Hello all. 

 Busy, busy, busy.  The first thing I should get out of the way is a reminder, THE CLOCKS GO BACK ONE HOUR THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!   Not serious if you don't remember, you will just be first in the parking lot on Sunday morning.  Thank you to everyone who supported our annual Trunk or Treat, especially three generations of Chisholms who turned out to assist.  Approximately 75 children showed up to consume  treats and play games in the parking lot.  The enthusiasm spilled over to Monday evening when 11 children of various ages painted pumpkins as part of the monthly Cloak of Kindness Squad event.   Here are some of our guests at the colouring table during Trunk or Treat.  Check out some more photos on our web site.  Thanks to Janice Chisholm for the photos.

From the Rector's Desk: This year at St. Martin-in-the-Fields we are reviving the practice of marking Allhallowtide with services on both the principal feast of All Saints (Nov. 1) and All Souls (Nov. 2). Where does Halloween fit in, one might wonder? And how does the church's understanding of All Hallows Eve square with contemporary secular Halloween celebrations? This morning I received the following article in my inbox, and thought that it might be a helpful read for anyone who is curious about these questions: https://livingchurch.org/covenant/grave/Pax, Sarah+.

The 187th Synod of The Diocese of Huron.  Synod was this past weekend.  Rev'd Sarah and Rev'd Dr. Virginia attended as did Norma Chicoine, our Lay Delegate. You can read the Bishop's Charge here if you like.   https://us.list-manage.com/14oz3AQ2IFj?e=2da680d6d2&c2id=0bb604c9c44d50a879987b39624b46dd   I'm sure the attendees will have more to report in the upcoming weeks but I believe the new chairs brought to mind the Roman axiom: "The mind can only absorb as much as the seat can stand".

 

All Souls Commemoration of the Dead  This Allhallowtide, St. Martin-in-the-Fields will hold an All Souls Choral Eucharist on Monday, November 2 at 7:00 pm. During the service we will remember by name those who we love, but see no longer. All are welcome to attend and light a candle in memory of friends and relatives who have died.  

Remembrance Service.  Our Remembrance Service will be held as  part of the Choral Eucharist on Sunday November 8th at 10:00 am.  

 A Gathering of Clerics.  St. Martin's will be hosting the London Deanery Clericus meeting on Tuesday November 10th at 10:00 am.  Volunteers are requested to assist with hospitality.  Please let Rev'd Sarah know if you can assist. 

There's Cheese Gromit and Coffee.  I'm not sure if Wallace and Gromit's favourite Wensleydale is available but there is quite the selection.  Just in time for the holidays St. Martin's is teaming with Springbank Cheese of Woodstock to provide delicious cheese for you and funds for St. Martin's.  What does it taste like you ask?  A good question.  To help answer the question, join us for coffee and a cheese tasting after the service this Sunday November 1st.  You will already have had the wine.  There will be additional information available and order forms.  A preview is available below and for those who prefer to order online a link is available.  https://fundraisingwithcheese.ca/checkout/st-martin-in-the-fields-anglican-church-7q0rs6.  Dan Coward will be available to answer any questions.

Church Calendars. The 2027 Canadian Church Calendars are now available.  They will be on the table in the Narthex on Sunday.  The cost this year is $10 with all proceeds going to the Ascension Fund.  Please leave your payment in the envelope marked church calendars.

The Pipes are Calling.  I have said in the past the Midweek News is happy to promote events in the community which have a connection to St. Martin's.  Below is an event hosted by the London Firefighters Pipe Band.  Mike Tucker is a drummer in the band, Fletcher Haley is a former piper in the band and my father was the distillery representative to the band when they were known as the Macnish Pipe Band.  A wonderful afternoon of highland entertainment.

 New on stmartinslondon.ca  In the Midweek News I try to look about four weeks ahead but keep an eye on the church website for additional information on news and upcoming events as we head into a busy fall season, (including the latest issue of the Midweek News!). If you're wondering about an upcoming service, or looking for information about a specific ministry that you're involved in--or would like to be involved in--check back often for updates on happenings around the parish and in the Deanery of London. 

 

E-Transfer is Here.  St. Martin's is now able to accept funds by e-transfer.  It can be used for donations and payment for invoices, tickets etc.  They can be sent to the church email address: stmartinslondon@diohuron.org.

Please provide your address in the comments section of your first e-transfer.  We can not issue tax receipts without an address

Our 70th Anniversary Celebration. Last Week For Tickets!    A Gala Evening at Bellamere Winery Sunday 8 November 2026 from 4-8 pm, including a plated dinner and live music featuring Matt Martin.  Matt has recently added Frank Sinatra to his repertoire.   Further information and ticket options are on the St. Martin's website.  Questions?  Please talk to Lisa Bogue.

 

 St. Martin's, Our History and Our Artifacts.     From the Prayer Group in our fall newsletter 1996. 

St. Paul's Social Services - This news item never goes away because hunger never goes away.  St. Paul's Social Service 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".  Non-perishable 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 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.

 

Egg Cartons are Needed.  Our local farmer can use egg cartons again.  Please leave them in the box in the cloakroom.

 

Readings For All Saints Day 

Revelation 7:1-17, Psalm 34:1-10,22, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12
 

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

Sue Hanson                                  Connie Hueston                        Fr. Will & Ruth Anne Kammerer

 

Happy Halloween...

 

See you Sunday.
Ian

Ian Haley
Editor