Summer Fellowship Groups for 2023

Happy summer, St. Martin's.

This summer, our popular summer fellowship groups have returned under the new, catchy title, “The Summer Sessions at STM.” Looking for something new? Want to connect with others (or even with the members of your family)? Join one of our 13 groups meeting around Charlotte between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Read the descriptions below to see what sort of groups you might want to join, and then contact the appropriate person to sign up to join in the fun. (Or for more information on any of them, feel free to contact Vickie Traynum via email.)

Life Worth Living, hosted by Mother Justi
Mother Justi will lead a discussion of the book Life Worth Living based on the highly popular undergraduate course taught at Yale University. Its authors, Yale faculty Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun, and Ryan McAnnanlly-Linz chart out the question of what makes a life worth living. The book provides readers with jumping-off points, road maps, and habits of reflection for figuring out where their lives hold meaning and where things need to change. Drawing from the major world religions and from secular figures, Life Worth Living is a guide to life’s most pressing question: How are we to live? The book sells for around $29. If anyone would like to participate, but cannot afford a book, Mother Justi can help. Meetings will take place over five sessions on Wednesday evenings at the church. Contact Mother Justi via email to sign up.

Nursery Rhyme Time, hosted by Rachel Halsey
Join us for summer meetups of nursery-aged children and their families. These will be casual and kid-friendly with some fellowship for the folks too. We’ll include a few weekend dates as well as a weekday play date or two. For more information, contact Rachel Halsey via email.

Jam Sessions, hosted by Rob Kirby
A beginner-intermediate friendly jam session & sing-along, for stringed, acoustic instruments (Guitar, Mandolin, Ukes, Dulcimer, Bass, Banjo, Cajon, etc). We’ll start with simple tunes - two & three-chord songs in major keys - and go wherever the Spirit & our musical talents lead. Singers are welcome, as are folks who may just wanna come for listening, beverage sipping’, and toe-tapping. Depending upon the response, we’ll meet-jam in the church courtyard or a friendly porch/patio. Contact Rob Kirby via email for more information.

Picnic and Play in the Park, hosted by Brittany Bowron
Come play at the beautiful new park behind St. Martin's and bring a picnic dinner (or lunch in July) and visit with other STM families. We’ll meet at Independence Park (right behind STM) on the following dates: June 28 from 5-7 pm, July 26 from 12-2 pm, and August 23 from 5-7 pm. For more information, contact Brittany Bowron via email.

Knit Together, hosted by Lillian Richards
Find your place as groups gather for knit and crochet on the following dates: June 28 (3-5 pm), July 26 (10 am-12 pm), August 23 (3-5 pm). Join the crowd of folks 101 years old down to 4th graders. Come bring a project you are working on and “be with” some other friends. Contact Lillian Richards via email to sign up.

St. Martin’s Serves, hosted by Vickie Traynum and Mother Justi
Have you wanted to “get involved” but never found the right time or opportunity? This summer, there will be several opportunities to serve alongside our ministry partners and friends in the community. There will be evening, weekday, and weekend opportunities throughout the summer. Come “try out” something new or “go deeper” with a familiar ministry. Contact Vickie Traynum via email or Mother Justi via email for more information.

Scene It at the Movies, hosted by Father Josh
Join Father Josh for a small group dedicated to the films of Terrance Malick. Malick is one of the most spiritual filmmakers working today, and we will we look at the entire filmography of this important artist. Throughout the summer, we will gather in various locations for the films, Father Josh will introduce the movie, we’ll watch it, and then we’ll have a spirited discussion of the work. For more information and a schedule of meetups, contact Father Josh via email.

Cruzin’, hosted by Mike and Nydia McCrohan
Enjoy a summer evening cruise on Lake Wylie with Mike and Nydia McCrohan. On select Thursdays this summer, come join us from 7-9 pm for a relaxing sunset cruise on the Catawba River/Lake Wylie. Our pontoon boat can accommodate up to 8 guests on each cruise and families are welcome. If interested, please contact Mike McCrohan via email with your first and second choice of dates (first come/first served and if you are bringing children make sure you tell me their ages to ensure we have the appropriate PFDs (life vests)). Note that a beautiful sunset is not guaranteed, and inclement weather may force a cancellation of the cruise! Potential cruising dates: Thursdays 7-9 pm - 6/1, 6/15, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3, and 8/17.

See You In The Gap, hosted by Nancy McGinnis
This summer, groups will gather at one of the many labyrinths at local Charlotte churches for meditation and prayer. Join them on the third Thursday of each month at 10 am (for not more than one hour). The upcoming walks are scheduled as follows: June 15 at Avondale Presbyterian Church (2821 Park Road), July 20 at Myers Park Baptist Church (1900 Queens Road), and August 17 at Sardis Baptist Church (5811 Sardis Road). All of these labyrinths are outdoors, and the walks will take place rain or shine (except for extreme conditions). For more information, contact Nancy McGinnis via email.

Story Time, hosted by Emily Sharpe
We'll have a read-aloud group this summer for kids, teens, adults, and in-betweens. We'll start by reading Charlie Mackay's The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse together as a read-aloud. If we have extra time, we will shift to The Velveteen Rabbit. When we gather we will read aloud and also have some time to reflect together with drawings or chatting. We will meet on Sundays after church: June 11, July 9, and August 6. Contact Emily Sharpe via email for more information.

Get Creative, hosted by Thea Mayne
Throughout the summer, St. Martinites will lead workshops in the creative arts. These workshops are designed for all ages and the days/times will vary. The workshops will include poetry writing, watercolors, rock painting (and distribution), and mandala painting. The supplies will be provided by St. Martin’s. Some of the workshops will require advanced registration, so if you want to let the creative juices flow this summer, contact Thea Mayne via email for more information.

Frisbee Fun, hosted by Rob Sharpe
Join us for a few evenings of Disc Golf this summer! Disc golf is a great game for all skill levels (and I mean all!) that combines several fantastic things: throwing frisbees, walking in the woods, and talking. Please join us as we play the Scrapyard at Idlewild Road Park, Kilborne Park, and Reedy Creek Park. Contact Rob Sharpe via email for scheduled outings.

Soul Gaming, hosted by Micah Belong and Father Josh
This summer, we will get into the wildly creative and deeply affecting world of collaborative storytelling games. Some of these games will be straightforward adventures, some will be improv games. There will be much here for veteran players as well as those who have never heard of such a thing. Sign up if you are even remotely curious: each week or so, we will send out a description of the game and you can sign up if you are interested. Contact Micah via email to be on our contact list so we can tell you about what games are coming up.