Deck the Halls

Saturday, December 23, 9:00 a.m.

Come one, come all for a merry morning of decorating the church for Christmas!

Bring: a pair of clippers, a friend, and your coffee or tea.

We'll supply the snacks and the know-how!

Pledge Update - Get your pledges in by December 18th!

Your pledge is a commitment to, and a statement of faith in, the work of God through St. Martin's, in this community and the world. We hope you have taken time to participate in our Diakonia service events, reflect on Diakonia as expressed through the life and ministry of the Rev. Nellie Greene, and prayerfully considered your pledge.  Please mail in your pledge or submit your pledge online below by December 18th.

Need a printed copy? Request a black and white copy from the church office at

[email protected] .

Men for Others

Saturday, December 16
Cooking: 7 a.m., Food & Program: 8 a.m.

We invite all Men of the Parish to join us for Men for Others. We are prepping breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and will share breakfast at 8:00 a.m. in the Houston Room. We are going to reflect on our roles as fathers and sons in the family when we hear that phrase many of us grew up with, "Wait until your father gets home." Please join us for great food, conversation and fellowship. Men for Others meets monthly on the 3rd Saturday. Please contact Gus Concilio (856-275-9187) or David Dieck (484-530-4734) for more information. All are welcome!

Solstice Walk

Thursday, December 21 at 6 p.m. at the Valley Green Inn

Bring your own candle or lantern and join us for a meditative walk on the longest night of the year. We'll meet on Forbidden Drive in Fairmount Park in front of Valley Green Inn. Naturalist Leigh Ashbrook will help us listen for owls as we make some space in the last moments of Advent for a quiet experience of light in darkness. Sponsored by St. Martin's Climate Action Team and Wellspring. No registration necessary. For more information contact Barb Ballenger, Associate for Spiritual Formation and Care, at [email protected] or call 215-247-7466.

New Year's Eve Interfaith Kirtan Service

Sunday, December 31, 2017, 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall

Suggested donation: $10
Featuring the music of Mandala. Welcome 2018 gently. All are welcome.
Kirtan is an ancient chant tradition with prayers sung in a call-and-response style. Songs both ancient and new are adapted from several traditions. An annual event at St. Martin's, Scott Robinson and his band, Mandala, will lead this enchanting, participative devotion. No registration required.

Learn more.

St. James School needs your help! The student body has expanded to include 69 students in grades 5th - 8th. While the school continues to grow, so does the need for books, food, instruments, supplies, clothing, and so much more! Please join us in ensuring St. James students have all they need to succeed. Check out our giving tree in the Parish House Lobby for the St. James School wish list items and donation amounts. In this season of hope, shine a light for the future.

Biblical Studies Update

• The Tuesday 10:30 am group just finished reading the Book of Daniel. Starting on January 9th the group will be reading the Gospels. Cathy Glazer continues to lead this group.
• The Thursday 7:30 am group will continue to meet throughout the holidays to read Proverbs. Charlie Day continues to lead the group.
• The Thursday 10:30 am group has decided to take a break from the reading of Revelation and read the Gospel Christmas narratives this coming Thursday, December 14. This session will be our last session until the New Year.
• In the New Year, we are looking forward to resuming the reading of REVELATION at Chapter 10. After its completion, the Thursday group will have read every book in the New Testament. Helen White is partnering with David Contasta and Pat Silva to lead this group.
• The Monday 6:30 pm group is finishing reading The Gospel of John and will meet on December 18th and possibly continue in the New Year, which is TBD. Helen White is partnering with Cathy Glazer to lead this group.

Guatemalan Crafts Sale - Thank You!

The Guatemala Companion Parish Committee thanks all who supported this year's crafts sale! The sale raised $1,433.34 for future companion parish projects.

Rev. Silvestre Romero Consecrated as Bishop Coadjutor in the Diocese of Guatemala on November 19

The Rt. Rev. Silvestre Romero, who most recently served as a priest in the Diocese of Massachusetts, was consecrated as Bishop Coadjutor in a colorful ceremony on November 19, 2017, at the Episcopal Cathedral in Guatemala City. Bishops from neighboring Central American countries as well as from Massachusetts and Virginia attended. As an indication of his commitment to the companion relationship with the Diocese of Pennsylvania, Bishop Romero invited Martha Thomae (of St. Andrew's, West Vincent) to be one of his presenters as a representative of Pennsylvania companion parishes. Guatemalan priests are enthusiastic about the new energy and fresh point of view that he brings to the Diocese of Guatemala.

Save the Date!

Check here for upcoming events and RSVPs!

Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields | StMartinEC.org  | 215.247.7466
8000 St. Martin's Lane | Philadelphia | PA | 19118