I hope and pray that you are well! It probably comes as no surprise that I was never much of a Charlie Kirk fan. He made his fortune on "owning libs" while peddling many ideas that I found to be deeply misogynistic, homophobic, and dangerous. In the world of rage-bait politics, he was a political powerhouse and highly effective. In many ways, Charlie Kirk did what others before him never could: he made the farthest right positions seem mainstream. For this, I profoundly disagreed with him. At the same time, though, all accounts say that Charlie Kirk was a loving father and husband. He was a Christian, and therefore a sibling in Christ. As such, it is important to offer our sincere thoughts and prayers for him and those who loved him, as well as those whom he loved. Please know I have prayed for him and his family, and will continue to do so. I also in this prayer, join with faith leaders from around the country in once again unequivocally condemning political violence. The freedom to debate, exchange ideas, and disagree without threat or fear of violence is essential to our democracy and the democratic process.

This Sunday, we celebrate a long-standing tradition of St. Martin's with our annual Jazz Mass. It's a day of festive music, fun, and joy. It's a day I have come to love very much. After the service, we will have a second celebration as we will celebrate our Stewardship Kick-off with a potluck lunch. St. Martin's will supply the main course; please, if you can bring a side to share. I think I am going to make a Hawaiian-style macaroni. It will be fun! Come hear from our parish's leadership and celebrate the ministry we have done together.

Our New Testament reading for this Sunday from the Letter of Hebrews begins, "Let mutual love continue." We don't know exactly who wrote this letter or sermon, or to whom it was written. We think that it was probably written by one of Paul's co-ministers, and we think it was written to a community (likely Rome) that needed encouragement during a difficult time where members were arrested, property was seized by the emperor, and folks felt afraid. What we do know is that its truth, its beauty, and its comfort have rung true for all Christians in all churches ever since. We turn to these comforting words. It remains a favorite. 

I hope and pray that you are doing well. For our parents, I hope you are navigating carpool drop-off lines with grace and ease. I know I have not. In one recent episode, I could have sworn the traffic director waved me forward, so I pressed on the gas, only to be scolded soundly. Typically, I handle embarrassment with relative ease; everyone does dumb things occasionally, you get over it, but I have felt guilty and thought about this episode all week long. 

I think it is from a deep-seated longing, at least as far as my family is concerned, to do things "right". Whatever that means. When I get it wrong, whether it is carpool or a pre-race breakfast, or bad advice on homework help, I feel in some ways like I have failed, and sometimes, I have noticed the more I try to get things "right," the more I seem to get wrong. It's a cycle that I am sure is not unique to me.

I hope and pray that you are well. This Sunday, we baptize three children, welcoming them into our communion of faith. I am so grateful that these families have found a home at St. Martin's. We are a church that says "we will" when asked if we will support these people in their lives in Christ loudly and with great pride. I am grateful for this, and for all of you.

I hope and pray that you are well. As a child, I wonder, what are some of your favorite memories about the start of a new school year? For me, I remember two very distinct things. The first thing was back-to-school shopping with my mother, and getting new shoes. I remember trying to keep them clean for the first couple of days, but then a game of kickball or football would inevitably happen, and all of a sudden, my new shoes would be dirty like all the rest. 

I hope and pray that you are doing well. As the summer is winding down, I find myself scrambling to make sure I am prepared for the upcoming program year. I can only imagine what our parents feel like! The end of summer has approached fiercely and faster than I ever imagined (even though this happens every year!). 

I hope and pray that you are well. I have found myself counting down the days until summer break ends. There is a move-in date on the horizon, when Denise and I will take our oldest and drop him off. Despite all the high school graduation slogans that proclaim each senior as being "ready to launch" or something along those lines, we see the date coming with a mix of emotions. Love, pride, nervousness, excitement, trepidation, and joy all mixed into one giant ball of anticipation. I found myself reflecting on my emotions as I read this week's gospel. "Lord, teach us to pray?" the disciples ask. From this question, we get the Lord's prayer. 

I hope and pray that you are well. It's hard for me to believe, but as I write this on July 17, I realize that the summer is almost over. In less than a month, our program year kicks off, and teachers and children will return to school. The dog days of summer must be referring to greyhounds because this summer seems to have gone by fast!

I hope and pray that you are well. I also hope that you have a great 4th of July. This Sunday, after church, if you enjoy patriotic music, please stay for the organ postlude. Also, this Sunday, at our 5 PM service, our seminarian, Adam Steele, will be preaching. Please join me in supporting him as he continues on his path towards ordination in The Episcopal Church.

At the end of the month, St. Martin's will experience two staff changes. The first is that after thirty-eight years of music ministry, Pam Hair is retiring. Pam has taught choirs and shared her love of sacred music with multiple generations of children. She has even taught children of former students. Pam's love, patience, and passion for incorporating children into worship have been a blessing to St. Martin's and every church she has served. Thirty-eight years is a fantastic ministry, and we wish her well.

I hope and pray that you are well! I also hope you are keeping cool. It's an annual tradition in the South to complain about the heat when it's above 90 and the cold whenever it drops below 54, so I'm logging my annual complaint now. It's hot!!! Someone, please, drive by and give Gordon Thomas a popsicle!

Summer is definitely here! I hope and pray that you are well and that you have found a way to stay cool. At St. Martin's, weeks continue to be full and exciting. Once again, thank you to John Till and the Poteat family for Corn Sunday! I know I enjoyed my corn in an amazing Frogmore Stew. It made my Father's Day extra special. I am also thankful that our mission team has landed safely in Ecuador. Be sure to follow their daily blog on our website. I'm excited for them!

I hope and pray that you are well. One of my favorite St. Martin's "traditions" is a day that is not really on the calendar, but it happens nonetheless. Typically, one summer day or evening, I will get a text or call from either Chad or Shannon Poteat saying they have corn and they will be heading to the church. Shannon's dad, John Till, also a member of the parish, always plants some sweet corn for family, friends, and, thankfully, St. Martin's. Well, I got the call last night. This Sunday, Father's Day will also be Corn Sunday. Come get some corn to go with your Sunday night BBQ. Gather around the truck, fill a bag, tell a story, and have fun. 

I hope and pray that you all are well! I also hope that you are enjoying summer. I know our family is. On a personal note, I want to thank everyone for the well wishes last weekend and your support as I raced in the Beaufort River 5K Swim/Run. The swim truly was one of the more challenging events I have done, but it was also a lot of fun. As donations continue to come in from around the country, I am pleased to report that next week we will deliver a check for over $41,000 to Lutheran Services' New Americans Program to support refugee ministries in the Carolinas. That check represents funds you all have given, combined with a Cloak & Sword grant from our St. Martin's Foundation. I am overwhelmed by your generosity. Thank you!!!