This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope and pray that you are well. This week's e-Messenger is a bit different, as it is more of an update than a reflection. Yesterday I got to speak to Lydia and saw a few pictures from Alex. Our youth are doing well in Greece. Yesterday, they visited an Orthodox monastery. Today, they are making their way to Athens. I want to thank everyone who has helped make this trip happen. To send this many youth on such a big journey is no small feat. Your help has been a blessing.

On Monday, as our youth fly home, our adult pilgrimage to Greece will begin. Twenty-six more of us will be heading across the Atlantic to walk in the footsteps of Paul. I have never been to Greece and am looking forward to the experience. This means next week's e-Messenger will probably be a lot of pictures, as I do not plan to take my computer with me. Again, to all who have participated and helped make this trip happen, thank you!

This week, I am pleased to say that the Rev. Susan Prinz will celebrate the 10:30 AM service. At all three services, our seminarian, the Rev. Deacon Adam Steele, will be preaching. Susan will also, at the peace, offer a sending blessing to our pilgrims. More than 50 people aged 15 to 80 are participating in both of this year's pilgrimages. I think this number shows two things: first, how much St. Martin's has grown and continues to grow, and second, that there is a desire to travel, but not just for travel's sake. There is a desire to learn and experience the lands of the Bible firsthand. This is exciting, and as long as there is a desire, we will continue to offer similar experiences. Next year, we will travel back to Ecuador to participate in the work of Education Equals Hope. It's an exciting time to be a part of St. Martin's.

Peace,

Mitch