Home Page | Who We Are | Event Calendar | What We Offer | Related Sites
Email: office@stmarysucc.org
Page last updated: October 4, 2008
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 October 2008 No 8 modified for the Web.
(Previous issues available: 2006, 2007, 2008)
Neighbors in Need Offering - Oct 5th
World Communion Sunday - Oct 5th
Fall Spiritual Retreat - Oct 11th
Fall Family Fun Fest - Oct 18th
Kids Night Out - Oct 18th
Laity Sunday - Oct 19th
Gospel Concert - St Mark's Lutheran Church - Oct 26th
Mother's Class Banquet - Nov 8th
Much that happens in our life together during this
month of October at St. Mary’s United Church of Christ reminds us of our
reason for being gathered as God’s people.
Communion is at the heart of our gathering.
And the annual celebration of World Communion Sunday emphasizes our
participation in the wider body of Christ as the whole church gathers for this
sacramental act around a world wide table. We
are not alone. We are part of
something greater than ourselves. World
Communion Sunday is a time that reminds us of just how expansive the church of
Jesus Christ has become. From its
beginnings in that upper room, Jesus’ disciples now include people around the
world. And on this first Sunday of
October each year, we acknowledge our unity in Christ by gathering at Jesus’
table to share the meal that he has prepared for us.
Our celebration of the sacrament of Holy Communion at St. Mary’s church
will be during our regular worship hour at 10:30 AM on Sunday, October 5th.
This is a time for all of us to express our unity together in Christ by
our gathering for worship.
Our belief that all Christians are called to minister
in Christ’s name makes appropriate our annual observance of Laity Sunday on
October 19th. We have a
strong sense of our shared ministry together and we are grateful for the
leadership provided by those who will conduct this service of worship.
Also on Sunday, October 19th, we will begin this year’s
Stewardship campaign in which we will ask for our promises to support our church
in the coming year.
Much in our world would try to frighten us and
distract our attention from that which is important and essential.
We continue to be reminded of our need to know and experience God’s
presence, God’s love, and God’s direction for our lives.
We continue to be reminded of our need for supportive community with one
another and our responsibility to reach out to others who are in need.
We have the opportunity for focused and faithful living, committing
ourselves to priorities which reflect the divine purposes to which we are
called. It only takes a little faith
to move a mountain. We are blessed
with an abundance of faith. Let’s
go move some mountains together in Jesus’ name and for his sake.
Grace and peace, Dick
Our Fall Stewardship Campaign
will begin on Sunday, October 19th.
Pledge cards for next year will be mailed out at the beginning of
November. Watch for your letter from
the Stewardship Committee and please give your church your prayerful response.
Pledges can be mailed to the church office or brought to our dedication
worship service on Stewardship Sunday, November 9th.
Thanks to all of you who continue to support the ministries of our church
through your faithful giving.
On Sunday, October 5th, we will be receiving the Neighbors In Need special mission offering as part of our observance of World Communion Sunday. Your gifts to the Neighbors In Need offering will support the ongoing work of the United Church of Christ in alleviating poverty, improving education for children everywhere, and addressing injustice in all its forms. Please think about how your own generosity can help in coming to the aid of our neighbors in God’s neighborhood. Our continuing support is greatly needed and appreciated!
Our
annual Laity Sunday worship service will be held on Sunday, October 19th,
during our worship hour at 10:30 AM. Belinda
will be the featured speaker for the morning.
She will be joined by other members of our congregation who will help to
lead our Sunday service of worship. Let’s
show them our support as we gather with them and each other as the people of St.
Mary’s United Church of Christ.
World
Communion Sunday is October 5th.
We will observe this expression of our unity with Christians around the
world as we gather to celebrate with a service of Word and Sacrament at our
normal 10:30 AM service. Communion
will be served in the pews. All are
reminded that this is also the Sunday to receive this year’s Neighbors In Need
offering.
St.
Mary’s annual Fall Spiritual Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, October 11th.
This activity will be held at the Aisling House, in Millers, MD from 9:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mark your calendar
now and plan to attend this uplifting and spiritually renewing event.
Lunch is included. Registration
is $10.00 and space is limited. Call
the church office to make your reservation.
The deadline for reservations is Sunday, October 6th.
The
High School Youth Sunday School class is in need of a teacher.
If you would be interested in leading this class please contact Linda
or the church office at 410-346-7977.
Our Phase 1 Basement renovation projects are nearly
complete and our thanks go to all who helped to bring them to fruition.
The new HVAC system and the new family bathroom are now completed.
Our remodeled kitchen is also nearly finished.
To help repay the loan from our Endowment Fund that covers the balance of
the costs of these renovations, a letter has been sent out to members of the
congregation to seek funds from those who would like to help out financially
with these projects. Again, we thank
everyone for their patience, and we are grateful for those who are being
supportive with their prayers and generosity.
Just
a reminder that our Sunday morning scheduled has changed this past month.
Our regular worship time is at 10:30 AM each Sunday with a Praise service
scheduled on the 4th Sunday of each month.
Praise services are also scheduled for the 2nd Sunday of each
month at 8:30 AM. Sunday School for
adults and confirmands now begins at 9:15 AM and Children’s Sunday School
begins at 9:30 AM. Questions
regarding our Sunday schedule can be addressed to the church office or the
pastor.
Saturday,
October 18th, at 4 pm St. Mary’s will have a Fall Family Fun Fest
(costumes are encouraged). Hot Dogs,
BBQ and drinks will be provided, families are asked to bring a side dish or
dessert to share. There will be
activities, crafts and games for children of ALL ages.
For more information see Linda or Lisa.
There
will not be an October Kid’s Night Out, please join us for the Fall Fest,
October 18th. Kid’s
Night will resume in November.
The
Mother’s Class will hold their annual Family Banquet again this year on
November 8th at the Taneytown Auxiliary Building.
The
usual fried oysters and roast turkey meal will be served by the Aux.
We will eat promptly at 6pm. Cost
will be $14.50.
Special
entertainment is being planned along with door prizes.
Sign up sheet is on the back windowsill of the church or see Betty.
Come and
enjoy a delicious meal and great fellowship.
Deadline to sign up is November 2nd.
To share the words from Rev. Miller, Pastor of a church that has had Stephen Ministry for some time, helps to clarify what Stephen Ministry means:
“Stephen Ministry gives First
Church an effective way to train and organize members to provide one-to-one
Christian care to individuals struggling with a crisis like grief, divorce,
loneliness, relocation, hospitalization, illness, or unemployment.
The need for this type of care greatly exceeds what pastors alone can
provide. All Christians are called
to care for and love one another --- it’s not just the pastor’s job.
By equipping lay people, we can help them to fulfill their calling as
Christians and also expand the amount of caring ministry available through First
Church”
For more information about becoming a Stephen Minister or needing a Stephen Minister at St. Mary’s, please contact Pastor Scott, Steve, or Dorothy Ellen.
This year’s Fall Clothing Drive will run during the month of October. Donations of clothing items can be brought to the church and left in the designated corner of the Vestry. In the wake of recent disasters, ongoing poverty, and economic hard times, our gifts of clothing items provide tangible evidence of our willingness to share with those in need. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in sharing with others.
Most of us can tell you the names of our grand parents and probably their parents but have you ever wondered if you could go back further? And how much further! I have been playing around with genealogy for several years now and can tell you that it might be easier then you think to find the answers. The Internet affords us access to many records that can help us find the answers and computer software makes it easy to keep track of things. The tough part is getting started. If you are interested in meeting as a group and going over some tips to help get you started then please put your name on the sign up sheet in the vestry and if there is enough interest then I would be happy to share my wisdom! Vicki
Sunday,
October 26 from 4-6 pm at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Hanover, PA.
Featuring New Season, Iron Ridge Band, New Spirit, and Set Free.
Concert will benefit Changing Lives Homeless Shelter.
Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door.
Thank You for sharing our Parish News! If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please contact the church office.
|
|
|
|
Home Page | Who We Are | Event Calendar | What We Offer | Related Sites |
|
|
|
|
|
Email: office@stmarysucc.org Page last updated: October 4, 2008 |
|