|
NOTES FROM REV. PEDER SANDAGER
|
|
Dear Friends in Christ,
It is good to be here at St. Martin's. As I write this, I am in the midst of my first week as your Pastor. While this certainly marks a new beginning in my ministry, it also marks a new beginning in the life and ministry of St. Martin's Lutheran Church. This does not mean drastic change, but it does mean that from now on the ministry that we accomplish as a congregation is a ministry that we share with one another. Together we will determine how that ministry looks and how that ministry is lived out as the people of God. We have a rich history to build upon and a promising future if we continue to seek to be faithful disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the coming weeks I hope to visit with many of you as we gather in our small groups throughout the city. I hope you will make plans to attend these gatherings. It will give us an opportunity to not only meet one another but also to share our hopes and dreams for the ministry that God has called us to share. I am excited about our upcoming opportunities for learning, both through our Sunday School classes and through special events that we sponsor within the community. We'll have an opportunity to hear well-known author and speaker Brian McLaren on Oct. 11 at First Baptist Church (901 Trinty St.) as we co-sponsor his appearance in Austin with other downtown churches. There are many opportunities to grow in faith for each of us at St. Martin's. Growing in faith leads to growing in mission as a congregation. Let's grow together.
In Christ's name,
Rev. Peder Sandager
Friends,
We hope this finds you well today as we write to tell you about a transition in the St. Martin's staff. On Mon. Sept. 17, we learned of the impending departure of our Publicity Coordinator, Diana Dworin. Oct. 1 will be Diana's last day at St. Martin's as she moves on to a new, exciting position in a new place. We give thanks for the beautiful ways that Diana has nurtured and shared the stories of life at St. Martin's with our community, and for her creative talents that have promoted the ministries of our church in a wonderful way. As she departs from us, we give thanks for our time together, and ask God to bless her work and her life. In the days ahead, please pray for the church leadership as we explore a new staffing model that will serve St. Martin's as we move into the future God has planned for us.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Pete and Pastor Jennifer
|
 Oct. Benevolence: Mobile Loaves & Fishes
Our October Benevolence Focus is Mobile Loaves & Fishes, a mobile canteen program that feeds the city's hungry and working poor. St. Martin's Youth and other members of the congregation regularly volunteer with the group. Place your gifts for Mobile Loaves & Fishes in the offering plate or donate online now . |
 Oct. Adult Ed: "The Writings of C.S. Lewis"
St. Martin's member Jason Boulette leads Sunday discussions at 9:45 am on C.S. Lewis' writings. Join us in Room 230 throughout the month as we explore Lewis' engaging books. |
 Preaching at St. Martin's
Join us for Sunday worship at 8:30 and 11 am:
Oct. 7 & 21: Pastor Jennifer Tiemann preaches
Oct. 14 & 28: Pastor Pete Sandager preaches
Nov. 4 & 11: Pastor Pete Sandager preaches
Nov. 18: Pastor Jennifer Tiemann's preaches (This also is Pastor Jennifer's final day at St. Martin's) |
 October Music at St. Martin'sMark your calendars for these concerts:
|
 MYC Playgroup for St. Martin's
St. Martin's MYC group invites parents to our informal playgroup for children ages birth to Pre-K. The group meets for fellowship and fun on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to noon. Please bring a snack or a lunch to enjoy with your children. All are welcome -- feel free to invite a guest to come with you. For more information, contact Megan Boulette. |
 Oct. 3 & 17: MYC at St. Martin's
MYC is a vibrant source of mutual encouragement among women of all ages and stages at St. Martin's -- including mothers of young children. Join us each first & third Wednesday from 6 to 9 pm in the Parlor. Dinner is provided, and babies & toddlers are welcome! For more information, click here to visit MYC's Yahoo Group. |
 Oct. 7: Blessing of the Animals
Bring your pets to church for our 8:30 and 11 am worship services on Sun. Oct. 7 as St. Martin's hosts its annual Blessing of the Animals event. Dogs, cats and all of God's creatures are invited. Please remember to keep your pets on a leash or in a crate; animals aren't permitted in our Sunday School rooms. |
 Oct. 14: Rev. Sandager Installation Service
St. Martin's members are cordially invited to the Installation of our new pastor, the Rev. Peder Sandager, on Sun. Oct. 14 at 4 pm. A reception will immediately follow the service. Please mark your calendars now for this special event in the history of our congregation. |
 Oct. 17: Brian McLaren Book Tour in Austin
St. Martin's is proud to co-sponsor author Brian McLaren's Book Tour stop in Austin on Thurs. Oct. 11 at 7 pm at downtown's First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity St. Click here for online tickets, which are $15. Learn more about McLaren's new book about Christian identity in a multi-faith world as he lays out a vision for moving beyond mere tolerance for our neighbors of different faith traditions. |
 Oct. 28: Reformation SundayCelebrate our Lutheran heritage and mark the anniversary of the Reformation on Sun. Oct. 28.
* A party on the Mall after our late worship.
* Special music offered during our services.
* An opportunity to nail a modern-day message on our reproduction of Wittenburg's famous Castle Church door, where Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses.
|
|
LOOKING AHEAD TO NOVEMBER
|
 Nov 4: All Saints Sunday
St. Martin's will remember its members who have passed away during last 12 months at our upcoming All Saints Sunday worship services on Nov. 4. Please make plans to join us on this special day of remembrance as we give thanks to God for the lives of those who have helped shape our community of faith. |
 Nov. 11: Veteran Recognition
Join us at 9:45 am for a reception in the Fellowship Hall as we salute the veterans of our congregation who have served in the military in a variety of ways. This annual event is our chance to say "thank you" to the men and women who have served our country.
|
 Nov. 18: Thanksgiving Worship
Gather with us for WELCA's ThankOffering Sunday as members express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. Come to worship in the St. Martin's Sanctuary at 8:30 or 11 am. |
