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Email: office@stmarysucc.org
Page last updated: January 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 February 2009 No 1 modified for the Web.
(Previous issues available: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
Ash Wednesday - Feb 25th
Do we see Jesus? In all the busy work of this time of year we can find ourselves forgetting why we do what we do. In the month just past, we have installed our new Consistory and organized for the year ahead. We have met in Annual Meeting to review the year behind us and planned for the next leg of our journey together. The pace is swift and deliberate. But are we continually aware of why we do what we do? We must constantly ask ourselves whether the agenda which we pursue is Christ's agenda or our own. Clarity of purpose is at the root of any successful organization. As the people of St. Mary's United Church of Christ, God has called us for a purpose. And our faithfulness is judged by how well we fulfill the purposes expressed in that call. We are called to divine purposes. We are called to shared experience. We are called to shared ministries of caring, inviting, and serving. we are called to be followers of Christ. But in order to follow, we need to keep our eyes focused on the one who leads us.
Do we see Jesus? Our celebration of the Epiphany Season concludes at the end of February with our Contemporary Praise Service o Transfiguration Sunday. we will read again the story of Jesus' glorious appearance on the mountain top. with Peter and James and John, we have the opportunity to behold the glory of Christ manifest right before our very eyes. Is it just an appearance, or is it real? Only with the eyes of faith do we see the divine realities which are behind the worldly appearances. We won't see Jesus if we never look. We can't see Jesus if our vision is blocked by sin and despair. Throughout this season we are guided by the light of the start of Bethlehem. May the light of Christ illumine our pathways while Jesus shines within us and through us for all the world to see. In all that we do, may Christ shine in us because our faith has taught us to see. And because we see, may we be faithful in all that we do.
Grace and peace, Dick
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 25th. 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. Past Scott will be leading our worship along with Rev. Gerry Fuss from Emmanuel Baust UCC who has agreed to bring us the evening message. The service will include the imposition of Ashes and the sacrament of Holy Communion. As we host this event, all of us at St. Mary's UCC are encouraged to participate in this meaningful service of worship and celebration.
There will be a Lenten Study Group which will meet on the five Wednesday nights between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday: March 4, 11, 18, 25 & April 8, from 6:30-7:30 PM in the conference room. Steve and Dorothy Ellen will be leading the group using meditations from the Upper Room devotional booklet. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Sunday Worship service is now being recorded on CD and recordings are available after each service. This service is available t all, but especially to the shut-ins. If you know someone who would enjoy this service, contact your Caring Team Leader or the church office.
The Stephen Series Logo: The logo Stephen Ministry congregations use consists of a cross and circle, together with a broken person and a whole person. The broken person stands behind the cross, symbolizing brokenness in our lives. All of us broken as a result of our sins; yet it is through the cross of Jesus that we again are made whole - thus, the whole person stands in front of the cross. The circle symbolizes both the wholeness we receive through Christ and God's unending love for us.
For more information about Stephen Ministry at St. Mary's please contact one of its Stephen Leaders: Pastor Scott, Steve or Dorothy Ellen.
Sewing Group - Donations Needed
The Sewing Group is in need of double knit fabrics. Donations can be left in the downstairs sewing room/classroom or the church office.
Kid's Night Out will be held Sunday, February 22, 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 Brian or Lisa for more information.
The youth of St. Mary's are working on a "wish list" for the youth room. We would like to make the youth room a warm, welcoming, and fun place to meet. The list will be posted on bulletin boards throughout the church. Donations can be left in the church office. Contact Brian or Lisa for more 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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Email: office@stmarysucc.org Page last updated: January 29, 2009 |
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