T H E  P A R I S H  N E W S

St. Mary’s United Church of Christ

Silver Run, Maryland

Volume XXVIII April 2007 No 2 modified for the Web.

(Previous issues available: 2004, 2005, 2006, Jan 07, Feb07)

FROM THE PASTOR

Christ is risen! Alleluia! On Easter Sunday we will recall again the story of the empty tomb and the risen Christ. We remember Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus in the garden. We celebrate Christ's glorious victory over the forces of sin and death. We marvel at the astounding miracle. And wit the apostle Paul, we too can exclaim that death is swallowed up in victory. "When, O death, is your victory? Where, O death , is your sting?" Because of Easter, we are able to look back at Friday's cross of crucifixion with new eyes. The Jesus story is not one of tragedy, but one of redemption and salvation; a release from the bondage of sin and death into the light of a new day. It is the resurrection story.  

So often we hear the message of Easter as a story only about Jesus. We forget that it is also a story about ourselves. Christ triumphed over death. And the promise to us is that because he lives, we too shall live! The promise of victorious living is not merely about the hereafter. The really good news is that the living Christ calls us all to the fullness of life even now. Everlasting life is a present reality as well as a future promise. All that is dead in our lives, all that imprisons us, all that eats away at the fabric of our being proves powerless against the power of the love of God. Easter is a message for each one of us. Easter is a message for our church. Easter is a message for our world, especially in this time of war and devastation. We are called out of the prisons of fear and hatred, sin and shame into the bright light of the new tomorrow. We are called to walk with the risen Christ along new paths that lead beyond the dark valleys into the greener pastures that await us. I invite you to join with me in celebrating this good news. I encourage us to experience together the message of the resurrection. Praise be to God for the message of Easter. Praise be to God that Jesus is alive. And because he lives, wee too shall live, now and forever. 

Grace and peace,   Dick

HOLY WEEK OBSERVANCE

Holy Week provides us with an appropriate climax to this Lenten season. The pastor will be leading our Holy Week services beginning with our celebration of Palm Sunday on April 1st when our Bells of St. Mary's Bell Choir will be feature at our 10:00 AM worship service. On Maundy Thursday, April 5th, we will remember the last Supper of Jesus and his disciples as we gather for a service of worship and communion at 7:30 PM. Our service at 7:30 PM on Good Friday, April 6th, is the traditional service of Tenebreae when we remember and reflect upon Jesus' suffering and death upon the cross. And finally, on Easter Sunday, April 8th, we will start the morning with an outdoor Sunrise Service at 6:30 Am with breakfast served in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 AM. A Contemporary praise service will be offered at 8:00 AM lead by our praise band, Winds o the Spirit, and a Traditional style service will take place a 10:00 Am featuring our Church Choir. At both services the sacrament of Holy Communion will be offered at stations in the front of the sanctuary. As you are able, we hope that you are able to come and share in the drama and the joy as we celebrate this central mystery of our Christian faith: " Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again."

SPECIAL BLENDED WORSHIP

On Sunday, April 29th, the pastor will lead a special worship service that includes both traditional and praise style music. The service will follow our usual traditional service liturgy including organ music and hymns, and will also include special music buy our church choir and praise band. At this service we will also be commissioning our new Stephen Ministers as they complete their training and are ready to serve our congregation and our community. This is a special time that all who are able are encouraged to attend. 

SPRING SPIRITUAL RETREAT REMINDER

St. Mary's annual Spring Spiritual Retreat scheduled for Saturday, April 14th is full. This activity will be held at the Aisling House, in Millers, MD from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The registration fee id $10.00.

Volunteers Needed

The Worship Support Committee is looking for volunteers to help in its ongoing work of altar of sacrament preparation and coordinating worship service personnel. Persons interested should contact Bonnie or the church office. 

PASTOR'S SABBATICAL

As part of his call to our church, Pastor Scott will be on sabbatical from his regular ministerial duties during the months of February, March, and April. Although he will be away on a couple of extended trips in March and April, the pastor will be available to respond to pastoral emergencies as they might arise and as he is able. Calls fro pastoral services should be directed to the church office or to Becky our Consistory president. Anyone who has questions or is interested in the particulars regarding pastoral sabbaticals can speak with a member of the Church and Ministry Committee. 

2007 GRADUATES!

It's that time of year again. The Christian Ed Committee is looking for high school or college graduates. These individuals will be honored during the worship service on May 13th. Please contact Stacy or the church office with your information. 

BAKE SALE

St Mary's will have a bake table at the Homestead Pancake Breakfast, Saturday, April 21, 2007. We will be there from 6:30 AM until about 11:00 AM. Bake goods will be needed. If you can bake something, please bad and/or wrap all baked goods. Baked goods can be dropped off at the church office or Becky's. If you had any questions call the church office 410-346-7977. Thank You!

CLOTHING DRIVE

This year's Spring Clothing Drive will run from April 15 through May 15. Donations of clothing items can be brought to the church and left in the designated area of the Vestry. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in sharing with others. 

STEPHEN MINISTRY UPDATE

Stephen Ministry is our congregation's one-to-one lay care-giving ministry. St. Mary's three Stephen Minister trainees will be completing their training in April with two Sunday evening trainings held on April 15 and 22 and one Saturday all-day retreat on April 28. Connie, Beam and Kent will be commissioned as Stephen Ministers during the worship service on April 29th (instead of May as was originally publicized).

What is the difference between a Stephen Leader and a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Leaders provide leadership and oversee all aspects of the Stephen Ministry program. They publicize the program and make the congregation aware of its components; recruit and select caring persons for Stephen Ministry training; are in charge of the Stephen Ministry training: work with the Pastor to identify persons in need of care; assign Stephen Ministers as caregivers; supervise the caregivers and serve as support persons and consultants; affirm the care given by Stephen Ministers; and they evaluate and reenergize the care giving ministry. 

Stephen Ministers provide quality one-to-one care for persons who are going through challenging times or a crisis of some type. Stephen Ministers listen; explore feelings; pray; share Christ's love; maintain confidentiality; and attend to the care giving process; leaving the results and cure to God. Stephen Ministers receive support, guidance, and supervision from Stephen Leaders and from each other in order to maintain effective Christian care to others. 

WELCOMING MINISTRY

Do you enjoy meeting new people; Are you a good hast or hostess? Does telling people about our church bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart? If you answered yes, you might be interested in being a part of our "Welcoming Ministry". There will be a meeting following worship on April 15th. Anyone interested in this ministry is invited to attend the meeting. Current welcomers are encouraged to attend. If you have any questions, regarding this ministry please contact the church office. 

HOFFMAN HOMES FOR YOUTH FAMILY DAY & BAZAAR

The Bazaar is May 19th from 9AM to 3PM and includes inflatable games, a bake sale, plant sale, indoor flea market, giant prize raffle, magic show and more. Enjoy a free blue grass concert featuring the sounds of Iron Ridge in the chapel at 2PM. Chicken dinners will be available. Grad the kids and come Hungry!

MOTHER'S DAY BULLETIN

This year the Mother's Class will again sponsor a Mother's Day bulletin. Names in honor or memory of can be included for $1 per name. See Betty or use the envelopes on the back windowsill of the church. Deadline is May 6th. Your help and cooperation in making this project a success will be appreciated. 

 

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: April 1,  2007

by webmaster@stmarysucc.org