ST MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS
E P I S C O P A L C H U R C H
October 26, 2008
Dear Friends in Worship,
This is another letter in a series to support this year’s Stewardship Pledge Campaign. We hope this letter will encourage you to explore your relationship with St Martin’s and the many ways you can support our church community.
Our family of four has been members of St Martin’s since 1993 when we moved to Grand Island. We were instantly impressed with the small church atmosphere and the wealth of support from the church community. Our two boys have reaped the rewards of 14 years of youth services, culminating with both of them completing the Journey to Adulthood Program and the ultimate Christian trip of a lifetime to Jerusalem. We can tell you that St Martin’s has helped build character and a Christian foundation that will serve them for life.
Father Earle (and his advisors) is credited with employing new and innovative sermons ranging from brainstorming on poster paper to acting out the scripture like a Broadway play. We never tire hearing about The Chronicles of Narnia. The adult and youth choirs are a joy to behold.
When my father was dying from cancer seven years ago, Father Earle was gracious enough to visit often and engage him in endless conversations about war and history. He helped my father find his peace and we were truly comforted by his presence.
The life of St Martin’s goes beyond the church service. We can’t wait to get to church to see what fellow parishioners are doing, to hear the next lesson in Adult Bible Study, to see who ran the most recent marathon or to see what the youth groups are up to. We typically spend our New Year’s Day morning running around Beaver Island with other parishioners and enjoying breakfast at Father Earle’s house. A couple of years ago, we joined 40 other church members on a cruise. We are continually impressed with the spirit of camaraderie and volunteerism that is evident through the many reports given each and every Sunday. The people of St Martin’s are doers and givers.
Our family members have taught Sunday School, helped coordinate J2A, participated in many fundraisings for the youth group, coordinated Christmas decorating, served up chicken dinners and helped paint St Martin’s new addition.. We are proud to be part of this congregation and appreciate the opportunity to support it in any way possible.
We recognize the great need for tithes to support the church community and make it a point to give an increasing percentage every year. We encourage everyone to find a comfortable level of giving your time, talents and treasures to help with God’s mission on Grand Island. May God bless you as you make your commitment.
Faithfully,
Gibson Family: Lorraine, Rich, Christian, Jordan
2587 Baseline Road ¨ Grand Island, NY 14072-1656
Phone/fax: 716-773-3335 ¨ padreking@aol.com ¨ www.StMartinsGI.org
Rector: The Rev'd Earle C. King, Jr. ¨ Bishop: The Rt. Rev'd J. Michael Garrison