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St. Martin’s News 09/25/2026

Janet Lane

St. Martin’s News for the Week of Sunday, 09/27/2026

From the Rector
Dear Ones,
I am writing from Salt Lake City, where I am attending the Province VIII Creation Care Conference. I’m sorry that the title of the conference is so “inside baseball” because the topics and presenters make me think this is going to be one of the best I’ve ever attended, with great relevance to our lives and the life of the Church. If you want to learn more, the Episcopal News Service published an excellent article this week.

Last Sunday we had a full house at the All-Parish Conversation, ably led by Jessie Ann Owens, who is heading up the Architect Advisory Team (AAT). Thank you to everyone who participated in the conversation; your exciting and insightful ideas have all been shared with the AAT and with architect Eric Doud. The team actually got to meet with Eric in person on Wednesday and walk through our campus together, taking note of areas that are under- or over-utilized and making sure we are all using the same vocabulary about our spaces. It was a very productive morning!

While I’ll miss being with you on Sunday, I hope to see many of you at the first session of our class on artificial intelligence, which begins next Tuesday. You can find more information about it in our announcements. And don’t forget to take a look at the beautiful new benches that have been installed near our prayer chalkboard. A big thank you to Mark Brothers for his remarkable craftsmanship, and to Tim Williams, Bob Holm, members of Scout Troop 466, and everyone else who helped with the installation. They are such a lovely addition to our space!

Blessings,
Pamela+

This Sunday: Fourth Sunday & Pizza Church
Fourth Sunday at 10am: Sunday’s 10am service is a Fourth Sunday, meaning the service is a little shorter and more interactive, making it more accessible to the youngest in our congregation. Anyone can come up and sing the anthem with the Pop-Up Choir. Come to the rehearsal at 9:30am in the church, but feel free to sing even if you don’t make the rehearsal. Godly Play doesn’t meet on Fourth Sundays but will be back the following Sunday, October 4.

Preaching: At 8am, we welcome parishioner and choir member Pierre Gianferrara as our preacher. At 10am, our curate, Rev. Maggie, will preach, with the children in mind.

Sunday Afternoon! Pizza Church, 5pm: We’ll meet on the labyrinth, where Rev. Maggie will lead families in a labyrinth walk reflecting on the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, a feast heralding the shortening days and the end of harvest time. We’ll have singing, a time to acknowledge and give thanks for the changing of the season, and of course, pizza! (Note that there’s no Eucharist this month at Pizza Church).

This Saturday, September 26 – Interfaith Peace Picnic, Concert at St. Martin’s
17th Annual Interfaith Peace Picnic – Saturday, September 26, 11 am – 3 pm in Woodland: People of all faiths, backgrounds, and cultures will come together for an afternoon of food, friendship, and community at John Ferns Park, 750 W Southwood Dr., Woodland, CA 95695. Founded by the American Muslim Voice Foundation and originally inspired in the aftermath of September 11th, the Interfaith Peace Picnic will be hosted in the park by the Woodland Mosque and Islamic Center.

Chamber Music Society of Sacramento Concert, 7pm at St. Martin’s: Come to their season opening concert in our sanctuary featuring a program of Beethoven, Ginastera, Piazzolla, Schubert, and more. Alpin Hong will be on piano. General $35; Ages 22 and under free; $5 discount for St. Martin’s parishioners. More information here.

Fall Class: “Reflecting Images: Christianity and AI In Conversation”
Earlier this year, Pope Leo XIV released Magnifica Humanitas, a letter to the church urging us to be responsible in our usage of Al. St. Martin’s, Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, and the Belfry invite you to a discussion series led by Dr. Mae Forrest Barnes. Mae has a background in theology and ethics, with a special focus in accessibility, science, and theological ethics. Please join us on Tuesdays at 7pm, September 29 through October 27, in the narthex at St. Martin’s. Class starts this coming Tuesday!

Next Sunday, October 4, The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals
Come have your animals blessed at the 10am service on October 4! The service will be outdoors; bring your pets with dogs on leashes and other animals in carriers as needed. The 8am service will be indoors and will be livestreamed on October 4. The 10am service will not be livestreamed on October 4. Join us for this wonderful Sunday when we celebrate all God’s creatures! We’d love some help moving chairs for the 10am outdoor service. Let the office know if you can help out.

Upcoming Events Offered by the Broader Community
This Coming Sunday! Ride Cool Transportation Fair, Davis Central Park, September 27, 11am-2:30pm: “Ride Cool” will take place on Sunday in Central Park at 301 C St. downtown Davis. Attendees will see 20+ EVs on site and will find out about state EV incentives, e-bikes and other transportation options and resources. Free.

Yolo Sol presents Good Fire, Living Water: The Gifts of a Marsh Economy September 20-November 13, 2026 at the Davis Arts Center. The event is a public exhibition on wetland stewardship featuring the eco-cultural and artistic practice of Wintun/Maidu culture-bearer Diana Almendariz and her daughters Ooti Maxine and Christina Almendariz. Find more information here.

Saturday, October 10, Davis Interfaith Association (DIA) Picnic: All are invited to the Second Annual Davis Interfaith Picnic on October 10 from 11am to 1pm at Rainbow City Playground at Community Park in Davis. The event celebrates and connects faith communities in Davis. Bring a dish to share. Find more information here.

Hands-On Service Opportunities
Weekly Food Collection: Help our neighbors who are food insecure by bringing non-perishable food items to church on Sunday. This week’s collection goes to The Pantry at UC Davis.

Calling All Acolytes: Interested in serving as an acolyte? At the 10am service, we have a crucifer (carries the processional cross and assists in setting the table) and two torchbearers (carry the candles and process with the deacon at the reading of the Gospel). Training and a little practice is required. Please contact Janet in the office if you’re interested in serving.

Safe Parking Program and Orientation: The Safe Parking program, operated by HEART of Davis, provides safe and legal overnight parking for people living in their vehicles. HEART of Davis will hold a Volunteer Orientation for prospective Safe Parking volunteers on Saturday, October 10, from 12:30-2:30 pm. (Location will be shared with registered participants). Please RSVP here.

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