Friends, I invite you to read this section of 2 Timothy as a family, and meditate on these questions:

This past summer, my godfather, the Rev. George Karney, died after a long life of serving God's people. George married my parents, baptized me, prepared me for Confirmation, and buried my grandmother. When I was a little girl, he encouraged me to explore the altar of our parish, St. Barnabas, which sparked a lifelong love of the Eucharist. I do not believe I would be where I am today without his influence, ministry, and love.

Coincidentally, the Epistle appointed for this week is the same one we read at his funeral. Paul's profound words to Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" remind me of the incredible legacies left by two people who have shaped my spirituality and understanding of the Gospel: St. Paul, and ("Saint") George.

George was a dad to eight children, a priest and pastor to countless people, and a hopelessly devoted follower of Christ. After a mission trip to Uganda, he set up a scholarship for girls so that they might have more access to equitable education. To say that he cared about God's people would be a bit of an understatement.

This brief reflection on the Epistle this week is offered in thanksgiving for the life of my godfather. These words are also offered for all of the folks who have shaped YOUR faith, your spirituality, your love of God -- because we all have folks in our lives who walk with us as we grow and understand our roles in the Kingdom of God. And to me, that is a miracle.

We are so excited about our Stewardship Kick-off Weekend THIS WEEKEND: October 21, 22, and 23! Events for all ages (including families!) will occur throughout the weekend. Join us on Friday evening for an Adults-Only Parish Party, "Ghouls and Ghosts." Saturday morning, we invite you to join us for a breakfast hosted by the Men's Group -- little ones are encouraged to attend and help pour syrup, serve pancakes, or simply greet folks as they arrive. Round out the weekend on Sunday morning with a fall-themed family-friendly party, complete with pumpkin decorating and bobbing for apples!

Please register for any event you plan to attend. Questions may be directed to the Parish Office (215.247.7466).

St. Martin’s and St. Paul's are teaming up for several events this year! St. Martin's and St. Paul's youth and friends are invited to join us for an Eagles watch party on Oct. 30 at 1:00pm here at St. Martin's. We are excited to welcome new friends from St. Paul's and share in fellowship together!

Please let us know you are coming by registering using this form. Go Birds!

Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and nannies are invited to St. Martin's every Tuesday morning from 9-11am for a playgroup! The playgroup is rain or shine. Meet fellow parents over a cup of coffee on these gorgeous fall mornings. All ages are welcome.

All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. For more information, contact Anne Alexis Harra.

Would you like a Christmas celebration that creates new traditions for gift-giving and a refuge of peace in a frantic-paced world? The Climate Action Team will be holding space for conversation about how to "Green Christmas" while making Advent Wreaths together.

Join St. Martin's Climate Action Team with Children, Youth & Family Ministry to create Advent Wreaths in a relaxed, joyful, and spiritual celebration of the season on Sunday, Nov. 27, from 9:30am-12:30pm in the Parish Hall. Enjoy Donuts & Hot Chocolate with your fellow St. Martin's families and parishioners.

Wreath-making materials are provided (or be green and bring your own!). We ask that you register in advance to ensure we have enough materials. To offset the cost of materials, we invite a suggested donation of $10/wreath. To donate online, please click here and select "General giving." Be sure to add the memo "Advent Wreaths."

For more information, please contact Minister for Children & Youth, Anne Alexis Harra.

Join us for LIFT Worship to hear the Word of God, receive the Eucharist, and sing some wonderful hymns, led by our LIFT Musician, Madeleine Moran! Madeleine has chosen lovely music to enhance our worship. Join us at LIFT and raise your voice in song with us! We will sing:

In darkness and in light,

in trouble and in joy,

help us, heavenly Father,

to trust your love,

to serve your purpose,

and to praise your name,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

God of promises,

Sometimes we wait generations

for the dawn from on high

sometimes only years.

We wait for justice and hope and light and kindness

to mingle in the tangle of our days.

And we age while we hope.

So may we age and hope

with tenderness and truth.

Because you are tender and true

even though we sometimes wonder.

Send me an email or call me at 215.247.7466 x104 to talk about nurturing faith in your family.

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