This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As Caitlyn said this past Sunday, our church, the past couple of weeks, has seen a lot of death. Five funerals in such a short amount of time is a lot — lots of volunteers, lots of emotion, and lots of sadness, but also joy. We are a church of the resurrection and a people of Easter. We proclaim that in death, life is not ended, but changed as we go to a place that has been prepared for us by a loving God who knows each of us by name. In this, there is joy. There is also joy in the laughter of families who, in the midst of sadness, are still able to share a funny story or a good joke. There is joy in meals shared and in the remembrance of days past. There is joy in the stories we share with one another.

To everyone who has served these past few weeks, thank you! The ministry of funerals is one of the most important ministries we can do for one another. It is a way that we remind each other that we are not alone. It is a way that we show love. This week's Gospel is a flashback of sorts. We will re-read a portion of Maundy Thursday's Gospel reading and be reminded that we are to love one another as Jesus loved us. 

I am deeply grateful for all of you who participate in ministries of love and service through this place, from MORE Justice to Circle of Welcome, to our Sharing Garden and all of our ministries that feed others, to the writers of cards and our lay chaplains who sit with us when we are at our most vulnerable, to our funeral ministers. Since Easter, more than 1,500 unique individuals have come through our doors. To them all, we showed love, and they experienced a community that truly strives to love our neighbors as ourselves. The reach of St. Martin's is continually growing in this community because of you and your love. Thank you for being a blessing. Thank you for showing love.

In Christ,

Mitch