What a turn out we had for Kick off Sunday! The feeling of renewal was abundant. I was so proud of the Sunday school children and parents. It felt so good to have all our teachers back and to welcome Brant Deichmann as our newest teacher for our Level 1 classroom. He merged the youngest kids from running and playing in the undercroft into a controlled meaningful circle story time within the classroom. His organic natural method to immediately gain the children’s attention didn’t go unnoticed. We had a large group with 25 in total attendance. I hope we can grow even more in the next year.

When Jesse says we have a lot to coordinate with timing to enter church he is right. We also are in constant contact with the ushers who are so helpful about timing. Between potty breaks, stopping the kids who are having fun with friends and crafts, then moving them all safely up the stairs, sometimes we are delayed. The goal is to enter in a procession at the start of the Doxology. This may be before, during or after as in Sundays case. Thank you for your understanding. I think they did pretty good for the first Sunday and will get even better. The good news is we will eventually be there!!!

Doxology meaning is an expression of praise to God. “Praise God from whom all blessing flow”. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not

hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’ “

We discussed the meaning of the Doxology within the service and why we enter at that time. We wanted to teach the children so they understand how important they are to the people waiting to greet us. We are blessed with the gift of amazing families and children.

St. Michael’s is loaded with gifts from God. Most importantly, we received the gift of Father Jesse Perkins. His leadership qualities never seem to amaze me. His sermon topics related to the scriptures grab your attention until the very end. His preaching of his own spiritual journey, his humor, and particularly the message received draws us back for more. It is clear his messages share the gift of the Holy Spirit. I miss the sermon on Sundays so I am extremely grateful for our streaming and technical capabilities to listen afterwards. How many churches have been gifted with a Rector who can also wear the hat of the IT department? Just as our music Sunday received applauses, I would like to offer applauses to Fr. Jesse for navigating us before, now and always.

Surely, we all agree he is the reason we walk together in a heartbeat.