Visiting St. Michael’s, Riverside

It was just another Thursday at St. Michael’s Riverside Episcopal Ministry Center, more or less. Running a little late because of bad traffic, volunteers arrived about 8:45 a.m. with a truck full of fresh fruit and produce. Over 150 neighbors came by to pick up food. Some had to go to work right after, but others stayed for a service of Holy Eucharist. Refreshments (slightly enhanced, because the bishop was aboard, bidding au revoir) and fellowship followed. Next door, several choice one- and two-bedroom units were available at St. Michael’s Apartments.

In our gospel reading during church, we heard about the divine miracle of God counting every bird in the sky and hair on our heads, remembering all and losing none. St. Michael’s is also a miracle, coming as close to including everyone as an earthly institution can. Envisioned first as a food outreach and fellowship ministry to unhoused neighbors, St. Michael’s now has 50 apartments, both affordable and permanent supportive housing, and up to 80 residents.

A retired university professor and volunteer as well as a visionary leader in The Episcopal Church’s indigenous ministry, the Rev. Dr. Mary Crist has run St. Michael’s for 15 years. When I first became bishop, she warned me that she couldn’t do it forever. And that is true. Yet it shouldn’t be surprising, given the depth and breadth of her joyous commitment to God’s people, that Mary’s tenure will exceed mine.

She’s surrounded by love and support, both her volunteers and staff and clergy colleagues such as the Rev. Canon Kelli Grace Kurtz, the Rev. Drs. Karri Backer and Will Crist (Mary’s spouse and ministry partner), and the Revs. Andrea Arsene, Hector Roberto Limatú Pinto, and Margaret Stīvers. At the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Canon Clare Zabala-Bangao keeps close tabs on St. Michael’s.

After church and our early lunch, Danny, the apartment manager, showed me around. He’s got a 10% vacancy rate. Affordable units, though popularly priced, stay on the market a little longer than usual these days. PSH units come with furniture and lower rents. Our colleagues from Larry Haynes’ amazing Mercy House are on site five days a week to provide support services.

Missions and parishes that host housing projects embark on a generation of ministry. For instance, St. Michael’s residents volunteer at the ministry center and come to a Tuesday evening service that Mother Arsene offers on behalf of the ministry center’s partners at All Saints Riverside. A place to lay your head. Fresh food to eat. Food for the soul, the body of Christ and the living Word. Yes indeed, just a another day at St. Michaels.