Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The calling of the church is simple. First and foremost, we are called on to worship our Lord Jesus Christ. Second, we are called on to share his love through word and deed. This is the essence of mission, evangelism and pastoral care. Finally, we are called on to teach the lessons of God's reconciling love in such a way that we and others can live into our collective calling as God's children. When the church is at its best, it is really that simple.
Traditionally all of these things depend on gathering; yet, we know that right now gathering inside of the church is dangerous. This danger has strained the church. It has been hard. Time apart from the Word, sacrament, and community has also caused us to rethink how we gather. I believe we have done this remarkably well. Our YouTube Channel is being used as an example for other churches around the country. Our twice-a- week publications (like this), our "Holy Moments, our quarterly "faith!" magazine, our community garden, participation in the UTO EpisGOpal Race, and our Sunday morning prayer services have also been widely recognized as diocesan and/or national church-leading. Yet, despite this success, and recognition, I will be the first to say it's not the same. Worship needs community just as sacraments need touch. Humans touching the divine is not possible in a digital format.
With that in mind, as mask use has increased and COVID numbers have started showing a downward decline, St. Martin's is going to begin phasing in outside worship. We will begin next week with small weekday services outside on the point. Yes, masks will need to be worn. Yes, physical distancing will be expected and required, but praying together on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday will be possible. We will learn the flow of the morning prayer service together. Following a week of this, if the numbers from Richland County continue to show improvement, we will then add a Sunday morning (8 a.m.) and Sunday evening (6 p.m.) service into the mix. Again it will all be outside, masked, and physically distanced, but if we can be in covenant with one another to follow the rules of separation in the same way we follow the rules of our baptism, I believe this is something we can do safely.
Again, if you are not quite ready to return to in-person worship, we understand. We will not stop worshiping on YouTube live, but as masks have been proven to work, we believe in this way, we can safely gather again in person.
In Christ,
Mitch+
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PHASED IN ONLINE WORSHIP SCHEDULE
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St. Martin's will begin offering in-person, weekday worship starting Monday, Aug. 24. In the event of heavy rain and/or lightening, services will be canceled. There will be no indoor worship alternative.
Daily prayer services will take place on the Point (on the sidewalk in front of the church), Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday services are adult-only. Masks and social distancing will be required at all services.
Parishioners are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, Book of Common Prayer and Bible though all will be available if needed.
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ADD A NAME TO THE PRAYER LIST
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If you would like to submit a name for our ongoing prayer list, please use this form. Names will be shared weekly prior to worship and will be removed after three weeks, as in the past.
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PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE TEACHERS, PROFESSORS AND INSTRUCTORS AMONG US
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Angela Adams
Dottie Adams
Allison Askins
Frank Avignone
Bill Bacon
Ginger Barfield
Michael Bellon
Elizabeth Bentrup
Debbie Billings
Drew Bozard
Bill Canaday
Gwen Geidel
Pam Hair
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Tayloe Harding
Amy Hayden
Elizabeth Hayden
Amanda Hines
Randy James
Elizabeth Jennings
Jody Lumpkin
David Jones
Kate Jones
Mike Meadows
Carol McGinnis-Kay
Martin McWilliams
Caroline Nagel
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Scotty Peek
Valerie Pruett
Allison Rashley
Kelly Renko-Clarkson
Kyle Sanders
Amy Shuler
Denise Smith
Amanda Stockard
Slayden Thomas
Sara Thornton
Jim Thrasher
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If we have missed someone, please let us know so we can add them to the list. Email the name to [email protected].
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“It is a Christian obligation to vote, and more than that, it is the church’s responsibility to help get souls to the polls.”
--Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
As Episcopalians, we commit to strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of all. One of the many important ways we go about this is voting faithfully in our local and national elections. As you look toward the Nov. 3 election, be sure to check your voter registration information! If you qualify to vote absentee, you can go ahead and apply for your ballot today. Go to scvotes.gov. Absentee ballots will be mailed after Oct. 5. When you vote this November, be sure to stop by the office for your #votefaithfully sticker!
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Pre-packaged boxes of fruits and vegetables from Livingston Farms/The Shack in Swansea will be available for pickup between 1:30 and 3 p.m. Thursday in the back parking lot of the church. Prices are as follows:
- Large Mix, $25
- Small Mix,$10
- Bags of tomatoes, $5
To reserve your produce, please visit @Livingston Farms/The Shack on Facebook and post your location for pickup along with what items you want in your box. This ensures they will pack enough items in the truck before leaving the farm. Credit cards are accepted.
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While scrolling Instagram, be sure to follow @smifsc for the Three-Word Gospel on Tuesdays, a brief summary of the upcoming Gospel, and ComplinefromHome postings, short evening prayers or thoughts, Monday through Friday.
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Should you be in need of pastoral care, please use the dedicated extension,(Ext. 201) when you call the parish office, 803.787.0392.
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Thank you in advance for keeping your pledge current during this time of uncertainty. You may pay your pledge in these ways:
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Use this link to keep your pledge up-to-date by going online. You will need your bank routing number, which is the first set of numbers printed on the bottom of your checks, on the left side. You will also need your account number, which is the next set of numbers beside the routing number at the bottom of your check. This online link is safe and secure.
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You may also mail your checks to the Parish Office at 5220 Clemson Ave., Columbia, SC 29206.
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5220 Clemson Avenue
Columbia, SC 29206
803.787.0392 | www.stmartinsinthefields.com
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