St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Big Rapids

06/07/2026

Dear Friends, here are the reminders from today's morning prayer service at St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Big Rapids MI. Isabel Kempton was the officiant this morning.

Preparing a life service can be a challenging and complex process. However, it also serves as an invitation to explore the Gospel in greater depth, which can be a deeply rewarding experience.

Our lives are defined by the invitations we accept: the invitation to pursue an education, the invitation to work and support our families, or the invitation of a marriage proposal. While we encounter and accept many invitations throughout our lives, the Gospel presents us with the most significant one.

When Jesus says, "Follow me," he extends the same invitation to us that Matthew accepted. The question for each of us remains whether we will choose to follow Him as Matthew did. Amen.

🎶 Jesus thou friend divine, our Savior and our king, thy hand from every snare snare and foe shall great deliverance bring. Sure as thy truth shall last, to Zion shall be given the brightest glories earth can yield, and brighter bliss of heaven.🎶

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

Pretty sky!

06/02/2026

Game night on June 1st was a resounding success! We had a wonderful time of food and fellowship! Join us for our next Summer series adventure on June 16th from 12-4PM - a field trip to the Ziibiwing Center in Mount Pleasant (meeting there at noon)! Hope to see you there!

05/31/2026

Dear Friends, here are the reminders from today's sermon at St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Big Rapids MI.

I am writing to share the transcript from our Children's Sermon regarding the Trinity, which took place this morning.

In the sermon, we explored the theological concept of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit being three-in-one. To help the children understand this mystery, we looked at the stained glass window and used the image of an egg—noting how the shell, the white, and the yolk are three distinct parts that make up a single object.

The message emphasized that while the Trinity remains a holy mystery, it invites us to use our imaginations and remember that we are made in the image of God.

I hope you find this summary of our Trinity Sunday service meaningful.

And all God's people said Amen!

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. The Lord God Almighty, Father, son, and Holy Spirit, the holy and undivided Trinity, guard you, save you, and bring you to that heavenly City, where he lives and reigns for ever and ever, Amen.

🎶Holy, holy, holy, though the darkness hide thee, though the sinful human eye the glory may not see, only thou art holy; there is none beside thee, perfect in power, in love and purity!🎶

05/31/2026

Trinity Sunday Holy Eucharist

05/17/2026

Dear Members of the St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Big Rapids MI Community, here are the reminders from today's morning prayer service. Coleen Dice gave the reflection today.

Reflecting on the Spirit of Israel and the disciples' journey before the Ascension, we see a powerful transition from insecurity to a divine mission. While the disciples initially sought political security, Jesus challenged them to take enormous risks by carrying the Good News to the ends of the earth.

Today, we often struggle with the concept of evangelism. We frequently rely on community events or our church website to attract others, hoping that advertisements or our signage will be enough to grow our congregation. However, we are called to move beyond the safety of our buildings and the comfort of our established routines.

The same Spirit that moved over the waters at creation now calls us to be bold citizens of the Kingdom of God through our Baptism. We must do the hard work of reaching out to others rather than waiting for them to find us. As we are reminded by the Nicene Creed, all things are made through Him, and we are called to speak the truth of His presence in all of creation.

God consistently moves us past our comfort zones to reach others. Let us follow the example of the disciples and share the Gospel at all times, using words only when necessary.

Amen.

🎶 All hail the power of Jesus' name, let Angels prostrate fall. Bring forth the royal diadem and crown him Lord of all! Bring forth the royal diadem and crown him Lord of all! 🎶

05/10/2026

Dear Friends,

Please find below reflections and key reminders from today's service at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Big Rapids.

The service featured special music by Leah and Megan, followed by a sermon from Mother Radha Michel-Trapaga focused on the Book of Acts. During the service, we practiced Lectio Divina, reflecting on Saint Paul’s curiosity in Athens and his approach to understanding local culture to share the Gospel.

Mother Radha encouraged us to consider the following questions:

- What specific word or phrase stands out to you?
- What about this text makes you curious?
- What do you want to say to God after hearing these words?
- What is God saying or calling you to in this moment?

A central theme was the universality of God and our shared journey. Mother Radha shared an image of the Church as a "flotilla" of various ships, all traveling together toward God regardless of our specific backgrounds.

I invite you to continue reflecting on these themes and questions throughout the week.

🎶 I fear in the dark and the doubt of my journey; but courage will come with the sound of your steps by my side; and with all of the family you saved by your love; we'll sing to your Dawn at the end of our journey. 🎶

Peace be with you,

Eileen Patterson

05/10/2026

Easter 4 Holy Eucharist

04/26/2026

Dear Friends,

Please find below the reflections and reminders from this morning's sermon at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Big Rapids, MI, delivered by Mother Radha Michell-Trapaga.

Drawing from Psalm 23 and the Gospel of John, Mother Radha spoke on the nature of the Good Shepherd. The first three verses of the Psalm illustrate a Shepherd who provides for his flock, leading them toward green pastures, still waters, and an abundant life.

The sermon transitioned to verse four, addressing the "valley of the shadow of death." Mother Radha shared a personal account of reading this Psalm with our friend Andres, who has been at the Northlake Processing Center for four and a half months. They discussed the difficulty of maintaining hope during uncertain and dark times. The imagery of the shepherd’s rod and staff serves as a reminder of God's protection and guidance, even when the valley feels endless and the memory of "still waters" seems distant.

The concluding verses of the Psalm are a proclamation of hope. They remind us that God prepares a table for us even in the presence of trouble, anointing us with blessings. Mother Radha emphasized that while the valley of the shadow of death must eventually end—whether in renewed life in this world or in the next—the ultimate promise is that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Through Jesus's resurrection, we are assured that the Shepherd remains with us through every trial, guiding us toward eternity.

"Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, yet will I fear no ill; for thou art with me, and thy rod and staff me comfort still."

🎶Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, yet will I fear no I'll, for thou art with me and thy rod and staff me comfort still. For thou art with me and thy rod and staff me comfort still.🎶