Memorial to Bishop Kay Michael

by Bishop Charles Sommer

She Will Be Remembered

Emily Kathryn Michael born July 26, 1923 is known to many of us simply as “Kay”. We knew her as a good friend, colleague, teacher, editor, secretary, and minister.

What I wish to convey to her family and friends are some of here deeds that have left an indelible impression on me and those that knew her. Her compassion took her beyond the does and don’ts imposed by well meaning traditions. She found a man she loved and respected so much that she was willing to care not only for him but for his former wife, who could not take care of herself.

Her husband Arnold was indeed an inspirational writer and Spiritual leader. She encouraged and supported him in all his works and saw to it they would continue beyond her and Arnold’s passing. Kay worked as an Editor on the Ojai Valley News. She assisted individuals and organization she felt were making a sincere effort at making life better. She wrote about Mark Libowitz who was teaching family harmony and those doing hospice work in the community, etc.

Kay’s home was open for prayer to people of all faith. She knew in her heart of hearts that Jesus was correct when He told us to love one another without exception. Not many people knew that she had a prison ministry. She was a pen pal with criminals. In fact it was a harden criminal, Star Daily, who had a St. Paul Road to Damascus experience, a Christ like awakening, who got Arnold’s book published, “Blessed Among Women”. Kay and others cherished this inspiration works. She did all she could to make it available to others.

Before Kay retired, she worked many years for an organization that taught Meditation internationally, free of charge to those interested. She knew that St. Paul and others encouraged us to bring our attention to all that is Holy within us. She also knew that meditation correctly understood will help us do just that.

Anyone who is able to put there prejudices aside will discover a depth of God’s Love that is always there. When Arnold was an invalid in his later life, Kay was there to aid him. Not because she felt she should but because of her Love and Appreciation.

I had the privilege of being ordained with Kay in a Church that understood it is what you do that make you a minister of God’s Love. “By their fruits you will know them.”

Our ministry that was founded by Arnold and Kay Michael is called the Madonna Ministry. We have seen fit to establish a Memorial Fund in Arnold’s and Kay memory:

Memorial Fund In Memory of the Michaels

Of the $2000 collect thus far, 90% will go toward supporting the Peace Worker (Doer of the Word) in places like Israel, which includes a border school for Palestinian and Israeli children. 10% goes to support the church. The same man that Kay helped Ojai is leading our efforts in Israel Mark Avrahm Libowitz.

Arnold’s words that Emily Kay Michael often wrote for him are still impacting us today. “I bless you real Good.” www.MadonnaMinistry.net continues their legacy to all of us.