The grass behind Hilary House is trampled and balding. The driveway is covered with a rainbow of sidewalk chalk artistry. Late summer at St. Martin’s is booming with the voices of excited children and a small army of adult and youth volunteers engaged in Vacation Bible School.

When I got to St. Martin’s 5 years ago, the common wisdom said that Vacation Bible School was impossible here, because, “Everybody goes away in the summer!”

With 72 children in Vacation Bible School and 56 in Choir Camp, to paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of a summertime

exodus have been greatly exaggerated.

When we change our perspective from scarcity to abundance it is amazing what is possible.

Results from the Church Assessment Tool (CAT) clearly indicate that St. Martin’s is a place of abundance. According to the survey we conducted in the spring, our congregation shows “High Energy and High Satisfaction.” We are a mature and cohesive

community that has clarity about mission and core values. Congregations like ours are called, “transformational.”

“Transformational” means that we have the capacity to change lives for the better.

Indeed, nothing makes me happier than a member or neighbor telling me how the caring ministry of St. Martin’s has helped them return to wellbeing and contentment, or when the formation ministry of St. Martin’s helps someone enter a relationship with God, or when liturgy and music lifts someone into the glory of God’s generous presence, or when our welcome and hospitality helps a newcomer feel a sense of belonging.

The life-giving question for St. Martin’s is, “How will we best serve God and neighbor from our abundant gifts?”

We will be discerning God’s direction for us at our Sunday Socials (page 4) this fall by listening to the voices of our members. In the meantime, our work at Jenks School, our work with Teen UpRise, Jubilee School, SUPPER, and Wellspring continue to stretch our abundance out in service to our neighbors. Our new Climate Action Team stretches

Fall, 2015RectoR’s Reflection

us to serve “this fragile earth our island home” and Biblical Studies is busy planting new groups at neighboring churches and around the Diocese.

In Rabbinic tradition, God created the universe by overflowing and sharing the Divine goodness and love as the essential substance of all that is. We are blessed to follow God as we learn to overflow!

- The Rev. Jarrett Kerbel

save these Dates!Sunday Socials - Happening Now!

Sundays through October 18 (p 4)

September 13: Homecoming Sunday 8:00 a.m. worship, 10:00 a.m. worship,

11:00 a.m. brunch (p 3)

September 20: Opportunity Fair worship at 8, 9, 11:15 a.m.

Opportunity Fair 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (p 3)

September 27: worship.together and Formation return worship at 8, 9, 10:15 and 11:15 a.m.

Church School, Youth Forum & Parish Forum at 10:00 a.m. (Forum - p 12-13)

October 4: Evensong 5:00 p.m. Celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Ascension (p 6)

October 14: Becoming Beloved Community Sacred Conversations about Race (p 7)

October 18: Owls, Ogres, and an Organist Halloween concert for all ages at 4 p.m. (p 6)

October 24: A Parish Home Companion Annual Celebrate! Event starts at 6:30 p.m. (p 4)

November 15: St. Martin’s Day Four Services and Brunch sponsored by the

Youth Forum (p 6)

St. Martin’S newS

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If you were visiting St. Martin’s Church for the first time, how would you want to be treated and made to feel welcome?

We aRe the Welcome...Greeters and Ushers got together in August for two Sandwich Sundays for a discussion on the art of welcoming led by The Revs. Jarrett Kerbel and Anne Thatcher.

Each group was asked to think about a time when, “you felt unwelcomed, uncomfortable, and out-of-place in a new setting.” And then, “how do you wish you had been greeted in that situation?”

A myriad of suggestions surfaced from the conversation on how visitors and newcomers want to be greeted and here are some highlights on how we practice “We are the Welcome” at St. Martin’s.

Please be a part of our unconditional welcome at St. Martin’s.

If I am a Newcomer...* Notice that I am standing alone with no one to talk to. Notice me and pay attention to me.

* Say “hello” to me with eye contact and a smile. “Hi, I don’t think we’ve met, I’m...”

* Ask me questions and be interested in me.

* Open those closed circles of conversation with people you already know and invite me in.

* Introduce me to others.

* Ask me if I would like a tour of the church, or if I need help to navigate the campus (such as the church schoolrooms or the rest rooms.)

* Ask me if we need assistance, if appropriate.

Ps: Don’t foRget to WeaR youR

nametags!

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leaRn moRe; get involveD!Opportunity Fair Coming September 20, 10 - 11 a.m.!The opportunity fair is fast approaching! On Sunday, September 20, from 10 to 11 a.m., come to the Parish Hall to learn about our various ministry opportunities for the year, from Acolyting, to Bread Baking, to Biblical Studies to various Outreach ministries and more!

Also, from 10 - 11 a.m., Matt Paul Sports will provide games for the kids so that parents can be free to explore the fair. Older kids can certainly come through and find their ministry opportunity as well!

ATTENTION MINISTRY LEADERSContact Angelique Gravely at agravely@stmartinec.org or 215.247.7466 x109 to reserve table space by Monday, September 14. Then, start planning creative ways to show off and recruit for your ministry or cause!

homecoming sunDay & BRunch September 13

Homecoming Sunday will be on September 13 with services at 8 and 10 a.m. and brunch following at 11:00 a.m. To bring a dish for the Homecoming brunch, please sign up using the link in e-Field Notes or on the sheet in the Parish House lobby.

Please Remember your Name Tags!Name tags are available in the large binders in the rear of the church or on the card table by the Willow Grove door. Grab your name tag on your way in to church, or at the end of the service before heading to hospitality. There are also sign up sheets for more name tags if you are out, or for a first set if you are new!

People move into the area over the summer, and with only two services we mix up who is in attendance at each. Everyone needs as warm a welcome as they’d receive during the more active times of year. Please remember to wear your name tags on Sunday mornings as a courtesy to newcomers, visitors, and members who have not yet gotten to know you.

This monthly book discussion group resumes Monday, September 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Houston Room. We begin promptly at 7:30 p.m., and end by 9:00 p.m. All are welcome at our open discussions.

This year’s books include:

Monday, September 14, 2015In the Garden of Beasts; Love and Terror and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin by Erik LarsonMonday, October 12, 2015An Officer and A Spy; a novel by Robert HarrisMonday, November 9, 2015And the Mountains Echoed by Khalid Hosseini

You can find a full reading schedule for the group on our website under the Spiritual Growth tab at StMartinEC.org/spiritual_growth/booksandbanter.

Books and Banter

Learn More and Stay Informed!Sign up for the weekly e-Field Notes newsletter at

StMartinEC.org

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SUPPER continues to serve the community with meals at 6:00 p.m on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month! Join us for a home-cooked meal and fellowship for the whole community.Interested in helping to cook? Contact Debra Roberts at debradroberts@comcast.net.

Join us for SUPPER

Sunday Socials are informal small group gatherings hosted in the homes of our members. Our gatherings include time to:

• socialize and share hospitality,• meet new people and connect with old friends,• share and discuss what is next in the ministry and mission of our

congregation.

At the socials, we will be sharing the results of the Church Assessment Tool survey and our “Nominate Your Causes” Outreach priority-setting process. How will we build on our success and share from our blessings? Who are we called to serve and how? These are just a few of the questions we will discuss! We want to hear from you! Your voice is crucial to planning our future together.

Socials are available most Sundays through October 18. See the full list and sign up for socials online at StMartinEC.org or the parish house foyer. Your host will be in touch with you!

save the Date!Annual Celebrate! Event

st. maRtin’s sunDay socialsHow will we build the future together?

Saturday, October 246:30 p.m.: Welcome – Appetizers & drinks7:15 p.m.: Parish Home Companion – Act I7:45 p.m.: Intermission – Coffee & Desserts8:15 p.m.: Parish Home Companion – Act II

More details to be announced. Watch your mail for an invitation.

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Your Nominated CausesThis spring, the Outreach Committee asked you what priorities you suggest for our Outreach granting, volunteering, and advocacy so that we can align them according to the priorities of the congregation. We plan to do this every three years to stay current with the congregation.

After several weeks of collecting nominations on sticky notes - which were displayed on our bulletin board in the Parish House lobby

- the votes were tallied and the top three results came out to be Education (99 votes of 429), Hunger (51 votes of 429), and the Environment (38 votes of 429). The next three concerns were Mental Health (23), Women and Children (23), and Mass Incarceration (18). Join us at our Sunday Socials (page 4) to talk more about these results and let us know how you think we should address these causes to make the most effective change in these areas.

outReach

Boggle DuelTeen UpRise officially challenges St. Martin’s to a Boggle Duel! When: After SUPPER on September 23rd.Why: For fun, of course!

One of our Primary Partners (StMartinEC.org/community_engagement/primarypartners), Teen UpRise’s youth are challenging St. Martin’s members to join them for a Boggle challenge. Interested in defending St. Martin’s honor? Declare your intentions to Amy Concilio via Amy@TeenUpRise.org.

Free ConcertWednesday, September 9 At 7:00 p.m., right after SUPPER (page 4), the SKYLARK Ensemble presents a fun concert of vocal music in the church. FREE! No RSVP required.

The SKYLARK Ensemble specializes in music for small groups, presenting a variety of vocal solos, duets, and ensemble pieces.

POWER’s School Funding CampaignPhiladelphians Organized to Witness, Empower & Rebuild (POWER) worked with education advocacy groups across the state to make funding for public education the most important issue in the governor’s race. POWER helped the Governor’s budget team and the Funding Commission develop a funding formula that not only fairly distributes funds among all school districts across the state, but also eliminates the racial disparities that previously existed in the funding process.Governor Wolf and the Republican-dominated legislature are now deadlocked in budget negotiations. The Governor has proposed a $410 million increase in basic education funding, while the legislature has proposed $100 million. POWER accepts the Campaign for Fair Education’s findings that $3.6 billion in additional funding for basic education is needed before all school children have access to quality public education across the state. However, as a positive first step in this process, we support the Governor’s proposal of an additional $410 million for this fiscal year. We call for future increases to be allocated first and foremost to districts such as Philadelphia that suffered the most drastic funding cuts under the Corbett administration.Providing for the children of this state is not primarily a financial or a political issue. Rather it is a human and moral issue. Thus we urge all citizens to contact their legislators to urge them to resolve the current budget impasse, support the Governor’s proposed $410 million increase, and work diligently and faithfully to provide an excellent education for every child of this state, regardless of race, location, or economic level.

- From POWER’s Education Strategy Team - More information at POWERphiladelphia.org

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Choir SchedulingThe Chancel Choir will continue to rehearse on Thursday nights from 7:30-9:15 p.m.. The first rehearsal will be September 10.

Parish Choir rehearsals are on certain Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., right after SUPPER. These rehearsals will be roughly once a month. Please contact Erik for details on the Parish Choir rehearsal schedule.

There are two Treble (kids 2-8 grade) Choir rehearsals:• Any skill level can attend rehearsal every Wednesday

from 4:00-5:30 p.m. (includes snack). The first rehearsal will be September 9.

• Advanced Singers only can attend an alternate rehearsal. Open to advanced singers only, this short, intensive rehearsal is intended to prepare these singers for a month’s worth of music. It is intended, ideally, for those who cannot attend the regular Wednesday afternoon rehearsal. Contact Erik for details at 215.247.7466 x105.

Evensong Choir – on the first Sunday of the month, the Chancel Choir sings Evensong at 5:00 p.m. If you’d enjoy singing these popular services, but don’t feel you’re able to commit to rehearsing every week with the Chancel Choir, you might consider singing for Evensongs only. You’d need to attend the two Thursday rehearsals preceding an Evensong (the first rehearsal would be short - only about 45 minutes, the second would be a full-length rehearsal). There is a lot of music in every Evensong, so choir experience is necessary. Contact Erik for details at 215.247.7466 x104.

To learn more about our choirs, visit StMartinEC.org/music_liturgy/music/choirs/

Music EventsWednesday, September 9 – At 7:00 p.m., right after SUPPER, the SKYLARK Ensemble (page 5) presents a fun concert of vocal music. FREE! October 4 – 5:00 p.m. Evensong. In collaboration with a number of local Anglophile societies, our first Evensong of the year will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension with well-loved English coronation music. She will become the longest-reigning British monarch in history in September.October 18 – 4:00 p.m. – Owls, Ogres, and an Organist: the return of the family Halloween Organ ConcertNovember 1 – 5:00 p.m. Evensong for All Saints’ & All Souls’ DaySaturday, November 7 – The Philadelphia Chapter of

music & lituRgy

Be sure to ‘like’ Music at St. Martin’s Facebook page at facebook.com/StMartinsMusic!

New HymnalIntroducing our new hymnal, Lift Every Voice and Sing (LEVAS) which will supplement our current 1982 hymnal in the pews.Why another hymnal? The Episcopal hymn tradition is much broader than one hymnal can capture. It takes a new hymnal committee years to agree on which hymns to include and exclude (otherwise it would be one hymnal in 10 volumes!)LEVAS celebrates the African American hymn tradition. The Episcopal Church in Philadelphia was the first in the nation to ordain both blacks and women. Absalom Jones was ordained as the first black Episcopal priest in 1802 by Bishop William White. Born into slavery in Delaware, he was freed by his owner and purchased his wife’s freedom. The Rev. Jones went on to form the Free African Society in 1787. He established the Free African Church with Richard Allen which went on to align itself with the Episcopal Church, becoming the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, one of the first black churches in the nation and the first black Episcopal church.

the American Guild of Organists presents a workshop with James Litton on English Choral Music. This is not a public event, but if you wish to attend, speak with music director Erik Meyer (215.247.7466 x104) and he will get you in.November 22 – Solemn High Mass at the 11:15 a.m. service to celebrate the Reign of Christ.December 6 – 5:00 p.m. Advent Procession – a favorite annual tradition at St. Martin’s. December 20 – 10:00 a.m. Carol Sing – bring your instrument or your voice and come make merry with us as we sing our favorite carols.December 24 – Early seating is advised for Christmas Eve services! The good news is, the choirs will sing music of the season 20 minutes before both the 5:00 and 10:00 p.m. services.January 3 – 5:00 p.m. Lessons & Carols – we round off the Christmas season by singing one of the most beloved services in the world.

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Becoming BeloveD community: sacReD conveRsations aBout Race

Spiritual growth is inseparable from growth in love towards our neighbors. “Love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself.” Loving God and loving neighbors go together. At St. Martin’s, we aspire to learn how to share that love across boundaries of pain, grievance, and anger caused by historical and present racism. We have this hope so that we can be more united as a community, more welcoming of newcomers from diverse backgrounds and better equipped to partner with our wider community in social engagement activities. The vision of a Beloved Community guides us. In the presence of God, around the banquet table of Jesus all will be welcomed and all will be made whole. We are called to give a foretaste of that reality in our parish.Becoming Beloved Community: Sacred Conversations about Race is a 5-session class created by members of our congregation to train us in the awareness and skills that help us identify racism and get free of it. We are encouraging all who are leaders in the congregation to take this class. Building a racism-free community means nurturing a community of leaders with a high awareness of the issues and the skills to respond. Wednesdays, October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Questions? Please contact...

Jarrett Kerbel, Rector at jkerbel@stmartinec.org, 215.247.7466 x101Barb Ballenger at bballenger@stmartinec.org, 215.247.7466 x102Nikki Wood at nokowd@verizon.net, 215.247.2263Chris McGinley at cwmcginley@gmail.com, 215.301.7159

“For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing

wall, that is, the hostility between us...that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. In Jesus the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.”

~ Ephesians 2

“But the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit

and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. It is this type of

understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the

exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the

hearts of men.”

~ Martin Luther King, Jr. (from “Facing the Challenge of a New Age,” 1956)

“Blessed are the Peacemakers.” – Jesus

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chilDRen, youth & familyFormation and Fellowship

Parents’ Play Date Saturday, October 10 from 5-7 p.m.At the fall Parents’ Play Date, come enjoy dinner with other parents while kids play supervised in a nearby room. $10 per person will cover the meal and babysitting. RSVP to Natalee Hill at nhill@stmartinec.org.

LEARN MORE For more information about anything here, please contact The Rev. Anne Thatcher, Associate for Formation, at

athatcher@stmartinec.org or 215.247.7466 x105.

Anne calls herself a native Westerner, having spent her childhood years in Oregon and Colorado. She was sponsored for ordination by the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane and St. Paul’s Church (Walla Walla, WA). She hold a B.A. in Anthropology from Whitman College. Anne began her career in camp ministry, working at 11 different Christian camps and completing a graduate certificate in Leadership and Camp Ministry through Wheaton College. Experienced in program planning, ropes course facilitation and wilderness trip leading, Anne worked with people of all different ages and backgrounds. She went on to recruit both nationally and internationally for Whitman College after completing a M. Ed. in Student Affairs Administration. A recent graduate of the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, Anne holds a Master of Divinity degree and a diploma in Anglican studies. Her passion for ministry and travel led her to visit an Anglican seminary in Ghana, study for a semester at Cambridge University and build relationships through pilgrimages to the Anglican Dioceses of El Salvador and Panama. When she’s not in the office, Anne loves road cycling, hiking with her labradoodle Leo, reading, singing, international travel and practicing yoga. With humility and gratitude, she is honored to accept the call at St. Martin-in-the-Fields and is looking forward to getting to know the St. Martin’s community.

Pray n’ Play returns in SeptemberJoin us on the 1st Tuesday and 3rd Thursday of the month from 9-11 a.m. in the Playground or Houston room for kids’ play time and conversation. All ages are welcome.

Welcome to Rev. Anne Thatcher Associate for Formation

Register for Church School!Church School begins Sunday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m.! Check the homepage of the website StMartinEC.org for the link to register your children and youth for Church School (K-5), Forum (6-8 and 9-12), Treble Choir (2-8), and childcare (pre-K).

Owls, Ogres, and an Organist Sunday, October 18 4:00 p.m.Join us for the return of the family Halloween Organ Concert with a costume parade, themed this year to coordinate with Chestnut Hill’s annual Harry Potter weekend. FREE fun for all ages!

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st. maRtin’s BiBlical stuDiesReading and Discussing Scripture in Small, Lay-Led Groups

This fall, St. Martin’s continues its long history of biblical studies by offering several opportunities to meet weekly with a group to read together the scriptures. New participants are welcome at any time. All reading and discussion is contained within the sessions, and by design there is no homework.Bringing the Word to life through thoughtful conversation provides unlimited possibilities for discovery.

The Prophets and the Wisdom Literature Begins September 29thTuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the Houston RoomThis ongoing group has been experimenting with rotating leaders. Faithful seekers participate to read together and discuss ideas that arise and will be alternating with the Prophets and the Wisdom Literature. Facilitators: Carol Duncan (carol.duncan8031@gmail.com) and Cathy Glazer (cathyglazer@verizon.net)

The Book of Isaiah Begins October 1stThursdays from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. in the Houston Room After reading Genesis, Exodus, and Daniel last year, our interest in the Old Testament and how it informs the New Testament continues. We will venture into the Book of Isaiah and use the essays in the back of the New Oxford Annotated Bible to give us a context. Facilitator: Greg Williams (wacmbook@aol.com)

Following the Synoptics: the Gospel of John Begins October 1stThursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon in Hilary HouseThis group continues its parallel study of the Synoptic Gospels with the post resurrection passages as an introduction to the Gospel of John using the books Records of the Life of Jesus by H.B. Sharmon and Approaching the Gospels Together by Mary Morrison. Helen White leads the group with time-honored questions that open up the liveliness and meaning of the story. Facilitator: Helen White (hlwhite@comcast.net)

The Birth Narratives from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke Runs November 16th to December 7thFour Mondays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Parish House conference room/finance officeThe story of Jesus’ birth is only told in two of the Gospels: Matthew and Luke. This new group will read together and discover the similarities and the differences between the two Gospels. Facilitator: TBD

The Tuesday 10:30 a.m. class

The Thursday 7:30 a.m. class

The Thursday 10:30 a.m. class

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Wellspring is a program of spiritual outreach and a place of quiet, ordered simplicity where people can find spiritual nurture. Located on the first floor of Hilary House, adjacent to the church, Wellspring is available for small group gatherings and retreats, as well as ongoing programming.

Sign up for the Wellspring email list from our homepage or at StMartinEC.org/welcome/join_our_email_lists/

Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/WellspringatStMartins

Barb Ballenger, Associate for Spiritual Formation & Care bballenger@stmartinec.org or 215.247.7466 x102

Fall ProgramsAwaken the Healer WithinA day-long retreat for those living with cancer or chronic illnessSaturday, September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Location: Hilary House Facilitators: Deborah Cooper and Michelle StortzFree. (Donations welcome)Mindfulness meditation teacher, Deborah Cooper and yoga therapist, Michelle Stortz will facilitate a retreat for people living with cancer or chronic illness. It is being offered in conjunction with St. Martin’s Wellspring Ministry. With the intention of establishing deep restoration of mind and body, this day-long retreat will include yoga and meditation. We will explore ways in which our physical and emotional health are affected by our thoughts and learn ways to reduce stress and promote healing.Please bring a bagged lunch. Beverages are provided.For more information or to register, call 215.242.1366 or email m@michellestortz.com.

All Shall be Well: Day of Spiritual Wellness for Caregivers Saturday, October 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Location: Parish House and Hilary HouseSuggested Donation: $35Caregiving, from caring for a loved one to providing care professionally, can take a toll on a caregiver’s physical and spiritual wellbeing. This special day invites caregivers of all kinds to experience prayer and pampering while exploring techniques for wellness and self-care. Sessions include self-calming techniques, prayer practices, gentle yoga and more. Includes lunch.

Women Connecting: Fall GatheringSaturday, October 10 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.Location: Parish Hall Facilitator: Joanne Conway FreeWomen Connecting is a seasonal gathering of women. Through the gifts of silent reflection and deep listening, we share and receive each other in the stories that we tell. As we listen and experience being heard, we come to a deeper knowledge of both ourselves and the community to which we belong. There is no need to register to attend this gathering.

WellsPRing at st. maRtin’s

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Praying with Icons of the SaintsTuesday, October 27 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.Location: ChurchFacilitator: Peter PearsonSuggested Donation: $10As a special way to prepare for All Saints’ Day, Icon Painter Peter Pearson will introduce ways to use icons in prayer, incorporating St. Martin’s own collection of icons in an educational evening of reflection, prayer and song.

New Voices in Christian Spirituality: Advent in Narnia Saturday, November 7 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.Location: Parish HallPresenter: The Rev. Heidi HaverkampSuggested Donation: $10 per familyParents and children are invited to reflect on the approach of the Advent season and the coming of winter through the lens of CS Lewis’ popular children’s book The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Rev. Heidi Haverkamp, author of the book Advent in Narnia, will lead a Narnia-themed morning for families that will include time for prayer, a craft, and special snacks. Rev. Haverkamp is vicar of The Episcopal Church of St. Benedict in Bolingbrook, IL.

OngoingMorning MeditationWeekdays at 8:15 a.m.Location: The Mary ChapelLed by: The Rev. Jarrett KerbelTwenty-five minutes of meditation and prayer are hosted daily in the chapel beginning at 8:15 am. Come as often as you wish. The Mary Chapel is open 24 hours, 7-days-a-week, as a place of prayer, meditation and reflection.

Spirituality of AgingWednesday, October 7 at 3:00 p.m.Location: Hilary House, Smith RoomAll are invited to join us to learn where God may be and how God is acting as we move in the second half of life.

Introduction to Mindfulness MeditationSundays, September 13 to October 25 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Location: Houston RoomPresenter: Deborah CooperFee: $190 for the seriesDeborah Cooper, a licensed professional counselor, offers a variety of sessions on mindfulness meditation. For information on this and other mindfulness offerings, contact her at deborahcooper125@gmail.com or 215.248.0489.

Visit us anytime for a quiet space to pray, meditate, and reflect.

The Mary Chapel, accessible from the St. Martin’s Lane side of the church building, is open 24 hours / 7 days for your use.

No reservations are required, though please be aware of Morning Mediation on weekdays from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. and church on Sunday mornings from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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PaRish foRum

Nov. 8 Shrapnel in the Heart:

Letters and Remembrances from the Vietnam Veterans

MemorialPresenter:

Laura Palmer

In anticipation of Veterans’ Day, parishioner Laura Palmer will discuss her 1987 book, Shrapnel in the Heart, Letters and Remembrances from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with an eye toward bringing dignity to veterans’ memory, healing from ongoing loss and bringing the love of Christ to this issue.

Nov. 15St. Martin’s Day

Full four worship services celebrating the Feast Day of our Patron Saint, Martin of Tours, and Stewardship pledge ingathering.

Youth Forum hosts brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with seatings following every service except 8 a.m. Contribute fruit or a breakfast side dish to complement the pancakes and sausage!

No Parish Forum nor Church School this day.

Nov. 22 Conversations Series*: A Parish Conversation

about FormationPresenter:

Rev. Jarrett Kerbel

What do we need to know to be faithful followers of Jesus? How do we fulfill our baptismal promise to pass on that knowledge to the next generations? In this conversation we will seek clarity about what we want to pass on to our children and youth and how best to do that. What serves to build up faith? What is the best story that we have to share and how do we share it?

Oct. 11South Dakota Pilgrims

ReturnPresenters:

Youth Pilgrimage Participants

Please join us as we hear from the youths who traveled to South Dakota and immersed themselves in Lakota culture as part of their pilgrimage this summer. They will talk about the impact the trip had on them individually and as a group – and the lessons they carry with them.

Oct. 4Conversations Series*:

A Parish Conversation about Conversations

Presenter: Rev. Jarrett Kerbel

A community constitutes itself over and over again through conversations. In our conversations we speak and listen, we discern where God is calling us as individuals and as a community. What types of conversations are we called to have at St. Martin’s? Do we have distinct way to listen, reflect and share that comes out of our rich spiritual inheritance?

Sept. 27Laudato Si and the Religious

Response to Climate Change

Presenters: Jess Ballenger and Greg Williams

In the wake of his encyclical on care for creation, Pope Francis’s visit to Philadelphia will bring renewed attention to climate change as a moral issue. Jess Ballenger and Greg Williams of St. Martin’s Climate Action Team will discuss the importance of Pope Francis’s leadership in the broader interfaith response to climate change and will explore the challenge the encyclical poses in general, and to St. Martin’s in particular.

10:00 a.m. sunDays

PaRish hall

*The “conversations series”, led by the Rector is meant to be a parish consultation that leads the congregation deeper into our aspirational and core values.

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Dec. 20 Carol Sing

Bring your favorite instrument and some cookies to share. Erik Meyer will lead parishioners of all ages in songs of the season.

Dec. 27 Sunday after Christmas

Worship services at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.No Forum, No Church School, No worship.together Blessed Christmas!

Jan. 3, 2016 Epiphany Party

Worship services at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., Party to follow 10 a.m.

Everyone is invited to celebrate the feast of the Three Kings, with festive food and activities.

PaRish foRum 10:00 a.m. sunDays

PaRish hall

Nov. 29Advent Wreath Making

Parishioners of all ages are invited to make an Advent wreath to invite the coming of Emmanuel.

Dec. 6Living from the Center

Presenter: The Rev. Sharline Fulton

God often chooses silence as the place to meet us. The Rev. Sharline Fulton will help us open ourselves to the sacred silence of Advent during this hectic holiday season.

Dec. 13 Jesus’ Family Tree

Presenters: Forum Committee Members

The Jesse tree is a daily Advent devotion that uses symbols and stories to recount our Salvation history from the birth of creation to the birth of Jesus. At the season’s midway point, we’ll explore the story so far and prepare for the coming of Christ.

Nov. 1Saints Alive!

Presenters: Forum Committee Members

In celebration of All Saints’ Day, this interactive Forum will explore the place of saints in the Anglican tradition and will test your knowledge of this calendar of characters.

Oct. 25Faithful Citizenship and

Baptismal CovenantPresenter:

Barbara Ballenger, Associate for Spiritual Formation and Care

With elections just a week away, what does it mean to look at our choices about our elected officials and our public policy through the lens of faith? The Episcopal Church turns to the Baptismal Covenant to ground thinking on such issues. Rather than a conversation on whom to vote for, this Forum will explore the questions the Baptismal Covenant invites us to ask at election time and beyond.

Oct. 18Conversations Series*: A Parish Conversation

about Anti-RacismPresenter:

Rev. Jarrett Kerbel

How do we have a sacred conversation about racism? At St. Martin’s we are focused on the vision of the Beloved Community, the state of healed and reconciled relationships that is realized in God’s presence. How are we called to be a community that dismantles racism and strives for a new ways to relate that are free of prejudice and structural racism?

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stePhen ministRyStephen Ministry is St. Martin’s one-on-one ministry of pastoral listening and care for people going through difficult times. Stephen Ministers are parish and community volunteers trained to offer compassionate and prayerful support to people who are experiencing challenges such as job loss, grief, divorce, illness, caregiving or other life transitions.

A Stephen Minister and his or her care receiver typically meet once a week for about an hour. Men are matched with male Stephen Ministers and women with women. A Stephen Ministry relationship might last a few months or more than a year, depending on the care receiver’s needs.

Do you or someone you know need care?Even with the support of family and friends, enduring difficulties and losses can feel like a pretty lonely walk. Stephen Ministers provide regular, dependable care that is faith-based and confidential. To learn more about how a Stephen Minister might offer compassionate support for you or someone you care about, please contact Barb Ballenger, Associate for Spiritual Formation and Care, at 215.247.7466 x102 or email bballenger@StMartinEc.org. She’ll arrange a meeting to explain Stephen Ministry and discuss our intake process.

Are you called to be a Stephen Minister?A Stephen Minister has a calming presence and is comfortable with a process of care that involves listening, prayer and supportive feedback as her or his care receiver walks through difficulty or crisis. Stephen Ministry is not professional therapy, pastoral counseling, or spiritual direction.

A 50-hour training course is required of all Stephen Ministers before they can begin offering care. The next Stephen Ministry training will be held at St. Martin’s beginning in January of 2016. The training involves weekly sessions of about two-and-a-half hours and will extend through part of the summer.

Once they are trained, Stephen Ministers sign on for a two-year commitment, though they are free to continue longer with the ministry. The basic time requirement includes meeting once a week for about an hour with a care receiver, as well as meeting twice a month for lengthier peer supervision and continuing education sessions. For more information about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Leni Windle at 610.453.8352 or email lenigw@gmail.com.

Who are St. Martin’s Stephen Ministers?St. Martin’s has 18 active Stephen Ministers. Names and photos of the current team can be found on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall. The program is facilitated by four Stephen Leaders, who oversee recruitment, intake, training, supervision and continuing education.

They are:

Cary Nicholas, carynich@comcast.netKaren West, kwest@agnesirwin.org Leni Windle, lenigw@gmail.com Barb Ballenger, bballenger@stmartinec.org

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Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do by Claude M. SteeleWhen my wife worked at the University of Chicago she and other administrators noticed that African American students were much more likely to wear clothing bearing the U of C logo than other students on campus. At first the white administrators assumed minority students just had more school spirit. When asked, however, the African American students explained that they wore the school colors and logo in self-defense against the campus police and Chicago City police. It was their way to signal that they belonged on campus so they would not be stopped, confronted and harassed.

Whistling Vivaldi is a revealing book especially for white readers. It opens our eyes to the many ways racial stereotyping has a persistent, destructive effect on the lives of our African American neighbors. Using original social science research, the author uncovers the subtle effects of stigma on academic performance and work advancement. Even

better, once the book opens our eyes, it also offers practical ways to improve the situation. I strongly recommend this book in support of our aspirational goal to be a racism-free community. - The Rev. Jarrett Kerbel, Rector

one Book, one st. maRtin’s

Love what we do?Support our mission and ministry by donating online

at StMartinEC.org/giving/online

Questions about your giving?

Contact Natalee Hill, Associate for Communications & Administration at nhill@stmartinec.org

or Betsy Wolford, Parish Accountant at bwolford@stmartinec.org.

The men of St. Martin’s gather for breakfast and conversation every month from September through May. We begin at 7 a.m. for cooking and then the larger group gathers at 8 a.m. for breakfast and conversation. While bacon is crucial to the life of the group, so is fruit salad and prayer. All are welcome! Save these Saturday Mornings: October 17, November 21

St. Martin’s Men for Others

Women ConnectingWomen Connecting is a gathering for women that occurs once during each church season. We come together around a selected theme and using readings, silent reflection, music and small group sessions, share our stories and listen fully to one another. As we listen and experience being heard, we come to a deeper understanding of both ourselves, our relationship with God, and the community to which we belong.This program offers a place to explore and be heard in a safe and confidential space. Women of all ages and from all places are welcome. The intergenerational and open nature of the group allows us to be supportive to each other in many ways.No registration is needed for this program, and childcare is available. If you plan to attend and need childcare, please let us know beforehand by contacting Joanne Conway at joanneconway86@gmail.com.Gatherings are held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. beginning in the Parish Hall.Dates for 2015-16 are: Oct. 10, Dec. 5, Jan. 23, March 19, May 14, June 25

8000 St. Martin’s LanePhiladelphia, PA 19118

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Learn more or donate online StMartinEC.org

@StMartinPhilly

215.247.7466

The Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields is an Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Pennsylvania