Hello all.  

We did it!!  Doors Open London was a great success and I want to thank every member of the parish.  You all contributed according to your time and talents.  There were 161 people in the church over the weekend including 46 at Jazz Vespers.  There were visitors looking for a church home, curious neighbours, children of the original founders returning to share memories and members of the parish who wanted to be part of a great weekend.  We also raised $375.00 for Riverside Public School's snack program.  Most importantly, we created  an energy which will carry us forward into new projects.  Some of them are listed below.  The idea is to offer a wide selection of options for groups to gather.  See something you like, come along and bring a guest.  Do you have an idea?  Bring it forward.  Lot's to cover so best we get at it.  Unfortunately we have to start with some sad news.

 

Ray Charles Has Passed Away We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Ray Charles on Sunday, September 21st. Ray was a faithful presence in our church community. We give thanks for his life and witness among us, and we hold his family and loved ones in our prayers during this time of grief. Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. 

 

NEW! Weeknight Kids' Church -- The Cloak of Kindness Squad

*Launching Monday, October 27th, 6:00pm-7:30 pm

Designed for elementary-aged children and inspired by our patron Saint Martin's act of sharing his cloak with a poor man, the Cloak of Kindness Squad teaches children the power of kindness, empathy, and everyday bravery. Through age-appropriate Bible stories, hands-on service projects, and creative activities, kids discover how to live out their faith in practical, loving ways.

Do you know a child who might be interested? Are there high school students looking to earn volunteer hours? Or perhaps you'd like to help lead this exciting new ministry? Contact Rev. Sarah for more information. The registration package is live on the website at www.stmartinslondon.ca/ministries/kids-church. 

 

NEW! The Lectionary & Lunch

Wednesday, October 1st at 12:00 pm

Join us for a new midweek Bible study and fellowship hour called The Lectionary & Lunch. Bring your packed lunch and gather around the table as we revisit the lectionary readings from the previous Sunday, share insights, and reflect together. Coffee and tea will be provided--just bring your lunch and a willingness to engage in good conversation. All are welcome!

 

Baptismal Living: A Series of Five Online Workshops
Saturdays from Oct 2025 to March 2026
10am to 11:30am, Online 
Do you remember the promises made at your baptism?  Do you ever think about those promises, and what you are doing to keep them?
Did you know that, every year, Christians all around the world take time to reflect on their baptismal vows, to consider how they will live them intentionally and, at Easter, to renew their commitment to those promises?  Did you know that this happens in this diocese, every year?  Is this the year you will join them?
All are welcome to attend five online workshops on living our baptismal promises, sponsored by the Deanery of London.  These sessions are an ideal supplement to a parish-based process of preparation for baptism, confirmation, reception, or renewal.  
For more information, contact the Rev’d Canon Dr Lisa Wang to learn more and to register: lisawang@diohuron.org. POSTER
First session: Saturday, Oct 18, 2025
“Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship?” Why lifelong learning in community is essential to the Christian life

Speakers: The Rev’d Canon Dr Lisa Wang with Linda DeBurger (Christ Church, Dresden) and Shirley Sewell (St Matthew’s, Florence

Additional questions?  Speak to Nancy Haley who will be attending.

 

Upcoming Service of Ordination on Tuesday, November 18 2025, 7:00 pm at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, London.  An upcoming very special occasion for Tianna who assisted at St. Martin's this spring as part of her preparation for ministry.

Bishop Townshend announces the the following will be called to the Presbyterate at a service of Ordination to be held on the Commemoration of Hilda, Abbess of Whitby: The Reverend Allison Agius, The Reverend Tianna Gocan, The Reverend Maya-Melé Okazaki, The Reverend Gerard Phillips, and The Reverend Janet Ternes.


Please hold our ordinands in your prayers as they prepare for ordination to the ministerial priesthood.

 

A Brief Commercial Announcement.  Nancy and I are both involved with 614 (Forest City) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets.  Fletcher received both his glider and private pilot's licence through the squadron.  They are an amazing group of young men and women.  Jeremy Hansen first flew with 614 Squadron.  You may be surprised to hear the Department of National Defence does not cover all of the costs of the Program.  This weekend the cadets will be requesting donations in front of stores in our area.  Any amount will be appreciated.  It all adds up.  In return you will get a snazzy bookmark.   

 

Martin's Brunchers Hard at Work.  A recent gathering at Morning Bites on Wonderland.  An excellent example of a suggestion, which has taken off.  Thank You to Janice and Larry Chisholm for organizing the brunches. For the month of October, Martin’s Brunchers will be gathering om WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22 at 10:00 a.m. Note the change in the day. We’ll let you know the location next week. Please contact Janice and Larry Chisholm (519-657-5279; lchisholm@rogers.com) or speak to them when you meet at church.

 

Parking Around St. Martin's.  Recently municipal enforcement officers have been patrolling Pinetree Drive, mostly by the cul-de-sac near Riverside Public School, and ticketing vehicles that are parked illegally. This is a gentle reminder to double-check the signage where you park to avoid being fined, including designated accessible spots in St. Martin's parking lot. Please contact Rev. Sarah if you have any questions or concerns about parking. 

 

St. Martin's, Our History and Our Artifacts.   We have left up the display from Doors Open London to give you the opportunity to see it in detail.  There are also some brochures on the display table from the event.  Please feel free to take one home.

 

The Chancel Guild is looking to recruit new members.  If you are interested, please see Marie or Rev'd Sarah.

 

St. Paul's Social Services -Thank you for your continued generosity.  This item never goes away because hunger never goes away.   St. Paul's Social Services is an outreach program, a part of which is the St. Paul's Food Bank.  Your generous donations help support it.   Look for the bin in the cloakroom marked "St. Paul's Food Bank".  Food of all descriptions should be the first priority.   Please give what you can.    In addition to food, toiletries, especially in small sizes are always useful. Monetary donations are also well received as it lets them buy items which are needed but not always donated or they buy in bulk.  Like everyone else they are being hit by the rising price of food.  Please make cheques payable to St. Paul's Social Services.  Tax receipts will be issued directly by St. Paul's Social Services.  For the moment please do not donate containers as they are in discussions with the local Health Inspectors on their use.

 

We Are Collecting Egg Cartons.  Annele Robertson has a friend who can use egg cartons for......eggs!  Drop them off in the cloakroom and Annele will pick them up.  

 

Milk Bag Collection is Back.  The ladies are back to making mats.  Please bring in your milk bags and put them in the marked box in the Cloakroom

 

Email Address  Please check that you have our correct email address in your contacts.  It is stmartinslondon@diohuron.org .  The old email address is no longer supported, and we will be losing access to it soon.  Also, if you change your email address, please let us know so we can update our records.

 

Readings for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Jeremiah 32:1-3a,6-15, Psalm 91:1-6,14-16, 1 Timothy  6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31

 

 Parish Family Circle of Prayer –    As we gather this week we pray for the following members of our congregation and their families.

Dorothy Drew                      Jim & Cathy Dunlop                        Keith Fawcett

 

With thanks to Rev'd Sarah...

Enjoy your week.
Ian

Ian Haley
Church Warden