We are excited to begin plans for the 2026 celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Fork Church of St. Martin’s Parish. Two committees are being formed – one to look back at our history and the other to look forward to discern who God is calling us to be and where we are going.
This is a great time to join our Adult Sunday School! On September 8 we began a study of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. The class meets at Parish House at 9:05 am each Sunday. In addition, a weekly discussion of the Confessions of St. Augustine began Monday, September 16, at 5 pm. Although
Two women’s book groups meet on alternate Thursdays: BBC (Becoming Beloved Community) Book Group – formerly known as WOW – is reading The Color of Water by James McBride. Kathy Thomas leads the group by Zoom. Contact Kathy at 804-852-6823 if you are interested in joining the BBC Women’s Book Group. YAY (Young and Younger) Book
Godly Play Sunday school welcomes children ages 3-10. Under the leadership of Director of Christian Education for Children, Katherine Forti-Vargas, Godly Play is held in the Parish House during the first half of the Liturgy each Sunday. The children then join the congregation in the church for Communion. This year, Godly Play is happening all
The Men’s Book Group is now reading The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God by Justin Brierley. Plan to join the men of Fork Church every other Thursday at 7:30 am. The group meets in various locations in Ashland. Contact theforkchurch@gmail.com or call Father Nik at 804-291-6124 to learn the location of Men’s Book Group.
The Fork Church will have its annual Outdoor Eucharist and Blessing of the Animals on October 6 at 10 am. Bring your furry, feathered or scaly pets to receive a blessing on this day in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. A Trunk-or-Treat party will be held the late afternoon/early evening
The Parish Choir has moved back upstairs to the organ loft with the return of cooler weather. The choir rehearses each Sunday from 9:15 to 9:50 and briefly following the liturgy, and is preparing for a choral evensong on November 17. New singers are always welcome. Please contact Melissa Hawks (pianohawks@gmail.com, 804-687-7006) if interested.
The Weekly Morning Prayer Group meets each Wednesday at 10 am, with the Eucharist with Healing Prayers on the first Wednesday of each month. All in need of healing prayers are invited and encouraged to come. As always, we welcome visitors to Fork Church! For more information, email us at theforkchurch@gmail.com or call 804-227-3413.
New Vestry members were installed following the March 3, 2024, service at Fork Church. Joining the Vestry are Lynda Wright and Janet Taylor. Appreciation was expressed to outgoing members Pat Temple and Jim Smythe. In addition new members, the 2024 Vestry includes Sid Skjei (senior warden), Glenn Murphy (junior warden), Patty Skjei and Elizabeth Berry.
Following the 10 am worship service on Whitsunday, May 28, 2023—the Feast of Pentecost—Fr. Charles Joy and Mr. Alastair MacDonald joined Fr. Nik Forti for the “Unveiling” of a colonial Book of Common Prayer with Historical Commentary and Discussion in the Parish Hall over afternoon tea and refreshments. If you missed this event, you can