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

Field Notes

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Sunday Worship

November 17, 2024

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (spoken)

In person

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

In person

10:30 a.m. Choral Holy Eucharist

In person and via livestream

A Note From Rev. Laura

The joy of St. Martin’s Day on Sunday has carried me through the week. I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit when “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” and something happens that can be felt more than understood which I felt on Sunday. St. Martin’s Day was the ninth service or concert in ten days --beginning with the Faure-- and it was an exhilarating,

St. Martin’s Day is steeped in tradition and is a day when we really come together as a parish. This year was no exception. But I feel what was different this year is that in the wake of the election, we needed to be in church perhaps more than any of us realized.

We affirmed that as a parish community rooted in Christ’s love, we can do together what may feel impossible to do as individuals.

For the next several weeks during our Annual Giving campaign, “Let’s Light the Way Home,” I’ve asked several parishioners to offer a short reflection on the light of St. Martin’s in them. Barbara Dundon’s exquisite reflection was remarkable; please find it here.

Continue reading here.

Features

A Note from Noor, Director of Communications & Events

Dear St. Martin’s,

Beginning this upcoming Wednesday, Nov. 20th, I will be taking a brief leave of absence as I undergo and recover from major abdominal surgery. I anticipate being away for approximately three and a half weeks, returning on or around Tuesday, Dec. 17th.

In my absence, my superb colleagues will be covering my essential job duties. If you need anything, please give them as much notice as possible and be aware that responses to emails and calls may take longer than usual. It is a (wonderfully!) busy time at the church office as we prepare for Advent and Christmas, and your patience is much appreciated. 

Please click here to determine which staff person you should contact in my absence. 

I am deeply grateful for the support of our leadership and staff as I begin preparations for my procedure. Your prayers are also very much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Noor

Let's Light the Way Home!

2025 Annual Giving Update

Pledges to date: $361,337

56% of goal met so far!

89 households have pledged including

9 new or returning pledges

Thanks to everyone who joined us on St. Martin’s Day! This year’s Stewardship Brunch was a big, wonderful celebration, providing the perfect opportunity for bringing old and new friends together.

To those who have submitted your 2025 Annual Giving pledge, we thank you for your generosity! We look forward to having everyone on board as we work to fund our plans for 2025. Let’s Light the Way Home!   

Hello … St. Martin’s Calling!

The Stewardship Committee is hosting an Annual Giving Phonathon on Thursday, November 21, from 6:30-8 p.m. to advance the success of our 2025 Annual Giving campaign.  Parishioners who haven’t submitted their 2025 pledge as of this Thursday can expect a friendly call to answer any possible questions related to our 2025  campaign. 

There's One More Week To Sign Up to Host Or Attend An Advent Dinner!

Sunday, December 8th at 6:00 p.m.

Please sign up by next Friday, November 22nd.

St. Martin’s has a tradition early in Advent to attend a beautiful Advent Lessons and Carols service (Dec. 8th, 5:00 p.m.) with candle light and then disperse to one another’s homes for a simple supper to celebrate our church family. These small group meals help us better understand and appreciate who we are as a community as we journey through the reflective season of Advent. Click here to sign up to host or attend a dinner!

Sermon Transcript

The Rev. Laura Palmer

November 10, 2024: The Feast of St. Martin, Bishop of Tours

Go Forth Into the World

As we enter this sanctuary through its main entrance, we pass beneath an exquisite stained glass window that honors St.Martin, our patron saint. When we sit and face the altar, we see Jesus, coming to us and reaching out with a chalice of his liberating, life-giving blood. And just to your left is Mary, a homeless teenager and mother of God, who said “Yes” to something as preposterous as it was unimaginable and her “Yes” changed the world. 

Among them is a trinity of hope. We have everything we need for whatever lies ahead. We know who we are. We know what we stand for. And we have each other. Continue reading here.

Children, Youth, & Families

Stewardship Coffee Hour for CYF

This Sunday, November 17th, from 10:00-11:15 a.m.

Houston Room, with Sunday School in Parish Hall

This Sunday at 10:00 a.m. the Stewardship Committee will host a special coffee hour for the 9:00 a.m. CYF service regulars. Join the Committee to learn about the exciting building plans for the Undercroft and other CYF spaces and to hear about our church's history with a presentation led by David Schaaf. Not a 9:00 a.m. regular but invested in the growth and development of CYF ministries at St. Martin's? You also are welcome to attend! During this event, Rev. Luke will be hosting Sunday School for children of all ages in the Parish Hall. 

Greening Advent Wreath Making

Next Sun., Nov. 24th, 9:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall

Join St. Martin's Climate Action Team and CYF to craft your own Advent Wreaths on Sunday, November 24, from 9:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Drop in, reflect on Advent rituals, hear about sustainable Christmas practices, and make an Advent wreath over donuts and hot cider. Wreath-making materials will be provided, but, if you can, please BYOG (Bring Your Own Greens)* as well any leftover supplies (candle holders, wreath rings, etc.) from previous years’ wreath-making. Click here to learn more!

Children, Youth, & Families Advent Dinner

Sunday, Dec. 8th

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Lessons & Carols service (Childcare provided)

6:00 - 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Party for Parents & Guardians (Childcare provided)

6:30-7:30 p.m. Dinner Party

Like last year, we will be having a special CYF Advent Dinner so families have a chance to get to know each other better. The church is offering childcare during the preceding Lessons and Carols service (5:00 p.m.) and for half an hour afterwards so parents can enjoy adult company with a glass of wine. Then, children and families can gather together for a simple catered dinner in the Parish House, hosted by our former Rector’s Warden, Barbara Thomson. If you are able, please consider bringing a dessert to share. Please RSVP by emailing Rev. Luke at lselles@stmartinec.org.

Fairmount String Quartet Presents: Legends

This Saturday, Nov. 16th at 7:30 p.m.

Pay what you can admission

St. Martin's Ensemble-in-Residence, the Fairmount String Quartet, opens its 40th Anniversary season with "Legends", a program of music by Beethoven, Arvo Part, and Gabriella Lena Frank. Beethoven's String Quartet Op. 18, #6 is a familiar standard of the string quartet repertoire. Arvo Part's "Fratres" is an ethereal, meditative work invoking ideals of brotherhood - something we will all need post-election! Frank's "Leyendas: An Andean Journey" is a colorful work inspired by the idea of "mestizaje" where cultures can co-exist without the subjugation of one by the other. As such, she mixes western classical and Andean folk music traditions. A meet-the-artists reception follows the concert. The program will be repeated at the Wynnefield branch of Settlement Music School on Sunday, November 17th at 3:00 p.m.

Save the Date:

Advent Lessons & Carols

Sunday, December 8th at 5:00 p.m.

Join us in the joyful anticipation of a new church year at our Advent Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 8, at 5:00 p.m. Immerse yourself in the sacred beauty of the season with scripture readings and music sung by the Choir and Section Leaders of St. Martin's. Set against the warm glow of candlelight, this cherished annual service invites reflection, inspires hope, and fosters a sense of community as we prepare for the joy of Christmas. All are welcome.

Good News

Photos from St. Martin's Day

Coming Up

Next Week's Adult Forum

Wednesday, Nov. 20th

"Saving Public Schools"   

Led by Donna Cooper, CEO of Children First

Parish House or via Zoom here

Passcode: 074688

Wellspring Events: Sunday Nov 24th and Saturday Dec. 7th

Sun, Nov. 24, 2 – 4 p.m. 

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright Synagogue

Location: Beth Sholom Synagogue: 8231 Old York Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027 

The art and architecture of Beth Sholom is the result of a unique collaboration between the deep faith of Rabbi Mortimer Cohen and the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright.  Via film and guided tour, we will explore how this building embodies the spirit and teachings of Judaism as we seek to discern how it is similar to, and different from, the worship spaces of other traditions.   

Interfaith Philadelphia is cosponsoring this tour. To register click here. 

Saturday Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Seasons of Hope at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Joanne Conway and John Hougen will draw on readings and works of art to reveal sources of hope related to Christianity's season of Advent as well as from the spiritual perspectives of other traditions. Registration is not yet available. To express interest in attending, email John Hougen at jbh@interfaithphiladelphia.org

Thanksgiving Day Holy Eucharist (spoken)

Thursday, Nov. 28th at 10:30 a.m.

In Person Only

Please note: The Parish office will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28th and Friday, Nov. 28th. There will be no Food & Fellowship or Adult Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 27th.

Wednesday Noon Eucharist

Mary Chapel

Wellspring Worship Reflections

After the 10:30 a.m. service

Houston Room