The next Spirituality Saturday is Saturday, July 26, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, in Room 217, Payne Education Center. This is a monthly class during which we delve into the history of spirituality, the contribution of the Christian mystics and saints, and guided prayer. Scripture and prayer are central to the discussion. Our intent is to provide an opportunity to grow in the spirit through Christ to the Father. Come for all or part of the experience. Spiritual Directors are Pat Bodley, Causey Coffield and Bill Moore.

Once a month St. Martin's volunteers assist CCSC's Department of Emergency Services. We sort food and clothing donations, and staff the Food Pantry and clothing shop. No experience is needed. Your volunteer work here makes an immediate difference in people's lives. This community service is also suitable, with parental supervision, for young people aged 10 and older. We meet under the big tree in front of CCSC at 3434 Branard (2 blocks south of West Alabama at Marquart, east of Edloe Street) at 8:50 AM and work from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. Wear comfortable clothing. Contact Ann Winters to sign up or for details. Upcoming work dates include:
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008

Sunday, July 27, 10:15-10:50 AM
Fourth Quarter: Images of Christ
Unit 2: Images of Christ in the Gospels
Lesson 9: Christ as Messiah
Lesson Scripture: Matthew 16:13-23
Focus of the Lesson: We come to know people not by what others say about them but by a personal relationship with them. How well do we ever really know somebody? Peter's confession of Jesus was a milestone in his understanding of Jesus as the Messiah.

Every parishioner is encouraged to become a part of a Sunday adult Christian Education offering. St. Martin's adult classes, sometimes called Adult Bible Fellowships, or ABFs, emphasize Christian Education and fellowship, and provide a community in which you can develop your Christian understanding, a sense of belonging, and lasting friendships.

These groups meet most Sundays, 10:15-10:50 AM.

Absolutely Fabulous (mid 40s - early 60s)

Foundations (30s and 40s)

PrimeTimers (age 50-64)

Single Adults Learning Together (30s and beyond)

Young Couples (20s and 30s)

For more information, visit our Christian Education for Adults Web page.

Mark your calendars - July is the month for Christian Community Service Center's "Back to School" Drive! Thousands of children in greater Houston will begin the 2008-2009 academic year without the basic school supplies needed to succeed. You can help these students through CCSC's "Back to School" program!

Your $45 donation will provide one child with a new school uniform, shoes, and a grade-level appropriate package of new school supplies. To donate, you can enclose your cash or check in the "Clothes for Kids" envelopes located in the pew racks during July and place it in the offering. Or, send a check to St. Martin's Episcopal Church made payable to St. Martin's with the notation at the bottom, "CCSC BTS." Help a child to arrive at school on the first day of class feeling well prepared and ready to learn!

For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. John K. Graham at 713/985-3815.

On Sunday, July 27, the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. John R. Bentley, Jr. will preach during all services. The title of his sermon is "What's Your Venus Rosewater Dish?"

8:00 AM, Holy Eucharist
9:00 AM, Morning Prayer
11:00 AM, Holy Eucharist
6:00 PM, Holy Eucharist

Child care is available during all services.

The homeless in Houston have many needs, but among their greatest needs right now is an item most of us take for granted every day: a toothbrush.

On Sunday mornings in June and July, each Adult Bible Fellowship will be collecting new toothbrushes to give to the Way Station, a homeless ministry at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church.

So please pick up an extra toothbrush - some extra toothpaste, too, if you can - and bring it to Church. You can be assured that your simple gesture of generosity will brighten someone's smile in more ways than one! For more information, please contact Sonia Garza at 713/985-3830. For more information about the Way Station, contact Anya McInnis.

This summer, unlock the real and magical worlds of fairytales through arts and crafts play, dramatic readings and games. Students will enjoy new twists on their old favorites - like the Cinderella from China and the "twice upon a time" Rapunzel - and may even be introduced to some REAL heroes of fairytale times. And don't worry, BOYS, there will be knights, dragons, and heroics for you, too! The week will culminate in a "Fairytale Ball" where students can come dressed as their favorite character.

Camp for children and youth, ages 7-13, is Monday-Friday, July 28-August 1, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM. The fee is $120 for parishioners; $130 for non-Church members. For more information, call the Activity Center at 713/621-8625 or click here to download a PDF of the registration form.

Lauren Burrow holds a Masters in Reading and Language Arts and is a recent graduate of Rice University's School Literacy and Culture Project: The Storytelling Project. She has taught early childhood for five years and is entering her third year at St. Martin's Episcopal Children's Center.

Mad Science explores the way things grow in this "down-to-earth," half-day pre-school camp. Learn about plants by dissecting seeds, making leaf rubbings, and creating farmable fruit and veggie prints. Investigate the world of worms ... yes, WORMS! ... Put on your Bee-utiful Bug Costume and flutter by the camp as you learn about one of a flower's favorite pollinators! Come see what the buzz is all about! You can even make your own butterfly bracelets!

This camp, for ages 3-5, will be held Monday-Friday, July 28-August 1, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. The fee is $170. For more information, call the Activity Center at 713/621-8625 or click here to download a PDF of the registration form.

Summer Woodworking Camp is led by Linda Engelland. Advanced Carpentry (must have taken Carpentry I & II) will be held Monday-Thursday, July 28-31, 12:30-1:45 PM. The fee is $85 for parishioners; $90 for non-Church members. For more information, call the Activity Center at 713/621-8625 or click here to download a PDF of the registration form.

Many Woodworking Camps are offered throughout the summer. Please see the registration form for more information.

Summer Woodworking Camp is led by Linda Engelland. Carpentry I (age 4 1/2 - age 6) will be held Monday-Thursday, July 28-31, 11:00 AM-12:15 PM. The fee is $85 for parishioners; $90 for non-Church members. For more information, call the Activity Center at 713/621-8625 or click here to download a PDF of the registration form.

Many Woodworking Camps are offered throughout the summer. Please see the registration form for more information.

Summer Woodworking Camp is led by Linda Engelland. Carpentry II (must have taken Carpentry I or be age 7 or older) will be held Monday-Thursday, July 28-31, 2:00-3:15 PM. The fee is $85 for parishioners; $90 for non-Church members. For more information, call the Activity Center at 713/621-8625 or click here to download a PDF of the registration form.

Many Woodworking Camps are offered throughout the summer. Please see the registration form for more information.

The next Gathering will be Monday, July 28, 10:00 AM-1:30 PM, in Bagby Parish Hall. Our entertainment is The Circuit Riders.

This Senior Ministry is part of the Pastoral Care Ministries, which endeavors to use its time and gifts to serve Church members and others in our community who suffer with memory loss. The program provides a safe and loving environment filled with creative and stimulating activities for care partners, and allows their care givers respite from the day-to-day care and often difficult support required by care partners.
The Gathering's activities are centered around the timeless connection of music - singing favorite songs together; enjoying the camaraderie of games; reminiscing with friends who can relate to their experiences; making new friends while participating in fun craft projects and sharing the fellowship of a good meal. Contact Kathy Tellepsen for information.

This co-ed camp, led by Coach Larry Gatewood, is designed for young "beginner athletes." The boys and girls will learn beginner skills in ball handling, dribbling and basic basketball knowledge. This is a great summer activity for your "new" basketball player! Please bring Gatorade and a snack, or money for snack and drink machines.

Camp for grades 4-8 is Monday-Thursday, July 28-31, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. The fee is $140 for parishioners; $150 for non-Church members. For more information, call the Activity Center at 713/621-8625 or click here to download a PDF of the registration form.

7:00 AM - Holy Eucharist, Chapel

12:00 PM - Holy Eucharist followed by the Sacrament of Healing (Holy Unction), Chapel

6:00 PM - Holy Eucharist, Chapel (location changes during Lent)

With an emphasis on beautiful liturgy and excellence in music, worship at St. Martin's provides an opportunity to give thanks and praise to God. Rite I is the form regularly used. All Christians, baptized in the name of the Trinity, are welcome to receive Holy Communion in the Episcopal Church.

The Young Adult Mission Trip will be postponed so that we can gather a bigger crew. Check back soon for a new date.
For more information, contact Eric Moen at 713/985-3819.

Tickets for the Music St. Martin's 2008 Gloria Dei Concert Series will be sold beginning Friday, August 1.

Upcoming concerts:

Friday, September 12 at 7:30 PM with Bradley Welch, concert pianist

Friday, October 3 at 7:30 PM with George Mims, D.M. and brass from the Houston Symphony

Ticket information: $20/Adults; $10/senior citizens and students; $40/immediate family. Tickets go on sale August 1 through the Music Office; call 713/985-3823. Child care is provided.

St. Martin's Choir welcomes you into our membership
We rehearse weekly on Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM until 9:15 PM in the Choir Hall, the middle building facing Sage Road. We mentor new members assisting them in getting oriented to this fun and meaningful experience singing the great songs of our faith. We celebrate our birthdays monthly and often share meals together. Members come from all walks of life within the parish and Houston community and each brings their special gift. Come join us!

Music St. Martin's
Music St. Martin's exists as an arm of the Music Ministry for the purpose of outreach to the community of Greater Houston. Members of the Music Ministry assist in advertising and management of the details of the Series as well as being involved in many of the performances. Recent programs have included Requiem, Maurice Durufle, Requiem, Gabriel Faure, The Crucifixion, John Stainer, The Seven Last Words of Christ, Theodore Dubois, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Gian Carlo Menotti, and portions of Messiah, Georg Friederic Handel. St. Martin's Choir has performed with the Wheaton Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of St. Olaf as well as with many of the finest instrumentalists in the southwest area of Texas. Performers have also included organist Thomas Murray who performed with the Houston Symphony under the direction of maestro Hans Graf at the opening concert on the Gloria Dei Organ in October of 2004, Paul Jacobs, head of the Organ Department, The Juilliard School, Ken Cowan, Organ Faculty, Westminster Choir College, and Richard Elliott, organist of the Mormon Tabernacle, Salt Lake City. Your support of this series is vital and thankfully received. Contribution checks are to be made out to St. Martin's Episcopal Church, marked, Music St. Martin's and given to George Mims, Organist and Director of Music.

For more information, contact George Mims at 713/985-3823.

Expanded tours of The Church to include stained glass windows...

The Docent Guild welcomes those who would like a tour, as well as those who merely want to look around:

Sundays, after the 11:00 AM worship service

Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:45 AM-12:30 PM; formal tour from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

The Docent Guild will debut a new tour on Friday, August 1, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, featuring the beautiful Nave level stained glass windows. (Another tour, originally scheduled for August 8, has been cancelled.) This inspirational tour, led by Margaret Griffin, follows the life of Christ as illustrated in the awe-inspiring windows, which are resplendent with vibrant colors and light. A question and answer period will follow.

This tour is designed for small groups; RSVP to 713/830-4117. If you have any questions, contact Susan Phelps.

The next Baptism Instruction class will be held on Saturday, August 2, 10:00-11:00 AM in the Chapel. For more information, contact Cyndy Ensign at 713/985-3808.
Other classes will be offered on October 4 and December 6.

Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) has helped disadvantaged students through the Back To School program since 1986. This year 5,500 children will receive academic supplies, new uniforms, and gently-used clothing and shoes. This volunteer-driven effort allows students to begin the school year in well-prepared fashion - just like their peers!

We invite you to join C.C.S.C. at Faith Lutheran Church, 4600 Bellaire Blvd. (just inside Loop 610), for the following events:

"Sort and Set Up" occurs on Saturday, August 2, 7:45 AM to 1:00 PM. This is the day that they organize supplies and clothing!

"Distribution" will take place on Friday, August 8, and Saturday, August 9, 7:45 AM to 1:00 PM. Assist clients as they receive much-needed items!

Groups of eight or more volunteers are asked to contact C.C.S.C. in advance (individuals or smaller groups may simply show up). Please note that their recommended minimum age for volunteers is 10 years. For more information, contact Ann Winters.

Introduce your child to the power of the written word.
This interactive seminar will instruct parents on how to introduce emergent and young readers to the power of the written word and encourage their love for reading through a one-on-one storytelling process.* Parents will receive effective instruction in reading-aloud and story comprehension, learn games to play with storybooks, and try out the storytelling process. Come and learn how to start a tradition with your child that will guarantee their future success in reading.

The camp will be held on Saturday, August 2, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM; bring a sack lunch. The fee is $120 for parishioners, and $130 for non-Church members. For more information, call the Activity Center at 713/621-8625 or click here to download a PDF of the registration form.

Lauren Burrow holds a Masters in Reading and Language Arts and is a recent graduate of Rice University's School Literacy and Culture Project: The Storytelling Project. She has taught early childhood for five years and is entering her third year at St. Martin's Episcopal Children's Center.

*The process of storytelling meets TEA guidelines for the development of young children's literacy; is essential to children's cognitive, physical, and psychosocial developments amd all-around success as students; and can allow preschoolers and young children to build their vocabularies, gain background knowledge about a variety of topics, and have fun with books!

Sign up now to volunteer at St. Martin's Fourth Annual Health Fair. Contact Chris Decker at 713/985-3812 or Sally Harvin.
This year four other churches - St. Luke's Methodist, Epiphany Episcopal, St. Thomas Episcopal, and Iglesia Santa Maria - are collaborating with us.

The health fair will be held on Saturday, August 2, 8:30 AM-2:00 PM at the YMCA, 10402 Fondren, just south of South Braeswood. We are expecting around 1,500 medically underserved children and parents.

At the health fair we will provide immunizations to the children and dental check ups to adults and children. We also will give the children Houston Independent School District recommended school supplies and school uniform vouchers.

We anticipate over twenty vendors will participate at our health fair. They will provide blood pressure and glucose testing, vision, HIV and sickle cell disease screening, counseling in mental health and domestic violence, and information about enrolling in CHIP and other insurance programs, and also will sign up adults for GED and ESL classes.

St. Martin's health fairs meet real needs! Being able to help so many children and their parents is exciting and very rewarding for all the volunteers.

On Sunday, August 3, the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. F. Stuart Shelby will preach during all services:

8:00 AM, Holy Eucharist
9:00 AM, Holy Eucharist
11:00 AM, Holy Eucharist
6:00 PM, Holy Eucharist

Child care is available during all services.