Interim Rector’s Note: Goodbye and God bless

Rev. Phyllis Taylor

This Sunday, September 30, will be my last Sunday with you. We’ve been together less than three months, but how I’ll miss you!

My soul will miss the worship. I’ll miss participating in the lay-led services of Morning Prayer on early weekday mornings in the Mary chapel, then sitting there in silence in God’s presence with the meditation group. I’ll miss coming into the church first thing Sunday mornings and being awed each time by the holiness of the space and the care with which it has been prepared: flowers beautifully chosen and arranged, trays set out for each service with home-baked bread and snowy fresh linen, and bulletins and Field Notes arranged in baskets. I’ll miss sharing the leadership of worship with so many people so reverently prepared – acolytes, lectors, intercessors, Eucharistic ministers, ushers, and preachers. How stimulating it has been to hear the gospel preached in different voices; how much my soul has needed to hear what each had to say. And, oh, the heavenly music! Singers, instrumentalists, that gorgeous organ, and now the famous choir. The music here has warmed the cockles of my soul.

My heart will miss the people. The innocent faces of the little children at the worship.together services, and the creativity and energy of the school-age children at VBS. I’ll miss the kind and friendly faces greeting me and one another at the door after the service. I’ll miss the faithful shut-ins for whom St. Martin’s will always be their spiritual home. I’ll miss the workers of the parish who sit through long meetings deliberating on the nuts and bolts of parish life with grace and humor.

My mind will miss the stimulation of being with people with a passion for learning about their faith. So many are in the Biblical Study groups, the EFM group, the reading group! It’s like being back in seminary. I learn something every day.

My strength will miss the energy with which the congregation cares for one another and for the wider community. I’ll miss the hugs and prayers for one another during the liturgy. I’ll miss the announcements about training for Stephen Ministers and voter engagement, retreats on climate change, plans for Becoming Beloved Community. I’ll miss the astonishing energy of the choppers and cooks and servers at the Wednesday SUPPER at St. Martin’s. I’ll miss meeting with the staff to brain-storm how to get done what needs to be done to support the ministries that make up St. Martin’s mission. Their creativity and enthusiasm inspire me.

Thanks for the opportunity to be part of your community. I have been truly blessed by my time with you.

Blessings,
Rev. Phyllis Taylor


Editor’s Note: We will all miss your spirit here as well, Phyllis! Thank you for your time with us. Next week, our Rector, Rev. Jarrett Kerbel will return from his sabbatical. Please pray for him, the staff, and all of you, the parish of St. Martin’s, as we are reunited after this time apart. We are so grateful that, with your help, we are already in the midst of a vibrant start to our fall season.

Associate Rector's Note: Sustained Advocacy Training

On Saturday October 13^th, we are sponsoring a Sustained Advocacy Training day here at St. Martin’s. Spearheaded by the Climate Action Team in partnership with Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light, this is an opportunity to learn how to become active in advocating for social justice issues. While this session is dedicated to climate change, the tips and teachings can be utilized for any issue that you feel strongly about but aren’t sure how to become involved in making a difference.

When we care about something deeply but feel unable to act, we can become despondent or depressed. Many people find that even small actions help them engage with the world in a more positive manner because they are acting rather than sitting by silently (or not so silently).

The last few weeks, our lectionary reading cycle has taken us on a journey through the book of James. As I reread the book, this verse stood out to me, “You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was brought to completion by the works,” (2:22). James is referencing the story of Abraham obeying God’s command to take his son Isaac up the mountain and sacrifice him.

What is the relationship between faith and works that James is referencing? The apostle Paul also addressed faith and works, but he did so in the context of obeying Jewish law. James is focusing on everyday interactions rather than the legal requirements of religious tradition.

If we go back to the verse above, I begin to wonder, does this mean that faith can only be complete when works happen? The integration of our faith with our actions is an essential step in our journey of faith. In the education world we would call this praxis. No matter how much time we spend talking, writing, thinking, about our faith, praxis is the key to truly learning. There is a Chinese proverb that I used to reference when I was working the in the experiential education field: “I hear, and I forget/I see, and I remember/I do, and I understand.” Maybe James would modify it to be, “I hear and I forget, I see, and I remember, I do and my faith is complete.”

The question I ask is: what does it take for us to act on our faith? What is the catalyst? For each and every one of us, it will be different. Perhaps it is day-to-day interactions that are the focal point, or perhaps there is a Chinook wind that sweeps in one day, pushing us forward into a new way of being. Regardless of what the catalyst may be James is teaching us that we must be intentional about living out our faith through our actions.

God calls us to create God’s kingdom here on this earth, in the here and the now. In what way do you see yourself advocating for this kingdom? Perhaps it is climate change or refugee resettlement or food access or education. 

This advocacy training is a wonderful opportunity to learn the tools to put your faith in action. I’ll be there on October 13^th. Join me!

Blessings,
The Rev. Anne Thatcher

Boiler Replacement Work to Begin!

As many of you know, one of the church's two boilers in the basement of the Parish House, which provides heating to the Parish House and the sanctuary, broke down irreparably last winter. There are two boilers so that the second can be relied upon if the first one fails. And, indeed, this is how heat was provided for the remainder of the winter. Yet, the absence of a functioning back-up boiler was a source of stress to the rector and staff last winter.

On behalf of the vestry, the properties committee initiated a process to have design documents prepared for replacing the boiler that was down, taking the opportunity to provide new equipment that is significantly more energy-efficient than the boiler which is being replaced. The scope includes additional work to improve the effectiveness and control of the steam distribution system.

The project was bid, and awarded to Trefz Mechanical, Inc., which firm will begin the replacement work next week - the week of September 17, 2018. The process begins with demolition of the old boiler, which is anticipated to take about two weeks. This will entail removal of the old boiler's components (out the basement door leading onto the Cricket Club driveway) into a dumpster to be located on Willow Grove Avenue. NOTE: please respect that this dumpster is not a public convenience to which you may bring in old junk from your basement; it is for metals only, and disposing of other items into it will increase the cost by contaminating the dumpster contents, which are to be recycled. The work area will be protected with plastic sheeting to contain dust.

Thanks for your patience regarding the potential inconvenience of noise and commotion during this demolition work, and the subsequent installation of the new boiler system. We anticipate having the new boiler functioning by Thanksgiving. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Harrower, chair of the properties committee (DaveHarrower@gmail.com)

Associate Rector's Note: Stephen Ministry

Rev. Anne Thatcher

In early August I attended a Stephen Ministry Leader’s training in Pittsburgh. You may or may not be aware that St. Martin’s is a Stephen Ministry congregation and has been since 2006. What does that mean and why is this important? We are a large parish and while Jarrett and I would love to be able to visit all of you, and be present each time you have a significant life event, we are not always able to do so. In addition, while we may be there at the beginning, we know that life changes can take a considerable amount of time to work through. Ongoing support during that time is very important.

This is where Stephen Ministry plays a role. Our Stephen Ministers go through fifty hours of training in how to be a Christ-centered, listening caregiver for anyone who is experiencing changes in life: grief, loneliness, engagement, divorce, disability, pregnancy, marriage, job loss, or any other significant events. Each Stephen Minister is confidentially assigned a care receiver who has asked for support. The two meet together or talk on the phone on a regular basis as determined by the needs of the care receiver. Some pairs meet for a few months, others may meet for a year or two depending on the support needs of the care receiver. This caring relationship is confidential, between the Stephen Minister and their care receiver only. Stephen Ministers do not replace the role of the clergy; rather they support and provide additional presence to members of St. Martin’s community. We currently have twelve Stephen Ministers and we are in the process of training three more.

We are blessed to have this robust ministry at St. Martin’s. This ministry is here for each and every one of you. To learn how to become a Stephen Minister—or receive care from one—contact me (Rev. Anne). My door is always open.

Blessings,

Rev. Anne

athatcher@stmartinec.org

215.247.7466 x105

Kairos: Christian Formation for Children & Youth - Fall 2018 updates

Dear Parents,

Kairos, St. Martin's faith formation program for children and youth, starts up this month. Here's what's new, how to register and what to expect.

New Time: 9:15 on Sunday mornings

Formation Hour, including our classes for children in grades 1 to 8, will begin Sunday, September 23, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. That's the hour between the 8 a.m. service and the new 10:30 a.m. service. (Learn more about the new worship schedule here.)

Kairos programs are free, but registration is required. Please sign up by Wednesday, September 19, so we can plan for class sizes.

An hour for everyone -- including parents

• For kids in grades 1-8: Three Kairos classes offer fun, interactive learning that engage children in the faith -- elementary (grades 1-4), middle-school (grades 5-6), and Jr. High (grades 7-8.)
• For adults and high school youth: During that same hour, Parish Forum in the Parish Hall features local and national presenters who engage faith in action on a more mature level. Parenting in Faith, a forum for parents to talk about faith in the family, will be held monthly in the Mary Chapel, also during the 9:15 hour.
• For preschoolers and their families: worship.together, a full-Eucharist for families of young children, will continue every Sunday in the church at 9:15 a.m., followed by a reception in the Houston Room.

High School youth meet twice a month, starting Oct. 14 

Our pastor, the Rev. Jarrett Kerbel, will be anchoring youth ministry for our high school-aged students (youth in grades 9-12). The first meeting, Sunday, October 14 at noon, will invite teens to vision and plan the year over lunch with Rev. Jarrett in the library. The group is scheduled to meet the second and fourth Sundays of each month from noon to 2 p.m., making room for potential road trips, diocesan activities, service projects, and more. Use the Kairos registration form to sign up.

Learn more about Kairos and Faith Formation Sunday, Sept. 16

When it comes to faith, what do your children wonder about? What would you, personally, like to learn more about? Parish leaders from Kairos, Biblical Studies, Education for Ministry, Parish Forum and more will be on hand as part of "I Wonder Sunday", from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. on September 16.This engaging hour will offer parishioners of all ages a unique way to explore the various faith formation opportunities available to them on Sunday mornings and beyond.

Have Questions? Want to volunteer?

Please contact me if you have thoughts or questions about St. Martin's ministry to children, youth, and families at bballenger@stmartinec.org, or call 215.247.7466. If you'd like to volunteer to support our programs, let me know and we'll talk. And you can sign up here.

I'm excited to be heading up our ministry to children, youth, and families, and look forward to working with you this program year!

Peace,

Barb Ballenger

Associate for Spiritual Formation and Care

From the Deacon's Desk: Updating Voter Registration and Polling Locations

Deacon Carol Duncan

Updating your Voter Registration and Finding Your Polling Place

This fall, St. Martin’s is focused on voter registration and poll access. (Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this article to see how you can help!) Our goal is that 100% of St. Martin’s members who are eligible to vote are registered and that 100% turn out at the polls on November 6. To that end, we have two options for voter registration. POWER has an option for which we will soon provide parish-wide training. They have promised to have a phone app to register instantly online. In the meantime…

The Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) also has an option. First time registrants must print out the form and mail it in because the government needs your signature. So do it NOW. October 9 is the last day to register. First time voters (like Margaret Horvat and all other just-turned-18ers) remember to bring photo ID to the polls.

Here is how to update your registration (name or address change) or find your polling information through EPPN:

Beneath the top image scroll, and below the 5 Priority Areas (with circles to represent each area) is the Episcopalians Vote section. Top of the list is “Register to vote!” Click on that, and then select your state from the drop down, and then click the red “Find out how to register” button. You are taken to an option to “Start your online registration”. Have your driver’s license handy. Fill in the registration. Tick the box for a change of name or address or party. Scroll down to fill in your previous name or address. Make sure to check the confirmation button toward the end. Also the “I’m not a robot” at the very end. Do this as soon as possible so the state and county have time to catch up with you. Again, the registration deadline is October 9.

Registered voters who need to look up their polling place can do that at EPPN also. Click on the same “Register to vote!” button then, below “Already registered?”, select the option that meets your needs. My information came right up, although I had to scroll up to see it. If you registered with a false birthdate to protect your confidentiality, possibly you will run into a problem. Let me know if it happens, and we’ll attempt a recovery.

Absentee voting:

If you must be out of town on Tuesday, November 6, here is the absentee ballot website. https://www.philadelphiavotes.com/

Highlight the Voters tab at the top and scroll down the menu about halfway to absentee & alternative ballots. You must print the application, fill out the required information, and return the completed application to: Philadelphia County Board of Elections, City Hall Room 142, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19107. The deadline is 5pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2018.

How you can help with our voter engagement efforts:

St. Martin’s will be doing voter registration at the Fall for the Arts Festival on Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers to help register people using their cell phones (or yours) would be appreciated. Please call me at 330.7054795.

Blessings,

The Rev. Carol Duncan, deacon 

Wellspring at St. Martin’s has undergone a transformation

Wellspring at St. Martin’s is entering its sixth year with a new approach to its ministry of facilitating soul discovery and spiritual growth in the parish and the community. Under the direction of Coordinator Joanne Conway, a team of St. Martin’s parishioners has been engaged in informational interviews, team formation, and prayerful listening throughout the summer.

The group has clarified the ministry’s mission, focusing on assisting the congregation and broader community in nurturing their spirits and deepening their relationships with God and one another through practices rooted in, or resonant with, the Christian tradition.

Headwaters of the Jordan River

“The exact picture of Wellspring remains an unfolding mystery, one that will take time and a great deal of listening, remaining curious, and being patient,” Conway said last spring as the new team was just forming. “We will be beginning with building our leadership team and exploring. We then will move out into the church community with questions and listening ears and hearts to find how we can best serve.”

What have they discovered in the last several months? One-one-one interviews have revealed a desire for opportunities for ongoing reflection and a hunger for small-group gatherings. Team members have embraced a call to reach into their own spiritual passions and skills to offer programs that speak to local needs.

Wellspring’s fall programming reflects this with a variety of opportunities designed and facilitated by team members. Among them will be a weekly reflection on the Sunday sermons, beginning Sunday, October 28. The discussion will be facilitated by Wellspring team members and will use a process designed to help participants listen to each other and deepen their experience of what they have heard.

Women Connecting

The ministry will also facilitate a prayerful walk in the Wissahickon (Oct. 6), an exploration of contemplative prayer with St. Martin’s Rector Jarrett Kerbel (Oct. 17-31), and a discussion of Frederick Buechner’s book The Hungering Dark (Nov. 8 and Dec. 12). For more details visit StMartinEC.org/wellspring.

Future programming will seek ways to include a wider section of the parish and community, with offerings that speak to children, youth, and families. For updates on events, as well as spiritual reflections and resources, like and follow the Wellspring Facebook page.

Wellspring will continue to offer Women Connecting, a regular gathering of women marked by prayer, silence, and deep listening, inspired by the church seasons. The next gathering is Sept. 15 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wellspring will also continue to host area spiritual directors.

The Wellspring Team

In addition to Wellspring Coordinator Joanne Conway, the Wellspring team includes John Hougen, Elizabeth Morrison, Jenny Cardoso, Scott Robinson, Susan Cole and Barbara Dundon. Barbara Ballenger, Associate for Spiritual Formation and Care, will continue to be Wellspring’s staff liaison.

For more information on Wellspring at St. Martin’s contact Joanne Conway at joanneconway86@gmail.com.