This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope and pray that you are well! I also hope and pray that the students and teachers in your life are also doing well. Your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews all need your prayers, encouragement, and support. Give them a call. Send them a note or a present. Build them up.

Today Caitlyn and I had the opportunity to be a part of blessing the new chapel at Heathwood Hall. We also went outside and for the first time in my ministry, I participated in blessing a new altar. From St. Paul's by-the-Lake and St. David's in Chicago, to Trinity Episcopal Parish in Waterloo, Iowa, to Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, to here, every altar I have ever served at has been older than me. I have never seen a new one be blessed...it was special. It has also caused me to reflect.

It is no secret that the "church" in America, from Episcopalian to Baptist, has of late been getting smaller. At the same time, the percentage of those who mark "other" or "none" on religious surveys has grown. While this trend has gone on for a while, the speed of decline has accelerated from 2019 on. Many churches as they decline become more and more focused on what they have and how to protect it. In some ways, this is just human nature. For instance one of the fastest-growing corporate sectors during times of recession is almost always the "security" business.

For people of the Gospel, the above approach gets it backward. We worship a God who promises to "reap where one did not sow." The Parable of the Talents tells us that when we invest in the love of God, we will see love returned. I look at the world today and I see an opportunity for unprecedented church growth. That growth depends on you.

I know a place of love, faithfulness, service, beautiful music, and powerful preaching. I know a place where members care for each other and lift each other up. I know a place that honors the gifts of God. It is a place of worship, welcome, and hospitality. I know this place as St. Martin's-in-the-Fields. I pray that you do as well. I encourage you to invite a friend to experience this holy fellowship. If we all were to bring one new family to church this year, I could, without a doubt promise you that I would need to see the blessing of a second altar soon, as our expansion would have been remarkable.

In Christ,

Mitch