THE CLOAK
St. Martin's Weekly E-Newsletter
July 18, 2019
To seek God, and be Christ’s body in the world
Greetings!
The House of Martha and Mary
PREPARING FOR SUNDAY

The time is surely coming, says the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land; not a famine of bread, or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. - Amos 8:11

Justice and earth care require prayer and action, and the willingness to hear the cries of the poor, and sacrifice for the well-being of all creation. Today’s [Sunday's] passages challenge us to move from self-interest to world loyalty for our own good and for the good of creation. - Bruce Epperly, pastor, professor, and author


A Prayer
Ever-faithful God, whose being is perfect righteousness: reconcile us in your Son with the helpless and the needy, with those we would ignore or oppress, and with those we have called enemies,
that we may serve all people as your hands of love,
and sit at the feet of those who need our compassionate care. Amen.

Calendar
This Week's Schedule

Sunday, July 21
9:15am VBS: Care of Creation
9:30am Holy Eucharist with Rev. Bill Wood

Tuesday, July 23
6:30pm Yoga Class

Wednesday, July 24
12:15pm Noon Day Prayer
7:00pm AA St. Martin's Church
7:00pm No Bible Study
Children & Youth
Summertime Sunday VBS

This week we will focus on caring for the world around us. That includes our beautiful grounds around the church. The weather is forecast to be nice so children should wear play clothing. We will follow the leader, look for signs of beauty, take pictures, and water some of the plants close to the church building. Children and youth of all ages are invited to participate, and guests visiting you are also welcome. Summer is a time to take joy in doing things together and St. Martin's is the perfect place to show we care. The Summer Sunday program begins at 9:15 a.m., as does the nursery, in the small Sunday School Room. Please contact Ms. Deb if you have any questions or would like to join our adventures.
Bible Study News
Summer Schedule

The Bible Study is going to take a brief break on July 24, 31, Aug 7, 14, and 21. Many of the study group are traveling on these days so there will NOT be a Bible discussion at either Christ Church or St. Martin's

However, on Aug 14th some of us will meet at Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge for the 7:30 Carillon Concert. That should be a fun way to stay connected in the middle of the upcoming break. Click here for more information if you would like to join the group. Everyone is welcome!

The Bible Study will resume at St. Martin's from Aug 28 through the end of September. Please let Deb know if you have any questions or if you have feedback (stmartinsradnor@gmail.com). We look forward to seeing many of you on the last Wednesday in August when we once again have our Bible discussion.

If you would like to learn more about Approaching the Gospels, please visit the website or Facebook page.
Covenant News
Combined Meeting Report

The two vestries met on Thursday, June 20th, at St. Martin’s Church in Bolingbroke for a dinner prepared by Catering by Design. The dinner was an opportunity for both vestries to socialize and get to know one another better. At the conclusion of the meal, Fr. Bob Tate offered his reflections about the discernment process. Read more...
Outreach
A Radnor Community Event

The Unity In Our Community Block Party returns! This is a FREE event to celebrate the end of the summer locally! On Saturday, August 24th, join in the fun on this day filled with food, drinks, bounce houses, music, and more! Stay tuned for details on ways to help make it a great summertime memory!
CCI Centennial
A Time to Remember

In collaboration with St. Martin’s, Christ Church, Ithan is planning a special centennial celebration on Sunday, November 10th. The event will commemorate the first church service celebrated in the new church building 100 years ago. It will celebrate our ties to one another (CCI was a mission of St. Martin’s) and the future we are shaping as we search for one Rector for both churches. CCI invites everyone to join in the recognition of this historic milestone. The day's events will start at 10:00 AM with Bishop Michel celebrating Holy Eucharist with us. A brunch will follow in the parish hall. More details will be forthcoming. Please place this date on your calendars and plan to join us. 
All Levels Yoga Class
Breathe, stretch, and destress!

The next St. Martin’s yoga class will be on Tuesday, July 23rd, at 6:30 p.m in the Gurley Room. Come and enjoy this opportunity to indulge in some self-care. It's a great mind-body-soul experience!
Outdoor Worship
Blessing of the Animals

St. Martin’s will host a Blessing of the Animals outdoor event on Sunday, August 11th, at 9:30 AM. The morning will begin with a worship service and blessings for our furry, feathered, and scaly guests of honor followed by a fellowship hour that’s complete with iced tea and treats. All pets must be properly restrained on a leash or in a carrier. Does Fluffy not travel well in a kitty carrier? Does Fido not like other dogs? Is Goldie a fish? Not to worry! Join the party with a pet photo for a remote blessing. Come – Sit – Stay!!
Socks for the Homeless
Making a Difference

Our collection of white socks for the Joy of Sox organization is an ongoing effort. The basket for drop-offs is located in the downstairs lobby of church. Please contact Carlie Hutton if you have any questions about this project. Thanks for your support!
The Lectionary
Sunday's Readings can be found on the Worship page at St. Martin's website .

Amos 8:1-12
Psalm 52
Colossians 1:15-28
Luke 10:38-42