The Rev. Martin Smith is well known throughout the Episcopal Church as a writer, spiritual director, retreat leader and teacher. All Saints by-the-Sea is happy to announce his return to the Southport Island chapel for the last two Sundays in August where he will preside over Holy Communion at 8 and 10 a.m. on Aug. 18 and at 8 a.m. on Aug. 25. The 10 a.m. service on Aug. 25 will be the traditional Service of Morning Prayer. People of all faiths are invited to attend the services. A social hour with refreshments will follow the 10 a.m. services.

A priest since 1971, Rev. Smith most recently served as the senior sssociate rector at St. Columba’s church in Washington, D.C. maintaining a busy travel schedule as well for his teaching ministry. Since his retirement in 2012, he continues to travel and devote himself to writing, preaching and leading retreats and workshops. His engaging style and vast knowledge are especially evident in the small group discussions that he leads at All Saints. This summer, he will lead informal discussions relating to the week’s scripture passages on the porch of the chapel on Tuesday Aug. 20 and 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. Attendees of All Saints as well as members of other area church are encouraged to attend.

Born in England, Rev. Smith received his training as a theologian at Oxford University, receiving his BA in 1968 and MA in 1970. After preparing for the priesthood at Cuddesdon College, Oxford, he was ordained in the diocese of St. Albans, where he served two parishes before joining the Society of St. John the Evangelist; the oldest religious order for men in the Anglican Communion. He was transferred to the North American branch of the Society in 1979. After completing three terms as Superior, he left the Society in 2002. From 2002 to 2006 he was on the staff of the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington. He is the author of a number of widely read books exploring contemporary spirituality, including “Reconciliation,” “A Season for the Spirit,” “The Word is Very Near You,” “Love Set Free,” “Compass and Stars,” and “Go in Peace: The Art of Hearing Confessions.”

All Saints is on Southport Island on All Saints Road about two miles on the left driving south on Route 238 (look for the Episcopal Church sign by the side of the road). Parking is available along Route 238, or if necessary, in the limited number of handicapped parking spaces off All Saints Road. A golf cart will ferry persons from the handicapped lot to the church steps. You may also come to church by private boat or by the tour boat Novelty, tides permitting, which leaves Boothbay Harbor from Pier 8 at 9 a.m. Novelty picks up passengers from the church dock at 11:40 a.m. for return to Pier 8. The very beautiful and simple wood chapel is open for quiet prayer and meditation during the week.