St. Mike's, Organ Scholar, and upcoming Cam - Rector's Rambling for July 13, 2025

     I am most grateful to have had a wonderful week at the St. Michael’s Conference for Youth.  Once again the Lord has been glorified in worship, the confreres instructed and encouraged, and a good time had by all.  And you have this morning a rector who is both renewed and pretty tired from the long days that the staff spends making sure the Conference runs to His greater honor and glory. Year 27 on staff at this Midwest version of the Conference is in the books, and already I am looking forward to next year’s gathering.

Today we say farewell to Grace Jackson as our Edwards Organ Scholar.  She has completed her two years with us, and her course work for her PhD at the University of Michigan, and she is now moving on to St. John the Divine in Houston, Texas, having been awarded the Anglican Association of Musicians Gerre Hancock Internship.  Not only will we miss her fine skills at the organ and with the choir, but also her glowing joyful presence among us.  Be sure to join us downstairs at coffee hour for a reception in Grace’s honor.

Next Sunday we have a special celebrant and preacher at the 10 AM Service at St. John’s - Fr. Cam Walker.  Although he has preached here many times, this will be the first time since his being ordained a priest that he will celebrate the Holy Communion.  We look forward to having him with us. 

Our weekday Service Schedule Monday through Wednesday resumes after my week at. St. Michael’s Conference. 

On Thursday, however, I will be in Ypsilanti to compete in the USRowing Masters National Championship Regatta.  After 33 years off from rowing I resumed the sport in 2020, and have raced once or twice a year in the fall in what are called Head Races - 4 or 5 kilometer races with a staggered start where you try to catch the boats in front of you, and hold off the ones starting behind you. 

Until this week, I have avoided the spring/summer sprint racing season where we line up side by side and race in a furious sprint 1 kilometer to the finish line. But with the National Championship regatta happening 40 minutes away from here, I gave in and registered. I am just hoping not to embarrass myself too badly.  My son Andrew is racing as well.  Wish us luck!