We were delighted to begin worshiping under the tent again this past Sunday during our LIFT liturgy! We were accompanied by beautiful music and rich readings. Alleluia!

Providing outdoor worship and formation opportunities are one of the best and most important parts of my job. Children are deeply spiritual beings, with an unadulterated sense of wonder and curiosity. Children's spirituality is enhanced when they are encouraged to explore and play.

According to Michigan State University, "Children who spend significant time outdoors could have a stronger sense of self-fulfillment and purpose than those who don’t," and, "...children who played outside five to 10 hours per week said they felt a spiritual connection with the earth, and felt their role is to protect it" (2014).

For the past few years, in addition to addressing the ongoing maintenance needs of the parish, the Properties Committee has worked diligently to develop a strategic vision of how our buildings can better meet the growing needs of our parish. As we look ahead and consider how St. Martin’s can continue to grow and meet the needs of our parishioners and community, we want to share the Properties Committee’s vision for Parish House improvements, which includes an elevator to reach the second floor and choir room, added bathrooms, air conditioning, and a complete kitchen renovation.

Now is your opportunity to provide guidance for this strategic vision. In the coming weeks, we want to share the Properties Committee's vision for the Parish House and hear from you to help guide this vision. Beginning Sunday, May 8, we’ll be offering 13 Focus Group sessions over the course of four (4) weeks. We encourage every member of our parish to attend one of these sessions where we will provide an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and give feedback.

The Rev. Jarrett Kerbel's last Sunday at St. Martin's is Sunday, May 15th, and we are hosting a goodbye party to celebrate his 10+ years with St. Martin's and send him off with love.

We are looking for volunteers to help with food, set-up, and clean-up. Email Debra Roberts if you can lend a helping hand!

Music in Your Neighborhood returns!

The beloved summer evening outdoor music gatherings will return for SIX Wednesday evenings in May and June, starting tomorrow evening!

Invite friends and family to sign up for your free tickets at www.artcinia.com, and please, as you are able, support the series by contributing to Arctinia to help keep Music In Your Neighborhood running.

Wednesday evenings at 5pm, May 4, 11, 18, 25 + June 1, 8

Contact Tyrone Whiting, Director of Music, for more information.

"Over the past couple months, I have been working with our Rector Jarrett Kerbel and the St. Martin's staff to prepare for Jarrett's depearture on May 15th. As the Rector's Warden assumes the administrative functions when the Rector leaves until a new one is installed, I am taking crash courses with each member of our staff. In addition to great competence, they have each shown openness, grace, and generosity of spirit as they work together cohesively and harmoniously."

Coming up at LIFT...

We have several engaging and exciting opportunities to Live In Faith Together at St. Martin's! Here is a little preview of what we have coming up at LIFT!

Risen Christ,

you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope:

strengthen us to proclaim your risen life

and fill us with your peace,

to the glory of God the Father.

(Collect for the Third Sunday of Easter, Common Prayer, The Church of England)

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