The Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields

Field Notes

All are Welcome. All Belong!

For Pastoral Care 

Call 215-247-7466 and leave a message. If you are experiencing a pastoral emergency text or call the Rev. Dr. Mary Barber at 845-527-9545.

Have you had an address, email, or phone number update?

Send us your update here.

Field Notes submission requests must be emailed by Tuesday at noon to ndiskan@stmartinec.org.

This email is best viewed as a webpage. Click here to make sure you don't miss anything!

Sunday, June 14th, 2026:

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Spoken)

9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist for Children, Youth, & Families

Under the Tent for Summer!

10:30 a.m. Instructed Choral Holy Eucharist

Also via livestream here

5:00 p.m. LGBTQ+ Pride Evensong

Also via livestream here

This Sunday's Readings

Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7 | Psalm 116:1, 10-17 | Romans 5:1-8 | Matthew 9:35-10:8-23

Rector's Note

Sunday’s Annual Meeting and Ministry Fair were filled with good spirit and fellowship. The state of our parish is good. We have many active ministries whose leaders are eager to share what they are doing and bring in more participants. It is a good way to mark the almost-end of our program year.

Many many thanks to our awesome staff -- Lorie, Tyrone, Luke, Noor, James, Connie, Kate, and Sean our tech wizard. Many thanks to Dani and Debra and Al and the Stewardship Committee for getting the fair together. Thanks to Garry and Lorraine and Tom and Lydia and the rest of vestry for your leadership, for processing, for all you did to facilitate the meeting and fair, and for bringing the hospitality. Thanks to all who presented and all who sat at tables. And thank you to everyone who came to the meeting, listened, and asked questions.

This week we have our All-Ages Pride Dance, and then no more Wednesday evening programming until the fall. Sunday evening we have Pride Evensong, the last evensong of the season. Continue reading here.

Features

In Case You Missed It: Annual Meeting

Click here to view this year's PowerPoint presentation.

Please join us in welcoming our newly elected Vestry members: Victoria Sicks, Jim Buehler, Erin Horvat, and Bob Allen. Thank you to our outgoing Vestry members: Carolyn Green, Kelly Martin, and Lydia Ogden.

Community Picnic and Work Day with Water Fun!

This Saturday, June 13th from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Join St. Martin's Climate Action Team (CAT) and Buildings & Grounds Committee (B&G) for food, fellowship, and fun as we clean off memorial benches, remove invasive species, and tend to our campus. We'll start at 9 o'clock with donuts and coffee, and the Buildings & Grounds Committee will treat us to a cookout at noon. If you’d like to participate in any planting or invasive species removal, please bring your own hand trowel or gardening gloves. We will have a few spares. We’ll also have slip n’ slides and a small pool – bring your bathing suit if you’d like to enjoy some water fun! If you or your family can attend, please RSVP with the number of folks coming by emailing Rev. Luke at lselles@stmartinec.org so we can ensure there’s enough food for everyone.

LGBTQIA+ Pride Evensong

This Sunday, June 14 at 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate Pride Month with joy, music, and sacred community at our LGBTQ+ Pride Evensong—a beautiful, affirming service of sung Evening Prayer honoring the diversity and faith of our LGBTQ+ communities. The Choir of St. Martin's will sing music exclusively by LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented composers. Singers interested in joining us for this event should email Tyrone Whiting, Director of Music & Arts, at twhiting@stmartinec.org or sign up here. More information: www.stmartinec.org/pride

St. Martin's Pride Collection

Join us in celebrating Pride Month with St. Martin's Pride merchandise! Our limited-edition collection includes mugs, notebooks, tote bags, and baseball caps. Items will be available for purchase at our LGBTQ+ Pride Evensong and in the Parish House Monday through Friday. Whether you're looking for something to wear, carry, or gift, our Pride collection is a great way to celebrate inclusion, love, and community during Pride Month and beyond!

Father's Day Reception in the Columbarium

Next Sunday, June 21st following all three services

Please join us next Sunday, June 21st after our 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services for coffee, tea, and small bites in celebration of Father’s Day.

Location: Mary Hare Taylor Knight Columbarium & Lawn

(weather permitting - rain space: Parish House)

Please contact Cathy Glazer (cathyglazer@verizon.net) or Debra Roberts (DebraDRoberts@comcast.net) with any questions.

You're Invited to the Ordination of Anne Alexis Harra!

Saturday, June 27th

10:00 a.m. at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral

Anne Alexis Harra will be ordained as a transitional deacon on Saturday June 27th at 10:00am at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral (19 S 38th St). This means that God-willing, she will be ordained a priest about six months after. 

Anne Alexis was sponsored for ordination by St Martin's, and formerly served as our lay minister for children, youth, and families. She completed her seminary studies at Virginia Theological Seminary. She has accepted her first call as Associate Rector at St David's Radnor.

If you would like to contribute to a purse gift for Anne Alexis, you can do so by:

• Writing a check to St. Martin's with "Anne Alexis’ Purse" in the memo line 
• Clicking here to go to the Giving page of St. Martin's website. Click the "Give Now" button. Under the "Select a Fund" drop down menu, select "Purse Gifts" and put "Anne Alexis’ Purse" in memo line.

If you are interested in carpooling to the ordination, please click here. You will receive an email next week with a list of fellow parishioners also interested in giving or receiving a ride.

Celebration of Life Service for Neville Kallenbach

Next Saturday, June 20th

2 p.m. at Cathedral Village

A celebration of life service for parishioner Martha Repman's beloved husband, Neville Kallenbach, is scheduled for Sat., June 20, 2 p.m. at Cathedral Hall, on the campus of Cathedral Village.

Snapshots

Annual Meeting Altar Flowers

Thanks to Donna Hecker and the St. Martin's Flower Guild for the altar flowers that helped us get into the spirit of the Annual Meeting. "Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers, singing, and joy… There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God.” - Isaiah 35:2​.

Ministry Fair

Our Ministry Fair this year was our first since COVID, and it was a joy to gather and see so many expressions of ministry in one place again. We are grateful to everyone who contacted participants, prepared materials, staffed tables, and shared their passion for our common life, especially Sandy Abrams, John Basinski, Mark Birdsall, Laura Birdsall, Mary Baumberger, Kate Maus, Joanne Conway, David Contosta, Donna Duncan, Carol Duncan, Barbara Dundon, Debra Roberts, Emily Law, Huntly Collins, Cathy Glazer, Cary Nicholas, David Schaaf, Jason Martin, Jim Fairburn, Luke Selles, Wendy Leaver, Bill Jacobsen, Anne Swoyer, Connie Haggard, Dick Haggard, Michael Prell, Sarah O’Connor, Kim Kopple, Tyrone Whiting, John Hougen, Dani Reed, Victoria Sicks, Lorraine Webb, Lorie Hershey, Noor Diskan, James Kent, and Mary Barber. (My apologies for any missed contributions!). At the same time, we recognize that the number of people visiting the tables was lower than we had hoped, and we are learning from that as we look ahead. Even so, the fair was a sign that our shared ministries are alive and ready to grow, and we look forward to continuing to improve as we move forward in service together.

- Dani Reed, Stewardship Chair

Children, Youth, & Families

Folk Mass on the Grass

Summer Sundays starting This Sunday, the 14th

9:00 a.m. to ~9:45 a.m.

The 9:00 a.m. service is back under the tent for the summer. Experience an all-ages, interactive Eucharist with sermon and guitar music. Come as you are!

Summer Bible Series: The Parables of Jesus

Sundays, Jul 12th - Aug 16th

Between the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services

All ages are invited to encounter the parables of Jesus -- those elusive, challenging, and deceptively simple stories with imagery from everyday life, which teach something about spiritual realities -- with a story told using Godly Play followed by a collective activity led by members of St. Martin's community that corresponds to the story (i.e. singing, planting, baking). If you have a skill you'd like to teach related to one of the following stories, email Rev. Luke.

• July 12: “The Good Shepherd” (John 10:1-18)
• July 19: “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37)
• July 26: “The Pearl of Great Price” (Matt 13:45-6)
• August 2: “The Mustard Seed” (Mark 4:30-2)
• August 9: “The Sower” (Matt 13:1-23)
• August 16: “The Leaven” (Luke 13:20-1)



Alongside this learning, Rev. Luke will lead a Bible study on the Parables using Amy Jill Levine's Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi: a slim and accessible book, in which Levine reconstructs how Jesus' original first-century Jewish audience would have heard his parables. This opportunity is open to ages 12 and up. Reading is optional to participation, all are welcome. If you are interested, help find a time by filling out this form by June 30th.

Summer Movie Series

Saturdays: Jun 27, Jul 11, Jul 25, Aug 8

5:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Parish House

All ages are invited to join for pizza and a movie four Saturdays, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. this summer. Parents are welcome to drop their kids off, as childcare will be provided, or join for a family movie night. All are welcome! We'll watch some classics:

• June 27th: K-Pop Demon Hunters
• July 11th: Soul
• July 25th: Frozen
• August 8th: Encanto

Please RSVP by the Friday before the movie night with your dietary restrictions and number of folks by emailing lselles@stmartinec.org.

Summer Meal-Serving

Third Saturdays Starting July 2026

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Face to Face (123 E. Price St.)

What does it mean to love your neighbor? Come find out! Every third Saturday of the month starting this July 18th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., St. Martin's Youth and their Families have a standing meal service shift at Face to Face, Germantown. Get to know St. Martin's families while preparing and serving a meal to our neighbors in need. Ages 12 years old and over welcome (children under 12 must have a guardian). Be sure to eat lunch before! If you have any questions or you'd like to sign up, please email Rev. Luke.

A Faithful Journey: Preparing for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation

This fall, Mother Mary and Rev. Luke will offer confirmation classes for youth and adults. All seekers, age 12 and over, are welcome to join us between the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. service for five Sundays: Sept. 20th and 27th; Oct. 11th and 18th; and Nov. 8th. If you are interested in making a public confirmation or reaffirmation of your baptismal vows or being received into the Episcopal Church at the end of this course, please fill out this form by August 14th. All are welcome to join for one or all of the five parish-wide sessions and the additional opportunities even if you are unsure about being confirmed/received. Click here for more details.

Purse Donations for Brooke Witherite

Brooke Witherite's last Sunday as our Children's Choir Chorister Leader is this Sunday, June 14. Please, as you are able, show your appreciation for all of her amazing work with our young musicians by contributing to a purse as she embarks on her next chapter.

Brooke has been with us for 4+ years and her infectious enthusiasm for sharing music and youth education will be greatly missed. We look forward to welcoming Julia Finegan who will take over from Sept 1 as Children, Youth, and Families Music Director. Thank you, Brooke, for all you have brought to and achieved at St. Martin's!

— Tyrone Whiting, Director of Music & Arts

To contribute towards Brooke's purse:

• Write a check to St. Martin's with "Brooke’s Purse" in the memo line 
• Go to the Giving page of St. Martin's website: https://www.stmartinec.org/give. Click the "Give Now" button. Under the "Select a Fund" drop down menu, select "Purse Gifts" and put "Brooke's Purse" in memo line

Summer Sunday Musicians - Do you play a musical instrument or sing? 

Our Choir, Choristers, and Staff Musicians will soon be on vacation for the summer. I want to invite and encourage those of you with musical talents who play an instrument or sing to help support our 9:00 a.m. and/or 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship from June 28 through August. If you are interested or curious, please contact me at twhiting@stmartinec.org. It is always so great to share in music-making with you all!

-Tyrone Whiting, Director of Music & Arts

Mis'rable Sinners Folk/Bluegrass Mass

Next Sunday, June 21, at 10:30 a.m.

The return of our annual Folk/Bluegrass Mass! Co-led this year by David Dieck and Children, Youth, & Families Music Leader Julia Finegan, the service will bring together musicians from the congregation who will share a variety of wonderful music. We look forward to seeing you there! If you are interested in playing with the band of "Mis'rable Sinners", please contact Julia Finegan at cyfmusic@stmartinec.org.

Take Action

Guatemala Student Scholarship Fundraising Campaign 2026

St. Martin’s Guatemala Companion Parish Committee will be collecting pledges for the 2027 San Juan Apostol and Totonicapán Scholarship Funds from Sunday, May 24th through Sunday, June 21st. 

Our parishioner’s generosity has enabled scholarship programs in Chichicastenango and Totonicapán in the Western Highland parishes of San Juan Apostol and San Martin Obispo de Tours. The Reverend Alvaro Fidel Miranda Velasquez manages the scholarship programs in both communities. Scholarship programs are critically important in Guatemala because they enable children to go to school and have a chance of breaking the cycle of poverty. They are important for another reason as well: education gives students and their families hope for the future and happiness in the present as they pursue that education in their own community.

In 2025 St. Martin’s parishioners generously pledged and donated over $22,000 to support young learners otherwise unable to attend school due to economic hardships. The annual awards of $550 per student support tuition, uniforms and healthy nutrition for students and provide families with hope for bright futures. The young people we sponsor and their families are so very thankful for our support.

This year our goal is $15,000. Please consider pledging a contribution to this scholarship fund for the 2027 school year in Guatemala. Pledges beginning at $25 dollars can be made. A full scholarship for a student is $550. Committee members will be available at the end of all services with clip boards for you to sign up or you can contribute directly online or via the plate. Contributions of pledged funds are expected to be paid on or before September 30th. Thank you for your continued support for these children and their families!

Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Mary Barber

June 7th, 2026 - Annual Meeting

During my first weeks and months as your rector, I was asked several times, What is your vision for St Martin’s? What are your plans and goals for us?

These questions are very natural. We want to know that someone is in charge, someone is providing leadership, someone knows the way. Continue reading here.

Coming Up

Juneteenth Documentary Screening: The Nine O'clock Whistle

Followed by a Conversion with the Director, Dr. Willa Cofield

Next Saturday, June 20th, from 1–4 p.m.

As part of PAFA's A Nation of Artists exhibition, this presentation will explore how art, memory, and activism intersect to protect the voices of freedom and progress. The program includes a screening of The Nine O'Clock Whistle, Dr. Cofield's acclaimed documentary chronicling a pivotal civil rights story from her hometown of Enfield, North Carolina. Following the film, Dr. Cofield will join for a conversation about her life and work, followed by a book signing and social reception. Learn more here.

Diocesan Youth Back to School Picnic

Valley Forge National Historical Park

August 30th, 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Get ready for a fun evening of adventure, music, food, and fellowship! Youth and their families from Episcopal parishes across the diocese are invited to join an evening of fun and worship at Valley Forge National Historical Park before school starts up again.

There will be hiking, games, eco-crafts, BBQ dinner, and outdoor worship! Registration link coming soon.

Wednesday Noon Eucharist

Mary Chapel

Wellspring Worship Reflections

After the 10:30 a.m. service

Houston Room

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)

Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m. (Library)

Al Anon

Sundays 6-7 p.m. (Houston Room)

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

1 - Tuesdays 8-9 p.m. (Houston Room)

2 - Thursdays 7-8 p.m. (Houston Room)

3 - Sundays 8-9 p.m. (Houston Room)