Ministries

At St. Martin’s, we strive to be a place where all people encounter the living God. We are nourished by our worship and our friendships so that we can share God’s love through our arts and our service to each other, our city, and the world at large.  We must also ensure that we have the financial resources to meet this commitment.

ENHANCING OUR WORSHIP SERVICES
Four main groups support the worship and prayer life of the congregation:

The Music Ministry—the adult choir and other gifted musicians bring glory to our worship.

The Church Choir – sings at the 10am Eucharist and practices weekly on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

Musicians – St. Martin’s enjoys the presence of a number of skilled musicians in the congregation who contribute to our worship on special occasions.
For additional choir and music information and questions about current practices given COVID-19, please contact the Choir Director, Gabe Alfieri.

Altar Guild—prepares the altar linens, vessels, bread, and wine needed for a service.  Members lay out needed items for each service and clear up afterward.  They also maintain the good order of the sacristy and order altar supplies as needed.  For more information about the Altar Guild, please contact Susan Esposito.

Worship Guild—provides readers and order-keepers throughout the service:

Crucifers – carry the cross during the entry and exit processions.
Vergers – direct the flow of worship ensuring good communication between people at the altar and between the altar ministers and the ushers.
Acolytes – assist the clergy at the altar as torch bearers and altar servers.
Lectors – read the scripture lessons.
Chalice Bearers – assist the priests and deacons administer Holy Communion.
For Worship Guild information, please contact The Rector, The Rev. Mark Sutherland.

Flowers—bring an additional level of beauty to the worship space through its floral arrangements. Besides providing flowers for Sunday services, members may also arrange flowers for special occasions such as weddings and funerals. For Flower Guild information, please contact Susan Esposito .

BEFRIENDING AND WELCOMING

Ushers play important roles on Sunday mornings. These volunteers meet and welcome newcomers and enquirers at the church door and the welcome table. They help folks with directions to the restrooms and Coffee Hour and make sure each person has a bulletin and any other materials for the service.

For additional information, please contact Susan Esposito.

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY, OUR CITY, and OUR WORLD

Outreach Ministries  – Support involvement in advancing the care of God’s creation and justice for all people.  The various initiatives that comprise our Outreach ministries meet regularly to guide, coordinate, and direct support toward achieving their objectives. Recent outreach projects include Epiphany Soup Kitchen, Open Doors, The Cloak, DCYF Advent Project, and City Meal Site.  Please consider supporting these ministries with your financial and volunteer support.

ACTIVE MINISTRIES OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY

Bible Study – 

Women’s Spirituality Group – meets once a month and is open not only to St Martin’s members but women in the local community who might want to enjoy exploring themes particular to women and women’s spirituality, without necessarily being members of the congregation – contact Susan Allen.

Gander (St. Martin’s Men’s Community) – meet to eat, meet to grow, meet to serve through regular large group pizza and beer gatherings, a small monthly themed lunch group, small book and Op-Ed discussion groups, and service planning projects. Gander is open to men in the wider community who would like to find a space for cultivating friendships and finding a space for spiritual growth in solidarity with other men.  Contact Mark Sutherland.

Knitting Ministry – meets once a month to create beautiful knitted healing shawls which are then distributed to anyone known to us facing health challenges. Each shawl is given with a label attached saying who the shawl was knitted by and assuring the recipient of the healing prayers that have become incorporated into its very fibers. The members of this ministry gain considerable benefit from their fellowship created as they work together towards a shared endeavor. For further information contact Natasha Lofgren.

Thrifty Goose (Thrift Shop) and Cloak Ministry.  The Thrifty Goose is a fabulous Aladdin’s Cave, a source for high-end and previously owned clothing priced as steal deals. Visit the Thrifty Goose website for more information.  Items that can’t be sold in the shop become part of the Cloak Ministry that provides clothing, footwear, and toiletry items for the homeless shelters in Providence. Both the goose and the cloak are symbols of St. Martin, monk and bishop of Tours, 397 A.D.

ANIMAL MINISTRY OF ST. MARTIN’S –“God requires that we assist the animals when they need our help. Each being (human or creature) has the same right of protection”. St. Francis of Assisi
Please support us in this ministry to help animals in shelters.
The Rhode Island SPCA is in need of bedding (old sheets, towels, blankets, comforters), liners for cat cages (28 x 21 or 28 x 33), wet and/or dry cat & dog food and pet toys for Christmas! We hope you consider this wonderful ministry when you are cleaning out your closets or out shopping. We will make all the deliveries for you!

Donations can be dropped off on Sundays or M-F from 9 am to 3 pm
There is a bin at the rear of the Church marked “RISPCA-Shelter Animals”
Questions please contact Mary Jane Pagan at 401.261.5504 (phone or text)

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Education – assist with the children and youth programs

For additional information, please contact The Rev. Linda Griggs.

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ENSURING FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Our commitment to our communities requires that we have adequate financial support.

The Finance Committee—meets regularly to help ensure that St Martin’s is operating on a sound financial basis.  It is also responsible for communicating the financial health of the church to the congregation and organizing the year-long stewardship campaign.
For additional information, please contact The Rector, The Rev. Mark Sutherland