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The Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields
Field Notes
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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.
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It is exciting to be at the start of a new year of programming at St Martin’s. The Children’s Choir sang at the 9:00 service this past Sunday and will be joining that service monthly going forward. Their clear and joyful voices singing out the hymns and service music added so much to our worship together!
Our Capital Campaign Team and Vestry are working on finding a consultant to lead the campaign into its next active phase. And the less glamorous but no-less-essential work of addressing the various causes of water in the Parish House basement continue. This week we are being visited by our roofer and a drain person, to get estimates for work that should make things much better.
I am so thankful for the way this St Martin’s community showed up for Nate Pierce’s celebration of life last weekend. Continue reading here.
| | Image: Dr. Nathaniel (Nate) Pierce on the job. | | | | |
3rd Sunday Music Series Begins This Weekend!
Sunday, Sept. 20th at 5:00 p.m.
A Tour of the Organ - Tyrone Whiting
New for our 2026-27 program year is a series of solo and chamber music recitals in the church on the Third Sunday of every month. All recitals start at 5 p.m. and last approximately 45 minutes, with refreshments to follow. A voluntary free-will offering will be taken in support of the Music & Arts Ministries at St. Martin's. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!
To kick off the series this Sunday, our Director of Music & Arts, Tyrone Whiting, will play a recital of organ music from the Baroque to the present day.
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Farewell Celebration & Purse Gift for the Rev. Luke Selles
Next Sunday, September 27th
Rev. Luke's last Sunday at St. Martin's will be next Sunday, Sept 27. They will preach and preside, and we will celebrate them and all they have done for and with our community with a festive coffee hour after the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services! If you would like to contribute to a purse gift for Rev. Luke, please click here. Click the drop down menu and select "Purse Gifts".
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Next Week's Adult Forum:
American Democracy: Can the Patient Recover?
Wednesday, Sept. 23rd
7:00 p.m. (Houston Room & Zoom here)
Meeting ID: 892 4660 1988
Passcode: 074688
| | That most prolific parishioner, David Contosta, has published another book - so we've asked him to offer yet another fascinating adult forum. The book is The Survival of American Democracy: Presidential Abuse of Power and Reforms, published this year. In it, David provides a timely, historical analysis of threats to American democracy and how to protect the United States from future abuses of presidential power. Cults of personality, partisanship, passive Congresses, the Electoral College - the book touches on multiple causes for our current anxieties and crises. The book tells a sweeping story of the American presidential experience, addressing Benjamin Franklin’s haunting comment at the end of the Constitution Convention – “A republic if you can keep it.” At the forum, you'll hear some ideas about what needs to change if we indeed are to "keep it." David Contosta teaches at Chestnut Hill College and has published more than 21 books. | | | | |
Exploring Spirituality with Wellspring—An Afternoon Retreat
Next Saturday, September 26th
12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
The Wellspring team is offering a no-cost retreat on next Saturday, Sept. 26, from noon to 4pm. At noon, a free lunch will be served in the Houston Room, followed by three one-hour sessions exploring spirituality from different perspectives. Come for lunch and all three sessions, or drop in on a single session that interests you.
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The 1:00 to 2:00 o’clock session will present an experience of the symbols of the liturgy, accompanied by music and poetry, to help us reflect on how the symbols connect us to the Holy.
The 2:00 to 3:00 o’clock session will introduce Rudolf Steiner, who has been described by many as a Christian mystic. Steiner’s teachings have inspired personal, inner spiritual development as well as outer cultural impulses, including Waldorf education.
The 3:00 to 4:00 o’clock session searches the Book of Psalms for instruction in how to pray in times of joy and celebration as well as in times of anxiety and grief.
If you plan to join us for lunch, please RSVP to loriesimmons@comcast.net
| | Julia Finegan, our Children, Youth, & Families Music Director, joins two of our Choristers for a breaktime snack. | | Over 45 people attended last night's Food & Fellowship community meal! All are welcome to join in the fun every week at 6:00 p.m., followed by Adult Forum at 7:00 p.m. | | Children, Youth, & Families | | | | |
Introducing Our New Associate Rector for Children, Youth, and Families: The Rev. Shanna Hawks
Click here to read Rev. Mary's announcement in full.
"Dear Members and Friends of St. Martin's,
I am happy to announce our new Associate Rector for Children, Youth, and Families, The Rev. Shanna Hawks. Shanna will start at St Martin's on November 1. She comes with a heart for CYF ministry and a wealth of experience. I know she will be a great addition to this community and will carry forward the work Rev. Luke has so ably begun. I can't wait for you to meet her!
Mary+"
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St. Martin's Church School
Weekly on Sundays, 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Church School will resume on September 13th! Join us immediately following the 9 a.m. service in Hilary House, around 9:45 a.m., for time with Bible stories and stories of our faith. To learn more about Godly Play, the curriculum that we will be using for ages 4-12, you can click here.
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Read our Music and Arts Newsletter!
Dear Members & Friends of St. Martin-in-the-Fields,
I am so excited and honoured to be entering my sixth full program year in ministry here at the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Philadelphia. Your continued support, friendship, and commitment to our Music & Arts ministries is ever-growing and deeply appreciated; thank you.
We have such an exciting year ahead together. Below you can read about all our extra services and events in the coming months including our new Third Sunday Music Series, Children's Choir participation, Evensongs, and much more!
From new additions to beloved traditions, there are countless ways to experience and engage the beauty of worship and music & arts in the months ahead. Scroll down to explore what’s coming up—including:
- Our Brand-New Third Sunday Music Series: A monthly series of free solo and chamber music recitals followed by refreshments.
- Expanded Children's Choir Ministry: Our young choristers taking a regular leadership role in worship.
- Inspiring Worship & Special Services: Sacred offerings including Choral Evensong, Advent Lessons & Carols, and a fresh congregational mass setting by composer Carl Haywood.
Click here for full details, dates, and preview links.
We can’t wait to share this wonderful season of music and worship with you!
-Tyrone Whiting, Director of Music & Arts
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Do You Want to Join Our Handbell Ensemble?
The Handbell Ensemble of St. Martin's rehearses each Thursday at 6:00 p.m. and performs throughout the year at various Feast Days and other services/events. Potential ringers should be familiar with music notation. Please contact me at twhiting@stmartinec.org and/or Wendy Leaver, Volunteer Handbell Leader, at braidedset@gmail.com.
Campanas Domino pulsate!
— Tyrone Whiting, Director of Music & Arts
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Jubilee School: Black Arts Festival Artist Talk and Exhibit at Cathedral Village
Jubilee School students are the featured artists in this year's Cathedral Village's Black Arts Festival which is held every September. For many years, Jubilee School was a St. Martin's primary partner through our Community Engagement program.
| | Many parishioners were engaged over those years and some still are donors. The school is now in its 49th year.The students founded a publishing house, Jubilee Voices Publishing House, to create books from their ongoing research into African American history. The students will speak at the Artist Talk, September 25th, 7 pm in Presser Lounge near the Top of the Stairs Gallery. Their illustrations are on exhibit now through October 3. Their books are on display in our library. For more information, contact Susan MacBride at mainerocks@aol.com, or just come and enjoy. | | | | |
What’s Happening in Haiti Now: Beyond Borders Forum
On Wednesday September 30 at 7 p.m., Beyond Borders Co-Chair Coleen Hedglin will visit St. Martin’s to eat supper with us and share the work of her organization. We will view the brand-new documentary that captures the heart of Beyond Borders’ movements to overcome poverty, prevent violence and develop leaders in Haiti. Shot in June during a stretch of intense heat (and months since the last rainfall), the short film tells the story of our interwoven programming through the personal lens of one woman’s life and lived experience. Continue reading here.
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St Martin’s Successful Guatemala Scholarship Drive
Muchas Gracias, Saint Martin’s parishioners, for your support through the pledge drive for the 2027 San Juan Apostol Scholarship Fund and the Totonicapán Scholarship Fund. Sixty-eight pledges totaling $18,110 were received for the Guatemala Student Scholarship Drive in the month of June. This year we exceeded our goal of $15,000! Without your help, these students would not be able to go to school. Your support opens the door to a better future for them and provides hope to their families and communities.
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So far $10,245 in pledged funds have been received. Pledges may be paid via the St Martin’s website or via the plate. If pledges are paid via the online payment option, please use the “Guatemala Scholarship” choice in the drop-down box, when paying the pledge. If a check is provided via the collection plate, please write “Guatemala Scholarship” in the memo section of your check.
Pledges are kindly due by September 30th. Donations are accepted even if you did not have the opportunity to pledge during the scholarship drive. Thank you to everyone who supports this wonderful mission!
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The Rev. Dr. Mary Barber
Homily in Thanksgiving for the Life of Nate Pierce
Sat., Sept. 12th
Click here.
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The Rev. Dr. Mary Barber
The 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Sun., Sept. 13th
Click here.
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First Meeting of Wellspring's Spiritual Classics Book Group
Saturday, October 3rd, at 2:30 p.m.
Our new Spiritual Classics book group will hold its inaugural meeting on Oct. 3rd at the home of parishioner Lorie Simmons in Mt. Airy. We will discuss Henri J. M. Nouwen's book, The Return of the Prodigal Son, A Story of Homecoming. After the discussion we will decide what titles to read next and when and where to meet in the future! Please contact Lorie Simmons with any questions and for the exact address: loriesimmons@comcast.net.
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Wednesday Noon Eucharist
Mary Chapel
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Morning Prayer on Zoom
Weekdays at 7:30 a.m.
Email morningprayer@ stmartinec.org for the link.
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Wellspring Worship Reflections
After the 10:30 a.m. service
Houston Room
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Biblical Studies on Zoom
or by Phone
Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (on pause until September)
Please contact Cathy Glazer for the Zoom information.
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Blessed Baking
Fridays at 9:00 a.m.
Parking Lot
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Non-Perishable Food Collection for St. Luke's
Ongoing: Please deliver to the wagons on the Parish House porch.
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Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)
Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m. (Library)
Al Anon
Sundays 6-7 p.m. (Houston Room)
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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
1 - Tuesdays 8-9 p.m. (Houston Room)
2 - Thursdays 7-8 p.m. (Houston Room)
3 - Fridays 7-8 p.m. (Houston Room)
4 - Sundays 8-9 p.m. (Houston Room)
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Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields
8000 St. Martin's Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19118
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