THE CLOAK
St. Martin's Weekly E-Newsletter
January 9, 2020
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To seek God, and be Christ’s body in the world
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Baptism of the Lord
"And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him." - Matthew 3:16
REFLECT: This is a great day... It is a day when we see that Baptism gives us entrance into heaven because baptism is tied to Jesus Christ... We need to get wet with the waters of baptism by remembering our baptism and being thankful or by getting baptized if we have not been… Get wet by finding ways to serve others in Jesus’ name. Preach the Gospel at all times in your words and use actions to bolster that message. Get wet by thinking of who in your life right now needs help. Who is it for you? Think of how you can use what God has given you to make a difference in their lives… Get wet by sprinkling the blessings God has given you to others… You are a precious gift that God can give to someone else. Get wet. Whatever it is that you can do, get wet with the living waters of Baptism flowing out from you into the lives of others who will then turn and give God praise.
PRAY: Lord God, you revealed your Son in the waters of the Jordan and anointed him with the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim good news to all people. Sanctify us by the same Spirit, that we may proclaim the healing power of the gospel by acts of love in your name. Amen.
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T
his Week's Schedule
Friday, January 10
9:30am Makin' Music
Sunday, January 12
Rev. Karl Krueger, Celebrant
8:00am Holy Eucharist
9:00am Choir Rehearsal
9:30am Sunday School for all ages
10:00am Holy Eucharist
Tuesday, January 14
9:30am Makin' Music
Wednesday, January 15
9:30am Makin' Music
12:15pm Holy Eucharist
7:00pm AA Meeting
7:15pm Bible Study @ SMC
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Coat Drive
Thank you to all who donated new and gently used coats and winter accessories to the Coat Drive for the HIAS organization. Your generosity will warm hearts and more this winter!
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Jesus gets Baptized by John!
This is one of the readings this week and is one of the beloved stories that our children love to reenact. Join us for Sunday School at 9:30 AM in the large Sunday School room. We also will continue to build new Lego scenes based on scripture, and welcome all ages. Megan will babysit our younger members starting at 9:30 AM, too. If you have any questions or would like to join us, please contact
Ms. Deb.
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Ready for Pick-up
Please remember to pick up your 2020 offering envelopes in The Gurley Room. If envelopes were inadvertently not assigned to you, please contact the office at 610-688-4830, or
[email protected]. Thank you!
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January Sessions
Please join the Bible discussion on Wednesday, January 15th, from 7:15 to 8:15 PM at St. Martin's. We are comparing the three synoptic Gospels, and welcome you to share your own experiences with living into scripture. No previous experience is needed, books are provided, and guests are always welcome. Please contact
Deb Parker if you have any questions.
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Advent Wreaths and Souper Bowl Jars
January is a time when many of us do a little mid-winter straightening. If you have any empty Souper Bowl quart-sized jars that you want to donate back to the church, or Advent Wreath metal forms that you are done with for the time being, please drop them off in the Small Sunday school room. We will either put them to good use or store them.
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Calling All Congregants!
Please plan on staying after the 10:00 AM service on Sunday, January 26th, for St. Martin's Annual Meeting. Learn what's new. Discuss what's happened. Question where things are going. Of all things, engage with each other and be surrounded by the love within this great church! Childcare with refreshments and activities will be available.
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Shared Rector Search Update
We have received applications from just over a dozen candidates. We are currently conducting on-line interviews with those that appear to be a good fit. We have completed 4 of these interviews with one more scheduled and at least one more to be scheduled. Following these interviews we will be narrowing the candidates down to three. Following additional interviews, possible visitis and reference checks, the search/discernment committee is required to submit a single candidate for approval by both Vestries. While we are anxious to identify that candidate, we do not have a specific time line for completing the process. We will continue to keep you posted on our progress. Questions? Please contact St. Martin's Search Committee Chairperson,
Brian Penny.
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Joint Meeting
The next joint Vestry Meeting will be on Thursday, January 16th, at 7:00 PM. St. Martin's will host. Please reach out to any Vestry member if there's is a particular topic you'd like to be discussed.
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Good News
The Episcopal Church's Good Book Club returns for a third year. Join Forward Movement and more than a dozen partner organizations from across the Episcopal Church in reading a section of the Gospel of John every day during Epiphany 2020. Encounter the risen Lord through the signs and wonders, the beauty and revelation of John’s Gospel. Additional details can be found at the following website:
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Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 29
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17
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