Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thursday, March 19, 2020, was the last in-person service in the sanctuary of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields. Ten of us were present. Caitlyn Darnell was ordained. I remember the pressure I was feeling. Some had wanted us to close after the Celtic Mass. Others wanted us to carry on. One person told me he wanted St. Martin's to close and would withhold his family's pledge until we did. Another let me know that if I closed, his family would leave and take their pledge elsewhere. The funny thing is, looking back, I hold no ill will towards either party.
Back in February and early March, none of us knew what we now know about COVID-19. We were all working with an incomplete picture. In many ways, we are still working with an incomplete picture, but we have also learned much. We have learned that outside is safer than inside, that safety protocols can be followed, and that we can greatly mitigate risk. We have also learned that our community is stronger when we participate in common prayer.
With this information in mind, we are taking steps to regather. This Sunday, at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., we will have our first in-person Sunday services in months. We'll meet on the sidewalk in front of the church; services will be canceled if there is lightning or intense rain. Bring your own prayer book, bring your own lawn chair, wear a mask, and please come! We know the rules of physical distancing. I trust our community to follow them.
We will also continue having services on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., both also outside. It is said that it takes 18 to 66 days to build a habit that sticks. It is also said that it takes 18 to 66 days to break a habit. Well, friends, we have not worshiped in-person together in 158 days. The habit of in-person worship has been broken for all of us. It's a habit that will need to be built again. The 10 a.m. online worship service will still be as good as ever, but if you feel safe, please consider coming and praying with your church family in-person once again.
In Christ,
Mitch+
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IN-PERSON WORSHIP SCHEDULE
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St. Martin's has begun offering
in-person, weekday worship on the sidewalk in front of the church. The schedule is as follows:
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Monday: 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
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Wednesday: 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday services are adult-only.
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Friday: 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
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Sunday (new this week, Aug. 30): 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Masks and social distancing are required at all services. In the event of heavy rain and/or lightning, services will be canceled. There is no indoor worship alternative.
You 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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Christine Harding
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
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Caroline Nagel
Scotty Peek
Valerie Pruett
Allison Rashley
Kelly Renko-Clarkson
Kyle Sanders
Amy Shuler
Denise Smith
Amanda Stockard
Slayden Thomas
Sara Thornton
Jim Thrasher
Anne Vickers
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Our Harvest Hope wagons will be waiting for your contributions outside at our Sunday services, which are scheduled for 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the sidewalk in front of the church.
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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, you must visit @Livingston Farms/The Shack on Facebook by Wednesday of each week. Create a post with your location for pickup (St. Martin's) 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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