keeping with the dictates of good hospitality. The committee would like to thank all the current Welcomers who help make the Ministry of Welcoming a priority at St. Mary's.
On Sunday September 19th the musical group "Blessed Hope" and the performing group "Fertile Ground" will again return to St. Mary's for an evening of wonderful music and comedic yet insightful look at some of the problems we are facing in today's society. Join us in the sanctuary at 6:30 for this wonderful program.
On Sunday, September 19th, the Electives Church School Class will begin a new series entitled "Hope Has Its Reasons". This series is a video/discussion series that addresses the question, "Does it really make a difference to follow Christ"? The Electives Class meets every Sunday morning during the church school hour in the North Room. Everyone is welcome!
Sunday morning, September 26th, St. Mary's will be holding two worship services. The Contemporary Service will be held at its usual time of 10:00 AM, however, at 11:15 AM that morning a Traditional Worship Service will also be held. This schedule will also take place on October 24th.
St. Mary's Annual Fall Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd. This activity will be held at the Aisling House in Millers, MD from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. There is a $5.00 registration fee. Mark your calendar and plan on attending this uplifting and spiritually renewing event. Space is limited, so please call the church office as soon as possible, and make your reservation. The deadline for reservation is Sunday, September 26th.
St. Mary's will be receiving new members on Sunday, October 17th. Anyone interested in becoming a member should contact Pastor Scott as soon as possible. All prospective new members are encouraged to attend the New Member Orientation, October 2nd following the worship service. For further information, please contact the church office.
St. Matthew's UCC Kid's Consignment Sale
St. Matthew's UCC in Pleasant Valley will be having a Kid's Consignment Sale and Multi-Family Yard Sale, Saturday, October 9th (rain or shine). For further information and telephone numbers to call see the flyer on the bulletin board outside the church office.
There will be a bus trip to the American Music Theater to see this years 2004 Christmas Show. Tickets are $50.00 per person which includes the show, bus, and dinner! For more information please contact Tommie or the church office.
A huge thank you to all who participated with our Ice Cream and Bake table at the Homestead Corn Roast. With all the great help and all of the many baked goods donated (we sold out!) our profit was $900.00! It was decided as a community service form St. Mary's we would donate 10% to the Silver Run Street Light Fund, the remainder to the Sanctuary Fund. Thanks again!!!
Congregational Arts & Crafts!!!
Arts and crafts raised $773.25 since Memorial Day for the Sanctuary Fund. May 30th yard sale in Thurmont, $289.60. July 12th at the Ag Center in Westminster, $196.00. August 7th at the Corn Roast, Union Mills $287.65. We will be having a bake sale early in October in Thurmont, crafts at Yard Sale October 8, and at Colorfest October 9 & 10 in Thurmont. Also November 27th at the Ag Center. All proceeds go to the Sanctuary Fund. Thanks to all those who continue to help and donate!!!
Many of you have already signed up to be part of a Shaw Ministry that will start in the Fall. Samples of these shawls are on display in the vestry. We would like to have many more sign up. Along with knitting or crocheting these shawls (that will be given to different groups), we will also be joining in prayers and blessings. These shawls are meant to be a comfort wrap for those who are in need in one way or another. If you have any questions you can contact the church office or see Vicki after worship service. More information on shawl ministries can also be found at www.shawlministry.com.
St. Mary's was able to present an engaging and enthusiastically attended Vacation Bible School program which ran from July 19th through July 23rd form 9:30 AM until noon. The curriculum used was Augsbrg Fortress's "Davey and Golaith's Camp Creation". This framework provided a center based structure with emphasis upon connecting crafts, drama, discover, games, and music with a daily Bible message. On the last day, a special closing program 3was used which allowed the children to share singing and lessons learned in each classroom wit their families. In addition, each child received a complimentary t-shirt printed with a St. Mary's VBS log. A representative form Hoffman Homes of Youth, the recipient of our VBS donations, also attended this program so the children could share in the presentation of a check in the amount of $260.00 which was over twice our original goal for free-will offering!
Programs like Vacation Bible School totally depend upon the time and talents of volunteers. This years program was no exception and we gratefully acknowledge the efforts of the many people involved in this years efforts!!!!
Thank You for sharing our Parish News! If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please contact the church office.
|
|
|
|
Home Page | Who We Are | Event Calendar | What We Offer | Related Sites |
|
|
|
|
|
Email: office@stmarysucc.org Page last updated: September 4, 2004 |
|