St. Michael, Homecoming, and the Ombudsman - Rector's Rambling for October 4, 2015

One of my favorite Church Feast Days is Saint Michael and all Angels, which we celebrate today.  The readings, the hymns, and the theology of it is not only wonderful (and perhaps wondrous), but important for understanding God’s created order.  More about that in today’s sermon!

Another reason for my love of this feast day is that St. Michael is the patron for our summer Youth Conference.  The St. Michael’s Conference for Youth, lovingly referred to as “Anglican Boot Camp”, introduces our 12 to 20 year olds to the fullness of Anglican, Prayer Book, Catholic theology and worship.  St. Michael is a strong patron – a warrior for God.  Our opening hymn today is sung 4 times during the course of the conference, and it is amazing, after so many years, how it is absorbed into your very being.  Good hymns sung regularly will do that for you.

And of course, today is even better because it is our Homecoming Sunday!  Welcome to our many friends and visitors here today for the occasion.  We know that many folks consider St. John’s home, but live very far away or are involved in another local parish.  We are grateful for your participation in worship with us when you can, and hope that you will do so more often if possible.  And to our newcomers and visitors we extend a hearty WELCOME, and hope that you will come back again.  Traditional Anglican worship is beautiful, but can be a bit confusing at first.  Most of us have been there!  But in a few weeks of regular worship here it will become second nature.

Finally, we have the special occasion of honoring Durene Brown as she has completed her 10 year term as Ombudsman of the City of Detroit, and pray for her successor, Bruce Simpson, Jr., as he begins his term as advocate for the people of Detroit.  Durene is a member of our parish, and a member of the Vestry too, and we are grateful to Almighty God for the good work she has done in the past 10 years.