This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope and pray that you are well. It is going to be a busy weekend for our church and diocese, and for that I am thankful. This weekend is Diocesan Convention. For those of you who are new to the church, Diocesan Convention is the one time a year when clergy and representatives from each church in the diocese gather to hold elections to various posts, vote on legislative rules, and pass a budget for the upcoming year. Our convention is not just a governing body; it is also a statement of our common belief, particularly the belief that we are all equal. In the Episcopal church, each person's vote, regardless of their office (i.e., clergy or laity), is counted equally. This notion of equality between all is one of the reasons I love being Episcopalian.

Along with the convention, there are so many other events taking place at St. Martin's this weekend! On Saturday morning. Denise Smith and Shari Hutchinson will host a flower-arranging workshop. I believe that workshop is full, but I know future opportunities are in the works. Contact Shari for more information. Also, if you are interested, please consider joining our Flower Guild. I think flower arranging at church can sometimes seem intimidating. Please know that if I can arrange flowers for a service, anyone can.

Finally, on Sunday, after church, we have both the opportunity to serve and an opportunity to listen to some beautiful music. St. Martin's is partnering with a community feeding program through the Broad River Business Alliance. We will be packing 300 hot meals for pick up and delivery to at-risk families in our area. We will need packers, delivery drivers, and folks to help with drive-through pick-ups. Sign up here. It is a blessing to be a blessing, and I am grateful we have this opportunity to serve. 

Then, at 3 PM, St. Martin's will host a world-renowned organist, Chase Loomer, for a concert. We have a beautiful pipe organ at St. Martin's, and sharing it with others in the community is a gift we can give. Please, come watch and listen. I know I'm looking forward to it!

As we grow to over 900 members, we are entering a new phase of our parish life, one that has us stepping into our place as a resource-sized parish. From fellowship and friendship around a table of flowers to taking our place in the broader life of the church, to serving our community, and offering beautiful worship and music, our church life is busy, but in the busyness, there are blessings to be shared, and in that sharing, the love of Christ shines. 

Peace,

Mitch