The Venerable Kerry Smith, Archdeacon of Maryland, will institute Deacon Steve McCarty in a special Clebration of New Ministry service on Sunday, October 11 at 2:00.  Deacon Steve will make a series of solemn promises and we will pray for God’s blessing upon him and his work in this new ministry. Continued

What is the story behind our windows?

Our Church is built in the Neo-Gothic style, a nineteenth century architectural style based on models from 12th-16th century Europe.  The use of stained glass windows is an important feature of Gothic architecture. Continued

These words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children.  Dt. 6:6-7

I teach a class about the Old Testament for eighth graders at Saint James.  We use an excellent curriculum developed by a former chaplain that asks students to write about a story from their own lives which is carefully matched with  one of the great stories of the Old Testament.  Continued

Saint Paul’s has begun a new cooperative venture in children’s programs with Christ Reformed Church of Sharpsburg.  After a meeting with teachers and parents of both churches on August 23, we decided to begin a joint Sunday School and other cooperative youth projects. Continued

[Jacob] was afraid, and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”  Genesis 28:17

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

When I was a child we had the Michael reunion every summer on a Saturday afternoon in August at Shafer Park in Boonsboro.  It was always one of the highlights of the summer for my brothers and me. There were lots of cousins about our age, and the Park is a pretty big place with lots to do.  We were a creative bunch, and our parents didn’t watch us too closely, so we had great fun inventing games and playing make believe. Continued

Saint Paul’s has two “men in black” these days.  We’re not starting a Johnny Cash cover band, but we have added a clergyman to our staff.  You may have already seen our newcomer around town, and as he’s pretty outgoing, he may have already introduced himself.  You have probably seen his first project as well, our Saturday morning market stand.  His name is Deacon Steve McCarty, and he is beginning his work as our parish deacon this September. Continued

“Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”  Romans 13:8

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

I asked Harry and Barbara the other day how they thought their lives would have been different if they had never married one another.  They both said the standard things, that they would have missed out on so many happy memories, and that they wouldn’t have gotten to know each other’s families.  Barbara said she probably would have found someone else.  She was a nice girl, responsible and bright, not much ever changed.  Harry’s story was a little different.  Continued

We enthusiastically embark on the St. Paul’s first-ever Photo Directory in September.  Arrangements are firm for our Photo Directory shoot on Wednesday, September 10 in McKinley Hall beginning at 3 pm and continuing until 9:30 pm.  To date, 38 individuals/families have agreed to participate.  It is important that all who have agreed to be photographed be on time and that entry be made to the building through the church kitchen. Continued

“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

 In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Why Me?  Sometimes I find myself still asking this question to God. “But why me, why did you call me to this ministry?”  My journey to the Holy Orders began in 1991 when for some reason I felt a nudging to something different than my baptismal ministry. Continued

Deacon Steve McCarty has been appointed as the Regional Youth Missioner for Washington County. One of several youth missioners in the Diocese, his task is to gather high-school aged youth for learning, service and fellowship activities. Continued