The Gospel calls us to care for the poor, the sick, the hurting, the lonely, the exploited, the anxious and afraid, and the forgotten–all of us in some way or another at some time in our lives. It calls us to acts of compassion and to struggle for justice and equity for our neighbors and indeed the whole world. As St. Teresa of Avila so eloquently said, “Christ has no body now, but yours. No hands, no feet on earth, but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ looks compassion into the world. Yours are the feet with which Christ walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which Christ blesses the world.” Our work to love our neighbours as ourselves is gathered under the name “St. Martin’s Cloak”. St. Martin of Tours is our patron saint. The most well-known story tells of Martin while still a young man and soldier seeing a beggar in rags, taking his sword, cutting his handsome cloak in half, and gaving half to the beggar. A cloak gathers in and protects, comforts and covers, Our hope is that we provide an embracing, non-judgmental love through how we serve those in our community and beyond.
Wentworth Manor and Signal Pointe: St. Martin’s provides spiritual care to the residents of Wentworth Manor and Signal Pointe by offering monthly worship services with Holy Communion. Clergy and volunteers prepare the worship space, provide music and lead the liturgy.
Calgary Interfaith Food Bank: Once per month, St. Martin’s helps at the CIFB to help the hungry in our midst. Leader: Trudy Brodner
Icross Canada: Icross Canada sends medical supplies to countries in need. Much of the cargo is fragile and to protect it the Icross comfort doll came into being. These dolls are knitted by volunteers all over the country and distributed to children in the places Icross Canada sends supplies. Dolls are also sent to soldiers in conflict areas to give to the children they meet. Leader: Fiona Tower, 403.286.9756
CUPS–This year we will be taking part in their annual new mother backpack drive.
Worship in the World–Two to three times per year, we take our worship out into the world in some form of outreach or service. Past events have included a work day at Grow Calgary followed by Holy Communion, visiting local first responders, leading Sunday services at a local seniors residence, and leading events at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
Community Outreach & Development Update – St. Martin’s Anglican Church will be offering free ESL conversation classes for adults to practice speaking English, learn more about Canadian culture and meet other people. Drop-in for a few classes or join us every week. For more information please contact Laura at community.stmartins@yahoo.ca or call St. Martin’s Anglican Church office at 403-249-3014.
ESL Conversation Café, Tuesdays. Located at SCA Community Centre, 277 Strathcona Dr. SW., Calgary. Please see the ESL page under this heading for more information.
Volunteers are needed to help with this 8 week program. No preparation is necessary – just a willingness to listen, talk and encourage our neighbors. If you would like to help out on Tuesday mornings or would like more information about this program or St. Martin’s new community initiatives, please contact Laura at community.stmartins@yahoo.ca or call St. Martin’s Anglican Church office at 403-249-3014.
Cooking With Friends: a joint program between Knox Presbyterian, St. Martin’s and Calgary Immigrant Services where we gather to cook a meal, learn about other cuisines, learn cooking techniques and enjoy a meal together. See the Cooking with Friends page under this heading for more information.
Giggles for Tots, Thursday mornings at the West Springs Co-op Community Room, 917 85th St. SW. Please see the Tots page under this heading for more information. On hiatus.