LIFT at Home
Anne Alexis Harra
Minister for Children & Youth
In the passage from Isaiah this week, we hear a devastating account of "the suffering servant" who bore our iniquities and transgressions so we might find favor with God again. Isaiah outlines the characteristics of this servant, describing his innocence and unjust punishment while comparing the transgressors to a group of wandering sheep. It is hard not to envision Christ when we read this passage: a blameless man, devoted to God, condemned to death because of the actions of others.

George Friedrich Handel set this passage to music as part of his oratorio, The Messiah. This particular piece in The Messiah is played before Christ is crucified. Handel brilliantly has the music set to a chaotic tempo until the last line: “And the Lord hath lain on Him the iniquity of us all.” At this point, the music slows down and there is a notable key change. The music acts as a sobering reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made for us.
Wellspring + LIFT: Reflecting on the Gospel

We are thrilled to announce that Mark and Laura Birdsall from Wellspring will host an adult Gospel reflection during LIFT formation (learning time) this upcoming Sunday, 10/17! The discussion will be a space for adults to reflect upon the Gospel reading of the day. An activity for children will take place concurrently.

Individuals and families of all ages are welcome at LIFT, which starts with worship at 9am under the tent in the Hilary House garden, followed by outdoor intergenerational learning activities until 10:25.

Learn more about Wellspring!
Youth Group College Care Package Collection!

The senior high youth group is collecting items for our College Care Package event! On Sunday, 10/24, the youth group will assemble College Care Packages to send to our recent grads.

We are collecting the following items: cookies, granola/protein bars, Command strips, microwaveable oatmeal, microwaveable popcorn, socks, stress balls, gum, candy (chocolate, Swedish fish, etc.), comfort food (Easy Mac, TastyKakes, chips, etc.), Band-Aids, Chapstick, playing cards, and sticky notes. Please do not include anything that is unsafe to ship (flammables, liquids, glass, etc.). We will pack roughly 12 boxes.
Youth Group Email Notifications

If you are in 6th-12th grade, or you have a child who is, please sign up for our Youth Group email notifications!

More information about Youth Ministry at St. Martin's can be found here.
Dismantling Racism for Youth: 11/20-11/21

"I had never been in a situation where I had to think about race this in depth...it was really eye-opening." Hear about the powerful impact of our Dismantling Racism for Teens Program in this short video. And, sign up for the November event here.

For more information about the event, contact Anne Alexis Harra. Learn more about The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing here!
LIFT at Home!

LIFT at Home this week by reflecting on God's Word. Both the Old Testament (Isaiah 53:4-12) and the Gospel (Mark 10:35-45) discuss themes of serving and what it means to be a servant. How do we interpret these passages over 2,000 years later?

  • Find a way to contribute in your community (school, church, work) that brings you joy. Participation as a family and as an individual reap tremendous joy. St. Martin's has several ways to get involved. Learn more here.
  • Write down your thoughts and feelings after reading the Isaiah passage. With your families or friends, talk about what you learned and felt while reading. Ask the question: How can we be good servants to God right now?
  • James and John tell Jesus that they want to sit next to him in heaven. Jesus tells him that the heavenly seating arrangements are up to God, not him. Why do you think James and John made this request? What do you think they meant by it?

Join us at LIFT on Sunday as we welcome Mark and Laura Birdsall from Wellspring! Mark and Laura will facilitate an adult reflection on the Gospel.
Confirmation class: Sunday at 12pm!
Our first Confirmation class was great! Lots of wonderful energy and conversation.

There is still time to join! Confirmation is open to any and all youth (12 years or older).

Please contact Anne Alexis Harra for more information.
Let us pray...

Gracious and loving God, you know my whole heart, even when I feel unsure. You love me even when I do not love myself. You forgive me when I stumble. Help me give to others the grace you give to me. Remind me that I am worthy and deserving of your love. As I do the hard work of serving others, bestow upon me the knowledge that the work is for your Glory. Amen.
The Good Stuff
Notes of welcome

During our LIFT formation time this past Sunday, participants decorated and wrote notes of welcome to our new Afghan neighbors!

We sent over a dozen notes to Nationalities Service Center. Families even took blank cards home to decorate and send on their own!

For more information about St. Martin's efforts to welcome Afghan refugees, please contact Tanya Regli, Refugee Resettlement Ministry leader.
How are you doing?

Send me an email or call me at 215.247.7466 x104 to talk about nurturing faith in your family.

Peace,
Anne Alexis