HOME

It’s St. Martin’s turn again to help welcome HOME’s guests at the Presbyterian Church in Pluckemin on Sunday, 9 August. We need dinner delivered before 5 PM and also 1 or 2 people to spend time with the guests from 5 to 9 PM. This is an easy way to help others. Please contact Kathy Shanklin with any questions at her Gmail address.

ST. MARTIN'S SCHOOL

If anyone has kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, or acquaintances in need of childcare, beginning in September 2026, in addition to childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, St. Martin’s School will begin offering before-care and after-care services (beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m.) for elementary-age children up to third graders. Bus transportation between St. Martin’s and Crim Elementary School and Hamilton Elementary School will be available for before-care and after-care students. Please spread the word!

Also, if any parish members have gently used or new, unneeded elementary-age educational toys (Legos, puzzles, STEM, or similar) or books on hand, this will help us with our before- and after-care programs.

OUTREACH

We’re collecting back-to-school items for the Somerset County Department of Families and Children. A list is on the board in the narthex. 

There is a container on the table in the narthex for quarters for Laundry Love. 

The Food Bank is in great need of food items, paper goods, and toiletries for our neighbors in Somerset County. We especially want to focus on personal items and cleaning products, such as toothpaste, feminine products, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc. Cash and checks are also greatly appreciated. There’s always a container on the stairs leading up to the choir loft. 

HELP VENEZUELA

On June 24, two strong earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela in rapid succession. Episcopal Relief & Development has reached out to local diocesan partners to assess evacuees' needs and provide community support in the coming days. As the scope of the disaster continues to unfold, we urgently need your help.



Your gift today supports work with local partners to provide critical relief today and long-term recovery assistance in the weeks and months ahead to those impacted by disasters like the earthquakes in Venezuela.



Our prayers go out to the families and communities devastated by these earthquakes, while we do all we can to help them.

PARISH WORK DAY, August 9, after 10:30 Mass

We need volunteers to help clean up, spruce up, and declutter areas of the church. On August 9th, wear your work clothes to the 10:30 Mass so we can go to work after coffee hour. Even if you can only stay for a short time, we need any help we can get.

WOMEN'S GROUP OUTING

Colonial Gardens (10 a.m.)

Pink Pistachio Cafe (12:30 p.m.)

The women's group has planned a trip to Colonial Gardens on August 12th, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. If you are interested in joining us, please email me so I can make a reservation at the restaurant. Everyone is invited to join. If you need a ride, please email me. We will be meeting in the church parking lot at 9:30.

GRANT WRITING EXPERIENCE NEEDED

We are trying to secure a grant from New Jersey to do some much-needed upgrades to our security systems. We are looking for anyone experienced in grant writing. Contact Fr. Rob.

ALL-ABILITIES AND NEURODIVERGENT LISTENING SESSIONS

Part of being an inclusive church is ensuring that worship and communal life are accessible, comfortable, and welcoming for all children and adults, including our neurodivergent parishioners and those with hidden disabilities.

We will host two listening sessions in August to determine how we can make the parish more welcoming to neurodivergent people, people with hidden disabilities, and their families. 

Sunday, Aug 16, 11:15 am: Listening session for parents with school-aged neurodivergent children and children with hidden disabilities.

Sunday, Aug 23, 11:15 am: Listening session for neurodivergent adults and their families and adults with hidden disabilities.

Both meetings will be in the large meeting room on the right side of the hallway, once you enter the door near the crucifix. (This is the room where Sunday School for children is normally held.) 

*Hidden disabilities include ADHD, dyslexia, early-onset dementia, PTSD, anxiety, etc.

CRITICAL NEED OF ALTAR SERVERS, THURIFERS, AND CRUCIFERS

We are in critical need of altar servers, especially someone to be trained to serve as a thurifer, at least one more crucifer, and people to read the Lessons/Prayers of the People during Mass. While anyone who feels a call to do any of these acts of service should contact Father Rob, women are especially encouraged to consider serving in these important ministries.