Dear friendsToday is St Martin's Day, when we remember a man who showed radical generosity and kindness. I’m sure many of you know the story far more than I do, that during his time as a Roman guard, Martin or Tours cut his cloak in two to provide warmth and protection for a beggar he came across while on duty. He therefore became the patron saint of beggars, wool-weavers and tailors (also because of his cloak), soldiers, geese (some say because they gave his hiding place away when he tried to avoid being chosen as bishop), and innkeepers. He was also renowned for having a servant heart, and offering hospitality from his meagre cell in the monastery even though he was a Bishop. On his death, he chose to be buried in the cemetery of the poor.

What a remarkable legacy for us as a church, situated as we are in one of the more deprived parts of Bristol.

I met with a couple in church today, to plan the funeral of their family member. We spoke about the years of storytelling that has happened in our church - the stories of the whole of life, from birth to death and beyond. We spoke about the years of prayer and worship that have taken place. I said that I felt the church knew itself to be the parish church, the church for the community, the gathering place for story, the place for the realities of life, the joys, suffering and sorrow, to be shared. They have never been in the church before, but they said they could tell it was a place of life, with the kitchen, the different areas within the space, the beautiful children's area ... and whilst they would not claim to be Christians, they said they could sense a peace within the four walls.

Of course, the building is just the holding place within which we gather in order to be sent out into the world. If we are to follow St Martin's legacy today, we would, in our sending, be intentional about the ways we would reach out to others, to have servant hearts, to offer hospitality, to reflect the warmth, love, acceptance and generosity that we receive from God through the body of Christ to which we belong.

There is so much going on in our beautiful church over the next few weeks, beginning this evening with a special service at 7pm, followed by cheese and wine. Everyone is invited. We also have special services for Remembrance on Sunday at 8.30am and 10.30am, and then next Wednesday is the opportunity to gather for curry and to watch the first episode of "The Chosen". These are all opportunities to gather in order to be sent, and it would be great to see you there.

I invite you to consider St Martin's story and see what part of his legacy feels like an invitation to you. I would love to hear what you think!

With every blessing as ever

Becky