This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope and pray that you are well! I want to begin by saying thank you for all of the birthday wishes. I was not expecting Nicholas to call out from the balcony last Sunday, but it was fun, and I am grateful. I also want to say thank you for your support of our Circle of Welcome program. Our fundraiser has received money from all over the country, from New Mexico to Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Iowa, and many places in between. Thank you! One of the things that drew me to St. Martin's when I first interviewed was St. Martin's desire to say yes when it comes to ministry. Even when we are unsure how to accomplish something, we say yes and work to figure it out. This "can-do" attitude is a part of our DNA. 

At the beginning of every Finance Committee meeting and at the beginning of every Missions Committee meeting, we ask the same question: Where have you seen God alive and at work in our community through the ministry of St. Martin's? Over the past two months, my list has been quite long. I have seen God at work in our ministries of hospitality and in our care of the grieving. I have seen God at work in the dozens of parishioners who have supported a family after a house fire. I have seen God at work in Caitlyn and other members of our parish, who spoke out against an action seeking to end the City of Columbia's conversion therapy ban. I have seen God at work in our Sharing Garden ministry and in the 50 Days of Easter Joy Harvest Hope collections. I have seen God at work in the adults preparing for our Ecuador mission trip and the support for Circle of Welcome. I have seen God at work in our Lay Chaplains and our Parish Nurse, in our youth and our seniors. I have seen God at work in all these places and so much more! 

God is good, and for St. Martin's, it is a blessing to be a blessing! You all are an amazing community of faith, and I am grateful for you.

In Christ,

Mitch