OTHER GROUPS
The Promise of Small Groups (PowerPoint)
January 27, 2008 presentation by The Reverend Amy Richter Missioner for Lifelong Christian Formation, The Diocese of Maryland
Adult Forums
Adult Forums are held monthly and focus on special topics. They are
offered in the Parish Hall during the 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Sunday education
hour. Past speakers have included the historiographer of the Diocese
of Maryland, and a parishioner who is president of the Land Trust Alliance
who spoke on spirituality and ecological renewal.
Contact: The Rev. Dina
Van Klaveren
Sunday Bible Study
This group meets in the Parish Hall basement during the Sunday education
hour, 10:15 to 11:15 a. m., and focuses on scripture readings for that
day’s worship service. Contact: Jeff
Macris.
Bereans Bible Study
This group meets at 10 a.m. Thursday mornings, September through May,
in the conference room in the administration building. It generally
focuses on a book for a while, such as Ruth, or a topic such as the
miracles of Jesus. Contact: Shelby
Pritzlaff.
The Heretics Discussion Group
This group offers members the opportunity to engage critically with
their faith through focused study of a wide range of biblical, theological
and ethics writings. It meets each Sunday during the 10:15 to 11:15
a.m. education hour in the basement library of the administration building.
Contact: Charles Rector.
Taizé Prayer
Taizé is a form of contemplative prayer that includes simple,
sung prayers and silence. It is offered from 8 to 9 p.m. the first and
third Tuesday of each month, except in summer. The group meets at the
home of a member. Contact: Sue Wentworth, 410-349-1039.
Companions in Christ
Companions meet in small groups (5 to 12) in members’ homes to
do Bible study, book study, intercessory prayer, group spiritual direction,
etc. Groups vary by form and content, but share the common purpose of
growth in love of God and each other. To find out more about individual
groups, or to form one, contact: Sue Wentworth, 410-349-1039.
GRACEFUL GATHERINGS
Parents, caretakers and grandparents of infants and toddlers have enjoyed
the opportunity to gather for playtime and fellowship. Called Graceful
Gatherings, the group meets on the first and third Monday of each month
from 9:15 to 11:30 A.M. The group gathers in the parish hall or on the
playground, weather permitting. Day School families and friends of parishioners
have been invited. Usually the parents and/or grandparents have brought
toys and appropriate snacks to share. Several parish families have participated
in this wonderful ministry to the wee ones of St. Margaret’s.
Contact Sarah McLean for more information .
Ongoing Adult Formation during the Sunday School Hour in the Parish Hall
Education for Ministry Returns to St. Margaret’s
We are happy to announce that two members of the parish, Karen Gosnell and Jim Hall, have followed a call to re-establish the EfM program at St. Margaret’s this fall. Both have undergone training and have met the certification requirements. They will act as mentors for those enrolling in the program. The program at St. Margaret’s will begin on (ENTER DAY & TIME) and continue on a weekly basis. To learn more about EfM, continue reading and attend one of the upcoming informational meetings: August 12 at 10:20 am or August 15 at 10 am. Please contact Karen or Jim for additional information.
In addition to EfM at St. Margaret’s, there is an EfM group meeting at All Hallow's, in Davidsonville, on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:00 pm beginning August 29, 2007. The mentors for this group will be Mary Beth Dent and Erin Iverson. To enquire about the Davidsonville EfM group, contact Mary Beth at 410-267-9394 or mbdentcssm@gmail.com. It will be a multi-level group, with members from 2 dioceses and several parishes. Non-Episcopalians are also present and welcome. There are at least 4 openings for the 2007-2008 academic year.
What is EfM? Education for Ministry, affectionately known as EfM, is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors. The program grants a certificate at the completion of the four years and 18 Continuing Education Units for each year's work.
What can you expect from EfM? You will
find that EfM teaches you how to think theologically, deepens your faith
and understanding of our Christian heritage, and provides you with a
new confidence to be Christ’s minister in the world. Every baptized
person is called to ministry. The EfM program provides people with the
education to carry out that ministry. During the Service of Confirmation
we ask God to "Renew in these your servants the covenant you made
with them at Baptism. Send them forth in the power of the Spirit to
perform the service you set before them." EfM offers an opportunity
to discover how to respond to the call to Christian service.
To learn about the specific content covered during each year of EfM,
check out the EfM
website.
St. Margaret’s 101
This course is designed
to offer an introductory look at St. Margaret’s and the Episcopal
Church, and we usually offer it in the fall and and spring. Some who attended have been at St. Margaret’s for most or
all of their lives, yet enjoyed a refresher course and the lively discussion
that followed. Stay tuned to the newsletter and emails for upcoming dates.
PASTORAL CARE
LAY PASTORAL CARE COMMISSION
Jim Knorr, Chair
"Lotza People Caring"! Yes, St. Margaret’s Church (SMC) Lay Pastoral Care (LPC) Commission has dedicated people who care about others.
As a TEAM the Commission meets quarterly to share, discuss and plan for the future. Our Parish Nurse, Pat Hall is an integral member of the LPC team, as she contributes wellness information that helps us focus our efforts. We certainly are looking for men and women who could be integrated into one of the LPC ministries.
Bereavement Ministry led by Melissa Moss (410-647-2495) served the needs of counseling the grieving and attended to post-funeral reception needs.
Intercessory Prayer under B.J. Davidson (410-757-5837) recorded 630 people prayed for in 2006. Prayer chain assistants are numerous and most helpful.
Food Aid coordinated by Stacey Canuel has a team of 32 volunteers who share food preparation and delivery to those parishioners in need.
Communicare - Shelby Pritzlaff (410-721-0278) and Bonnie Wood (410-757-3242) share this ministry (along with Altar Flower Delivery). Cards and notes are sent to parishioners who have life changing events, i.e. birth of a child, baptism, marriage, illness and death in the family. Holiday cards are sent to shut-ins approximately six times a year.
Altar Flower Delivery - Currently eleven volunteers share delivery of altar flowers to parishioners who are not able to attend worship services, or who need a special uplift.
Transportation is driven by Jim Knorr. SMC persons have been driven to special events services and even meetings at the Cathedral in Baltimore. Volunteer drivers always needed.
Disabilities Awareness Ministry is led by Julie Svendsen. Members of this group have continued to reach out to parishioners with physical, emotional and learning differences, as well as to support the family members and caregivers. One of our chief efforts has been to welcome newcomers and make them aware of our church's support for the disabled in worship, education, fellowship, for example. The newly formed Crabster Brigade included special needs youth in their ministry.
Prayer Shawl ministry is led by Jane Piche. During the year 2006, the Prayer Shawl Ministry donated over 20 baptismal shawls and 15 adult shawls. Each Ministry member had hand knit such shawls using her own materials. Two large anonymous donations of yarn supplemented the Ministry members’ personal supplies. The Ministry now consists of 32 knitters who gather on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. in the Conference Room. Hand crafted beaded cross charms are used used to adorn the shawls as well as a tag with suggested prayers.
Prayer Requests?
Call one of the members of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry:
B.J. Davidson 410-757-5837 or Shelby Pritzlaff 410-721-0278.
Pastoral Emergency?
Please call the church office and let us know if you are facing surgery
or have need of a visit. If the clergy or parish nurse are not available,
contact numbers will be left on the voicemail.
The 20’s and 30’s Group gathers monthly for fellowship and outdoor activities. From time to time we take part in local outreach activities. Contact The Rev. Stewart Lucas to be added to our email group. stewart@st-margarets.org
Cursillo is a lay-led spiritual renewal opportunity that begins with
a three-day retreat and continues with weekly small group gatherings
and monthly regional gatherings. Members’ intent is to celebrate
Christ with joy, and support the church’s ministrities.
Contact: Gail
Morton.
St. Margaret’s Women
Members support and nurture each other though book studies, retreats,
social gatherings and discussions about liturgical seasons. Meetings
are held periodically, and are announced here and by e-mail.
Contact: Brenda Brown at 410-349-1880.
St. Margaret’s Guild
A service and spiritual enrichment group, the Guild is open to all women
whether or not they are members of St. Margaret’s. The Guild raises
money throughout the year for community and youth outreach programs,
and for improvements to St. Margaret’s buildings and grounds.
Contact: Joan Busch, 410-757-2213.
Daughters of the King
Members commit themselves to daily prayer, service and evangelism. A
regional chapter was established in 2006 and meets at St. Philip’s
Episcopal, also in Annapolis.
Contact: Pam Roth, rothsbythebay@verizon.net.
Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s
This group is part of the Anglican Communion's ministry of men. At St.
Margaret’s, the Brotherhood focuses on service, fellowship and
Bible study. Members are flipping pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and burgers
at the annual church picnic. It meets for Bible study at 7 p.m. the
second Tuesday of each month in the administration building’s
conference room. Contact: Charlie
Lang.
The Joust is a venerable part of the St. Margaret's tradition. St. Margaret's
hosted its first joust in 1860. St. Margaret's has not held the joust
every year since 1860, but the 2007 St. Margaret's Joust and Country
Craft Faire marks the 10th anniversary of the Modern Era of jousting
at St. Margaret's. St. Margaret's Joust is a family event for both the
jousters and the local community. Proceeds help support local charities
including the Annapolis Lighthouse Shelter and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Jousting is the State Sport of Maryland, a challenging event where the
horse and rider must gallop in a straight line for 80 yards and spear
three small rings hanging 6' 9" off the ground with a lance. The
the higher the "class" the smaller the ring size. The performances
at competitions like St. Margaret's Joust are the result of years of
practice for both the riders and the horses
Click here to go to the joust website.
