Week of November 19, 2023, With St. Martin's

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/408114126

Facebook Live Link: http://www.facebook.com/SaintMartinsEpiscopalChurchBridgewaterNJ

The Leaflet for this week's service can be found by going to

 https://www.stmartinsnj.org/services/ 



Weekly Worship Schedule

Sundays

8:15 am ~ Eucharist

10:30 am ~ Eucharist



Wednesdays

6:00 p.m.

Saturdays

5:30 p.m. Come As You Are

Calendar Events

December 3rd, The First Sunday of Advent and St. Nicholas Visitation Dinner

December 10th, The Celebration of the 800th Anniversary of the Nativity Scene

December 17th, Women's Group Christmas Luncheon with Cookie Exchange

December 24th, 8:15 a.m. 4th Sunday of Advent Morning Prayer

December 24th, 4 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service Pageant & Communion

December 24th, 9 p.m. Festival Mass for Christmas Eve 

December 25th, 10 a.m. Christmas Day Spoken Mass

December 31st, 10:15 a.m.  Lessons and Carols (Joint Service)

No Saturday masses on December 23, 30, or January 6

December 6th, Wednesday Mass

Father Rob is attending the diocesan clergy conference on Dec 4-6. There will not be a Wednesday evening mass on Dec. 6

Eucharistic Adoration 

The Blessed Sacrament is always exposed on the altar in the Lady Chapel. It is a reminder that Jesus Christ is always present with us in every circumstance. Feel free to come and spend some time alone with Jesus in prayer when you need to feel the comfort of Christ's presence. Ask Father Rob for the code for entry through the downstairs entrance if you want to pray and the doors are locked. 

800th Anniversary

of the Nativity Creche

December 10th, 4 p.m. Reception

St. Francis of Assisi erected the first nativity scene on December 15, 1223. This year marks the 800th anniversary of this special remembrance of our Lord’s birth. In celebration, we will be filling the nave with nativity scenes from the Second Sunday of Advent until the Sunday after the Epiphany. If you have a small nativity scene that you would be willing to display on one of the window sills, please let Father Rob know. Alternatively, you may wish to create your nativity scene to display. Small nativity scenes will be displayed in the windows; larger ones will be displayed on tables along the west wall. Both the Sunday School children and the St. Martin’s School children will create nativity scenes to display. I hope you all will participate in this special celebration. During Advent, there will be an Open House on December 10th. A reception of appetizers and beverages will be provided. Please email Alison if you are able to bring an appetizer or beverage.

Opportunities at St. Martin's

One of the gifts and strengths of the Episcopal Church is its commitment to raising up lay leaders to participate in the ministries of the church. We take seriously the call of the Holy Spirit given to every person at baptism to use their gifts and talents to help spread the Gospel. 

There are several opportunities at St Martin's for you to use your gifts in service of the others. Please see Father Rob if you are interested in any opportunities that need to be filled and ratified by the Annual Meeting in January.

SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT

The school board president serves on the vestry as a liaison between the school and the parish. It is a three-year term and one must be a baptized member in good standing to serve. The school board works with the rector to oversee the school's finances and to ensure best practices are in place to help the school carry out its mission. The new term begins in February 2024.

DELEGATES TO CONVENTION

Each year all of the parishes and congregations in the diocese meet to hold counsel, pray together, and make decisions regarding the diocese's mission. Our parish has three delegates who are chosen to represent St Martin's at this meeting, and other special meetings that may occur from time to time. To qualify as a delegate, one must be a Confirmed member in good standing. We are in need of the following:

Delegate- one-year term

Delegate- two-year term

Delegate- three-year term

Alternate- one-year term 



Please see Fr Rob with questions or if you are interested in serving in this way. New terms begin in February 2024.

St. Nicholas Potluck Dinner

Sunday, December 3rd at 5 pm

Bring a dish and the family and celebrate the spirit of the season! We'll eat, have some crafts for the kids, listen to St. Nicholas' story and have a visit with St. Nicholas. RSVP by 12/1 to Heather Agosto, heather980@comcast.net

Angel Tree

There are a few tags left downstairs in the undercroft. As far as wrapping gifts, parents would feel involved in their children’s gifts if you could include wrapping paper; then the parents can wrap the gifts themselves. If you prefer not to, then wrapping gifts yourself is fine. All presents are due by December 10th. If you have any questions, please email Kathy Shanklin at kathyss2424@gmail.com.

Stewardship

Thank you for your generous support of St. Martin's. Currently, the number of pledges returned and the total amount of pledges is significantly lower than last year's. It is a busy time of year and the vestry understands how easy it is to forget to send in your pledge for 2024. However, if you haven't sent in your pledge yet, please do so as soon as possible. The finance committee is beginning to work on the 2024 budget, and it is important to have an accurate picture of the parish's income. You may mail in your pledge to the parish office, place it in the offering plate at Mass, or pledge online at https://www.stmartinsnj.org/donate/

(Please note the Pledge form is at the bottom of the page under the heading Make a Pledge).

Women's Group Christmas Luncheon with Cookie Exchange

December 17th at 12 p.m.

Location: Local Restaurant

Please join us for a breath of fresh air during the holiday craziness. If you would like, bring a dozen cookies for the cookie exchange. If you are in need of a ride, please do not hesitate to ask. Email Alison if you would like to attend.

Prayer Requests

• Anne Marie: Prayers for her Aunt Christine who was in a bad car accident.
• Len: Healing for Justin.
• Helen: Prayers for Brent Mclachlan for healing from cancer.
• Richard Pilot: Prayers for the repose of his father, Paul-Anton's soul.
• Bob Fairchild: Please pray for Fr. Bob Edwards and his family on the loss of their 21-year-old son/sibling.

Please send your prayer intentions to Philip at philip.muniz@gmail.com. Also, if you want a name removed, you can email Philip.

St. Martin's School Job Openings

Part-Time Aftercare Worker Needed

Our school is looking for a part-time teacher to work in our aftercare infant room, Monday-Friday, 2:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. The teacher would be responsible for a maximum of 4 infants (all over 6 months old). Montessori training is not necessary. Ideal for college students or retired people looking for a part-time job.

Full-Time Floater Needed

Our school is looking for a full-time floater. Montessori training is desired, but not required. The position includes a diocesan pension and a monthly medical insurance stipend.

Full-Time Teacher Needed

for the Toddler Room

Our school is looking for a full-time teacher for our Toddler room. Montessori training is desired, but not required. The position includes a diocesan pension and a monthly medical insurance stipend.

See Lisa Garb or Father Rob to apply.

Fundraising Committee

We are looking to put together a fundraising event for next year. We need your ideas and expertise for our committee. If you have any experience and want to help St. Martin's, please contact Alison.