about us
The Central Michigan Episcopal Covenant has two member churches: St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Big Rapids, MI and St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Cadillac, MI. Both churches are active in being God's hands and feet in our communities and are committed to using the resources that God has given us to meet the needs of the people in our communities. We believe in inclusion of all people. You are always welcome here.
We hope you will join us at one of our two faith-filled communities to worship and to spread God's love in our world.
We hope you will join us at one of our two faith-filled communities to worship and to spread God's love in our world.
meet our staff
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Rector
The Rev. Radhajyoti (Radha) Michel-Trapaga Mtr. Radha raised in North Central Florida. She joined the Diocese of Western Michigan (now the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes) as a Hope College student in 2008, where she earned a BA in Classical Studies. She was ordained on January 16, 2021 after receiving her Master of Divinity from Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX. Mtr. Radha has two dogs, Mara and Tilly, and three cats, Bob, Shirley, and Sable. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, board games, baking, and being in the woods or on the water. Office Hours: St. Mary's: 10 am - 2 pm every Tuesday St. Andrew's: 10 am - 2 pm every Thursday She is also available by appointment and for Zoom and phone meetings. You can reach Mother Radha at [email protected] . |
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Covenant Administrator
Cassidy Krause Cassidy hails from Elizabeth, West Virginia. She obtained her bachelor’s degrees (B.A.s in National Security & Intelligence, Political Science) in 2024 and completed her master’s degree (National Security & Intelligence) in 2025; currently, she is pursuing a B.S. in Nuclear Medicine Technology at Ferris State University. In her free time, Cassidy is an avid reader and textile artist. She can most often be found embroidering, quilting, or pursuing her interest in fashion design and clothes making. She also enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her dog Maxx. As Covenant Administrator, Cassidy supports the operations of both St. Mary's and St. Andrew's, and the Covenant as a whole. She is in the St. Andrew's parish office from 10am – 2pm Tuesday/Thursday, and 7am-11am Wednesday. She can be reached by emailing either of the church office email addresses ([email protected] and [email protected]) or by calling the St. Andrew's parish office. |
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St. Andrew's, Director of Music
The Rev. Robert Garrels Bob Garrels received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of Michigan and began his career teaching music before being called to ministry. While at his first parish in Texas in the early '70s, Rev. Garrels created innovative worship services and musical sermons for his congregation. He returned to Michigan when called to serve as the Lutheran campus pastor at Central Michigan University in l973, where he enjoyed writing full-length musicals, chancel dramas, and miscellaneous musical pieces. Bob moved to Big Rapids in 1988 and, in addition to his serving as minister of Immanuel Lutheran Church, continued to compose for various groups in the area, including the Ferris Community Chorus and the West Central Concert Band. Summer, Big Rapids, was performed in the community in 2002 and 2005, and The Circle Unbroken, was first performed in 2007. In 2012, Circle was chosen to be the closing event for the Big Rapids Festival of the Arts. Since retiring in 2008, Bob continues to compose and perform in small jazz groups, The Key West Permafrost Blues Band, West Central Community Band, and in pit bands/orchestras for local theatrical productions. |
Our History
The vestry and people of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Big Rapids, MI and of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Cadillac, MI discerned God calling us into a covenant in which we could combine our gifts and treasure. We believed that we could learn from and support each other as we continued to listen for God's call in our ministry and worship.
In 2016, the vestry of St. Mary's decided to revise their mission statement. They recruited a facilitator to assist in evaluating the current mission statement and to embark on the process of creating a new mission statement. After discussion and exercises to find themes that they felt reflected their goals and mission, the vestry decided on a new mission statement: "Our mission is to live out the Great Commandment: To love the Lord with all our heart, mind, and soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves."
In 2019, unbeknownst to the people or vestry of St. Mary's, St. Andrew's also revised their mission statement. The congregation reflected together on the goals and mission of St. Andrew's. They adopted this mission statement: "Seeking every day to love God with our whole heart, mind, and soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves."
Only after conversations began about forming a covenant relationship did St. Andrew's and St. Mary's discover that they had adopted nearly identical mission statements. We believe that this is a testament to our common ministry and mission. This common mission unites our two churches as we strive to live out God's call in our unique communities.
In 2016, the vestry of St. Mary's decided to revise their mission statement. They recruited a facilitator to assist in evaluating the current mission statement and to embark on the process of creating a new mission statement. After discussion and exercises to find themes that they felt reflected their goals and mission, the vestry decided on a new mission statement: "Our mission is to live out the Great Commandment: To love the Lord with all our heart, mind, and soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves."
In 2019, unbeknownst to the people or vestry of St. Mary's, St. Andrew's also revised their mission statement. The congregation reflected together on the goals and mission of St. Andrew's. They adopted this mission statement: "Seeking every day to love God with our whole heart, mind, and soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves."
Only after conversations began about forming a covenant relationship did St. Andrew's and St. Mary's discover that they had adopted nearly identical mission statements. We believe that this is a testament to our common ministry and mission. This common mission unites our two churches as we strive to live out God's call in our unique communities.