Three people stand smiling in front of a beige building. The man on the left wears sunglasses and an apron, the woman in the middle holds a drink, and the man on the right has his arm around her. Text reads being & becoming.

Beaches, Woods, and Picnics

We live into our call to embody the love of Jesus Christ with grace, hope and joy in many different ways across the Mitten. Check out these updates from parishes in our diocese.

sandy mass

Church of the Mediator, Harbert, St Paul’s, St Joseph, and St Augustine, Benton Harbor gathered on Sunday, September 14th on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan for a Sandy Mass and Picnic. Jan Anderson and Cindy Shelhart provided music. 

fall picnic & fun day

On Sunday September 7th, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church welcomed
the arrival of Autumn with it’s “Welcome to Fall” Fun Day and
Picnic. The event brought together church members, friends, and
families for an afternoon filled with laughter, connection, and
seasonal festivities.
Five women and a young boy stand outdoors, petting a small brown pony. One woman uses a walker, and another holds a cup. They all appear engaged and cheerful on a clear day with trees in the background.

Guests enjoyed a variety of engaging yard games spread across
the church grounds. From corn hole and Jenga to bean bag tic tac
toe, children and adults alike found something fun to try. The
friendly competition and cheerful spirit made for a memorable
afternoon.

A major highlight of the event was the visit from the Equest
Center for Therapeutic Riding. Their adorable mini horses, Flicka
and Mikayla, delighted guests of all ages. Children enjoyed
petting and interacting with them and everyone learned more
about the center’s mission to provide therapeutic riding for those
in need.

No picnic is complete without good food, and Holy Spirit delivered
with a classic spread. Hotdogs, Chili dogs and walking tacos,
along with chips and cookies were served fresh to hungry guests.
The delicious treats fueled more fun and conversation as families
gathered together under the early fall sun.
The church extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended and to
those who generously gave their time and energy to make the
day special.

The Episcopal Church Shield which is a shield with a red cross and blue quadrant hangs between trees in a sunlit forest. Stone benches and tables are arranged in the background, suggesting an outdoor gathering place.

worship in the woods

St. John’s Mount Pleasant had 27 people for “Worship in the Woods” at Emmaus on Sept 28 – And they all stayed to share a potluck meal afterward. It was wonderful. The service was adapted from a liturgy written by Episcopal priest Steve Blackmer, Church of the Woods, a program of Kairos Earth.

The shield for the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes. Image features a two-sailed tall ship cutting boldly through dark waves against a sky with white fluffy clouds and three stars, one of which is larger than the other two. In the water below the ship is a cross. The shield is in the core colors of the diocese: Deep Well (a dark blue that's nearly black), Golden Hour (a bold orange), and Sun Washed (a rich light golden yellow).

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