A Message from the Editor
PARISH STAFF Rob Baber Ross Badgett Katherine Bowen Dianne Boyd Justin Brooks Robert Butler Nozar Daryapayma Jill Delabano Lowell Duncan Hannah Fisher Bonita Frederick Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata Steven Haal Patricia Hale-Siedler Rev. Canon Michael Harmuth Dr. Margaret (Meg) Harper Travis Harvey Rev. Amy Heller Carol Hicks Diane Hollie Angelia Hunter Adam Jones Clarence (C. J.) Johnson Rev. Robert (Bob) Johnston III Susan Kalen Cheryl Kaschak Elizabeth Keogh Rev. Mary Lessmann Rev. Dr. Eric J. Liles Chris Love Caroline Marak Amy McMahan Christi Morrow Chase Monson Tricia Morris Rev. Lisa Flores Musser Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer Darla Osterhaut Gabrielle Ott Rev. Greg Pickens Edgar Porras Keith Quarterman Owen Reid Marco Reyes Holli Royall Jonathan Ryan Elsa SanJuan Dollie Smith Rev. Canon René Somodevilla Celise Stephenson Tish Visinsky Regan Wallace
Director of Finance Mgr of Electronic Communication Asst. to Pastoral Care Asst. to Worship & Liturgy Director of Contemporary Music Assistant Director of Facilities Director of Facilities Asst. to CFM & Youth Ministries Director of Legacy Planning Asst. to Adult Formation & Parish Events Weekend Receptionist Rector Director of Communications Youth Intern Priest Associate for Worship Associate Director of Music & Organist Graphic Design & Production Priest Associate for Worship Extended Care Director Receptionist Accountant AVL & Technology Manager Sexton Associate for Contemporary Worship Executive Asst. to the Rector Accountant Admissions & Community Relations Coord. Associate for Spiritual Growth Associate for Formation Bookshop Manager Stewardship Manager Executive Director of SMES Mission & Outreach Coordinator Asst. Director of Youth Ministries Director of SMES Associate for Worship & Liturgy Priest Associate for Pastoral Care Accountant Assistant Director of CFM Associate for Pastoral Care Sexton Executive Director of Operations Organ Scholar Sexton Youth Minister Director of Music & Organist Sexton Sexton Priest Associate for Worship Registrar Director of Parish Life Director of CFM
2019 VESTRY Warren Houser Senior Warden Bonner Allen Junior Warden Jay Lipscomb Warden-at-Large Kathy Kelley Treasurer Jim Skochdopole Chancellor Ginger Brown Clerk Marla Jacks Briggle, John Ellerman, Jane Greene, Ben Leal, Kyle Moore, Anna Paccone, Christine Paddock, George Baldwin, Hallie Lawrence, Stacey Malcolmson, Steve McKenney, Blair Oden
2019 DIOCESAN DELEGATES John McFarland, Tricia Stewart, Kay Whelan, Terry Demler, J.C. Snead, Scott Wilson, David Greenblatt, Jerry Poglitsch, Susie Ryan alternates: Ed Blessing, Katherine Blachly, Ross Vick, Heather Lorch, Jack Rubarth, Blair Oden, Tom Bowen (1), Jessica Clements (2), Mary Abrams (3)
I'm a little surprised at how well you [Saint Michael] treated us...everyone was so nice, it's really amazing—and the way the panel spoke with such respect with one another.... It was both incredibly satisfying and horrifying at the same time. During the reception afterwards, one of the attendees, of the Women of Saint Michael's Interfaith Panel (cover photo), of the Muslim faith, made that statement to me, completely complimentary and clearly looking as if he had just experienced an anomaly. As I head in to this Lenten season, the ramifications of what he said are the topics for me internally that spin questions about how we care for others. Do we—do I? I mean as a Christian it's automatica.... Nope. Wiki says that the purpose of Lent is "the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer, doing penance, repentance of sins, alms-giving, and self-denial." If that is the case (spoiler alert...it is) we have just entered the perfect period of time to ask these questions of ourselves. For some they're tough questions, perhaps for others not so much. For me? It's like a yearly game of whack-a-mole. The reality is that life is busy, and makes demands of us all. In the midst of that I can easily get sloppy and selfish. Comedian Eddie Izzard has a bit about Easter and church that has made audiences nation-wide howl with laughter...because in many cases it's true. People focus on themselves. We go through the motions of worship—not because we don't care—but because we are so accustomed to it. It no longer really inspires or touches many in a way that gets our attention. I am guilty of this. On page 24 you'll find our official guide to our Lenten offerings, as well as that of Holy Week and Easter Day. You may find more than a few moments that are bursting with opportunity to renew that vibrant connection with our faith and practice, and the sacrifice of Christ to make it possible. I'm already putting them on my calendar! Practice, for me, is just that: the recurring effort to re-hone that which has gone awry. I'm thankful for the work of Saint Michael, especially for the grace of the cross of Christ, seen and felt in our ministries. Along with the guide, there's plenty more: the ever-growing Saint Michael Pilgrimages (pgs. 7, 15, 16), tax and financial information from the SMAA Foundation (pg. 18), educational material to hone our personal knowledge of our faith (pgs. 28, 32, 41), opportunities to volunteer (we NEED you!) and a host of photos celebrating the awesome memories, ministries and celebrations that herald an increasingly vibrant parish life at Saint Michael. So take a copy and have fun with it. Reflect on Lent and yourself, and look to Calvary with thanksgiving for the work He has done. This is our new chance.
www.saintmichael.org @smaadallas
