_________St. Martin'sMonthly PlannerClick here for our daily schedule of events, times and locationsMay 9Adult Forum"See Through the Scriptures" Class10 am, Fellowship Hall
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Foundations Class
Bible Study on the
Gospel of John
9:30 am, Chapel
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Faith & Fellowship Class
Bible Study on Paul's
Letter to the Romans
10 am, Parlor
May 7-9Conspirare Concerts at St. Martin's
May 9
Mother's Day
Reception on the Mall
May 14-15Conspriare Youth Concerts at St. Martin's May 16Graduate Recognition
10 am, Fellowship Hall
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Last Day of Children, Youth & Adult Forum Sunday School
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JAM Glow-In-The-Dark
Bowling Adventure
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Foundations
Class
Bible Study on the
Gospel of John
9:30 am, Chapel
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Faith & Fellowship Class
Bible Study on Paul's
Letter to the Romans
10 am, Parlor
May 22
Confirmation Banquet
May 23
Pentecost Sunday
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Confirmand Reception
10 am, Fellowship Hall
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Rite of Confirmation
during 11 am worship
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Symphonic Winds
11 am
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Foundations
Class
Bible Study on the
Gospel of John
9:30 am, Chapel
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Faith & Fellowship Class
Bible Study on Paul's
Letter to the Romans
10 am, Parlor
May 26 & 27
Phone Call Outreach
from St. Martin's
6:30 to 8:30 pm
May 30
Foundations
Class
Bible Study on the
Gospel of John
9:30 am, Chapel
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Faith & Fellowship Class
Bible Study on Paul's
Letter to the Romans
10 am, Parlor
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Save These Dates
June 6
Summers at St. Martin's Kick-Off Worship &
Celebration
ONE WORSHIP
SERVICE AT 10 am from
June through Sept. 5
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Blood Drive
June 13-17
Vacation Bible School
June 20-25
Confirmation Camp
June 29
JAM/Junior High
Schlitterbahn Excursion
July 8-10
Godly Play
Core Training
July 9-11
Austin Lyric Opera
at St. Martin's
July 17-23
Senior High Mission Trip to San Francisco
August 22
Blessing of the Backpacks
August 29
Child & Family and
Youth & Family
Volunteer Training
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From Our Mailbox
Thanks & Praises
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Serving God & others with our time, talent and treasure
Music Ministry
Community Service
Giving
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Benevolence Focus
Our May
Benevolence Focus is
Cross Trails Ministries
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St. Martin's
Video Channel
Videos from our community of faith
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Get St. Martin's News & Updates
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May 23
The Rite of Confirmation at St. Martin's
Members of St. Martin's 2010 Confirmation Class will affirm their baptism at our 11 am worship service on Sunday May 23 during the Rite of Confirmation. Join us as we mark this important faith milestone in our youths' lives.
St. Martin's 2010 Confirmands are:- Ashley Nicole Barrera, daughter of Jesse DeLeon Barrera & the late Sandy Mielke.
- Colin Mark Etherington, son of Mark & Chariss Etherington.
- John L. Howard, III, son of John & Ann Howard.
- Hannah Katherine Rudy, daughter of Jeff & Johanna Rudy.
- Jeffrey Allen Wylie, son of Kevin Wylie and Kathy Boyer.
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A Note from Rev. June Wilkins
Good or Bad Party?
Imagine you attend a party where you don't know anyone. You come in the door and hang up your coat. People are gathered around in groups talking to one another. No one stops their conversation to greet you. When you go up to someone, you get a brief courteous smile and get handed an hors d'oeuvre, which you eat alone. People say "hi," but do not engage you in conversation. People look at you to see if they know you. When they don't, they give you a smile and look away and talk to someone they know. You don't get introduced to anyone else. This is how the party goes until you leave with a hand shake from the host and a simple "thank you for coming."
You would feel very unwelcomed at that party, wouldn't you? You probably would tell your friends that it was a "bad party." And, if there was another party at that house, you would probably make an excuse and not go.
Unfortunately, this is the experience that many visitors have in churches every week.
As regular church attendees, we develop our own circle of friends and acquaintances -- and we sometimes forget what it's like to come into a strange place. Even churches that envision themselves as welcoming can let visitors fall through the cracks.
One of the reasons that people say they don't greet visitors is that they're not sure if the people they're talking to are visitors or if they're members who just attend another worship service at St. Martin's. (It's kind of embarrassing to say, "Are you a visitor?" and find out that they have been president of the Church Council six times!) One way around that is to approach people you don't know and say, "I don't know you yet" or "I don't think we've been introduced." It would be just as fine to be acquainted with an old member you don't know as a new one. When you meet someone for the first time, don't be afraid to ask questions such as, "Do you have children?" or "Are you originally from Austin?" or "Are you involved in anything at St. Martin's?"
When you do meet a first-time visitor, introduce them to other people. Ask if they would like to sit with you. Help them out with the worship materials. Tell them a joke. Treat visitors the way you would like to be treated at a party where you didn't know anyone.
Some people at St. Martin's have been extremely diligent about welcoming visitors, but welcoming is a job that belongs to everyone -- not just some. Whether you've been coming here all your life or whether you've been here just for a month, making people feel at home at St. Martin's is a job for each of us!
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Music at St. Martin's
May 7-9: Conspirare returns to St. Martin's
Conspirare returns to St. Martin's for three concerts: Friday, May 7 at 8 pm; Saturday, May 8 at 8 pm; and Sunday, May 9 at 2:30 pm. The group will perform the Texas premiere of David Lang's "The Little Match Girl Passion," winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize in music. Lang melds the familiar Hans Christian Andersen children's story with dramatic layers of sound to create stunning music with deep emotional impact. Conspirare will also sing the beloved chorale "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" from Bach's St. Matthew Passion, the work that inspired Lang's modern-day passion story. Tomás Luis de Victoria's elegant and mystical Requiem and a stirring chorale from Giacomo Carissimi round out this concert. Tickets are $42 to $38, and students and youth tickets are $10.
Read on
to learn more
about Conspirare
May 23:
Conspirare Youth Choi rs
Conspirare Youth Choirs arrive at St. Martin's for concerts on Friday, May 14, and Saturday, May 15, at 7 pm. Tickets are available online. Prices are $12 for adult general admission and $6 for youth. Children 5 and younger are free, but please RSVP for those seats at 476-5775. Both concerts will feature the French art song, "L'Invitation au Voyage." The choirs will also perform music by David Childs, Imant Raminsh and Eleanor Daley.
May 23: Symphonic Winds 
St.
Martin's Symphonic Winds will offer the gift of music at the 11 am
worship on May 23. We'll hear Thomas Pavlechko's "Pastorale on 'Woodard," "Calm to the Waves," and "Solemn Procession." Two congregational hymn arrangements by conductor Dale Elmshaeuser will include "Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling"' and "Come Down, O Love Divine." An adaptation for concert band of "'La Folia' Variations" by Symphonic Winds' clarinetist Clifton Jones also will be offered in worship.
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May 9
Mother's Day Reception
The Dads & Young Men of St. Martin's are hosting a reception on the Mall in honor of the mothers of the congregation. Come outside and treat Mom to some refreshments after our late worship service.
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May 16
Graduate Recognition for Students
St. Martin's recognizes its high school seniors at a 10 am reception in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, May 16. All graduating high school and college students will be recognized during our 8:45 and 11 am worship services. If you're graduating this spring, please make sure you've sent your information to Erika Rorer, our Youth & Family Minister.
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May 16
Sunday School Ends for the Year
The last day of Sunday School for Children, Youth and the Adult Forum class will be on Sunday, May 16. Thank you for allowing the St. Martin's community to be a partner with you in nurturing your family's faith formation during the 2009-2010 year. Sunday School will resume again next fall on "Jubilee Sunday," which takes place Sept. 12. If you would like to learn more about serving as a Sunday School teacher in the year ahead, please contact Sharolyn Browning, our Child & Family Minister, or Erika Rorer, our Youth & Family Minister.
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May 16
JAM Glow In The Dark Bowling
St. Martin's JAM Group (for third, fourth and fifth graders) will gather for "Glow in the Dark" Bowling on Sunday, May 16 after the late worship. Parents can drop off JAMsters at the Texas Union between 12:15 and 12:30 pm and pick up at 2:30 pm. Pizza will be provided. WEAR or BRING socks!!! To RSVP for this event or to learn more, please contact Sharolyn Browning, our Child & Family Minister. You may also sign up for this adventure on the Child & Family Ministry bulletin board.
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May 22
Honoring Our 2010 Confirmation Class
Join us at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, May 22, as family, friends and the community of St. Martin's honors our Confirmands. Tickets are $7 per person; children five years or younger are free. For more information, contact Erika Rorer, our Youth & Family minister.
Buy your tickets to the Confirmation Banquet here.
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May 23
Pentecost Marks the Birth of the Church
St. Martin's marks the festival day of Pentecost, which is a time to celebrate Jesus' gift of the Holy Spirit to the church. Join us for worship on this special day at 8:45 or 11 am. Pentecost marks the beginning of the season of Pentecost, which lasts until Nov. 28, when the season of Advent begins.
Learn more about Pentecost and the Holy Spirit.
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May 26 & 27
Calls Go Out to St. Martin's Members
Members of our church will be calling our active membership to remind them of our change to one summer worship service beginning June 6. They'll also be thanking our members for their involvement and financial contributions to St. Martin's. This phone contact will happen between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm on Wednesday, May 26, and Thursday, May 27. Additionally, the callers will be updating church records by asking members to verify their addresses, phone numbers and occupational information to help in matching the skills of our members with the needs of our church. If you can help make these phone calls, please contact our Financial Development & Planned Giving Director, Bob Beglau, by email or on his mobile: 731-6881.
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May Special Collection
Help Us Light Up The Gymnasium
The lights in the gym are 50 years old and they are very tired! Mop & Hammer would like to install new lights in the gym -- but the cost is $250 per fixture, and we need 12 of them. If you'd like to contribute to this improvement project, please make your check payable to St. Martin's and write "gym lights" in the memo line. For more information this special project, contact Charles Oertli.
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May Benevolence Focus
Cross Trails Ministries Helps Build Faith
 For years, St. Martin's has kept close ties to Cross Trails Ministry, which operates Lutheran Camp Chrysalis and Ebert Ranch Camp. Within our congregation, you'll find volunteers who have worked on building projects at the camps and youth who have grown in their faith through summer or weekend events sponsored by Cross Trails. Your donation to Cross Trails helps this non-profit group continue its work in reaching out to others. Cross Trails provides alternative and natural settings to help people strengthen their faith and their ties to the church. If you'd like to donate to this month's Benevolence Focus, please write a check to St. Martin's and jot "Cross Trails" in the memo line.
Learn more about Cross Trails Ministries.
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One Sunday Worship: June to Sept. 5
"The Spirit of the Summer" at St. Martin's
The faith community of St. Martin's gathers for one worship on Sundays at 10 am from June through Sept. 5. Our Saturday worship will remain at 5 pm. Watch for more information soon about the special events, music and fun planned for each Sunday throughout the summer!
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June 6
Donate Blood & Save Lives
St. Martin's will host a Blood Drive on the morning of Sunday, June 6, to help give the gift of life to the community of Central Texas. Look for more details in the weeks ahead about how you can sign up and serve others in this life-giving way.
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June 13
Quarterly Council Forums  at St. Martin's
The Church Council invites you to attend our first Church Council Quarterly Forum on Sunday, June 13, from 9 to 10 am in the Chapel. These forums will be an informal way for the Council to provide information to you regarding the Council's processes, items that we are considering and decisions that have been made. We will also answer any questions you have. Please plan to attend -- we look forward to seeing you!
Upcoming Forum dates for 2010 also include: - Sept. 5: 10 to 11 am in the Fellowship Hall
- Dec. 5: 10 to 11 am in the Fellowship Hall
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June 13-17
Vacation Bible School Gears Up
Vacation Bible School -- "Egypt: Joseph's Journey from Prison to Palace" -- is Sunday, June 13, through Thursday, June 17 every evening at St. Martin's. There is something for all ages.
Click here to register online for VBS now.
Our VBS activities include: - 5 to 5:45 pm: MEALS! Sunday is potluck, Monday through Thursday meals are $3 per person or $10 for a four-night pass.
- 5:45 to 8:30 pm: ACTIVITIES! We have lots of activities for Preschoolers and K-5th graders. St. Martin's Youth are our helpers. Remember that VBS at St. Martin's is for adults, too. Join us for "Discovering Your Spiritual Journey" with long-time Spiritual Director Barbara Schutz. She will guide participants through recognizing milestones throughout their lives and rejoicing in God's presence throughout their journey.
It will take a village to
make VBS happen -- so if you would like to help, please
contact Sharolyn Browning, our Child & Family Minister.
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June 20-25
Confirmation Camp Links Youth & Faith 
St. Martin's 6th, 7th and 8th graders will head off for Camp Chrysalis to learn about God's love and grow in their baptismal faith. For more information about Confirmation programs for youth at St. Martin's, please contact Erika Rorer, our Youth & Family Minister. Confirmation classes will resume again in the fall.
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Notes From The Congregation
Call Committee Update
Our church's Call Committee continues to make progress in the search for a new senior pastor at St. Martin's. The committee has been checking
references and speaking with candidates. Members feel very positive about the progress
being made. More information will be shared with the congregation as it comes available.
Communion Rail Now Undergoing Repairs
The
communion rail will be temporarily removed for repairs and alterations. It will be taken out during the
week of May 3 and will return as soon as the modifications are done.
Welcome To Our Newest Members
St. Martin's will receive its newest members on Sunday, May 9, at the 11 am worship. Please join us in welcoming: Jim Davis, Sandra Davis, Barbara & Bill Elzey, Kristin & Clayton Halbrook, Jill Johnson, Melissa Massey, Chris Mobley, Amy Root, Betty Staehr and David Watts.
Do You Like Food -- AND Parties?!?
We are looking for volunteers who have a knack for coordinating fellowship events. If you like to organize parties and coordinate food for events, we'd love to have your help. Contact Pastor June Wilkins for more information.
Help Make Visitors Feel At Home
St. Martin's has always made a point of welcoming others and extending God's love to all. We're looking for volunteers who would like to welcome people to our church on Sunday mornings and make them feel at home. Let us know if you're interested by contacting Pastor June Wilkins.
Join Our New "St. Francis Guild"
We're on the look-out for members to help us plan and organize our upcoming "Blessing of the Animals" event in October. If you have a love of animals and want to be a part of our effort to reach out to the Austin community, please let us know. Contact Chris Baker for more information.
Donate Items For Our Sack Lunch Ministry
Did you know that 40 to 50 people each week come to the church office for one of our pre-made sack lunches? This ministry to the hungry depends on your donations. We are always in need of: individual juice cans (not boxes), individual Vienna sausage cans, individual pop-top fruit cups, peanut butter sandwich cracker packs, disposable spoons, individual bite-sized Snickers candies, and brown lunch bags. You may bring these donations to the church office on Sunday mornings or during business hours Monday through Thursday.
Playtime in the Nursery Babies, toddlers and parents are invited to play in the nursery on the second Thursday and fourth Friday from 10 am to noon. For more information, contact Mindy Lado or Sharolyn Browning, our Child & Family Minister.
Adult Education At St. Martin's
Join us for these classes on Sundays:
- Adult Forum, May 2 & 9: See Through the Scriptures, led by Harvey & Betsy Kitzman. Get a full Bible overview with the popular Crossways program. Books will be provided; please come with your NRSV Bible.
- Foundations, Study of the Gospel of John. Join the Foundations Class at 9:30 am in the Chapel for a new Book of Faith study on the Gospel of John. All are invited to attend!
- Faith & Fellowship, Study on St. Paul's Letter to the Romans. Come to the Parlor at 10 am to take part in an 8-week study on Romans. Parents with babies and toddlers are welcome to attend with their children -- but you don't have to be a mom or dad to come join us. All are invited!
Planned Giving at St. Martin's
In June, our church will be recognizing past members of St. Martin's who exemplify the spirit and the joy of giving within our community of faith. We look forward to upholding the importance of Planned Giving as a part of one's active financial stewardship. For more about Planned Giving, contact Bob Beglau, our Director of Financial Development & Planned Giving.
Chancel Flowers
Do you have a special event in 2010 that you'd like to commemorate with chancel flowers? Contact Nell Hielscher or call 243-0467 for details.
Order Your Tickets for Thrivent Baseball Night
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is sponsoring "Lutheran Night" at the Dell Diamond on Monday, June 21, with a tailgate gathering beginning at 5:30 pm. Come and cheer on the Round Rock Express as they take on the Omaha Royals at 7:05 pm. Thrivent member households may order up to six free tickets to the game -- and there are also free parking passes available to the first 100 orders. Thrivent Williamson County as well as South and North Travis County are promoting this event along with Care in Regions funds. The deadline to order tickets is June 9. Click here to download and print out your ticket order form.
Church Attendance
Worship at St. Martin's averaged 419 in April.
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