St. Martin’s News for the Week of Sunday, 08/23/2026

Blessing of Backpacks, Pizza Church, and More – August 23
Blessing of Backpacks & Briefcases: Rev. Pamela will bless backpacks, briefcases, book bags, and any other work/study items you wish to bring at all three of our services on Sunday, 8am, 10am and 5pm.

Ushers’ Meeting, 11:30am: We ask all ushers to stay after the 10am service for a meeting covering important safety topics, procedures to follow if ICE comes to our church, upgrades to our hearing assistance system, and more. Meet in the front pews near the eagle podium at 11:30am.

Pizza Church, 5pm: Meet in Room 6/7 and on the patio outside for our monthly Sunday afternoon intergenerational service. We’ll have informal, interactive worship followed by a time for fellowship with pizza. The service includes Holy Eucharist as well as activities for children and adults. Our focus this month will be on the story of Moses. All are welcome—and bring a friend!

Upgraded Assisted Listening System at St. Martin’s
We have upgraded our assisted listening system to make worship easier to hear. The new system includes body-pack receivers with headphones or a neck loop and also offers Auracast, which is similar to Bluetooth and sends church audio directly to compatible hearing aids with almost no delay. Because Auracast is a newer technology, not all hearing aids are compatible. If you have difficulty hearing during worship, please ask a church staff member about the system. We’re happy to help you find the listening option that works best for you. The devices are located inside the church on a table in the back left.

New Issue of St. Martin’s Magazine Reflections
The current issue of St. Martin’s magazine Reflections (Issue No. 4, August 2026) is now available! Read about our campus visioning process, this year’s stewardship season, new Taizé and Pizza Church services, and more. We have hard copies in the narthex and at the welcome table. Find the magazine online here.

Fall Formation: Inwardly Digest Online Class
Join us for a 7-week online course from September 2 through October 14 where we’ll learn about the Book of Common Prayer, the Liturgical Calendar, the Eucharist and more. We’ll read selections from Inwardly Digest: The Prayer Book as a Guide to a Spiritual Life by Derek Olsen. The class will be led by Rev. Pamela, Rev. Maggie, and Mark McMillen, Sr. Warden of St. Luke’s, Galt. The course is appropriate whether you’re new to the Episcopal Church or have been here long-term. RSVP to the office at info@churchofstmartin.org to receive the Zoom link. Bishop Megan’s visitation to St. Luke’s, Galt on Sunday, October 18 will be an opportunity to be confirmed or received; make sure you talk to Rev. Pamela first about what’s involved.

Opportunities for Learning and Fellowship with the Broader Community
Monday, August 24, 6:30pm, Davis Interfaith Association (DIA) Meeting: The meeting will consist of a panel about social justice/outreach in various religious traditions, followed by conversation and questions. Rev. Pamela will be one of the panelists. Location: St. James Catholic Church.

Thursday, August 27 at 4:30pm, Yoga by the Redwoods: Mindfulness, gentle-flow yoga for youth through adults in Room 6/7. Taught by certified yoga instructor Julia Seebach. No charge. Donations to St. Martin’s (Creation Care) optional.

Dioceses of Northern CA and San Joaquin Rainbow Ministries Retreat, September 26, 10am – 3pm: Save the date for a Rainbow Spiritual Retreat for the Dioceses of Northern CA and San Joaquin at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 9000 Sonoma Hwy in Kenwood. Join Episcopalians who are part of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community and their allies and friends for this in-person retreat. Cost $20; scholarships available. Register here.

Recovery Retreat: Practicing Everyday Resurrection, September 26, Trinity Cathedral, 9am-12pm: Enjoy a morning of prayer, music, story-sharing, resources, and encouragement from speaker, the Rev. Coleen Tully, an Episcopal priest with decades of sobriety and leadership in addiction treatment and sobriety ministries. All are welcome: those celebrating sobriety, those struggling with substances or habits, and the people who love them. At Trinity Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, upstairs in the Assembly Area. No charge.

Clergy Office Hours
Rev. Pamela holds office hours on Tuesdays, 4-5:15pm. Her next office hours will be on Tuesday, August 25. Rev. Maggie holds office hours on Mondays, 2-4pm. Her next office hours will be on Monday, August 24. To see either one at a different time, please email them directly (pamela@churchofstmartin.org; maggie@churchofstmartin.org) or contact the church office to help set up appointments.

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