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WORSHIP
Acolytes
Acolytes serve as boat (incense), torch and banner bearers and as crucifer, thurifer and server. Adults may serve as acolytes and can aid in training the children. Acolytes generally serve once a month and must be at church at 10:15 AM on the Sunday that they serve. Children can participate once they have completed the Communion class.
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Altar Guild
The Altar Guild prepares the church and Lady Chapel for the worship for all the seasons of the year and major Holy Days. This entails taking care of the vessels and vestments and arranging flowers. Four teams work quietly behind the scenes in this ministry of love.
Daily Prayer
Morning Prayer is offered every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9:30 AM, and Sunday at 8:30 in the Lady Chapel. Labyrinth Ministry
The goal of the Labyrinth Ministry is to promote, guide and encourage the use of the labyrinth as a way of prayer in an outdoor setting of beauty, quiet and peace. To work toward that goal we will be developing guides for users, inviting both parishioners and the wider community to utilize the labyrinth in their spiritual journeys, developing workshops, planning special events, and protecting and enhancing the beauty of the labyrinth itself.
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CHOIRS
Adult Choir
This all-volunteer choir of mixed voices sings at the Sunday 10:30 a.m. Sung Eucharist and at special services throughout the liturgical year. Additionally, they sing at the Advent Lessons and Carols Service on a Sunday afternoon in December and at Evensong on a Sunday afternoon in the spring. Choir rehearsals are held every Sunday at 9:30 AM. Youth Choir
The St. Martin's Youth Choir is a musical organization for children in the first grade or older. The Youth Choir sings at the Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve and selected other special occasions during the school year. There is no experience required or audition to join. Rehearsals are Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 7:30.
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OTHER SERVICE HELPERS
Greeters
Greeters welcome visitors and parishioners to St. Martin’s. They help visitors get acquainted with the members as well as the facilities. Greeters serve at the 10:30 a.m. service. Intercessors
Lay people, appointed by Father Montgomery, lead the Prayers of the People on Sunday mornings. Lectors
The lectors are lay people who read the lessons at both services on Sunday, and are also appointed by Fr. Montgomery. Eucharistic Ministers
Father Montgomery also leads and appoints this group of lay people who administer the chalice at both Sunday Eucharists. Ushers
Ushers assist the congregation at various services and functions held at the church, helping to seat the congregation, passing out bulletins and collecting the offering. Ushers generally serve once a month. Liturgy
The committee evaluates and plans the way we worship. If you have suggestions that would aid the committee in their task, please call Fr. Montgomery.
EDUCATION Children’s Education
St. Martin’s uses "Living the Good News", a Lectionary-based curriculum, for its children from second through fifth/sixth grade. Each week the children's lesson comes from one or more of the readings that are being heard by their parents in church in a manner that is appropriate to each age group. Classes follow the school year calendar from September through June and begin at 10:15 a.m. on Sundays.
In addition, the preschool to first grade children attend the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which is a Montessori-based program that allows them to work at their own level with hands-on involvement. First graders make their First Communion in the spring. Newborn through Kindergarten
Newborn through age 2-1/2 year children remain in the nursery and those from preschool to 1st grade remain in Catechesis class until the Communion part of the service, at which time parents may bring these younger children to the main church to receive Communion or a blessing. Nursery, playgroup, and Sunday school classes are held year-round for this age group. Second Graders through Fifth Graders
These children go to the Lady Chapel at 10:15 a.m. for a short worship service after which the teachers take them to their classrooms and at Communion escort them up to the main church. Rite 13/J2A/Young Adults
These classes meet after receiving Communion for approximately one hour in the conference room, youth room and chapel. The Rite 13, Journey to Adulthood (J2A) and Young Adults in Church (YAC) classes combine Christian education, the confirmation process and youth groups for St. Martin’s teenagers. Church School Teachers
Teachers of children and young people teach twice a month for the purpose of continuity, communication and building of Christian community.
ADULT EDUCATION AND SPIRITUAL LIFE
Adult Forums
Adult forums are held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings, September through June. The forum speakers and videos aid in the discussion of current topics and issues facing our lives, with particular emphasis on faith, spirituality and theological reflection. Childcare is provided. Journey
Journey is a way for adults to prepare for baptism, for non-Episcopalians to learn more about the Episcopal Church, for those who have been away from church to renew their faith, and for all baptized Christians to find a more informed and life-giving faith. This happens by experiencing God, the Christian life and Christian community through a process of Bible study, presentation, reflection, and sharing on a weekly basis beginning in October. Lenten Bible Study
This is a weekday morning bible study during Lent led by Father Montgomery. Tuesday Morning Eucharistic Fellowship
Each Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. in the Lady Chapel parishioners and friends of parishioners gather to celebrate the Eucharist and then enjoy a simple breakfast and fellowship in the upstairs converence room from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.. Over the years, this small Eucharistic fellowship has touched many lives.
MINISTRIES
Evangelism
The goal of this committee is to invite, greet, orient, incorporate and involve newcomers in ministry so that St. Martin’s can more fully live out its mission. The group is working to attract non-members to visit St. Martin’s for the first time, as well as encouraging non-members to return after their first visit. Outreach
Outreach is mainly a compilation of individual efforts to help people in need, in the community, within our parish, and wherever a need is recognized. The Outreach team co-ordinates these hands-on involvements and the distribution of parish Outreach funds. Caring Ministry
Father Montgomery and lay persons visit the sick and those in crisis. If you lean toward the caring end of ministry, consider joining this group. St. Martin's has L.E.M.'s - Lay Eucharistic Ministers - who are licensed to take Communion to the sick after the Sunday Eucharist. Fellowship
The Fellowship committee seeks opportunities to broaden fellowship and sharing in St. Martin’s through current communications channels and committees with a goal of building and deepening relationships. Communications
Communications handles the pulling together of information, printing and distribution of The Messenger, St. Martin’s newsletter. St. Martin's Website
The website (www.stmartinsnj.org) is designed for the use of parishioners and also for people looking for a church of interest to them in the area. It includes the Rector's Message, the service times, and driving directions to St. Martin's, as well as pictures of vestry members, special events, and the building and grounds. Stewardship
The Stewardship team plans and administers a year-round program of information and interaction to encourage all parishioners to ministry. Activities culminate each year on a Fall Sunday of Celebration and Commitment New Life Ministry
This group ministers to those who are pregnant or have a new baby. These parishioners deliver meals after the birth of a baby, help with referrals and information, as well as give general support to the parents. Health Ministry
Two registered nurses, a physician and a therapist provide programs relating to health issues. The nurses are on hand between the early and late services to do blood pressure readings. Topics of interest to parishioners will be presented when there is a specific interest and speakers are available. Parish Callers
This group contacts all of St. Martins' parishioners for the purpose of crisis notification, promoting fellowship, and information dissemination. Long Term Pastorate Team
This group, appointed by the Rector, works with him in addressing and monitoring issues and concerns that face a long term pastorate. Executive Committee
The Rector, two wardens, and an outgoing warden form this group. They meet monthly between vestry meetings to pray, evaluate, plan and provide leadership for St. Martin’s. Property
This committee is responsible for keeping the Parish buildings and grounds in good working condition. It arranges for periodic inspections of property and recommends necessary maintenance measures to the Vestry.
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Grounds Beautification
If gardening interests you, consider helping to keep the church grounds beautiful. This group weeds, prunes, plants and organizes the Parish Workday. Finance
The finance committee serves two purposes: to develop a budget for Vestry approval and to research, analyze and recommend any other matter regarding financial issues at the request of the Vestry. Vestry
The Vestry is an elected body of lay people charged with overseeing finances and property while sharing the leadership and responsibility of the Church’s mission with the Rector. Three people are elected each year as a Vestry member for a three year term. One person is elected each year as a Warden for a two year term. If you wish to contact the Vestry, please call one of the Wardens or Father Montgomery. If interested in more information on one of these ministries or to join a group, please phone the office to get the name and phone number of the leader.
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