A Note from Randy and Alison
Dear St. Martin's Family,
Since March of last year, you have invited us into your homes via Zoom every Sunday. We had to learn the technology behind all of it, and it was a challenge; but we made it through. Now we know why those professional sound people make so much money! Thanks to Fausto for providing the video feed every week for the Zoom meeting, and to all who helped along the way.
Last Sunday, Kathy Shanklin honored us in front of those who were present at the church and gave us a gift bag which you all contributed to. Honestly, we are humbled by your generosity, and thank you with our whole hearts. Randy's birthday is on July 19th, and we're planning on going to Somerville for a night out using all the local restaurant gift cards you gave us.
Here's what you need to know. We love St. Martin's. If you have not been back to church, we encourage you to do so. The people of St. Martin's, the beautiful building and grounds, the rich traditions of the Episcopal church, and of course Fr. Rob's sermons and the music, provide for a soul-enriching experience.
Thank you for peering through your computer screens every week at us, committing to the future of St. Martin's, and being the loving community that has helped us all through these very difficult times.
Thanks, and God Bless!
Randy and Alison
|
Outreach
Outreach needs two volunteers to act as servers on the SHIP food truck on Wednesday evening, July 21st. Please contact Marlene at 908-704-9527 or mficzko@optonline.net.
July is casserole month. Please prepare and deliver casseroles to the SHIP office during the month of July.
|
Acolytes Needed
It is the hope that in mid-September, we will once again be able to celebrate a full and complete Sung Mass on Sundays. In preparation for the return of a more normalized routine, Father Rob is looking for those who would like to serve at the altar. Over the summer there will be training sessions for Thurifers, Crucifers, and Lay Eucharistic Ministers. Please let Father Rob know if you (or your child) are interested in serving.
There is an urgent need for Crucifers. Anyone aged 11 and above, who can comfortably carry the Crucifix in procession, may serve as a Crucifer. Youth are especially encouraged to volunteer.
Anyone aged 16 and above may serve as a Lay Eucharistic Minister.
Please let Father Rob know as soon as possible, so training dates can be arranged.
|
Women's Group
Here is a link to the ideas that everyone had about get-togethers for the group, as well as thoughts about the Fall Family Fun-fest Fundraiser. Women's Group Ideas Don't forget the Grounds for Sculpture visit on July 9th. If you are interested, please contact me asap so we can purchase tickets.
|
Coffee Hour
We need your help!
If you would like to become a coffee hour host, we are asking you to provide a baked good (does not have to be homemade), iced tea and lemonade. Please copy this link to find out more:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OmGee8UI-a_2EYwk8nAQJ-njqVWHZgVsnGLq7uMVvzc/edit#gid=0
|
A Message from the Diocese
The 17TH Annual Bishop George E. Councell Memorial Golf Tournament will take place this fall on Monday, October 11, 2021, Columbus Day, at Mercer Oaks Golf Club in West Windsor, New Jersey. Over the past 16 years, we have raised over $390,000 for the work and ministry of Trinity Cathedral!
Half of the diocesan congregations and friends have participated in this event. We invite you to join us this year. Please consider supporting this event by placing a sponsorship or advertisement in this year’s souvenir booklet. Attached to this email are copies of the AD/SPONSOR FORM and GOLF PARTICIPATION FORM for your convenience.
For questions, please contact Dick Koenig (rwkoenig225@verizon.net), or contact Patrice D’Angelo, Cathedral Administrator, at the number on the form.
Bishop Stokes speaks of Trinity Cathedral as The Spiritual Center of the Diocese of New Jersey and our Second Church Home. Your advertisement/sponsorship and partnership with the work and ministry of the Cathedral will keep the Cathedral as a powerful place of witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this Diocese.
|
|
Honoring Service Members
If you or someone in your family have served in the US Military, we would like to honor them next week after the 10:30 service during the Patriotic Sing Along. Please send their names to Fr. Rob at rectorstmartinsnj@gmail.com.
|
Fellowship Dates
Place them on your calendar NOW!
July 4th - Patriotic Sing Along and honoring of those who have served our country after 10:30 service
July 9th - Women's Group trip to Grounds for Sculpture. All are welcome! Bring a friend.
July 18th - Summer BBQ on St. Martin's Patio
September 12th - Kick-off Sunday
October 10th - Canticles for Life - AIDS benefit concert
October 16th - Fall Family Fun-fest
|
Ride To Church
Do you need a lift to get to service on Sunday? Please contact the church office at www.stmartinsnj.org and we will find someone to pick you up.
|
Prayer Concerns and Blessings
If you would like your prayer/blessing request included in the Prayers of the People, please email your prayer request to Philip at philip.muniz@gmail.com by Friday afternoon of each week.
- Tim Galbreath and his mom
- Jane Linn's grandson, Jacob, and his family.
- Judy Laidlaw's daughter-in-law’s mother, Maryann Glazer
- Peggy Irwin
- Mary Irwin
- Elsie Francis
- Linda Virtue
- From Juanita:
- Jeff Keates recovering from operation
- Gloribel for cancer
- Gloribel's daughter - vaccine issues
- Denise Carpenter - strength
|
Guidelines for In Person Worship
Following the guidance of the Diocese, the Reopening Committee and Vestry have adopted the following changes to our in person gatherings.
1. Vaccinated people do not need to wear a face mask, nor be socially distanced, but are encouraged to consider continuing these practices around children and others who may wish to remain socially distanced. Vaccinated people may sing unmasked.
2. Some have expressed a desire to continue to wear a face mask and/or be socially distanced, regardless of their vaccination status. Please feel free to continue to practice these measures if they make you feel safer.
3. The Gospel Side of the Nave (left side facing the altar) will be an open seating section. You may sit anywhere on that side. No social distance is required. No face masks are required (although you may choose to wear one). Reservations are not needed to sit in this section. When you arrive at church, tell the usher you wish to sit in open seating.
4. The Epistle Side of the Nave (right side facing the altar- near the Lady Chapel) will maintain social distancing and people who sit on this side will continue to wear a face mask. This section is appropriate for families with children and other non-vaccinated people, and vaccinated people who desire these extra measures for their personal comfort and protection.
5. If you desire or need to sit in a socially distanced pew, please continue to reserve a pew, following the instructions on the website. There are 5 pews (and the choir loft) available: 2 singles or a family of 2-5 may sit in each pew. When you arrive inside the church, please tell the usher that you have made a reservation for a socially distanced pew, and the usher will help you find a seat. https://www.stmartinsnj.org/in-person-church-sign-up/
6. Please remember to print your own copy of the Mass leaflet, or download it to read on your device.
7. No one will be asking your vaccination status and you are on your honor to follow the expectations of the Diocese.
8. You may park anywhere in the parking lot. You no longer need to keep a space between you and the other cars.
9. Please stay at home if you are sick. The Mass will continue to be live-streamed.
|
Join the Fellowship Committee
The Fellowship Committee is looking for members. Do you like to help plan events? We are looking for people who can help with any of the following: advertising, decorating, planning activities for both adults and children, cooking or baking, fundraising, etc. As you can see from above, we have a few events coming up that we need your help with. Please email Alison at randyali@aol.com.
|
Summer Reads or TV Series
Are you reading anything good or watching a great TV series that you would recommend? Send a synopsis to me, and I'll include it in this newsletter.
|
|
