The Midweek News from St. Martin's
Hello all.
I'm sure you will be happy to hear I harvested the lawns around the church this week. I had to, it was a health and safety issue. I was afraid something might stalk Bill Fraser through the grass as he went out to change the sign. I also had a conversation with our newest parishioner, a rather sleek looking groundhog, which has taken up residence on the east side of the church property. Definitely a gentleman or lady of substance. It has a marvellous view over the gully. Now before anyone says we should evict it, remember the Diocese of Huron is all into affordable housing.
There are a number of changes and things coming up so please take note.
The May 13th Parish Council Meeting is Cancelled. There isn't enough time between the April meeting and the May meeting, which has been brought forward a week due to the long weekend, to properly address a number of issues. So here is the plan:
Executive Meeting - Sunday, May 26th following the 10 am service
Executive Meeting (TBC) - Monday, June 17th, before the Parish Council meeting
Parish Council Meeting - Monday, June 17th at 7:00 pm
Report on the 184th Synod of the Diocese of Huron Yesterday the 184th Synod of the Diocese of Huron was held online. After the Bishop delivered his address, speaking to the new Diocesan Plan (see item below), the notable agenda item was for Synod to elect clergy and lay delegates to Provincial Synod. Provincial Synod will next meet in Sault Ste. Marie, the Diocese of Algoma, from Sept. 24-26, 2024.
The voting took place by house in a process conducted electronically. Delegates have until Friday morning to cast their electronic ballots, after which point the names of the elected delegates will be announced.
Opportunity to Offer Feedback on Diocesan Plan - TURNING TO GRACE Save the date: there is an upcoming opportunity to offer feedback on Bishop Townshend's Diocesan Plan, titled TURNING TO GRACE. The draft of this plan has recently been made available on the Diocese of Huron website, via this link: https://diohuron.org/our-bishop/bishop-todds-vision-for-the-diocese
A communication from Archdeacon Stephen McClatchie outlining its development is attached as a PDF.
The meeting will take place on Monday, June 3, 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm on Zoom.
At this meeting we will be joined by Archdeacon Tanya and provided an opportunity to share our thoughts on this Diocesan Plan. This is an open invitation to anyone in the Deanery (not just those on Deanery Council). Anyone interested in participating can register to receive the Zoom link when it becomes available by emailing stmartinslondon@diohuron.org.
Choral Evensong - Sunday, June 2 at 4:00 pm All are welcome to St. Martin-in-the-Fields for Choral Evensong in the tradition of the Book of Common Prayer. The propers for Corpus Christi will be observed at this service.
Safe Church Training - Sunday, June 9th following the 10:00 am Choral Eucharist Anyone who serves in a volunteer ministry role that is categorized as being 'high risk' or 'medium risk' is required to renew their Safe Church training every three years. There will be an opportunity to renew this training in-person on Sunday, June 9th immediately following the 10:00 am service.
For those who are unable to attend, and for anyone who is unsure of whether they require the training, please speak with Rev. Sarah.
Appointment of Interim Priest-in-Charge for St. Martin's - The Rev. Dr. Virginia C. Lane Bishop Todd has appointed The Rev. Dr. Virginia C. Lane as the Interim Priest-in-Charge of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, from 1 July 2024 through 31 July 2025. The Rev. Dr. Virginia will offer part-time ministry throughout the Rev. Sarah's maternity leave. This will include the Sunday service and emergency pastoral care.
Attached is a pastoral letter from the Rev. Sarah on the occasion of the Rev. Dr. Virginia's appointment. By way of preview:
"Those who have not had the opportunity to meet the Rev. Dr. Virginia during her years of service at St. Paul's Cathedral will soon come to know her faithful ministry at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Virginia+ is a gifted pastor; she will undoubtedly be a blessing to those in need of care."
As the start date of Virginia+’s ministry draws closer, further details about her schedule in the parish will be made available.
And Now A Word From Our Treasurer. (Ed. note. It is important the Parish understands its financial position during the year. For this reason we print a financial summary on a periodic basis. I had a Rector who described money as "stored energy". It allowed the Parish to maintain the base and carry out projects.)
The Revenue and Expense statement for April is posted in the cloakroom. Note $14,000 of revenue is withdrawn from Diocesan investments (as shown in March) and without it revenue would be $51,834 against $60,212 costs so the challenge of operating revenue meeting costs continues. Insurance cost which had to be paid in lump sum of $6,172 last year in March has been renegotiated to be paid by monthly installments starting this year in April so paid in 9 months but next year spread over 12 months - a little easier to manage.
The total withdrawal from Diocesan investments was $25,000 and the remaining $11.000 was directed to capital costs primarily the electrical/lighting project the benefits of which we now enjoy costing $9,404,99. Termed under "Community Response" rather than "Neighbours in Need", a further donation of $100 was made toward healthy lunches for Riverside students not able to bring same.
At the end of April our cash position was $8,905 in operating accounts and $2.237 in capital accounts. Money invested at 4% with the Diocese remains at $139,403. Interest to-date totals an estimated $2280 and grows at about $520 monthly. It is paid out in late November. Please continue to be generous as we have exciting times ahead-right?? Treasurer ...Bill Fraser.
Mid-week BCP Holy Communion The 10:00 am Wednesday service of Holy Communion will continue through to the Pentecost Ember Day on May 22nd, before taking a break for the summer months.
St. Paul's Social Services - Thank you to everyone for your ongoing contributions . I cannot overemphasize the importance of your consistent donation to St. Paul’s, they are so very grateful. I publish this weekly because the need doesn't go away. Also, they can use small articles of clothing such as socks, gloves and hats. They tell me they can use jackets and boots in good condition. It's still cold & sometimes wet . They are not a clothing depot, but they like to keep an eye on their clients.
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. But where to leave your donations?? 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. Containers, plastic and reusable bags can be used as well. 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.
Milk Bags. The ladies who are crocheting milk bags into mats for the homeless are still at it. They are pleased to take as many as we can send them. It takes a quantity of bags to make one mat. Unfortunately, the need is great, and it keeps the bags out of the landfill. Please put them in the bin marked "Milk Bags" 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 Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53
Parish Family Circle of Prayer – As we gather this week we pray for the following members of our congregation and their families.
Paul & Susan Montgomery John Moore
Audrey Muchan Roy & Cathy Murray
I'll show myself out.
Have a good week all. See you on Sunday.
Ian Haley, Churchwarden