This Week from Mitch
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
"For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." If I were to describe the first half of 2023 as a season, one of the things I would say is that St. Martin's has experienced a season of renewal following a long season of deferred maintenance. From our new roof over the parish hall to restored instruments, to new and repaired fridges, to handicapped accessible walkways around each building, repaired HVAC units, and newly painted spaces, we have seen a lot of work done. The buildings that we call St. Martin's have been used hard. The grounds as well. This is a good thing. We are a church with a legacy of always welcoming people onto campus to do the work of the Kingdom of God. In truth, it's fun, it's holy, and it keeps us busy. "Time" and "busyness" stress facilities. Sidewalks that were once navigable become cracked, and tree roots expand and push things around. Summer heat and winter cold all play their part. I am proud of how St. Martin's has accomplished construction without compromising our work in the community. This has happened because of your amazing generosity. Your giving of time, talent, and treasure has made this uncompromising work possible.
In 2023 we will embark on two more projects, and then I pray, a break. For years shifting grounds, erosion, water runoff from Clemson Road, heat, cold, lawnmowers, weed eaters, and sun damage have taken their toll on our exterior stained glass windows and memorial gardens. Some of our headstones are damaged, and most sit unevenly. Our stained glass windows have become discolored, paint has chipped away, and years of hot and cold have caused bindings to become loose. Starting at the end of July, work will begin to solve these issues and restore the beauty of these spaces. For the next two weeks, I will be holding space between services to answer any questions you may have.
Most importantly, I want everyone to know that this work will be done with my utmost reverence, respect, and care. How we care for our loved ones matters. How we remember our past matters. How we care for the space entrusted to us is morally important. For some who have been saying we need to fix these issues for years, this news I know will be welcomed. For others, I know this work will cause anxiety and stir up grief. I hope if you are this person you will give me a call or come sit down. I want you to know that I care. This week I looked at our church records. I have officiated or served in 59 funerals since being at St. Martin's. I promise that the Memorial Garden Committee, our St. Martin's staff, Caitlyn, and myself will treat this work with the same love and care we have treated each burial service. The standard for that care is simple. Since becoming a priest, I have tried my best to treat every funeral I have done like I was doing a service for my own family. The work in and around the memorial gardens will be done with the same respect, dignity, and love.
In Christ,
Mitch+
