A Message from Andrew

The advice of Gamaliel, a Pharisee and teacher of the law, to the Sanhedrin regarding the apostles. He urges them to leave the men alone, stating:

“So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!”  Acts 5:38 - 39

You’ve had an idea, a notion, an inkling, a thought, a sense that THIS is the thing to do, not THAT, an urging - weak/medium/strong - to move, to go in THIS direction, not THAT? Could it be the “still small voice” of God’s Holy Spirit? Apply the Gamaliel hypothesis:

“Andrew - listen up....”

1964 - Join Portsmouth Cathedral Choir?

1970 - Start putting those musical ideas down on paper?

1974 - Royal Holloway College? ....or another University?

1977 - Emigrate to the US? ....join the Royal Marine Band?

1978 - Go to Cursillo?

1980 - Leave Grace Church, go to St. Michael’s?

1983 - Start planning for the choir to go to the UK?

Continuing at St. Michael’s...

• Join a Kairos Team?
• Chamber Singers?
• Pay for Choral Scholars?
• Put a stage in Quigley?
• Time for a real pipe organ? ...a new Music Department Facility?
• A Concert Series?
• MORE trips to the UK? How about “in residence” at St. Paul’s?
• Create the National Choir of the Royal School of Church Music in America?

...and most recently:

• It’s time to leave now, use your gifts in other ways?

All of these points in my life, though I may not have known that the Holy Spirit was the moving, directing force (especially in my younger days), have led me to where I am today, the experiences I have had, the truly humbling experience of knowing that God has used me, and the gifts that He gave me for the furtherance of His Kingdom. The biggies of emigrating, the move to St. Michael’s, the National Choir, and beginning a new chapter as a freelance musician - for these, there was no doubt in my spirit, my heart, my mind, my soul that God was at work.

This is not to say that the journey has been anguish-free - whose life is, anyway? Many gut-wrenching and deeply distressing emotional times have been part of this Walk. But all of this, ALL of this has led me to a place where I strive 24/7/365 to have all my senses open, knowing that God WILL speak again, God IS leading me.

As we all begin a new chapter, as God continues to write with His hand the story of our lives, woven into the fabric of our hearts and minds - BE OPEN to that dream, that idea - pursue it! Because if God IS indeed behind it, who knows what mighty creation might be revealed because YOU listened!

So.....

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1

SOLI DEO GLORIA SEMPER,

Andrew Walker

St. Michael’s Director of Music Ministries

MUSIC DEPARTMENT:

THIS WEEK:

Sunday, 5-31-26

• 9:15 – Rehearsal
• 10:15 – SERVICE

Wednesday Rehearsals

• Will resume in August/September - TBD 

ST. MICHAEL'S PRAYER LIST

Those who have commended themselves to our prayers:

Alan, Amy, Bill L., Doriana, Ellen, Eloise, Emmanuel, Jean-Marie, Jackie, Jackson, Jett, Justin, Linda, Lisa L., Kathy J., Marcia C, Margaret, Melinda M., Muriel M., Robby, Roger J., Ron N., Savannah, Scott S., Sharon, Shelley (Warren), Steve C., Steve (Jackie), Susan M., Tara, Tim, Wayne

Long-Term Prayer List:

Angela, Alex, Alexa C., Alyssa R., Andrew, Angie, Ashley T., Becca, Benny W., Betsy C., Beth, Beth P., Brigid, Brittney R., Bryan Family, Cannon, Carla, Carolyn, Caryl, Charlie B., Chris M., Chris P., Claire B., Colton, Connor R., Curt. R., Cynthia L., Darrell, David B., Deirdre E., Ella, Elijah, Emma, Emily, Eugenia, Felicia, Gary B., Gary M., George T., Gary M., Gylla, Henry R., Isabella, Jacob B., Jan, Janina G., Jason, Jeffrey, Joyce B., JoAnn O., Joseph T., Jimmie, Joe, Joe H., Joey K., John M., Justin, Karen H., Karen M., Kathy G., Kristel, Kris R., Kyle, Lavelle B., Linda, Linda A., Lisa L., Linda T., Lisa, Lola, Lucille, Macauly D., Marci A., Margie S., Mary Lu, Matt P., Megan and son, Melissa, Martin, Nathan W., Oliver, Paul, Paul T., Paula, Pauline, Phil, Rebecca, Robin, Ryan, Sally C., Sam, Sarah, Shaun B., Sonia, Stephanie G., Steve, Susana C., Susan A., Tim, Tracy, Tripp, Victor, Will, William, Wilson F.

Those serving in the armed forces and in harm’s way:

Aaron D., Bradley H., Carolyn H., Chad S., Christopher E., Gloria, Hank H., Hope H., Jonah H., Kenneth K., Ben V., Nick R., Will M., Stuart R.

Birthdays:

28: Emily Fuller, 29: Teri Uebele, Raechel Henderson, 1: Benny Favazza, John Frederick, Ella Willerer, 3: Renee Blanton; Sebastian Bennett

Anniversaries:

1: Steven and Stephanie Cox, 2: Tom and Tina Harbert

A Gentle Reminder About the Prayer List

If you or your loved one has experienced healing and no longer needs to be on the prayer list, we ask that you let us know. It is a joy to give thanks to God for the blessings of restored health and life, and your update helps us make room to lift others in prayer who are in need of support from the St. Michael’s community.

To place someone on the prayer list, please get in touch with Ashleigh in the parish office at ashleigh@stmichaelschurch.com

CLERGY AND MINISTERIAL STAFF

The Rev. Rick Luoni, Rector

The Rev. Greg Favazza, Assisting Priest

Andrew J. Walker, Director of Music

Ella Eagen, Assistant Director of Music

Mike Robertson, Director of Outreach

Tiffany Stieger, Director of Children’s Ministry

Melanie Olivier, Director of Preschool

Mark T. Cole, Director of Youth Ministries