THE CLOAK
St. Martin's Weekly E-Newsletter
November 22, 2018
To seek God, and be Christ’s body in the world
Greetings!

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:15
Calendar
This Week's Schedule

Thursday, November 22
HAPPY THANKSGIVING-office closed

Friday, November 23
10:00am Women's AA Bolingbroke

Sunday, November 25
8:00am Holy Eucharist Rite I
9:00am Choir Rehearsal
9:30am Sunday School for all ages
10:00am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Wednesday, November 28
12:15pm Holy Eucharist
6:00pm Upper Room @ The Gryphon Cafe
7:00pm AA St. Martin's Church
7:00pm Bible Study @ CCI
Sunday School
Advent Prep!

On November 25 children and youth will gather in the large Sunday School room at 9:30 a.m. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the first Sunday where we focus on the coming of Jesus--including exploring the Christmas story as understood through the pageant. We invite children and youth to select roles they want to portray in the 4 p.m. pageant on Christmas Eve. Children 3 and older are welcome in Sunday School as we return to using Legos to depict the Bible too.

The nursery will be open starting at 9:30 a.m. for babies and toddlers up to age 3.
Preschool Praise
Joyful Noise

Last Sunday children of all ages gathered, with parents, downstairs in the Large Sunday School room for the preschool version of the Liturgy of the Word. Yes, the reading was the same as upstairs. Yes, we had loads of singing, cooing, crying, laughing and other sounds common to preschoolers and toddlers. Fr. Chris led the worship from the floor with Emma crawling around. We look forward to future times when parents and children can gather to once again make a joyful noise (Psalm 100).
Outreach
Thanksgiving Bags

"Thank you St. Martin's. You have no idea how much this is going to help." That's what Lisa said when we delivered 29 Thanksgiving Bags to Highland Avenue. They were so grateful for our generosity, and you should all feel good about the difference you've made in people's lives. I'll echo Lisa's sentiments - thank you St. Martin's!
Community Fellowship
Discuss and Discover

The Upper Room is a mid-week gathering for discussion and prayer from 6:00-7:00 PM at the Gryphon Cafe, 105 W Lancaster Ave, Wayne. The topic for the November 28th get-together is "Where Do You Find Meaning In Your Life? Where Do You Find Community?" Christ Church, Ithan and St Martin's will facilitate discussion. Attendees will bring the diverse viewpoints to share and learn. All are welcome, so please bring a friend.

A light dinner will be provided. Ample parking will be available in the nearby Santander Bank lot.

BRING QUESTIONS. BRING DOUBTS. BRING EXPERIENCE. BRING YOURSELF.

Upcoming dates: December 12 & January 9
Community Mission
Goodworks is up and running!

Goodworks, our collaborative St. Martin’s Church, Radnor and Christ Church, Ithan Community outreach initiative, is up and running! Now we need your help to stock our supply bins so that we can be ready to respond to community needs when we’re contacted.

You’re welcome to pick up a hard copy in the back of church or print one from the SMC website. Questions? Please contact Dennis Bingham or Carisa Gring.
Bible Study
Month of December

The last Wednesday in November is the final Bible Study of the month at Christ Church, Ithan, at 7 p.m. Each Wednesday in December the Bible Study returns to St. Martin's. We continue to read the three synoptic Gospels in parallel and every week stands alone. Books are provided. Advent is an ideal time to refocus on what Jesus means to us, in the context of our contemporary lives. Interested? Drop in any Wednesday. If you have any questions please contact Deb Parker.
All Levels Yoga Class
Breathe, stretch, and destress!

New to yoga? Experienced yogi? Have you always wanted to try yoga or have you not practiced for a while? This class is for you! All are welcome on Tuesday, December 4th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Gurley Room for approximately 1 hour. Yoga is for everyone - if you have practiced for a long time, or never, or have physical limitations, you can do yoga! The class, instructed by Amanda Eiman, will be tailored to the levels of the participants present. Come learn, explore, grow, stretch!
The First Sunday of Advent
A Change of Venue!

On Sunday, December 2nd, services will be held in Bolingbroke in coordination with the Parish Breakfast. Come for the food. Stay for the fellowship!
  • 8:00 AM Quiet Rite I Eucharist
  • 8:30 AM Breakfast begins
  • 10:00 AM Rite II Eucharist with music
(Nursery opens at 9:30 in the church.)
  • 11:00 AM Advent Wreath-Making
Special Seasonal Event
A Festive Activity!

Advent Wreath-Making will be on Sunday, December 2nd, in Bolingbroke. Join us after the 10:00 AM service for this special, hands-on event for families and individual parishioners. Supplies will be provided. Donations will be appreciated. This is a great way to start the Advent season!
Supper & Service
Celebrate Giving!

On Saturday, December 8th, St. Martin’s will host a Supper & Service event to celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas. All are welcome to bring a potluck dish to share supper in the Gurley Room starting at 4:00 PM. A special St. Nicholas themed Holy Eucharist will follow at 5:00 PM in church. Children, especially, will get to experience the generous example set by St. Nicholas.
Non-perishable donations for the Highland Hamper will be accepted in celebration of this giving season.
The Lectionary
Sunday's Readings can be found on the Worship page at St. Martin's website.

2 Samuel 23:1-7
Psalm 132:1-13 (14-19)
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37

Diocesan Events
DioPA Youth All-Nighter
Friday, November 30, 2018
Philadelphia Sports Club at Highpoint in Chalfont, PA
11:00 PM - 6:00 AM - Grades 6-12
$35 per youth, includes snacks & beverages
  A night for youth from all over the diocese to join together for fun and games. Activities include: basketball, soccer, rock climbing wall, volleyball, swimming, laser tag, inflatable jousting, video games, and more. Scholarships available.
 
DioPA Men's Fellowship
A men's fellowship group has started with the Diocese of Pennsylvania (DioPA) to encourage spiritual development and bonding through good works. A steering committee will meet on Friday, December 7th, at 7:00 AM at the iHOP in Ardmore. Discussion will involve a literacy project for MLK Day of Service and ways to support Fr. John Daniels and the young men of Church Farm School. Curious? Drop in at breakfast. Questions? Please contact Austin Hepburn of St. David's Church, Wayne.