This Week from Mitch

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Growth shows itself in a lot of ways. On weekends like this past one, it shows itself in the work. A wedding, a mission project, and the hosting of a diocesan-wide meeting was a lot, and yet it was, all in all, quite doable.

Growth shows itself in other ways. New members in church, baptisms, weddings, the blessing of babies, and the crashing of toy cars that a child rams into the pew behind you. These are healthy and wonderful signs. 

These signs also come with a bit of a responsibility. Each of us is called on to be a voice of welcome and/or a smiling face of invitation. Being a loving and welcoming community requires the individuals of that community to be loving and welcoming. It requires us to see the folks around us as the honored guest at the eucharistic feast we are hosting. From this hosting, bonds of friendship and affection can and will grow.

Speaking of growth, this week is corn Sunday- For those who are new to the church, each year Chad and Shannon Poteat load up a pickup truck with fresh sweet corn from their family farm that they give away. It's always yummy and a fun time. Lemonade will be on the point. If you see someone you don't know, use the activities of getting corn and celebrating summer to introduce yourself. Use the opportunity to treat each other as the honored guest.

In Christ,

Mitch+