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NOVEMBER 2012
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NOTES FROM PASTOR SANDAGER
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Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
Thank you for a wonderful first month and a magnificent Installation Service as we began our ministry together here at St. Martin's. So many friends and family commented on what a beautiful service and what wonderful people they met here at St. Martin's. It is certainly a day that I will always remember.
During this past month I have been focused on getting to know as many of you as possible. Your names are starting to connect with your faces, please continue to remind me of your name as it seems overwhelming at times.
I have been visiting with many of our "zip code" groups and have enjoyed these meetings and getting to know so many of you in a setting apart from the church. The food has been great and the fellowship outstanding. People have shared how much they have enjoyed getting to know others in their zip code and looking forward to continued fellowship. As for me, I have learned much of the history of St. Martin's from a variety of folks and perspectives. We have also visited about how I see the next phase in the long range visioning process as beginning with the small groups as a "grassroots" movement toward addressing the ministry needs of the future at St. Martin's.
We will be saying good bye to Pastor Jennifer on Sunday, Nov. 18 as she moves on in her journey to being ordained in her own Presbyterian tradition. Jennifer has served our congregation well as an interim associate. She has been invaluable to me as I have begun my ministry at St. Martin's. She will be missed and while many of us would like to see her continue on with us here, she is quick to remind all of us that "this was the plan from the beginning." So be sure to join us for her farewell Sunday on Nov. 18 and wish her well. A reception will follow our 11:00 service honoring her ministry among us. In Christ's name,
Pastor Pete
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 Nov. Benevolence: Homeless Ministries
Our November Benevolence Focus is Homeless Ministries at St. Martin's. Each year, volunteers hand out over 5,000 lunch bags to the homeless. Funds also help provide supplies for overnight homeless shelters in our gym. Donate online now |
 Safe Sleep Shelter
St. Martin's members & friends have volunteered to host a Safe Sleep Shelter for Women through Nov. 3. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered and donated to make this important ministry a success! |
 Nov. 1: Thrivent Social Security Workshop
Join "Mr. Social Security", Jim Caulder as he explains how to maximize your benefits and avoid costly mistakes. Thurs. Nov. 1 @ 6:30 pm - St. Martin's Chapel. Refreshments will be served. |
 Nov. 4: All Saint's 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. 4: Daylight Savings Time
Remember to turn your clocks back one hour Sunday night! |
 Nov. 4: Candy Tithe
Donate your leftover Halloween Candy on Sun. Nov. 4 for our homeless ministry lunch bags. |
 Nov. 4: Race for the Cure
Nov. 1-10: Christmas @ Caswell House
St. Martin's serves our neighbors and other non-profits by helping with parking needs and being patient with downtown events. On Sun. Nov. 4, The Race for the Cure marathon will be in downtown Austin. Please give yourself a few extra minutes to get to church. From Nov. 1-10, we are helping our neighbor, the Caswell House, with parking needs. |
 Nov. 4: Concordia University Choir
St. Martin's is hosting the Concordia University Choir in a concert entitled "Wake, Awake!" The concert features a choral repertoire from the Renaissance through works composed within the last few years, spanning a diversity of genres and styles. Also featuring J.S. Bach's cantata "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme." Free event starting at 3 pm. |
 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. |
 Nov. 7: 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 on 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. |
 Nov. 7: Confirmation Night
Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 pm is Confirmation Night for all Middle School Students. |
 Nov. 9-11: Jr Hi Synod Gathering
St. Martin's Jr Hi Youth go to Camp Chrysalis Nov. 9-11 for the Synod Gathering. |
 Nov. 11: Veterans' Reception
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 11: Caritas Collection Day
Bring toilet paper, toothpaste, and shampoo on Sunday, Nov. 11 as we collect toiletries to help our neighbors in Central Texas. |
 Nov. 11 & 18: Benevolence Voting
Ballots will be available in the Narthex of the Sanctuary or Chapel the weekends of Nov. 11 & 18 for our annual Benevolence Voting. |
 Nov. 13: Saintly Seniors, "Veterans Benefits"
St. Martin's Saintly Seniors will meet for its monthly luncheon and presentation on Tues. Nov. 13 at noon in the Parlor. The guest speaker will be Jose Garcia, who will speak on "Veterans Benefits." For more information and to RSVP, contact Jo Ann Pitcher at 442-8184 or Nell Hielscher at 243-0467. |
 Nov. 16-18: Formula 1 Racetrack Opening
Austin will welcome thousands of visitors from around the world Nov. 16-18 for the new Formula 1 Racetrack Grand Opening. The downtown area will be busy with visitors. We hope out-of-town visitors will join us in Worship that weekend! |
 Nov. 18: WELCA Thankoffering Sunday
Gather with us for WELCA's ThankOffering Sunday as we express gratitude for the blessing in our lives. Come to worship in the St. Martin's Sanctuary at 8:30 or 11 am. |
 Nov. 18 & 25: Adult Ed Class on Gratitute
Join members, Glen Meyer and Nora Friedrich, as they teach our Adult Ed Class on Gratitude Nov. 18 & 25 in the Fellowship Hall at 9:45 am. |
 Nov. 17-18: Commitment Weekend
Help continue the ministries of St. Martin's by showing your commitment - offer your 2013 pledge card in services on Sat. Nov 17 & Sun. Nov 18.
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 Nov. 18: Pastor Jennifer's Farewell Reception
Please join us in saying "Thank You" to Pastor Jennifer on Sun. Nov. 18 in the Fellowship Hall after the late service. |
 Nov. 23-25 or Dec. 7-9: Family Advent Retreat
Camp Chrysalis is hosting their Annual Family Advent Retreat either Nov. 23-25 or Dec. 7-9. The theme this year is "Christmas Carols". Explore the songs of Mary and Zechariah as they prepared for the Messiah. Learn new crafts with a Christmas Carol theme and the history behind some of our most beloved songs. Stay with your family in your own cabin with a private bathroom. Click here for more information. |
 Nov. 25: New Member ClassInterested in becoming a member of St. Martin's? Join us for a New Member Class on Sunday, Nov. 25 after the late service in the Parlor. RSVP to pastor@saintmartins.org |
 Nov. 25- Dec 9: Agua Viva Christmas GiftsIt's that time of year again when St. Martin's helps our neighbors to the South by providing Christmas gifts to children in need along the border. From Nov. 25-Dec. 9, sign up in the lobby and receive recipient information. Deliver wrapped presents by Dec. 16 in the church office. |
 Nov. 25- Dec 9: Poinsettia SalesFrom Nov. 25 - Dec. 9 volunteers will be available in the lobby to purchase poinsettias that help beautify our Sanctuary as we celebrate Jesus' birth. |
 Save your Books! Upcoming Book Sale in Jan.Save your books for The Faith Executioner's January Book Sale to benefit the Austin Helps Honduras Scholarship Fund. |
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LOOKING AHEAD TO DECEMBER
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 Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23: Adult Ed - Advent Class
Join Pastor Pete as he teaches an Advent Class in the Fellowship Hall at 9:45 am. |
 Dec. 8: WELCA Christmas Brunch
Enjoy the music of Ann Richard's School Choir on Sat. Dec. 8 at 9:30 am in the Parlor. Nursery provided.
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 Dec. 9: TLU Vespers at St. Martin's
Mark your calendars as St. Martin's hosts the Texas Lutheran University Choir & Musicians on Sun. Dec. 9 at 4pm.
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 Dec 11: Annual Christmas Luncheon
It's time to celebrate with your friends at St. Martin's as we gather for our Annual Christmas Luncheon at noon in the Fellowship Hall. We'll hear music from St. Martin's Preschool students and Thom Pavlechko. Please make plans to bring a friend and join us for this special event in the life of our community. |
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