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Page last updated: 16 October, 2005
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 October 2005 No 10- modified for the Web.
(Previous issues available: 2004, January 2005, February 2005, March 2005, April 2005, June 2005, July/August 2005, September 2005)
World Communion Sunday - October 2nd
Neighbors in Need Offering - October 2nd
Family Ghost Walk - October 2nd
Laity Sunday - October 9th
Catoctin Fall Assembly - October 16th
New Member Sunday - October 30th
Fall Back - October 30th
Mothers' Class Family Banquet - November 12th
We Honor Our Veterans - November 13th
Hoffman Homes for Youth Fall Fundraiser - November 4th
Much that happens in our life together during this month of October at St. Mary's United Church of Christ reminds us of our reason for being gathered as God's people. Communion is at the heart of our gathering. And the annual celebration of World Communion Sunday emphasizes our participation in the wider body of Christ as the whole church gathers for this sacramental act around a world wide table. We are not alone. We are part of something greater than ourselves. World Communion Sunday is a time that reminds us of just how expansive the church of Jesus Christ has become. From its beginnings in that upper room, Jesus' disciples now include people around the world. And on this first Sunday of October each year, we acknowledge our unity in Christ by gathering at Jesus' table to share the meal that he has prepared for us. Our celebration of the sacrament of Holy Communion at St. Mary's church will be during our regular worship hour at 10:00 AM of Sunday, October 2ndd. This is a time for all of us to express our unity together in Christ by our gathering for worship.
Our belief that all Christians are called to minister in Christ's name makes appropriate our annual observance of Laity Sunday on October 9th. We have a strong sense of our shared ministry together and we are grateful for the leadership provided by those who will conduct this service of worship. On Sunday, October 16, we will begin this year's Stewardship campaign in which we will ask for our promises to support our church in the coming year. And on Sunday, October 30th, we will again be joined by new members who have made the decision to join with us in our common life together.
Much in our world would try to frighten us and distract our attention from that which is important and essential. We continue to be reminded of our need to know and experience God's presence and direction for our lives. We continue to be reminded of our need for supportive community with one another and our responsibility to reach ut to others who are in need. We have the opportunity for focused and faithful living, committing ourselves to priorities which reflect the divine purposes to which we are called. It only takes a little faith to move a mountain. We are blessed with an abundance of faith. Let's go move some mountains together in Jesus' name and for his sake.
Grace and peace, Dick
World Communion Sunday is October 2nd. 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 also the Sunday to receive this year's Neighbors in Need offering.
On Sunday October 2nd, 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 the ongoing 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. Our continuing support is greatly need and appreciated!
Sunday October 2nd, bring the family and join us for a ghost tour in Gettysburg. I have been doing these tours this year and a number of people have expressed interest in taking the tour with me. The tour will begin at Ghost of Gettysburg headquarters, 271 Baltimore St. We will meet at the church at 7:15 PM to carpool, or meet at the tour office at 7:45 PM. At Ghost of Gettysburg Candlelight walking tours, the tour begins at 8PM and takes one hour and 15 minutes and goes for about 3/4 mile. The cost is @6.00 per person and children 7 and under are free. There is a sign up sheet in the vestry, will need to know how my people will go. Deadline to sign up is that Sunday morning. If you have any question see Nancy or call the church office.
St. Mary's UCC is pleased to announce the formation of two additional study groups. Beginning on October 3rd, the pastor will lead a traditional bible study for all who are interested. We will meet on Monday afternoons starting at 1:30 PM and conclude by 3:00 PM. Also, for those interested in exploring issues in the Christian faith, the pastor will lead a discussion group on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM beginning on October 5th. In addition, there is still room for those who would like to join with the pastor in a discussion of new directions in Christian thought held on Sunday mornings at 8:30 AM. All are invited to take advantage of these opportunities to learn together and grow together.
Our annual Laity Sunday worship service will be held on Sunday, October 9th, during our worship hour at 10:00 PM. Paul W. will be the featured speaker for the morning. Other leaders of our church will join with him 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 16th. 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 13th. thanks to all of you who continue to support the ministries of our church through your faithful giving.
Hope Shall Bloom - United Church of Christ Hurricane Recovery
The United Church of Christ is responding to the destruction and human suffering caused by Hurricane Katrina and the flooding that followed. UCC leaders announced Sept. 6, 2005 the goal of raising $3 million from members and congregations to support long-term hurricane relief, recovery and rehabilitation phases of this disaster. A 5-10 year response is projected based on past experience and the magnitude of this catastrophe.
The major role of the church in this disaster, as in all disasters, is long-term recovery. The UCC has trained Disaster Network Coordinators and Church World Service (CWS) staff who will work with devastated communities to organize and plan for identifying and meeting the "un-met" needs of their communities - to catch the folks who might otherwise fall through the cracks. The UCC promises to walk with stricken communities on the long, long road to restoration.
100% of our gifts made to the Hope Shall Bloom UCC Hurricane Recovery Fund goes to support hurricane recovery programming. This is possible because church member gifts to Our Church's Wider Mission basic support provide for the administrative costs necessary to make the UCC disaster response possible.
As our contribution from St. Mary's UCC, we are pleased to announce that we have raised $3,384 to help support our denomination's relief effort. Thank you to all in our congregation who have shared so generously to respond with this expression of our caring and compassion.
This year's Fall Clothing will run during the month of October. Donations of clothing items can be brought to the church and left in the designated corner of the Vestry. In the wake of recent disasters and ongoing poverty, our gifts of clothing items provide tangible evidence of our willingness to share with those in need. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in sharing with others.
2005-2006 Sunday School Begins
As summer is past and fall sets in here at St. Mary's UCC we are looking forward to God's blessings as we begin a new season of Sunday School. Both children and adults will be enlightened and refreshed in God's word.
Beginning at 9:00 AM and lasting until 9:45 Am each Sunday, St. Mary's offers Sunday school classes for pre-K through adults. There are two adult classes currently available. The Electives Class led by Dorothy Ellen and Steve and the Lecture Class with a rotating staff of teachers, Allen S., Billy H. and David W. On the fourth Sunday of each month there will be a traditional service held in the Vestry during the Sunday school hour.
Selected material for each class is offered. The topic Forgiveness will be taught in the Electives class and study book The Present Word will be taught in the Lecture class.
As superintendent of the Adult Sunday School, I would like to invite everyone to attend Sunday school. It is a rewarding and learning experience for all of us as we worship as God's students.
God's Grace and Love, David W.
On Sunday, October 16th, the Catoctin Association will meet at Christ Reformed Church in Martinsburg, WVA for this year's Fall Assembly. The theme of this year's gathering is "General Synod 1010" as we explore our covenantal relationship with the wider church and the actions of the recent meeting of General Synod.
Registration will begin at 2:00 PM and we will be finished by 6:00 PM. Any St. Mary's members interested in attending should speak to the pastor or contact the church office.
St. Mary's will be receiving new members on Sunday October 30th. Anyone interested in becoming a member should contact the church office or Pastor Scott as soon as possible. All perspective members are encouraged to attend an orientation on October 16th following the worship service. Current members please plan to attend the October 30th worship service and welcome new members into our church family.
Remember that Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, October 30th. Set you clocks back one hour the night before and enjoy the extra hour's sleep.
The Mother's Class will again sponsor their family banquet on November 12th at the Taneytown Firemen's Activity Building in Taneytown, MD. The usual delicious roast turkey and fried oyster dinner will be served at 6:00 PM.
Signup sheets are available at the church or contact Betty H. Deadline will be November 6th. This is not a money making project so please be responsible for the tickets you reserve so that the class will not be stuck with any extra cost.
A special program is planned again so come and enjoy a night of GOOD food, GOOD entertainment, and GREAT fellowship.
We will honor our military veterans on Sunday, November 13th. During the past two years, we have set up displays of memorabilia in the Vestry. This year, we will be putting an insert in the bulleting in honor of or memory of any veterans; similar to the inserts the Mothers' Class compiles for Mother's Day and Father's Day. The cost is $1.00 per name and proceeds will be donated to the Caring for Others fundraiser to send care packages to active military personnel. Submissions and payments can be made to the church office or placed in the envelopes on the windowsills at the back of the sanctuary beginning October 9th. In addition, veteran's photos will be collected and assembled into a slide show to be presented during the November 13th service. All photos will be cared for and safely returned once scanned. Any questions, please contact Sabrina or the church office.
Hoffman Homes for Youth Fall Fundraiser
Hoffman Homes for Youth is having a fall fund raiser. All funds raised will go to the Rainbow of Hope Capital Campaign. It will be held at Hanover Country Club, November 4th at 6:30 PM.
Hoffman Homes for Youth is asking, "congregations to sponsor a basket for the auction."
For more details on this Autumn Gala, check the bulleting board outside the church office.
We will be taking orders for poinsettias, to adorn the sanctuary for Advent and Christmas Season in November. Order forms will be in the November bulletins.
If your family has artifacts from St. Mary's UCC's past and would like to share them for display in our new display cabinet in the Vestry, see Sonny or call the church office 410-346-7977.
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