Below you can find a message from the Very Rev. Pamela. These are sent out most Fridays in our newsletter. Published January 23, 2026.

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Message from the Very Rev. Pamela from January 23, 2026:

Dear Ones,

The light is returning! It is still wet and gloomy outside, with more rough weather predicted, but we are officially in the time of year when the days begin to lengthen. Meanwhile, inside our homes and our church, Christmas lights twinkle and candle flames dance, reminding us that there is always light to be found when we need it most.

For many of us, 2025 has been a difficult year. On the political front, we are witnessing terrible things at home and abroad, and it is easy to feel helpless and even hopeless. But as I look back on the year, I find myself astonished at the good things God has been doing in our parish. St. Martin’s has seen continued growth in membership, as well as growing engagement with our community. The growth is both inward and outward-facing, and it is transforming lives. 

We’ll do more of a “year-end review” for the Annual Meeting, but without a doubt the day of the Bishop’s Visit was one for the record books. More than 15 people participated in the confirmation and enquirer’s class leading up to it. The service was glorious, with outstanding music, and showcased our commitment to joyful, authentic, and beautiful liturgy. And we had a full house, with six people received into the Episcopal Church, six people confirmed, and one young adult baptized. This came on the heels of several other baptisms this fall, including two teenagers and a brand-new baby. At a time when so many churches are shrinking and even facing closure, we are incredibly blessed by these many signs of vitality and faithfulness.

If you are able to give a special year-end donation or an increase to your 2026 pledge, your generosity will have an enormous impact on our ability to continue along this trajectory of growth and transformation. Every dollar counts! Please consider adding St. Martin’s to your year-end giving. Through God’s grace, we really are rooted in faith, growing in hope, and reaching out in love. 

“And the greatest of these is love“—the love that came down at Christmas, and that continues to light our path in the world.

Blessings and peace to you—and let me wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas!

Pamela+

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