EASTER BASKETS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

We’re collecting items for Easter baskets. Candy, toys, grass, etc. This year our baskets will only go to children who are pre-K through 1st grade. Items are due by Sunday, April 13th.

CONFIRMATION AND RECEPTION INTO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

St. Martin's will host a Regional Service of Confirmation on Sunday, September 28 at 3 pm. Last fall, a class started for youth and adults interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. A new class will begin this spring for those who want to be confirmed or received on September 23. 

Confirmation is the sacrament that completes one's initiation into the Church as one makes an adult profession of faith in Jesus Christ. It is an unrepeatable sacrament, as baptism is, so if you were confirmed in a church with apostolic succession (such as the Roman Catholic Church or the Eastern Orthodox Church) you do not need to be "re-confirmed." However, if you would like to officially become a member of the Episcopal Church, you may be received as such by the laying of hands by the bishop.

Please see Father Rob if you have any questions or want to participate in the spring class.

RECYCLE/REUSE

We are always collecting the following items:

• Shopping Bags
• Empty Pill Bottles with all plastic lids
• Styrofoam (no food containers)
• Yarn
• Unusable pens/markers/pencils
• Kitchen items (no furniture)
• Books

Please consider bringing your compost to the church's compost bin. It’s behind the playground and the small fenced-in area.

Any questions, please contact Kathy Shanklin.

LENTEN STUDY

The book study will gather at Juanita's at 6:30 pm to pray the Rosary, and the book discussion will begin at 7 p.m.

Our Lenten Study will be a devotional, Give Up Worry for Lent!: 40 Days to Finding Peace in Christ by Gary Zimak. Please consider reading this book as a daily devotional during Lent even if you can't attend the discussion group. The book can be purchased on Amazon.

SHIP's EASTER MEAL

SHIP needs volunteers to serve their Easter Holiday Meal at Immaculata High School in Somerville on Sunday, April 20th. They also need food donations for this event. Please see information about this event on the Outreach board or call SHIP at 908.393.9545.

CANTICLES FOR LIFE - AIDS BENEFIT CONCERT

This is the 6th year St. Martin’s will host this musical event to raise awareness and funds to benefit three charities that are concerned with the quality of life for persons with AIDS.

Admission is free, with a free-will offering. AIDS memorial panels will be on display. There will be a reception in the undercroft following the concert.

If you can provide a finger food appetizer or dessert for the reception, please let Alison know. If you have any questions about the concert, see Diane Lester.

OUTREACH

• We are collecting donations for the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter at least through the end of March. Food, toys, cat litter, treats, old and clean towels, etc.—there’s a complete list in the church narthex.

• We need someone to provide dinner for HOME guests on Monday, April 14.We also need 2 people to spend time with the guests from 5-9 PM that evening.

• The Food Bank is in great need of food items, paper goods, and toiletries for our neighbors in Somerset County. We especially want to focus on personal items and cleaning products, such as toothpaste, feminine products, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc. Cash and checks are also greatly appreciated. There’s always a container on the stairs leading up to the choir loft. 

• If you have any questions, please get in touch with Kathy Shanklin.