This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope and pray that you are well. I have spent a good deal of time praying about today's service for Marie Askins. As you all know, Marie was the last living founding member of our parish. She taught Sunday School for years and was known for her beautiful butterfly pins, birthday phone calls, and notes. I remember my first Marie Askins birthday phone call and sadly I will always remember my last.

Marie joined St. Martin's after attending a meeting about starting a new church. She was eager to help and an energetic teaching figure. Her love of small children and welcoming them into church was a thing her friends all remember. Her love of children laid the foundation for what our ministries are today. With Marie's passing, I am reminded to give thanks for our past.

I give thanks for those members who gave of themselves to start St. Martin's, who grew this parish, and who helped mold it into the welcoming place that it is today. I am also reminded that it is our job to carry on this legacy. Our gifts of time, treasure, and talent help to keep the dream of a church named St. Martin's alive and thriving.

Marie and John Askins were among the first 100 or so folks who started this church. They built it, they cared for it, and they have left it to us. I am grateful for their generosity. I look forward to strengthening St. Martin's so that it is around for many more generations to come.

In Christ,

Mitch