T H E  P A R I S H  N E W S

St. Mary’s United Church of Christ

Silver Run, Maryland

Volume XXVI January, 2005 No 1 - modified for the Web.

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FROM THE PASTOR

The season of light is upon us. The Christmas affirmation that Jesus is the light of the world is the affirmation that is ours to live and to experience in the days and weeks ahead. With the appearance of the star that brought the Wise Men to Bethlehem from far away, God set the tone for evangelism in all ages and times. Ours is the task to let the light of Christ shine: shine in our hearts, shine in our lives, shine in our world. People are brought to Jesus because they see the light and follow the star. But they come to look for Jesus here at St. Mary's church because they see the light of Christ in those of us who are here. People see the light of Christ in our worship, in our study together, in our caring for each other, in our reaching out to others in ways that let them know of God's love and God's compassion. Ours is more than the call to bask in the glow of divine light. This Epiphany season is the time when God is calling us to be the beacon of the light of Christ that is our mandate and our reason for being. The light of Christ shines in the darkness because it first shines in us. And it is through us that the light of Christ can and will continue to shine for the people of our community and people around the world. 

As the people of St. Mary's United Church of Christ, we stand at the frontiers of a new era of challenge and opportunity, of change and possibility, of blessing and responsibility. A the "Still-Speaking God" continues to illuminate us, the light that shines in us is the source of our energy and commitment and passion for the gospel. As we enter into this new year, may each of us not only be guided by the light but also be inspired by the light. may the light of Christ be the source or our devotion and loyalty, the course of our vision and service as we worship and learn and serve in the name of our Lord who is the light of our lives and the light of our world.

Grace and peace,

Dick

UNDECORATING PARTY

Volunteers are needed for Saturday, January 8th, to help take down and store the decorations that have adorned our church for the holiday season. We will be gathering at 9:00 AM and expect to be finished before noon. All help is greatly appreciated.

 

NEW CONSISTORY TO BE INSTALLED

The new members of Consistory for the year 2005 will be ordained and installed during our 10:00 AM morning worship on Sunday, January 9th. Our service will also include the Sacrament of Holy Communion as we begin the church season of Epiphany. Worship of God is the first duty and responsibility of all of us as the members of Christ's body. As we start our new year together, let us all resolve to be present for worship at every opportunity. 

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of St. Mary's United Church of Christ is scheduled for Sunday, January 30th, following our morning worship service and a Table Fellowship provided by the Fellowship Committee. All members of the church are urged to be present and participate at this annual event that is so important in the life of our congregation. Copies of the Annual Report will be available on the prior Sunday.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

A reminder all reports from committees, organizations, officers, staff and groups of St. Mary's church are due in the Church Office by January 4, 2005 for inclusion in the Annual Report for 2004.

 

A WORD OF THANKS FOR THE PASTOR

Again, Molly and I wish to thank all of you for your gifts and expressions of support given to us not only during this holiday season, but also throughout the year. Your love and generosity toward us and our family continue to be overwhelming and we remain humbled and grateful to you all. May God's richest blessings be yours in the New Year.

 

Thanks for the Decorations and Decorators!

Thanks to everyone who came out and helped decorate the church for the Advent season. The many hands made it go very well and we finished before 11:30 AM. Thanks to Bob and Don for providing the holly and live greens and to Jeanne for ordering the candles. Special thanks to the Fellowship Committee for providing the delicious lunch. We all enjoyed the lunch and the fellowship.

 

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