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JANUARY 2013
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NOTES FROM PASTOR SANDAGER
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Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
What a joyous time of year as we celebrate our Savior's birth. It is also a the time of year for our family as we rejoice in this call to ministry at St. Martin's. It is hard to believe that I have been here over three months as your Pastor.
In that time I have gotten to know many of you and I continue to get acquainted with new folks every week. The names are beginning to connect with the faces and I have to admit that feels good to me. Robin has resigned her position in Dallas and is now in Austin full time and that makes me happy. During these past months, I have had the opportunity to listen as many of you have shared your stories with me about your life at St. Martin's. Some of those stories are joyous; others have had experiences that were not always joyous. Together, they make up the history and experience of St. Martin's.
Many of the stories revolve around change in the life of the congregation. A beloved Pastor or staff member has departed, or worship isn't as full as it once was, or the membership numbers are not as high. It's easy to get caught up in those transitions and view them as a threat to the church or at least how we think about church. At a meeting recently, a member brought up that life is all about change, and the church is always changing just as our lives are always in a state of change. But he went on to point out that change doesn't need to be negative, and perhaps we should see change as an opportunity for new growth in our life of faith. Elsewhere in this issue you can read more about the change and visioning and the emergent church but for now let me share with you what we have planned for January 6th.
Just as on New Year's Eve we say goodbye to the old year and hello to the new, we need to do that in the church as well. So we will do that with a service of healing. It will provide an opportunity for us to request individual prayers for healing, to put those memories in the past that need to be put in the past where we have been wronged or perhaps we wronged someone else. It is a time to come together as the people of God and hear again God's promise of not only forgiveness, but God's promise that we are enough, just as we are. We will start our new calendar year here at St. Martin's with a "clean slate" forgiven and set free. Join us on the 6th and celebrate Epiphany in a new way!
In Christ's name,
Pastor Pete
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 Jan. Benevolence: New Life Lutheran Church
New Life Lutheran is a young, developing congregation in rapidly growing Dripping Springs. Their pastor is Carmen Retzlaff, whose ordination ceremony was held at St. Martin's in December. St. Martin's has a rich history of helping new congregations in the Austin area spread the Good News of God's redeeming love. Let's help our sister congregation with our gifts and prayers.
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 Jan. 5 & 6: Healing Service
Pastor Pete will lead the Congregation at all regular services on Jan. 5 & 6 with a special Healing Service to start the new year.
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Jan. Adult Education: "Emergent Church"Starting Jan. 6, join Pastor Pete at 9:45 am in the Fellowship Hall to examine the modern day movement in the church known as the emergent church. We will look at why what is often feared as being new in the church is often merely a return to some long lost traditional ways of thinking and being church.
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 Jan. 2 & 16: 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 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Parlor. Dinner is provided, and babies & toddlers are welcome! |
Jan 8: Saintly Seniors
Tuesday, Jan. 8 the Saintly Seniors will host "Questions for a Pharmacist" at noon in the Parlor.
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 Jan 9: Confirmation Night
Wednesday, Jan. 9 at 6:30 pm is Confirmation Night for all Middle School Students. |
 Jan. 12: Choir Retreat
It's time to prepare for our next season! Sat. Jan. 12 is our Choir Retreat starting at 9am. Contact Thom Pavlechko for details tpavlechko@saintmartins.org |
 Jan. 13: 2013 Budget Forum
Join the Church Council on Sunday, Jan. 13 at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. This is an opportunity for the congregation to ask questions and get answers about the 2013 Budget and Property Task Force research.
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 Jan. 13: Assistant Pastor Meet & Greet
After the late service on Sun. January 13th, join the Council in the Fellowship Hall for a Meet & Greet Reception of our Assistant Pastor Candidate, Carolyn Albert.
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 Jan. 20: Annual Potluck Luncheon
Potluck luncheon immediately before the Jan. 20 Annual Meeting won't be complete without your best side dish, salad, dessert or bread. The meat & drinks will be provided. Bring a dish to share to the kitchen area anytime after the early service. If you'd like to help with setup, serving or clean up, contact Janis Daemmrich at janis@bobphoto.com or 461-2023.
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 Jan. 20: Symphonic Winds
St. Martin's Symphonic Winds, led by Dale Elmshaueser, will play a program of Sousa marches at our Annual Potluck Luncheon to help us get in the spirit of positive discourse for our Annual Meeting.
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 Jan 20: SPECIAL CALL MEETING &
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
St. Martin's will hold a Special Call Meeting to vote on the Assistant Pastor Candidate and immediately following, hold the Annual Congregational Meeting on Jan. 20 at 1 pm. Join us in the Sanctuary for our meeting to adopt the 2013 Budget, elect officers , and to hear reports.
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 Jan 27: Faith Executioners Book Sale
The Bible Study Group, Faith Executioners, will be holding a Book Sale on Sunday, Jan 27 to benefit Austin Helps Honduras. We need everyone to donate books for this sale between now and Jan 20. The new school year in Honduras begins in February and we would like to support as many students as we can. This is a great way to show the children that we care about their future. Books can be dropped off in the church office anytime.
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LOOKING AHEAD TO FEBRUARY
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 Feb 1-3: Conspirare
"The Sacred Spirit of Russia"
The great Russian choral tradition, with its lush sound and heartfelt expression, has informed and inspired Conspirare's own music-making. Hear tradition come alive in these illuminating performances of vibrant works by the great Romantic composers Sergei Rachmaninov and Alexander Grechaninov, masterful choral writer Pavel Chesnokov, and more - all deeply evocative of a nation's soul. Click here for ticket information.
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 Feb 8-10: Women's Retreat
"Energize" is the theme for the 2013 Annual Women's Retreat Feb 8-10 at Camp Chrysalis. Join us for relaxation, renewal, fellowship & fun. Cost is $150 with meals and lodging provided. Registration deadline is January 31. Click here to secure your spot. |
 Feb 10: 16th Annual Youth Silent Auction
Mark your calendars for Feb 10th - the 16th Annual Youth Silent Auction benefitting the Senior High 2013 Trip to Philadelphia, PA
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