The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace, and a soul generated by love.
–Coretta Scott King

Coretta Scott King’s statement about community is exactly how it went at our two Town Hall meetings. People came and spoke with compassion, honesty and hope. People received and listened with openness and a willingness to understand. The result was a community which came together. It provided the vestry many thoughts, concerns and ideas to wrestle with and contemplate and finally to come up with a way which would be best for St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church at this time. And what was decided?

1. The following mission statement was adopted:

Our mission is to be Jesus Christ’s heart, hands and feet to our neighbors no matter where they are on their journey of faith.

This now completes the trio of statements which St. Martin-in-the-Fields needs to move forward to love and serve the Lord.

2. Sunday School and Times for Worship

It will come to pass beginning on the First Sunday of Lent (March 2) and through the Easter season:

  • The first Sunday of each month will continue to be family worship time at the 10:30 am service. This will include young people taking part in as much of the worship as possible. There will be no Sunday school for children on this Sunday.
  • The rest of the Sundays of each month will have Sunday school for children during the time of worship – 10:30 am. Children will rejoin parents for Holy Communion.
  • The 8:00 am service will move to 8:30 am.

What about adult Sunday school/christian formation which a number of people talked about at the Town Hall meeting?

There are several options and opportunities during the seasons of Lent and Easter:

  • Episcopal 101 on Saturdays – This will be held on Saturday night beginning with the 5:00 pm Eucharist and followed by a light meal and class. This is for those who wish to have a refresher course on being Episcopal as well as those who wish to be received or confirmed in the Episcopal church in April. Childcare will be provided.
  • Friday Nights in Lent – 6:30 pm. This will begin on Friday March 14 with Stations of the Cross followed by a light meal and a series of classes and experiences surrounding the Labyrinth. Nursery will be provided for children ages 0 – 3years.
  • Sisters of the Spirit – Mondays from 1 pm – 2 pm
  • Book/Spiritual Studies – Wednesdays at 10 am – 11:30 am
  • Spiritual Awareness – Thursdays at 10 am
  • What about Sundays you ask? We are prepared to offer classes on various topics either in between the 8:30 am and the 10:30 am service or following the 10:30 am service. It could become a potluck lunch and Christian formation class. Childcare will be available. The key will be who is interested. Please let The Rev. Michael Wallens know of your interest and we can get one started.

Now we shall see how this works out and then following the Easter season evaluate and plan for the fall. Please continue to keep our parish family in your prayers as we listen to the Spirit and move forward in love becoming Christ’s heart, hands and feet to one another.