Dear Saint Paul's Family,

Wow, it was an incredibly fun and heartwarming Ironman Weekend at Saint Paul's and we built lots of community. We have received so many messages of appreciation for the delicious, homemade dinner and sweets, the church opening the doors to athletes and their families and friends on race morning, the volunteers greeting and caring for athletes dropping off their gear bags on race morning, and the spectators cheering on runners at our cheer station and sharing ice and popsicles with the hot and tired athletes. Most of all, the athletes and fans have expressed a deep gratitude for the love and hospitality that the extended by each person they encountered in our church. In the words of one athlete "your church is hands down the most gracious, kind, supportive, generous people in the world!" and another who expressed, "How about serving and loving the community! Loved it!"

Special thanks to our clergy and staff and the members of the Saint Paul's outreach committee for their hard work in planning and supporting this event and to the following parishioners who served as captains of our different Ironman events this year: Eric Friedman, Pasta Dinner Captain and Hospitality Morning Captain; George Barrett, Swim Gear Drop Captain; Susan Muir and Martha Scroggs, Set-Up Captains; and Emily and Chris Blanco, Cheer Station Captains.

My heartfelt thanks to each and every person who contributed to the success by cooking, setting up, baking, shopping, organizing bags at swim gear drop off, making coffee, refilling drinks, clearing tables, washing dishes, cleaning bathrooms, giving directions, cheering, offering ice and popsicles, making signs with words of encouragement, giving directions, offering a smile or kind word, etc.... This weekend was a success because this church and every parishioner was intentional about living out the commandment to love our neighbor. I am so proud to be a part of such a beautiful community.