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Email: office@stmarysucc.org
Page last updated: March 29, 2009
T H E P A R I S H N E W S
St. Mary’s United Church of Christ
Silver Run, Maryland
Volume XXX April 2009 No 1 modified for the Web.
(Previous issues available: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
Christ is risen! 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 Chris's glorious victory over the forces of sin and death. We marvel at the astounding miracle. And with the apostle Paul, we too can explain that death is swallowed u in victory. "Where, 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 hardship and uncertainty, 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, we too shall live, now and forever.
Grace and peace, Dick
We will begin Holy week this year on Sunday, April 5th, with our Palm Sunday service at 10:30 AM. New Members will be welcomed into our congregation on that Sunday. On Thursday, April 9th, we will gather at 7:30 PM to celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion as part of our observance of Maundy Thursday. And on Friday, April 10th, we will remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus at our Good Friday Tenebrae service that will begin at 7:30 PM. These are worship services that go to the heart of our Christian Faith and all who are able are encouraged to attend.
This Year, we celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 12th. We will begin the day with our annual Sunrise Service starting at 6:30 AM in the cemetery across the road with breakfast following at 7:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. A Contemporary praise service will be offered at 8:30 AM lead by our praise band, Winds of the Spirit, and a Traditional style service will take place at 10:30 AM featuring our Church Choir. At both services the sacrament of Holy Communion will be offered at stations in the front of the sanctuary. All are welcome. Come share the joy.
A special envelope was enclosed with last month's newsletter for our annual Easter Benevolence Offering. In years gone by, many of us had filled coin folders as a way of reminding us to share our God given resources with those less fortunate. Again this year, our offerings using these special envelopes will help our church reach out to the world in a very tangible way through the support of our Benevolence Fund. Offerings made using the envelopes can be placed in the offering plate during our Lenten and Easter services or mailed to the church office. Additional envelopes are available in the sanctuary on the back windowsills. Thank you for you continuing support of our benevolence giving. Please give generously as you are able, as together in Christ's name we continue to make a difference.
We will be receiving new members during our 10:30 AM worship service on Palm Sunday, April 5th. A special fellowship hour will be held in the Vestry following the service. This will be an opportunity to greet and welcome these new families into our congregation her at St. Mary's.
St. Mary's annual Spring Spiritual Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, April 18th. This activity will be held at the Aisling House, in Millers, MD from 9:00 AM - 3::00 PM. Mark your calendar now and plan to attending this uplifting and spiritually renewing event. There is a registration fee of $10.00. Space is limited, so please sign-up in the vestry or call the church office as soon as possible to make your reservation. The deadline for reservations is Monday, April 6th.
The Mother's Class will again sponsor the Mother's Day Bulletin. This will be 55 years since we started the project, so we would like to have 555 names. Names in honor or memory of will be included in the bulletin for $1:00 per name. We would appreciate your cooperation in helping us reach our goal. Sign-up sheets are on the back windowsill of the sanctuary or contact Betty. Deadline to sign-up is May 3rd.
The congregation is reminded by the Organist Search Committee that applications are now being received from anyone who would like to be considered for the position of Church Organist. Applications are available and can be submitted to the church office. Questions about our search can be directed to the members of the search committee.
During the Sundays after Easter, our church will receive donations of used clothing items. These items will be sent to area groups working on behalf of the poor in our region. Clothing can be brought to the church starting Sunday, April 19th, through Sunday, May 3rd. Please refrain from using oversize boxes and overfilled bags. Thank you for thinking of others during this Eater season.
If anyone is still walking around with loose change in their pockets, we encourage you to "give it up" on behalf of Carroll County Food Sunday. A jar is located in the back of the sanctuary to receive your loose change and quiet money too, as we help those less fortunate in these trying times. Our campaign ends at the end of April. Let's Fill the Jar! Together we are "Agents of Change!"
Sunday School & Youth News
Our annual Easter Celebration will be held on Saturday April 4th, 9:30 to 11:30.. There will be crafts, games and egg hunts for children of all ages. Donations of small prizes and baked goods are welcome. If you have questions please contact Stacy or the church office. Hope to see you there!
Kid's Night Out will be held Sunday, April 26, from 6-7:30 PM. All kids in Grades K through high school are welcome. This will be a time for the children to get together and have fun. Bring a friend! A light snack will be provided. Contact the Chilcoat's, or the church office, for more information.
Wonder-filled things are waiting for you in the majestic and awe-inspiring canyon!
Place: St. Mary's United Church of Christ
Dates: June 22-26, 2009
Time: 9:30 AM - 12 Noon
Ages: 3 (potty trained) through 5th grade
Grab your hiking boots and join in a week of high-action games, awesome music, Bible stories, and cool crafts.
For further information contact Linda or the church office.
Felix is one of the many new friends you meet at Discovery Canyon. Did you know? The Grey Fox is the only member of the dog family that can climb trees. Grey Foxes are small averaging 2-4 feet in length, while their tail can grow up to 11-16 inches long. WOW!
The Christian Education Committee will be honoring high school and college graduates on Sunday June 8th, during the 10:30 worship service. Please contact the church office 410-848-3862 or Stacy with your information.
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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