St. Martin’s News November 16, 2025

Here you can find weekly news and upcoming events at the Episcopal Church of St. Martin. Published 11/16/2025.

Lynn Zender Receives Bishop’s Cross at Diocesan Convention
We congratulate Lynn Zender, who received the Bishop’s Cross at Diocesan Convention last weekend for her extraordinary service to the Diocese over the years. Lynn most recently served as co-chair of the Diocesan Commission on Intercultural Ministries and, over the years, has served on numerous Diocesan boards and committees. Lynn was not able to be at Convention in Redding, so Bishop Megan, along with Rev. Pamela and Deacon Margaret, visited Lynn at her home this week to present the award.

At St. Martin’s, Lynn serves on the Social Justice and Outreach Committee, has been Sr. Warden, and has been a leader on many other groups and committees. We are grateful to Lynn for her service to St. Martin’s and to the Diocese of Northern California and congratulate her on receiving this high honor from the Bishop.

The Feast of St. Martin of Tours, This Sunday, November 16
This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of St. Martin of Tours, our patron saint. St. Martin was a Roman soldier who requested to be discharged from the army, saying, “I am Christ’s soldier and not allowed to fight.” He became a bishop and is known for his acts of charity. During coffee hour, all are invited to decorate goose cookies and find out how geese are related to St. Martin of Tours.
Welcoming Guest Preacher: We also welcome back the Rev. Mike Kinman as our guest preacher. He’ll do an informal “coffee talk” between services about Thistle Farms, a program that provides women survivors with housing, healthcare, counseling, and job-readiness training for two years. He’ll also be available after the 10am service during coffee hour to chat and answer questions.
Confirmation and Enquirer’s Class Continues, 11:30am – 1pm: Meets on the five Sundays of November and is for anyone and everyone but is designed for those who are considering being baptized, confirmed or received when Bishop Megan visits on December 7. Talk to Rev. Pamela asap if you are interested in being baptized, confirmed, or received. If you missed the first two classes, you are still welcome to attend. Meet in Room 6/7.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Service
This coming Wednesday, November 19 at 6pm, we will host a Transgender Day of Remembrance service with music. The Transgender Day of Remembrance, first observed in 2019 and now commemorated worldwide, honors the memory of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people lost to anti-transgender violence and discrimination. The service will include a litany honoring those lost in 2025, as well as prayers for a world where all may live safely and fully. Following the service, all are invited to participate in an optional candlelight labyrinth walk, weather permitting. Those who may wish to walk the labyrinth only are welcome to do so during the service also. All are welcome!

Thanksgiving Project & Weekly Food Collection
With uncertainty and delays around SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, the need is greater than ever right now! Consider one of the following ways to help our neighbors in need.
Last Chance to Donate to Thanksgiving Project: The Thanksgiving Project is an outreach effort through which we provide grocery store gift cards to community members in need at the holidays. This year, we will serve families with school-age children, undocumented UC Davis students, and seniors. Thanks to your generosity, we have raised $4,680. Can you help us reach our goal of $7,500? Monetary donations will be accepted through this Sunday, November 16. Write a check to St. Martin’s Church with “Thanksgiving Project” in the memo line or use the “GIVE” button on our website and select “Thanksgiving Project” from the menu options.
Bring Food for Our Weekly Collection: We collect non-perishable food in the narthex and distribute it to four local pantries. This Sunday’s collection will go to Dixon Family Services. They have specifically requested canned fruit, canned tuna, canned chicken, peanut butter, jam/jelly, dry pasta, and bottled pasta sauce with meat.

EfM (Education for Ministry) Begins in January
Do you want to deepen your knowledge of the Bible and the church, participate in regular prayer and reflection, and share the fellowship of a small group? Education for Ministry is a small-group seminar (6-12 members) in which participants explore the Bible, Christian history, and Christian ethics and spirituality. The course spans four years but is taken one year at a time. This year, attendees can also opt to take a new one-year “Wide Angle Lens” course. The course will meet weekly starting in January on Mondays from 5-8pm. The group needs to be registered soon, so the mentors, Jim Jordan and Colette Chabbott, would love to know of your interest. Contact the office to be put in touch with them. More information about EfM HERE.

Other Updates for This Week
Music Notes for Sunday, November 16 at 10am: Our choir director, Dr. Suzanne Jubenville, writes music notes weekly. You can find this Sunday’s music notes HERE.
Church Directory Photos: If you did not have your photo taken at church, you can send in a photo in jpeg, jpg, or png format to communications@churchofstmartin.org.
Pauline Bekebrede Memorial Service: Sunday, November 23 at 3pm with a reception immediately following. All are welcome.
Pick Up Ofrenda Photos & Mementos: If you placed an item on the ofrenda for Día de los Muertos and haven’t picked it up, we will have the items in the narthex this Sunday.

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