This has been for everyone a spring and summer as never before experienced. So much has changed since February and the structures and events of our lives seem like perpetually moving targets - the uncertainty of change is the only thing that is predictable.

We approach the Labor Day Weekend, which in more normal times forms the watershed between summer's ending and the imminent arrival of fall with all its promise of mists and mellow fruitfulness (John Keats). The following Sunday, September 13th marks traditional Homecoming Sunday. What can I tell you about Homecoming this year? Well not much. Perhaps it's enough to say welcome home and stay tuned!

While some were able to get away to holiday homes or enjoy local day excursions, life in the parish has strangely enough continued unchanged - an indication of how the virus continues to blur so many hitherto clear demarcations in our lives. Some of our ministry groups took the summer off and so will be returning to their programs - for the most part meeting virtually. Thanks to Tim Edgar and a small, yet loyal, following of families, KidsZoom has really found its stride over the summer and Homecoming marks the beginning of a new educational term. Women's Spirituality Group will resume after a well earned summer recess, however, Knitting and Gander (Men's Spirituality) have embraced the opportunities of virtual meeting to continue reduced programming throughout the summer. The Thrifty Goose returned to two days a week in its new venue of the Great Hall and the capital campaign steering group has been hard at work behind the scenes of the campaign's quiet phase - more on all that later. For other ministry groups, Homecoming marks the point at which to begin to think about what's possible going into the fall and winter.

Our worship lives have continued to be supported by the weekly pre-recorded Liturgy of the Word and following the 4th of July, a return to outdoor Eucharist. Let me stress that worshiping outdoors has been a surprisingly wonderful experience. How vital is the experience of being together as the Body of Christ on Orchard Place. If you have been anxious about safety please know outdoor worship is very safe and we follow all mandated social distancing protocols but please aim for a realistic balancing of your safety from infection with your human need for community. This current liturgical pattern will continue as long as weather permits outdoor worship. We will review the situation once winter forces us indoors.

Finally, could I ask you, amidst the recreations of the Labor Day Weekend, to remember Labor Day's commemoration of the dignity of human work. In a time of massive unemployment and attending social anxiety, it's timely to recall how essential work is to the construction of human dignity.

Enjoy the weekend, and see you all (metaphorically speaking) for Homecoming.

Liturgy of the Word

(pre-recorded & webcast from 7 am)

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No KidsZoom this week. Please join us next Sunday!

7 am - Holy Eucharist (in-person & Zoom)

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9 am - Morning Devotions (in-person & Zoom)

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KidZoom is St. Martin’s online church school for children and families. Beginning September 13, join us on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. for relaxed home worship and a time for prayer, music, Bible stories, wondering, and fun! For most of our stories we provide the Action Bible, one per family. For a copy of your Action Bible, your Zoom invitation, and more information, contact the Rev. Linda Griggs.

It's hard to believe summer is almost at an end! The Thrifty Goose Thrift Shop is gearing up for fall and we are now accepting donations of new and gently-used fall and winter clothing and accessories.

We're limited on space and not taking books or housewares, but if you have furniture or other larger items you wish to donate, email Heather Tingle (photos are helpful!). Please remember, all items should be in good, sellable condition - if you wouldn't buy it, no one else will!