T H E  P A R I S H  N E W S

St. Mary’s United Church of Christ

Silver Run, Maryland

Volume XXVII February No 2- modified for the Web.

(Previous issues available: 2004, 2005, January '06)

 

FROM THE PASTOR  

        Do we see Jesus?  In all the busy work of this time of year we can find ourselves forgetting why we do what we do.  In the month just past, we have installed our new Consistory and organized for the year ahead.  We have met in Annual Meeting to review the year behind us and planned for the next leg of our journey together.  The pace is swift and deliberate.  But are we continually aware of why we do what we do?  We must constantly ask ourselves whether the agenda which we pursue is Christ’s agenda or our own.  Clarity of purpose is at the root of any successful organization.  As the people of St. Mary’s United Church of Christ, God has called us for a purpose.  And our faithfulness is judged by how well we fulfill the purposes expressed in that call.  We are called to divine purposes.  We are called to shared experience.  We are called to shared ministries of caring, inviting, and serving.  We are called to be followers of Christ.  But in order to follow, we need to keep our eyes focused on the one who is our leader.

Do we see Jesus?  Our celebration of the Epiphany Season concludes at the end of February with Transfiguration Sunday.  We will read again the story of Jesus’ glorious appearance on the mountain top.  With Peter and James and John, we have the opportunity to behold the glory of Christ manifest right before our very eyes.  Is it just an appearance, or is it real?  Only with the eyes of faith do we see the divine realities which are behind the worldly appearances.  We won’t see Jesus if we never look.  We can’t see Jesus if our vision is blocked by sin and despair.  Throughout this season we are guided by the light of the star of Bethlehem.  May the light of Christ illumine our pathways while Jesus shines within us and through us for all the world to see.  In all that we do, may Christ shine in us because our faith has taught us to see.  And because we see, may we be faithful in all that we do.

                Grace and peace,  Dick

 

STUDY TIME WITH THE PASTOR

            Pastor Scott will continue to lead discussion groups as we head into the Lenten season.  A class in new directions in the Christian Faith is held on Sunday mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 AM in the South Room, as well as two groups that meet during the weekdays.  Traditional style bible study meets on Monday afternoons at 1:30 PM and a group to explore issues of faith is meeting on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM.  Anyone who would like to participate in any of these gatherings is invited to attend.

 

VIDEO SERIES BEING OFFERED

        Beginning Sunday, February 5, the Elective’s Sunday School Class will be starting a new series of lessons called “Hashing It Out”.  This is a series of videotape discussions between Rev. Steve Brown and Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo.  Among the many topics discussed are:

            Are There Angels?

            Is the Devil Real?

            Can a Christian Be a Capitalist?

            Should We Give Money to Panhandlers?

            Does the Church Speak to Teenagers?

            Has Sports Become a Religion?

        The Elective’s Class meets in the North Room from 9:00-9:45 every Sunday morning.  Everyone is welcome anytime.

FAMILY BOWLING PARTY

        Come join us for a fun afternoon of bowling!  Sunday, February 12 from 2-4:30 pm at the Taneytown bowling alley.  We will have duck pin lanes and ten pin lanes.  You get 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, a slice of pizza and soda all included.  The cost is $5.00 per person.  We will meet at the church at 1:30 pm to carpool or you can meet us at the bowling alley at 2 pm.

        Sign up sheet will be in the vestry; deadline to sign up will be Sunday, Feb. 12.  For questions, see Nancy.

FAMILY MARDI GRAS PARTY

        The Mardi Gras season begins on January 6 and continues until Fat Tuesday which is the day before Ash Wednesday.  The name Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday.  It is a season of merry making and feasting before the season of lent.

        Come join us for a fun evening of games, crafts and excitement!

        Saturday, February 25 at 6:30 pm we will have a covered dish supper, along with some crafts and lots of games for all ages.  Mardi Gras is an event that involves costumes, masks, beads and bright colors.  Wear a funny hat, or a costume of you like!

        We will have a create your own mask table, a treasure hunt, games and prizes!

        Any questions or to help with this event please see Nancy.

 

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 1st.  As we begin this season of reflection and repentance, everyone is invited to join in our annual Ash Wednesday service beginning at 7:30 PM.  This service will include the imposition of Ashes and the sacrament of Holy Communion.  All of us are encouraged to share in this most meaningful way to begin the Lenten season.

 

WINDS OF THE SPIRIT IN CONCERT

            Plan now to attend the upcoming concert of our praise band, Winds of the Spirit, to be held on Saturday evening, March 4th, at 7:00 PM.  Selections will include both sacred and secular music, some new and some familiar.  Admission is free.  Friends and family are welcome as we share and celebrate God’s gift of music through the talents of these gifted folk.  Hope to see you there!

SUPPLIES NEEDED

The Children’s Department is in need of shoeboxes for craft projects.  There will be a collection box in the vestry or drop them off in the Sunday school office.

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Page last updated: January 28,  2006

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