My Saint Michael’s Story: Anita Donahou
I am a cradle, “always have been, always will be” Episcopalian. Historically, Episcopalians don’t speak openly about their faith journey, so please bear with me. Our family came to St. Michael’s 17 years ago. We had visited several Episcopal churches after moving to the Eastside, and St. Michael’s felt comfortable and familiar; best of all, our children were welcomed by the kids here. Never underestimate the power of kids!
Read MoreMy Saint Michael’s Story: Carol Chipman
When I was a child, my parents “made” me go to Sunday School. I couldn’t understand why, because they chose not to go to church themselves. When I was 12, they told me I didn’t have to go to church anymore if I didn’t want to, so I didn’t. Fast forward to when I was pregnant with my son Gabriel, and a coworker and I were talking about our plans for the Christmas holiday. Out of the blue, she sheepishly asked me to explain to her the story of Jesus’ birth, since she had never had it told to her. I was shocked, because I assumed everybody knew about that particular story, even if they had never gone to church. So I decided that when my son was a little older, I would do exactly what my parents had done to me, and send him to Sunday School, only this time his parents would go with him, of course. I finally realized that having the foundation for a Christian faith, even though I hadn’t attended church for a long time, was a source of strength and comfort that I would not otherwise have had, so thank you Mum and Dad, and I wanted that same foundation for my son.
Read MoreMy Saint Michael’s Story: Carol Szwajkos
Good morning. My name is Carol Szwajkos. I have been a member of St. Michael and All Angels church since moving here from the Philadelphia area three years ago. The Daughters of the King chapter that I belong to uses the African Bible Study method at its meetings. It involves reading a Bible passage three times. After the first reading, each person says just the Word, or the Phrase, that touched them. We don’t discuss the word or phrase till after the second and third readings. When Tina sent me an email asking me to speak today on the topic of “How has St. Michael’s been part of my faith journey”, the word JOURNEY jumped out at me. We often hear the saying, “Life is a JOURNEY”. So, as I reflected on this word and how it relates to my JOURNEY of FAITH and my St. Michael’s story, many thoughts and memories wove through my mind. Mine is now a fairly long story with many years, experiences, and miles behind me—but new adventures ahead!
Read MoreMy Saint Michael’s Story: Mikaela Kang
Good morning everyone! My name is Mikaela Kang and I have been a member at St. Michael’s for almost 20 years. I love St. Michael’s for so many reasons. This is a place I have grown up from age 5, to now 24. A place where my family could get together every Sunday to worship and my brothers and I could play out in the yard afterwards. Where I got my first ever paying job! Where I learned to serve my community and now, I am part of this church as a member of the vestry, a role that I only ever saw as “for the adults”, but I guess I am that adult now.
Read MoreMy Saint Michael’s Story: John Eimer
Good morning. My name is John Eimer. I have been attending St. Michael’s since 1986. In 1986 Barbara and I started long distance dating between Kansas City and Seattle, she would attend St. Michael’s when we were in town. We were married in late 1987. Over the years two of our sons were acolytes, and our youngest son for his Eagle Scout project designed, organized, and help build the meditation trail. Our older son was 21 and lived in Seattle.
Read MoreMy Saint Michael’s Story: Brad Jarocki
Hello everyone, my name is Brad Jarocki and I’ve been a member of St. Michael’s for the past 15 years. I’m a lifelong Episcopalian, yes, there are still a few of us around. I was asked to speak on how St. Michael’s has been part of my faith journey. While I was tempted to talk about raising my 5 kids here and the great spiritual environment at St. Michael’s that I appreciated taking them to . . . I’m instead focusing on “me”. Or rather not “me” but how St. Michael’s helped me focus on more than just what I needed. How to serve.
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