WEEK OF JANUARY 6, 2020
Rector's Winter Sermon Series
With the Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr.

On the front of our Church Doors, we see a beautiful sculpture, the open arms of Jesus, with the words from Matthew 11:28, "Come unto you me, all ye who labor and are heavy ladened and I will give you rest." What might that mean to you in the year 2020?  What things "burden" you? Worry? Hurts and Wounds? Sin and Guilt? What might it mean to give these "burdens" to Jesus? To really hand them over? It might open fully the way to give God even more-our gratitude-our very lives.  I invite you to join me for a five-week preaching series on Giving to God, well, everything!  Come join me and invite a friend or two as we plumb the depths of what it means to be free by giving God your all!

Giving God Your Worry
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)
Sunday, Jan. 5: 8, 9, 11:15 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Giving God Your Hurts and Wounds
" Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you  Rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Sunday, Jan. 12: 8, 9, and 11:15 a.m.

Giving God Your Sin and Guilt
" If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins  and purify us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)
Sunday, Jan. 19: 8, 9, 11:15 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Giving God Your Gratitude
" Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in  Jesus Christ." (I Thessalonians 5:8)
Sunday, Jan. 26: 8, 9, and 11:15 a.m.

Giving God Your Life
" You are the Christ." (Matthew 16:16)
Sunday, Feb. 2: 8, 9, 11:15 a.m. and 6 p.m.

(Missed a Sunday? You'll find the sermon audio on the St. Martin's website, or you can pick up a printed copy of the sermon at the Reception Desk in The Island.)

St. Martin's Celebrates World Mission Month 

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!" -  Psalm 96:3  

Sunday, Jan 12
9 and 11:15 a.m., and 6 p.m., The Church
9:15 and 11:15 a.m.,
Bagby Parish Hall

Look for the World Mission brochure in the mail and stop by the information table in the breezeway this Sunday. Come hear about mission trips that St. Martin's is planning and hear about how past trips have changed lives here and abroad.

For more information, contact World Missions by email or at 713-985-3811.

St. Martin's
Epiphany Service

Sunday, Jan 12, 6 p.m.
The Church

This beautiful candlelight services takes the light of Christ into the world with our actions and symbolically through candles. During the service, we will commission and recognize a number of the approximately 100 acolytes who assist the priest in charge of worship for their contributions that glorify God. The acolytes participate in Clergy roles during the service, such as preaching, reading lessons and prayers, and chalicing. Our acolytes play an important role in worship by enabling church services to run smoothly so that all can focus on God. After the service, a dinner is held for the acolytes and their families in Bagby Parish Hall.

The Mission
of Yahweh

Saturday, Jan. 11,
10-11:30 a.m.
Payne Education Center,
Room 210/212

Welcome back and Happy New Year! Start your year with a spiritual boost! The Rev. Lisa R. Neilson will offer tips for Peace and Perspective in 2020. Visitors are welcome.

Plans for outreach at The Mission of Yahweh will continue. We will complete gifts of encouragement for women and children receiving care and services, and formalize plans for the second annual game event at the mission. We welcome your participation.

For more information, contact Deb Tisch by email or at 713-985-3817.

Spring Kick-off Meeting

Wednesday, Jan. 15,
9:15 a.m.
Payne Education Center,
Room 207/209

Join us for what will truly be an informative and fun discussion with guest speaker Mrs. Laura Levenson. We share the joys and struggles of raising young children ranging in age from infants to 12th graders. We enjoy fellowship, teaching, prayer and support. Newcomers are always welcome. Child care provided in Founder's Hall. 

For more information, contact Anna Hawkins by email or at 713-985-3831.

Marathon Sunday

Sunday, Jan. 19

Each year the Chevron Houston Marathon brings thousands of runners and their families to Houston and the marathon route circles neighborhoods near
St. Martin's and St. Martin's itself. Your drive to church may require a few extra twists and turns and might take longer.

Once you arrive, enjoy a free breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m. in Café St. Martin's.  The café will be closed for lunch.

Houston Civic Symphony Concert

Friday, Jan 24, 7 p.m.
The Church

The Houston Civic Symphony is a group of highly talented musicians who gather under the direction of Dr. Brian Runnels to perform the masterworks of the symphonic repertoire. This concert will feature works by Handel, Verdi, and Tchaikovsky.

For more information, contact Jamal Madden by email or at 713-830-4135.