United Methodist Church Has Shown Gracious Hospitality
To the Editor:

Our town of St. Ignace has many loving families and caring people. Since my arrival here last July, I have also learned with delight how well the local churches work together. Case in point: For the past three months, while the interior of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church has been torn up for renovation, the United Methodist Church of St. Ignace has graciously opened its doors and welcomed us to have Mass in their place of worship. Many people are aware of the major work going on at the Catholic church; I would also like everyone to know of the outstanding hospitality of the Methodist congregation!

Reverend James Balfour, pastor, and the members of the United Methodist Church of St. Ignace became our hosts and our "home away from home" September 8. Each weekend since, our Catholic Masses have been at the Methodist church at 5 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Our weddings, funerals, and Holyday Masses have also all been at the Methodist Church. Pastor Jim, quietly and always with a smile, made wonderful accommodations for us. "Here, use this room for your sacristy." "Lets move the altar a bit." "Here's how to adjust the sound system." And from the very first, he voluntarily posted our parish name and Mass times as top billing on the marquee in front of the Methodist Church, announcing our presence to all who pass by. This was a classy and welcoming touch.

As a new pastor and new member of the St. Ignace community, I have felt a great welcome from the St. Ignatius parishioners; and the Methodist congregation, as ambassador of the whole community, has exemplified what it means to be a St. Ignace saint. It is with heartfelt joy that I try to express the gratitude and appreciation of the St.Ignatius parish to Pastor Balfour and his congregation. This hospitality has made the craziness of being out of our place of worship a much easier situation. It is always important to build relationships of strong community, and the Methodists have done this in a most beautiful way. All of the members of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish and I are extremely grateful for the blessings and support we have received.

Fr. Allen P. Mott Pastor, St. Ignatius Loyola Parish