Building True Community

Building True Community

Building True Community: The Life and Legacy of The Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray

Please join us on the second Sundays of each month in the library at noon for this study offered by St. Martin’s Daughter’s of the King.

The Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray (1910-1985) was a pioneering American civil rights activist, lawyer, poet, and writer. They were known for their significant contributions to both the civil rights and women’s rights movements, including as a founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW.) Murray was also the first African American woman ordained in the Episcopal Church. They were what is now termed “gender queer,” someone who does not follow the binary norms of the gender in which they were born. All these attributes make Murray a fascinating and important Episcopalian to know. Murray was made a saint of The Episcopal Church in 2018. Their feast day is celebrated on July 1.

The curriculum for this study was created by the Pauli Murray Center and covers four topics: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Historic Ordination, Eucharistic Celebration and Interconnectedness, and Integrated Body, Mind, and Spirit. We’ll explore Murray’s writing along with audio and video about their ministry.

This study is offered by St. Martin’s Daughters of the King Deborah Chapter, and we invite all adults to join us.

Meetings will be held on four Sundays following services: September 10, October 8, November 12, and December 10 at approximately 12 noon. (We will allow time for Service Sunday participation and to get snacks and coffee before we begin.)

We’ll meet in the Library, at the back of the large (East) Parish Hall.

Childcare can be provided if needed. Please contact the office at stmartin@stmartininthefields.org or call 817-431-2396 to arrange.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Youth and adults 6th grade and up gather at 9:30 every Sunday for fellowship, teaching, and conversation. This intergenerational opportunity allows us to learn from each other, since we each bring experience and expertise from our own stage of life.
 
We’re walking through the Book of Acts, looking at the language, themes, and overarching structure of the book to see the multivocality of Scripture and Salvation History as told through the speeches and actions of the apostles in this book. This is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn from one another, to value differing perspectives, and to see where the spirit of the Living God, as attested to in the book of Acts might be leading and calling to us today.
 
St. Martin’s Men’s Group

St. Martin’s Men’s Group

The St. Martin Men’s Group is dedicated to exploring the ideas of Christian brotherhood. In a world that is increasingly fragmented and isolated, we want to create a strong community where we can learn from each other’s experiences and better support our families and St. Martin as a whole.

But it’s mostly an excuse for guys of all ages and backgrounds to drink coffee and learn from each other.

Anyone interested can contact JB Clark for details on our next event: jbclark713@gmail.com 

We’ll meet once a month, on the second Saturday in the large parish hall. 

Nursery on Sunday Mornings

Nursery on Sunday Mornings

St. Martin’s provides a truly wonderful place for young children to begin a life-long faith journey. The nursery invites all children from birth to 3 years of age to come join the fun each Sunday, during 9:15 am Christian Formation hour, the 10:30 am worship service, Christmas Eve, and other special services. The nursery room is located in the Christian education building.

Children are taught that they are precious gifts from God. They will also learn that God loves them very much! Children can  sing songs, learn short prayers and make beautiful art work. The nursery follows the lectionary and curriculum, just like children and youth Christian Formation. Nursery staff will bring children to join their families for the Eucharist during the 10:30 am worship service.

Nursery Needs

Our nursery is in need of some recurring items, as well as a few new furnishings. Visit our Amazon Wish List and donate! Items will be shipped to the church. Thanks for your generosity!

Our Nursery Staff

Nursery Directors Rose Ackley and Katy Gott are dedicated and experienced early childhood caregivers who adore each child that walks through the nursery door.  Parents can rest at ease knowing that their children are not only being cared for, but nurtured and guided to know the love of Jesus. Want to know more about the nursery? Contact the Director of Family Ministries at liza.goodner@stmartininthefields.org or stop by on Sunday in the education building and check it out with your child.

Children’s Chapel

Children’s Chapel

At St. Martin’s, children are ALWAYS welcome in worship – wiggles and all!

For those families who desire it, children and youth will also be welcome (but not required!) to participate in a time of Scripture reading, reflection, and prayer designed specifically for them.

At the 10:30 service, families will begin in worship together. After the Gospel reading, children will follow the cross out to the children’s chapel. Teens are welcome to join in to learn and help with younger children. Parents are also welcome to accompany their child.

We will all regather for the Eucharist, as we come together around God’s table as God’s family.

 

Godly Play

Godly Play

Created by Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman, the Godly Play® method is a curriculum of spiritual practice exploring the mystery of God’s presence in our lives. The Godly Play curriculum engages what is most exciting about religious education: God inviting us into—and pursuing us in the midst of—Scripture and spiritual experience. Godly Play® practice teaches us to listen for God and to make authentic and creative responses to God’s call in our lives.

Godly Play is a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance.
Godly Play has a Montessori foundation with 40+ years of research and practice.
Godly Play values process, openness, discovery, community and relationships.
Godly Play models the worship life, stories, symbols and rituals of Christian congregations.
Godly Play allows practitioners to make relevant and personal theological meaning.
Godly Play nurtures participants to larger dimensions of belief and faith through wondering and play.

For online videos and instruction from the Godly Play Foundation website click here.

Godly Play: ages 3 – 5th grade

Please join us for Godly Play on Sundays at 9:30 am in the Godly Play room in the big parish hall.

A doorkeeper will greet each child as they enter the Godly Play room adorned with a bright red circular rug and plenty of bible stories. A trained storyteller brings Bible stories out of the pages by retelling them using props and accessories. Children are invited to ask questions about the story during a “wondering time.” At the end, children can respond to the story in art form, by painting, drawing, or using other art media we have on hand. Older children help younger children, and it is a wonderful way to learn about the stories of the Bible and grow faith.