Saint michaels University Church

In an age when the word “Christian” has been co-opted by fundamentalists, the label has become a difficult one to carry. We prefer “Jesus Follower” because it is descriptive. If someone follows Jesus, then it ought to be obvious not by the clarity of their dogma or their proclivity for being judgmental but by the quality of their love. Each of us, as members of St. Mike’s, has promised in our Baptismal Vows that we will love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every human being. While none of us is ever perfect at living out these vows, we see our life together as one of the most important ways that we can strengthen one another in this way of life and find ways to live out Jesus’ great commandment telling us to love God with all our hearts, souls and minds and our neighbors as ourselves.

We are a mission/parish church in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. We enjoy being together for Sunday worship and spending time together as a community. Each Sunday, our community might include UCSB Students and faculty and people from Isla Vista, Goleta, Santa Barbara, and elsewhere. As a “smaller” church, we enjoy being creative in our worship and making sure each and every person who is with us each Sunday feels as if they are a part of St. Mike’s. Each Sunday morning starts with the ringing of our “Isaiah Bell” (pictured above), which was re-purposed from the nose cone of a missile (in true “swords into plowshares” mode). Our music draws from all sources: church hymns, folk, rock, americana, and other popular music. We have a band with members from the local music community, UCSB, and St. Mike’s congregation. Each week, after the sermon, we have a few minutes of discussion and reflection, followed by a song that illuminates the week's themes. Most weeks, we share communion and gather in a circle to receive the bread and wine together. After church, we enjoy a bountiful coffee hour in our courtyard, featuring homemade food prepared by our parishioners. We work hard to ensure that everyone who comes to St. Mike's on Sunday morning (or anytime, really) feels seen, included, and welcomed. Come join us on Sunday morning.