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 January 2007 No 1 modified for the Web.

(Previous issues available: 2004, 2005, 2006)

 

FROM THE PASTOR

A new year is upon us; and we look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await us in the new year ahead. As January begins, we bask in the glow of the Christmas message. Christ the Savior is born and he lives and dwells in the hearts of each one of us who have allowed him room to enter into our lives. Whatever the struggles and discouragement that have plagues us in the year gone by, there is new hope and joy in our hearts because we have experienced the love of Christ born in us. The year ahead becomes for us a time of possibility to help make the love of Christ real in our lives and in the lives of all whom we touch.

This year will be a year of new challenges and new opportunities for us. As I prepare for this year's' Annual Meeting, I am also trying to prepare for my time away when I go on sabbatical in February. Yet I am confident in our leadership and the abilities of our people to carry on the ministries that fulfill our mission as god's people. As we move through the coming month together I hope that as we look backward to what is past and forward to what is to come, we can grow in our appreciation of what God is doing among us and how much our fellowship with one another continues to enrich us and make of us more faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

This month, we begin the Christian season of Epiphany. As the star appeared over Bethlehem illuminating the way for all to the Christ Child, may this be our season to have the light of Christ shine in us that we may find our way to the holy Child and light the way for others to come and worship him. this can be our season of illumination. We can use the light of the star to reflect on the journey through which we have come; we can be guided by the light of the star to lead us into the unknown of the year which lies before us. may the light of Christ shine in us illumine our pathway as we continue on our journey together serving in the name of our Lord and Savior.

Grace and peace,   Dick

A WORD OF THANKS FORM THE PASTOR

Molly joins me in thanking all of you for your kind remembrances and tokens of affection shared with us over this holiday season. We are humbled by your generosity and continue to serve you knowing of your love and support for us. We wish each and everyone one of you God's blessings in the year ahead.

UNDECORATING PARTY

Volunteers are needed on Saturday, January 6th, to help take down and store the decorations that have adorned our church for the holiday season. We will be gathering at 9:00 AM and expect to be finished before noon. All help is greatly appreciated. 

NEW CONSISTORY TO BE INSTALLED

The new members of Consistory for the year 2007 will be ordained and installed during our 10 AM morning worship on Sunday, January 7th. Our service will also include the Sacrament of Holy Communion as we begin the church season of Epiphany. Worship of God is the first duty and responsibility of all of us as the members of Christ's body. As we start our new year together, let us all resolve to be present for worship at every opportunity.

STEPHEN MINISTRY CORNER

The Stephen Leaders from St. Mary's will be cooperating with the Stephen Leaders from Grace Lutheran Church in providing training for the new Stephen Leaders from both churches. Participating in the training will be two members from St. Mary's and five members from Grace Lutheran. The training will take place every Sunday night from 6:00 - 8:30 PM , beginning January 7 through April. In addition, there will be two all-day Saturday retreats. Our Stephen Ministers will be commissioned during a worship service in May. We ask that you please continue to keep this ministry in your prayers.

BASEMENT RENOVATIONS

Recently a committee was formed to analyze and plan for the future development and reorganization of the church basement. this is part of long range planning and any input should be directed to any of the following committee member: Jim L., Brian C., Larry M., Vicki M., and Stacy F. We are continuing to improve and friends in the years ahead. 

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of St. Mary's United Church of Christ is scheduled for Sunday, January 28th, following our morning worship service and a Table Fellowship provided by the Fellowship Committee. All members of the church are urged to be present and participate at this annual event that is so important in the life of our congregation. Copies of the Annual Report will be available the prior Sunday.

OLD YEAR ENDS, NEW YEAR BEGINS

Hello St. Mary's -- Sunday School Department here: Greetings to one and all. We've experienced the holiday of Christmas. The year just flew by. Yes the old year 2006 has passed on and the year 2007 has begun. Her at St. Mary's we are still teaching Sunday School, teaching the bible, God's word from the old testament through the new testament. We currently have two adult bible school classes beginning at 9:00 AM every Sunday. All are welcome to attend either of these classes.

Did you know that freedom isn't free? Yet in Christ we have freedom. But this  freedom wasn't free. Confusing isn't it? Can you figure out the answer to this statement? We found the answer to this statement in Sunday School Class. We have a great team o f teachers teaching our classes and we learn a lot about God's word and to apply it to our lives. Want to learn more: see you in Sunday School.

As the adult superintendent of Sunday School I extend a warm welcome and invitation to all of you to all of our services here at St. Mary's. May God Bless and guide you with his educational wisdom through the new year.

David W. 

Superintendent of Adult Sunday School

P.S. The answer to the statement about (Our freedom cost Christ hi life).

 

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