St. Martin’s News for the Week of Sunday, 10/04/2026
This Sunday, October 4 – The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals at Both Services
During the Season of Creation, we give special thanks for all God’s creatures, especially the animals that share our lives. The clergy will be blessing animals at both the 8am and 10am services this Sunday. Bring your pets, with dogs on leashes and other animals in carriers as needed. The 8am service will be indoors and will be livestreamed; the 10am service will be outdoors and will not be livestreamed this Sunday. For the 10am outdoor Holy Eucharist service, we will have chairs on the concrete walkway and on the patio under the narthex overhang. We will also have chairs on the grass but will leave lots of space for you to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs, if you wish. Join us for this wonderful Sunday when we celebrate all God’s creatures!
“Build a House of Welcome” Stewardship Season Launches Sunday
St. Martin’s annual stewardship campaign, “Build a House of Welcome” begins today. Be sure to stop by the stewardship tables on the patio outside the church to pick up your stewardship materials. On Monday, we’ll mail them out to anyone who didn’t pick them up at church. This month, we’ll have special speakers and music each week and will end the season with a big celebration on the Feast of St. Martin, Sunday, November 8.
Next Sunday! Belfry Sunday, and More
Guest Preacher and Adult Forum after 10am Service: We’ll celebrate our partnership with the Belfry Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry at both services. The Rev. Dr. Portia Hopkins, chaplain at the Belfry will preach at both services and lead an adult forum after the 10am service on effective ways to build a house of welcome.
Youth Liturgy of the Word Returns after Summer Break: On the second Sunday of each month, junior high and high school students are invited to meet with Rev. Debbie in Room 8 during the first half of the 10am service to explore what the Gospel lesson is saying to them. The first session this program year will be on October 11 during the 10am service.
Fall Class: “Reflecting Images: Christianity and AI In Conversation” Continues
This important and timely discussion series started last week with over 20 people attending. It’s not too late to join facilitator Dr. Mae Barnes and others on Tuesdays at 7pm through October 27 in the church. Earlier this year, Pope Leo XIV released Magnifica Humanitas, a letter to the church urging us to be responsible in our usage of Al. Mae has a background in theology and ethics, with a special focus in accessibility, science, and theological ethics. Our discussion this week will focus on Chapters 1 & 2 of Magnifica Humanitas, which is available at no charge online.
Taizé Worship, 6:30pm in the Church: Taizé worship focuses on praying through song and silence. Join us in the church for a service that lasts about 30 minutes. If you would like to be a reader for Taizé Worship (two needed for each service), you can sign up on SignUp Genius or talk to DeSay Judd.
Seeking Nominations for Organizations to Receive St. Martin’s Grants
St. Martin’s gives grants throughout the year to organizations that share our values and do work to help others in need. These grants include special plate offerings for Christmas and Easter as well as other outreach grants. Please nominate organizations that are 501c3 charitable organizations or certified nonprofits; they can be local, national, or international. To nominate an organization, submit a short explanation (no more than one page) stating why you think the organization should get a grant along with a description of what the organization does. We also need a website, contact information, and a mailing address. Please submit nominations to the church office (info@churchofstmartin.org) by October 19.
The Great St. Martin’s Bake-Off: Calling All Bakers!
Save the date for the second-annual Great St. Martin’s Bake-Off on Sunday, November 8. Bakers of all ages and skill levels are invited to enter their favorite treats. Categories include Kids’ Creation; Breakfast Casseroles; Breads and Muffins; Scones and Cookies; Pies and Cakes; or Gluten-Free, Vegan, and/or Dairy-Free. Winners will receive prizes and everyone will get to enjoy the delicious entries during coffee hour after the service. To enter, contact the office at info@churchofstmartin.org.
Hands-On Service Opportunities
Weekly Food Collection: We collect non-perishable food items on Sundays at church. Today’s collection goes to The Pantry at UC Davis as we did not collect enough for a delivery last week. Next week’s collection goes to the CA House, home of the Multifaith Living Community.
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.
STEAC Kids’ Food Packs – Packing Event, October 7, 9-11:30am: Come help STEAC pack weekend food packs for children in Davis Joint Unified School District who may be food insecure. Happens right here in St Martin’s parish hall on the first Wednesday of every month. Sign up here!
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