This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I want to start this week by thanking vestry member Kate Gellatly. Kate's coworker, a Ukrainian, has direct contacts with a ministry that is helping children escape the ravages of war. In just a few days, St. Martin's was able to organize a clothing drive, and by Saturday, the clothes we have gathered will be on their way to help children in need.

The heart of our church is worshiping the Lord our God and serving in Christ's name. It is a wonderful and special thing when our church is able to serve in meaningful and important ways. Kate, thank you for your leadership on this. Friends, you have until tomorrow (Friday) at 4 p.m. to bring new or gently used clothes for children ages 0 to 15 years old, spring jackets, and/or new sheets and blankets. There is a firm deadline on this as a plane is leaving from Atlanta on Saturday morning and our donations need to be on it. If you can help, please do so. And, again, please understand that the deadline is firm.

Secondly, I want to thank our preschool director Bobbie Lindley and her amazing advisory board. I am pleased to inform you all that the preschool is breaking even, and we are now a fully licensed school! The work to make this happen in what has really been a short time has been incredible. Their dedication to creating a top-tier preschool that is affordable for working families is paying off and I am grateful.

As Lent continues, I find myself filled with joy and gratitude for the many people who work and volunteer at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields. Sometimes life feels busy and crazy, and, yet, in the midst of the crazy, I can't help but think that the Holy Spirit is present. A clothing drive that fills a room in just three days? A fully licensed preschool in just six and half months? It's remarkable and good. Thank you all for what you do.

In Christ,

Mitch+