E-Messenger July 23, 2020

 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This week we get the parable of the mustard seed in our readings. Something small that grows into something great. As many of you know, my wife Denise is a teacher. This summer I have watched as she has worked incredibly hard creating opportunities for learning so that whether school is virtual or in-person, she will be ready. I know she is not alone in this work. All teachers have had to do this. I want to take some time to thank all the teachers in our lives who have planted seeds of learning, mustard seeds that grew and helped to form us into the people we are today. 

As a church one of the greatest things we can do right now is support our teachers, parents, and students. They are all juggling A LOT, and each person is juggling it differently. In times like this, prayers of support, notes of love, positive text messages, and simple encouragement are needed more than ever. Do you know a teacher in your life who is working hard? Send him or her a note of support. Do you know parents struggling with trying to do the right thing for their child when they are not sure of what the "right" thing is? Let them know you are praying for them! Do you know a student who is dealing with his or her favorite activities being canceled, or an athlete who is longing to compete? Let them know you care and that you see the effort/work. In doing these things, perhaps you will help plant a mustard seed of love.

God's love for us is one of unconditional support. In a time period like right now, when one person's right answer may be another person's wrong, the seeds of support, strength, love, cooperation, and faith are needed more than ever. 

In Christ,

Mitch+

Then join us after church

 for a Zoom coffee hour!

This is a great way to catch up with one another. You will need Zoom on your device to join. If you do not have Zoom, when you click HERE , you'll be invited to download Zoom and join the meeting.

Once you are in Zoom, you will need the following to join the meeting:

Meeting ID: 924 4926 0578

Password: onthepoint

If you want to join by dialing in, call   253.215.8782

Meeting ID: 924 4926 0578

Password: 236317

The Great EpisGOpal Race

has begun!

The race is on. You can sign up to take part through July 31. Log your miles for the Great EpisGopal Race that supports COVID relief efforts provided by the United Thank Offering, and remember, you do not have to do all your walking, running, etc., in one day. You can log miles over a period of days.

Click the first button below to register with the St. Martin's team. You will be prompted to create an account with UTO and then join the St. Martin's team. The password to join our team is smiffy .

Click the second button below simply to make a contribution on behalf of Team SMIF. Questions? Contact Caitlyn .

Please share a letter of encouragement

for immigrants in detention

Through El Refugio, St. Martin's has begun ministries of remembering and walking alongside people in immigration detention. This winter, we sent our first group of "missionaries" to make visits with people in detention, listening to their stories and letting them know they are not alone or forgotten. Since the pandemic, we have been conducting ministries of relationship through letter writing. Our friends in immigration detention are discouraged, fearful, and anxious during this pandemic. While some have been released on asylum, or had their deportation orders cancelled during this time, others have died from the COVID-19 virus while in detention.

For those who remain imprisoned, notes of hello and encouragement are a very important piece of love and charity that we can show them. Pictures drawn by children are also encouraged!

Here are important details about this effort:

Dear St. Martin's Family,

Many of you are aware that I’ve been planning to make a move to be with my parents in Summerville. Well, the time has come. I’ve recently accepted a new position there, and have sold my home here in Columbia. As of July 29, I will be a resident of Summerville. I had hoped to be able to say this to you face-to-face, and give you big hugs, but COVID had other plans.

I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for welcoming me to Columbia. I came here not knowing a single soul, and the day I walked into St. Martin's, I was welcomed with open arms and immediately made to feel that I had found not just a church, but a family. So many of you have welcomed me into your homes and your own families, especially when I couldn’t travel to be with my own. You’ve responded when I needed a hand with fixing things around the house, fed me when I needed nourishment (body and soul), and taught me lessons that I’ll never forget. I honestly don’t know if I would have made it here without you. Know that I travel down to the Lowcountry taking each and every one of you with me, and I’ll be back to visit as often as I can. Please keep in touch. I love you all.

Sher Baechtold

This app puts the church directory at your fingertips!

The easiest and fastest way to have an up-to-date parish directory is by downloading the ChurchLife app onto your phone. Follow these instructions to get started. You will be so glad you did this! We promise.

Log in info: Site # 90036 

Username and password are same as your church website log in. You will only have to input this info once. If you haven't created a login, follow the steps with the login button on the homepage of the church website . 

Don't remember your log in? Contact [email protected] .

You can also use the church website

Click the button below for step-by-step instructions on how to access directories via our website.

Follow St. Martin's on  Facebook   (St. Martin's-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church) throughout the week for parish news.  LIKE  the page for us, and  SHARE  posts with friends and family.

Follow St. Martin's on Instagram at @smifsc, where we post: