Hello all. 

 Let's get this out of the way right now:  SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR BEFORE YOU GO TO BED SATURDAY NIGHT.  Nothing serious will happen if you don't, you will just be early for Church.  Another successful "Trunk or Treat" last Sunday with approximately 70 children, most from the local area getting their share of the treats.  Thank you to everyone who helped or donated treats.  Any left over treats will be going to the St. Paul's Food Bank this week.  We even managed to find homes for all 28 pumpkins, with the exception of a few who passed away of natural causes.  A great afternoon.  Also Monday night an enthusiastic group of youngsters participated in the first meeting of the "Cloak of Kindness Squad".  Grandson Fraser had a great time, though one of the other attendees had to be reminded he was Fraser and not Mr. Fraser.  Additional attendees are expected for the November gathering.  Thanks to Rev'd Sarah and Nancy Haley for this initiative.  Spread the word.

 

From Trunk or Treat:

 

Eileen Latimer Has Passed Away  We are saddened to share news of the passing of Eileen Latimer on Wednesday, October 29th in Toronto. Eileen was a faithful member of St. Martin-in-the-Fields for many years and we give thanks for her life and witness among us. We hold her family and loved ones in prayer during this time of grief. Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her.

 

All Hallows Eve (31 Oct.), All Saints Day (1 Nov), All Souls Day (2 Nov).     It isn't all fun and games.  All Hallows' (Holy) Eve is traditionally a vigil marked by fasting and prayer in anticipation of the days to follow.  All Saints' or Hallows' Day is an opportunity to remember all saints and martyrs, known and unknown throughout Christian History.  All Souls Day is an opportunity to commemorate the faithfully departed.  In some Parishes the names are read of those who have died in the past year.

 

Coffee Hour This Sunday.  The Sorcerer's Apprentice (your's truly) will be in charge.  What can go wrong?  See Walt Disney's "Fantasia".

  

 The Schedule.   It's a busy month so here is the schedule of upcoming events.  Additional details will be provided but mark down these dates.

  • Sunday November 9, 10:00 am  -Remembrance Sunday
  • Sunday November 16, 10:00 am - Patronal Feast of St. Martin of Tours
  •                                        4:00 pm - Choral Evensong
  • Sunday November 23, 10:00 am - The Reign of Christ and visit by the Bishop of Huron
  • Sunday November 30, 10;00 am - The First Sunday of Advent.

The 186th Synod the the Diocese of Huron met on October 24 & 25 at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. St. Martin's parish representatives for the proceedings were Rev'd Sarah and Norma Chicoine, Lay Delegate to Synod. Sarah+ and Norma have summarized key-points from the gathering in a report that will be attached to the Midweek News next week. Stay tuned!

 

 Your Funeral Wishes.  This is a subject we generally don't like to discuss.  As a result when the time comes for our final departure very often the next of kin are left struggling to guess our wishes.  Where should the funeral be?  Who should preside?  What readings, hymns and psalms?  My own Father left fairly specific directions starting with "if you play Abide With Me I will haunt you forever".  Fair enough.  It did make things very much easier.  Revd Sarah would be pleased to discuss and record your wishes.  Please contact her at the Church.

 

All Saints Stroll:  The Churches of Wortley Village.  Important Update. The ACO provided an update this week which states you can begin the tour anytime between 11:00 am  and 4 pm.  All other information is as reported last week and repeated here.  Nancy and I grew up in what is now known as "Old South".  I attended St. James Westminster and Nancy was just down the street at Wesley-Knox United, where we were married.  On Saturday November 1st why not join us for a self guided tour of these churches and two others all within Wortley Village.  Explore four of Wortley Village's historic churches: St. James Westminster Anglican Church, Wesley-Knox United Church, Elmwood Street Presbyterian Church, and St. Martin's Roman Catholic Church all in one afternoon. The tour is being organized by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) London. Attendees will meet at St. James Westminster Church (115 Askin Street) any time between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.  Non-members are welcome to purchase a tour booklet for $5.00.  There is parking on Askin St or behind St. James with access off Bruce St. (one way west to east).  There are also an assortment of restaurants and pubs on Wortley where you can recuperate after. Email info@acolondon.ca for more information!  

 

St. Martin's Brunchers. Martin’s Brunchers had an enjoyable “brunch” in October with 8 members of the parish gathering at the Gaggling Goose. For November, we will be gathering on Wednesday, November 19 at 10:00 a.m. at  Pur and Simple. This restaurant is located in the small plaza, to the east, across from Masonville Mall and close to Wendy’s. If you would like to participate but need some help with transportation please call the church or contact Larry and Janice Chisholm (lchisholm@rogers.com; 519-657-5279). Looking forward to seeing everyone.” 

 

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.  It will remain up until after the Bishop's visit. There are also some brochures on the display table from the event.  Please feel free to take one home.  

 

St. Paul's Social Services -Thank you for your generous donations .  This news item never goes away because hunger never goes away.  In fact you have been so generous I will be taking a load down this week along with the treats.   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.

 

Church Calendars are now available on the table in the Narthex.  The cost is $7.00. Exact Change is appreciated.  Please call the office if you wish to have one put aside for you. 

 

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 All Saints Day.

Daniel 7:1-3,15-18, Psalm 149. Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31

 

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

Marna Blanchard                     Beth Bogue                  Lisa Bogue

 

You may remember this ...


And of course....

See you all Sunday.
Ian

Ian Haley
Church Warden