“Discipleship” and “Carrying the Cross” could be translated into a call to go to church, support the various ministries of the parish like Sunday school, youth and family ministry, donate to good causes, and annoy other people by being aggressively religious. When these words were spoken and performed, they were not metaphors even for radical discipleship.

In this age, I think of discipleship as dedicating ourselves and strengthening what is now present in our own congregation.

What does it mean to you to be supporting our children and young people? Can you think of a time when the choice was not easy? Can you recall a time when you have fully devoted your life to the work of the church? How do you find yourself thinking about that today?

You and I are charged with doing precisely what Jesus calls us to today as we seek to follow him. It all costs. All of it. The choices may never be simple and easy. Even so, those choices are ours to make. Day after day we seek to cast our hope on the side of Jesus. This gives us the ability to make a positive difference in our family, workplaces and inside our own parish life.

What difference does a member of St. Michael’s community — perhaps even members of your family make in terms of how you choose? As I indicated above, it could make all the positive difference to us. That is through an active participation and complete engagement in our life as a faith community.

It is the start of another program year. What are you able to offer wholeheartedly and carry the cross together with the rest of the members of St. Michael’s congregation?  Whatever the cost.                                                       Fr. Louie

Rector’s Corner

Sunday School: We are re-starting our Sunday School for Children, 6 to 10 yrs. old, next week. Corri Kaweski has been coordinating this program for many years now. Our hope is to have at least three teachers who will be teaching three consecutive Sundays.

We also invite members of the parish to a one-time three-week volunteer teacher for the year. This would be a part of your stewardship of time, talent and treasure. Talk to Corri for details.

A curriculum will be provided to all teachers. If you are offering yourself to this program, you will be given a login access to the online curriculum.

We hope to continue growing our Sunday School program. It is one of our tools to develop our congregation.

Church Band: The Church band would also start practicing soon for the upcoming visitation of our Bishop Melissa Skelton. Shelley Novak has been coordinating this ministry for St. Michael’s. We also call on members of our parish to share your talent for the music ministry. The band usually plays on the last Sunday of each month.

For more details and information about all these activities, you can contact me anytime. All our church programs are free of charge. You are encouraged to spread the word to your friends and family. We are also open to your suggestions.

I would like to end with this quotation: “Differences are not intended to separate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realize our need of one another.” – Desmond Tutu.