On Sunday afternoon at 4PM on May 21 Bishop Brown is coming to celebrate Baptism, Confirmation and Reception with us during a service of Evening Prayer. There will be a simple reception following the service as we greet Magnolia Vandiver, (Baptism), Caleb Briggs, (Confirmation), and Chris Quigley, (Reception).
We are familiar with the service of Baptism, and even of Confirmation, but we do not often get to celebrate reception. Baptized persons who have been members of another Christian fellowship and who wish to be affiliated with the Episcopal Church may make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism in the presence of a bishop. The bishop lays hands on the candidate for reception and says, “We recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion” (BCP, p. 418). Candidates for reception normally have made a mature commitment in another Christian fellowship.
On Thursday, May 18 at 6PM we will celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. This feast is one of the major festivals in the church calendar, but since it always falls on a Thursday, (since it is always on the 40th day after Easter), we will never encounter it on a Sunday. So, we’ve added a Eucharist for that Thursday!
The Ascension marks the conclusion of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances. It is the final elevation of his human nature to divine glory and the near presence of God. What it means for us is that jesus is no longer bound by time and space. At the ascension, he becomes present to all humanity at all times and in all places, being no longer subject to the impossibility of being in two places at once. When Jesus stops showing up in bodily form, he is able to uphold his promise to be with us always.
Remember when, years ago, we had food dona-
tion baskets at the back of St. Margaret’s
sanctuary, and during the offertory we brought
the baskets forward with the sacraments to be
blessed? This ministry is starting up again!
Please bring one or more of the following with you to church on Sunday:
- Ready to eat protein/ready-made meals like canned chicken, chili, or chicken soup
- Toilet paper
- Bar soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash
- Non-sugary cold cereal
. . . and place your donation in one of the baskets
you’ll see clearly labeled at the back of the church. These will be delivered to the GBAM (Greater Belfast Area Ministerium) Food Cupboard that serves Waldo County residents every other Friday.
When you shop for your home, shop for someone else’s too!
Several of us met last Saturday to discuss and plan for St. Margaret’s Outreach mission. As you see in previous post, we designated the very worthy organization, H.O.M.E. of Orland, as recipient of the next 5th Sunday offering (April 30th).
In addition we are sending $500 to But Still I Am One, a local organization that provides services to young adults (ages 16-21) who are unhoused or home insecure in Waldo County. FMI: www.butstilliamone.org. Apart from being in the midst of a fundraising campaign where any donation up to $5,000 is being matched, the organization is also seeking host families to provide temporary housing for these young people. Maybe you have a spare bedroom and would like to help out by opening your home on a temporary basis.
On April 23 we will resume our food in-gathering for the GBAM Food Cupboard. Please consider bringing a food item to church with you – a basket will be at the back of church. In particular need are protein items – canned chicken, canned chili, chicken soup. Also non-sugary cereal AND toiletry items such as toilet paper, bar soap, shampoo and conditioner.
In the past we have also collected good used (or new) clothing for the men at the Midcoast Re-Entry Center. Many times men arrive at the center with only the clothing they are wearing. Sports type clothing (sweatshirts, T-shirts, sports pants) and casual clothing is suggested. In addition, new underwear and socks is always in demand as well as toiletries – liquid body soap/shampoo, deodorant, etc. A bin will be in the Parish Hall to collect these items.
Our next meeting will be Saturday, June 10 at 9:30AM – please join us!
April 30th is the second fifth Sunday this year and the Outreach Committee designated H.O.M.E. of Orland as the recipient of the plate offerings on that Sunday plus any special donations you might like to make by marking the check for either “H.O.M.E”. or “5th Sunday”.
Some of you might not know about this humble non-profit located on Rte 1A in Orland. They might be small, but they are mighty! Here is a snapshot of their activities last year:
- 48 individuals including 15 children were diverted from homelessness
- 50 households moved to permanent housing
- 9,780 bed nights provided
- 52 households with children sheltered
- Average length of stay in shelter – 48nights
- 1,976 individuals provided with food
- 20 households received firewood for 22/23 season
- 16 daycare enrollments
- 244 Holiday food boxes distributed
- 459 Christmas gifts distributed
- 71 school backpacks distributed
- 118,180 pounds of food rescued and distributed.
The church was packed with parishioners, clergy and guests from five midcoast churches (St. Margaret’s, Belfast, St. Thomas’, Camden, John the Baptist, Thomaston, and Nativity Lutheran, Rockport. Bishop Thomas Brown was present for a baptism and to celebrate Eucharist at this highly spiritual and joyful service.
KNIT-A-THON MARCH 18, 2023
The Women of St Margaret’s knitters are having a KNIT-A-THON on March 18th, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All craft venues welcome during this day of sharing, creating, enjoying food, all while raising funds for those who need assistance with fuel costs. We are all aware of the tremendous rise in costs to heat our homes, but those less fortunate need our help so that they, too, can have a warm home. During the day folks come and go, and because it is a pot luck as well, we ask that you bring a side dish of food to share (soup, chili, bread, crackers, cheese, vegetables, fruit, sweets, etc.). We have the blessing of a wonderful space to gather, the St. Margaret’s Parish Hall, so there is plenty of space to spread out. Coffee and hot water for tea will be provided. Please join us for a day of creating and giving.
HELP WANTED FOR EARTH DAY PLANNING
The Committee is making plans for Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. We invite all parishioners to help plan activities for the day, the week, and the month of April. If you have ideas to share, or have participated in Earth Day activities here or elsewhere, or just want to be involved in something worthwhile and fun for a few hours with no long-term commitment, we would love to hear from you. Please let the office know or call or email Mary Rackmales.
WATER-FILLING STATIONS for Belfast. On Tuesday evening the Belfast City Council unanimously approved a proposal from the St. Margaret’s Creation Care team to purchase and install up to 3 water filling stations in downtown Belfast.
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Diocese-wide Chrism Eucharist on Tuesday, March 28, 2023
at Grace Church in Bath @ 11 – PLEASE register before March 20
Bishop Thomas Brown has invited Bishop Chilton Knudsen and Bishop Stephen Lane to join us on this day! Bishop Knudsen will preach. We’ll renew our promises of baptism, and clergy will renew their ordination vows. Holy oils will be blessed for the coming year.
9:30 am Morning refreshments & fellowship
11:00 am Eucharist, Renewal of Vows, Blessing of Holy Oils
12:30 am Clergy meeting (lunch provided)
To help us plan, it’s important for all guests to register before March 20.