Welcoming All, Growing Together, Sharing God’s Love, and Serving Christ – with Energy and Joy!
Advent began Sunday, November 28! It's a season of preparation on many fronts. Most importantly, we prepare for the joy of Christmas in worship, prayer, and the Word.
Covid-19 Precautions
In response to recent trends pertaining to the delta variant of the coronavirus, our COVID 19 Task Force at St. Martin's has determined that we need to exercise an abundance of Christ-like care for our neighbors and return to masking within worship. Additionally, we will again use the communion kits and ensure that worship is brief.
The CDC recommends indoor masking when either the case rate (per 100,000) or positivity rate cross the threshold to "substantial". Part of our discernment included reports that Anne Arundel County has reached the substantial marker in terms of case rates this week. Obviously, we hope and pray the numbers drop quickly and when they do we will relax these measures. Wearing a mask for 30-35 minute worship service is easy to do and we feel it's not only a wise precaution but also a good reminder that we need to continue to love one another by being as careful as possible.
Upcoming Events on the Road to the Manger
Saturday, November 27: Wonderland of Hope Christmas Tree Light Display begins.
Christmas Bags for Seafarers: St. Martin’s will participate in preparing Christmas bags for the Seafarers again this year. The items will be assembled in gallon Ziploc bags. We are collecting warm gloves (not bulky), socks, playing cards, hand-warmers, activity books (i.e. Word Search or Sudoku), and notepads so that St. Martin's can again bless the Christmas of mariners who will be on the high seas, far from home on Christmas day. The items can be dropped in the box in the narthex.
Joyful Hearts ornament making and cookie exchange! All women are invited to gather for a fun morning of Christmas preparation on Saturday, December 11, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm in the Fellowship Wing. Cathy Jones will lead our ornament-making, and we are all encouraged to bring two dozen cookies to share. No need to wrap the cookies ahead of time—we will have both tongs and nitrile gloves to use. This is always one of our most festive meetings. Kim Rosekrans will lead us in devotions and seasonal song. Bring your own beverage; light snacks will be provided. If the spirit moves you, wear Christmas colors or your favorite ugly sweater!
Youth Christmas Party! - Saturday, December 11th.
Baywinds Concert: Sunday, December 12th at 3 pm - come to our first concert this season. Bay Winds Band has been rehearsing in our gym recently and will present an enjoyable concert in our sanctuary featuring a variety of musical styles including holiday favorites, pop and old standards - something for everyone! Reserve some time during a hectic season to sit back, relax and recharge.
St. Martin’s is participating again in the Lighthouse Shelter’s Holiday Giving program. There are a variety of gift items to donate, from gift cards, to back packs to toys and clothing. If you are interested in participating, please click on the link below and select the items you wish to donate. All items should be left unwrapped, with tags still attached. Please return all items to the narthex by Sunday, Dec. 12th.
Christmas Eve Worship Services: Friday, December 24th:4 p.m. - Children's Service; 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. - Candlelight Service
