THE CLOAK
St. Martin's Weekly E-Newsletter
October 31, 2019
To seek God, and be Christ’s body in the world
Greetings!

The Clergy and Vestries of St. Martin's Church, Radnor and Christ Church, Ithan are very excited to share the jointly written Parish Profile for their search of a Rector to serve both churches. This document wonderfully lays out both the shared history and extraordinary opportunities that lay before these two communities in the years ahead. Please click the link below, read the profile carefully, and be a part of this inspiring conversation as the Holy Spirit does this new thing through all of us!
Preparing for Sunday
Zacchaeus: The Repentant Tax Collector

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19:10)

Reflection:
"We all suffer from sin, from self-haughtiness and the blind illusion of self-sufficiency. We think we can live without the Lord and make our own way, but then we lose sight of our sins and the damage we cause to ourselves and others...Only when we discard that false sense of pride and come to Christ like a child who would climb a tree in order to just get a passing glimpse of the Lord can we be open to His invitation. Even though we might look foolish, trying to climb the tree in the finery in which we draped ourselves as an empty affirmation of our self-assigned status, we can make the Lord smile on us and offer us mercy and joy — and allow ourselves to be instruments of His mercy and justice according to His will."


A Prayer:
Lord, in Jesus we see how you lovingly call all sorts of people and then change them from within. Like Zacchaeus, produce in us a new attitude to wealth and possessions. Please work in all hearts for the equal sharing of resources with those who are poor, hungry and destitute. Take our hearts and minds, live in us today and every day.

Adapted from the Prayers of Intercessions - Luke 19:1-10
Calendar
This Week's Schedule

Friday, November 1
9:30am Makin' Music

Sunday, November 3
Remembrance Sunday
Season of Sacred Portion 3
8:00am Holy Eucharist in Bolingbroke
8:30am Parish Breakfast
9:00am Choir Rehearsal
9:30am Sunday School for all ages
10:00am Holy Eucharist in Bolingbroke

Monday, November 4
6:30pm Yoga Class

Tuesday, November 5
9:30am Makin' Music
5:30pm Worship Planning Meeting

Wednesday, November 6
9:30am Makin' Music
10:00am Staff Meeting
12:15pm Holy Eucharist
7:00pm AA St. Martin's Church
7:15pm Bible Study @ SMC
The Season of Sacred Portion
Time for Pledging

Our Season of Sacred Portion continues! Worship this Sunday, November 3rd, will include reflections from Gwinnie Scott and Abby Thomas. Come and hear their thoughts on resources and ways to share them. The season will conclude with Pledge Sunday on the 17th. What a great way to celebrate St. Martin's Day with our commitment to support our mission "To seek God and be Christ body in the world."
Sunday School
Faith in God. Faith in Family.

Our message this week will be based on the first of the Old Testament stories about Miriam and Moses. Babies, a boat, a princess, and one loving big sister will all be part of the storytelling (Exodus 2:1-10). This week is the first Sunday of the month with breakfast at Bolingbroke. After breakfast, at 9:30 AM, children will have a music rehearsal followed by Sunday School activities in the large room by the kitchen. We continue our focus on journeys through the Hebrew scriptures.

Megan is available at Bolingbroke to care for younger children starting at 9:30 AM. Please contact Ms. Deb if you have any questions or would like to participate.
Music Ministry
The Children's Program

Families: mark your calendars. On November 17th we celebrate St. Martin's Day and families will be in worship with children participating in a variety of ways. If your children can't make the rehearsal this week, please do not be concerned because we invite all children to participate every time the Children's Choir sings. The more the better on November 17th starting with a rehearsal at 9:30 AM as we "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." (Psalm 98)
Yoga Class
Take a Stretch Break!

The next Yoga Class will be on Monday, November 4th, at 6:30 PM in the Gurley Room. Plan on a relaxing time with The Rev. Amanda Eiman leading the session for all levels - beginners to experienced. Come on the 4th to stretch and destress!
Bible Study
The October/November Transition

The Wednesday night Bible Study returns to St. Martin's. We will meet from 7:15 to 8:15 PM. Dates for the remainder of 2019 when the Bible Study group will meet at St. Martin's are November 6, 13, 20 as well as December 4 and 11.

All are welcome and no previous participation is required. Each week stands alone. Books are provided and guests are also invited to participate. Please plan to join us as we continue our journey with Jesus to Jerusalem as told in the three synoptic Gospels. Contact Deb Parker if you have any questions.
Vestry News
Joint Vestry Meeting Report

The two vestries met on October 17th at St. Martin’s Church, Radnor in Bolingbroke. The meeting began with Fr. John reading our Parish Discernment Prayer. The newly formed Search Committee gave a report. Pierce Eckhart noted that the committee will meet with the consultant, Fr. Bob Tate, on Monday, October 21st at CCI. The profile has been posted on both church websites and Canon Arlette from the Diocese is posting the information to the OTM Portfolio. Read more...
CCI's Centennial
Celebrate 100 Years!

DESSERTS and FLOWERS—a group will gather on Saturday, November 9th, at 10:00 AM at Ithan Hall to make flower arrangements for the tables and to set up the hall for the Centennial Celebration. CCI welcomes all from St. Martin’s who would like to join in the preparatory fun! In addition, if you are interested in sharing your favorite dessert at the brunch, please sign-up in the Gurley Room, call (610-688-4830) or email Maggie
Farewell Brunch
Wishing the Best!

You are cordially invited to a Farewell Brunch for Rev. Chris Bishop and his family on Sunday, December 15th, immediately following the 10:00 AM service in Bolingbroke.

Please RSVP to Maggie at admin@stmartinsradnor.org or call 610-688-4830.
Community Fellowship
Upper Room Gatherings - NEW LOCATION!

The next Upper Room gathering is on Wednesday, November 13th, at 6:00 PM in Room 3 at the Radnor Memorial Library, 114 W Wayne Ave, Wayne. Stop in on any 2nd or 4th Wednesday for some interesting conversation and fellowship.
The Lectionary
Sunday's Readings can be found on the Worship page at St. Martin's website .

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Psalm 119:137-144
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Luke 19:1-10