Ministries of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
We are nourished by our worship and fellowship so that we can share God’s love through service to others. You are invited to prayerfully consider how the Spirit is calling you through these opportunities to lead and serve.
LAY MINISTRY AT WORSHIP
Altar Guild: The guild prepares flowers, linens, vessels, bread, and wine needed for services. Guild members maintain the good order of the sacristy and order altar supplies as needed. For more information about volunteering in the Altar Guild, please contact Susan Esposito.
Lay Ministers: While we usually think of Deacons, Priests, and Bishops as ministers, but the Catechism (BCP, 855) actually lists lay people as the first ministers of the Church! At present, lay people participate as readers and ushers, and also as lay ministers, who are licensed by the diocese to serve in special capacities during worship.
If you think you may be called to license lay ministry, you can learn about the possible options here. Please contact The Rev. Linda Griggs for information about training.
If you would like to read or usher during worship, please contact Susan Esposito.
PORTAL MINISTRIES
We gather together for prayer, learning, fellowship, and creativity in our Portal Groups at St. Martin’s. These are specific interest groups which are organized by parishioners and sometimes offer a service component.
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.
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
Advancing the care of God’s creation and justice for all people is the goal of our many outreach initiatives. Please consider supporting these ministries with your Three T’s: time, talent, and treasure.
The Cloak: Items that can’t be sold in our thrift shop become part of the Cloak Ministry that provides clothing, footwear, and toiletry items for homeless shelters in Providence. You can also donate funds or goods directly to the Cloak, which currently needs: small and medium men’s jeans and work pants, hoodies, and sweaters.
The Cloak is a symbol of St. Martin, who “divided his cloak” with a poor man.
The Cloak also receives donations for pets in need, which are given to the RISPCA. Right now we need: old bedding and towels, cage liners, new dog and cat food. Donations for people and pets can be brought to the church during services or whenever the office is open.
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 –
Epiphany Soup Kitchen: Operated out of S. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, ESK offers free meals to those in need on Saturdays. You can learn more about their work and volunteer opportunities here.