From the Rector
Diocesan COVID Green Phase Update
Great news! Our case rates in Carroll County have fallen low enough that we will enter the diocesan green phase next week. This will mean several changes for our life together in the coming weeks as we slowly build a “new normal.”
Mask Use
Beginning Monday 3/21 masks will become optional in the building. As of Sunday 3/27 masks will be optional during both worship services. In this transition time I anticipate we will have a mix of folks masking and not masking. My plan, based on my personal comfort level and to make space for others, will be to not wear a mask for the first part of the service, but then to mask up during the Eucharistic Prayer and distribution of the sacrament. My prayer is that we all will continue to extend kindness and be mindful of other people’s comfort levels.
Sunday School
Masks will still be required in Sunday School classes through Sunday 4/10 when there will be a combined special activity for all classes together on Palm Sunday. Sunday School does not meet on Easter Day 4/17, but will become mask optional as of Sunday 4/24.
Worship Changes
While we will be making some immediate changes to worship, others will be more gradual. Beginning on 3/27 we will no longer distribute wafers in paper cups, but will instead return to the practice of wafers being handed out individually. We will continue communion in one kind, i.e. wafers only, for a while. The return of both wine in the common cup and baked bread will happen down the line.
Coffee Hour
Who’s ready for the return of coffee hour? We’re planning to re-launch this fellowship time towards the end of April. In order to do so we need to rebuild our team of coffee hour hosts. Are you called to join this effort? If so please CLICK HERE to indicate your interest and a ministry leader will reach out in a few weeks with more details.
As I write this I’m looking out my office window at the first daffodils blooming in spring sunshine in the front circle. It’s hard to believe that just last weekend they were covered with a few inches of snow! But they are a testament to perseverance, and a reminder of our perseverance over these last two years to stay church, stay connected, and take care of each other. I am grateful for our community and am looking forward to continuing to regather more fully in the days ahead.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Nursery School
The Nursery School has had a really busy month! The CCPL bookmobile returned this month for in-person story times. We were very excited to meet “Corky” the penguin puppet and visit the Storytime Express.
We are looking forward to the Scholastic Book Fair next week. Classes will be visiting the book fair with their class and a grownup throughout the week. You don’t have to be a Nursery School family to participate. Shop online at the link below or join us at our pop-up book sale at the times listed.
SHOP ONLINE BEGINNING MARCH 22 TO SUPPORT OUR NURSERY SCHOOL
Next month, we celebrate the Week of the Young Child (April 2-8). We created a display in the front foyer describing fun things we like to do with our families. We look forward to Easter activities, including an egg hunt in April. A field trip to Elioak Farm is also planned for the Nursery School in April after Easter break. Registration went very well. We have a few spots left in our afternoon two’s class for the fall. Also, our summer program is filling up, and we are looking forward to three weeks of summer camp fun!
Altar Flower Ministry
Spring flowers and special Easter music celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is a time to make offerings in memory off loved ones or in thanksgiving for a person or an event. These memorials and thanksgivings will be published in the Easter Sunday bulletin. Forms for submitting your donations can be found in the Sunday bulletin.
Sunday Worship Information
Join us on March 20th for the Third Sunday in Lent for Holy Eucharist at 8:30 am or 10:30 am, or watch the 10:30 am service livestreamed on Facebook.
A printable bulletin is available here.
Lectionary Readings for this Sunday:
Facebook Livestream
We plan to begin streaming to Facebook at 10:30 am. If you arrive at Facebook and you don’t see the video, please refresh your screen. There is a delay.
Announcements
Next Week’s Commemorations:
Prayer Rotation
Please join the Daughters of the King in praying for each parishioner in rotation during 2022 by taking this notice home and by posting it where it will remind you pray to on a daily basis for the needs and blessings of:
William and Karen Phillips
Cody and Erin Pond (Finn)
Gary and Betty Poole
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.
New Beginnings Retreat
April 29 – May 1
6th – 12th grade
Camp Wright, Stevensville
Cost: $75
All 6-8th graders are welcome to become campers for this weekend staffed and designed by our high schoolers! All 9-12th graders are welcomed to become staff members and participate in this great opportunity to be silly, pray out loud, and be a mentor to younger students. This is one of the best weekends of our annual calender! we would love to see you join us at Camp Wright for food, fun, and fellowship!
REGISTER HERE
