Hello all. 

 

I am writing this on Wednesday Afternoon, having just returned from a lovely service for Mary Laing.  Thank you to everyone who was able to attend and to all those who upheld Graham and family in their prayers.  Looking at the photographs I realized Mary's age changed but the smile was always the same.  Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. 

 

Decorating For Thanksgiving.  Every year we decorate the Church for the Thanksgiving service with food to remind us of God's bounty.  We could use your help.  Fresh produce, especially root vegetables are welcome, though they tell me at the food bank carrots don't last.  We can also use canned and dry goods.  Items can be dropped off on Friday morning or Sunday before the service.  All of the food will be gathered up next week and taken to the St. Paul's foodbank.  So, first it helps decorate the church then it helps others.

 

The Water May Be Off On Friday Morning.  We are taking advantage of Montessori being closed on Friday to complete some necessary repairs to the hot water tank in the boys washroom in Congress Hall.  This may mean an occasional disruption of water service on Friday morning. 

 

Lunch & Learn - Lectionary Readings

Wednesday, October 15th at 12:00 pm

Join us for a new midweek Lunch & Learn/fellowship hour. 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!

 

Weeknight Kids' Church -- The Cloak of Kindness Squad

*Launching Monday, October 27th, 6:00 - 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 or to request a registration package.

 

Parish Council   The next meeting of Parish Council is Monday 20 October, 2025 at 7:00 pm in Rowland Hall.

 

Trunk or Treat.   Our third annual "Trunk or Treat" will take place in the parking lot on Sunday October 26th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm and we are looking for participants and donors.  Decorate your vehicle, yourself, put treats in your trunk, bring a friend or two and enjoy the fun.  There will be a sign up sheet on the Narthex table.  Can't participate?  We are looking for donations of treats to keep the trunks full.  Look for the bin in the cloakroom.  See Nancy Haley for more information.

 

Martin's Brunchers  Martin’s Brunchers will be gathering on Wednesday, October 22 at 10:00 a.m. at the Gaggling Goose. The restaurant is located at 2136 Kains Rd.  When heading west on Oxford St., cross the bridge and turn right at the lights at the top of the hill. Once you navigate the curve the restaurant is in the plaza on the north side of the road. For members of the parish wishing to participate but transportation is a challenge, give the church a call and we will try to arrange a ride for you. Currently we have 9 folks joining us.

 Janice and Larry Chisholm (519-657-5279) lchisholm@rogers.com

 

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.  I will try to add to it as I find things.  There are also some brochures on the display table from the event.  Please feel free to take one home.  I also have a question.  Can anyone tell me the origin of the cross which hangs in the stairway to the balcony?  

We discovered during Doors Open the weave pattern is actually made out of popsicle sticks.  


St. Paul's Social Services -Thank you for your continued generosity.  I will be taking the Thanksgiving donations in next week.  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 Harvest Thanksgiving

Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 100, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35

 

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

Vince & Norma Chicoine               Larry & Janice Chisholm                     Ryan & Tracy Chisholm

 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Ian

Ian Haley
Church Warden