Last Sunday (May 8), I tested positive for COVID. My beloved partner, Cole, had it a few days prior. His infection gave him minimal symptoms: other than some fatigue, Cole felt fine. Thanks be to God.

My case was much more severe than Cole's. I experienced body and headaches that left me bed-ridden for two days. I am not someone who copes well with being sick, so this was an experience in humility and grace. I had to accept help from my loving partner, allow coworkers to take on some of my regular duties, and invite the Holy Spirit -- the Sustainer -- to wrap me in Her healing embrace. My prayer during my illness was simple: “God, stay with me.” God did just that.

I want to extend my most sincere thanks to all of you who prayed for me, sent thoughtful notes and well-wishes, and offered to bring meals. I am deeply grateful for our community where people are held in love and are recognized as members of the Body of Christ. Thank you, as well, to the clergy and staff at St. Martin’s who kept LIFT afloat in my absence.

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.

Music in Your Neighborhood continues this week!

The beloved summer evening outdoor music gatherings continue tomorrow evening at 5pm!

This week's food truck is the yummy, comfort-filled Bake'n Bacon! Bacon is one of my guilty pleasures, so I am excited to grab a BLT while enjoying fabulous music. Win-win!

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 18, 25 + June 1, 8

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

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!

Please note: LIFT worship will continue through the summer months. Our last LIFT formation time for this program year will be on June 5. LIFT formation will resume in September.

Christ, you are risen with the sun;

you are light in our darkness,

warmth in our cold.

You are peace and hope and joy,

for you went willingly to death.

You turned defeat and failure into victory for all.

You live eternally, and with you live the millions,

living and dead, who trust in you.

(Anglican New Zealand Prayer Book, pg. 537)

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