Michiko Bown-Kai

A rainbow is a symbol of a covenant, and so it was fitting on a day when Glen Morris United Church and our new minister Rev. Michiko Bown-Kai covenanted our relationship together in ministry, that the service began with the lighting of a rainbow Christ candle.

For 8 months, our congregation had been advertising and searching for a new clergy person to lead us in our spiritual journey. And on Sunday, November 6, a service was held to confirm our choice as well as share our joy for Rev. Michiko becoming our new permanent minister for the next 5 years. Chair of the Search Committee Bill Labron says “We had many applications for the position with a range of experience and philosophy. Our choice required casting our nets into a much larger pond of candidates than you might expect for a small rural charge. We considered several possible candidates but none was as good a fit as we feel Michiko is and will be. Michiko comes to us with fine references but more than anything, they come to our community as genuine, honest and filled with challenge and joy. A quick wit and sharp intellect provide for stimulating conversation and I am sure will lead to great debate. Our experience with Michiko has been intermittent over the past few years as a result of covering a maternity supply at Glen Morris, and a part time placement this spring. Our committees have had time to get to know Michiko and develop relationships that indicate a solid and lasting working relationship. We are ready to begin the next chapter of our time together.”

Born and raised in Ottawa and ordained in 2021, Michiko is a minister in The United Church of Canada who is passionate about social justice and creative expression. Michiko, who identifies as non-binary and uses the pronouns they/them, studied Social Justice and Peace Studies and Political Science at the University of Western Ontario before attending Emmanuel College for their Master of Divinity program. Over the past decade Michiko has engaged in ministry in many forms: as a Sunday School coordinator, program coordination at The United Church’s General Council Office, a youth group leader, and an intern minister at East End United Regional Ministry. Michiko shares that they are always excited to learn more about cultures, languages and nature. A student of highland dance since a child, Michiko has been a competitor in Canadian championships, most recently representing Ontario in Winnipeg this summer. But to get an understanding of the importance that justice plays in Michiko’s life, it is worth reading thewonderful, heartfelt and powerful articles, blogs and interviews that they have created which are shared on their website michikobownkai.wixsite.com. Their opening phrase indicates whoMichiko is – “answering God's call for a world where love/justice is nurtured and celebrated.”

And on the day Glen Morris United and Rev. Michiko made promises to each other in this new relationship, Michiko shared these words – “I feel blessed that I have been invited by Glen Morris United Church to become part of this beautiful community. After spending many years studying and working in Toronto, I’m so grateful to be building a home in such a beautiful place. As a minister, I believe it is my calling to serve the church and its people and I look forward to learning and growing with all whose paths I get to cross with while in ministry –whether that be on the rail trail, a community event, or Sunday morning worship. I hope that wherever you are in your faith journey, you will see me as someone you can call on in a time of need or curiosity. As a minister my promise is to be someone who does their best: to choose loving honesty over brutal honesty always, to make room for joy often, and to make the pursuit of God’s justice our collective calling that unites us (even when the conversations are challenging). 

Yours in Christ, Rev Michiko”