An Invitation to be Transformed...
There are MANY ways to explore your spirituality and grow as a human being at St. Mike's. Offer up your hopes and fears in community prayer, cultivate a relevant faith through small group conversation, develop a yoga practice that connects you to your body, experience God's creation in our community garden. Through these spiritual pratices and experiences we invite you to connect to God, to others in your community and to your own unfolding passions.
Community Eucharist :: Sundays, 10:30am in the Chapel
Join area residents, faculty, staff and other students for worship in a liturgical tradition. Every Sunday morning at 10:30am we gather to hear sacred readings from the Bible, listen to a short sermon and break bread in community. A small choir made up of students, faculty and associates leads us in joyful song (join in rehearsal at 10am on Sunday!). Students and community members serve as greeters, readers, choir members, altar guild members and Eucharistic ministers. Our service is meditative and casual. The word Eucharist comes from a Greek word meaning "thanksgiving." Our Sunday gathering is a time for us to come together in community and give thanks for the great blessings of God in which we all share. Whoever you are, and wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome at God's table. Take some time out of your busy week to reflect, pray and deepen your spiritual life in community!
Contemplative Prayer Group :: Sunday mornings 10-10:20am, usually on Chapel Lawn
Meet on the chapel lawn for silent meditation in community.
Second Sunday Spirituality Book Group :: After church, 12pm-ish in the Chapel
Join us for this monthly spirituality book group. Reading packets can be found on the welcome table in the chapel and book copies are circulating. Speak to Sally Hall (sarahhall1@cox.net) more information about the group. All are invited to join in - whether of not you've read the text!
St. Brigid's Fellowship Dinner for the Houseless :: Mondays before dusk on the Chapel Lawn.
For more information email St. Mike's liaison Miriam Wattles (mwattles@arthistory.ucsb.edu).
Progressive Christians @ UCSB :: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6:00-7:30pm in the Little House
Progressive Christians @ UCSB gather over a home cooked meal nearly every week of the quarter. Dinners include conversation with invited guests and other student groups on a range of topics related to faith, peace & justice and spiritual practice. Join us for good food, conversation and friendship. Sponsored by Episcopal, Presbyterian, Lutheran and UCC campus ministries @ UCSB. While non-student community members are welcome to this gathering, our time together is intentionally student focussed. Meet at St. Mike's Little House 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of Spring Quarter. Email student Liz Powers (lizpowers@comcast.net) for more information.
Zazen: Zen Meditation for All :: Wednesdays, 5:15-6:30pm in the Chapel
We invite people of all backgrounds in the community to join a zen meditation circle. We will sit with moment to moment awareness, practise walking meditation and contemplate change and emptiness. Dress in comfortable, (preferably) dark clothing and bring your friends! Led by zen practitioner Kim DeBacco (kimdebacco99@gmail.com).
Body | Mind | Spirit :: Community Yoga for all 8:15-9:30pm Mondays in the Chapel
Our Body | Mind | Spirit series blends spiritual practices of the East & West. We invite people of all backgrounds in the community to partake in our meditative, energizing and soulful yoga class! During the Spring Quarter 2013, the class is held on Mondays and a $4 donation is required. Bring your yoga mat or a towel, dress in comfortable clothing and come with your friends! Classes are led by yoga instructor Louis D'Angelo.
I am a UCSB senior with a love for the power of the human body and mind. After practicing yoga for years, I am a full believer in its unmatchable power to free the body and open the mind. The reason I have been inspired to teach yoga to all is because I have gained so much health and personal growth from my own practice. My yoga is inspired by the teachings of David K. Ball, the man who started me on yoga, and by Sue Anne & Jim Parsons, owners of Goleta's Let It Go Yoga. The Parsons are the teachers who continue to help me take my yoga to a higher level.
Blog: louisdangelo.wordpress.com
MarQ’s yoga journey started in 2001 in the San Francisco Bay Area. He became a certified yoga teacher RYT-200 with the White Lotus Foundation (Santa Barbara, CA) after graduating from Teacher Training program in 2012. Drawing from the many styles he has studied, MarQ strives to create a light-hearted positive atmosphere in which students can learn and enjoy together. His ultimate goal is that we all leave practice knowing ourselves a little more. MarQ implements yoga into all facets of his life and feels exceptionally blessed to share the joy of yoga with all who practice. He invites you to embrace your RADIANT ENERGY, HEALTH and ABUNDANCE as you deepen your practice and your connection with your true Self.
Café Picasso :: Sunday Brunch in the Little House
Café Picasso is a hospitality and food pantry for students run by students. If you are a student who struggles with issues of hunger (not appropriate for students on a full UCSB meal plan), please join us in St. Mike's Little House for a homecooked meal every Sunday noon of the quarter and a chance to bring a few items from our small food pantry home with you for the week. We also welcome students, community groups or individuals who wish to make donations to the hospitality brunch or food pantry. For more information email Café Picasso intern Gloria (gloriaamcc@gmail.com).
Episcopal Peace Fellowship Urban Pilgrimages for Young Adults | Learn about pilgrimages across the country that focus on social justice issues such as immigration, education, food sustainability and homelessness planned for 2013, including the Santa Paula Pilgrimage on food, faith and farming led by Chaplain Nicole!
College students and young adults are invited to participate in an exciting experiential "pilgrimage" that explores issues of immigration, food sustainability and eco-justice. Titled "Food, Faith & Farming: Crossing Invisible Borders in our Community," this pilgrimage is based at the Abundant Table Farm Project in Santa Paula and sponsored by the Episcopal Peace Fellowship. Part of the weekend includes a multi-city “Via Crucis” procession to the US-Mexico border with other members of the faith community, including the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Pilgrimage leaders include Angela Schultz, Liz Powers, Sarah Nolan and Nicole Janelle.
This year, the Episcopal Peace Fellowship offers pilgrimages for young adults in four diverse locations across the country, including Santa Paula, CA. Pilgrimages provide an opportunity for college students and young adults aged 18-30 to reflect spiritually, theologically, philosophically and politically on the societal causes and concepts of such social justice issues as homelessness, immigration and hunger. The experience promises to empower participants to become better peacemakers, combating injustice, poverty and oppression in their own communities.
To apply, please download the brochure and application here and return your completed application to santapaulapilgrimage@gmail.com as soon as possible. Space is limited. The cost of the pilgrimage is $150, which includes food and housing. You must provide your transportation to Santa Paula. Some assistance is available for those with demonstrated need.
From Age-ing to Sage-ing :: Monthly
Join this monthly spirituality small group for our elder meets at the Maravilla Retirement Community in Goleta. Email the Rev. Toni Stuart (tonistuart@cox.net) for more information.
Grad Student Group/Fellowship/Meetup in the Community
This group of grad students at St. Mike's and their friends meets periodically at a local establishment (usually Hollister Brewing Company) for informal, fun, de-stressing conversation. All grad students welcome to join in the fun. Email grad student Brian Granger (briangranger@umail.ucsb.edu) for more info.
Faith and the Intellectual Life Luncheons at the Faculty Club
This no host luncheon for Episcopal faculty, staff and graduate students typically takes place once or twice a quarter. This is a wonderful way for Episcopalians on campus to get to know one another and to share a bit about their work and spiritual lives with each other. Please email the chaplain (revjanelle@gmail.com) if you wish to receive an invitation and be placed on the listserv.
Bishop’s Advisory Committee :: Monthly Meeting in the Little House
The Bishop’s Advisory Committee (BAC), is the decision making body of St. Mike’s and meets once a month during the academic year. Students, faculty and community members are elected to the BAC for up to a three-year period of service. Bishop's Warden is Norm Nelson and People's Warden is Liz Powers.
Standing Committee on Campus Ministry :: Monthly Meeting in the Little House
The Standing Committee on Campus Ministry (SCCM) is a committee of the Bishop's Advisory Committee and is composed of members from Trinity, All Saints' and St. Michael's congregations. The mission of the SCCM is three-fold: (1) to develop and support a regional model of campus and social justice ministry at St. Mike's, (2) to invite participation from area parishes in the ongoing ministry at St. Mike's and (3) to facilitate a fundraising strategy that provides stability to the Episcopal Campus Ministry @ UCSB. Members serve 2-3 year terms.
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings :: Twice Meetings Weekly in the Little House
St. Mike's hosts two 12-step meetings throughout the week: Thursdays 8-9pm and Saturdays 7-8:30pm. Note that the schedule of these groups during the summer months may vary. Group meetings are generally held in the Little House lounge (adjacent to the chapel) and periodically in the chapel.
St. Michael's Labyrinth
Walk student-designed labyrinth located behind the chapel next to the little parking lot. You can learn more about using a labyrinth as a meditation tool here.
St. Michael's Community Garden
Join the garden community! Sixteen raised bed plots on our property are available on a first come first served basis for those in the community who wish to grow organic vegetables, fruits and flowers. Email us (saintmikesucsb@gmail.com) to inquire about garden plot availability. Cost of a plot includes a $15 non refundable one time deposit plus $5/month to help offset water costs. Signed contract required. The gardening community gathers periodically for potluck meetings and fellowship. Newsflash: Check out this Santa Barbara Independent article on our community garden! UPDATE 2/2013: We currently have six raised beds available for use. Please email us to join the garden community.
Music Making Opportunities @ St. Mike’s :: All the time!
Get involved with our makeshift Sunday morning choir. Rehearsals are held every Sunday (except during the summer quarter) at 9:30am. Speak to our Music Director Karen Tanaka (karentmusic@gmail.com). All are welcome! You may also wish to join our resident Mariachi band that rehearses regularly at St. Michael’s (Contact: Juan Zargoza - jaznmuz@sbceo.org) or our resident a cappella group, InterVals (li.terry@live.com). If you’re a musician looking for a performance space, rehearsal space or place to teach, please inquire with chaplain (revjanelle@gmail.com).
Summer House Church
House Church meets periodically during the summer (and sometimes the academic year). These small and intimate gatherings, hosted by community members in a house, apartment or dorm setting, typically begin with the celebration of Holy Eucharist, followed by potluck meal or dessert. Speak to the chaplain if you need a ride.
Programs on Hiatus
Guitar Works Music Program for Youth | Guitar Works allows a select group of Isla Vista youth to take weekly guitar lessons with guitar instructor Juan Zargoza. Guitar Works students also work with UCSB interns and commit to daily practice sessions.
openMike's | A supportive community open mic venue held Friday evenings in the chapel for artists in our community. Please contact us if you're interested to help be a part of the relauch effort.
Campus Connection | An outreach initiative of the Episcopal Campus Ministries at UCSB & CSU-CI that brings Episcopal middle & high school youth from urban LA and Santa Barbara/Ventura County parishes to our campuses for an overnight immersion experience in university life. During their time on campus the youth meet with university students, attend a class, participate in community building activities and spend time in the natural beauty our campuses offer.