This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Yesterday I had a long conversation with our Bishop. We spoke about the health of St. Martin's, the growth we've experienced and sustained, and the excitement we as a parish have for tomorrow. We are one of the only Episcopal churches in the state to not only return to pre-pandemic numbers, but also surpass them. I think this is a testament to all of you; you are the ones who invite your friends to church, you are the ones who talk about us in and around the city, and you are the ones who consistently welcome people into our midst. You are the ones who serve in Christ's name. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, "The church is the church only when it exists for others, not dominating, but helping and serving." The catch is that when we help and serve, we grow. People want to be of service, and for that I am grateful.

We have some very full weekends ahead of us! This Sunday, we will confirm and receive 16 people into the Church as part of the Bishop's annual visit. At Sunday School, we will have two options. In the Garden Room, the Bishop will host a forum for our confirmands and their families, as well as anyone else who would like to attend. Our youth have prepared questions for the Bishop. I look forward to hearing them and his answers.

In All Saints Hall, at the same time, our adult mission trip folks have a presentation about their trip to Ecuador. If you've ever wanted to go on a mission trip, are curious about what they entail, or if you want to learn about what your friends did this summer, this is for you. 

Next week, we will participate in the "SC Famously Hot Pride." We need folks for Friday night and also to staff our booth on Saturday. We also need volunteers for Sunday evening, as we have been asked to host an ecumenical service and potluck for over a dozen churches in the Columbia area. If you are available, please sign up here.

It's going to be a busy couple of weeks, but that's a good thing. Hundreds of people will be on our campus, making it an excellent opportunity to show people who we are. It is a great opportunity to show people that "All are welcome." 

Peace,

Mitch