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Dear Glen Morris United Church,

Peace be with you! You’ll have to excuse my manners - in all of the rush and excitement of finally starting my full-time ministry at this church, it seems I forgot to properly introduce myself.

Of course, I am no stranger to Glen Morris. Can you believe that you first met me almost three years ago? (Can you believe that it was in pre-COVID times?) I know that it’s not always easy to get to know a minister during a short part-time stay, and that the pandemic can only make things harder, so please don’t worry if it feels like we’re still getting to know each other. I’m sure there is lots I still have to learn about you (as the church and as individuals!).

This September marked my second year in ordained ministry, after spending many years in a variety of ministry positions while I was attending seminary. I have loved my time as a youth group leader, a Sunday school teacher, an outreach coordinator, and programme staff at The United Church’s national office. It gave me a chance to experience so many facets of the life & work of many different congregations. On one hand, ministry still feels like a new adventure and in many ways, it feels like I’ve been doing this work for ages.

Some of the things I am looking forward to during my time here in the Glen: planting a vegetable garden, exploring ways to bring my love of Celtic music and dance to my ministry, and all the adventures that living in the country can bring!

One of the passions that I hold in ministry is finding ways to bring theology to the people, and sharing my faith with people who feel like they are on the margins of Christianity. This is why I love guest speaking on podcasts. There’s lots of intimacy and an opportunity to wrestle with questions in a way church services can’t always do. If you want to listen to a podcast I’ve appeared on or read an article I’ve written, you can find them on my website: https://michikobownkai.wixsite.com/ministry 

 

Blessings to you this week, may the Peace of Christ be felt in big & beautiful, and small & significant ways,

As we continue to get to know one another, may the Peace of Christ be felt within and between us,

 

Yours in Christ,

Rev Michiko