THE CLOAK
St. Martin's Weekly E-Newsletter
November 21, 2019
To seek God, and be Christ’s body in the world
Preparing for Sunday
Christ the King

Reflection on Luke 23:33-43
"Even while Jesus hung on the cross in unspeakable pain and humiliation, he continued his work of ministering to outcasts of society and to the hated Roman soldiers. He forgave his murderers while they were in the act of taking his mortal life from him. “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” He comforted the criminal while they hung together on crosses at Golgotha. “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Jesus has infinite love for us, and that makes redemption possible always, no matter what we have done."

To Pray: Shepherd of Israel, hear our prayer as your Son heard the plea of the criminal crucified with him. Gather into Christ's holy reign the broken, the sorrowing, and the sinner, that all may know wholeness, joy, and forgiveness. Amen.
Calendar
This Week's Schedule

Friday, November 22
9:30am Makin' Music

Saturday, November 23
11:00am Moxon Funeral

Sunday, November 24
8:00am Holy Eucharist
9:00am Choir Rehearsal
9:30am Sunday School for all ages
10:00am Holy Eucharist

Monday, November 25
6:30pm Yoga Class

Wednesday, November 27
12:15pm Holy Eucharist
7:00pm AA St. Martin's Church
Vestry Report
Partnership News

Your Vestry continues to devote a portion of every monthly meeting to meet with CCI's Vestry to explore activities of mutual interest. We exchange information on Parish activities, Diocesan concerns and, of course, the status of our mutual search for a new rector. Read more from Sandy Reinhardt, our Rector's Warden, for details about the combined November Vestry meeting and the Search Committee.
Outreach
Highland Hamper & St. Barnabas Mission

In lieu of special Thanksgiving Bags this year, we will focus our holiday efforts on providing non-perishable items that are needed every day. Please remember to bring at least 2 items per person to church - one for Highland & one for St. Barnabas this Sunday, November 24th. Let's keep their shelves stocked!
Sunday School
Faith in God. Faith in Family.

The first Sunday of Advent is just two Sundays away. Therefore we are in the final stages of planning the Christmas Pageant. If your children have not already shared their preference for parts in the pageant, please contact Ms. Deb ( [email protected] or 740.272.6901). There is room for everyone in this new pageant, and those coming in from out of town are also encouraged to participate. Starting this Sunday we will also be fitting children with costumes.

Our Sunday School lesson this week will begin at 9:30 AM and continue to focus on the Old Testament stories that prepare us for the coming of Christ. The anticipation for the birth of our Savior begins to build, and we have wonderful plans for involving the children in anticipating Christmas Eve. Please join us and enjoy this final Sunday before Advent!
Yoga Class
Take a Stretch Break!

The next Yoga Class will be on Monday, November 25th, at 6:30 PM in the Gurley Room. Plan on a relaxing time with The Rev. Amanda Eiman leading the session for all levels - beginners to experienced. Come on the 25th to stretch and destress!
Bible Study
Upcoming Sessions

There is no adult Bible Study at either church on Wednesday, November 27. We wish everyone a festive Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing you on December 4 and 11. The final two Bible Studies in 2019 will be at St. Martin's from 7:15 to 8:15 PM. Advent is the time to prepare, and one way to do that is by spending time with the Synoptic Gospels. We invite you and friends to join us. Books and refreshments will be provided, and you are welcome to bring holiday cookies to the final Bible discussion on December 11 if you wish. Please contact Deb Parker if you have any questions.
Advent Wreath-Making
Special Fun for Everyone!

Advent Wreath-Making
Sunday, December 1st
11:00 a.m. in the Gurley Room
 
Join us for this special, hands-on event for families and individual parishioners of all ages. Refreshments and supplies will be provided. Donations will be gladly accepted.
St. Nicholas Celebration
Holy Eucharist with a Twist

St. Martin's Church will have a St. Nicholas themed Holy Eucharist Celebration on Sunday, December 8th, at the 10:00 AM service. In addition to special music, a new toy (unwrapped) collection, there will be a guest appearance by The Rev. Dennis Bingham. Let us all be reminded of the spirit of giving during this seasonal worship event!
Farewell Brunch
Wishing the Best!

You are cordially invited to a Farewell Brunch for Rev. Chris Bishop and his family on Sunday, December 15th, immediately following the 10:00 AM service in Bolingbroke.

Please RSVP to Maggie at [email protected] or call 610-688-4830.
Covenant News
Update for 2020

Until a new shared Rector is in place, Reverends David Laquintano and Karl Krueger will service both churches starting on Sunday, January 5, 2020. They will alternate weekly between the churches. Fr. David will join us on the 5th. Both priest are willing to be available for funerals. St. Martin’s Search Committee members are Brian Penny (Co-Chair), Steve Parker, Abby Thomas, and Sinéad Bortner. Committee meetings are already underway. Read more...
Holiday Open House
Seasonal Shopping

The Gift Shop at St. David's is having its annual Holiday Open House on Friday evening, Nov. 22nd from 5 to 8 p.m. All are invited to this fun and festive local community event offering fellowship, refreshments and 10% store-wide discount. The best part is that all shop proceeds go to outreach partners in Cuba, Guatemala and Uganda. The shop has a unique collection of popular brands and fair-trade items including nativities, Christmas decorations, advent calendars, home decor, jewelry, personal accessories, books, Christian gifts, baby gifts, specialty food items, and much more.
The Lectionary
Sunday's Readings can be found on the Worship page at St. Martin's website .

Jeremiah 23:1-6
Canticle 16
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43