A community reshaping itself to be
fit for God's purpose
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Moving Forward

I've been moving house this week and I must say it has been more stressful than memories of the last time we moved. It's odd that our huge relocation from London to Phoenix in 2008, did not feel as stressful as the move from Phoenix to Providence in 2014. This current move of only the proverbial East Side five streets has felt more stressful than both of these. Maybe moving becomes less tolerable with age; my experience certainly bears this out. In my case it's not so much the physical stress, it's more the emotional dislocation. For obsessives like me, not having everything sorted out as of yesterday - a place for everything and everything in its place as my grandmother loved to say - is very stressful.

This week's message is short because you will now have received our capital campaign case statement. An electronic parish-wide survey will also land in your inboxes Friday.

The case statement weaves a wonderful narrative firmly establishing a line of continuity between our past achievements and a bold vision for our future - hence the slogan Opening Our Doors to the Future. I would like to thank Chris Dennis for the creative tone of the case statement narrative along with Emily Gray for her talented artist's impression of our fine red doors. Thanks to David Brookhart, Mark DiPetrillo, and Peter Lofgren for getting to grips with the moving target of estimating ballpark costs for our development projects.

Mary Gray and Susan Esposito worked on the electronic survey to make engaging with it an easy and user-friendly experience. The survey is designed to invite all of our members to begin to think about their support for the campaign. It goes without saying that if you need a hard copy, the office can send you one. I know you will all take time to prayerfully consider the questions posed in the survey so that we are able to form a firm picture of your support for the campaign's objectives.

I am pleased to report that signs of life are returning to the St. Martin's campus. While we are not yet ready to welcome you back for in-person worship - beyond, that is, the small group that gathers for daily morning devotions zoomed in the chapel - Mothers Morning Out and the Thrifty Goose have re-commenced safe operations.

Don't forget to tune in for The Liturgy of the Word for this coming Sunday, which will be the Second Sunday after Pentecost. Please stay sane amidst the madness of a world in transition and continue to be safe.

Mark+
The Thrifty Goose is Back!
Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10 am - 2 pm
The Goose is back in business and we really need to fortify our spring and summer stock. We are now taking new or gently-used spring and summer clothing and accessories (please be sure items are clean and in good condition). We're limited on space, but if you have furniture or other larger items you wish to donate, please contact Brigit .
The Goose has moved upstairs to the Great Hall (where we hold the Estate Sales) and we have separate entrances and exits, more space, lots more ventilation and we're able to practice social distancing and adhere to other new health and safety requirements.
Thanks for shopping at The Thrifty Goose! All monies go to support
St. Martin's Church and its Community Ministries
New Bible Study Opportunity
Wednesdays at 7 pm
Joshua Maria Garcia is offering a weekly online Bible study on Wednesdays at 7 pm. The class will cover a variety of texts, starting with the Book of Jonah. The Bible study is free and everyone is welcome. Please email Joshua for more information or to sign up.
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You're Invited to KidZoom!
KidZone has moved online, thanks to the generous efforts of Tim, Marie and Arthur Edgar, who host virtual Home Church for children and families on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. We hope you will join the fun! Please contact Tim for a Zoom-vite.
Episcopal Charities Campaign for 2020
St. Martin's is unable to host a kick-off event for the Episcopal Charities Campaign this year, yet the needs continue for children, the elderly, and at-risk members of our community. Please consider making a donation to Episcopal Charities - 100% of your contribution goes directly to help those in need. Donations may be made  online or by check via mail to Episcopal Charities, Episcopal Diocese of RI Main Office, 275 North Main St, Providence, RI 02903
St. Martin’s Hands:
A Pastoral and Practical Ministry in a Time of Pandemic
St. Martin’s Hands is a ministry with both a pastoral and practical approach to strengthening our parish community as we journey together. If you feel you would benefit from the services of St. Martin’s Hands or if you'd like to volunteer, please reach out via email, phone call or text to  Linda Griggs ,  Cathy Bodner  at 401-272-6610, or  Elizabeth Welshman at 401-688-7037.
Healing Prayers
Even though we are not able to meet together at church, it doesn't mean we need to be secluded from one another. The Healing Prayers team is committed to continuing in ministry to those of you who would like prayers.
Healing Prayers will be offered for the week of June 14-20 by Jeana Whittredge. She can be reached by phone at 413-313-3033.
 May the peace of God guard your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Sunday Morning
Worship Podcast posted from 7 am
11 am - 12 pm

Weekday Services
Morning Devotions from the Chapel via Zoom
9 am Tuesday - Friday
Meditation Hour via Zoom
5:30 pm Thursday

Weekly Prayer List
There has been no more important a time than now for us to unite
in the fervor of prayer for the state of the Union

  • We remember all who are protesting against racial injustice
  • For a commitment to peaceful protest and humane and sensitive policing
  • For a respect for and protection of private property during peaceful demonstrations
  • For an identification and containment of anarchist elements seeking to hijack peaceful protest
  • For those victimized by racial violence - both the violence of actions but also the violence of words
  • For those whose fears of racial reconciliation have been inflamed by false narratives and toxic rhetoric
  • For the reform of our police forces and a rejection of increasing police militarization

Gracious Lord, let us truly open our ears and hearts to listen to and embrace the cry for justice for our black brothers and sisters. For once, Lord, let us be truly present to the guilt of our white privilege and pledge ourselves to work tirelessly for the banishment in our communities of the scourge of racial fear and oppression.

  • Those affected by the Covid-19 virus:
  • Those who are ill or are in quarantine
  • Those who have lost family members or friends to the illness
  • The residents of group homes and nursing homes, including Hallworth House, Bethany Home, and Evergreen House Health Center
  • Everyone who is affected by the economic fallout of the virus
  • Those who are working hard to care for us and provide for us at this time:
  • First responders, nurses, doctors, and health care aids on the front lines in hospitals, nursing homes, and group homes
  • Scientists and lab technicians who are trying to find a treatment or vaccine for Covid-19
  • Store clerks, stockers, pharmacists, truck drivers, delivery people, custodians

  • Those who have birthdays this week: Sofia Alvarado, Genevieve Allaire-Johnson, Alison Kostas, Peter Kostas, and Nancy Rhodes

  • Those commended to us: Angela, Eidan, Melissa, Chris, Donna, Jeremiah, Scarlett, Lisa, Virginia, Don, Justin, Eliza, Don, Michol, Mimi, Annette, Douglas, Jean, Patrick, Oliver, Pam, Theresa, Paula, Shirley, David, Ursula, Michael, Sam, Joe, Morgan, Murielle, Charlie, Truls, Jill, Christine, Katie, Beth, Linda, Tom, Adam, Chris, Martha, Jean, Timmans, Isabel, Alicja, Neal, Patrick, Jennifer, Mark, Cynthia, Cheryl, Robin, Mariette, Isabella, Ada, Harry, Marvin, Emeline, Gail, Sheila, Cathie, Denny, Aldo, Madeline, Paula, Vince, Kirby, Matthew, Patrick, Annette, Jaymi, Sanford, and Frank
St. Martin's Church | 50 Orchard Ave | Providence, RI |02906
(401) 751-2141