Church guide

Will the real Rev. Jason Cutshall please stand up! And to quote Rev Dave "what could be more Minnesotan that a preacher on a stick?"

Six Biblical Responses to Sri Lanka’s Easter Bombings "Holy-love will win in the end! Amen". Sri Lankan theologian Ajith Fernando shares how God gives Christians the freedom to leave the revenge cycle and instead love and bless their Muslim neighbour. How? Through these six biblical responses: 1) Lament Loss 2) Condemn Evil 3) Alleviate Suffering 4) Leave vengeance to the Lord 5) Don't bear false witness 6) Pray Please read it all at the link.

Connect + More on First Wednesday! Wed, May 1st @ 6pm! In a world with few places to connect, we’ve created a space to do just that. We connect with others--with good conversation + great food--and connect with God. Connect + More on 1st Wednesday is for all ages. We’ll meet at 6:00pm for a potluck meal, then move to worship in the chapel for youth & adults, & downstairs for kids for Messy Church. All done by 7:30pm. Our meal is a potluck: A to I Entrees J to S Salads & Sides T to Z Desserts

Parting is not easy, but sending out is a celebration! The entire St. Martin's Community is invited for a brunch this Sunday of thanks, farewell and celebration for our Curate, Rev. Jason Cutshall. We will gather this Sunday at 9:30am, in the lower level for brunch. Please come with memories to share of his time with us, as our second Rev. Richard Byrd Curate. We will be collecting your memories, and assembling a Memory Book of his time with us; cards of thanks are also welcome.

Meeting the Risen Christ! Join us this Sunday as we meet the risen Christ. 8:30am: The Classic Prayer Book Service Includes our Choir and Organ. The traditional language Liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer, and Holy Communion. Music from the Hymn Book. (Nursery and Children's Chapel available for Children; followed by the Adult Forum). 10:30am Casual Chapel Worship. A variety of music from Folk Mass, Gospel and contemporary Praise & Worship. The contemporary language Liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer, and Holy Communion. (Sunday School for kids, joining the Church at Communion. Followed up with Coffee and treats in our Gathering Space). This Sunday our Curate, Rev. Jason Cutshall will preach "The Gift of the Christian Community" based on John 20: 19-31 (http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=423033053)

The image of the Father. Jesus to His disciples: "Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father." --John 14:9 (An image created from the Shroud of Turin).

Alleluia: An Easter Thanks! This past Sunday saw some of our largest Easter services in recent years. First, thank you to all of our Staff, Clergy, gifted lay leaders, musicians and singers who who made the services so meaningful for so many. Second, if you visited us for the first time, please know you are always welcome back to St. Martin's by-the-Lake, where we are called to bring Jesus into Life by-the-Lake and in the world! Sundays: Classic Prayer Book Worship at 8:30a, Casual Chapel Worship at 10:30am First Wednesdays: 6:00pm

Thespians Theatre: School of Rock! We are privileged to welcome Thespians Theatre to our space. Comprising area students, the Thespians have been using our downstairs space for rehearsals as they prepare for their Spring Musical: School of Rock. More info here: https://sites.google.com/view/thespians-theatre/home

Why should Christians care about Climate Change? Thomas P. Ackerman navigates a world of difficult questions and tense conversations. A geophysicist at the University of Washington and director of the Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean, he is at the forefront of research on geo-engineering, a science that focuses on manipulating the environment to, among other ends, combat climate change. Ackerman thinks a lot about ethics as he researches how making clouds more reflective could compensate for a warming planet. He shared how a life spent trying to understand the climate has contributed to his understanding of God. Read the interview at the link below.

Seen, Heard, Touched. That which was from the beginning, which we have: Heard with our ears Seen with our eyes Touched with our hands That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you. --1 John 1: 1-3

Parting is not easy, but sending out is a celebration! The entire St. Martin's Community is invited for a brunch this Sunday of thanks, farewell and celebration for our Curate, Rev. Jason Cutshall. We will gather this Sunday at 9:30am, in the lower level for brunch. Please come with memories to share of his time with us, as our second Rev. Richard Byrd Curate. We will be collecting your memories, and assembling a Memory Book of his time with us; cards of thanks are also welcome. With every blessing, Rev. Dave+

Belonging to St. Martin’s: Tonight at 6:00pm. What does it mean to belong to St. Martin’s by-the-Lake? Over the past year we have welcomed numerous guests, and visitors. And several households and families have begun to make this Church their home. We invite you to go deeper! Please join us for Belonging to St. Martin’s. We’ll gather for two Wednesday nights, April 24th and May1st, from 6:00pm-8:30pm, for our Belonging to St.Martin’s course. On April 24th we’ll learn more about the Church in general, and the Episcopal Church in particular. And on May 1st, we’ll learn more about this Church. Attending this course, and following through on what we call the marks of belonging, will move you well along the way to being a fully formed disciple of Jesus at our Church by-the-Lake. The course also prepares those who would like to take the next step and become a confirmed member of the Episcopal Church. There is a service of Confirmation at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, on Saturday, May 5th.

He is, in a word, risen!

Father, Forgive them. Moving words, from the Pastor of one of the Churches attacked in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, to the terrorists who called over 300 people: "We love you, and we won’t stop loving you. We forgive you, and you will not stop us from being the people of God for Jesus Christ". More here: https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2019/26-april/news/uk/you-will-not-stop-us-from-being-the-people-of-god

3 Reminders for this Eastertide. One of the most unfortunate realities of our culture is how easily we move from one thing to the next. In a matter of days or even hours, our focus and attention is diverted with surprising speed. Our society has been conditioned to live in a “perpetual state of inattention.” We see this on the news every day. It’s possible to hear news about devastating attacks one minute and two minutes later, hear about celebrity gossip. We have been discipled in a culture that rejects contemplation, meaningful reflection and thoughtful engagement. This is exactly why the season of Eastertide is important for the Church, for three reasons. I. Eastertide reminds us that through the resurrection II. Eastertide reminds us that God’s future life is available to us to enjoy and express to the world. III. Eastertide calls us to life that cultivates joy. More here: https://www.missioalliance.org/feast-3-reminders-eastertide/?utm_content=bufferd97c5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Sri Lanka's St Anthony's Church a symbol of hope For the first time in its 175-year history, people are being turned away. The road to the shrine in Colombo's Kochchikade district is a familiar one to many, who - regardless of their religion - would regularly come here to seek blessings. Despite being a predominantly Roman Catholic church, its patron has acquired a reputation for being a "miracle worker". No request, no matter how large, small or strangely specific, is left unanswered by St Anthony, people say. On Monday, however, a day after the bomb blast ripped through its entrance, things are very different. The attack here was one of eight across the country which killed 310 people and injured many more. More here: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48011886#

Pray for Sri Lanka. We are shocked and saddened by the attacks on Christian worshippers, and on tourists in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. Our prayers are with the affected families and communities. We will remember these martyrs for the faith in our Sunday worship.

Death is strong, but Life is stronger! Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer; Death is strong, but Life is stronger; Stronger than the dark, the light; Stronger than the wrong, the right. Faith and Hope triumphant say, Christ will rise on Easter-Day. While the patient earth lies waking, Till the morning shall be breaking, Shuddering ‘neath the burden dread Of her Master, cold and dead, Hark! she hears the angels say, Christ will rise on Easter-Day. And when sunrise smites the mountains, Pouring light from heavenly fountains, Then the earth blooms out to greet Once again the blessed feet; And her countless voices say, Christ has risen on Easter-Day. --Phillips Brooks

What the Resurrection is all about. "No event of your life, whatever its character, can imprison you. This is what the Resurrection is all about. Not even death is capable of telling us what God has to say about life. I shall not allow the events of my life to make me their prisoner. I shall continually believe that God is not through, not merely with life, but with me. When I die, I will go down to the grave with a shout, because life is not through even in death. This is what Jesus discloses in his trumpet call:“ I am the Resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will never die." --Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman

The Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom: Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free. He has destroyed it by enduring it... O death, where is thy sting? O Hell, where is thy victory? Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated! Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down! Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is Risen, and life is liberated! Christ is Risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead; for Christ having risen from the dead, is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be Glory and Power forever and ever. Amen!

Is there more to life than this? Come explore that question and more at the Alpha Course. Introductory Night this Sunday, Feb. 24th, 5:30-7:00pm here at St. Martin's by-the-Lake. What to expect: You will enjoy a catered meal together at tables. You will watch the first episode of the new Alpha Film Series. You will have short table discussions. * Please call the Church at (952) 471-8429 to reserve your place.

Bear Grylls Greatest Adventure. “Finding a simple faith that empowers my life? To me, that’s been my greatest adventure.” Bear Grylls, famed British explorer and host of NBC's "Running Wild", on what it takes to live a life of adventure. His greatest adventure is his Christian life, which is why Bear Grylls invites everyone to try the Alpha Course. Our Introduction to the Alpha Course is this Sunday, Feb. 24th at 5:30pm. Call the Church to reserve your space: 952.471.8429

Alpha is Coming: Please RSVP by Thursday, Feb. 21st! You and a Friend are invited to the introductory night of the Alpha Course. Alpha is an eight-week course that explores the meaning & purpose of life, and the place of faith in life. It is designed both for those with faith, who want to learn more, and for those who would like to explore faith. Join us for the first night, there will be no pressure to continue. Just a simple invitation*. The Alpha course promises to be safe place for all. What to expect: You will enjoy a catered meal together at tables. You will watch the first episode of the new Alpha Film Series. You will have short table discussions. We hope to see you, Sunday, Feb. 24th. it all begins at 5:30pm, finished by 7:00pm. Promise! * Please call the Church at (952) 471-8429 to reserve your place.

You and a Friend are invited to the introductory night of the Alpha Course. Alpha is an eight-week course that explores the meaning & purpose of life, and the place of faith in life. It is designed both for those with faith, who want to learn more, and for those who would like to explore faith. Join us for the first night, there will be no pressure to continue. Just a simple invitation*. The Alpha course promises to be safe place for all. What to expect: You will enjoy a catered meal together at tables. You will watch the first episode of the new Alpha Film Series. You will have short table discussions. We hope to see you, Sunday, Feb. 24th at 5:30pm. * Please call the Church at (952) 471-8429 to reserve your place.

The Lights of Christ! St. Martin's has been aglow during the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany seasons. May the Light of Christ shine in your life in 2019!

The Way of Love is a Way of Life. More than a program or curriculum, it is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It's a commitment to follow Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest. Watch Bishop Michael Curry describe the Way of Love.

Palm Sunday was great by the Lake.

The Ashes are ready... Our Navigate Youth group burned last year's blessed Palms from Palm Sunday. The ashes are ready for tonight's Ash Wednesday service.

Ministries at St. Martin's An inspiring Ministry Night, as our ministry leaders shared their highlights of 2016 and vision for 2017.