This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the Gospel this week we will read the words, "Just as you have done to the least of these, you have done to me." In our Tuesday staff meeting and Bible study it occurred to me that living in community means sometimes we are the caregivers, and other times we are the least of these. Later that day, as I sat in the surgery waiting area of Lexington Hospital it occurred to me that sometimes we are the agents of Christ's healing, and sometimes we are the ones who need to be healed.

The line between healer and healed is surprisingly thin. One moment everything is fine, and then in the next an oven fire, a medical emergency, a car repair, or some other unexpected emergency puts us in a place of pain and need.

My friends, we come to church for much more than the worship of Christ. Yes, the worship of Christ is our primary purpose, but being the church means taking extra steps. When we come to worship, greet each other at the peace, and have a cup of coffee together we leave ourselves open to serving each other. Showing up to worship is only part of the story. Showing up for your friends and church family leaves you open to being both healer and healed. Community is formed by people coming together in a spirit of holiness and service to our Lord and each other.

This week we celebrate St. Martin's Day. We will have a guest preacher Rev. Mark Lee, Dean of the US Army Chaplain Corps, at the 8 a.m. and 10: 30 a.m. services. Come hear about the work Colonel Lee does. At our 5 p.m. service our worship band is playing, and after that, starting at 6 p.m., come to our St. Martin's Day feast. Bring a side, BBQ Pork will be provided.

Happy All Souls and All Saints.

In Christ,

Mitch