TIME CHANGE

Don't forget to "fall back" this weekend by one hour and get an extra hour of sleep before coming to church.

REMEMBERING THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US

All Saints Sunday is on Nov 2 this year. It's a special day when we remember all of the nameless saints known only to. God and the people they touched in life. It's also a time for us to remember that we are all called to be Saints. 

This year will be extra special because we will be baptizing Christina Castellanos. We met Christina at our table at the Somerville Pride Festival in June, and she has become a wonderful new addition to St Martin's. It is always a special honor to baptize an adult who is discovering their faith in Christ and inclusion in the Episcopal Church. Please keep Christina in your prayers as she prepares for her baptism.

We will celebrate All Souls Day on Monday, November 3. We will name before God the names of all of our departed loved ones and pray for those known to God alone at Evening Prayer on the 3rd. Please email Fr. Rob any names that you would like to be included in the prayers. Please use rectorstmartinsnj@gmail.com

SNAP BENEFITS WILL END NOV 1ST

This will be disastrous for many people who depend on these benefits for their daily food. Please be as generous as possible with donations of non-perishable food items to the food bank over the next several weeks. 

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEEPEN SPIRITUALITY

Daily Evening Prayer

Beginning in September, Daily Evening Prayer will be offered and live-streamed on YouTube at 5:30 pm. Following ancient practice, the early church began its daily prayers in the evening, which was considered the beginning of the day. We offer this gift of prayer on behalf of the church and the world, and for those who are unable to pray due to poor health, work schedules, or other obligations.

Father Rob will officiate in the Lady Chapel on Mondays-Thursdays, and anyone available is welcome to participate in person or online. Volunteers are needed to officiate on the weekend. Please let Father Rob know if you would like to be trained to officiate on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoons. 

Spiritual Practices Circle

The Rosary will be offered on First Wednesdays after the Wednesday Mass (@6:45 pm). All are welcome to join us. If you have a special intention that you would like us to offer, please let Fr. Rob+ or Br. Philip know.

On the Fourth Wednesday of the month (@6:45 pm), we will explore other prayer practices that may help you deepen and nurture your relationship with God and your neighbor. We will explore Ignatian prayer, centering prayer, guided meditation, Franciscan gazing, adoration of the blessed sacrament, and other forms of prayer. 

Mark your calendars and join us in the Lady Chapel.

RECTOR'S FORUM

This fall, Father Rob will present an 8-week class during the Rector's Forum on the experiences of God among marginalized groups. Adults and youth are encouraged to attend.

Seeing God Through Many Windows: Exploring God’s Image in Every Body and Every Story

An eight-week exploration of experiences of God told through the voices of those who are often overlooked. Each session will open a new window into God's presence, through struggle, celebration, embodiment, and community.

Weekly Themes

The God Who Sets Us Free (Liberation Perspective) God is present in the cries of the oppressed and active in the work of justice.

The God Beyond Patriarchy (Feminist Perspective) God nurtures, challenges, and empowers beyond systems of domination.

The God Who Sees Our Struggles (Womanist Perspective) God walks with us in survival, sacred dignity, and deep wisdom.

The God of the Margins (Queer Perspective) God delights in difference and creates space for radical belonging.

The God Who Dwells Among Us (Latina/o Perspective) God is found in everyday life: family, food, music, and sacred story.

The God Who Reclaims Us (Postcolonial Perspective) God disrupts empire, reclaims silenced stories, and heals through resistance.

The God in Creation (Indigenous Perspective) God speaks through land, ancestors, and sacred presence.

The Disabled God (Disability Perspective) God dwells in everybody: scarred, whole, and beloved.

📍 Sundays beginning September 14 at 9:30 AM in the Lady Chapel

PRAYER LIST

Please send your prayer intentions to Philip at philip.muniz@gmail.com. Please specify whether your request is a 30-day or long-term request. If you want a name removed, you can email Philip.

SHORT-TERM INTENTIONS

• Jack asks for prayers for his son, Brian.
• Heather asks for prayers for Bryan Crese, her niece's boyfriend, who was on the balcony that collapsed at the University of Cincinnati.
• Philip asks for prayers for Rich, who is in ICU.

LONG-TERM INTENTIONS

(Ongoing)

Evelyn, Michael, Brent M, Anna Rose, Joe, Pat, Brian, Pete, Laura, Amy, Jeffrey, Juan, Joan, Domenic, Camille, Barbara, Tim

FOR THE DEPARTED

Pat, Diane, Maureen, Jane, Erten, Sandra, Mary, Frank, Joseph, Ian, Jeff K., Vera, Bunny, Darlene Denise

NOVEMBER 2ND: ALL SAINTS SUNDAY AND PLEDGE INGATHERING



You may turn in your pledge cards on Sunday, the 26th, or Sunday, November 2, or you may pledge online. We will bless the pledge cards and offer thanks to God for the generosity of the people at St. Martin's. After the 10:30 am Mass, plan to come to a pancake breakfast in the undercroft, hosted by the Senior Moments Group. There is no charge, and everyone is welcome!

BISHOP'S VISIT AND CONFIRMATION/RECEPTION

Bishop French will be visiting St Martin's on Sunday, December 14. She will be celebrating a Mass of Thanksgiving for Fr. Rob's 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

A few people have also expressed the desire to be received or confirmed on that Sunday.

If you have been thinking about getting confirmed or received, this could be an opportunity for you to become a full member of the Episcopal Church.

If you are interested, let Father Rob know as soon as possible,so we can arrange classes before the bishop's visit.

YEAR-TO-DATE GIVING STATEMENTS

Year-to-date giving statements were mailed this week. If you did not receive yours, or if there is an error, please contact the church office at stmartinschurchnj@gmail.com. 

If you are behind in what you pledged for 2025 and can make a catch-up contribution, that would be most appreciated. As of Monday, we are about $12,500 short of where we expected to be at this point in the year."  

STEWARDSHIP

When pledging online, please use this link: https://www.stmartinsnj.org/pledge/ 

THE FRIENDS OF BRIDGEWATER HISTORY PRESENTATION

November 9th, 12:15-1:15

“Now and Then…a walk through our past” Join the Friends of Bridgewater as they explore the changes that have taken place over the last 100 years in Martinsville and Camp Cromwell.

SAFETY AND SECURITY COMMITTEE

We recently had a security audit, and the diocesan chair of the security commission will be working with us to create policies and protocols to improve the safety and security of those attending Mass and the children and staff in our school. This will allow us to have a plan for medical emergencies, fires, and other disasters, and God forbid, active shooters and intruders. 

The vestry and I are establishing a committee to work with the diocese to study and create policies for disaster and emergency preparedness. If you would like to be a part of this committee, please see Father Rob. People with experience in disaster preparedness and recovery are especially encouraged to participate, as are first responders and others with medical training, law enforcement training, etc. Although anyone interested is welcome to help.  

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OUTREACH

Starting in November there will be a coat/gently-used clothes drive in honor of St. Martin of Tours. Coats/jackets/clothes can be put in the coat room in the Narthex.

Food Bank Special Needs: Jelly and reusable bags.

A collection bin for Laundry Love has been placed in the Narthex. We are collecting rolls of quarters, detergent pods, dryer sheets, and small plastic ziplock bags. This collection will be ongoing. Thank you for your generosity.

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. 

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Kathy Shanklin.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

The Watchung Convocation is collecting donations to help purchase and forgive medical debt of those in need in our community. Please consider making a generous donation to this worthy cause. You can write a check to St. Martin's and write Medical Debt Forgiveness in the memo line.

ALTAR FLOWERS AND SANCTUARY CANDLES

Altar flowers and sanctuary candles may be offered in memory of someone or in thanksgiving for a person, event, or special occasion. The suggested offering for altar flowers is $55 per arrangement. The suggested offering for a Sanctuary Candle is $15. Please email the office with details of the person or occasion you wish to honor.

WE NEED CRUCIFERS

Many of our crucifer corps have gone on to college or moved away. Please speak with Father Rob if you are interested in serving as a crucifer. Anyone at least 11 years old may serve as a crucifer. Adults are encouraged to consider this important ministry. 

FATHER ROB'S EMAIL

To reach Father Rob by email, please only use this email: rectorstmartinsnj@gmail.com. He no longer is using his yahoo email.

RECYCLE/REUSE

We are always collecting the following items:

• Shopping Bags
• Empty Pill Bottles with all plastic lids
• Styrofoam (no food containers)
• Yarn
• Unusable pens/markers/pencils
• Kitchen items (no furniture)
• Books

Any questions, please contact Kathy Shanklin.

ST. MARTIN'S ON YOUTUBE

You can still see the live stream on our Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/SaintMartinsEpiscopalChurchBridgewaterNJ

https://www.youtube.com/@st.martinsepiscopalchurchnj