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Email: office@stmarysucc.org
Page last updated: 10 Septmeber, 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 September 2005 No 6- modified for the Web.
(Previous issues available: 2004, January 2005, February 2005, March 2005, April 2005, June 2005, July/August 2005)
Renewal begins with faith! Yet even our faith requires renewal and reinvigoration with the Holy Spirit. At St. Mary's church, we begin each program year in September with the recognition that all that we do and all that we are as a people of God must be grounded in a strong, vibrant, and living faith. We celebrate Faith Renewal Sunday each year as a time to examine the depth of our faith and remind ourselves of our reliance upon God in all things, even for that faith which binds us together and empowers us to carry on our ministries in the name of Jesus Christ. This year especially as we initiate our annual recognition of those with special member anniversaries, we are reminded of the long history of faithful witness and service that has been the heritage that we enjoy as the people of St. Mary's church. Our faith continues to be grounded in God's good news. God loves us. God cares about us. God has sent Jesus Christ into the world to teach us, to heal us, and to empower us for service. As faithful followers of Jesus Christ we are called upon to share the blessings that God has bestowed upon us with a needy and hurting world. Our world needs what we have to offer. But to fulfill our mission and reach out to those in need,, we must be strong in our faith as a people of God and strong in our commitment to do God's will. Exciting days are ahead for us. may the renewal of our faith make us ready for all that God has in store for us as we continue to serve together in Christ's name.
Grace and peace, Dick
our fall season begins with Faith Renewal Sunday on September 11th. 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 18th. Along with our Anniversary Celebrations, we will be 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.
With this year's Faith Renewal observance on September 11th, the Caring For Our Own Committee is instituting a new tradition to honor church members each year who are celebrating special anniversary years as members of St. Mary's church. Special recognition will be given this year to those who have member anniversaries of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years in 2005, and all those who have been members of St. Mary's for 60 years or more. Special invitations have been sent out to those we would like to honor, and a commemorative picture will be taken of all of our honorees in attendance on Faith Renewal Sunday. Everyone is invited and encouraged to join in this special celebration.
There will be a brief meeting of the Welcoming Ministry Sunday, September 18th following the worship service. The Evangelism and Spiritual Life Committee is again inviting individuals interested in the Welcoming Ministry to join current Welcomers at this meeting. Identifying and welcoming those who are visiting our worship services is not only vital to our church growth, but also good hospitality. Thank you to all the current Welcomers who strive to do this every week.
Acting Bell Choir Director Named
The Church and Ministry Committee is please to announce that Debra R. has been named Acting Bell Choir Director effective immediately. Debbie has played in our Bell Choir for a number of years and is looking forward to her new responsibilities as director as we enter this new program year. She is excited about starting rehearsals as soon as possible and is always looking for new volunteers. Thank you Debbie, and welcome!
The person who creates or leads or labors will inevitably make many mistakes. But at least those who strive to accomplish something of worth will not make the mistake of doing nothing.
- Anonymous
Choir rehearsals will resume on Wednesday, September 7th 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.
21st Century Christianity Study: During the autumn season, Pastor Scott will lead a discussion group exploring new directions in Christian thought for the 21st century. The first gathering will be on Sunday, September 18th, at 8:30 AM in the unfinished section of the church basement. Those interested in discussing alternative views of our Christian faith are encouraged to attend.
Elective Class: The Elective's Class will begin meeting Sunday, September 18 for 9:00-9:45 AM in the North Room. We will be doing a 7 week study on the topic of forgiveness. Everyone is welcome to attend any Sunday morning at 9 o'clock.
Study Group: The Wednesday Night Study Group will begin meeting on Wednesday, September 14 from 6:30-7:30 PM. We will be studying various scripture passages regarding topics such as the power of praying, unconditional love, unselfish risk, in a hurry, walk a mile in someone's shoes, help somebody out today, your life matters, be positive, and overcoming adversity. Everyone is welcome to attend any Wednesday night from 6:30-7:30.
St. Mary's annual Fall Spiritual Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, October 1st. This activity will be help at the Aisling House, in Millers, MD from 9:00 Am-3:00 PM. Mark your calendar now and plan on attending this uplifting and spiritually renewing event. There is a registration fee of $5.00. Space is limited, so please call the church office as soon as possible , and make your reservation. The deadline for reservations is Sunday, September 25th.
St. Mary's UCC provided a quality outreach Vacation Bible School to its members and to the community from July 18th through July 22nd. The "Davey and Goliath Circus Spectacular" program was used with truly spectacular results! The VBS welcomed almost forty children and many teen helpers to the week long fun and Bible-based adventure. The children generously donated $240 to the Hoffman Homes for Youth whose representatives received a check for this amount at the worship service on July 31st. Many thanks to all those involved in the planning, program selection, staff recruitment, and implementation of our 2005 VBS. Your time and talents touched many youngsters this summer.
A reminder form the Evangelism & Spiritual Life Committee
Prayer Cards: The committee provides blue Prayer Request Cards in every pew. Please use these cards to make the church aware of any family, friends, or congregation members who need the support of the St. Mary's Family. Make sure to check one of the boxes that dictates to who's attention the Prayer Request will be given. Finally, remember to put your completed prayer cards in the box at the front of the sanctuary!
Prayer Chain: The prayer chain was created to furnish immediate aid to those who are experiencing unexpected problems, such as a family medical emergency, and accident, or a death in the family. We are in need of volunteers to support this important work. If you would like to participate in the Prayer Chain please meet Darlene in the vestry following worship on Sunday, October 2nd.
Annual Hope and Healing Luncheon
Everyone needs a little inspiration now and then, and The Women's Place at Carroll Hospital Center will be providing just that! In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month wan in support of The Breast Center at the hospital, The Women's Place will host its annual "Hope and Healing" luncheon on Sunday, October 16, from noon to 4 p.m. at Wakefield Valley Golf and Conference Center. Guest presenters will be the women of the Guts, Grace and Gusto Group. These three women each have a terrific story to tell and words of with and wisdom to share. Their presentation, "Fancy Footwork for Life - Dancing Your Way Through Life with Guts, Grace & Gust" is sure to inspire, as well as offer easy steps for living a more meaningful and energized life. There will be laughs galore! Participants will also have an opportunity to learn about breast cancer and the many resources available to them thorough The Breast Center at Carroll Hospital Center. So mark you calendars for October 16 and invite a friend or two. Tickets for the presentation luncheon are $35 and must be purchased in advance. You can see Belinda if you interested or call Heath Access at 410-848-2244. Searing is limited, so reserve your place soon. There will be door prizes, a silent auction, Longaberger Horizon of Hope baskets and other products on sale. All proceeds benefit The Breast Center.
Looking for volunteer opportunities?
Access Carroll, Inc. is a not for profit free clinic that offers primary health care to the uninsured low-income residents of Carroll County. We are looking for individuals to help with assisting the practitioners, answering phones, scheduling appointments, drawing bloods, data entry, helping patients with pharmaceutical assistance programs, organizing our medication room and assorted other tasks. We are currently seeing patients Monday through Thursday 8:30 Am until 4:30 PM. If you are able to help out, or would like to find out more information about Access Carroll, Inc., please call 410-871-1478.
After a relaxing summer break, St. Mary's bell choir will begin meeting again the week of September 12. The exact day of weekly practices will be announced. The bell choir welcomes all returning ringers and is recruiting new members, as well. No experience is needed. Please join our friendly group for a rewarding experience. Anyone interested in signing up for the bell choir should contact the church office 410-346-7997.
Thank You for sharing our Parish News! If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please contact the church office.
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Email: office@stmarysucc.org Page last updated: 10 Septmeber, 2005 |
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