This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope and pray that you are well. I have many thank yous to offer. First, thank you to everyone who has helped with disaster relief. Folks from St. Martin's have helped to clear 17 trees. That's a lot for volunteers! Thank you!

I want to thank everyone for their prayers for my family in Florida. Your text messages and emails both yesterday and today have filled my heart. Let us continue to pray for the many who continue to be affected by these terrible storms. I ask for your special intentions for Jose Cotto from our parish. Jose is serving others through his role in the US Army while living in a home with no power in North Augusta.

Tomorrow our disaster relief team is headed to the Church of the Incarnation in Gaffney to help them clean up their grounds. It's a small worshiping community and we are glad to be of service. All are welcome to come and help. Join the Disaster Relief Ministries in the St. Martin's App for more details.

Finally, thank you to all who have pledged! Your pledges and gifts help ministries, like St. Martin's disaster response. Thank you!

I also want to take a moment to highlight an upcoming event. The St. Martin's Women's Retreat still has room. For those of you who have never participated in a retreat weekend, I promise you, this is not something you want to miss. Taking time to intentionally pray, replenish your soul, and connect with others is never a bad thing. One of my favorite blessings is the Pilgrim's Blessing: "Life is short and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us, so be swift to love, make haste to be kind, and always show mercy, and carry with you the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."

For me, this blessing is a reminder that life is a journey. Spiritual retreats offer bread for that journey and companionship along the way. Have you just sent a child to college? Are you getting ready to retire? Are there transitions happening in your life? Amid these transitions are you praying about your next steps? If so, the women's retreat may be for you. The weekend has been thoughtfully and professionally designed, and it promises to be a great opportunity.

Contact Caitlyn for more details. At the least the weekend promises to be one of refreshment, at the most it may be a great opportunity for connection with both God and your fellow pilgrims on the way.

In Christ,

Mitch