Trinity Parish
Fr. Mike News Archive
April 15, 2008
Father Mike's Passing
(Mailed to the Trinity Parish email list - April 15)
With grieving hearts, we are writing to tell you that Father Mike died this morning.
Father Mike taught us to recognize and respond to God's prompting, with God's hand at our backs. We will not forget. He will live on in our hearts and through our lives. Lucky heaven.
To Julie, Brendan, and Kim, we send our love and our promise we will never forget Father Mike - and we will not forget them. We may not be able to find the words or ways but our arms are completely wrapped around them, and we will continue to embrace them.
"All I can do, and am doing, is responding to what I believe is God's prompting and then leave everything in His hands." With these words, Father Mike ended the captivating description of his spiritual journey in an essay that was part of the application process to be our Rector. Since he was called in late 2006, through his arrival in March 2007 and his diagnosis of a malignant brain tumor last July, Father Mike consistently responded to what he believed was God's prompting - and then left everything in God's hands. And now, he rests in the hands of God for all eternity.
A memorial service to celebrate Father Mike's life on earth will be held this Saturday, April 19, at 3:00 pm at Trinity. Officiants will be Bishop Marc Andrus and Bishop Richard Garcia (Catholic Bishop in Monterey). A celebration will follow in the courtyard, complete with Irish band and food. His ashes will be laid to rest in Ireland and our Memorial Garden.
We know that Father Mike has touched many lives and that people are yearning to reach out and do something tangible to help the entire family during this difficult period. An account has been established for the benefit of Brendan and Kim, with the proceeds to be used for short-term and long-term educational needs. Julie has asked that in lieu of flowers, gifts, or food, people can choose to make a contribution (which is not tax deductible) to the account.
(Please contact the church office at 326-2083 for details on how to donate.)
Deposits can be made at any Wells Fargo branch in any state. Checks can also be made out to the account name and sent to Trinity Parish, where they will be collected and deposited. The account has been established so the amount of each contribution will be anonymous.
Mike often said, "I am humbled when I realize that God is using me to shape the lives of others. (I try) to remember Henri Nouwen's words every day: 'The minister, who takes off his clothes to wash the feet of his friends, is powerless, and his training and formation are meant to enable him to face his own weakness without fear and make it available to others. It is exactly this creative weakness that gives the ministry its momentum.'"
With God's grace, Mike's ministry had that momentum. With Mike's death, we face the ultimate weakness, which can enable the power of God to work in our lives. "The Lord said to me," wrote St. Paul, "my grace is all you need, for my power is strongest when you are weak."
Mike was called as our Rector to help us fulfill our parish mission to grow together as a spiritual community. He has done just that. May we not let it go. May it change our lives, our faith communities, and the world.
Yours in Christ,
The Vestry and Staff of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
PS: Not everyone receives email, and while a printed letter is being mailed, please pass along this message to others who may not be receiving it.
God of every human being, we long to listen to you when you tell us: 'Rise up, let your soul live!' We never wish to choose darkness or discouragement but to welcome the clear light of praise.
April 11, 2008
Update on Fr. Mike - 4/10
(Published in the 4/10 Weekly Bulletin)
Father Mike has remained in the hospital and will be transferred to a local skilled nursing facility on Friday, April 11, where he will receive hospice care. Please keep Mike, Julie, Brendan and Kim, in your prayers at 7:00 am, Noon, and 5:00 pm (or whenever the Spirit strikes you):
O loving God, from you comes all peace and mercy. Send your comfort and strength to Father Mike, to Julie, Brendan and Kim, and to all who surround them. Carry our love to them. We ask this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
April 04, 2008
Fr. Mike Update - 4/4
Earlier it was hoped that Father Mike could come home to hospice care by week's end. But his condition continues to decline rapidly, and he remains in the hospital. He is resting comfortably and in no pain. Please continue your prayers for the Spillane family.
How to Offer (and Receive) Love and Support in the Coming Week
Sunday, April 6, at 9:30 am
Healing service in the chapel with the Rev. Frannie Hall-Kieschnick
Note: the Sunday Forum time with Katie Evenbeck of St. Dorothy's Rest will proceed as scheduled in Angus Hall.
Monday, April 7, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm and again from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Gathering time for healing prayer and community conversation in the chapel with the Rev.Frannie Hall-Kieschnick and Wendy von Oech, long time Trinity member and spiritual guide.
Wednesday, April 8, 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Healing service & Eucharist in chapel with the Rev. Fred Heard
Wednesday, April 8, 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Gathering time for healing prayer and community conversation in the chapel with the Rev. Bill Schooler.
Friday, April 9, 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Guided labyrinth walk of healing in the chapel with Elizabeth Blackman.
Other Ways of Prayer and Support
Near and far, all are encouraged to pray the prayer at the conclusion of this email.
The chapel will be open next week, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, for prayer, meditation, and walking the labyrinth.
At any time next week, you are invited to bring a votive with a candle and place it on the table in the chapel as a visible sign of hope, love and healing. If you wish, you may decorate your votive.
The Clergy want to emphasize that, as always, they are available for prayer and conversation. They can be reached at the following phone numbers:
Beth (510-205-9843); Frannie (650-289-9866); Fred (650-326-2083 x17 or 650-321-8320).
Important note: Know someone who's not connected via email? Please print this out and pass along or give them a call on the phone.
Yours in Christ,
The Vestry of Holy Trinity
O loving God, from you comes all peace and mercy. Send your comfort and strength to Father Mike, to Julie, Brendan and Kim, and to all who surround them. Carry our love to them. We ask this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
April 02, 2008
Fr. Mike Update - 4/2
(Mailed to the Trinity Parish Email List on April 2)
With great sadness, we're sending this to let you know that Father Mike's condition has worsened. He is being released from the hospital into hospice care at home.
Our natural reaction is to ask: What can we do to support and help Father Mike, Julie, and the children? The answer is to please continue your prayers. They've requested specifically that there be no visitors, flowers, or food.
Members of Julie and Mike's family are here with them. They all continue to handle the situation with tremendous courage, strength, grace, and dignity.
Yours in Christ,
The Vestry of Holy Trinity
O loving God, from you comes all peace and mercy. Send your comfort and strength to Father Mike, to Julie, Brendan and Kim, and to all who surround them. Carry our love to them. We ask this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen