Let the children come. Children are always welcome and encouraged to be in worship at St. Martin's. Worship is one way children can experience the joy of knowing God's grace. Let the children come and experience the words, songs and actions that we all hold dear in our worship of God.

An Evangelizing Church: "Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable ... do the work of an evangelist ... " (2 Timothy 4:2a, 5b) Bishop Mark Hanson writes: "How are we doing as an evangelizing church? That is an important question to ponder as we seek to hold each other accountable."

The story of Easter does not end with Jesus' resurrection but continues in our lives as we carry the message that life goes on. This is a word of hope that does not just speak about what happens when we die. It is a word of hope for everyday life.

Lent is the 40-day liturgical season that begins on Ash Wednesday--February 6 this year--and concludes at the Great Vigil of Easter. Pastor Craig writes: "Lent is a season of spiritual growth. Some have referred to it as the springtime of our soul. Consider these qualities in Colossians 3 as the focus of your own spiritual growth this Lent: compassion, kindness, patience, forgiveness and thankfulness."

From Pastor Craig: St. Paul writes in Romans, "be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God." Faith is a matter of the heart and mind. As a community of faith, we are called to delve more deeply into the mysteries of God. Are you involved in an adult study opportunity at St. Martin's? Would you be interested in joining a group or hosting one in your home? Faith is not deepened by accident. It requires an intentional effort of a group of people coming together to share and test different ideas and then listening for the Spirit of God. Take this new year to find a place to read and discuss the Holy Scripture, our faith story.

Each year at Christmas, we are reminded that God has come near to us in a child. He was born with the innocent belief that peace could belong to all people, that God loved all equally, and that compassion was a given. Instead of innocence, some call this naiveté. The world tried to put this innocence to death, but the power of God was stronger. Let our prayer during this Advent and Christmas season be one for a return to the innocence of our childhood when we knew that peace, love and compassion were all part of God's plan.

In November we celebrate the 20th anniversary of WELCA's ThankOffering, a time when handmade quilts are displayed in church. WELCA--Women of the ELCA--address concerns of women and children in crisis. Handmade quilts are one of the ways WELCA supports women and children. Learn more about WELCA ministries and how you can help on November 10 and 11.

How are you called to share your time, talent and treasure--all gifts from God? October is pledge month at St. Martin's and this issue of the newsletter encourages all of us to plan how we will contribute to the life and ministry of St. Martin's.

Share Your Joy! Rally Day 2007 is a Fall kickoff celebration of the many wonderful ministries at St. Martin's. Read about ways you can reconnect and recommit to our worship, witness, service and support.

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