This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope this email finds you well. This week's opening prayer (our collect of the day) reads, "Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us and that we might be continually given to good works." As far as the church year goes, it's a pretty simple opening prayer—shorter than most—but it's always been one of my favorites. I have always found comfort in the idea that I can both follow God's grace and be pushed by it. I have also found that when I am supported forward and back by God's grace, I naturally fall into a pattern of doing "good works." On the other hand, when I am out of line with God's call to the world, my behavior reflects it, and not in good ways. Being centered in grace through prayer and worship helps us each to live lives of love and kindness. For these things I give thanks.

We have a lot on our horizon; the foyer group sign-up is ending. If you want to be part of one, please sign up now. I have a meeting today about this summer's adult pilgrimage to Greece. Informational sessions about it will start soon, and as we are now firmly settling into the fall, I encourage you to mark your calendars for Trunk-or-Treat, our annual St. Martin's Day celebration, and our Kanuga family weekend. September and October at our church seem to fly by, but in a good, fun way. St. Martin's is active, healthy, and on the move, and for that I am grateful.

Peace,

Mitch