Posted On: 2008-07-27

What a blessing it was to attend the National Episcopal University/College Chaplain's Conference at the Desmond Tutu Center at General Theological Seminary in New York City. The conference was held the week of 23^rd through the 26^th of June, 2008. Episcopal Chaplains from all over the country met and discussed the many issues that are unique to College Chaplaincy. I met many of my colleagues from around the Province IV region and I am proud to say that the Chaplains of Province IV were the most represented region of the Episcopal Church. I wanted all the students of the EUC to know that the National Church is aware of the growth and strength of the program at Florida State University and many of my colleagues wanted to know how we have achieved such rapid growth. I told everyone who asked that the secret was to have a group of highly motivated and committed Christians such as those that attend the EUC and allow them to do the work of the Gospel as they saw fit. It is a privilege serving you as your chaplain and I wanted all to know how grateful I am for your dedication and commitment to the ministry here at the EUC. I am looking forward to next years conference in Chicago and to sharing with others how God has moved and shaped our lives together this coming academic year. May God continue to be our guide as we work and fellowship together in this unique part of God's kingdom we call the EUC and Ruge Hall!

Forever yours,

Fr. Mike Sowards +

Posted On: 2008-07-27

We will be kicking off the 2008-2009 academic year on Tuesday the 26^th of August with a special "Welcome Back" dinner followed by a service of Holy Eucharist and the "Blessing of the Backpacks." Please plan to bring your laptops, book bags, text books and anything else you might need for the upcoming school year so that we can ask God's blessing on these instruments of study. After the exchange of the peace, we will gather all our things up to the front of the church and collect them at the foot of the baptismal font. After the book bags and things have been blessed, I will also be anointing anyone who might desire prayer for the upcoming academic year. I can think of no better way to start our time together than with prayer and fellowship among God's people. After the service, we will gather in Ruge Hall for an Ice Cream Social. Mr. Alan Asker, a EUC advisory board member has donated two portable freezers full or Ice Cream for the event. Thanks Alan! We look forward to seeing everyone on the 26^th!

God's Blessing,

Fr. Mike Sowards +

Posted On: 2007-12-12

Mike Sowards becomes a Priest!

By the Grace of God and by the consent of the people of the Diocese of Florida, the Rt. Rev. Samuel Johnson Howard ordained me to the Sacred Order of Priest on the 9^th of December 2007. It was a beautiful and spirit-filled service and I was privilege to have many members of the EUC in attendance. It was also a blessing to be ordained with Kim Still, Ronnie Willerer, Nancy Suellau and Deborah Jackson, all great ambassadors for Christ and the Episcopal Church. Many thanks are due to all who made this day so special. I am grateful to the staff, clergy and people of my home parish, Christ Episcopal Church, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida for all their support and love during my formation. I would also like to thank the people of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Quincy, Florida along with Fr. Richard Corry and Fr. Lance Horne for their guidance while serving as a deacon in their parish. There are many more due thanks and I hope to personally thank them all for their prayers and support. My fervent prayer is that I will continue to grow in the knowledge and love of God and that I will be used as an instrument of God in this broken and confusing world.

Yours faithfully,