LIFT at Home
Anne Alexis Harra
Minister for Children & Youth
I was a philosophy minor in college. My favorite area of study in philosophy was on the stoics: Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca. Stoic philosophy is founded in reason. I believe that God gave us the capability to reason and think for ourselves.

One of my favorite things about stoicism is its candor around the life cycle: death is nothing to be feared, neither is birth. In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor, says the following: "No, you do not have thousands of years to live. Urgency is on you. While you live, while you can, become good."

Become good. What does that look like for you? Charity? Self-reflection? Prayer? Perhaps "becoming good" means taking on a new challenge, or leaving something unpleasant.

We have entered a new month. The days are shorter, the light has changed, and the nights are cool. God speaks to us through nature now more than ever. How can we use this time to continue to "become good" together to the Glory of God?

Faithfully,
Anne Alexis
Senior High Pumpkin Carving!

The senior high youth group is invited to a pumpkin carving and decorating party on 10/10 from 12-2pm under our new tent! Bring your own pumpkin or use one of ours and we'll provide the rest! We'll enjoy cider, subs, and cookies for lunch. For more information, contact Anne Alexis Harra.
LIFT at Home!

LIFT at Home this week by reflecting on God's Word. Jesus admonishes the rich man in the Gospel to sell his possessions and follow him. However, this story is not about Jesus un-loving the wealthy; it is about Jesus wanting everybody to have enough.

  • Talk to your family members and friends about their gifts. They could be tangible/material (clothes, possessions), or they could be spiritual (knowledge, faith). How do we share our gifts with others so that we all have enough? A great guiding question: Do you think God feels happy or sad when some people have too much, and others do not have enough?
  • Donate your old clothes. Children in particular observe charitable behaviors very closely. When we grow out of clothes that are still in good condition, we are called to be good stewards and donate them to others! Here are 7 places in Philly where you can donate your old clothes. Make it a family activity and see how powerful it can be for all ages to engage in charity.
  • Switch up how you do mealtime. Do you usually serve breakfast? Have the kids do it! Talk about the powerful sentence Jesus utters: "But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” What does that look like in your home?

Join us at LIFT on Sunday for liturgy and activities that engage this intense and meaningful discussion!
Confirmation 2021
Our first Confirmation class this past Sunday 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...

For Dreamers
Gracious and Austere God,
Grant us, we pray, the will to declare ourselves
Hearers,
Bearers,
And Dreamers,
Of your life-giving word.
Amen.

--Frederica Harris Thompsett, Ph.D., from Women's Uncommon Prayers, 2000.
The Good Stuff
Birthdays, birthdays, birthdays!

We were blessed to celebrate five birthdays in the St. Martin’s community this week! Last Tuesday, St. Martin’s staff gathered for lunch to celebrate the birthdays of the Rev. Barbara Ballenger and the Rev. Carol Duncan, who share a September 28th birthday. Also celebrated were Director of Music Tyrone Whiting and his husband Sean Nesselrode Moncada, who share a September 30th birthday. And on Wednesday, we rejoiced in celebrating parishioner Rena Graves’ 101st (!) birthday outdoors on our terrace. 
St. Martin's staff enjoying a birthday luncheon for Barb, Carol, Tyrone, and Sean!
Parishioner Rena Graves celebrating her 101st birthday on the terrace!
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