From the Rector – Connecting to the Wider Church
Because we are at a distance from the seat of the diocese in Baltimore, it can be easy to feel disconnected or just not pay attention to what’s going on in the wider church except at specific times, like Diocesan Convention (or General Convention when the whole church gathers). But one of the benefits of technology is that it can help us keep connected – to other churches, to the diocese, and to the vision and work of the national church.
This fall the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland launched a new website, which is really two great websites. The first Episcopal Maryland is a great place to get all the basic info needed about ministries and resources for the diocese. It includes news, a calendar of events, prayer links, and so much more. The second website Maryland Episcopalian is an online version of the Maryland Episcopalian, what used to be our print magazine. It has wonderful in-depth stories from around the diocese and the archives, videos, and connects to all of the diocesan social media accounts.
I invite you to take some time and click through these websites and keep a finger on the pulse of the wider church. And to help keep you connected, we will begin linking to the diocesan newsletter in our Shell Newsletter emails, highlighting stories and happenings you might find of interest.
Being a part of something bigger than ourselves, and bigger than our parish, is a gift. Seeing the way God is working in the world around us can fill us with hope. I pray that growing deeper in our identity as Episcopalians will help us be agents of God’s hope and love in the world.
Yours in God’s peace, Kristin+
Outreach
The Outreach Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the generosity of this wonderful congregation! The foster children of Carroll County will be overwhelmed with the gifts they receive and the residents at Pleasant View Nursing home will appreciate thoughtful and practical presents. You are the best!
The Outreach Committee is going through a transition period. Cheryl Windsor is stepping down as Chairperson at the end of this month. Thank you Cheryl for your leadership over the past few years and all you have done to help the Committee focus the work they have invited the wider parish into. At this time no one currently on the Outreach Committee is able to step up as the new Chairperson. The Committee meets six times a year, and plans to continue to do so to keep our Outreach efforts going, but if you are interested in learning more or feel called into this leadership position please let Kristin+ know.
The Outreach Committee
Daughters of the King
Daughters of the King – St. James’ Chapter Meetings 1st Tuesday of the month Church sitting area 4:00 p.m. An Order for laywomen of the Episcopal Church who undertake a Rule of Prayer and Rule of Service by reaffirmation of promises made at Confirmation.
Please join us for the Claggett Women’s Weekend – January 17, 2020- January 19, 2020
If you are unable to stay the whole weekend you can take part in activities Friday night, Friday night through Saturday, Saturday daytime, or Saturday through Sunday. The mission of the Women’s Weekend is to provide the women of the Diocese of Maryland with a time and space for renewal that is grounded in faith and filled with fellowship.
Keynote speaker: The Rev. Dr. Lucretia Mann is an Episcopal Priest, clinical psychologist, community organizer, and transition minister. From a single mother pursuing graduate studies in clinical psychology, to a licensed clinical psychologist responding to a call to ordained ministry, Lucretia’s primary focus has been on balancing. Through her decades as a trauma counselor and group therapist with combat veterans and their partners and her later ordained ministry, Lucretia’s personal mission is to be “attentive, quietly witty, and healing.”
Come to worship and enjoy fellowship with women of all ages who seek to walk in Christ’s footsteps, using Presiding Bishop Curry’s “Way of Love” as a tool to guide their steps. Begins Fri, January 17 at 5 PM through Sun, January 19 at 11:30 AM Stay in our comfortable cottages or 60-room Christiane Inn, enjoy chef-prepared meals with views of Sugarloaf Mountain. Contact ryoe@claggettcenter.org regarding scholarships. Click HERE to register.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Parish Administrator Hours for the week of December 15, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10-4.
Holiday Quartermania Thank You!!!!
Our Holiday Quartermania was, once again, a success this year. We earned a “tidy sum” of $1,420 in proceeds for our church.
Thank you so, so much to ALL of you who helped before, during and after to make our event successful. I am very grateful for such wonderful helping hands from our congregation, office staff and our new Boy Scout Troop 829–you are ALL definitely appreciated!
Happy Holidays!!
Marilyn Hancock , Chairperson, Quartermania 2019
If you are one of the generous people who picked an angel for Christmas please remember to bring your donations to church no later than Sunday, December 15. The gifts will be delivered to Carroll County Social Services on Monday, December 16, so the department has time to distribute the gifts.
If you have any questions or need clarification about the gifts for Christmas, please ask or email Cheryl Windsor or Karen Larrimore.
Blessings, The Outreach Committee
Fellowship with Makers Several people have expressed a desire to get together with other makers while creating their goodies. Knitters, crocheters, scrapbookers, cardmakers, quilters or anyone who partakes in a hobby of making things are welcome to join us in fellowship. There will be a sign-up sheet in the narthex where you can let us know your preferred days and times as well as how often you’d like to meet. Call Cheryl Windsor for questions.
Prayer Rotation Please join the Daughters of the King in praying for each parishioner in rotation during 2018 by taking this notice home and by posting it where it will remind you pray to on a daily basis for the needs and blessing of:
Richard Drehoff, Jr., Bryant and Karen Dulany, James Dunbar and Kingsley EdwardsA member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.
This Week's Commemorations (A Great Cloud of Witnesses, 2019, Church Publishing Group)
