This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope and pray that you all are well! I also hope that you are enjoying summer. I know our family is. On a personal note, I want to thank everyone for the well wishes last weekend and your support as I raced in the Beaufort River 5K Swim/Run. The swim truly was one of the more challenging events I have done, but it was also a lot of fun. As donations continue to come in from around the country, I am pleased to report that next week we will deliver a check for over $41,000 to Lutheran Services' New Americans Program to support refugee ministries in the Carolinas. That check represents funds you all have given, combined with a Cloak & Sword grant from our St. Martin's Foundation. I am overwhelmed by your generosity. Thank you!!!

This Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost—the day when we commemorate the gift of the Holy Spirit. Scripture describes this gift as flaming tongues that lit upon the disciples. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth, that which empowers the church, you and I, to be ministers of God in all that we do. This year at St. Martin's, we will celebrate Pentecost with a beautiful worship service. Following the service, all will be invited into the courtyard to grab a SnoBall from Pelicans, and then, all who can stay are invited to help St. Martin's construct our new Sharing Garden greenhouse. This greenhouse, which was awarded to us through a grant, will enable our Sharing Garden ministry to provide fresh vegetables to folks all year long. Please join us as we wrap up our 50 Days of Joy Challenge with this amazing project.

In Christ,

Mitch