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Email: office@stmarysucc.org
Page last updated: December 2, 2007
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 December 2007 No 2 modified for the Web.
(Previous issues available: 2004, 2005, 2006, Jan 07, Feb07. Apr 07, May 07, Jun 07, Nov07)
Advent Workshop - Dec 1st
Children's Advent Workshop - Dec 1st
Christmas Cards at St. Mary's - Dec 1st & 2nd
White Gift Sunday - Dec 2nd
Advent Communion - Dec 2nd
Elections - Dec 9th
January Newsletter Deadline - Dec 16th
Christmas Fund Offering - Dec 23rd
Christmas Eve Service - Dec 24th
Kids Night Out! - last Sunday of the month
Annual Report Due - Jan 2nd
Carroll County UCC's Unite to SERRV - Jan 19th
Anticipation breeds excitement. Advent is the season of the Christian year in which we look forward to the coming of Christmas. We know that Christmas Day will soon be here. We can hardly wait. Everything about the holiday season appeals to the inner child within us - the lights, the decorations, the music, the presents. We don't always understand what it is all about. We only know that we feel good when we experience it. Christmas is a time of joyous celebration, and through the days and weeks ahead, our observance of this Advent season provides the opportunity for our excitement to build in anticipation of this year's Christmas experience.
Christmas is a time for great emotion, but while we anticipate the merriment and joy, there are many for whom Christmas is a time that only heightens life's difficulties and disappointments, Christmas is a time to be with loved ones, but they are all alone. Christmas is a time to exchange gifts, but for them the ritual of exchanging gifts only reminds them of their poverty and drives them further into debt. Christmas is a time to remember the good ties of past holiday celebrations. But their memories are clouded with tragedy and despair. Whether we approach it with excitement or dread, Christmas will hade its effect upon us. The emotional highs and lows will become part of our Christmas experience this year, just as in years gone by and in years to come.
The good news is that each year's experience of Christmas is always new and always filled with new possibilities. The story was new when the drama unfolded in the stable in Bethlehem. In was new to Mary and Joseph and the shepherds. The story has been new to each generation of Christians who have heard it and experienced it. We may have heard the story before, yet the story of Christmas can be new to us this year if we let the Spirit speak to our hearts the message of God's good news to us. Like unwrapping a Christmas package with all anticipation of what might be inside, may our excitement grow throughout this Advent season as we discover anew the wonders of God's love found in the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, laying in the manger. May this Christmas be a time of excitement and wonder for us all.
Grace and peace, Dick
The Christmas Fund is a special all church offering of the United Church of Christ. Established to benefit the "Veterans of the Cross", this offering helps to offer assistance to retired pastors of our denomination and their spouses who have had to retire with inadequate retirement income. Our church will receive this special offering on Sunday, December 23rd, when envelopes will be available. During this season of giving, let's remember those who have given their lives in Christ's service with this expression of our generosity.
On Sunday evening, December 24th, our Church will hold two evening worship service. A family Christmas Eve Candlelight service will begin at 7:00 PM and will include carols and special music by our Church Choir and Bell Choir. At 11:00 PM, we will meet for a Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service with special music provided by our praise band, Winds of the Spirit. The sacrament will be administered by intinction. All are invited to join with us. Friends and family are welcome to come and share in the blessings of this holy evening when we celebrate the peace and joy that God alone provides for us in the message of the birth of Christ. hope to see you there!
In this month's newsletter, you will find an offering envelope instead of a coin folder for your Advent Offering. We invite you to make use of this offering envelope by bringing it to any of our worship services throughout the Christmas season or you can mail it to the church office with your holiday donation. This year's Advent offering will go to support our Benevolence Fund giving. And as always we are grateful for your support of our ministries and outreach at St. Mary's church.
On December 9th there will be a Congregational Meeting following worship to elect Consistory members and the Nominating Committee for the year 2008. All members are urged to attend.
December 2nd is White Gift Sunday. This is the Sunday to bring your gifts for Homewood at Plum Creek and Springfield Hospital Center. Thanks to all who help to show our caring and concern for others as we share our gifts this holiday season.
Young and old are invited to joining together for a time of Christmas caroling with our friends at a local nursing home of Sunday evening December 9th. We will gather at the church at 6:30 PM. This is a way to celebrate the holiday that is both fun and meaningful. Additional drivers are helpful. All are welcome to participate.
On Sunday, December 16th, all are invited to gather at 6:00 PM for a Pot-Luck meal and time to sing Christmas Carols. Our praise band, Winds of the Spirit will lead us in a time of singing the songs of the season both sacred and secular as we gather in the sanctuary. The meal will be in the Vestry and everyone attending is encouraged to bring a dish-to-pass. Hope to see you there!
Plan now to attend our Sunday morning worship service of December 23rd at 10:00 AM to hear this year's Cantata performance by our St. Mary's Church Choir. Written and arranged by Anna Laura Page and Jean Anne Shafferman, The Living Creche retells the Christmas story in scripture, legend and song. Let's show our appreciation for all those who have worked so hard to bring this gift of music to us by supporting them with our presence at this wondrous occasion. Bring a fried and share the joy!
The season of Advent begins on Sunday December 2nd. We will begin our celebration of this time of joyous expectation with a traditional worship service including Holy Communion served at stations in the front of the sanctuary during our 10:00 AM worship hours. This Sunday will also be observed as White Gift Sunday. All are welcome!
Plan now to attend this year's Advent Workshop which will be held on Saturday, December 1st, starting at 9:00 AM. This will be our opportunity to join together for decorating our church for the Advent and Christmas season. The Fellowship Committee will provide a light lunch for all who would like to join with us. Hope to see you there!
Please join us Saturday, December 1st at 9:30 AM to decorate Christmas trees. During this time we will be making ornaments for our tree in the fellowship room and also bird friendly ornaments to decorate the pine tree outside. Parents are encouraged to stay and help with the morning's activities. Our projects could get a little messy, so wear play clothes. Donations of peanut butter, raisins, cranberries, birdseed and pinecones would be appreciated. The fellowship committee is providing a light lunch. Please plan to attend this morning of fun, crafts and decorating. All children are welcome. For further information see Lisa or Linda, or call the church office.
CHRISTMAS CARDS AT ST. MARY'S?
Have you ever imagined what a Christmas Card would look like alive? Come to St. Mary's UCC's parking lots on Saturday, December 1st or Sunday, December 2nd and see for yourself. Living Christmas Cards will be on display in our church parking lots form 6-8 PM. From the warmth of you car drive thru the display an enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holiday Season.
The January newsletter deadline is December 16th. The office will be closed during the week between Christmas and New Years.
A reminder to all committees, organizations, officers, staff and groups of St. Mary's Church, annual reports are now being received. All reports are due in the church office by January 2, 2008 for inclusion in the Annual Report.
Due to the great response of the Mother's Day and Father's Day bulletins, the Mother Class decided to make two $500 donations. One was given to the Street Light Fund, which helps the community and also St. Mary's. The other $500 donation was given to Carroll County Food Sunday to help buy food for the needy during the holiday season. It is only through your continued support of our projects that we are able to give so once again the Mother's Class wants to say "Thank You".
The Flower Calendar for the year 2008 is posted in the bell tower entryway. If you wish to place altar flowers on the altar in honor or in memory of a loved one, please sign your name on the Sunday desired and let the church office know what you wish in the bulletin for that Sunday. You are also responsible for ordering your flowers. Any questions call the church office 410-346-7977.
This year the children and youth will be participating in the Church World Service Kit Program. Their donations will be used to purchase and assemble Health Kits. These Kits will then be delivered to the CWS Distribution Center located in New Windsor. The Health Kits will be distributed through Church World Service sot persons in need. These Kits provide items essential to personal hygiene. Church World Service has provide Kits the world over, and make a difference in the lives of children and families.
Each Kit contains:
One hand towel (no fingertip or bath towel) Measuring about 16:x28"
One Wash cloth
One wide-tooth comb
One nail clipper with file
One bare of soap (bath size in wrapper)
Six Band-Aids
If you would like to donate to the Health Kit Project a collection box is located downstairs. Or, if you prefer, a donation of $12 will allow Church World Service to provide a Health Kit. For further information contact the church office.
Please continue to pray for our Stephen Ministry here at St. Mary's. This ministry focuses on God as the one who cures as we care. There is still time for anyone to apply to become a Stephen Minister. Please talk to Pastor Scott, Steve or Dorothy Ellen as as possible if you are interested or have any questions. Stephen Ministry training will begin in January.
Kids' Night Out! Calling all kids in Grades K through high school. Join us the last Sunday of every month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM for an evening of fun and games. This will be a time for the children to get together and just have fun. Bring a friend! A light snack will be provided. Contact Lisa or Brian, or the church office, for more information.
CARROLL COUNTY UCC'S UNITE TO SERRV
WHO? Lazarus UCC, Trinity UCC, Grace UCC, Krider's UCC, Emmanuel Baust UCC, St. Mark's UCC, St. Mary's UCC, St. Matthew's UCC, & St. Paul's UCC! (ages 11 and up. Under 14 must be accompanied by an adult & 11-17 year olds must bring a signed permission slip!)
What? Volunteer Days at SERRV International- pricing items, packaging items, inspecting item, visiting with one another, & nibbling on Divine chocolates!!!
Where" At the SERV Volunteer Cneter @ The Brethern Center in New Windsor
When: The following Saturdays 8:30 AM-3:30 PM: January 19th, and March 15th. (or as long as you spare! If you stay form 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM you are entitled ot a free lunch in the cafeteria!)
Why ? To answer God's call to share our gifts while helping many third world artisans around the world share theirs! (they rely on SERRV to survive!)
How? Please let your church contact person know one week in advance if you can join us! We need a head count!
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: December 2, 2007 |
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