Emmanuel Episcopal Church-Petoskey, Michigan

06/08/2026

View from the Pew

Reverend Kay Houck delivers a powerful, compassionate sermon unpacking Matthew’s portrait of Jesus — a Jesus who meets people where they are, offers unconditional hospitality, and calls us from judgment into mercy. With clear, evocative storytelling and a call to courageous, everyday compassion, Kay challenges listeners to examine where our hearts have become armor and invites us to practice mercy as the work of community and faith.

Watch Reverend Kay Houck’s full sermon on YouTube to be inspired and transformed — don’t miss it!

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06/03/2026

This Sunday at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Petoskey...

Jesus calls Matthew:

Jesus sees Matthew, a tax collector, sitting at his post and simply says, “Follow me.” Matthew immediately gets up and follows Him. Later, Jesus shares a meal with tax collectors and sinners, prompting criticism from the Pharisees. Jesus responds that He has come not for the righteous but for those who need mercy, saying, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” His mission is to call sinners into a restored relationship with God.

06/01/2026

View from the Pew

Join Reverend Kay Houck for a thoughtful Trinity Sunday sermon that explores the mystery of the Holy Trinity through Scripture, from Genesis’ “Let us” to John’s Prologue. Kay invites listeners to sit with the wonder of God’s inclusive presence, critiques familiar analogies like St. Patrick’s clover, and urges us to live out the Trinity’s call to love, community, and compassionate action. Watch the full sermon on YouTube for a gentle, reflective message that comforts and challenges in equal measure.

The sermon can be found at the 28:10 mark below:

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05/26/2026

For Christians, this Sunday is Trinity Sunday, which proclaims the central belief that God is one Being in three Persons. This doctrine—developed from Scripture and articulated in the early ecumenical councils—shapes Christian worship, prayer, and identity across denominations.
Join us this Trinity Sunday at Emmanuel Episcopal Church-Petoskey, Michigan, 1020 East Mitchell St., services at 8 and 10 am.

05/11/2026

A note this week from my Bible study leader in Tampa that I want to share:

I have been happy to see so many articles in the WSJ about the Christian faith. Some are somewhat negative, but at least they are seeking. This past week, there was an article by a Hindu on proselytizing religions. It pointed out Christianity and Islam as the most aggressive. My first thought was that that is what we are called to do in the Great Commission. This week's reading from Acts seems to support that:

“It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samar′ia and to the end of the earth.”

I found this distinction between proselytizing and evangelizing: The distinction between proselytism and evangelization lies in both motivation and method. While proselytism seeks to impose beliefs through pressure or manipulation, true evangelization flows from an authentic love of neighbor.

The Church’s mission to evangelize, therefore, is not an aggressive campaign of conversion but a loving invitation to encounter Christ. It respects human freedom while offering the greatest gift possible—knowledge of God’s saving love. When understood and practiced properly, evangelization becomes not just a duty but a profound act of charity, sharing the transformative love that Christ first shared with us.

And, thank you, Lanny...

05/11/2026

The View from the Pew on May 10, 2026

Reverend Kay reflects on the phrase “we live and move and have our being,” drawing from Paul’s speech to the Athenians to emphasize our interconnectedness with God, one another, and creation. She urges remembrance and stewardship—citing the passenger pigeon’s extinction and blessing a new hive of bees—and closes with a prayer calling us to be joyful companions, generous neighbors, and reverent stewards. Please watch the sermon starting at 22:50 in the attached YouTube link.

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05/06/2026

View from the Pew on Sunday, May 3, 2026

Join Reverend Kay Houck as she reflects on Emmanuel Episcopal’s sacred community and the call to be “living stones” — a warm, hopeful sermon about belonging, mercy, and building a spiritual home together. Watch Reverend Kay’s full sermon here:

EEC livestream

05/06/2026

Recent post-Easter Gospel readings have been on Jesus' farewell message to His disciples. He has told the disciples He is going away - 36 “Where I am going you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow afterward.” Last week, 34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." This week, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments, I will pray to the Father, and He will send you another Counselor. I will not leave you desolate. A part of Me and the Father I leave with you."

Hear more this Sunday at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Petoskey, MI, 1020 East Mitchell St., services at 8 and 10 am,

You Are Welcome Here

04/13/2026

To the tune AURELIA ("The Church's One Foundation.")

04/10/2026