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Email: office@stmarysucc.org
Page last updated: February 9, 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 February 2007 No 2 modified for the Web.
(Previous issues available: 2004, 2005, 2006, Jan 07)
Join us for Family Bowling - February 18th
Ash Wednesday Service - February 21st
Lenten Communion Service - February 25th
Family Game Night - March 3rd
Vacation Bible School - June 25-29th
In the season of Lent we are reminded of the story of Jesus' time in the wilderness as a time of soul searching and of preparation for the rigors of ministry. I am truly grateful to the people of St. Mary's church for allowing me the privilege of a time of sabbatical following this past five years of service to you. My last sabbatical five years ago was a time that I built in a great deal of structure as I spent much of my time at Lancaster Seminary as a pastor in residence. On this sabbatical, I have built in a couple of brief trips but most to the time I will be closer to home, but hopefully not under foot as I pursue some goals that will help me both personally and professionally. I do expect to continue playing with the Winds of the Spirit and Molly and I expect to be at various worship services in these months ahead. My son's family will also be staying with us again at the parsonage while Geoff is attending his training to become an officer in the United States Army and we are grateful that we are able to extend to them that hospitality. Although this sabbatical time is less structured that the last, there is much that I hope to accomplish and ultimately, my hope and expectation are that this will prove to be a time that will prepare me to better serve you as we look forward to our next five years together. As we look forward to these next few months of Lent and Easter, I hope that all of us at St. Mary's can find ourselves listening more for God's voice, discerning more our response to God's call, and finding joy in the good news of God's never ending love for us. I wish to each and every one of you the peace of Christ in these days ahead.
Grace and peace, Dick
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 21st. 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. Although the pastor is on sabbatical, he will lead this worship service assisted by Rev. Bob Rock with Rev. Gerry Fuss giving the evening message. The 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.
The first Sunday in Lent is Sunday, February 25th. We at St. Mary's UCC will begin our season of reflection and penitence with our 10:00 AM Contemporary praise service of worship which will include Holy Communion served at stations in the front of the sanctuary. Since the pastor will be in attendance, he has authorized our Theological Education Coordinator, Anna Rollins, to administer the sacrament to us. As we prepare our hearts and our lives for the coming of Holy Week and Easter, all are invited to share in this most meaningful way to begin the Lenten season.
As part of his call to our church, Pastor Scott will be on sabbatical from his regular ministerial duties beginning February 1, 2007. Following every five years of continuous service to St. Mary's church, the pastor is encouraged to take three months away from his regular responsibilities for the purpose of spiritual and intellectual refreshment. 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. During this time, Rev. Bob Rock will lead our worship services on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, and Anna Rollins will lead our services on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. Pastor Scott will be actively at work over Holy Week an will lead services on Palm Sunday and Easter. He will also lead a service at the end of April and on Mother's Day in May. Calls for 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.
The Worship Support Committee is looking for volunteers to help in its ongoing work of altar and sacrament preparation and coordinating worship service personnel. Persons interested should contact Bonnie or the church office.
Sunday, February 18th 2 PM at the Taneytown Bowling Alley. Cost is $5 each, this includes bowling, shoes, pizza and soda. We will meet at the church at 1:30 PM or at the bowling alley at 2 PM. Sign up sheet will be in the vestry. For more information contact Nancy or the church office.
Join us Saturday, March 3rd from 6-8 PM for an evening filled with games, fun & fellowship for children of all ages. Bring your favorite game to share or play one of ours. Don't forget to bring a friend! Refreshments will be provided. Contact Lisa or Sherry for more information.
Vacation Bible School has been scheduled for June 25-29. More information to follow.
Steve and Dorothy Ellen of St. Mary's and Pat of Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster are collaboratively leading the training for three Stephen Ministers in-training from Grace and three Stephen Ministers in-training from St. Mary's. We are blest to have Connie, Kent, and Bea from our church to make this commitment to the Stephen Ministry Program. They will attend classes every Sunday evening from 6-8:30 PM form January through April and two all day retreats on Saturday, February 3 and April 28, 2007. We ask that the congregation continue to uphold these persons and this ministry in your prayers.
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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