This Week from Mitch

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I hope and pray that you and your loved ones are well. I am currently in my office listening to a Jimmy Buffett album as I contemplate our campus construction projects, our Parish Hall roof, a welcome dinner for new members, my children's high school homecoming, Sunday worship, and, of course, Hurricane Ian. Trying to reason with a hurricane season can be hard.

I want to start by saying, "thank you." Thank you to all of the people who have pledged to the church for our stewardship season. So far we are at 55 pledges. Our goal is 250. We are well on our way. If you have not pledged, please send your pledge card in. As I have said many times, the health of St. Martin's happens because so many of us participate in all of the ministries of our church, including the ministry of giving. Together we accomplish a lot.

Next, I want to thank everyone for their prayers. I have received numerous texts and calls asking about my family in Florida. Thank you. My family is all safe; my parents have had 12 inches of rain so far, but are doing fine. The worst of the storm has now passed them. My father, along with his church, Holy Cross in Sanford, FL, is going to look for places where we might be able to serve with our disaster relief trailer. I took one of the chainsaws from the trailer to be serviced today. If you are interested in disaster relief ministry, please be ready for announcements. Also, as we track Ian, we may also see some single-day opportunities to serve close to home. We are in a waiting stage.

And last but not least, I want to thank the many people who have volunteered to help watch the church as the rain picks up. Saturday morning at 10 a.m., some folks will be meeting here to do whatever cleanup we will need to do. Mostly, I anticipate needing to empty the pools in the gym and mopping.

Finally, in regards to the new members/welcome dinner that is scheduled for tomorrow night (Friday), we will watch the weather tomorrow morning and make the call about whether or not we cancel at around noon. If we cancel, we will email all the participants and send out a text around noon.

Growing up around the water, I have learned a lot about hurricanes. From hurricanes in the Pacific to hurricanes along the Gulf, I have learned to respect them. I have also learned that when the storm has passed, we should look for the helpers. We look for them because in their hands and feet, in their effort for their neighbor, we see the work of Christ. Today, I give thanks for all of you and I give thanks for the helpers.

In Christ,

Mitch+