A community reshaping itself to be
fit for God's purpose
Thursday, September 10, 2020
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Homecoming
As I noted in my sermon this past Sunday, it is hard to believe Homecoming is already upon us. After this year’s long strange trip through spring and summer, the usual anticipation and exhilaration of preparing for the kickoff of the new program year feels somewhat muted. Normally we are looking forward to seeing friends we haven’t seen in awhile, and preparing to dive back into a wide variety of ministries that call to us. But this year we won’t be gathering in the same way. On the bright side, we have become more adept at technology and, with the help of Zoom, online recording, and livestream, we are finding new opportunities for engaging in the life of the community. Even so, there is no substitute for the in-person contact that is an important part of our life together; hence the slight feeling of wistfulness as Homecoming Sunday approaches.
But we can’t let physical distance diminish who we are as a community, which is why it is so important to remember what makes St. Martin’s special. Whenever - and however - we gather, we are strong and filled with potential. We support one another. We affirm and challenge each other. We heal one another, and we reach out to heal the world. All of this is vital for our individual and communal well-being and flourishing.
So, how do we keep those bonds strong? By remembering and recommitting to our church home—a home that forms and equips us for the work that we are called to do. And we do that by remembering, not just who, but whose we are.
Who is the God we worship? Who is the God that calls us? Scripture tells us of a liberating God who loved Creation into being and freed the Israelites from slavery. It tells us of a God of compassion and justice who has commanded us to love God and to love and serve our neighbor, no matter how we may differ from one another. It is the God of reconciliation who challenges us to have the courage to do the hard work of healing a broken world.
This is the God in whose name we gather, whether by two, three, or fifty; whether in person or by Zoom. This is the God who enfolds and emboldens us as we face the storms that swirl around us.
We do live in perilous times, which is why our community is in particular need of encouragement this year. So when I came across this quote from author and concentration camp survivor Corrie Ten Boom, it resonated:
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
The creative, liberating, compassionate and reconciling God that we know is the God who knows us and calls us to renewal and re-commitment this Homecoming Sunday. This is the God in whom we hope, from whom we draw courage, and in whom we will always find our true home.
Linda+
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Worship the Lord
in the
Beauty of Holiness
Sunday
Liturgy of the Word
(pre-recorded & webcast from 7 am)
9 am Holy Eucharist
(open air in-person & live-streamed)
Subscribe for free to our YouTube Channel to receive updates and to view the latest livestream recording.
Wednesday
7 am - Holy Eucharist (in-person & Zoom)
9 am - Morning Devotions (in-person & Zoom)
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Healing Prayers
Through these challenging times, day-to-day tasks can seem overwhelming. St. Martin’s is available to hear your concerns. There is a Healing Prayers Box available at the Welcome Table. Simply write your prayer request on one of the index cards provided and place it in the box. Clergy and/or The Healing Ministry will respond within one week. Questions about the Healing Ministry? Please contact Jeana Whittredge. |
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Meditation Hour is Back!
Our weekly Meditation Hour will resume on Thursday, September 10, from 5:30-6:30 pm. Meditation Hour is Zoomed from St. Martin's every Thursday. Everyone is welcome - click here to join. Curious about meditation? Visit our website for more information. |
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Join Us for KidZoom!
KidZoom is St. Martin’s online church school for children and families. Beginning September 13, join us every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for relaxed home worship and a time for prayer, music, Bible stories, wondering, and fun! For most of our stories we provide the Action Bible, one per family. For a copy of your Action Bible, your Zoom invitation, and more information, contact the Rev. Linda Griggs.
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Donations for Better Lives RI
Food Pantry
During this time of pandemic, many in our community have become food insecure due to job losses or illnesses rendering them unable to work. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to church on Sunday to donate to Better Lives RI. |
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Blessing of the Animals
Save the date! Our annual Blessing of the Animals will take place on Sunday, October 4th at 4 pm on the front lawn of St. Martin's Church. Bring your cat, dog, hamster, goldfish, or other adored pet for a special blessing!
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The Thrifty Goose is
Getting Ready for a New Season
It's hard to believe summer is at an end! The Thrifty Goose Thrift Shop is gearing up for fall and we are now accepting donations of new and gently-used fall and winter clothing and accessories.
We're limited on space and not taking books or housewares, but if you have furniture or other larger items you wish to donate, email Heather Tingle (photos are helpful!). Please remember, all items should be in good, sellable condition - if you wouldn't buy it, no one else will! The Thrifty Goose is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am - 2 pm, and all monies collected help support St. Martin's Church and its Community Ministries.
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Weekly Prayer List
There has been no more important a time than now for us to unite
in the fervor of prayer for the state of the Union
- We remember all who are protesting against racial injustice
- For a commitment to peaceful protest and humane and sensitive policing
- For a respect for and protection of private property during peaceful demonstrations
- For an identification and containment of anarchist elements seeking to hijack peaceful protest
- For those victimized by racial violence - both the violence of actions but also the violence of words
- For those whose fears of racial reconciliation have been inflamed by false narratives and toxic rhetoric
- For the reform of our police forces and a rejection of increasing police militarization
Gracious Lord, let us truly open our ears and hearts to listen to and
embrace the cry for justice for our black brothers and sisters.
For once, Lord, let us be truly present to the guilt of our white privilege
and pledge ourselves to work tirelessly for the banishment in
our communities of the scourge of racial fear and oppression.
- Those affected by the Covid-19 virus:
- Those who are ill or are in quarantine
- Those who have lost family members or friends to the illness
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The residents of group homes and nursing homes, including Hallworth House, Bethany Home, and Evergreen House Health Center
- Everyone who is affected by the economic fallout of the virus
- Those who are working hard to care for us and provide for us at this time:
- First responders, nurses, doctors, and health care aids on the front lines in hospitals, nursing homes, and group homes
- Scientists and lab technicians who are trying to find a treatment or vaccine for Covid-19
- Store clerks, stockers, pharmacists, truck drivers, delivery people, custodians
- Those who have birthdays this week: Dwight Phillips, Annie White, Brigit Timpson, Eric Esposito, Lynne Burke, and Kenny Allen
- Those commended to us: Angela, Eidan, Melissa, Chris, Donna, Jeremiah, Scarlett, Virginia, Don, Justin, Eliza, Don, Michol, Mimi, Annette, Douglas, Jean, Patrick, Pam, Theresa, Paula, David, Ursula, Michael, Sam, Morgan, Murielle, Charlie, Truls, Jill, Christine, Katie, Beth, Linda, Tom, Adam, Chris, Martha, Jean, Timmons, Isabel, Alicja, Neal, Patrick, Jennifer, Mark, Cynthia, Robin, Mariette, Isabella, Ada, Harry, Marvin, Emeline, Gail, Sheila, Cathie, Aldo, Madeline, Paula, Vince, Kirby, Patrick, Annette, Jaymi, Sanford, Jess, Tom, Jack, Liv, Tim, Alisa, Grey, Elizabeth, Diane, Andy, Alice, Ashleigh, Rick, Madelyn, David, Olivia, Marie, and Susan
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St. Martin's Church | 50 Orchard Ave | Providence, RI |02906
(401) 751-2141
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