This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Some days, it feels like there isn't enough time to get everything done. For me, Tuesday and Wednesday felt like those days. You know the kind where a meeting stacks on top of a meeting, and when those meetings are done, you realize you still have work to do, like writing this e-messenger and a sermon for Sunday, but you also have to be a dad and husband and go to back-to-school nights and practice. Sometimes it feels like a lot. I know I am not alone in feeling this, especially at this time of year.

That said, I am thankful for little breaks, and I am especially thankful for the new dads group at St. Martin's. We have a small group for dads of young children that has started. While my children have passed the "early" stage of childhood development and I am the old man of the group, I am thankful that my presence is tolerated. We meet monthly, usually at a bar or brewery, have some fellowship, and then take time to ask each other for prayer as we parent and grow. It's nice to have support. It's nice to know other families are navigating the same things you are; it's nice to share and know a peer is praying for you. This group isn't closed. If you are a dad of an infant or elementary-age child and want to be included in our group text or email, shoot me a note.

Yesterday, as we met, before I had to literally jog away from the table, jump in my car, and head to a back-to-school night, I was happy to share a little bit about one of my heroes, who happens to be a St. Martin's member. Vern Brantley will turn 102 this Sunday. He probably won't be at church, but I know he will be worshiping with us on the live stream. I know you'll join me in wishing him a happy birthday. I've attached a link to an interview he did for WIS a few years back. When you have a few minutes, give it a watch. While Vern does not consider himself a hero, I think by the end of the interview you will see why I do. Happy Birthday, my friend, and thank you. 

Peace,

Mitch