St. Martin’s takes pride in its active ministry to others and to the world
Groups within the parish focus on social justice and outreach, with ongoing donations, an annual grants program, and seasonal projects; and environmental stewardship. In addition, St. Martin’s collaborates with several community organizations that serve those less fortunate in our community.
Church in the World is also proud to present our Land Based Ministries, which include a Ranch in Esparto, CA which we are developing as an open air retreat and worship space, and our Seeds of Justice program. Seeds of Justice is an education series that builds on the work we’ve been doing through the Episcopal Church’s Sacred Ground Circles. In the words of our application, we felt it important to “understand the racialized history of our land, develop empathy for those who have experienced injustices by providing them opportunities to tell their stories, and allow for open discussion of ideas.” We periodically have speakers present on various topics, including, most recently, Indigenous land stewardship management, the consequences of Manifest Destiny and how it shaped the color of labor, and Indigenous leadership in watershed management.
Our Care for God’s Creation committee advocates for environmental stewardship by expanding our understanding of loving Creation and our duty to care for it through readings, podcasts, movies, webinars, and guest speakers. We partner with the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN), InterFaith Power and Light (IPL), and Interfaith Climate Justice Alliance in Davis, to stand up against systemic environmental injustices that marginalized people experience. We are adopting practical ways to reduce our climate impact. For example, we are a carbon neutral church, a journey which you can learn more about in the video below.
Matthew 25 Grant Recipients Announced
The Vestry is pleased to announce the recipient organizations of Matthew 25 grants for 2022, which amount to a total of $28,000 for the year. The organizations were chosen, based on your nominations, by a subcommittee consisting of a Vestry and Social Justice and Outreach Committee member, as well as three parishioners at large. The funds come from Matthew 25 funds (budgeted annually; this year $24,000) and the Linda Hoff Frost fund designated for social justice and outreach ($4,000). St. Martin’s is pleased to support the work of the following organizations with these grants: Davis Community Meals and Housing – $5,000; Dixon Family Services – $5,000; The Center at St. Matthew’s – $5,000; STEAC – $5,000; Empower Yolo – $3,000; Paul’s Place – $3,000; NAMI Yolo – $1,000; Episcopal Relief and Development – $1,000.
For more information, please contact world@churchofstmartin.org.
