This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope and pray that you are well. I want to begin my e-messenger with a BIG thank you! Thank you to everyone for participating so fully in our Lenten journey. From our Friday night fish fries to excellent attendance at worship, organ recitals, and full Sunday school classes, St. Martin's has been buzzing with life. Last night at 7:45 PM, I swung by the church to grab a few things. I ended up smiling ear to ear as I approached our campus. Everything was lit up. The gym was packed with basketball players, our choir was rehearsing, a person was playing the organ, the community house was full, and a couple of wonderful folks were picking weeds in the garden as the light began to fade. As I walked around the church last night, I said a prayer of thanksgiving. I thanked God for you.

As we approach Holy Week, I want to take some time to highlight some of our important traditions. The first tradition is how we at St. Martin's observe Maundy Thursday. Our evening on Maundy Thursday begins at 6 PM. We gather for an Agape Meal of simple meats, wines, cheeses, and fruits. We say prayers of thanksgiving for each. An Agape Meal is a feast of love and community. We set the table as large as possible so that everyone can sit together. Following this meal, at 7 PM or so, we begin our church service. During that service, we wash one another's feet, and the Altar Guild strips the altar. It is a beautiful service that invites us to contemplate the Last Supper, Jesus' betrayal, and trial. 

We end this service in silence, and like the disciples, some of us will make our way to one of two places. The first place is back to the kitchen to clean up from our dinner, reflecting on the story we were just a part of. The second place some will go is the Chapel, which will be transformed (with your help) into a garden. In the garden, you will be asked, just as Jesus asked his disciples, to stay awake and keep watch. From the end of the Maundy Thursday service until our Good Friday service, we hold a prayer vigil, remembering Jesus' words, "Keep awake." I invite you to sign up and participate. 

This year, one of our central points throughout Lent has been "community." The fish fries are fun meals, but at their core, they are about community. My dream is that the theme of community will be lovingly held through Holy Week. With this in mind, I invite you to see the announcement from Shari Hutchinson about the Chapel "garden." We want to transform the Chapel into the Garden of Gethsemane, a space filled with lush plants and vibrant life. If you would like to contribute, please see Shari. The more help, the merrier. All are welcome!

In Christ,

Mitch