News
SMM Welcomes the Rev. Carolyne Adhimabo Adhola as Priest-in-Charge at St. Mary Magdalene
“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” Romans 15:7
We welcome the Rev. Carolyne Adhimabo Adhola as the new half-time Priest-in-Charge at St. Mary Magdalene. She will begin her ministry with us June 20; her first Sunday of worship will be June 25, 2023.
As Carolyne joins the beloved community of St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, Wheaton Parish, as Priest- in-charge, she welcomes all members of all generations and all cultures to come witness, and share the goodness and love of God and of His Son our savior Jesus Christ, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Carolyne believes in “loving deeply, forgiving freely and interacting with others authentically,” Robert Philips.
Rev. Carolyne is currently affiliated with the following organizations:
- Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEMN) - International Representative
- Center for Anglican Studies Companion VTS - Former Hospitality officer-
- Pan -African Women Education Empowerment Network (PAWEEN), USA Chapter- Co-Convener
- St. Paul’s University Women Fellowship (Kenya)- Former chairperson
- The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians- Former Organizing Secretary
- All Africa Conference Church (AACC)- Member
- World Council of Churches (WCC) -Member
Please join the vestry in welcoming the Rev. Carolyne to the St. Mary Magdalene community.
Vestry Update on the Search Process
(as of September 2022)
The vestry has completed the process leading to advertising the clergy position. Application for rector of SMM is now open.
This process took several months. The work that went into it was done with the help of representatives of the Diocese, input from SMM congregation, and dedication of our Vestry.
Frist, we had to look inward to identify our areas of strength, weaknesses, our values, what we had to offer and what we were looking for in a new rector. That work was done through a Parish Vitality Assessment that included how we have been managing the running of the church through a cross-generational leadership group while without clergy, and addressing our stewardship campaign and capital campaign efforts.
Second, we reviewed our website. We identified areas needing updates and edits and have made the necessary changes. As this is always a work in progress, please take a moment to review yourself and provide any feedback to our senior Warden by emailing her at seniorwarden@stmarymagdalene-
The final step was putting together the Office of Transition Ministry (OTM) portfolio which is similar to a parish profile. It gives insight into who we are as a parish. It helps potential candidates discern if we are a good fit for them. When this was done, the Diocese gave us the green light to post the position. As there are several parishes that are in the same boat, this search may take 2 months to 6 months or more. Please hold St Mary Magdalene in your prayers as we are going through this search for a new rector.
Confirmation and more
Several of our members went to the Washington Cathedral on Saturday October 15 for a very special service. Nathan was Confirmed and Angela and Jim were Received into the Episcopal Church. Rev. Anne presented them, and our music director James Fitzpatrick served as presenter for Nathan. Here they are with the St. Mary Magdalene banner (Rev. Anne made a new banner pole!). Marion Marshall was also present and took this picture with the group! On the following Sunday morning, we honored them in Church, presenting them with their certificates, Prayer Books, and Episcopal “stickers” for their cars! Nathan sings in the choir, Jim is an Acolyte and Angela serves as a teller. We thank them for their ministry among us and pray for their continual growth in the love of Jesus!
Pet Cemetery
A small group of members toured the Aspin Hill Pet Cemetery mid October 2022, and had a chance to hear about the plans for the future. The Montgomery County Humane Society owns the property and is planning to develop the house, kennel and grounds. Eventually, the grounds will include a crematorium, columbarium for pet ashes, a memorial garden for spreading of ashes, and a full clean-up and repair of the existing cemetery. The buildings will be refurbished and will house the Humane Society, plus a free spay and neuter clinic.
The grounds are open from dawn to dusk and anyone can walk through them. The oldest graves, dating from the 1920's, are in the back, with some very interesting statues of pets. Walking through we noted the inscriptions, the names and the sentiments on the stones. Thank you to James Nolan, Director of Development, for the impromptu tour!
For more information about the History of the Pet Cemetery, go to: