Week of January 1, 2023, With St. Martin's
Facebook Live Link: http://www.facebook.com/SaintMartinsEpiscopalChurchBridgewaterNJ
The Leaflet for this week's service can be found by going to
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Worship Schedules
Wednesdays: 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 5:30 p.m.
Sundays: 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
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Upcoming Dates:
January 7th, 1-4 p.m. Rectory Open House (see below)
January 8th - Epiphany
January 12th, 6:30 p.m. - Meet and Greet the Bishop Candidates (see below)
January 22nd, 11:15 a.m. - Annual Meeting and Brunch (see below)
January 29th, 11:15 a.m. - Women's Group Meeting: Presentation on Climate Change
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Rectory Open House
You are invited to the rectory on this Saturday, January 7th, between 1 and 4 p.m.
Fr. Rob and Fausto have lived in the rectory now for 2 whole years. Come see all the wonderful renovations that were done to the house to welcome them! Appetizers and refreshments will be provided. Please rsvp to Alison at randyali@aol.com so that we know how many to expect.
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Meet and Greet the Bishop Candidates
Thursday, January 12, 6:30 pm @ St. Luke’s Gladstone All are invited. The Electing Convention will be on Saturday, January 28 at Trinity Cathedral.
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Votive Candles for Prayer
Some months ago the vestry and I discussed placing a votive stand and an icon in the church for those who desire to light a candle and offer a prayer. I had hoped that a craftsman that I know from Maryland would be able to build one for us. However, he had a stroke and will not be able to construct the votive stand.
I still feel, though, that offering this practice will enrich our common prayer life and deepen our faith. So, a small credence table has been placed in the corner on the west wall with candles that you may light as you offer special intentions.
Starting this practice during Christmastide is particularly appropriate because the flame of the candle reminds us that Christ is the Light of the World. When we light a candle in prayer, we are, by faith, entering into the Light of God, and trusting that God’s Light will guide us, lead us and comfort us as we unite ourselves to God in love.
Lighting a candle can also be helpful when we don’t know how to pray. Simply lighting the candle can remind us of God’s loving presence- it can open a window so that we can be more aware of God’s presence with us. And the simple act of lighting a candle can be our prayer when words fail us.
The icon on the table with the candles is on loan until we find an icon for the votive shrine. This icon is an image of Our Lady of Walsingham, an apparition of Our Lady which has been an important part of Anglican spirituality since medieval times. It is the only Marian apparition officially sanctioned by Anglicans, Roman Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox churches. As such, she is an important sign of Christian unity.
Please feel free to light a candle and offer a prayer, with words or in silence any time you feel this practice will help you connect to God’s grace, love, or healing energies. May God’s abiding presence fill your hearts with peace.
Father Rob+
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OUTREACH
Outreach will be collecting food items for the Community Food Bank until January 8th. They are requesting specific items:
- Oatmeal cups
- Microwavable Rice Bowls
- 14.5 oz low-sodium soup
- 5 oz canned tuna in water
- Boxed Mac & Cheese
- Small box of granola bars (no nuts)
- Fruit cups in fruit juice
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Annual Meeting and Brunch
Sunday, January 22 There will be only one Mass this weekend to encourage all parishioners to attend the meeting. Meeting materials will be forthcoming. Part of the business will be to elect new vestry members: The following have been nominated: Deb Mock- School Board President, Anne Marie Verdiramo- Outreach Chris Bockus resigned as Clerk of the Vestry in November, and in accordance with the Canons of the Church, they Vestry appointed Kathy Picazio to complete his term. The vestry will not meet on the Third Sunday in January. Instead, the new vestry will meet following the Annual Meeting on January 22. Please email Alison if you are able to make an egg casserole for the brunch.
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Prayer Requests
- Jane Linn, for her recovery after knee replacement surgery
- Jenn Persson, for the repose of the soul of her grandmother, Carol Speiser
- Jenn Persson, for a quick recovery from her foot surgery
- Kelly asks for prayers for Patrick and Clara
- Juanita asks for prayers for Jeff Keates
- Dan and Teri on the death of Dan's mother
- Cindy Meyer's brother, David
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Laura Butrico asks for prayers for Christine Pudimott and Cristina Butrico
- From Maureen Prendergast: For strength and peace of heart for her daughter Katelyn
- Marilyn's grandson, Ian, and a dear friend, Mary
- Yvonne Comeau's aunt, Pat Sailer, has many health issues.
- Healing prayers for Karen Bockus
- Olivia, prayer request from Fr. Rob
- Dwight, a childhood friend of Fr. Rob, for the repose of his soul
- Fr. Rob's mother, Evelyn.
- Bonnie Whalen requested prayers for her 28 yr old grandson.
- Linda Virtue
- Chris Semanchik
- Mary Irwin
Please send your prayer intentions to Philip at philip.muniz@gmail.com. Also, if you want a name removed, you can email Philip.
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Do you need a cleaning person for your home?
Contact Iveth Rodriguez at 908-381-4733
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St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
1350 Washington Valley Road,
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
www.stmartinsnj.org
Call Us: 908-526-1350
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Contact information for Fr. Rob
rectorstmartinsnj@gmail.com or fatherroblaws@yahoo.com
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