Parish Life

The Parish Life Commission consists of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), Men of St. Martin's, Family Club, Foyers and Mezzanine group. We provide small groups for parishioners to connect, share, and have fellowship as our church grows. Parish Life has sponsored or assisted with: Family Club Bingo Night, summer barbeques, movie nights, taco bar, homeless shelter, Lenten boxes, plant sale, funeral receptions, auction for Day School scholarships and the Christmas Bazaar.

The ECW holds an annual plant sale in May, a very popular Christmas Bazaar in December, and a "Gifts that keep on Giving" auction in January. Some of the ministries that have benefited from the money the ECW has raised are: Sarah's House, SPAN, Hospice of the Chesapeake, YWCA, Chrysalis House, Haiti, the Organ Fund, Hurricane Relief, our own Day School scholarship fund and many others. We are responsive to the emotional needs of our parishioners through our prayer shawl ministry, and also provide hospitality to those at St. Martin's who have lost a loved one by preparing a reception following a funeral held in our church

The Men of St. Martin's meet the first Saturday of each month for fellowship/breakfast, worship, and sometimes to hear an outside speaker. They partner with other groups as they are the 'lead' in preparing and presenting the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and the annual Parish Picnic in the fall. They also do a variety of community service activities in and outside the parish community

Foyers is a French word that means 'fireside' or 'hearth.' At St. Martin's, Foyers groups are small groups from the church community that get together in a warm, relaxed atmosphere to share a meal and enjoy informal conversation. Our Foyers groups provide an occasion for forming closer relationships with the people we see Sunday mornings. Group members take turns hosting monthly soirees where eating and talking work their magic for newcomers, long-time members and those who want to be more than just a face in the congregation. In a quiet way that accumulates from getting together month after month, friendships are formed, making worship at St. Martin's a more profound experience.”

Anyone is welcome to join the Parish Life groups at any time, and doubly welcome to participate in all our activities. For more information about Parish Life, email the commissioner.