BISHOP, CONFIRMATION, AND RECEPTION

Bishop French will be celebrating our confirmands and receiving our new members on Sunday, January 11th. Please join us in celebrating this event with a special coffee hour following the ceremony.

CANDLEMAS AND FOUNDER'S DAY

Sunday, February 1, is the Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas. It is also Founder's Sunday here at St. Martin’s, as it is the date of the first Mass celebrated by the new St. Martin’s community. February 1 will also be the date of our Annual Meeting, so there will be ONE JOINT Mass on February 1.

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.

DON'T FORGET IT'S 2026

Just a reminder that when you write your checks to the church, the year is 2026. Thanks!

VESTRY NOMINATIONS

Nominations are being accepted for vestry. There are two open positions as liaisons to committees. Nominations may be given to either Father Rob or the Senior Warden, Beth Hixenbaugh.

One must be a confirmed (or received) Episcopalian to serve on the vestry. The vestry term is for a three-year term. Nominations will close on Saturday, the 17th. Please have the permission of the person you are nominating before offering their name for election. You may nominate yourself.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE, JANUARY 31st

Sign up with the link below:

OUTREACH

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

We will collect socks for the Hoboken Homeless Shelter until the end of December. There will be a container in the narthex.

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.

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.