UNDERSTANDING AND RENEWING OUR BASIC MINISTRIES

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1 The Severn Light St. Stephen s Episcopal Church Severn Parish Crownsville, Maryland January Edition IN THIS ISSUE: Rector s Report Page 1 Holy Communion Class Page 2 Adult Ed Eucharist Class Page 3 Creation Care Page 4 The Bible and Handel s Messiah Page 5 Musical Notes Page 6 A Letter to the Parish Page 7 Giving Back Page 8 Annual Meeting Q & A Page 9 Vestry Nominees Page 10 & 11 Women of the Bible Page 12 **This newsletter is either ed to those who have online capabilities or sent through the postal system for those who don t. If you h a v e a d e l i v e r y preference, please let the church secretary know. Rector s Report UNDERSTANDING AND RENEWING OUR BASIC MINISTRIES Will you continue in the apostle s teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers. (The Baptismal Covenant) They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. All believers were together and had everything in common they gave to everyone as he had need, and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47) From the beginning of the history of the Church as told in the Acts of the Apostles and reflected in our Baptismal Covenant, the fundamental pillars for life in a faith community were established: Prayer and Worship and the breaking of the bread in the Holy Eucharist. Studying God s Word Service to others in Christ s name and power Fellowship to strengthen community All of this is part of our life of faith at St. Stephen s. To continue to do these things faithfully and creatively is the best of our past ministry and the heart of our future ministry. Next month the season of Lent helps to focus on the renewal of those fundamental pillars of the faith. Besides our regular Sunday worship, we will be offering a Wednesday night service and program which brings together prayer, Bible study, and the appreciation of sacred music. More information on our program, The Bible and Handel s Messiah, can be found on page 5 of the newsletter. We will also be offering again our program on Holy Communion for children (see page 2 for details). We are also offering a program on The Holy Eucharist: Knowing Christ in Scripture and the Breaking of the Bread. (see page 3 for details) This program is for everyone and I am strongly recommending this for adults preparing for Confirmation, Chalice Ministers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers (now known as Lay Eucharistic Visitors), Altar Guild Members, Lectors, and all who have a role in supporting our Sunday Holy Eucharist. Father Bill Anderson and I are looking forward to teaching this together. Continued on page 2

2 PAGE 2 JANUARY 2009 THE SEVERN LIGHT HOLY COMMUNION CLASS 3 Sunday Sessions 9:10-9:50 a.m. Woodward Hall This program is for children and their parents who wish to prepare their child to receive First Holy Communion or who have children already receiving and wish to deepen their understanding and experience of the sacrament. We are being flexible about the age because a variety of ages can benefit from this program. Generally, children K -1st and up will be able to participate. If you wish to be a part of this class, please call the church office to register. March 15: Holy Eucharist Means Thanksgiving a. God s good creation b. Marked as Christ s own child forever in Baptism March 22: I Am The Bread of Life Jesus feeds us together (Father and Mrs. Hagerman will teach this lesson together) March 29: A Visit to God s House Father Hagerman will bring everyone into the sanctuary area of the church. We will learn about the vessels and vestments of the Holy Eucharist and review the proper way to receive Holy Communion. April 9, Maundy Thursday: The Agape Meal and Holy Eucharist The families will join us for this 2-part Service, an excellent time to receive Holy Communion for the first time. (Begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall.) Rector s Report continued from page 1 Our Confirmation program for High School youth continues in its second year preparing for Confirmation in May (see page 3 for details.) We look forward to several opportunities for fellowship in the coming months: Shrove Tuesday Soup Supper - February 24 th Lent Family Sunday Brunch March 8 th at 11:30 a.m. Maundy Thursday Agape Meal April 9 th at 6:00 p.m. Parish Brunch to honor our Confirmation Class April 26 at 11:30 a.m. Church School and Parish wide Pot Luck Picnic May 17 th at 11:30 a.m. Vacation Bible School Pot Luck and Family Night Wednesday, June 24 th at 6:00 p.m. Inviting others to join us in the wonderful ministry we have to offer is important to us, and among those who will be helping us find ways to do that will be THE NEWCOMERS AND CHURCH GROWTH COMMITTEE which will meet first Mondays beginning on March 2 nd at 7:30 p.m. in Woodward Hall. My thanks to the many people who are making St. Stephen s a great parish where Christ s work is done. God is calling us to a good and hopeful future together. Father Hagerman

3 THE SEVERN LIGHT JANUARY 2009 PAGE 3 Adult Education Program The Holy Eucharist: Knowing Christ in Scripture and the Breaking of the Bread Sundays 9:10 9:50 a.m. February 22 Part I Meeting Christ on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) (Father Hagerman) Biblical and historic roots of the Holy Eucharist. March 1 Part 2 I Am the Bread of Life (John Chapter 6) (Father Hagerman) Fed by Christ in the changing seasons of our lives and the Church Year. March 8 Part 3 Christ Our Passover Is Sacrificed for Us (Father Bill Anderson) More important historic roots become evident as we consider the feast of Passover and traditions of sacrifice that influenced the development of the Holy Eucharist. How have they been transformed with a new meaning? March 15 Part 4 This Is My Body...This Is My Blood (Father Bill Anderson) The presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. This program is open to everyone and is highly recommended for Adult Confirmation, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Chalice Ministers, Lectors, Altar Guild members, and all who have a role in supporting our Sunday Holy Eucharist. CONFIRMATION 2009 Bishop s Teaching Day Saturday, March 7 at St. Margaret s in Annapolis from 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Parish Brunch & Power Point Presentations by the confirmands Sunday, April 26 after the 10:00 a.m. Service Class Dates continue in February, March, and April at 9:10 a.m. in Woodward Hall. Confirmation will be on a Sunday in May at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Baltimore, at 4:00 p.m. Special Presentation for all confirmands, the Sunday following Confirmation at the 10:00 a.m. Service. Any adults who are interested in Confirmation or Reception should contact Father Hagerman or the Church Office as soon as possible.

4 PAGE 4 JANUARY 2009 THE SEVERN LIGHT Creation Care Being good stewards of God s creation is a dimension of the Christian faith and life that has been growing in recent years. We are making some modest efforts in the parish in this area and in hope we can do more in the future. Recycling We practice recycling in the Rectory and Woodward Hall and are restarting it in the Parish Hall kitchen. Please note the bins near the outside door of the kitchen are now for recycling only. I would encourage future supply purchases to discontinue styrofoam cups and move to cup materials that are more easily biodegradable. We planted a new Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree not far from the large Blue Spruce near the church. During the holidays and beyond it is lit at night using lights that are solar powered. Our St. Francis Garden and trail is a strong witness to one of the greatest witnesses to the gifts of God s Creation, St. Francis of Assisi. We welcome ideas you may have about good creation care for the parish. Father Hagerman Express It POTTERY EXTRAVAGANZA SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 12:30 PM 3:00 PM Church School students from 1st grade and up are invited to join together at Express It Pottery in Crofton to make salad plates which will be sold at our Soup & Salad Supper on Shrove Tuesday. Proceeds from this sale go to fund ET s Appalachia Service Project this summer. Berney Jaroch-Hagerman, our Church School Superintendent, needs a count of all those who would like to attend this pottery-making event by the end of January. Please notify her as soon as possible: shbjh@verizon.net or call SHROVE TUESDAY SOUP & SALAD SUPPER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 6:00 PM 7:30 PM Join with other parishioners in a simple but delicious meal to begin our observance of Lent. The highlight of the evening, of course, will be the sale of the salad plates, made by our Church School artists. Look for sign-up sheets in the weeks to come.

5 THE SEVERN LIGHT JANUARY 2009 PAGE 5 HALLELUIAH THE BIBLE AND HANDEL S MESSIAH LENTEN PROGRAM 2009 Wednesdays at 7-7:45 p.m. in the church March 4 th through April 8 th This program adapted from the Kerygma course, is designed to deepen our appreciation of both the scriptural words and music of Handel s Messiah. The program will be done in the context of a simple Evening Prayer service. Father Hagerman will have meditations on the Scriptures and Don Chandler, our organist-choirmaster, will have commentary on the musical selections. Handel s Messiah has three main sections. Part I deals with the prophecy and birth of the Messiah Part II reflects on the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Part III anticipates the redemption of the world through faith. Session 1 March 4: Comfort, Comfort My People Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11 Musical selections: 1.2 Recitative for Tenor ( Comfort ye, comfort ye my people. ) 1.3 Air for Tenor ( Every valley shall be exalted. ) 1.4 Chorus ( and the glory of the Lord ) Session II March 11: For Unto Us a Child Is Born Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7 Musical selections: 1.7 Recitative for Alto ( Behold a virgin shall conceive ) 1.10 Air for Bass ( The people that walked in darkness ) 1.11 Chorus ( For unto us a child is born ) Session III March 18: Behold the Lamb of God Scripture: Isaiah 53 Musical selections: II.9 Chorus ( Behold the Lamb of God ) II.21 Chorus ( Surely he hath borne our griefs. ) II.22 Chorus ( And with his stripes. ) II.23 Chorus ( All we like sheep. ) Session IV March 25: He Trusted in God Scripture: Psalm 22 Musical selections: II.24 Recitative for Tenor ( All they that see him. ) II.25 Chorus ( He trusted in God ) II.26 Recitative ( Thy rebuke has broken his heart. ) Session V April 1: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 and Job 19:25-26 Musical selections: III.40 Air for soprano ( I know that my Redeemer liveth. ) III.41 Chorus ( Since by a man came death. ) III.44 Duet ( O death where is thy sting. ) III.45 chorus ( but thanks be to God. ) Session VI April 8: Worthy Is the Lamb-Halleluiah Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14 and 11:15-19 Musical Selections: III.47 Chorus ( Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. ) III.39 Chorus ( Halleluiah! )

6 PAGE 6 JANUARY 2009 THE SEVERN LIGHT Musical Notes, by Don Chandler, Organist-Choirmaster A new year with many musical opportunities has dawned! First, thanks to the congregation for the offering of over $500 toward Christmas Eve special music, both the instrumentalists and guest singers who helped the choir perform Vivaldi s Magnificat. This above-and-beyond contribution is especially appreciated during these tough economic times. I am again offering to teach a class in sight singing/reading music. This class will consist of five weeks instruction, prior to Lent, for those wishing to improve their reading of music and skill in singing at sight. Let me know soon if you are interested: class time will be set based on participants scheduling needs, probably Sunday after church or a weekday evening. Curriculum will be Sound Thinking and the hymnal. All levels and ages are welcome. Please contact me if you have questions: ; ddpctuner@aol.com. Looking forward musically this year, our Lenten Wednesdays series led by Father Hagerman will present meditations upon and listening to Handel s Messiah, probably the most famous musical setting of scripture ever written, and, arguably, a monumental Anglican gift to the world. Premiered in Dublin s Christ Church cathedral in the mid-1700 s, this marvelous musical treasure has inspired musicians and believers not just at Christmas but throughout the year. I will add comments on the music throughout the series, which starts March 4 and continues through Holy Week. Don t miss this unique event! Spirit Singers begin RSCM ribbon training soon. The Royal School of Church Music, the musical arm of Anglican churches worldwide, publishes curricular materials for the learning of choral skills in systematic fashion. These materials are divided into levels of musical skills, signified by various colors of ribbons worn over vestments: green, light blue, dark blue, yellow, and red, and by medals: bronze, silver and gold. Completion of the course in several years would, typically, prepare the chorister to begin a music major in college. Please encourage our youngsters in their quest in church music! All the best in the new year! Souper Bowl Supper The St. Stephen s Circle invites everyone to a Souper Bowl Supper on Friday, January 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Come and join us for some hearty soup, warm bread, beverages and dessert. And don t forget to wear your team colors whether they are Super Bowl bound or not! So come on out all of you Redskins (author s rights to list her favorite team first), Ravens, Eagles, Cardinals, or Steelers fans join us for good food, fun games and bragging rights! We may even have some highlight reels to review!! Please use the sign-up sheet in the Narthex just so we know how much soup to have on hand. Get your scrapbooks ready for another CROP DAY Saturday, February 28 9 to 9 Food provided A computer & crop tools available for use $50. fee will be donated to the Episcopal Teens APPALACHIA SERVICE PROJECT Make your check payable to Vestry of Severn Parish 100% tax deductible!!!! Contact Lisa Eliot at or at bypassbylisa@verizon.net to reserve your spot or ask about details.

7 THE SEVERN LIGHT JANUARY 2009 PAGE 7 Retreat 2008 Letter to the Parish From the Vestry to the Parish of St. Stephen s Church, May this find you and those you love in peace and joy during this season of celebration. This letter is a testimony and summary of our Vestry retreat held on Saturday the 13 th of December, 2008 in fulfillment of the goals set forth by the Vestry at that gathering. One goal that was unanimously encouraged and strongly supported by the Vestry was to enhance and intensify our communication with the Parish. We all felt that this was the cornerstone of the relationship that we are called to bring into fullness between the church leadership and the congregation as a whole of which we are all a part. Father Hagerman organized the retreat as is customary in his position as head of the Vestry and it was lovingly and expertly facilitated by the Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool of the Diocese of Maryland. The retreat provided us the opportunity to spend an uninterrupted day together in prayer, scriptural study, evaluation of healthy Church dynamics and characteristics, and consensus building. We wish to convey to the Parish the predominant themes that emerged from this time together and encourage your prayerful support, comments, and questions regarding these emerging guiding principles that we believe will form the foundation of our walk together. First and foremost, the theme of leadership and maturity emerged from our work. It became quickly evident that the Parish and the Vestry, in collaboration with our Rector, must strive to work in mutual agreement with one another as we move forward into the new year to promote and fulfill our primary mission together as a church which is To Proclaim by Word and Example, the Good News of God in Christ. We emerged unified and deeply committed to loving each other, breaking bread together, and the principle that the closer we draw to God, the closer we are drawn to each other. The other themes that emerged from the retreat are both practical and scriptural. They include strong communication between the Parish and the Vestry that results in the early identification, discussion, and resolution of any potential conflicts or misunderstandings and the commitment to reach out with greater strength to each other, new members and newcomers, our community and our world. We are the hands of God and are committed to bring peace and comfort to God s creation in all its aspects as best we are able. We will strive to value and respect the earth, the diverse views and perspectives of the congregation as a whole, and the rich history of St. Stephen s, and will endeavor to support and preserve these things through development of processes, programs, and communications that are aligned with these goals. We ask for your prayers, support, and good wishes as we begin a new Church year and introduce new members to the Vestry. We are deeply committed to God, St. Stephen s, and each other as we move forward in the hope, joy, and comfort of Jesus Christ and believe with all of our hearts that the greatest potential of St. Stephen s is now emerging and being blessed by God. Thank you for being with us and for your faithfulness and charity. We look forward to deeper communication and communion with you in this new year. In God s Peace The Vestry of St. Stephen s Church I wish to acknowledge and thank Shaun Laughlin, for composing this letter on behalf of the Vestry of Severn Parish. -Father Hagerman

8 PAGE 8 JANUARY 2009 THE SEVERN LIGHT So many times we look at our church calendar and see days and times of events but never see the actual end product. In our parish, on the second Friday of the month, a certain group of volunteers who call their ministry Giving Back, gather to make sandwiches (and sometimes hot soup or chili) for the homeless. The following day, our Episcopal Teens and volunteer chaperones deliver those sandwiches and food along with health kits. Last December, some of the ladies from Giving Back joined with ET volunteers and instead of sandwiches, cooked, delivered, and served a home-made turkey dinner to the homeless of Baltimore. Here are a few pictures of the end product of these ministries: GIVING BACK

9 THE SEVERN LIGHT JANUARY 2009 PAGE 9 ANNUAL MEETING With Election of Vestry Members Sunday February 1 Immediately following the 9:00 a.m. Service (There is only ONE Service on this Sunday-at 9:00 a.m.) Why do we have an Annual Meeting? (answers in bold) **Article I, Section 3. Annual Meetings. There shall be an Annual Meeting of all Ordinary Members of the Church... The business to be transacted at the Annual Meeting by the Voting Members shall include election of Vestry Members, consideration and action upon reports of the Rector, the Treasurer, the Wardens, other Officers, Vestry Members, Vestry Committees and Church Ministries. Annual reports shall be written and distributed to the congregation one week prior to the annual meeting. Reports shall identify accomplishments for the past year with resources expended, and goals for the next year with resource requirements. Any other business within the power of the Church as a religious corporation of the State of Maryland may also be addressed. Why should I attend? **Article 1, Section 1. Ordinary Members. All persons who have been baptized, whether in the Episcopal Church or in another Christian Church, and whose baptisms have been duly recorded in the Episcopal Church, and who regard The Vestry of Severn Parish/St. Stephen s Episcopal Church (the Church ), as their regular place of worship, shall be Ordinary Members of the Church. Ordinary members have the right to attend all Parish Meetings with voice on all matters but may not vote. Who may vote? **Article 1, Section 2. Voting Members. All Ordinary Members not less than sixteen years of age who have been confirmed or received in the Anglican Church and who have received Holy Communion in this Church at least three times in the previous twelve (12) months are Adult Communicants. Likewise, all Ordinary Members not less than sixteen years of age who have received Holy Communion in this Church at least three times in the previous twelve (12) months, and have been Ordinary Members of the Church for twenty-four (24) months preceding the day when they may wish to vote are also Adult Communicants of this Church. All Adult Communicants who are faithful in their corporate worship, and have been faithful in working, praying and giving to the Church for the spread of the Kingdom of God, are qualified as Voting Members with the right to vote in the election of Vestry Members and upon all other matters placed before a quorum of the parish of the Church. Only Voting Members who have been confirmed or received are eligible to become Vestry Members of the Church. What if I am eligible to vote and cannot be there? **Article II, Section 4, Election. Vestry Members shall be elected at the Annual Meeting by the Voting Members who are either present or have submitted an absentee ballot in accordance with administrative procedures outlined below. Each Voting member shall have the right to vote for one candidate to fill each vacant seat. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted. Procedure for voting by Absentee Ballot: Voting members who are hospitalized, shut-in, and /or are too ill to attend the meeting, or who will be physically located beyond a normal commuting distance (50) miles from the Parish on the date of the Annual Meeting shall be allowed to submit an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots are to be available from the church office at least two weeks before the Annual Meeting. Absentee ballots may be obtained by the member or, in the event that the member is physically unable to travel to the church office, by either the member s nearest adult relative, the Rector, or a designated Lay Minister of the Parish. Completed ballots must be sealed within a self addressed envelope provided by the church office, and may be either physically returned or mailed so that they are received at the church office no later than the Last Business Day falling immediately before the date of the Annual Meeting. The absentee ballots shall remain sealed until they are counted with the regular ballots at the Annual Meeting. **BYLAWS OF THE VESTRY OF SEVERN PARISH, ST. STEPHEN S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

10 PAGE 10 JANUARY 2009 THE SEVERN LIGHT On February 1, after a 9:00 a.m. Service, we will hold our Annual Meeting with Election of 4 new Vestry Members. MEET OUR VESTRY NOMINEES: CHAMBERS, Wendy My name is Wendy Chambers and I m seeking a position on the Vestry of St. Stephen s Church. I ve been a member of St. Stephen s Church for over 22 years. I m currently a member of the Altar Guild, the Circle, a Teller and an Usher. I currently attend the 8:00 service and hope that my dedication to other mission teams will display to the voting members of St. Stephen s that I m a faithful and dedicated member of this parish and look forward to serving the parishioners and the church. HOGE, Phil My wife, Sue and I have lived in Crofton since We, and our sons, Brian (21) and Greg (18) have been members at St Stephen s since Professionally, I am an engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers working in the Medical Facilities Office in Alexandria, VA. Over the years I ve contributed my time and talents to various ministries of parish life, beginning with the Christmas in April program in the mid-90 s, then as a member of the Master Planning Steering Committee ( ), and since its inception, I ve been involved with the Episcopal Teens and its programs. I have especially enjoyed my time spent with the parish youth and the rich, rewarding programs St Stephen s so generously provides for them, such as the Appalachia Service Project and Food for the Homeless. Sue and I have been ushers at the 10 am service for many years. In the last few years, I ve tried other avenues of contributing, such as reading as a lector for the past 2 liturgical seasons as well as playing guitar with the St. Stephen s Contemporary Music Group. I have also been involved with the Church Growth Committee (reformed as the Stewardship Committee this past fall.) I recently began collecting and delivering the St. Stephen s food contribution to the Crofton Christian Caring Council. I am interested in becoming more directly involved in the operation of the parish and will welcome the opportunity as a 2009 vestry member. LAUGHLIN, Shaun Baptized Presbyterian in Detroit in 1957, raised generically Protestant in Michigan and Colorado, I felt truly at home the first time I attended an Episcopal service 28 years ago. Bishop William Fry confirmed me as an Episcopalian in 1982 as a member of The Church of the Transfiguration in Vail, Colorado where I served on several committees and a two-year Vestry term. I have attended the Episcopal Church in many cities and states as my early career carried me around the western half of the country finally arriving at St. Gregory s in Littleton, Colorado after a citywide search for a church home in 1998 where I served on the Finance, Budget, and Capital Improvement Committees and as Junior Warden for one term and Senior Warden for two terms as a Vestry member. I also attended the annual Diocesan conventions as a Delegate. In late 2006, I accepted a new position which required relocation to the Washington, DC area and now reside in Crofton, Maryland with my wife Amy, who organized and leads the St. Stephen s Spirit Singers group, and our two daughters Claire and Grace, where we have attended St. Stephen s for nearly two years. I currently serve on the Church Growth and Stewardship Committee and as the St. Stephen s Diocesan Delegate. Amy is a cradle Episcopalian and my family has Episcopal roots that originate in the Church of England and the Canadian Anglican Church. Anglicanism is indeed in our blood and continues to meet the spiritual needs of our family and hearts. If called to a Vestry role at St. Stephen s, I will endeavor to listen carefully, seek your input on matters important to you, and to the best of my ability, accurately communicate your thoughts and opinions to the Parish leadership. I will also strive to ensure that you are provided with the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding our church family life and growth as well as opportunities for service; and to serve beside you. Continued on page 11

11 THE SEVERN LIGHT JANUARY 2009 PAGE 11 MEET OUR VESTRY NOMINEES continued from page 10 Professionally, I have worked in the sales and marketing, telecommunications, high-tech, and organizational development fields for more than 25 years. I currently hold a business development position with a renewable energy organization based in the DC area. I have a Fine Arts education and carry several business and development certifications. My interests include writing, music, literature, fly-fishing, religious history, and education. SHACKELTON, Norm Norm Shackelton was born in Syracuse, NY and was baptized at All Saints' Church. He was confirmed at Church of St. Lawrence in Alexandria Bay, NY. Norm is a 1963 graduate from the Naval Academy and retired from the Navy after 29 years with the rank of Captain. He recently retired from his second career at Lockheed Martin in Washington, DC. Norm and Judy Offler were married in St. Phillip s Episcopal Church in West Warwick, RI in Both Norm and Judy are life long Episcopalians. The have two children, Holly Leskovich (39) and Cory (35). Holly and her husband John have three children, JP (11), Sarah (9) and Tommy (3). Cory's wife Shellee is a Navy LCDR cryptologist. Norm recently agreed to take on the role of Cemetery Administrator here at St. Stephen s. VALENTINE, Mark My name is Mark Valentine and my family and I have been attending St. Stephen s since 2006 when the church welcomed us with open arms and provided gracious support during my most recent deployment to Iraq. Since then I have been active in the church as a lector and adult choir member. I now seek to further serve the church as a vestry member, where I hope to provide such skills as I possess to preserve the unique character, culture of service and loving environment that have drawn my family and I to call St. Stephen s home. I am a career military officer and have also served my community in various roles from official positions in the local home owners association to 20-years as a youth counselor at Alabama Boys State. YOUNG, Anne McDowell I am 63 years old and have been attending St. Stephen s for over 35 years. Our two children were raised in the church. Our daughter, Tori, started in the kitchen for the dinners. She actually started in an infant carrier and graduated to a Hostess position. As they were growing I was a Guild member and secretary of the Guild. I made the kneeler with the crab and Rock fish. My husband, Mack, and I have been part of a group who visited the homebound. I was a Vestry member for one year to replace someone who moved. While on the Vestry I was on the Stewardship Committee, the Property Committee, and the Growth Committee. One of my projects was to revise the welcome notice in the Bulletin. It must have worked because Father Hagerman has had to make many visits. * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** VESTRY MINUTE NOTES The following Addendum to the By-Laws of Severn Parish was voted on by the Vestry at their Meeting on January 19, 2009: The Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee will be an EX-OFFICIO non-voting member of the Vestry. This would enhance communication, cooperation, and encourage an improved working relationship with the Finance and Investment Committee and the Vestry. Members of the congregation will be asked to approve this proposal at the Annual Meeting.

12 PAGE 12 JANUARY 2009 THE SEVERN LIGHT St. Stephen s Episcopal Church Severn Parish 1110 St. Stephen s Church Road Crownsville, Maryland Phone: Fax: st_stephens@verizon.net Office Hours: MON-FRI 8:00 am to 5:00 pm The Rev. Steven W. Hagerman, Rector Annual Parish Meeting With Vestry Elections Sunday, February 1 After a 9:00 a.m. Service ONLY ONE Service that day...at 9 am Meeting immediately follows Service Activities for children in Parish Hall during Meeting 2009 January to March In January 2009 the Women of the Bible Study group continued with a discussion of the Old Testament Prophetess Huldah who interpreted the long lost scrolls for King Josiah; followed by the woman who begged forgiveness for her sins when she washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and anointed his feet with expensive ointment. On February 2 nd we look at Michal, King David s wife who became critical of his exuberant behavior. God speaks to us through Scripture. Each one of us receives his own personal message when we pray for enlightenment as we read His Word. What can we learn from these women and their lives and times? These are the subjects of our discussions. We meet roughly every other Monday when possible at 12:30 in the Parish Hall. The reading and preparation are completed at home in readiness for discussion in the group, using the Women of the Bible Devotional from the Church office. Join us and learn more about the Old and New Testament. If you would like to be part of this daytime group, contact Monica Regan monicaregan3@verizon.net, Jean Cox or Irene, Church Administrator.