Al, what a great service today! The transition from celebration to a somber mood in one service is very powerful. I especially liked the congregational participation in the reading of The Passion. As Christians I think we see ourselves as observers in the events of The Passion and by having us participate, it reminds us of our role in a tangible and uncomfortable way.

Lastly, I had an interaction with my friend’s cousin last week who is from “the hurting coast” – I did not know what that was prior to attending St Michaels but was able to recognize it when I encountered it. This young man is early 20’s from the Boston area and is panicking because his first child is due in a month and he told me he had no idea how to raise a child with no support. I was able to strongly recommend that church was the best thing he could do for his future daughter. I probably would have blown that opportunity if “the hurting coast” had not been on my radar from your outreach.

Keith Sauls