A community reshaping itself to be
fit for God's purpose
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Plus ca change, plus la meme chose

Around 168 BC, the Seleucid king Antiochus IV (Epiphanes), returning to Damascus after his defeat at the hands of the Ptolemies in Egypt - laid siege to Jerusalem and began a period of severe persecution of the Jews culminating in his placing a statue of himself in the Temple's Holy of Holies.

Antiochus IV reveled in the use of violence as a demonstration of strength. The Jews, led by Judas Maccabeus rejected his claim to divine authority in one of the bloodiest revolts in Jewish history. Eventually the Maccabean revolt succeeded - but only after an astonishing loss in Jewish lives. The cleansing and re-dedication of the Temple is commemorated by Jews in the celebration of Hanukkah.

I'm put in mind of the pithy French saying: plus ca change - the more things change the more they remain the same. It seems a hallmark of despotic rulers to claim the blessing of God as part of their mantle of authority.

When Bishop Marion Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington D.C., was asked if she was challenging President Trump's faith in an interview with PBS' Judy Woodruff, she responded by saying it's not his faith I'm challenging but his actions.

Actions speak louder than words. Actually, actions normally give a lie to words. If you want to know a person's true intent don't listen to their words but look at their actions. Of course Bishop Marion was referring to the President's cynical abuse of the Bible for a photo-op that was really a demonstration of his need to appear strong through the glorification of violence. As another commentator noted: when the President claims to have seen the enemy - it is the American people he sees.

I will say no more on this subject but simply refer you to the pastoral letter issued by the Episcopal Bishops of Province 1 together with the letter from the Presiding Bishop - My House Shall Be A House of Prayer

Please also remember that Bishop Nicholas will lead a vigil of prayer on the grounds of the State House this afternoon (Thursday, June 4) at 4 pm. I hope a number of you may wish to attend - masks and social distancing will be observed.

This coming Sunday we celebrate the Holy Trinity which expresses our Christian experience of God - not as a solitary despot but as a divine community of love. Tune in for our Sunday webcast of The Liturgy of the Word for Trinity Sunday .

In the meantime, keep sane and safe and you might enjoy this Irish Blessing!

Mark+
The Thrifty Goose is Back!
Reopening Saturday, June 6, 10 am - 2 pm
We are so happy to announce the reopening of The Thrifty Goose! Beginning this Saturday, June 6, we'll be open from 10 am to 2 pm every Wednesday and Saturday through June (hours for the rest of the summer to be determined). The Goose has moved upstairs to the Great Hall (where we hold the Estate Sales) and we'll have separate entrances and exits, more space, lots more ventilation and we'll be able to practice social distancing and adhere to other new health and safety requirements.
Everything may look a bit different, but we'll still have a great selection of the clothing, accessories, vintage and new housewares, and all the odds & ends you've come to expect and love.
If you would like to make a donation, we are now taking gently used spring and summer clothing and accessories. Unfortunately we're unable to take furniture or other items at this time.
All monies go to support St. Martin's Church and its Community Ministries
National Gun Violence Awareness Weekend
The first weekend of June has been designated National Gun Violence Awareness Weekend, and on Friday, June 5, supporters are asked to  Wear Orange . Bishops United Against Gun Violence , which includes Bishop Knisely, support this weekend, which is dedicated to honoring the lives of American victims and survivors of gun violence.
New Bible Study Opportunity
Wednesdays at 7 pm
Joshua Maria Garcia, a congregant at St. Martin's, 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. We will use the Common English Bible in class, which is available free online, and Joshua will provide supplementary materials. The goal of this class is to develop Bible reading skills to make the practice more fulfilling and enjoyable, and to cover material that we don't often see in church or Sunday School.
The Bible study is free and everyone is welcome. Please email Joshua for more information or to sign up.
Joshua Maria Garcia is a religious educator and writer. Originally from Easton, MA, he currently lives in Providence with his partner Edgar and their dog, chickens, and surplus of house plants. Joshua has a BA in Classical Civilization from UMass Amherst, studied Teaching Hebrew Bible at Brandeis University, and finished an MA in Jewish Studies at Hebrew College last year.
kids_blank_postcard.jpg
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 7 - 13 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: Missy Bennett, Raya Goff, Will Burke, Meg LoPresti, Jeana Whittredge, Caroline Burke, Emily O'Hearn, and Will Morgan

  • Those commended to us: Tom, and EdyeAngela, 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, Larry, and Frank

  • We pray for Lou Bevier, former St. Martin’s treasurer, who passed away on May 1st in Florida

On the feast of the Holy Trinity we celebrate the nature of God not as a solitary identity, but as a community of love – of God who is lover, beloved and love-sharer. In the coming week we recall the witness of Columba, Abbot of Iona, 567; of the Apostle Barnabas; and Enmegabowh, first Native American Episcopal Priest and Missionary to the tribes of the Northern Plains, 1902. Let us commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to in the company of Mary, God Bearer, and Martin, our patron, to love and promise of God. To you, O Lord, our God.
Amen
St. Martin's Church | 50 Orchard Ave | Providence, RI |02906
(401) 751-2141