This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Summers in Columbia, South Carolina, truly are famously hot! Just walking the campus today, I began to sweat and thought to myself, “It’s going to be muggy.” I can see why so many people take time each summer to head to the coolness of the mountains or the waters of our coastlines. They are lovely places to escape to! 

That being said, did you know that summertime is statistically when St. Martin’s gets the most new visitors? While our average Sunday attendance decreases during the summer travel season, we receive more visitors each Sunday than at any other point in the year. When you think about it, it makes sense. Families have less pressure without the responsibilities of school, and being in a university town like we are, the pace of our city slows just a bit, which frees folks up on the weekends.

I am sharing this because when you are in town, I hope and pray you will consider coming to church, and when you do, I encourage you to keep your eyes open for newcomers. Believe it or not, while Caitlyn, Dianna, and I can see a lot from the front of the church, we can’t see everything. We also can’t exactly greet everyone during the peace, but you can! As we move into this new season, I want to take a moment to encourage you to introduce yourself to new folks when you are at church. I can announce from the front of the church that all are welcome, but you are the ones who can truly show it with your love and hospitality.

In Christ,

Mitch