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.

Have you been thinking about getting confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church? A special class for adults is being offered for those who would like to be confirmed or received when the bishop visits on December 14.

The class will begin on Sunday, November 23, at 9:30 am in the Lady Chapel. Please note: If you were confirmed in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox or ELCA churches, you do not need to be re-confirmed. You may be received into the Episcopal Church by the laying on of hands by the bishop. 

Please email Father Rob+ if you would like to be confirmed/received or simply attend the class on Nov. 23.

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.

SAFETY AND SECURITY COMMITTEE

We recently underwent a security audit, and the diocesan chair of the security commission will be working with us to develop policies and protocols that enhance the safety and security of those attending Mass, as well as 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 relevant training, such as medical and law enforcement personnel. Although anyone interested is welcome to help.  

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ST. NICHOLAS VISITATION

Come celebrate the season of Advent with St. Nicholas on Sunday, December 7th, at 5 pm. All are welcome! Please bring a dish to share. RSVP to Heather Agosto, 908-240-0621.

ANGEL TREE

The Angel Tree is in the Narthex, on the board to the left as you enter. The gifts must be returned by December 14. Please sign up for your gift on the posted sheets. Feel free to include paper and tape so parents can wrap gifts and buy/order early. Some gifts may run out early or take longer to order than usual. Please get in touch with Kathy Shanklin by email with any questions. Thank you for your generosity.

OUTREACH

Starting in November, a coat and gently used clothes drive will be held in honor of St. Martin of Tours. Coats/jackets/clothes can be placed in the coat room in the Narthex.

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

We will collect socks for the Hoboken Homeless Shelter from now through 14 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.

STEWARDSHIP



Our stewardship campaign is wrapping up, and we are very grateful for the 2026 pledges received so far. We have 37 pledges totaling just over $162,842. If you still plan to pledge, please do so as soon as possible so we can begin budget planning for next year. As a reminder, you can place a paper pledge in the offering plate on Sunday, or you can go to the church website (https://www.stmartinsnj.org/). Click on "donate or pledge" and complete your pledge there. Thank you!  

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.