LIFT at Home
Anne Alexis Harra
Minister for Children & Youth
We had our LIFT-off celebration on Sunday. Worship and formation under the tent. A new time, a new way of coming together to the Glory of God.

Friends, I am beyond grateful: to the clergy and staff here who supported the program and assisted in its launch, to my family and friends who acted as my cheerleaders, but above all, I am grateful to YOU. We had a full house of smiling faces (under masks!) who were willing to usher in this unique, unconventional form of liturgy + learning.

I saw the best of St. Martin's on Sunday morning. People were helpful in adding chairs quickly, families jumped in to participate in our liturgy, and everybody engaged with one another during our formation time. You all invited in and embraced the Spirit of Christ.

I encourage you -- regardless of age -- to join us at LIFT and feel the Spirit move through you. Christ's love for us is free, and I felt that unconditionally on Sunday.

Thank you for sharing the kingdom of God with one another, and with me.

Gratefully,
Anne Alexis
LIFT Pet Blessings this Sunday!

To celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, join us this SUNDAY, October 3, at 9am under the tent for our LIFT Pet Blessings!

Bring all creatures great and small to our LIFT Worship service this Sunday at 9am for pet blessings. We will also bless stuffed animals and pictures of pets! Please note that all pets in attendance must be on a leash or kept in a carrier.

Following our worship service, join us for our formation time from 9:45-10:25am as we continue celebrating St. Francis Day!
LIFT at Home!

The Gospel this week has a hard truth in it. Jesus says to his disciples and the crowd gathered around, "Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." As we get older, we often lose touch with our inner child. In my sermon from August 15, I commend you to embrace your inner child and be honest with your needs to God. This begs the question: How can we embrace our inner child when so much is demanded of us?

  • Color! It may seem silly, but spending time coloring and meditating with God is a way to de-stress while also eliciting childhood nostalgia. The church has copies of coloring pages from Illustrated Ministry. Contact Anne Alexis or Rev. Barb if you would like one, or stop by LIFT on Sunday mornings!
  • Watch your favorite childhood movie. Invite your families! Taking the time to unwind for a couple hours re-centers us for the upcoming day, week, and beyond.
  • Autumn is upon us! Bask in God's glorious Creation by taking a hayride, going apple-picking, or carving pumpkins! When you're done, give thanks to God for all of God's wonderful blessings and the changing of the seasons. Here are some prayers to start.
Confirmation class: Sunday, 10/3 at 12!
Our first Confirmation class will be Sunday, 10/3 from 12-2pm in the library (hybrid/virtual option available).

There is still time to join! Please contact Anne Alexis Harra for more information.
Let us pray...

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
(For the Care of Children, BCP, pg. 829)
The Good Stuff
A successful LIFT-off!

We sure were adding a lot of chairs under the tent at our LIFT-off celebration this past Sunday! Over 40 people filled the space during worship. During formation, we made God boxes -- sacred containers to hold our prayers.

Join us this Sunday at 9am for LIFT for our Pet Blessings! ALL are welcome.
How are you doing?

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

Peace,
Anne Alexis