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Fr. Robert Laws - Rector
rectorstmartinsnj@gmail.com
September 20, 2026
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The Phoenix Will Rise Again
Courtesy of the Fernandez art collection
Dedicated to the first responders, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and all others who served in the aftermath of September 11, 2001—including Fr. Ed Murphy, whose compassionate ministry brought strength and solace to the firefighters at Ground Zero. It has been installed in our church for mass this Sunday.
Like the phoenix rising from its ashes, their courage, sacrifice, and service embody humanity’s capacity to endure destruction, rebuild from loss, and find the strength to rise again. This work honors those who stood amid darkness and uncertainty, carrying hope, compassion, and resilience into the future.
We remember. We rebuild. We rise again.
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September 27, 10:30 a.m.: Blue Mass to Honor Law Enforcement with Special Coffee Hour (only one service)
October 4, 10:30 a.m.: Red Mass to Honor Legal Profession
October 4, 4 p.m.: St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals
October 25: Gentle Prayer for Everyone, followed by Potluck Dinner
November 1, 9:30 a.m.: Prayers for the Departed in the Memorial Garden
November 8, 10:30 a.m.: Mass to Honor Our Veterans
November 15: St. Martin's Day/Patronal Feast Day
November 29, 4 p.m.: Gentle Prayer for Everyone, followed by Potluck Dinner
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SEPTEMBER 27: BLUE MASS with SPECIAL COFFEE HOUR
Unfortunately, the incoming nor'easter has put a damper on our Sunday events. Instead of a picnic, we will be having a special coffee hour in the back of the church. So, if you would like to bake something, please bring it before the 10:30 mass and place it on the tables in the church.
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"COFFEE HOUR"
Thanks to the people who substituted for our regular coffee hour hosts this summer. Our regular coffee hour will begin again on October 4th.
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DIAPER COLLECTION
There is a bin on the outside patio for diapers—especially sizes 4, 5, and 6.
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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.
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OUTREACH
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.
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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.
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PRAYER LIST
Please send your prayer intentions to Philip at philip.muniz@gmail.com. Please specify whether your request is for 30 days or long term. If you want a name removed, you can email Philip.
SHORT-TERM INTENTIONS
Cindy, Stephen, Larry, Joanne, Joe, Colleen, Patrick, Steve, Brother Thomas, Stacy, Juanita, Aiden, Jeff Mostwill Sr., Linda, David, Brian, Bryan
LONG-TERM INTENTIONS
(Ongoing)
Michael, Ben, Brenda, Adam, Bridget, Richie, Hector, Michael, Brent M., Anna Rose, Joe, Pat, Brian, Pete, Laura, Amy, Juan, Joan, Camille, Barbara, Tim
FOR THE DEPARTED
Judy, William, Graham, Delcia, Mary Lou, Fred, Jacquie, Pat, Diane, Maureen, Jane, Erten, Sandra, Mary, Frank, Joseph, Ian, Jeff K., Vera, Darlene, Denise
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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.
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St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
1350 Washington Valley Road
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Phone: 908-526-1350
Church office email: stmartinschurchnj@gmail.com
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