The Rev. Jon Hall addressed the congregation, thanking outgoing vestry members Sherrie Algren, Mary Drastal, Debbie Marx and Carrie Morrison for their years of service to our parish. He went on to encourage all members to accept an invitation towards spiritual growth, by discerning how God is calling you to be a servant leader. Read notes from Fr. Jon’s address to the parish.

Treasurer Larry Cornelius presented our financial reports, which include a balanced budget for 2012.

The congregation elected four new vestry members: Clem Brooke, Lynn Corning, Loretta Go, Mike Reeves.  Learn more about our new members: 2012 Vestry Member bios.

We also elected Dana Griggs as our  new convention delegate and Carolann Sternberg as the alternate delegate.

Outgoing Senior Warden Jane Klieve marked the end of our congregation’s transition period and the first full year of our life with Father Jon as our rector.  She expressed her gratitude to her fellow vestry members, the staff, all ministry leaders and Fr. Jon for all the hard work that has taken place to have our church in such a positive position going in to 2012.

All committee, leadership and financial reports are available in our ANNUAL REPORT 2012 (revised).

Join your Hospitality Committee as we host a Mardi Gras Dinner/Dance on Friday, Feb. 17  at 7 p.m.  A delicious New Orleans-style meal will be served by Lisa’s Catering (wine, beer, soda & coffee included). We will be entertained by “The House of Bishops” band playing authentic New Orleans-style music.

You don’t want to miss this special evening, so buy your tickets now, for  $30/person, and “Let the good times roll” with family and friends!

Ticket sales start Sunday, Jan. 15.  Don’t delay, buy your tickets today!

For more information, please contact Leanne Lyle.

“I had no idea there would be so much to do!”

“I thought we were really prepared, but we weren’t!”

“I know we need to do this, but keep putting it off.”

“I’m too young to worry about this.”

These were just some of the comments that surfaced at the Legacy Committee booth during the Ministry Fair last fall. We also heard from St. Martin’s member Jane Oliver, whose husband Ken recently passed away. Jane is committed to helping others prepare for end-of-life issues. Recognizing the need in our parish, we are planning a series of workshops entitled:

Stewardship of our Legacy:
A Practical Guide to Planning and Preparing for End-of-Life Issues.

Through a series of interactive sessions, financial planner, attorney and Master of Divinity Chris Durr will help us address some of the key aspects of proper planning to ensure that we adequately address end-of-life decisions. A failure to plan risks the very real possibility that our wishes will not be honored. Further unnecessary pain and strain could be placed on those we hold dear. The Legacy Committee, along with Chris as facilitator, seeks to glorify God and act as responsible stewards in these matters.

The program will launch during our Christian Formation Hour Sunday, Feb. 5. Other sessions will be held on Sunday evenings as follows:

Sunday, Feb. 5
9 – 10 a.m.
Good Stewardship of Our Legacy: The importance of planning and preparing for end of life issues; addressing various aspects of our reluctance to engage in this discussion; a roadmap and plan

Sunday, Feb.12
6 – 7:15 p.m.
Legal Issues: Wills and trusts, durable power of attorney for health care and finances, health care directives, living wills

Sunday, Feb. 26
6 – 7:15 p.m.
Administrative Issues: Bank & brokerage accounts, retirement plans and pensions, insurance, mortgages, credit cards, real estate, taxes, government benefits

Sunday, March 4
6 – 7:15 p.m.
End of Life Wishes: Funeral homes, disposition of body, funeral and memorial services, legacy memorials

We recognize that this is a significant commitment of time, but parishioners and friends should come away empowered with the tools to complete the necessary tasks to leave a less stressful and more enriched final legacy.

Please sign-up for this event in Park Hall or contact Beverly Kinkade if you plan to attend. Child care will be provided if needed. Please make every effort to place these dates on your calendars!

Click here to read more about Chris Durr, our special guest presenter.

May the God of peace… make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will.”
- Hebrews 20:21

Please tell your friends and family about this event to help make it a success!

How to sign up:

- online: Go to the Red Cross website and use the sponsor code “stmartins.”

- in Park Hall: Find the sign-up sheet in our parish hall the next time you’re at church.

Donation times are at 15 minute intervals beginning at 3 p.m. and ending at 6:45 p.m.

Tips/rules for donating:

1. Anyone 17 and older can donate.

2. Medications do not prevent people from donating.

3. One-year cancer survivors as well as diabetics and people with high blood pressure are eligible.

4. Discontinue drinking tea 3 or 4 days ahead of donating as the tannins in it can block absorption of iron.

5. Drink lots of water.

6. Be sure to eat at regular meal time and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

For more information about this blood drive, please contact D’Arcy Elsperman.

If you’re planning to stay up late on New Year’s Eve, come and worship early at The 5:05.

The 5:05 is the new, mellow Saturday evening service at St. Martin’s.

Enter the New Year grounded in prayer and self-examination and strengthened in Communion.

Join us Saturday, Dec. 31 at 5:05 p.m. for 42 minutes to count your blessings, clarify your priorities and align yourself with God’s call.