July and August are months when life moves over into the slow lane for many. Though this is not true for all, especially if you are involved in the seasonal tourist industries. I am trying to take some advantage of the lull in organized activity. I am being variously, successful.

I do want to commend to you to try out the instructional Eucharist each Sunday at 5.30 pm. This is especially useful and informative if you are like many, wanting to know why we worship as we do in the Episcopal, Anglican Tradition but have been afraid to ask. We often assume that we should know things that there is no reason for us to know, because no one has, hitherto explained them to us.

• Do you wonder why the priest wears vestments and puzzled about the origin of these garments?
• Have you wondered why we are a liturgical tradition, what this means, and how this shapes the way we worship?
• Have you wondered why we read so much Scripture in our services - three lessons and a psalm, each week?
• Do you think you need to believe every line of the Nicene Creed?
• Because the priest preaches the sermon and recites the Great Prayer of Thanksgiving over the gifts of bread and wine, does this mean he or she has a more important role than the rest of those gathered in the pews?

Mark+

Message from the Director of Christian Formation
 

Last week I mentioned the Rebuild the Churches Fund, which is an interfaith effort spearheaded by Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis, Missouri. St. Martin's is one of many faith communities taking up a special offering to support this project. 

To donate to the Fund you may write a check payable to St. Martin's with "Rebuild the Churches" in the memo line and put it in the offering plate or mail it to the church office. 

 For more information on the fund or to donate electronically please click here.  

                                         Many thanks,

                                                            Are you interested in EFM?                                                                                                                      

Education for Ministry (EFM) is a four-year program designed to help laypersons discern their ministry and deepen their understanding of scripture and church tradition. Our neighbors at Church of the Redeemer are currently recruiting for next year's class, which will run from September 2015-May 2016. Please contact EFM Mentor Jane Jellison (Parish Administrator at St. Paul's Pawtucket) at 401-728-4300 or office@stpaulspawtucket.org.

To our August volunteer Al Howes for helping maintain our beautiful
St. Martin's Memorial Garden.