In these uncertain times, it is a blessing to know that the Saint Mary Anne’s Food Pantry is a visible and viable ministry.

The first quarter of 2025 saw us serving 305 visitors who represented 886 family members.

Contributions from outside sources totaled almost $4,400. It is out of this abundance that we give to those in need in our community. We can always do more, and we will, even in these uncertain times.

Want to help? Please see the flyer below, detailing a North East Hunger Appeal. Your check or donation can be sent to our church or dropped in our Sunday offering. Please mark “Hunger Appeal” in the notation line.

Thank you to our Food Pantry volunteers and to those who generously donate to the Pantry!

 

• The Food Pantry is closed on Saturday, January 25, 2025, so volunteers can attend Donne Lewis’ funeral.

• Moving forward, the FP will be closed for every federal holiday and on snow day cancellations (determined by Cecil County Public Schools).

• Hours remain the same. Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays, 9:30AM-Noon.

Father John reports that yesterday’s Food Pantry meeting was well attended and productive. After opening with a prayer for the recently deceased Food Pantry Coordinator, Donne Lewis, Father John led the discussion about issues and concerns, and future leadership.

John Stemen will be in charge of food procurement, inventory, vendors and community involvement. George Kaplan will handle client management, scheduling volunteers until April, Federal Food and the Cecil County Help Center. Barb England, our Parish Treasurer, will provide financial management. Organizing is underway.

We are grateful to these individuals and all the volunteers who expressed their willingness to continue with this important ministry.

Did you know…

• The SMA Food Pantry served 32 families last week (1/13-1/18).

• Bethel Lutheran Church gives the Food Pantry a carload of food every other Saturday.

• The SMA Food Pantry is in need of a love seat for the front lobby.

As we approach the Annual Meeting on January 26th, we need to focus our attention on the election of new Vestry members.

The basic responsibilities of the Vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church’s mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances. Vestry members are elected at the annual parish meeting. The presiding officer of the Vestry is the rector/priest-in-charge.

We have one Vestry vacancy to be filled, along with two incumbents seeking another term. Rotating off Vestry is Dawn Rodenbaugh. We are grateful for her service thank her for her commitment. Mike Pugh  and John McFassel, are our incumbents seeking another full-term. Kathy Mullen is seeking her first term.

We have listed these nominees with bios in our weekly Enews, so please review prior to the Annual Meeting. Other nominations may be made from the floor, but those nominations must be members who meet the qualifications of eligibility as defined in Article V, Section 1 of our Bylaws and must have the consent and approval of the member nominated. As is St. Mary Anne’s policy, all nominations from the floor must be submitted two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting in order that they may be verified as to the qualifications of eligibility as defined in our Bylaws, their willingness to serve, and in order that their biographical information may be presented to the parish in advance of the Annual Meeting.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and to those who are willing to serve.

A Book of Revelation Bible Study will begin on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Father Sam Hartman, Rector Emeritus, will lead this fascinating study of the New Testament’s last book.

The group will meet in the Vestry House on Saturdays at 11:00AM. Bring your Bible! Please join in!

Join us for our Valentine Luncheon

Date: Sunday, February 9

Time: 12:00 noon

Place: Parish Hall

Menu: Baked Ziti (with sausage or meatless), Tossed Salad and Caesar Salad, Bread, Beverages, Assorted cookies and cupcakes     

Dress: We encourage you to wear festive Valentine attire (red or pink!)

Cost: Generous free-will offerings are kindly requested and appreciated. Proceeds to benefit the SMA Food Pantry in Donne Lewis’ honor, as she was our Food Pantry Coordinator for many years until her death on January 5, 2025.

Reservations are Required: Sign-up on Sunday following the church service. We will comfortably accommodate 84 diners in our Parish Hall for this luncheon, so please reserve your space. If you won’t be in church on Sunday, you can reserve your spot by calling our parish office at 410-287-5522.

Thank you in advance for joining us in this wonderful luncheon. Beyond being our Food Pantry Outreach Coordinator, Donne was the past chair of our Fellowship Committee and hosted a Valentine Luncheon for many years so this is a fitting tribute to her memory!