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St. Martin’s News 10/16/2026

Janet Lane

St. Martin’s News for the Week of Sunday, 10/18/2026

From the Rector
Dear Ones,
I had hoped to write a short and sweet stewardship note this morning, but then I woke up to the terrible news about another school shooting, this one in Bend, Oregon. I am of course praying for all those involved, especially those who lost loved ones, and for the whole community.

You don’t need me to belabor the depths of this tragedy, or to say yet again that gun violence has become an epidemic in our country. We will, again, wear orange stoles on Sunday to remind us that our church stands in solidarity with victims everywhere. What I have been pondering in prayer is how this particular form of violence is part of a larger pattern of violence in our culture. We see it in the destruction of the environment. We see it in the treatment of indigenous persons, historically and even today, as well as so many communities and individuals who are “othered” in any way. We see it in the continued use of the death penalty. 

I do not know what it will take for us, collectively, to truly reject this culture of violence once and for all. But I know that for me it begins with the words of Christ to his disciples: “Peace be with you. My peace I give you.” Deep, internal peace is the first step toward peace in the world. And we believe that Christ offers a unique “peace that passes all understanding,” a peace that will keep our hearts and minds focused on the love that God is pouring out for everyone, all the time, in every place. 

In that spirit, I offer this Celtic blessing. May it bring some comfort, and may we have the courage to carry on the work that God calls us to do.
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you. Amen.

Blessings,
Pamela+

This Sunday, October 18 – Blessing of Bicycles, Guest Speaker
Blessing of Bicycles at Both Services: Our clergy will be blessing bicycles at both services on Sunday. Bring your bicycle to church (better yet, bike to church!) or bring a helmet or other accessory. Space permitting, you can bring your bike into church with you, but the clergy are also happy to bless bikes that are secured outside, after the service.

Guest Speaker after 10am Service: After the 10am service, we welcome Laci Gerhart, Professor of Teaching in the UC Davis Department of Ecology and Evolution. Professor Gerhart will speak on the intersection of natural history and restorative justice in her talk “Science Inside.” Gerhart is known for creating welcoming classrooms, weaving social justice into science, and uplifting students’ voices through projects that blend art, research, and environmental action. Beyond campus, she leads participatory science programs in California prisons, expanding access to environmental education and fostering dignity and respect for all. The talk will be in the parish hall.

Music Notes for 10am Service: Our closing hymn, “Once to ev’ry soul and nation,” was requested by today’s preacher, the Rev. Ernie Lewis. We will recognize the tune, but the words are from the 1940 Hymnal. You will find the complete music notes on our website.

Stewardship at St. Martin’s: “Build a House of Welcome”
Stewardship Packets and Video: We hope you’ve had a chance to review your stewardship packet. The materials explain St. Martin’s priorities for 2027 and how to make your financial contribution. If you did not receive a packet, you can pick one up at church today or contact the church office to have it sent to you via U.S. mail or e-mail. You can also watch a short video, explaining St. Martin’s 2027 ministry priorities. Pledging helps us immensely in planning the 2027 budget. We are grateful for all pledges and offerings!

How to Submit Your Pledge: You can put your pledge card in the offering plate at church or mail or deliver it to the church office. You can also pledge via e-mail by writing to our confidential pledge e-mail address: stewardship@churchofstmartin.org. Please pledge by November 8.

Survey for Youth and Parents of Youth
The Children, Youth, and Family Planning Team asks families of youth (grades 7 – 12) at St. Martin’s to fill out a survey to get a picture of youth formation needs. They’d like you to fill out the survey together (parents and youth). If you didn’t get an email about this, please find the survey here.

Last Chance! Nominate Organizations to Receive Grants
St. Martin’s gives grants throughout the year to organizations that share our values and do work to help others in need. We invite you to nominate local, national, or international 501c3 organizations or certified nonprofits to be considered for a grant. To nominate an organization, submit a short explanation (no more than one page) stating why the organization should get a grant along with a description of what the organization does, a website, and, if possible, contact information and a mailing address. Submit nominations to the church office by Monday, October 19.

Next Sunday! Celebrating Día de los Muertos, Pizza Church
Día de los Muertos, October 25: We’ll have a traditional ofrenda (an altar) at both services, and, at 10am, a Fourth Sunday service with special music. After the 10am service, stay for a fiesta catered by Dos Coyotes with music by Mariachi UC Davis. All are invited to bring photos or mementos of loved ones who have passed away to place on the ofrenda. Bring them to the office weekdays 9am – 1pm or to church on Sunday, October 25. Help us set up the ofrenda on Wednesday, October 21 at 5:30pm at the church. The ofrenda will stay up through Sunday, November 1.

Pizza Church, October 25, 5pm: Join us in the afternoon for Pizza Church, an intergenerational service with Holy Eucharist, followed by fellowship and pizza!

Adult Formation – Reflecting Images: Christianity and AI in Conversation
This very timely discussion series continues for two more weeks–Tuesdays, October 20 and 27 at 7pm in the church. Anyone is welcome to join at any time. This week, the group will focus on Chapters 4 & 5 of Magnifica Humanitas, released by Pope Leo XIV and available online.

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