Hello all. 

It's February.  I agree with Schubenacadie Sam, Nova Scotia's prognosticating groundhog who stayed tucked up by the fire in his burrow, no doubt dressed in smoking jacket and with a warm something in his paw.  "You want to know the weather?  Look out the window."

The season of Christmas is behind us and Lent is fast approaching but first we have another special event, which is Vestry Sunday!  I will spare you all the jokes about Vestry meetings because it is a serious event.  The Parish requires input. guidance, and participation.  Something you are all very good at.  The next few years are going to be critical to our growth.  The Annual report should be available this Sunday.  Please take it home and read it and come to the meeting armed with your comments, questions and ideas.  St. Martin's has a reputation for thoughtful and concise discussion within a reasonable period of time.  Also fortified with coffee, tea and treats available at the back of the Church.  

This Vestry meeting will also be the last for me as the Rector’s Warden.  The arrival of a new Rector is an appropriate time for a change of Warden and after 15 years may be past due.  Reverend Sarah has graciously accepted my request to step down.  Not to worry I will continue to produce the Midweek News and there are a few projects which really need doing around the Church. In the meantime, on with the news.

 

Vestry  Save the date for our annual Vestry meeting, which will take place this year on Sunday, February 15 following the service. There will be coffee and treats  available to sustain us. The Annual Report will be available this Sunday.  PLease take it home, read it, mark the necessary items you wish to consider and inwardly digest its message.  No, don't eat it.  Then bring it with you to the meeting. 

Nominations For Parish Council.  An important part of the Vestry meeting is the confirmation of the Parish Council for 2026.  Existing members of council will be nominated unless they have asked not to be included.  If you would like to participate in this essential ministry please contact the Wardens or Rev'd Sarah.

 

Ash Wednesday for Kids | Wednesday, February 18, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

St. James Westminster, 115 Askin Street | Transportation available from St. Martin-in-the-Fields

This Ash Wednesday, we're inviting children to experience the season of Lent in a meaningful, age-appropriate way. In partnership with other Anglican churches in our deanery, we’re offering a full-day Ash Wednesday program designed especially for kids.

Through prayer, storytelling, creative activities, and quiet reflection, children will learn what Ash Wednesday is about and why it matters, while being surrounded by a supportive Christian community. The day will include time for worship and the imposition of ashes, along with space for questions, conversation, and fun.

This is a free program for kids ages 4 to 12. Families from across the deanery are warmly welcome. Email stmartinslondon@diohuron.org to register. See the attached poster. Please contact Rev. Sarah if you're interested in volunteering at the event. 

 

Ash Wednesday.   Believe it or not Lent is approaching.  Join us in a reflective choral Eucharist and imposition of ashes on Wednesday 18 February at 7:00 pm.  Receiving ashes is an ancient Christian practice which reminds us of our mortality, our need for mercy, and our dependence on God.  Marked with ashes, we hear again God's invitation to repentance, renewal, and hope.  All are welcome.  

A daytime Ash Wednesday Service is being offered at St. Michael & All Angels, February 18 at 10:00 am. The Rev. Mike DeKay will officiate Holy Eucharist with the imposition of ashes.

 

(From Rev'd Sarah) In Memory of Kenneth Brian Price  The beautiful floral arrangements in the church this week were donated by the Carapella family in loving memory of Kenneth Brian Price, father of Lyn Carapella. Please continue to hold Lyn, Joe and their family in your prayers as they grieve and give thanks for Ken. Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. 

 

Martin's Brunchers.  Mark your calendars.  The Brunchers will gather for lunch on Wednesday February 25th at 11:30 am.  The location is Morning Bites, located at the corner of Wonderland Rd. and Aldersbrook Rd, one block south of Fanshawe Park Rd.  Please contact the Chisholms by Monday 23 February to save your seat. Please contact the church
office, Rev. Sarah or Larry / Janice Chisholm (lchisholm@rogers.com; 519-657-5279) if you would like assistance with travel to and from the restaurant.

 

St. Martin's, Our History and Our Artifacts.   Look for a new display after Easter.

 

St. Faithful's Havenot.  Amid all of the nonsense on facebook (St. Martin's excepted) may I invite you to follow the stories of St. Faithful's Havenot, a (perhaps) fictional parish of the Church of England which Nancy came across.  It sounds very familiar to those who grew up in the Anglican church.  Enjoy.

 

Keys To The Church.  Do you have a set of keys to the church which you no longer require?  It would be appreciated if you could return them to Sandra.  It will save us the cost of producing additional keys. 

 

St. Paul's Social Services -Thank you for your generous donations .   This news 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 as well as hats, mitts and socks. 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.

 

Tax Receipts.  Your 2025 tax receipts are now available in your mail slot in the cloakroom.

 

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 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.

Isaiah 58:1-9a, Psalm 112:1-10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, Matthew 5:13-20

 

In case you wondered....

See you Sunday.
Ian

Ian Haley
Church Warden

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