THE CLOAK
St. Martin's Weekly E-Newsletter
October 17, 2019
To seek God, and be Christ’s body in the world
Preparing for Sunday
The Parable of the Persistent Widow

And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? - Luke 18:7-8

Reflections:
"...Jesus teaches clearly that we are to continue to pray until we receive the answer. That continued prayer is not a sign of little faith, but of persistent faith."

"Jesus promises us that perseverance will not go unrewarded. The point of this parable is to tell us to take heart in our struggle. If a corrupt and cruel judge would give a widow her due just to shut her up, would not the God who loves us hear our cries and send us His grace?...Perseverance and solidarity. That won the battle for Moses and the Israelites, and it’s a winning formula to this very day in our own spiritual battle to form ourselves to the Lord."

A Prayer:
Lord, I know what it's like to come to a place of discouragement so deep that it's hard to pray any longer, hard to hold out hope. Some of my brothers and sisters are there right now and you are speaking to their hearts. Lift them, today, I pray. Turn their eyes to you afresh. Strengthen their faith, freshen their hope, enliven their prayers -- until you come. Come soon, Lord Jesus! Amen.
Calendar
This Week's Schedule

Thursday, October 17
7:00pm Joint Vestry Meeting in Bolingbroke

Friday, October 18
9:30am Makin' Music

Sunday, October 20
Season of Sacred Portion 1
8:00am Holy Eucharist
9:00am Choir Rehearsal
9:30am Sunday School for all ages
10:00am Holy Eucharist
4:30pm Cuban Bishop's Visit @ St. David's

Tuesday, October 22
9:30am Makin' Music
6:30pm Yoga Class

Wednesday, October 23
9:30am Makin' Music
12:15pm Holy Eucharist
6:00pm Upper Room @ Radnor Library
7:00pm AA St. Martin's Church
7:00pm Rescheduled Fr. Brown Mystery & Discussion @ CCI
The Season of Sacred Portion
Time for Pledging

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” - Luke 6:38

Our Season of Sacred Portion will begin this Sunday, October 20th. It will continue on Sunday 10/27, 11/3, and 11/17. Fr. Chris is returning and special plans are being made for our services. You will hear from your fellow parishioners including reflections on our current exciting developments, resources and the best ways to share in the unfolding future of your church! Please plan to be a part of this wonderful season and join us in realizing the abundance we have received and how through us it can help transform the world.
Sunday School
Telling Our Story

On Sunday we continue our year-long sharing stories from the Hebrew Scriptures. Children will be picking out their favorite Old Testament stories, to remind us of the stories Jesus would have learned as a Jewish boy. Lego creations will help us interpret and share these passages from the Bible.

At the end of this school year, we will put together a timeline of the Old Testament the way we have of the New Testament. Please take a few minutes to walk (carefully) up the stairs to the worship space while looking at the Lego stories timeline. It begins with Jesus' birth and takes us up through the Resurrection and the first stories in the Acts of the Apostles.

Children and youth from ages 3 through 6th-grade are invited to join Ms. Deb and Elizabeth at 9:30 AM in the Large Sunday School Room. Children newborn through age 2 are welcome in the Small Sunday School Room with Megan, also starting at 9:30 AM Please contact Ms. Deb (740.272.6901) if you have questions, special instructions, or would like to participate in any of our Sunday School programs.
Global Mission
Photo: Lynette Wilson/Episcopal News Service
Cuban Bishop's Visit

Bishop Griselda Delgado del Carpio of Cuba is coming to visit St. David’s Church this Sunday, October 20th, at 4:30 PM. St. David’s has recently begun a partnership ministry with the Diocese of Cuba to help with the installation of water purification systems in Cuba’s 46 Episcopal Churches. All are welcome to join St. David’s in welcoming Bishop Gutierrez for her discussion and Q & A session about the ministry and vision in Cuba. A reception will follow in St. David’s Hall.
Families in Worship
Something Special from Sunday

Thanks to all the children and youth for their various roles last Sunday when we worshiped together as the St. Martin's family. We appreciate Emily leading the Children's Choir as they shared the song, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." Particular thanks to Fr. David for making the sermon about the ten lepers meaningful to parishioners of all ages. Our next Families in Worship will be on November 17, when we also celebrate St. Martin's Day.
Outreach
The Highland Hamper

Our collection for Highland will continue with cans/boxes of prepared meals such as ravioli, mac and cheese, spaghetti and meat balls, beef stew, etc. As always, thank you in advance for your support. If you have any questions, please contact Pam Faber.
Yoga Class
Take a Stretch Break!

Yoga class resumes on Tuesday, October 22nd, 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 stretch and destress!
Formation with a Twist
RESCHEDULED - Mystery & Reflection

Due to severe storms predicted for the area, the two churches have decided to reschedule the viewing and discussion of the Fr. Brown BBC TV show. The event will now take place next Wednesday, October 23rd, from 7-8:30 PM in CCI's Ithan Hall. Please bring friends, and a brown bag dinner if you wish. Beverages and dessert will be provided.

If you'd like to prep for the 23rd, you can check Netflix and other streaming providers for the series 1 episode 8 titled, "The Face of Death". Previewing it could help highlight some of the ethical issues that Fr. Brown faces as he investigates mysterious murders. We are looking forward to a nice turnout! No books or supplies are needed, just your insight.

NOTE: On October 30th, Bible Study will return to the 7:15-8:15 PM time at CCI. SMC will be the location for November. In addition, current Fr. Brown episodes can be seen at 8 PM on the Lehigh Valley PBS station (39).

Questions? Please contact Deb Parker (740-272-6901).
Community Fellowship
Upper Room Gatherings - NEW LOCATION!

The next Upper Room gathering is on Wednesday, October 23rd, at 6:00 PM in Room 3 at the Radnor Memorial Library, 114 W Wayne Ave, Wayne. The questions for discussion are "Are we connected to others or not? Does how we answer that question inform the vision that draws us into the future?" Stop in on any 2nd or 4th Wednesday for some interesting conversation and fellowship.
Bible Study
October Sessions

The Bible discussion continues on Wednesday, October 24th, at 7:15 PM in Ithan Hall (536 Conestoga Rd). Books are provided so all you need to do is to come and share from your rich experiences. Each week stands alone. No prior experience is needed. There will be beverages and snacks, and we will end at 8:15 PM. Contact Deb Parker (740.272.6901) if you have questions or suggestions.
SWIC News
Chicken Farm Initiative

The SWIC organization is working hard to launch the next four farms this fall before the weather turns in November. You can continue to make an enormous difference
• first by funding chicks, and
• then by sharing this success story with your friends.
$5 - Buys one chick
$1,000 - Fully funds 200 chicks for a farmer
$6,000 - Sponsors the SWIC contribution for an entire chicken farm!
Dozens of farmers are lined up, waiting to restart their farms as soon as we can provide the one-time reconstruction funding. Thanks in advance for your support.
CCI's Centennial
Celebrate 100 Years!

If you haven't already done so, kindly reply to the brunch invitation as soon as possible and indicate the number of tickets you desire for the brunch. Please enclose a check to cover the cost of the tickets. Once payment is received, your tickets will be mailed from CCI. Replies are due by October 27th. Thank you for helping to make this a joyous centennial celebration!
The Lectionary
Sunday's Readings can be found on the Worship page at St. Martin's website .

Jeremiah 31:27-34
Psalm 119:97-104
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Luke 18:1-8