This week from Mitch
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Last Sunday’s worship was absolutely uplifting! The attendance at the 8 a.m. service combined with the 95 devices that watched the “majority” of our YouTube service and the amazing turnout for the 6 p.m. service lifted the hearts of the worship team. All in all, we easily equaled our average Sunday attendance from pre-COVID times. It felt good to have a live singer, live music, and so many partners in prayer. This Sunday, on Oct. 11, I pray that this attendance continues. The evening and morning weather is beautiful. Please help us use the window that we have as best we can.
Our church is working within the diocesan guidelines to provide the best worship experience we can. We are also working hard to do old ministries in creative and new ways. The church recently purchased fire pits and outside propane restaurant heaters. This past Sunday we held our first youth group spread out on The Point, sitting next to mini bonfires. One of our seniors, Jameson Welch, is researching Christian depictions of faith and the church and how it has changed in film over the last 20 years. He’s been invited to pick a movie for a drive-in movie on The Point! English is joining a Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes webinar this week on singing in the age of COVID. Pam Hair is looking into children’s choir and Caitlyn is planning a physically distanced Trunk or Treat! And the evening 6 p.m. prayer services on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are still happening. The prayers are a great way to end your day.
We can do ministry AND be safe. We are working hard at following both our diocesan guidelines and our own creativity to make ministry happen. With this being said, please continue to both pray for our church and take part in what we are able to offer. Please also let us know if you have an idea. We may say, “No, that’s not allowed,” but an idea is an idea and everything should get a look. The Church has survived the plague, the Spanish flu, war, persecution, and countless attacks. It will survive COVID. Our goal at St. Martin’s, however, is not to survive, but to thrive.
In Christ,
Mitch+
