THE CLOAK
St. Martin's Weekly E-Newsletter
August 29, 2019
To seek God, and be Christ’s body in the world
Greetings!
PREPARING FOR SUNDAY

For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Luke 14:11

Reflection:
"Jesus offers a parable, or perhaps more of an analogy, to explain why humility matters in the eyes of God. It is not for us to set ranks and privilege on the basis of gifts, and then to assume we will have those places at the wedding banquet of the Lamb...Jesus’ advice is good socially in this world...recognizing that right relationship between the Lord, our neighbors, and ourselves... understanding our place and the purpose of our gifts and directing them in service to God’s children...Both pride and false humility are self-deceptions...Only by casting aside our delusions can we see ourselves honestly, and understand the glory and wisdom of humility, as well as the love of God."
Ed Morrissey

To Pray:
God of majestic glory, in humility you have revealed yourself in the incarnation of your Son, Jesus Christ, who took the lowest place among us that we might be raised to the heights of divinity. Teach us to walk the path he prepared for us, so that we might take a place at the table with all who seek the joy of his kingdom. Amen.
Calendar
This Week's Schedule

Friday, August 30
10:00am Women's AA

Sunday, September 1
9:30am Holy Eucharist

Monday, September 2
LABOR DAY - office is closed

Tuesday, September 3
5:30pm Worship Planning Meeting

Wednesday, September 4
10:00am Staff Meeting
12:15pm Holy Eucharist
7:00pm AA St. Martin's Church
7:00pm Bible Study @ SMC
Pastoral News
A Big Move

Fr. Chris reports, "It is with a mixture of excitement and sadness that I write that my wife, the Rev. Amanda Eiman, has accepted the call to be Rector of St. Philip’s in-the-Highlands, in Garrison, NY, beginning in January 2020.... Being close to Manhattan and a large number of other churches offers me a wide variety of possibilities in parish ministry and mission- my abiding passions....Though you know I am transitioning from being your Rector in January, still, moving away from the familiar and beloved is never easy." [Read more]
VBS Sundays
Care of Creation Continues

Children and youth continue the "Care of Creation" VBS on September 8. We will wrap up with a sizzle. God is generous and we admire creation...including making colorful volcanoes again. The children and youth programs begin at 9:15 AM. Adults are welcome to join the younger members of our church family. Nursery care also begins at 9:15 AM.

Note: Labor Day Sunday is a holiday and there will not be a VBS or Sunday School program. Nursery care will NOT be available, though families are always welcome to use the small Sunday School room if an adult stays with the child.
CCI's Centennial
Celebration Planning

CCI’s Centennial planning with St. Martin’s continues with the next meeting being on Sunday, September 1st, at 11:30 AM in CCI’s library. The November 10th event will commemorate our ties to one another (CCI was a mission of St. Martin’s) and the future we are shaping as we search for one Rector for both churches. The event will include Bishop Rodney Michel celebrating the Holy Eucharist at 10:00 AM and brunch to follow in the Ithan Hall. CCI invites everyone to join in the recognition of this historical milestone.
Questions? Please see Walt Albert.
Outreach
Unity in Our Community Block Party

Last Saturday was a perfect day for the block party on Highland Avenue. Bright sunshine, low humidity and lots of people made for a very special day. There were lots of activities including the craft & children's activities booth sponsored by Christ Church, Ithan and St. Martin's, plus entertainment provided by members of the community. The Little Divas did a wonderful job with their dance routine. Special thanks to Gale Muir for helping at the craft table and water slide. Spending time together and learning about each other is what it's all about - very special.
Bible Study News
The Summer Schedule Subsides

Bible Study will resume at St. Martin's at 7 PM this upcoming Wednesday, September 4th. We will meet in the large Sunday School room at the end of the first-floor hall. St. Martin's will host the sessions during September. Books are provided, so all you need to do is to come and share from your rich experiences. Make this discussion of the three synoptic Gospels part of your fall planning. Contact Deb Parker if you have questions or suggestions.
Community Fellowship
Gryphon Cafe Gatherings

The Upper Room community conversations will resume on Wednesday, September 11th, at 6:00 PM upstairs at the Gryphon Café, 105 W. Lancaster Ave, Wayne. The bi-monthly schedule remains the same for meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. Join us for a special hour of spirited discussions on thought-provoking topics!
Two-Service Sundays
TAKE NOTE:

Service times will change on Sunday, September 15th. We will return to having two services -
8:00 Rite I (Quiet) and
10:00 AM Rite II (with Music)
Parish Life
Let's Get Together!

Join in the fun at
St. Martin’s Fall Picnic!
Sunday, September 15th
11:15 AM following the 10:00 AM service
Bolingbroke Mansion

A sign-up sheet is in the Gurley Room.
Growing in Faith
Sunday School

St. Martin’s Sunday School program year starts on Sunday, September 22nd at 9:30 AM. For 2019/2020, we will start an entirely new timeline consisting of readings from the Old Testament. Plans include singing, dancing, and the acting out of scripture passages. Older children will meet in the large Sunday School room while those under 3 years of age will be with Megan in the smaller room/nursery. We look forward to praying, learning and growing in faith! Contact Deb Parker if you have questions.
Diocesan Event
Women's Fellowship

The Diocese has planned a Ladies' Tea Party on Saturday, September 21, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at St. David’s Church (763 Valley Forge Rd, Wayne, PA). The cost is $10 and benefits the Diocese's female veterans moral injury project. Deb Parker plans to attend, so check with her if you'd like to join in on the fun! For more details or to purchase tickets, please go to— https://www.diopa.org/events/tea
The Lectionary
Sunday's Readings can be found on the Worship page at St. Martin's website .

Jeremiah 2:4-13
Psalm 81:1, 10-16
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
Luke 14:1, 7-14