Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour is back! For the next couple of weeks, we will be having it out on the front porch. After that, we will be down in the undercroft again. If you would like to volunteer to be a Coffee Hour Host, please email Alison.
|
Outreach
Outreach will be collecting children’s underwear and socks during the month of October. Items for infants through teenagers are needed and may be placed in the receptacle in the narthex. The last date to make donations will be Halloween, Sunday, October 31st.
|
Adult Forum
This week Father Rob will be speaking about the spirituality of icons. He will talk about how to read an icon, and then share a practice of prayer with icons taught by St. Clare of Assisi.
We will gather in the Lady Chapel from 9:30-10:00 am.
Upcoming Topics:
November 7: Praying with Rosaries and Prayer Beads (Tactile Prayer)
November 14: Praying the Word: Lectio Divina (Audio/Verbal Prayer)
November 21: Praying in Color (Creative Prayer)
|
Financial Update
Monthly giving continues to be down, and even though the vestry has made cuts in the 2021 budget, we continue to operate with a large deficit.
Monthly expenses for September ($29,217), exceeded income ($14,339).
We know that situations sometimes change, and if you are unable to fulfill your pledge because of unanticipated financial hardship, we do understand. But, sometimes with the busyness of summer, we forget to send in our pledge- and the pandemic has certainly upended our rhythms and customs of regular church attendance where we might have placed our pledge in the offering plate. If the latter is the case for you, please consider making up your pledge in this last quarter. If it is easier for you, please remember that you can make a financial offering to the church online, by visiting the website at https://www.stmartinsnj.org/donate/
We also ask for you to be mindful of the parish's financial situation as you prayerfully consider your financial contribution for 2022. We are most grateful for your generosity and for all of the ways that you support St. Martin's. May God continue to bless you as you faithfully support the ministries and mission of St. Martin's parish.
|
CALLING ALL COOKS!
HOME HELPERS are needed for home-cooked or prepared meals
|
In partnership with the Somerset County Department of Human Services, HOME is committed to assist high-risk families who have been affected by Tropical Storm Ida.
Information:
Meals can be dropped off at 98 West End Avenue, Somerville Monday through Friday, 9AM-5PM
- There are no allergy restrictions
- Food that can be heated through microwave is appreciated
- The average family size is four, two adults with two children
- Grocery store, Grub Hub, Door Dash gifts cards are welcome
- Fresh and prepackaged snacks & drinks are also welcome
*You do not have to call ahead of time, just come by during our hours of operation*
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:
(908) 704-1920
|
|
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday: November 3, Mass for All Souls
We will observe the Feast of All Souls on Wednesday, November 3 in the Lady Chapel at 6 pm.
On All Souls Day, we pray for the departed that they may continue to grow from glory to glory in God's Kingdom.
Please email Father Rob the names of your loved ones so they may be included and named in prayer during this special Mass.
On Sunday, November 7, we will continue to celebrate our mystical connection with those in God's greater presence as we honor all the Saints on All Saints Sunday.
|
Prayer Requests
Please send your prayer intentions to Philip at philip.muniz@gmail.com.
|
Bishop's Cup
Congratulations to Todd and Clay for their third year in a row win of the Bishop's Cup.
|
Assistance Needed
The Officer of Emergency Management is currently working with an elderly resident in need of assistance following the effects of Tropical Storm IDA. OEM has put the resident in touch with volunteer groups to help clean up the flooded interior portion of the residence. At this time, she is in need of assistance trimming overgrown bushes and trees on the property and cutting up a tree limb which has fallen.
If any of your congregations have service groups who are willing to assist, please contact me on my cell phone. 908-285-4442.
Thank you in advance
Sergeant James Edwards, Jr.
Patrol Division
Coordinator -Office of Emergency Management
|
Midweek Healing Mass
This mass will be held on Wednesdays, at 6 p.m. in the Lady Chapel.
|
Thursdays This Fall
St. Martin's and St. John's Somerville are co-sponsoring a new course designed by the Episcopal Church to address the problem of racism in our society. This course will involve reading selected works and watching short video clips from a diverse segment of people all talking about their experience of racism. We will also be engaged in honest, prayerful, and respectful discussions. All are welcome, but you are asked to pre-register by sending Father Rob an email indicating you would like to join the class. Blessings to you all.
|
Appalachian Service Project
There is the possibility that we will be able to participate in an ASP trip in the summer of 2022. If you would be interested in participating, please let Father Rob know as soon as possible. St. Mark's is not organizing a group this year, so we will be organizing the trip (thanks to help of Bob Manci), and looking for participants from other churches to join us. At the moment, we are not sure what Covid restrictions might be in place- but they are likely to be fluid as the situation changes.
This is a wonderful opportunity to see the face of God in others and to share God's love in the world.
If you are interested, please contact Fr. Rob.
|
|
