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 March 2008 No 2 modified for the Web.

(Previous issues available: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)

 

 

FROM THE PASTOR

 Jesus is alive! This is the good new that we have to share with all the world. This is the message that fills our hearts with gladness and inspires us to greatness we never thought possible for ourselves. This is the proclamation that gives us courage to be faithful followers in the face of any hardship and danger. Worldly powers would rather shroud the message. But Jesus preached hope where he found despair. Jesus brought healing in the midst of illness and disease. Jesus brought joy for those who were filled with sorrow. An intolerant and violent world sought to destroy him. He was betrayed; he was tortured; he was crucified. The cross and the tomb could have remained symbols of the world's cruelty and evil. But death was no match for the Christ of God. And Easter has become our day to celebrate the ultimate reality; Jesus is Alive ! He died on a cross; he was buried in a tomb. But now he is alive. And because he lives, we too shall live.   

During this month of March, we as the congregation of St. Mary's United Church of Christ have the opportunity once again to join in the drama of salvation. We will walk with Jesus from the high hopes of Palm Sunday, into the upper room of Maundy Thursday, through the darkness of Good Friday. And on Easter Sunday, we will gather to experience all the hope and joy of the resurrection story. We will celebrate life that triumphs over sin and death. And we will be reminded of our participation in this new life, which is ours to share. As Christ's disciples, we follow Jesus wherever he leads us. As or living Lord, he leads us on the road of life that share the love of God with all the world. Like him, ours too is the cross, the grave, and the skies. We follow Jesus on the road of life, life that is full and abundant and everlasting. 

Grace and peace,   Dick

HOLY WEEK OBSERVANCES

Holy Week provides us with an appropriate climax to this Lenten season. the pastor will be leading our Holy Week services beginning with our celebration of Palm Sunday on March 16th when our Bells of St. Mary's Bell Choir will be featured at our 10:00 AM worship service. On Maundy Thursday March 20th, we will remember the Last Supper of Jesus and his disciples as we gather for a service of worship and communion at 7:30 PM. Our service at 7:30 PM on Good Friday, March 21st, is the traditional service of Tenebrae when we remember and reflect upon Jesus' suffering and death upon the cross. And finally, on Easter Sunday, March 23rd, we will start the morning with an outdoor Sunrise Service at 6:30 AM with breakfast served in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 AM. 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 10:00 AM featuring our Church Choir. At both services the sacrament of Holy Communion will be offered at stations in the front of the sanctuary. As you are able, we hope that you are able to come and share in the drama and the joy as we celebrate this central mystery of our Christian faith: "Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again."  

NEW MEMBERS SUNDAY

We will be receiving new members into our congregation at our 10:00 AM worship service on Sunday, March 16th. There will also be a new member orientation conducted on Sunday, March 2nd. Anyone interested in becoming a member of St. Mary's church should be in touch with the pastor or the church office as soon as possible. 

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

When disaster strikes, the church has been there to offer help and hope. In times of disaster and loss, the church has been able to be a first responder because someone has been willing to share. Our gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing have helped to allow the church to offer significant help in times of need. We will have the opportunity to support the One Great Hour of Sharing with a special offering on Sunday, March 2nd. Envelopes will be provided to on that Sunday,. Checks should be made payable to St. Mary's UCC. Please be as generous as you can in your support of this essential ministry as we reach out to others in their time of need. 

 

SPECIAL EASTER OFFERING

A Special envelope is enclosed with this month's newsletter for our annual Easter Benevolence Offering. In years gone by, many of us had filled coin folders during Lent 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 these envelopes can be places 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. thanks you for your 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. 

 

NEW BOOK STUDY GROUP

Our next book study begins towards the end of February with Catherine Keller's On The Mystery: Discerning God in Process. In this text, Ms. Keller, a theology professor from Drew University, offers a brief and unconventional introduction to theological thinking, especially as recast by process thought. She takes up theology as a quest for religious authenticity in a way that helps us probe the meaning of the divine, of divine power and compassion, of our evolving world, and of Christian life in the Spirit. 

Through a marvelous combination of brilliant writing, story, engaging reflection and unabashed questioning, Keller redeems theology from its often dry and predictable categories to reveal what has always been at the heart of the theological enterprise; a personal search for intellectually honest and credible ways to make sense of the loving mystery that encompasses even our confounding times. Her writing style is very accessible despite the complexity of her subject. Eight sessions are planned; group will meet most Thursdays starting February 21st through April, starting each night a 7:00 and concluding by 9:00 PM. Books will be available in the church office for those interested in participating. Please let Anna, or the church office,  know if you are interested in attending so we may procure enough copies. 

LENTEN STUDY GROUP

Beginning of February 13, there will be a Lenten Study Group meeting on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 7:30 PM during the season of Lent. We will be using the book Parables and passion: Jesus' Stories for the Days of Lent by John Indermark. 

Lent offers a time to reflect on how we live compared with God's expectations, and we can find no better model than Jesus himself. His parables, in particular, offer valuable insights to how Christ lived and taught. Now, by holding up these timeless lessons in perspective on the journey to Jerusalem. Considered in this way, the parables take on a new significance, becoming even more transparent and more clearly applicable in the lives of Christian believers. 

If you are seeking for a way to enhance the Lenten Season, you are encouraged to become part of this Lenten Study Group. Everyone is welcome. 

SPRING RETREAT

St. Mary's annual Spring Spiritual Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, March 29th. 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 on attending this uplifting and spiritually renewing event. There is a registration fee of $10.00. Space is limited, so please call the church office as soon as possible, and make your reservation. The deadline for reservations is Friday, March 21st. 

ATTENTION! SAVE THE DATES

On Sunday, April 13th, our church will participate in a joint worship service with the other UCC churches in Carroll County meeting at McDaniel College Big Baker Chapel at 10:30 AM. This will be our opportunity to gather with our sister UCC churches during the Easter Season and celebrate the ties that bind us to each other as churches of the United Church of Christ. This service will take the place of our usual Sunday worship and education Experiences and all St. Mary's people are encouraged to be a part of this unique opportunity. 

On Sunday afternoon, April 27th, starting at 3:00 PM, our church will sponsor a special tie of celebration to mark the 20th Anniversary of Past Scott's ordination as a minister of the United Church of Christ with a benefit concert to support the work of Access Carroll. Individuals and groups form our church will provide special music for our enjoyment and participation and we hope that many will be able to join with us to acknowledge this milestone in Pastor Scott's ministerial career. 

DON'T FORGET - EARLY TIME CHANGE!

Just as Easter comes early this year, this year also we will be changing our clocks early to Daylight Savings Time. Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday March 9th. 

EASTER BASKETS FRO SHEPARD'S STAFF

The adult Sunday School classes are collection items to fill baskets for Shepard's Staff. Donations of the following items are needed; Christian coloring books, crosses, bookmarks, small toys, play dough, non-candy snacks, Christian story books, puzzles, prayer books, bubbles & school supplies. Donations are needed by March 9; there is a collection basket in the vestry. 

EASTER CELEBRATION

On Saturday, March 15th from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM the church will be having their annual Easter Celebration. This event includes egg hunts, crafts, games and maybe a special guest! Children of all ages are welcome. The following donations are needed: cakes for cakewalk, small door prizes and individually wrapped pieces of candy. If you are interested in helping with this event please see Stacy or contact the church office.

GIFT OF A LLAMA

The children's & youth Sunday school classes are currently involve in their second service project of the program year. They are using their offering monies towards the purchase of a llama. The gift of a llama is $150 through Heifer International. Llamas help families living in the high altitude pastures of the Andes, a way to improve their standard of living. They are surefooted in steep rocky places, have a thick coat to protect them in harsh weather, require little water and browse on twigs, moss and brush. They are remarkably disease resistant, and can carry heavy loads. Their wool can be sold for income or used to make clothes for the family. The children hope to "Give the Gift of a Llama" by the Sunday School year. There is a chart downstairs showing our progress. Watch us as we reach our goal.

KID'S 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 & 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 Brian or Lisa for more information - or contact the church office.

WORLD DAY FO PRAYER

World Day of Prayer Services will be held at Drug Chapel, Carroll Lutheran Village, Friday, March 7th at 2 PM. Lunch will not be available due to the remodeling of the Cafe. Anyone interested in attending please contact Becky or the church office. Church Women United of Carroll County.

STEPHEN MINISTRY IS YOUR MINISTRY

Stephen Ministry is YOUR ministry. It is an important way we at St. Mary's care for one another. If you are going through a difficult or challenging time, consider requesting a Stephen Minister by contacting Pastor Scott or a Stephen Leader. If you know someone else who is fating a difficult or challenging time, suggest that he/she request a Stephen Minister or ask permission to refer that person to a Stephen leader. Remember that Stephen Ministry belongs to all of us!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Vacation Bible School will be June 23-27 this year.

CARROLL COUNTY UCC'S UNITE TO SERRV

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