Dear St. Michael's Family,

We have settled deep into the long, green season of Ordinary Time in our Church Calendar. Far from being "mundane," this season is primarily about growth. It walks us faithfully through the earthly life and ministry of Jesus, reminding us how the grand narrative of Scripture continues to unfold within the ordinary rhythms of our own lives.

This week, the story of grace continues with a joyous celebration of baptism at our 10:15 service. Baptism roots us deeply in our truest identity in Christ. As the author Brennan Manning powerfully reminds us and I shared in this past Sunday's sermon: "Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion." Regardless of our shortcomings or our daily struggles—much like the Apostle Paul’s honest, exhausting wrestling with human nature in our reading from Romans 7—what identifies us first and foremost is that we are God's Beloved.

Knowing this identity, how then shall we live? Jesus offers us a gentle rhythm in Matthew 11: "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Living out our daily, weekly, and monthly response to the One who gave so much can take many beautiful forms:

• Spending time in intentional silence with God, just noticing His presence.
• Taking a walk with a friend
• Responding to someone in need or sitting with someone in grief.
• Naming your own reality and taking the brave first step in surrendering to a life of recovery, or simply accepting help.
• Serving with and within our St. Michael's family.
• Truly unplugging for the first time in a long time to hear the loving voice of God within us and investing in family and friends in tangible ways.

All of these are ways we respond to the incarnational presence of Christ, ultimately becoming that very presence in the world.

As we prepare to hear Zechariah’s invitation to live as "prisoners of hope" (Zechariah 9) and the comforting reminder that the Lord is gracious, merciful, and "upholds all who are falling" (Psalm 145), I invite you to join us this Sunday. Come witness the beauty of baptism, and in doing so, remember your own—remembering exactly who, and whose, you are.



How is this summer treating you? How are you, really? What might the invitation be for you in this Ordinary Time?

In Christ’s Love,

ST. MICHAEL'S PRAYER LIST

Those who have commended themselves to our prayers:

Alan, Amy, Bill L., Colon Family, Doriana, Ellen, Eloise, Emmanuel, Galbraith Family, Jackie, Jackson, Jeff G., Jett, Joan R., Julia L., Justin, Linda, Lisa L., Kathy J., Marcia C., Master Nguyen, Margaret, Matt F., Melinda M., Muriel M., Robby, Roger J., Ron N., Savannah, Scott S., Sharon, Shelley (Warren), Stephen, Steve C., Steve (Jackie), Susan M., Tara, Thai, 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, 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., Ben V., Bradley H., Chad S., Christopher E., Gloria, Hank H., Hope H., Jonah H., Kenneth K., Matt F., Nick R., Will M., Stuart R.

Birthdays:

2: Mark Johnson, 3: Stephen Olivier, Connell Clark, 4: Chad Hutyra, Christine Gay, Caleb Boyd, 5: Kate Wollam, Randy Fiebrandt, Jackson Brownlee, 6: Trudi Bissinger, David Evans, 8: Keith Kasen

Anniversaries:

6: Jon and Niki Nash

Rest in Peace: Robert Mosher, cousin of Wayne Mosher

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