T H E  P A R I S H  N E W S

St. Mary’s United Church of Christ

Silver Run, Maryland

Volume XXIX January 2008 No 2 modified for the Web.

(Back to current Parish News)

 

 

FROM THE PASTOR

The season of light is upon us.  The Christmas affirmation that Jesus is the light of the world is the affirmation that is ours to live and to experience in the days and weeks ahead.  With the appearance of the star that brought the Wise Men to Bethlehem from far away, God set the tone for evangelism in all ages and times.  Ours is the task to let the light of Christ shine: shine in our hearts, shine in our lives, shine in our world.  People are brought to Jesus because they see the light and follow the star.  But they come to look for Jesus here at St. Mary’s church because they see the light of Christ in those of us who are here.  People see the light of Christ in our worship, in our study together, in our caring for each other, in our reaching out to others in ways that let them know of God’s love and God’s compassion.  Ours is more than the call to bask in the glow of divine light.  This Epiphany season is the time when God is calling us to be the beacon of the light of Christ that is our mandate and our reason for being.  The light of Christ shines in the darkness because it first shines in us.  And it is through us that the light of Christ can and will continue to shine for the people of our community and people around the world.

 

As the people of St. Mary’s United Church of Christ, we stand at the frontiers of a new era of challenge and opportunity, of change and possibility, of blessing and responsibility.  As the “Still-Speaking God” continues to illuminate us, the light that shines in us is the source of our energy and commitment and passion for the gospel.  As we enter into this new year, may each of us not only be guided by the light but also be inspired by the light.  May the light of Christ be the source of our devotion and loyalty, the source of our vision and service as we worship and learn and serve in the name of our Lord who is the light of our lives and the light of our world.

Grace and peace,   Dick

UNDECORATING PARTY

Volunteers are needed on Saturday, January 5th, 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.

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of St. Mary’s United Church of Christ is scheduled for Sunday, January 27th, 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 on the prior Sunday.

NEW CONSISTORY TO BE INSTALLED

The new members of Consistory for the year 2007 will be ordained and installed during our 10AM morning worship on Sunday, January 6th.  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.

GREETINGS FROM THE SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

We’ve experienced the holiday of Christmas again.  “The year just flew by.”  Yes, the old year has passed on the New Year has begun.  Here 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 classes beginning at 9:00 am every Sunday.  The Electives Class and the Lecture Class.  All are welcome to attend either of these classes.

Time has moved on, and again we find ourselves looking down a new road to 2008.  That’s right, time waits for no one.

In the beginning God created the heavens and earth.  From hearts of sincere folks like our Pastor all of the Christian Education Department, Sunday School was created for you here at St. Mary’s.  “Come” to Sunday School and experience the Bible, because time waits for no one.

Just a short excerpt from our January Lesson:  In what way do we search for Jesus today?  Come to Sunday School in January.

Also:  For the year 2008 we have been blessed by the addition of two new teachers, Michael  and Sheldon.  We do not lack for teachers; we lack students so remember time waits for no one.  Come to Sunday School.  The lesson you learn could help you in your walk and talk with the Savior.

ANNUAL REPORTS DUE

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.

 

FLOWER CALENDAR  - 2008

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 you 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.

 

HEALTH KITS

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:

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. 

STEPHEN MINISTRY

How Does Stephen Ministry Work?

When someone requests a Stephen Minister, a Stephen Leader will meet with that person to explain what Stephen Ministry is and to help determine whether Stephen Ministry is the kind of care the person needs.  The Stephen Leader than matches that person with one of our available Stephen Ministers.

The Stephen Minister will then call that person and begin meeting with him/her for around an hour each week as long as the need is there.  Everything a care receiver says to his/her Stephen Minister is kept confidential.  The Stephen Minister doesn’t try to solve problems or dilemmas; rather, he/she listens, cares, prays, and helps the care receiver to his/her path to healing and wholeness in his/her particular situation.

For more information concerning Stephen Ministry or to request a Stephen Minister, please contact one of our Stephen Leaders:  Pastor Scott, Steve or Dorothy Ellen.

KID'S NIGHT OUT

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

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