Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields: Weekly Field Notes

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

Field Notes

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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Worship Service

Sunday, February 1st, 2026

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

Guest Preacher: David Kasievich, St. James School

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

Guest Preacher: Soozung Rankin, St. James School

10:30 a.m. Choral Holy Eucharist

Guest Preacher: David Kasievich, St. James School

Also via livestream here

Followed by Worship Reflections in the Houston Room

This Sunday's Readings

Micah 6:1-8 | 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 | Matthew 5:1-12 | Psalm 15

Rector's Note

We have had an uncommonly difficult couple of weeks. Severe weather has kept most of us confined to our homes. Severe news, with horrifying footage of the killing of Alex Pretti shown on repeat, has kept some of us glued to our screens.

It’s all overwhelming, shocking, traumatizing. We need tools to cope, to keep ourselves from despair. Taking a break from social media and the TV can help a little. But fear of missing out will always draw us back into the scrolling and channel-surfing spiral.

Luckily, our faith, and our St Martin’s community give us resources that can help us survive and even grow in these immensely challenging times. Continue reading here.

Pictured: James and Sarah clearing up our campus after the weekend's snowstorm

Features

A Message from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe:

Death and Despair Do Not Have the Last Word

Click here to read Bishop Sean Rowe's message to the Episcopal Church on Jan. 25, 2026

"Jesus knew what happens when earthly powers persuade human beings to fear one another, regard one another as strangers, and believe that there is not enough to go around. In Jesus’ time, the power of these divisions motivated John’s beheading and Jesus’ own death on the cross at the hands of Roman authorities.

In our time, the deadly power of those divisions is on display on the streets of Minneapolis, in other places across the United States, and in other countries around the world. As has too often been the case throughout history, the most vulnerable among us are bearing the burden, shouldering the greatest share of risk and loss, and enduring the violation of their very humanity."

St. James School is Visiting St. Martin’s This Sunday

St. James is visiting St. Martin’s to say thank you and to spotlight favorite stories and share exciting updates since their last visit in May 2025. They will be present at all three services and coffee hour on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Come hear about the impact you are making on the St. James community. Dave Kasievich, President and Head of School will preach at 8:00 am and 10:30 a.m. Soozung Rankin, Advancement, will preach at the 9 a.m. Children, Youth and Family Service. You will have an opportunity to meet with other Advancement team members, including Gillian Golson who is coordinating efforts for the Annual Benefit honoring St. Martin's. Current students and graduates will also be in attendance. Continue reading here.

Discussions In Diversity Begin This Upcoming Wednesday

7:00 p.m. in the Houston Room & via Zoom here

Continues Every Wednesday in February except Ash Wednesday

As part of our Adult Forum Series on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., we will again host a series of Discussions in Diversity during Black History Month. Please join us this upcoming Wednesday, Feb. 4th, for our first discussion! Plan also to attend Food & Fellowship prior to the discussion, at 6:00 p.m.

February 4th Discussion:

Sovereignty in Service: An Arc of Healing, Choice and Becoming

Led by Jenni Graham

In this talk Jenni Graham shares an arc of sovereignty in service shaped by healing, reflection & intentional choice. Drawing from her background as an art therapist, educator, activist & facilitator, she explores how these roles intersect & how her understanding of service has evolved over time.

Jenni reflects on what led her into therapeutic work, how stepping away from familiar professional paths created space for deeper listening, & why discernment has become central to how she chooses to show up. She speaks to the importance of not taking action from a place of obligation, urgency or external pressure, but moving from a soul-led place of clarity, intentional choice & self-trust. Central to this practice is a commitment to honoring value, capacity, creativity & God-given gifts. Jenni embodies the belief that just because we can do something, doesn’t mean that we should, & that some forms of creativity are meant to be held as personal practice & expression, rather than offered for consumption.

Lenten Retreat at Holy Cross Monastery

Friday, March 20th to Sunday, March 22nd, 2026

Blooming in the Lenten Desert: Encountering God in Lent as We Age

As we age through mid-life and beyond, we are particularly suited to understand and experience Lent in a profound way. The Lenten desert experience is meant to ultimately deepen our relationship with God through embracing the Paschal Mystery. Likewise aging, with its physical limitations, losses, emotional challenges, invitations to let go and calls to new life, is a mirroring experience that can aid us in a very particular way during this liturgical season. Come and explore this intersection. Please register here by March 1st. You can learn more about our facilitator, Janet Corso, here.

The Life and Witness of Pauli Murray: An All-Ages Study

Join us this February for an all-ages study of the life and legacy of Pauli Murray—poet, priest, civil rights lawyer, theologian, and saint of the Episcopal Church—whose courage and faith continue to shape both our church and our nation.

We will begin on Sunday, February 8, (9:40-10:15 a.m.) with a conversation for all ages in the Houston Room using the book Pauli Murray: Shouting for the Rights of All People, an accessible and engaging introduction to Pauli’s life and work (ages 6+). You can purchase your book using the link above, or, consider supporting a local bookstore! Our study will then continue on Sunday, February 28 (3 - 5 p.m.) with a viewing and discussion of the powerful documentary My Name is Pauli Murray, also in the Houston Room. Continue reading here.

Epiphany Fireside Tea & Sherry & Chess Club

Every Sunday now through February 15th

4:00 - 5:30 p.m. in the Houston Room

All are invited to attend a cozy gathering beside the Houston Room fireplace complete with tea, hot chocolate, and of course, per St. Martin's tradition, sherry! If you are able, please consider bringing a treat or additional beverage to share! Chess Club will take place in conjunction - all ages and skill levels are encouraged! Chess equipment provided, but don’t hesitate to bring such if you so desire.

Children, Youth, & Families

In Case You Missed It: CYF Winter & Spring Newsletter

Click here for a guide to upcoming CYF events including:

Shrove Tuesday Party & Pancake Supper
St. Martin's Youth: Face to Face Meal Serving
St. Martin's Youth: Bowling with St. Luke's Youth
Family Movie Night: The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Lenten Quiet Day for Families with St. Paul's
Climate Action Team: Annual Eco-Fair
Spring Family Work Day
Safe Church for Kids
Easter Pageant Rehearsals

and more!

Save the Date: Shrove Tuesday Party & Pancake Supper

Tuesday, February 17th

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall

All are invited to attend an intergenerational pancake supper for Shrove Tuesday. Youth, ages 10+, are encouraged to help with cooking and serving the meal with our adult mentor team. We'll also have materials out for making festive Mardi Gras masks, and if you'd like to participate in our pop-up intergenerational Mardi Gras band in playing "When the Saints are Marching In," feel free to bring an instrument! Please RSVP (or sign up to volunteer!) here.

Honor, Truth, Love in Action

Sunday, February 15th at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Aaron Graves & Valerie Gay in concert with The Neighborhood Collective: Kenny Davis, Bass; Jan Jeffries, Percussion; Mervin Toussaint, Woodwind; Donovan Fields, Drums. Also featuring the Choir of St. Martin-in-the-Fields.

Bill Jacobsen, who helped make this concert possible, writes:

"In celebration of Black History Month, St. Martin-in-the-Fields is hosting local jazz great Aaron Graves on February 15. Several times over the past few years I had the opportunity of experiencing his musical skills firsthand. Aside from his virtuosity on the piano and organ, he is also a highly gifted listener demonstrating great sensitivity to the music and to other musicians. Last year I sang in St. Martin’s concert choir and watched Tyrone’s sensitivity to the music, to the choir and to our Anglican musical heritage. Choir members learned that we make the best music when we are listening to Tyrone and to each other. All this is prelude to the fact that St. Martin is opening our doors once again to another rare musical experience. As one of Philadelphia’s best jazz artists Aaron and his combo will be bringing us one of the most indigenous of American music genres with roots from the Gospel tradition, where Aaron’s musical journey began. More than listening, Tyrone and Aaron will collaborate with our choir, giving us first-hand experience into how listening and performing go hand-in-hand."

Take Action

Will You Join Refugee Resettlement And Immigration Ministry In Our Mission?

As many of you know, any opportunity to work on a project with other parishioners—even the simplest tasks—helps us know each other better and appreciate our gifts, increasing our humility. It anchors us more firmly and comfortably in the community on a heart level. It provides hope and energy and, on a spiritual level, gives a sense of being part of God’s work.

Starting in 2016, St. Martin’s has sponsored or co-sponsored four refugee families: a Syrian family of four, a Ukrainian family of three, an Afghan family of nine, and an Afghan family of seven (names withheld to protect families’ privacy). Since 2016, we have raised more than $80,000, but far more importantly, we have established close relationships with them. The gratitude they have not been able to put into words, they have poured into generous meals, often accompanied by laughter while trying – awkwardly – to communicate using Google Translate.

We have grown closer, helping to fill out endless bureaucratic forms to ensure their safety and health. We have supported them in getting housing, green cards and citizenship, and finding scholarships to good schools for their children. We have watched those students become confident young adults.

Now, the work of Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Ministry has entered a new and critical phase. In addition to dealing with refugees who have legal status, we are now dealing with immigrants who do not have permanent legal status and are being rounded up in the government’s mass deportation campaign. Continue reading here.

Vigil for Peace

This Saturday, January 31st

Vigil: 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Service with the Bishop: 4:00 p.m.

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral

(19 S. 38th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104)

In prayerful support of the people of Minnesota and all our immigrant siblings, the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral invites you to keep vigil starting at 10 a.m. this Saturday, January 31st. Public prayers offered at intervals throughout the day. At 4 p.m., Bishop Gutiérrez will lead a service for peace, justice, humanity, and courage. All are welcome.

POWER Interfaith Citywide Assembly On Affordability

Sunday, February 1st from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Mother Bethel AME Church (419 S. 6th St.)

This is your chance to speak truth to power about affording life in Philadelphia and meet with our elected officials to come up with tangible, long-term solutions. There will be buses to this event. RSVP today by contacting Merritt Andruss at 907.957.1131 or merrittnp@gmail.com.

Need in Deed’s 3rd Annual Educational Equity Forum: Embracing Community Wisdom

Monday, February 9th from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

In a moment when many of us are asking how to stay connected and grounded, this conversation invites us to look toward the knowledge that already exists within our schools and neighborhoods. To register for the in-person or on-line event, click here.

Click Here for a Testimony from the Rev. Lindsay Hardin Freeman,

Former St. Martin's Priest Now Serving in Minnesota

"Another murder in Minneapolis yesterday. I watched the video, getting sick to my stomach. A murder. And make no mistake; it was. A man jumped by masked thugs, sent on behalf of the President of the United States. And lies promulgated by his department in a matter of minutes. If you don’t believe me, watch the videos.

By chance, we’d signed up to deliver groceries for a local Episcopal church, Casa Maria, on the border of Minneapolis. Some 500 requests for food had come in just this week. Because people are scared to come out of their house. They are abducted. Their children are taken from them. Their front doors are battered down. And they are hungry."

Sermon

Stephanie Barr

January 25th, 2026

Click here to view a recording of last Sunday's sermon by Stephanie Barr.

Coming Up

St. Martin's To Be Honored at St. James School's Dr. Audrey Evans Benefit Event

May 20th, 2026 at Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

St. Martin's has been chosen as one of this year's honorees at St. James School's Dr. Audrey Evens Benefit Event, due to our longstanding partnership with St. James! The Rev. Dr. Mary Barber will be in attendance to accept this honor on behalf of the parish, and we hope you will attend as well! Enjoy an evening of camaraderie and impactful programming paired with delicious food and drinks. Tickets are pay-what-you-wish. To learn more click here.