The Archangel September-October 2018

photo credit haal photography

The Archangel is the Official Magazine for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

the SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

Volume XXXII Number VII

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Visit Our Online Shop! www.smwexchange.com click on “Shop”

photo credit lisa bachman photography

Since 1958

PARISH STAFF Rob Baber Ross Badgett Katherine Bowen Dianne Boyd Justin Brooks Robert Butler Jill Delabano Lowell Duncan Allie Farmer Hannah Fisher Rev. Lisa Flores Musser Bonita Frederick Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata Steven Haal Patricia Hale-Siedler Rev. Michael Harmuth Dr. Margaret (Meg) Harper Travis Harvey Rev. Amy Heller Carol Hicks Diane Hollie Angelia Hunter Clarence (C. J.) Johnson Rev. Robert (Bob) Johnston III Susan Kalen Cheryl Kaschak Elizabeth Keogh Rev. Mary Lessmann Rev. Dr. Eric Liles Chris Love Caroline Marak Amy McMahan Christi Morrow Chase Monson Tricia Morris Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer Darla Osterhaut Gabrielle Ott Rev. Greg Pickens Edgar Porras Keith Quarterman Owen Reid Marco Reyes Jonathan Ryan Elsa SanJuan Dollie Smith Rev. Canon René Somodevilla Celise Stephenson Tish Visinsky Regan Wallace Lauren Wainwright

Director of Finance Mgr of Electronic Communication Asst. to Pastoral Care Asst. to Worship & Liturgy Director of Contemporary Music Director of Facilities Asst. to CFM & Youth Ministries Director of Legacy Planning Youth Minister for Small Groups & Digital Media Asst. to Adult Formation & Parish Events Associate for Worship & Liturgy 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 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 Priest Associate for Pastoral Care Accountant Asst. Director of CFM Associate for Pastoral Care Sexton Executive Director of Operations Organ Scholar Sexton Director of Music & Organist Sexton Sexton Associate for Pastoral Care Registrar Director of Parish Life Director of CFM Director of Youth Ministries

2018 VESTRY Margaret Spellings Sally Schupp Warren Houser Kathy Kelley Jim Skochdopole Margaret Cervin

Senior Warden Junior Warden Warden-at-Large Treasurer Chancellor Clerk

Bonner Allen, Marla Jacks Briggle, John Ellerman, Jane Greene, Whitney Grogan, Ben Leal, Jay Lipscomb, Kyle Moore, Anna Paccone, Christine Paddock, Elizabeth L. Selzer, and Chris Wiley.

2018 DIOCESAN DELEGATES Liz Oliphant, Sallie Plummer, Darrel Rice, John McFarland, Tricia Stewart, Kay Whelan, Terry Demler, J.C. Snead Scott Wilson alternates: Susie Ryan, Richard Frazar, John Glass, Ed Blessing, Katherine Blachly, Ross Vick, Heather Lorch, Blair Oden, Jack Rubarth

A Message from the Editor I’m so excited to get this issue out to you—The Archangel is roughly twice the size it was just two issues ago! I find this to be a testament to the exuberant parish life that exists here at Saint Michael, and the passionate service of parishioners and staff alike in growing our ministries both internally and abroad!

You’ll note in this issue a significant amount on Cuba: In addition to the fascination inherent to this island and the mission work of Saint Michaelites there, we are thrilled on behalf of our brothers and sisters who, at the 79th General Convention in Austin, were reunified with the ECUSA. The “Rector’s Recap” is on page 12.

Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and Bishop Gray-Reeves of the Diocese of El Camino Real congratulate Bishop Maria Griselda of Cuba after the House of Bishops’ unanimous vote July 10 to welcome Cuba back into the Episcopal Church.

-photo credit ENS

Ron Brown writes of our “SMAA Cuban Connection” on page 36, telling stories of our involvement there, and I have begun an Archangel exclusive series looking at the enthralling history of how the Episcopal Church started in Cuba, and the rather circuitous journey it has since led.

Be sure to read the special message from the Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, on “The Way of Love”, page 8, where he writes on “Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life”. The Presiding Bishop will join the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, for a historic event when they visit Saint Michael on September 20 for a special panel discussion moderated by our rector, The Rev. Christopher D. Girata. Details for that event can be found in the Parish Calendar, beginning on page 18.

Please take special note regarding a truly important event, sponsored

by Project Moses: “Fighting For Freedom, A Symposium On Human Trafficking, happening October 20. Learn about the staggering size of the problem in Texas, and what we can do to help. Details are on page 22.

Of course “God’s Story”, our year-long journey in reading through the Bible, is now in full swing with huge numbers of attendees each week during the 10 a.m. Sunday formation hour, from adults in the main church to all the other age groups experiencing God’s Story in a unique way meant especially for them. The current reading schedule can be found on page 17.

Finally, we are blessed. Period. It is such a pleasure to have the opportunity to serve with such enthusiastic parishioners and staff ! In the busyness of life it’s so easy to lose sight of the blessings of God bestowed on us daily.

Take a moment to thank our heavenly Father for all He’s done, is doing and will do for us and in our lives.

www.saintmichael.org @smaadallas

Archangel SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018 Volume XXXI Number VI

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The Archangel Newsletter (USPS 015-033) is published bi-monthly by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church the POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to the Archangel, Saint Michael And All Angels Church, P.O. Box 12385, Dallas TX 75225-0385

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A MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR

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PROJECT MOSES

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THE WAY OF LOVE

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LITURGICAL FOLK

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79th GENERAL CONVENTION RECTOR’S RECAP

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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN CUBA

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On Human Trafficking, Part 3

An Invitation from Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry to Practice the Way Of Love Justin Brooks and Family On Their Gulf Coast Tour with Liturgical Folk

A Conversation with Bishop Griselda

MUSICAL NOTES Traditional Music News

SUNDAY SERVICES 7:30 a.m. Traditional Worship, Rite I (SMC) 9 a.m. Traditional Worship, Rite II (Church) 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship (Parish Hall) 9 a.m. Joy: A Children’s Service (SMC) 10 a.m. God’s Story 11 a.m. Traditional Worship, Rite I (Church) 11 a.m. Contemporary Worship (Parish Hall) 5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer & Eucharist (SMC) 8 p.m. Choral Compline (Church) Beginning September 30

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ANGLOPHILIA

Raise Your Knowledge!

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STAFF NEWS

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Meeting Our New Staff and Thanking Those Moving To New Opportunities

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A THANK YOU FROM LEON FARMER AND FAMILY

PARISH CALENDAR

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ALASKA

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THANK YOU!

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SEEKING BURIED TREASURE IN A SEA OF STICKY NOTES

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GENEROSITY: GOD’S GRACE AND YOU

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BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW

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IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME

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CUBA

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DEATHS, BIRTHS & GREAT EXPECTATIONS

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JUBILEE PARK

the Parish Event Listings for September and October

To All Those Who Participated in the God’s Story 72-Hour Read-Through

A Message from Legacy Planning

CLERGY The Rev. Dr. Christopher Girata Rector The Rev. Dr. Eric Liles Associate for Formation The Rev. Lisa Flores Musser Associate for Worship and Liturgy The Rev. Greg Pickens Associate for Pastoral Care The Rev. Bob Johnston Associate for Contemporary Worship The Rev. Mary Lessmann Associate for Spiritual Growth The Rev. Michael Harmuth Priest Associate for Worship The Rev. Amy Heller Priest Associate for Worship The Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer Priest Associate for Pastoral Care The Rev. Canon René Somodevilla Priest Associate for Worship

Impressions From The Recent Youth Mission Trip

Our Saint Michael Cuba Connection

20 Years in the Making

IMPORTANT NUMBERS PRIEST ON CALL (214) 232-7512 Main Parish Number (214) 363-5471 Parish FAX (214) 363-4388 Lomo Alto FAX (214) 262-8062 ESD Lower Campus (214) 353-5818 Jubilee Center (214) 887-1364 907 Bank Street Dallas TX 75223 St. Michael’s Woman's Exchange (214) 521-3862 SMWX FAX (214) 522-1933 5 Highland Park Village Dallas TX 75205 Episcopal Diocese of Dallas (214) 826-8310 Episcopal Diocese FAX (214) 826-5968 1630 N. Garrett Avenue Dallas TX 75206

A MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR

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hurches are often concerned with what happens within our own walls. At Saint Michael, we know this well. Hundreds and hundreds of you work on different aspects of our life together. From worship to formation to pastoral care and beyond, much of what we do focuses on internal goals and needs. This is a high calling and a perfectly appropriate way to invest in ourselves.

This fall, we have the opportunity to commit (or recommit) to the future of our mission both inside and outside of our community. As we invest our time, talent, and treasure, we commit to the transformative power of love in the world. The constant call to recommit and return to the truth of God is what we do as disciples of Jesus. This most often manifests in service to one another here at Saint Michael, and yet, internal ministry is not all there is.

Our highest goal is to witness to the truth of Christ in the world. We do this by reflecting the light and love of Christ to others. We share that love with one another here in our church family, but it should never stop here.

We love one another in order to bear witness to the power of God’s love to those outside our church in the hopes that they will join us in this transformative life of discipleship.

Saint Michael has a long history of generosity in our community. We see that generosity on display through the efforts of the St. Michael’s Woman’s

Exchange, Jubilee Park, or any of the countless other ways our fellow members give of themselves to our Dallas neighbors. The call to be mission-focused is what draws many to Saint Michael, and our commitment to the community should continue to grow.

That witness to the world outside our walls has been in the front of my mind. Just a few weeks ago, I agreed to join a small group of faith leaders from across the Metroplex in a conversation with the publisher and editors of The Dallas Morning News.

Their desire was to work intentionally to promote the best future for our city, and they wanted congregations and leaders from churches like Saint Michael to be at the table. The conversation was energetic and clear, and a good reminder to me that we have a leadership role in the city and we should claim that responsibility with honor and vision.

And yet, our leadership responsibility is even larger than that. In just a few weeks, we will welcome the two most important leaders in our denomination to Saint Michael in an unprecedented public panel conversation.

On Thursday, September 20th, Saint Michael will welcome the Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, to our parish. I will moderate a public, live-streamed conversation between these two leaders on how the reconciling power of God’s love can transform our world.

This message is critical to the future

of the Gospel, and it is absolutely our responsibility to give the Gospel the highest platform we can whenever we can.

It’s true that fewer and fewer people in our city and nation are going to church, and yet Saint Michael is bucking that trend. Our worship attendance and programmatic engagement has been on a continuous upswing for nearly two years and I believe the momentum will continue. That’s important for the health and vitality of this church, but even more than that, we can be a sign of God’s renewing energy for a world that needs hope.

“As we invest our time, talent, and treasure, we commit to the transformative power of love in the world.”

God is alive, and it’s a privilege to be part of a community in which God’s light continues to shine brightly in and through us. May we continue to clearly and confidently reflect the light of Christ to every single person we meet, that they will know they are loved by God without exception.

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PROJECT MOSES D

uring the formation of the Project Moses Ministry, we were encouraged with the information that Saint Michael and All Angels parishioners shared in the 2015 Parish Survey. The results of that survey showed that Mission & Outreach was the #1 reason parishioners were proud of SMAA! More importantly, this pride is exhibited by action because M&O also enjoys the largest active participation rate of parishioners among SMAA activities.

The fact that Saint Michael’s parishioners like to become involved in community outreach projects prompted Project Moses to adopt our vision: “For Project Moses to be known at Saint Michael as one of our Remarkables—a ministry that stands out in the Episcopal Church as the standard for work against the evils of human trafficking.”

Although this is a lofty vision, Project Moses has accomplished much in its short existence and has responded to the significant community need to fight human trafficking, but there is much to do!

A key element of our Ministry is to help educate our community, and that requires us to draw from the significant resources available and bring them to our community. To facilitate this, Project Moses and Saint Michael and All Angels will host “Fighting for Freedom”, the Dallas Symposium on Human Trafficking. See ad opposite

What is this Symposium about?

This community event will bring together national, regional, and local experts in the field of human trafficking to provide information on research, law enforcement, and legislative fronts. A panel of human trafficking survivors will also provide a unique perspective into this horrific crime and the individual and community trauma caused by its existence.

The Rt. Reverend George Sumner will help to kick off our Symposium, as will The Reverend Dr. Chris Girata, and the Mayor of Dallas, Mike Rawlings.

A key speaker during the day will be The Reverend Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms, an organization globally known for its work to heal, empower, and employ women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.

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Other Activities?

In addition to our speakers, many member agencies of The North Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking will be in attendance to share information, answer questions, and show you how to get involved in fighting human trafficking.

In the SMAA Parlor, a human trafficking artifacts exhibit will be on display that conveys many survivor stories and illustrates the pain and suffering inflicted on trafficking victims.

When?

Saturday, October, 20, 2018 Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. and the Symposium will start promptly at 9 a.m.

Lunch will be provided by In-N-Out Burger for all registered attendees Closing Comments at 2:30pm Where?

The main Sanctuary at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church Who should attend?

All compassionate individuals in the community and all SMAA parishioners that wish to learn about, support, and get involved in our fight against human trafficking.

What can I do to help?

We expect to have a church full of parishioners and visitors on October 20. To help facilitate this event, many volunteers are needed in the following areas: Registration, Greeters, Ushers, Lunch Coordinators, Booth and Information Exchange Coordinators, VIP Escorts, A/V Coordinators, Printed Material Distribution Sign up at www.saintmichael.org/FFFor contact Terry Demler at tsdemler@gmail.com or Mark Demler at mdemler@comcast.net.

October 20 Saint Michael and All Angels & Project Moses Present

Fighting For Freedom: A Symposium on Human Trafficking saintmichael.org/FFF see details pg 22

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An Invitation from Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry to Practice the Way of Love Visit www.episcopalchurch.org/explore-way-love for more information “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge— that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:17-19 In the first century Jesus of Nazareth inspired a movement. A community of people whose lives were centered on Jesus Christ and committed to living the way of God’s unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial, and redemptive love. Before they were called “church” or “Christian,” this Jesus Movement was simply called “the way.”

Today I believe our vocation is to live as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. But how can we together grow more deeply with Jesus Christ at the center of our lives, so we can bear witness to his way of love in and for the world?

The deep roots of our Christian tradition may offer just such a path. For centuries, monastic communities have shaped their lives around rhythms and disciplines for following Jesus together. Such a pattern is known as a “Rule of Life.” The framework you now hold – The Way of Love: Practices for Jesus-Centered Life – outlines a Rule for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.

It is designed to be spare and spacious, so that individuals, ministry groups, congregations, and networks can flesh it out in unique ways and build a church-wide treasure trove of stories and resources. There is no specific order you need to follow. If you already keep a Rule or spiritual disciplines, you might reflect and discover how that path intersects with this one. By entering into reflection, discernment and commitment around the practices of Turn - Learn - Pray - Worship - Bless - Go - Rest, I pray we will grow as communities following the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus. His way has the power to change each of our lives and to change this world.

WHAT IS THE JESUS MOVEMENT? The Jesus Movement is the ongoing community of people who center their lives on Jesus and following him into loving, liberating and life-giving relationship with God, each other and creation.

Together, we follow Jesus as we love God with our whole heart, soul and mind and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40), and restore each other and all of creation to unity with God in Christ (BCP, p. 855).

Jesus launched this movement when he welcomed the first disciples to follow his loving, liberating, life-giving Way. Today, we participate in his movement with our whole lives: our prayer, worship, teaching, preaching, gathering, healing, action, family, work, play and rest.

In all things, we seek to be loving, liberating and life-giving—just like the God who formed all things in love; liberates us all from prisons of mind, body and spirit; and gives life so we can participate in the resurrection and healing of God’s world.

TRY THIS: Begin your day by asking: How could my words, actions and heart reflect the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus? Ask God to help you, especially at decision points.

At day’s end, with genuine curiosity and zero judgment, ask: When did I see myself or others being loving, liberating or life-giving today? Where do I wish I’d seen or practiced Jesus’ Way? God is love, and God’s very being is a trinity of loving relationship: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In Christ, God invites us to share that love; wherever there is pain or alienation, God longs to knit all people and creation back into wholeness and relationship.

Your brother in the Way of Jesus,

The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry Primate and Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

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SUN, OCTOBER 28 Barnyard Boo Bash 3-6 p.m. ($15*) sponsored by Saint Michael Episcopal School

and also

Trunk-or-Treat 5-6 p.m. (FREE) sponsored by Saint Michael And All Angels

*Ticket cost increases to $20 after Oct. 20

SEE FULL EVENT DETAILS PAGE 18

JUSTIN BROOKS & FAMILY G U L F

or the past decade, Saint Michael Director of Contemporary Music, Justin Brooks, and his wife Tiffany have followed a calling to lead music and write liturgical songs for the Church that reflect the seasons of life, worship, and needs of their local congregations. This often manifests itself as the composition of sacred songs, settings of scripture, and reinterpreting traditional hymns and service music with faithful, yet new arrangements.

ON TOUR WITH LITURGICAL FOLK

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percussion) and both the Brooks and Flanigan children sing as well. Tours are planned around the children’s school

A favorite venue for the group are house shows. These are concerts performed in someone’s home where 30-50 people are gathered (however, there were almost 100 at a house show this most recent tour!) Performing in a home lends itself to an intimate, yet comfortable environment that is conducive to the acoustic nature of the instruments and stories that are told. Of course, churches are the other venue in which they perform.

As one of the goals of Liturgical Folk is to create an ecumenical worship experience, they have performed concerts at Anglican, Presbyterian, and Episcopal churches with other denominations of the Christian faith interested in hosting the group. Stated on their website, “We are creating a cohesive network of like-minded churches and artists with the hope of inspiring and refreshing all saints wherever they may be on their journey and to resource the church with what we have discovered deep in its bones and prayer books.”

After recording three albums of such material, The Brooks met like-minded musicians and worship leaders Ryan and Melissa Flanigan (All Saints Dallas).

With a similar desire for liturgical renewal by way of composing new songs and arrangements that speak to all generations of the Church, The Flanigans began a music project called “Liturgical Folk”.

Its mission is to “make beautiful and believable sacred folk music for the sake of the world”. With two albums under their name (“Table Settings”, “Edenland”) and two more in production, Justin, Tiffany, and their children, Taylor and Grayson have joined them in this endeavor by presenting live concerts locally and on tour.

Hitting the road with both families in two minivans, Liturgical Folk has completed four U.S. tours where Tiffany provides lead and background vocals, Justin serves as a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, banjo, accordion, keyboards,

was their “Gulf Coast Tour” which took them from Texas to Florida, performing five concerts in all.

holidays/breaks so they may all be together. Liturgical Folk’s most recent tour

One of the statements often quoted by Liturgical Folk is that “There is an old song that has yet to be written.” It is that essence that Justin and Tiffany are excited to continue at Saint Michael as new songs are written for our congregation, and to extend that ministry outside of the parish walls.

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RECTOR’S RECAP The 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church took place in Austin recently.

Every three years, representatives from around the Episcopal Church gather for what might be considered a big “family” reunion. And whenever our Episcopal family gets together, lots of healthy debate takes place, all focused on how we can best follow the Way of Jesus.

I had the pleasure of spending a day at the convention hall to see old friends and to make new ones. Saint Michael was also well represented, especially because we co-sponsored a series of keynote conversations about how the Church can continue to grow into the future.

CUBA In addition to making you aware of the convention, I wanted to share a few notes that have come out of decisions made there. First, and perhaps most personal to us, was the decision to formally bring the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba back into The Episcopal Church. Saint Michael has had a long relationship with the Diocese of Cuba, nurtured by its bishop, the Rt. Rev. Griselda Delgado del Carpio. It was a special treat to host Bishop Griselda on Sunday, July 15, here at Saint Michael,

the first Sunday since Cuba’s return to The Episcopal Church!

BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER The convention also considered how we might use the Book of Common Prayer in the future. As you might know, prayer book revisions have happened through the years, most recently in 1979, a revision

of the prayer book approved in 1928. This year’s convention voted to adopt a plan for liturgical and prayer book revision that would not necessarily result in a fully updated book, but would allow for churches around the country to evolve their prayers as they feel is necessary within their particular contexts, all under the direction of the national Task Force on Liturgical and Prayer Book Revision.

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Finally, and perhaps most notably, General Convention passed a resolution giving all Episcopalians the ability to be married by their priests in their home

OOH LA LA THE PARISH PHOTOS! Instagram.com @smaadallas DO YOU FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE? @smaadallas

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churches, including same-sex couples.

This allows clergy within a particular parish the option to marry any couples who fall under their pastoral care. Our bishop, the Rt. Rev. George R. Sumner, has required that any parish in our diocese seeking to marry same-sex couples request pastoral oversight from a different bishop, meaning that the designated bishop would become the bishop of that parish. This option would effectively separate those Episcopal parishes from the rest of the parishes in this diocese.

Saint Michael has and continues to be a church that welcomes all people seeking to follow the Way of Jesus, treating all people with dignity and love. Decisions like these are never easy and will require proper discernment from our leadership and faithful parishioners. Your Saint Michael vestry will work to respond faithfully to opportunities granted us from General Convention, and we will welcome your thoughtful engagement.

It is my sincere hope that we will continue to confidently respond to the movement of the Spirit to love God with all our heart, our soul, our strength, and our mind, and to love every single one of our neighbors as ourselves. To God be the glory!

THE EPISOPAL CHURCH IN CUBA A Conversation with Bishop Griselda and Part I of a Series On The History of the IEC and Subsequent Winding Path to Re-unification with the ECUSA

by Steven Haal

The first thing I noticed about Bishop Griselda, was the peaceful forcefulness she exudes. Like one who has weathered the storms of life for an extended time—because she has. She has the easy smile of one who has just crossed an enormous threshold of victory, and a soft-spoken voice of kindness. But her eyes, thoughtful and dark, seem to see more than just what is in front of her. I imagine this a much-needed skill when negotiating the care and growth of a national Church, especially in a country whose history is as colorful as it is wrought with conflict and strife.

Bishop Griselda Delgado del Carpio was consecrated February 7, 2010, to be the eighth Bishop of Cuba, initially working with Bishop Miguel Tamayo Zaldivar, Bishop of Uruguay, who served as the interim Bishop, from 2005-10.

By many accounts, this is most likely due to the contentious nature of the “disassociation” in 1967 when the IEC (La Iglesia Episcopal de Cuba) was relegated to the status of Extra Provincial Diocese, receiving oversight by the Metropolitan Council of Cuba. This council consisted the archbishop of the West Indies, the senior bishop of ECUSA Province IX, and the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. The IEC held that the split came as a result of a “deterioration of the political relationship...becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a meaningful relationship....” (ENS, May 2002) This while the ECUSA stated that, “...this wasn’t an expulsion at all, but an agreement in consultation with the bishop of Cuba to give some ‘political space’ to the Cuban church...”

To better understand the IEC’s position, it’s helpful to read a little of their historical experience when revolution occurred resulting in the ascension of Fidel Castro. Griselda’s husband, The Rev. Geraldo Logildes Coroas states, “Lenin and Marxism was implanted, with the philosophy that everything is for everyone...” He went on to describe how the new government provided many new services for the people, that had previously been greatly helped by the church, resulting in a perception that the church was becoming obsolete.

It is with little surprise that it was Griselda presiding over the Cuban flock when, after much effort and hoopla spanning years, at the 79th General Convention in Austin, the House of Bishops unanimously approved resolution A238, officially re-admitting the Episcopal Church of Cuba as a diocese of the Episcopal Church, taking their place as part of Province II. But the path has been a Bishop Griselda Delgado del Carpio The IEC’s place in the Cuban culture was long one, and replete with ups and downs. both diminished over time, yet also celebrated In 2002, The ENS (Episcopal News Service) wrote, “While by those in need, due to their unbending commitment to former president Jimmy Carter [was visiting] Cuba in hopes stand by, and help all people in need—not just wealthy or of improving diplomatic relations between [Cuba] and Roman Catholic, as Griselda mentioned was the case with the U.S., Anglican Cubans [were] quietly seeking to rejoin the Roman Catholic Church in Cuba at the time. the Episcopal Church in the U.S. (ECUSA)...” While the Cuban Diocese Synod (a group consisting of a House of Over time tensions also increased with the U.S., ultimately Bishops and a House of Deputies within each of the nine resulting in the departure of Bishop Blankenship and 2000 provinces in the Anglican communion) voted unanimously Episcopals from the island. This all serving as preamble for reunification, staff writer Jane Davidson wrote that, “[the to the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion in1961 and ultimate decision] was ‘hotly debated’ and ‘fraught with ambiguity’ decision by the ECUSA to cut ties with the IEC. Griselda among the delegates (Canada’s Anglican Journal, April 2002). states, “I [had to] approach it as a child who’s been cut off and looking for its mommy for 50 years...during which Indeed, if one flashes forward to March, 2015, the Anglican time the baby matured, trying to maintain canonical Journal again reported that after another Cuban Synod vote knowledge on its own.” resulted in a narrow 39-33 vote in favor of reunification, that Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church ...To be continued! The Nov-Dec Archangel will continue of Canada said, “there was just absolute silence...There were our look at this fascinating historical journey, and some people that were feeling a sense of victory and others introduce other characters playing a significant role! who were feeling a real sense of loss.”

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WE HAVE MANY EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS FOR THIS 2018-2019 YEAR! Firstly, our choristers are now rehearsing weekly, and will begin singing weekly at the Sunday 9 a.m. Holy Eucharist in the church in September. I’m thrilled that we can not only include these boys and girls as leaders in our worship, but that we can offer them the extraordinary benefits of learning, growth, and personal development that go well beyond music such programs bring. We’re happy to accept new choristers throughout the year, so I’d encourage anyone who might be interested to contact me or Meg Harper, our new Associate Director of Music.

Spread the word and tell your friends! Our choristers are joined by our staff singers at the 9:00. These singers will help support our congregational singing, sing the lower parts of anthems with choristers, and will sing the Offertory anthem as a group when the choristers are away (such as for school breaks).

At our 11 a.m. Eucharist in the church, we have our adult choir singing as one ensemble. I very much look forward to all the beauty and richness they will contribute to our 11 a.m., especially as we continue to make this service a more choral-heavy, musically substantial cathedral-esque liturgy.

The adult choir will also embark upon a greater cultivation of our Anglican heritage’s prayer, liturgy, and music: Choral Evensong. As I wrote in the last issue of The Archangel, this is a more choral-packed version of Evening Prayer, which we already have as our 5:30 p.m. Sunday service in the Chapel, hence the nickname “Evensong.” Singing the various Psalms, canticles, and prayers of the Divine Office, in choral settings, especially the evening prayer time, dates back to the Middle Ages. In fact, some cathedrals and collegiate chapels in England have been offering such Evening Prayer services continually since before the Reformation! I’m so grateful to our adult choir for their dedication to our worship life in offering Choral Evensong monthly. We join most other large Episcopal churches and cathedrals across the country and the English-speaking world in offering regular Choral Evensong. I hope you will worship with us at our fall Choral Evensongs on October 7 (the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi) and November 4 (All Saints Day) at 5:30 p.m. in the church. Choral Evensong lasts less than an hour, and will be followed by spoken Holy Eucha-

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rist. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite friends and family!

Our Sunday evening worship will further transform and grow starting on the Feast of Saint Michael, September 30, when we begin Choral Compline at 8:00 p.m. in the church. As I wrote in the last issue, this is an entirely different kind of service from the others we already have.

It’s almost entirely sung, is unaccompanied by any instruments, features much Gregorian chant and choral music from the Renaissance, and lasts not even 30 minutes.

The particular aesthetic we’re cultivating includes much candle light, and, with the Compline Choir singing much of the liturgy on behalf of the congregation, a worship experience focused on inward participation. In other words, come and take it all in! Although this kind of service dates back countless centuries, we’re not aware of anything quite like this in the Dallas area, so we’re delighted to offer yet another kind of worship to not only our parish but the greater community. This is especially because we see big outreach potential with such a Choral Compline. It’s a beautiful, restful, meditative way to end the weekend, and I hope you’ll come to at least one! We will have Choral Compline every Sunday at 8:00 p.m. in the church from September 30 to May 5, except when we have a Sunday evening Saint Michael Presents concert (November 18 and April 7), and the Sunday preceding and following Christmas Day. Two other big events warrant mentioning here: our fall Saint Michael Presents concert on Sunday, November 18 at 7 p.m. will showcase New York City’s a cappella chamber choir The Salvatones in a diverse program ranging from classical to pop and more! On Sunday, December 23 at 5:30 p.m., we will have a special service of Christmas Lessons & Carols with our choristers and adult choir. Modeled after the famous service of the same name in Cambridge, England, this will be an exceptional occasion to hear beloved Christmas Scripture readings, sing favorite carols, hear our choirs at their finest, and enjoy the Christmas spirit. Again, this is a brilliant occasion to invite friends and family. I hope you’ll mark your calendars now!

Jonathan Ryan Director of Music and Organist

Anglophilia

wed o n k ur o y e Rais

ge!

CANON A “Canon” is an honorary title conferred upon a member of the clergy (and some lay persons) for faithful and valuable service to the church. In England this is usually termed a “prebendary.”

JOIN THE CONVERSATION! See you at @smaadallas

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to Esther to Mary” Walking on Water, p. 53. As JOIN US AS WE LAUNCH INTO OUR YEAR-LONG WHAT IS GOD’S STORY? followers of Jesus, a community read-through of the JOURNEY WITH GOD’S STORY! whole Bible gives us the opportunity to consider how One of the great opportunities we have at Saint God is calling us as a church, and as individuals to be Michael this coming program year is everyone reading WHAT IS GOD’S STORY? heroes of faith in our world today. through the narrative of the Bible, “God’s Story,” toOne of the great opportunities we have at Saint Michael this coming program year is everyone gether. Each Sunday morning beginning August 26th reading through the narrative of the Bible, “God’s Story,” together. Each Sunday morning at 10 a.m., members and26thguests all ages willAugust attend26 | Creation beginning August at 10 a.m.,of members and guests of all ages will attend an age-appropriate an age-appropriate hear God’s planGenesis of sal- 1-4 WHEN ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES lesson andlesson hear God’s and plan of salvation unfold.

This is a wonderful way for each of us to deepen our faith, and for families to grow together in their vation unfold.faith This is a wonderful way for each of us PARTICIPATE? and understanding of the Bible.

September 2 | TO The Flood / Noah’s Ark to deepen ourWhy faith, and for families to grow together Genesis 6:5 - chapter 9 read through the Bible as a church? in their faith and understanding of the Bible.

Don’t we get enough of the Bible on Sundays Our youngest members will hear from The Story For

GENESIS

during worship?

September 9 | Abraham Genesis 12-18, Little 21-22,Ones, 32-33 many of our children will experience Romans 4, Hebrew the 11 Catechesis/Godly Play lesson, our middle school

Why read through the Bible as a church?

Don’t we get enough of the Bible on Sundays during high school classes will meet separately to discuss September 16 |and Joseph worship?

Genesis 37-50 these chapters, and all adults will gather in the Nave for a presentation on the creation stories. Each Sunday According to a Madeleine L’Engle, “In the Bible we While we do engage significant portion of the Bible will build on the week before, as we explore God’s love are constantly being given glimpses of a reality quite different from that taught in school, even in through our 3-year lectionary cycle, understanding for the world as expressed through Holy Scripture.

Sunday school. We are all asked to do more than we can do. Every hero and heroine of the Bible the overarching themes of God’s love, providence, does more than he would have thought it possible to do, from Gideon to Esther to Mary” Walking and plan of salvation areAs best a narrative September 23 |InMoses / Deliverance on Water, p. 53. followersseen of Jesus, through a commuthe event that you are unable to attend an adult nity read-through of the whole Bible gives us the Exodus 1-17 opportunity to consider how God is calling we us as are being reading. Additionally, as individuals class, you’ll be able to watch a recording on our a church, and as individuals to be heroes of faith in our world today. invited into a deeper understanding of God, aSeptember more to catch up. We also plan to have bookmarks 30 |website New Commandments / Covenant profound loveWHEN forARE God, God’s creation and each other, Exodus 19-20, 24-25, 32-34, available with40a printed schedule.

THE OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE? and a realized Onfaith in will action August lived 26th eachout age group engage in the world.

October 7 | Numbers / Wandering Genesis 1-4 and the two stories of creation. Our youngest members will hear from The Story For Thursdays Numbers 10-14,On 20-21, 25, 27,at 11 a.m. in the Saint Michael Chapel, Little Ones, many of our children will experience the Catechesis/GodlyL’Engle, Play lesson, our“In middlethe Bible Deuteronomy 1-9, 29-32, 34 According to Madeleine we The Rev. Dr. Eric Liles will lead us in an exploration school and high school classes will meet separately to discuss these chapters, and all adults will are constantlygather being given glimpses of a reality quite entitled, God’s Story Continued—the Bible sections in the Nave for a presentation on the crestories. Each Sunday will build on the week different fromation that taught in school, even in Sunday that cannot be a covered on Sundays, such as the before, as we explore God’s love for the world as through Holy Scripture. school. We areexpressed all asked to do more than we can do. non-narrative chapters, books of poetry, and laws.

In the event that you are unable to attend an adult you’ll be ableof to watch recording on our more than Every hero andclass,heroine theaBible does website to catch up. We also plan to have bookavailable with printed schedule. he would havemarks thought itapossible to do, fromOctober Gideon14 | Joshua While we do engage a significant portion of the Bible through our 3-year lectionary cycle, understanding the overarching themes of God’s love, providence, and plan of salvation are best seen through a narrative reading. Additionally, as individuals we are being invited into a deeper understanding of God, a more profound love for God, God’s creation and each other, and a realized faith lived out in action in the world.

MOSES

JUDGES

On Thursdays at 11 a.m. in the Saint Michael Chapel, we will explore the Bible sections that cannot be a covered on Sundays, such as the non-narrative chapters, books of poetry, and laws.

SaintMichael.org/GodsStory

Joshua 1-8, 10-11, 23-24

October 21 | A Few Good Women and Men Judges 1-8, 13-16 October 28 | Ruth (Adult Parish Meeting) Ruth 1-4

The 72-hour read-through is finished! Continue with us now as we enter the first segment of our year-long journey with GOD’S STORY!

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GENESIS SEPT 9

Abraham Genesis 12-18, 21-22, 32-33 ; Romans 4; Hebrew 11

SEPT 16 Joseph Genesis 37-50

MOSES Moses Deliverance SEPT 23 US JOIN AS/ WE LAUNCH Exodus 1-17

INTO OUR YEAR-LONG JOURNEY WITH GOD’S STORY!

SEPT 30 New Commandments / Covenant 19-20, 24-25, 32-34, 40 WHAT Exodus IS GOD’S STORY? OCT 7

One of the great opportunities we have at Saint Michael this coming program year is everyone reading through the narrative of the Bible, “God’s Story,” together. Each Sunday morning beginning August 26th at 10 a.m., members and guests of all ages will attend an age-appropriate lesson and hear God’s plan of salvation unfold.

This is a wonderful way for each of us to deepen our faith, and for families to grow together in their faith and understanding of the Bible.

GENESIS

Numbers / Wandering Numbers 10-14, 20-21, 25, 27; D euteronomy 1-9, 29-32, 34 August 26 | Creation

JUDGES

Why read through the Bible as a church?

Don’t we get enough of the Bible on Sundays during worship?

While we do engage a significant portion of the Bible through our 3-year lectionary cycle, understanding the overarching themes of God’s love, providence, and plan of salvation are best seen through a narrative reading. Additionally, as individuals we are being invited into a deeper understanding of God, a more profound love for God, God’s creation and each other, and a realized faith lived out in action in the world.

Genesis 1-4

September 2 | The Flood / Noah’s Ark Genesis 6:5 - chapter 9 September 9 | Abraham Genesis 12-18, 21-22, 32-33 Romans 4, Hebrew 11

OCT 14 Joshua Joshua 1-8, 10-11, 23-24 September 16

Genesis 37-50

| Joseph

OCT 21 A Few Good Women and Men Judges 1-8, 13-16 According to Madeleine L’Engle, “In the Bible we are constantly being given glimpses of a reality quite different from that taught in school, even in Sunday school. We are all asked to do more than we can do. Every hero and heroine of the Bible does more than he would have thought it possible to do, from Gideon to Esther to Mary” Walking on Water, p. 53. As followers of Jesus, a community read-through of the whole Bible gives us the opportunity to consider how God is calling us as a church, and as individuals to be heroes of faith in our world today.

MOSES

OCT 28 Ruth (Adult Attend Parish Meeting) Ruth 1-4

September 23 | Moses / Deliverance Exodus 1-17 September 30 | New Commandments / Covenant

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER PARISH EVENTS CFM

SUN, OCTOBER 14 & 21

SEPT 16, 23, 30, OCT 14

HEALTHY AND HOLY SEXUALITY FOR 5TH-8TH GRADERS 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., 5th- 8th Grade Families Youth in the Youth Center Parents in the Theater This combined event with the Youth department is a volunteer-led program that allows for 5th-8th graders and their parents to learn about sex and sexuality through the Christian lens. Each week, the material will focus on a different part of teen sexuality, while staying centered in scripture and Christian teaching.

PARENT MEETING September 9 @ 12:15 p.m. in the Youth Center saintmichael.org/youth

NATIVITY PAGEANT TRYOUTS 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. in the Theater Help us retell one of the greatest stories of our faith. Tryouts for the pageant will be held for 3rd-8th graders in the theater October 14th and 21st from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. All who try out will receive a role.

Children ages 3 -2nd grade are encouraged to participate as stars, animals, shepherds, and angels. Younger children will be assigned roles according to age/ grade. To sign up for a tryout or to register younger children go to saintmichael.org/nativity.

SUN, OCTOBER 28

BARNYARD BOO BASH AND TRUNK-OR-TREAT ($15) Barnyard Boo Bash 3-6 p.m.

(Free) Trunk-or-Treat 5-6 p.m.

BBB is hosted by the Saint Michael Episcopal School, with games, food, and lots of candy from 3-6 p.m. Bring the whole family, friends, and neighbors to join us for the festivities. There will be a bounce houses, bungee, a horse drawn hay ride, a petting zoo, pony rides and so much more. Tickets include all activities, treats and dinner. All proceeds benefit the Saint Michael Episcopal School Parent Advisory programs.

Ticket cost increases to $20 after Oct. 20.

Make sure to wear your Halloween costume for Trunk-or-Treat from 5-6 p.m. Sponsored by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.

HISTORIC EVENT!

Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Revd and Rt Hon

JUSTIN WELBY

Presiding Bishop The Most Reverend

MICHAEL B. CURRY

Saint Michael and All Angels in the Church Make plans to join us for this historic meeting and panel discussion moderated by The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata on the topics of love and reconciliation.

Getty Images

THUR SEPT 20, 2:30 P.M.

Get tickets, volunteer, or become a sponsor at: mesdallas.org/barnyardbash Trunk-or-Treat questions or to volunteer: Regan at rwallace@saintmichael.org Elizabeth at ekeogh@smesdallas.org Boo Bash Questions or to volunteer: Ryan at ryannaggar@gmail.com.

YOUTH

TUE, OCTOBER 11

BARK AND BAKE: MAKING DOG TREATS 6-8 p.m.

FRI, OCTOBER 21

YOUTH TRIP TO FC DALLAS SOCCER GAME Led by: Lauren Wainwright Frisco, Texas | Cost: $25 3 p.m.

Registration deadline October 17. Register online at saintmichael.org/youth Contact Lauren for questions.

The youth are heading to see the FC Dallas Soccer Team. We will meet at the church at 3 p.m. and carpool to the game together.

MON, OCTOBER 24

STICKY FAITH: A 2-PART PROGRAM FOR JUNIORS & SENIORS PREPARING FOR COLLEGE Part 1: October 24 from 6-8 p.m.

Part 2: Coming Spring 2019

SINGLES IN THE CITY SAT, SEPTEMBER 15

SINGLES IN THE CITY KICKOFF AND WELCOME DINNER 6:30–8:30 p.m.

True Food Kitchen, Preston Center 8383 Preston Center Plaza, Dallas, TX 75225 Join us for dinner and conversation as we get acquainted and toss around ideas for future events. True Food Kitchen serves a varied menu that focuses on fresh and seasonal dishes using simple preparations that are influenced by a wide variety of cuisines.

Delicious and good for you! Deadline to RSVP: Tuesday, September 11th. For event RSVP and Questions: charlene.york@gmail.com THUR, SEPTEMBER 27

DALLAS ARBORETUM COOL THURSDAY CONCERT SERIES: BEATLES TRIBUTE 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218 6–9 p.m.

The British Invasion is back! Join us for a fun-filled evening as we enjoy the Beatles tribute band, Hard Day’s Night, amid the beautiful scenery of the Dallas Arboretum. Bring a short chair and/or blanket, bug spray, your favorite snacks, plasticware, and beverages and join us

to watch the sun set over White Rock Lake as we listen to the songs of the Fab 4 from the golden age of rock n’ roll. You may bring your own food and alcohol to the concerts or you can purchase food, non-alcoholic drinks and water from the rotating roster of food trucks that will be there. Go online and buy your ticket as soon as possible if you want to join us. $30 per person ($20 for Arboretum members), plus the cost of any food and beverage purchases. dallasarboretum.org Deadline to RSVP: Friday, September 21st For event RSVP and Questions: charlene.york@gmail.com FRI, OCTOBER 19

SINGLES IN THE CITY VISIT LATE NIGHT AT THE DMA 1717 North Harwood Dallas, TX 75201 5:30–7:30 p.m. (with dinner afterwards) An evening filled with music, activities and tours that highlight current exhibitions, as well as pieces from the museum’s permanent collection. Get introduced to this cultural treasure if you’ve never visited before, or come back again to see things you may not have noticed on previous visits. We’ll meet for dinner at the downtown location of Meso Maya afterwards for those so inclined. DMA members may park at the museum and attend for free. For non-members, general entry tickets are $10 per person and continued next page THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

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garage parking is $12. Limited street parking also may be available.

Deadline to sign up: Monday, October 15th For event RSVP and Questions: charlene.york@gmail.com

research aimed at providing options for patients and physicians which could help overcome the opioid crisis.

PASTORAL CARE SUN, SEPTEMBER 9

WOMEN OF SAINT MICHAEL WED, SEPTEMBER 12 11:30 a.m.

Parish Hall

MOBILIZING THE CHURCH TO REACH REFUGEES The Rev. Samira Izadi Page, Executive Director, Gateway of Grace Ministries Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.

-Exodus 23:9 How can we as individuals and as a church reflect on our own history and commit ourselves to refugees? Rev. Dr. Samira Izadi Page, Founder and Exec.

Director of Gateway of Grace Ministries, will tell us about her own experience as a refugee, having moved to the U.S. from Iran, and later converting from Islam to Christianity. She will also share with us how Gateway of Grace fulfills its mission of meeting the physical and spiritual needs of refugees in our community.

WED, OCTOBER 10 11:30 a.m. – Parish Hall

SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO THE OPIOID CRISIS Dr. Theodore (Ted) Price, Ph.D., UT Dallas Texas Pain Research Consortium Understanding the opioid crisis in the United States is the first step to combating it. Dr. Theodore Price will share with us how opioids affect our brains, why they can be addictive, and what non-addictive alternatives are being developed to overcome this epidemic. Dr. Price is one of the foremost researchers in understanding molecular mechanisms in our bodies that causes chronic pain.

Come learn about his cutting edge

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THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

“THE BLESSINGS OF THE SAINTS” Led by The Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer 10-11 a.m. in the Parlor All are invited.

SUN, SEPTEMBER 16

“FAITH AND THE STRESSES OF CAREGIVING” Led by Steve Roland 10-11 a.m. in the Parlor All are invited.

THUR, SEPTEMBER 20

PRAYER MINISTRY MEETINGS Led by Joan Faubion and Maria D’Antoni 3rd Thursday Evenings, rotating format* 6 p.m. in the Coke Activities Room “Prayer Needs of Stephen Ministry” with Mary Kardell, Stephen Ministry Chair SUN, SEPTEMBER 30

“SENIOR LIVING: WHEN DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE READY?” Led by Annette Lentz & Kevin Mahoney 10-11 a.m. in the Parlor ““Senior Living: The effects of isolation and loneliness” All are invited.

GENERAL EVENTS SUN, SEPTEMBER 9

BAPTISMS 9 & 11 a.m. services THUR, SEPTEMBER 13

“BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH” 5 – 7 p.m.

It’s Back to School Bash at Jubilee Park!

Join Jubilee Park families and students to kickoff the new school year! Activities like read-alongs, sports clinics, crafts, and science experiments will get everyone excited about learning with your help. Groups or individual volunteers are needed to help oversee activity stations as well as various roles such as refreshments, set-up & break down.

Contact Liz Perry Miller at l.perrymiller@gmail.com THUR, SEPTEMBER 20 HISTORIC EVENT!

DISCUSSION PANEL WITH ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY & PRESIDING BISHOP AT SMAA 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Join us for an historic event featuring The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby and The Most Revd Michael B. Curry. The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata moderates a discussion panel on the topics of reconciliation and love.

This is the first time these two men have met on U.S. soil since they have entered their respective offices.

SUN, OCTOBER 7

“THE COST OF SENIOR LIVING” Led by Jolie and Burt Derr 10-11 a.m. in the Parlor All are invited.

THUR, OCTOBER 18

PRAYER MINISTRY MEETINGS at 6 p.m. in the BMC Evening Prayer with Bill McGannon, Reader SUN, OCTOBER 21, 2018

“WHAT WITNESS CAN I MAKE?” The Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer 10-11 a.m. in the Parlor All are invited.

SUN, SEPTEMBER 23

NEW or VISITING

SAINT MICHAEL 101 Rev. Chris Girata & Rev. Mary Lessmann 12:15 p.m. in the Parlor If you are new to Saint Michael or just visiting and want to learn more about membership, then this luncheon is for you! Come meet members of our clergy & vestry, and hear about our many ministries, opportunities for involvement, and the exciting future of our parish. Lunch is served and childcare is available with pre-registration.

Please register by September 20 at saintmichael.org/101luncheon

WED, SEPTEMBER 26

HONDURAS MISSION INFO MEETING

6:30 p.m.

The home of Chris and Sally Schupp, 4349 Shenandoah Street We will return to Tela in February of 2019 and begin making plans for our upcoming meeting with pot-luck supper for new and longtime friends; and an introduction to a trip that will change your life. Please let us know if you be able to join us and RSVP to: cschupp@robertlynn.com.

BACK STORY: For more than 15 years, SMAA parishioners have partnered with Espiritu Santo (Holy Spirit Episcopal Church and Bilingual Day School) of Tela, Honduras. Tela is a small town located on the southern coast of the Gulf of the Mexico. Breaking from their daily Dallas routines, SMAA parishioners forge new friendships by teaching more than 400 children Bible stories through songs and crafts, helping locals with small construction projects, providing fluoride treatments to children and distributing hundreds of pairs of eyeglasses throughout Tela’s 5 surrounding Barrio communities. Smiles are the universal language.

THUR, SEPTEMBER 27

SAINT MICHAEL CONTEMPORARY: AN EVENING OF HYMNS & PSALMS

7-8 p.m. in the Church

Come sit, relax, and enjoy a beautiful night of worship music. Justin Brooks and our contemporary musicians will present a concert of new arrangements of time-honored hymns and original settings of the Psalms on acoustic and stringed instruments. Family friendly; childcare provided. Reception with snacks and beverages (adult and child friendly) in the Narthex following.

SUN, SEPT EMBER 30

SPECIAL CHORAL SERVICE

11 a.m. in the Church Festival Choral Eucharist with incense for the Feast of SMAA, including brass and timpani.

EXPLORE YOUR FAITH SUNDAYS IN OCTOBER

EPISCOPAL CHRISTIANS 101 formerly known as “Discovery” Rev. Chris Girata and Rev. Mary Lessmann 12:15 p.m. in the Coke Activities Room This class is for those new to Christianity, new to Saint Michael, or for those who want to revisit the core features of our belief and practice. This offering will provide an overview of our faith and explore what it means to walk as a Christian in the Episcopal tradition. This class also serves as Confirmation Preparation for those who want to be confirmed by the bishop on November 11th. The weekly topics are as follows: • • • •

Our Anglican Heritage Worship and Sacraments Bible and Spiritual Formation What’s next? Finding Your +1

Lunch is available for purchase with registration and pre-order at $10.00 per person per week. Childcare is available with pre-registration.

Please register by October 4. Contact hfisher@saintmichael.org THUR, OCTOBER 4

PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Dolly Marting “What You Cannot Change, Rearrange!”

SUN, OCTOBER 7

CHORAL EVENSONG FOLLOWED BY EUCHARIST

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

WRITE THROUGH IT: WRITING WORKSHOP 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Coke Activities Room A three-part workshop for anyone who has a story they’ve always wanted to tell: the role of the imagination, which is within each of us, techniques that focus ideas and writing practice/accountability. Participants will have the opportunity to try out writing exercises to enhance the clarity and accessibility of their own concepts and if they so choose, to share their sentences. Emphasis will be on the spiritual aspects of the writing process.

All genres are welcome. $10 per person to cover a handout which will include notebook, booklists and a listing of writing exercises.

Register by Oct. 5 to Cynthia Sample at 214.766.3907 or cynthia@cynthiacsample.com SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS 2 - 3 p.m.

SMAA West Parking Lot & ESD Lower School Porte-Cochère From kittens to chickens, guppies to puppies, our clergy will be blessing all pets great and small. This free event is open to the entire community, so come and enjoy this wonderful annual Saint Michael and All Angels tradition. A short liturgy will be led by the clergy followed by individual pet blessings. Each pet will receive a lovely St. Francis medallion for their pet collar. Nibbles will be served for the pets and their humans. continued next page

5:30 p.m. in the Church Choral Evensong for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, followed by Holy Eucharist

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The Rt. Reverend George Sumner will help to kick off the event with The Reverend Dr. Chris Girata.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20

FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM: A SYMPOSIUM ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING 8:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The symposium is free to attend.

This community event will bring together national, regional, and local experts in the field of human trafficking to provide information on research, law enforcement, and legislative fronts.

A panel of human trafficking survivors will also provide a unique perspective into this horrific crime and the individual and community trauma caused by its existence.

A key speaker during the day will be The Reverend Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms, an organization globally known for its work to heal, empower, and employ women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.

Please sign up at www.saintmichael. org/FFF or contact Terry Demler at tsdemler@gmail.com, or Mark Demler at mdemler@comcast.net.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28

FALL BLOOD DRIVE 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the ESD Library The Parish Nurse Ministry, with the American Red Cross, will sponsor our Fall Blood Drive. Historically, parishioners have generously given of this gift of life that has aided many of our own parishioners as well as others in need.

Drivers license or ARC card/app required to donate.

To reserve a time: Contact Dianne Boyd, RN, dboyd@saintmichael.org.

WATCH THE VIDEO - LINK BELOW -

#SMAANorthLand

SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS ANNOUNCES NORTH LAND INITIATIVE Dear Friends, Our church is nearing an exciting moment in its history. Before my arrival, parish leaders started to imagine how we could harness the potential of our campus and, built on the hopefulness expressed in a parish survey of nearly 1,000 respondents, began to develop a plan. When I began in the summer of 2016, I was introduced to this idea and immediately saw the positive impact it could have on our future. With the engagement of years of Saint Michael vestry leaders and the clarity of the Preston Center Task Force study, we are ready to embark on this next chapter of our mission.

Tomorrow, Saint Michael, along with our partner, Lincoln Property Company, are applying for a zoning change with the City of Dallas to allow for a mixed-use development on the northeast portion of our property. This initiative will activate and energize our property in new ways that will allow us to engage more of our neighbors, add more space for our church growth, and provide an increased investment in our common mission and ministry. I see a significant opportunity for Saint Michael and I hope you will join me in supporting our vision for growth in the future.

I have joined Margaret Spellings, Senior Warden, and Stewart Thomas, past Senior Warden and Co-Chair of the Campus Planning Committee, in this video to introduce the initiative to you. We will host numerous sessions in the coming weeks when you and our neighbors will be able to ask questions and provide us with your feedback. Until then, I ask for your continued prayers as we walk into a bright future together!

Faithfully, VIDEO LINK: saintmichael.org/northland also on @smaadallas

THANK

YOU!

“THANK YOU to everyone who volunteered their time and read during our 72 Hour Bible Read Through. This event was a huge success and we are so appreciative of every individual who made it happen. Saint Michael and All Angels could not have accomplished a full reading of the Bible without all those who volunteered. Our parishioners and staff are awesome!”

Allie Farmer Anne Schmidt Arden Showalter Arnold Spencer Barbara Herring Barbara York Bennett Cullum Betsy Pederson Betsy Cullum Beverly Roever Bob Campbell Bonner Allen Carin Moeller Carol Crosthwait Carol Roehrig Caroline Marak Carrie Nicoud Catherine Dean Celise Stephenson Chase Monson Chris McClung Christi Morrow Claudia Overturf Dan Garrigan Darrel Rice David Greenblatt David Musser David Waddington Diane McGrath Dianna Bowen Doug Theodore Elaine Disney Elizabeth Selzer Elizabeth Lang Eric Liles Eric Conner Gail Thomas Galt Family Ginger Sager Goglia Family Hallie Lawrence Hank Nichols Harry Holden Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer J. C. Snead

James Parks Janice Bywaters Jeanie Sikes Jeanne Phillips Jeff Rice Jill Delabano Joan Faubion Joe Dealey Joe Walker John Hall John Ellerman John Lang Jonathan Ryan Joseph Cahoon Josiah Daniel Julie Borus Karen Pardoe Katherine Bowen Kathy Kelley Kathy Jenevein Kay Whelan Keith Quarterman Kelley Christian Kelly Reddell Kimberly Colonnetta Kristin Kline Laura Talbot Lauren Wainwright Layne Jackson Lisa Musser Liz Wheelan Lowell Duncan Lynne Campbell Madalyn Teal Madelyn Brinkley Margaret Spellings Maria D’Antoni Marilyn Arensberg Mark Demler Marla Briggle Marvin Yeager Mary Massengale Mary Lessmann Mary Elizabeth Schleier Mary Ruth McKenney

Matson Pearce Matt Hudak Meg Badgett Meggie Orgain Melanie McGill Merrilee Cate Missy Barras Nancy Wilbur Ott Family Paul Talbot Peters Family Ralph Cousins

Regan Wallace Ross Vick Ruthie Garrett Sally Schupp Sandra Hughes Shannon Callewart Sheryl Wylie Stacey Malcolmson Steve McKenney Steven Haal Stewart Thomas Susan Kalen

Terry Demler Thomas Allen Tish Visinsky Tom Bowen Tony Briggle Tori Mannes Warren Houser Wilson Family Wyatt Rousseau

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Join fellow parishioners in a hands-on mission opportunity!

BACK 2 SCHOOL

BASH

i at Jubilee Park

917 BANK STREET DALLAS, TX 75039

SEPT 13 | 5PM - 7PM

You bring the hands and heart, Jubilee provides the rest!

Groups or Individuals

• oversee the ice cream-o-meter • make bookmarks • lead a sing-along • referee field games • create colorful food pyramids To volunteer, contact Liz Perry-Miller at l.perrymiller@gmail.com or Jubilee at volunteer@jubileecenter.org.

GENEROSITY: GOD’S GRACE AND YOU

Thoughts from the Stewardship Committee Chair Dear friends, Generosity. It feeds the spirit, strengthens our commitment to what we believe and always finds a way to bring us together in fellowship. Since Saint Michael was founded more than 70 years ago, a generous spirit has embodied our actions for our parish and community.

It is with this generous spirit in mind, that I accepted the call to become your Stewardship Chair for the 2018-19 giving year.

As many of you know, I have been involved at Saint Michael in a variety of roles. The most important and compelling part of each opportunity has been the chance to meet and grow in friendships and relationships with hundreds of parishioners. Fellowship and friendship are at the heart of my commitment to SMAA. These friendships have forged bonds that will last a lifetime for me and my family. Coming to church and to the hundreds of events that are planned for us each year, not only brings us closer to our faith, but equally as important strengthens our relationships with the friends that we have made over the years. Saint Michael is our church home and home is where the heart is!

I am proud to be a member of Saint Michael and All Angels and our family fulfills our Stewardship pledge each year.

Support for our church comes from pledges, gifts, and plate contributions. In order for our church to open our doors for a worship service or offer any of the hundreds of programs, support groups, Bible studies and mission and outreach programs we provide each year, we rely on stewardship pledges to develop our budget. Therefore, it is vitally important to make a pledge so that our church can plan for our future and be there to support us.

God walks with us every day. Of course, he is present at weddings, baptisms and other holy events. But, God is also with us when we ask a special prayer to watch over our children as they head off to school, or cross our fingers just before our team kicks a winning field goal. Many of us text the hands in prayer emoji when we get news that someone is in distress or ailing. Or, just say, “Thank You

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THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

God” when we find a parking place at church on a rainy Sunday morning. God is always walking with us. He is generous with his love, so shouldn’t we consider being generous with our treasure? “For where your treasure is, your heart will be also.”

-Matthew 6:21 I love Saint Michael and All Angels - our people and our mission. I know that many of you feel the same way that I do about this Parish. We need your help and commitment to continue to make our church a strong beacon of hope for ourselves and others. As you consider your commitment to our church this year, please remember all that God and Saint Michael means to you. With a commitment from everyone, the possibilities for our future become opportunities for us all. I want to thank the Stewardship Committee for the commitment and for their time, support, and guidance. This is going to be a great year for Saint Michael.

Starting in the October please look for information about your 2019 pledge, and be generous!

All my best, Squeaky Connolly Stewardship Chair, 2018-2019

WOMEN OF SAINT MICHAEL Finding Purpose through Passion & Prayer

SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!

Visit SaintMichael.org/wosmluncheons to sign up!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 WOSM LUNCHEON Parish Hall | 11:30 a.m.

The Rev. Samira Izadi Page

Gateway of Grace Ministries – Executive Director “Mobilizing the Church to Reach Refugees”

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 WOSM LUNCHEON Parish Hall | 11:30 a.m.

Dr. Theodore (Ted) Price, PhD

UT Dallas, Texas Pain Research Consortium “Seeking Solutions to the Opioid Crisis” All women who are members of Saint Michael and All Angels are members of the Women of Saint Michael

“With God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26

GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST

In Remembrance of Me A Message From Legacy Planning

Each week Saint Michaelites gather around the altar to share the holy meal, called by Jesus to partake in the bread and wine “in remembrance of me.” It is a gift that has been handed down through the centuries from generation to generation.

As we recall those who have gone before us, our minds are filled with precious memories. We are their legacy, and much of what we have – in both material and non-material things – has been handed down to us from them. But what will we hand down to those who follow us? How will we be remembered? Will we leave more than an empty spot in a pew?

As you plan for the distribution of your assets after your death, consider a charitable bequest to the Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation. It is one way your faith, your love for Saint Michael and its heritage, can be transferred to the next generation. This, and other types of planned gifts, can undergird the church’s ministry in perpetuity, providing resources that will allow future generations to worship, serve others, and continue to grow the vital ministries of our church.

The principal from gifts made to the Foundation is invested and never spent when directed to an endowment fund. As the endowments grow, distributions from the earnings are made to strengthen and initiate new church ministries, enhance our places of worship and fellowship, and reach into the community to help our neighbors.

Our possessions are gifts from God, and God has intended for us to use them wisely throughout our lifetimes. Through our estate plans, we can provide for our loved ones while also making a faithful distribution back to God to further God’s work. There are many reasons – legal, financial and even spiritual – for having a will that spells out your personal legacy. A Legacy Gift to the Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation continues in perpetuity to support the mission and ministries of your church.

For more information about Planned Giving at Saint Michael, contact Lowell Duncan, Director of Legacy Planning, at lduncan@saintmichael.org.

May the souls of these faithful departed rest in peace.

Joseph E. Parteli June 25, John Parteli (Son) Perry Connolly Maxwell June 26, Melinda Beane (Daughter) Lea Frances Courington June 30, Chris Harvey (Husband) Andy Konradi July 5, Mark Konradi (Son), Michael Konradi (Son) James Edward Wiley, Sr. July 8, Jim Wiley (Son), Chris (grandson) and Luke & Caroline (great-grandchildren) Virginia Cole Bonner Houston July 8, Mrs. Bonner Allen (granddaughter) and Thomas Allen, Juliet and Susanna (great granddaughters) John Wayne Nichols July 18, Richard Deknock (husband) Chandler Roosevelt Lindsley July 19, Ruth Lindsley (daughter), Dr. Chandler Lindsley (daughter) Joshua Chase Imperial July 24, Elaine Disney (aunt), Dennis Disney (uncle), Austin & Chance (cousins) Roy Duane Baccus July 24, Mrs. Courtney Peeler (niece) and Price, Paige and James The Rev. Hill Carter Riddle (Former SMAA Interim Rector) July 29 Mrs. Macon Riddle (wife) Mary Elizabeth Miller Bartholow July 30 Emily Gary (daughter), Barbara Gary (daughter) William Douglas Andrews August 3 Mrs. Louise Marsh (daughter) and Charles (son-in-law) Luke, William, Tennessee and Virginia (grandchildren) James Allen White, Sr. August 3 Mrs. Sarah White (wife), James White, Jr. (son) and Wendy (daughter-in-law), Reaves, Emma, Wallace and William (grandchildren) Ingram Benedict Schwahn August 9 Sherrie Gottsacker (daughter) and Tim (son-in-law), Mary Grace and Gretchen (granddaughters) Vivian Lang August 10, Jim and Samantha Lang (parents) Charles Christian Wurmstedt August 12, Diana Newton (step-daughter) and Geoff, Will and Thayer Newton Betty Button August 16, Lisa Riggert (daughter) and Jim (son-in-law), Emily and Hannah (granddaughters) Lou Ann Campbell, August 22 Ivan Irwin, Jr., August 24

BIRTHS

We warmly welcome our newest members recently born into our parish family: Price Shuey Cowhig Tuesday, July 17, 2018, Grandparents: Debbie & Bob Shuey III Margot Reese Winslow Monday, July 23, 2018, Parents: Chandler and Jeff Winslow, Grandparents: Jeff and Darrel Rice Grace Holmes Barry Tuesday, August 7, 2018, Parents Virginia and Michael Barry, Grandparents: Ginger Brown | Kay and Rick Barry Paige Allan LeBlanc August 17, 2018, Grandparents: Debbie and David Fosdick THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

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SAINT MICHAEL STAFF & CLERGY NEWS

The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata Rector

Staff Arrivals The Reverend Canon René Somodevilla Priest Associate for Worship

for Worship.

It’s with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of the Reverend Canon René Somodevilla as our newest Priest Associate

A Cuban native, Fr. René came to the United States in 1960. After living in Miami, Florida and Wichita Falls, Texas, he received his graduate degree in Clinical Social Work in 1972 from the University of Texas at Arlington.

In 1984, he graduated from seminary at the Anglican School of Theology and was ordained to the priesthood

by January of 1985. He has served at Church of the Ascension in Dallas, St. Barnabas’ in Garland, St. Elisabeth’s in Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Andrew’s in Collierville, Tennessee. He was Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of West Tennessee, Interim Canon to the Bishop Pro Tempore in the Diocese of Dallas, and Assistant to the Rector at Holy Trinity by the Lake in Heath.

Most recently, he served on a part-time basis at Church of the Incarnation in Dallas.

Long-time members of Saint Michael, René and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 26 years and have six children and ten grandchildren between them. Nancy is a speech pathologist working for a charter school and serves the Dallas Independent School District as a speech therapist. At Saint Michael,

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Nancy’s ministry includes lay leadership for Pastoral Care and missional initiatives such as Project Moses. Please join me in welcoming Rene in this new capacity at Saint Michael!

THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

Hannah Fisher Administrative Assistant for Adult Formation and Parish Life Events Please join us in welcoming Hannah Fisher to the Saint Michael family!

Hannah was raised in McKinney and is a recent graduate of the University of North Texas with a B.A. in Media Arts and a Minor in Marketing. She was very involved in Pi Beta Phi and even served as the Panhellenic Council President. She has a strong background in social media, customer service, communication, and leadership.

Tish and I are very pleased to work with Hannah. We have already found her to be a quick study and a good fit with our Formation staff. For any questions regarding Adult Formation or Parish Life, Hannah can be reached at 214363-5471 or hfisher@saintmichael.org God’s Peace, The Rev. Dr. Eric J. Liles Associate for Formation Travis Harvey Graphic Designer I’m very excited to welcome Travis Harvey as the newest full-time member of the Saint Michael and All Angels staff !

Travis is a native Texan and married to his lovely wife Blayne, is an avid soccer fan, has his B.A. in Graphic Design from Louisiana

State University at Shreveport, and has studied and worked from Colorado to Istanbul (yes, that Istanbul -- be sure to ask him about it!)

Many of you have already had the opportunity to work with him and experience his skill and creativity--we’re fortunate to have him join the team.

Steve Haal Director of Communications Staff Departures Anne Schmidt has decided to step away from fulltime employment in order to focus on her work as a consultant for churches around the country, as well as her leadership in organizations such as the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes. She has accepted a part-time position back at her home parish, Church of the Transfiguration, where she will help coordinate their newcomer ministries.

We will miss having Anne on our team, and the feeling is mutual! Anne wanted to share a message with the parish: “With gratitude for my time here at Saint Michael and All Angels, I head back to my home parish of Church of the Transfiguration to become their Director of Evangelism and Welcome on a part time basis. This will not only allow me to worship with my family but to resume my work as a search consultant for the Episcopal Church. I am thankful for many friendships I’ve made and look forward to continued relationship and future collaboration with the wonderful people of Saint Michael and All Angels.”

We will begin a search for her replacement very soon. Until then, we send her “up north” with our love and prayers!

A Thank You Message from Leon Farmer & Family Dear Saint Michael Family, My family and I cannot express enough gratitude for your acts of kindness. We would like to apologize for taking so long to thank you all for your hard work and appreciation. Since retirement a lot of blessings have come our way.

The retirement celebration was over the top! You all went above and beyond what was required. We know there was a lot of preparation that went into the celebration and we thank everyone that

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was involved in the process. Our family enjoyed the many fun activities provided. You guys gave me a great send off. Although I hated to leave, my health would not allow me to stay any longer.

I truly enjoyed being a part of the Saint Michael family and I know I’m going to miss being a part of you all. Even though I am not there anymore, you all are still in my heart and spirit. I am going to miss every single one of you. You all always made me feel appreciated, well liked and admired.

Best of Big D The

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The way I was treated, you all made me feel like family and made me feel like it came from the heart. We are grateful for your thoughtfulness, kindness, generosity and prayers. I miss you all and I am adjusting to my new life style fairly well but I also miss all of your smiling faces, hugs and hand shakes.

With Love and Blessing, Leon Farmer & Family

NOVEMBER 14 WOSM LUNCHEON with Chef JOANNE BONDY

“STOCKS & BONDY” Parish Hall at 11:30 a.m. saintmichael.org/women

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Alaska

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From July 18-26th, 9 youth and 2 adults from Saint Michael joined with 36 other youth and chaperones from 3 other churches in the Diocese of Dallas for a mission trip to Anchorage, Alaska.

While working and staying at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Anchorage, youth and adults built a community garden, began work on a cold weather greenhouse for a senior citizen center, and bagged and delivered groceries and household items for a local food pantry. We learned very quickly in Alaska that homelessness, hunger, and addiction are all serious issues for many in the community and the state as well. With long harsh winters, fresh food is not easily accessible or affordable. The cost of living is very high. We are hopeful that all of our work projects were able to give even a little bit to those who will benefit most from its resources.

in the sea (we didn’t have any luck). We also visited the Native Heritage Museum and learned about the many different native groups that make up the state of Alaska as well as the importance of hunting and fishing for their communities still to this day.

They also showed us a few beautiful dances and fun games they like to play.

We visited the city of Wasilla, about an hour’s drive into the mountains from Anchorage. During our time in Wasilla, we were hosted by a wonderful family who treated us to an Alaskan famous salmon dinner and also introduced us to their own Siberian Huskies that have run in the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race which begins each year in Anchorage. We also visited the Iditarod Headquarters and learned about the origins of dog sledding in the state and visited some rather cute husky puppies that everyone fell in love with.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel and do mission work with the youth of our church. We had an amazing time in Alaska and we cannot wait to hopefully return one day. Mission work is a huge part of our ministry and we hope you will continue to participate and support our youth in the many works and projects they contribute to during the year.

-Lauren Wainwright

And another look....

Alaska, during the summer, is a green escape of wild flowers and beautiful mountains in the distance. The sun is almost always up and we found it rather difficult to fall asleep sometimes. During our free time, we had the opportunity to drive up the gorgeous coastline in hopes of spotting some whales

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THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

“Going to Alaska was so much fun! I am so thankful that I had this amazing opportunity. We did some really cool things such as build a community garden and cold weather greenhouse as well as make deliveries for the local food pantry to people in need. We also visited the Native Heritage Museum,

ects, we were so amazed at just how much work we had put into everything. I made many new friends on this trip and will never forget my time spent in Alaska.”

– Brooke Bouldin (7th Grader)

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saw sled dogs, and much much more. The experience was even more amazing because we didn’t have our cell phones with us.

Now, most people would think this would be torture to not have our devices but it was the exact opposite. It was so much more meaningful that everyone didn’t have their face in front of a screen the whole time. We all met new people, and boy oh boy I can tell you by the second day, I knew everyone there. I was actually very nervous to go on a 9-day trip without seeing my family.

However, this trip was filled with so much excitement that there was no time for any gloom and doom. Especially, when you are in Alaska! At every turn was the chance to come across a moose or bear or even see glorious mountains in the distance and the opportunity to work together with so many others on a mission trip. At the end of the week, when we finished all of our proj-

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THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

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PARISH PHOTOS 30 THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

Photos credit: Ray Hand Pictures, Smokey Goodrich, David Boldrick & Haal Photography

SEEKING BURIED TREASURE IN A SEA OF STICKY NOTES Honduras Threads Missioners hunt for a market

M

ore than 500 small, yellow sticky notes.

That’s where the clues to the treasure were buried during the Saint Michael Honduras Threads 2018 mission trip.

One by one the sticky notes went up on the wall the mission team created, each one containing an observation or an insight. One by one several times over four days the ten missioners looked at the notes, moved them around, grouped them into categories to tried to make sense of the clues.

Arriving on Roatán Sunday, June 23, the challenge was this: Honduras Threads leaders, members and volunteers in Dallas and Honduras constantly, unrelentingly struggle with what to make and where to sell their luxury textiles.

It’s important to solve to alleviate individuals’ frustration and the organization’s production decisions and, ultimately, to achieve sustainability. An ideal solution: sell substantial amounts of already-made product in Roatán.

Create and sell new products using raw material sources already available in Honduras. And create a process to achieve product sales that will work for the long-term.

Despite slim odds, the mission team took up the challenge.

Four of the leaders from different production

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THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

centers in the mountains outside Tegucigalpa now operating as one government-sanctioned Honduran company came to Roatán as core team members.

Two more Hondurans who have worked with members of the Honduras Threads production centers for several years also joined the team. A Honduran businessman who is also a crack translator added his skills. Three Saint Michaelites, including Honduras Threads head M’Lou Bancroft, rounded out the team.

Once on the ground, the first task was to ask people —anyone we could think of—whether there was a market for Threads’ goods. We started by interviewing shop owners, interviews we had arranged before we arrived on the island.

First up on Monday morning was Fernando Macpui, owner of Proimi, a high-end furniture store. He works with clients to furnish expensive homes and decorate investment properties. After listening to our story for half an hour, and looking over our samples, he agreed to feature our products in his showroom and recommend them to clients. Not quite a sale. Still, the team, especially the Hondurans who had never participated in selling their wares before, left smiling. And we were getting answers to our questions.

We wrote the answers on the sticky notes. Yes, Macpui said, his family was always willing to help Hondurans who make items by hand. One sticky note. And that it is hard to find high quality items.

Another sticky note. But that the market would not support high price points. A third sticky note.

Up on the wall the first observations went. And so

on until we exhausted what we had learned. Clearly, we had some good information. Still, would it turn out to be the treasure we were hunting?

After lunch, we made our second call on a souvenir shop and art gallery called Waves of Art. Michele Braun, the owner, is an American ex-pat who came to Roatan more than 20 years ago, fell in love with the place, stayed, married, and now has two teenage children. She’s run successful stores on the island for more than 20 years.

She took the team upstairs to the gallery and led a round robin of introductions.

Then she told us her story. And her needs. She needed low-price point souvenirs for people who came to the island on cruise ships. She needed higher priced items for island homeowners who wanted to decorate their homes. She needed to see quality in all the items she stocked. Anything with an ocean theme would work.

Sea shells, yes. Bright colors, yes.

Turtles, yes. And made in Honduras.

Everyone asks for Honduran-made and she doesn’t have much to offer, she said, in veiled desperation. She asked to see the samples.

The four Honduran team members who made the samples – pillows, placemats, table runners and napkins pulled them from canvas bags. First one, then another explained how they made them, the work that went into them, all about the stitches and the designs. Braun’s demeanor went from interested to excited. She was awed by the quality and designs and by the women who demonstrated they knew what they were talking about. She immediately began buying, ending up picking out 15 items.

And oh, by the way, she asked if she could stage a show in her gallery to

open the high season on the island in December. And, of course, a reception for the opening. And she would need many more items so reception attendees have something to see and buy.

Yes, and she had friends who were always looking for Honduran-made items. One who owned a restaurant and gallery on another part of the island and another who manages a wholly-owned island with a large gift shop catering to cruise ship passengers who go to the island for a day while their ships are in port. Threads items would work there, too, she was certain. She called ahead to be sure we got an appointment.

We left the store struggling to believe what we had seen and heard. Back at our end-of-day meeting, we captured our learning on more notes. One observation: a combined team of Hondurans and Gringos were killer sales people when working together.

Still, we didn’t know enough. Not yet. We’d only interviewed two shop owners.

Tuesday morning and another souvenir shop owner, Penny Leigh at Penelope’s Island Emporium. She, too,

is an American ex-pat who has been in business for more than two decades. She listened as we introduced ourselves in Spanish and English.

She was skeptical at first. Then when team members pulled product from the bags, she lit up. She was desperate for Honduran-made products. She had just finished spending five years figuring out how to get a certain kind of jewelry made locally. She needed items at relatively low price points.

Then she started suggesting ideas.

Could we make Christmas ornaments using some of our designs?

Could the ornaments be sea turtles, maybe, or octopus? She can’t keep enough good Christmas ornaments in stock because they sell fast year round. What about note cards, she asked, maybe with a small piece of embroidery on some fabric glued to the card? Her customers buy lots of greeting cards. Idea after idea. Could this be possible? More observations to turn into sticky notes. She wrote us an email later that day emphasizing she wanted to purchase our items.

And so the research went on Wednesday, too. Each time another revelation, another learning. The team started the day touring all the shops at the Mahogany Bay cruise ship terminal as a big Carnival Cruise Ship was moored at the dock. An estimated one million people come to Roatán each year on cruise ships.

A couple from Denton, just off this ship, said this was their 28th cruise and they always buy a magnet and a Christmas ornament as souvenirs of every cruise. After all, she said, she puts up six Christmas trees and she’s got to decorate them! But the stores offered Honduras Threads limited opportunity. One sign said, “Nothing more than $30 for sale.” More learnings, more sticky notes. continued pg 42 THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

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OUR MISSION:

BRING MEN AND YOUTH TO CHRIST the Brotherhood follows three disciplines: PRAYER, STUDY, and SERVICE. Discipline of Prayer To pray daily for the spread of Christ’s kingdom, especially among men and youth, and for God’s blessings upon the labors of the Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew has been bringing men and youth to Jesus Christ since it was founded in 1883. Its 135-year history makes it the oldest ministry of the Episcopal Church. The Brotherhood is also a unique ministry because it has been chartered by the United States Congress. In 1908, President Teddy Roosevelt signed the charter into law. Today, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is a worldwide ministry with chapters in Africa, Japan, the Philippines, Great Britain, Canada, Haiti, and the United States. There are 357 U.S. Chapters and close to 5,000 members.

Discipline of Study To study the Holy Scriptures regularly and the teachings of the Church, to attain a better understanding of how to follow Christ and bring others into His kingdom.

Currently as part of our study, we are reading Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths by Karen Armstrong.

We also recently completed a two-part session with Thomas H. McConnell entitled “Science and Religion: One World or Two?”

The Brotherhood chapter here at Saint Michael and All Angels began in 1978 and has enjoyed a rich history of service to our parishioners and the community. Today our Chapter has 25 members including Don Waddington, a founding and continuous member for the last 40 years.

Discipline of Service To make continuous efforts, week by week, to bring others nearer to Christ through His Church.

To accomplish our mission as stated above,

Our chapter’s service projects have included

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many activities over the years and currently include serving meals at The Gathering and serving as greeters at the Saint Michael’s Farmer’s Market. Our chapter has also supported Patriot Paws – service dogs for disabled veterans through our participation in their annual charity golf tournament.

The National Brotherhood of St. Andrew has recently re-organized and now focuses on seven ministry areas in addition to our 3 disciplines. These are: • Prison and Restorative Justice • Scouting • Veterans • Discipleship/Mentoring • Racial Reconciliation • Recovery • Human Trafficking – Project Moses, SMAA’s ministry to fight human trafficking is sharing resources with the National Brotherhood to help organize this new Brotherhood ministry area.

All men at Saint Michael and All Angels are encouraged to join our chapter of The Brotherhood of St. Andrews.

We meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 8:30 – 10 a.m. Come join us for Prayer, Study, Service, and lots of fellowship.

Contact Barry Crossman at bcrossman2@earthlink.net for more information.

I have been volunteering with Honduras Threads for the past five years, selling products, serving on the Board, and going on mission trips. When I returned from our trip to Roatán this year both my head and my heart were full! Let me explain. I worked through the Design Thinking Process with the leaders of the women’s new social enterprise, as a team with other Honduran friends. It was a long and arduous task but we plowed through it together. I accompanied the women on numerous sales calls with business owners in Roatán. Throughout these activities, I witnessed the intelligence, courage, and commitment of these strong women, who will go back to their small, rural communities and lead others on a new journey toward sustainability, selling their beautiful hand-embroidered products in their home country.

Before the trip I decided to leave electronics behind – no phone, iPad or internet! It was difficult at first, but made an incredible difference. It allowed me to fully enjoy the experience, in both sensory and spiritual ways. Instead of hearing the roar of airplanes overhead, I awoke each morning at 5:00 a.m. to the rooster crowing outside my open window. I’ve actually been missing that rooster. Instead of reading the New York Times on my iPad while drinking my first cup of delicious Honduran coffee, I noticed people singing while sweeping the street and raking the sand, joyfully greeting the new day. Eating breakfast, I closed my eyes to savor sweet ripe pineapple, as if for the first time. I heard, saw, and tasted things that I hardly notice at home. My senses came alive!

My spirit came alive too, as our team began the workday with morning devotions. First, a prayer in Spanish, and then a hymn sung by the women. This time was my “moment closest” to Christ each day, as I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. The strength of their faith touched me as the women sang with eyes closed and outstretched hands. Throughout the day I was inspired by their joy and delight in simple pleasures, like a boat ride for the first time.

This mission trip blessed me in many ways. It allowed me the opportunity to work side by side with women from a poor, third world country and recognize their gifts. It gave me a chance to have fellowship with other Saint Michaelites and our Honduran partners, working together toward a common goal. It enabled me to see the beauty of God’s creation under the clear blue water, a coral reef teeming with brightly colored tropical fish. I felt close to my Creator watching the sun shining brilliantly on the water, and a full moon shining on the crashing waves at night. I am changed because of it, thanks be to God! -Melanie McGill THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

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Our Saint Michael n o i t c e n Con wn

o

By Ron Br

Sunday, July 15, 2018, was a date with great historical significance for Saint Michael. On that date we hosted the Episcopal Bishop of Cuba, the Rt. Rev. Griselda Delgado del Carpio, and her priest husband, Rev. Gerardo Logildes, who served in the Baptism services at the 9:00 and celebrated the Eucharist in a bilingual service.

The uniqueness of the event was that it was her first official act after the rejoinder of the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba with the American Church at the triennial General Convention, after a 52-year separation.

How did Obispa Griselda find her way to Saint Michael? Her trip was the culmination of a six-year missionary relationship between SMAA and the Diocese of Cuba and one of its small missionary churches. It all began when I was siting next to Bob Dannals at a restaurant in Tela, Honduras and asked him what he thought about a mission trip to Cuba. He liked the idea and told me to look into it. My internet research revealed that there was a functioning Episcopal Church in Cuba, with a Bishop, a cathedral and some 10,000 members in 26 parishes and missions that had been there since 1906, and

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THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

that even under communist rule, there was now little restriction on the free exercise of religion.

We also learned that the Diocese of Florida (northern) had been sending groups to Cuba for many years. (We were the first church from west of the Mississippi to go.) Discussions with some of them taught us that it was entirely legal both in U. S. and Cuba to go there for religious purposes, and that, while convoluted, there were various methods of getting there.

Our next step was to write Bishop Griselda and inquire whether a trip was feasible. About that time, she had met our Suffragan Bishop Paul Lambert at General Convention, and he told her he had just returned from Cuba, where he attended a wedding in Sancti Spiritus, a city of 125,000, 250 miles southeast of Havana. She told him this guy from Dallas had been writing her about coming, and why didn’t she send his group to Sancti Spiritus (SS). So she invited us to come for a visit and explore the possibility, obtaining for us special religious visas that allowed us to travel anywhere and meet with anyone. She told us that our charge would be to form a companion relationship with the small mission church there and help them acquire a property to serve as their

church building. Up to then, they had been meeting in a home a la first century Christianity. One of the reforms to come out of the government in the last five years was to permit real property to be transferred. It was okay to own real estate in communist Cuba; it was just illegal to sell it. Now a property could be acquired to become the church building of San Bernabe’ Episcopal Church (Saint Barnabus).

In October 2012, a three-man advance team of the associate priest in charge of mission/outreach, Randy Rekerdres and I made our first trip to Cuba to explore the possibility of a mission trip. We took the charter flight through Miami, and stayed a day in Havana, met the staff at the cathedral and attended noon prayer.

Early the next morning the Bishop’s husband, the affable Gerardo (then a weatherman, now a priest) and a translator met us for the five-hour drive to Sancti Spiritus, five of us in a Peugeot built for four. Upon arrival, we walked into a room packed with the members waiting to do a midday Eucharist service. Our Dallas priest was asked to give the homily, with me translating, both very much on the fly. After a lunch of popcorn and birthday cake, we met with the leadership and talked about a trip.

We met and formed a bond with the vicar, or mission priest in charge, Rev. Gilberto Junco, a 30-something, homegrown graduate of the Episcopal/Presbyterian seminary in Matanzas, who runs San Bernabe’ and two other churches in Cienfuegos, about 1.5 hours distant, often longer for him in his aging Russian Lada station

wagon. We returned to Havana the same day, road weary, very tired of Cuban salsa music on the radio, but energized to recommend that we make a mission trip.

Our recommendations were accepted by church leadership, and we began planning for a mission of 10-12 persons during October 2013. The same advance team made a second trip to Havana and SS in April of 2013, this time to meet with the Cubans, including the Bishop this time, and plan our visit - dates, activities, projects, etc. Bishop Griselda has been our friend ever since, and we often joked with her that she should visit us in Dallas. While in SS, we again met with the church leaders and looked at some properties that might become available for purchase and got an idea of what the cost would be. This was early in the years that property could be sold, and prices were high due to a pent-up demand. After that initial frenzy, prices dropped off, and the house we eventually bought was far less than the first ones we viewed.

We spent the summer of 2013 recruiting our team and planning flights, accommodations, and in-country transportation. These efforts were complicated by the absence of long-distance phone calls, spotty email and the need for our Cuban contacts to borrow email from others, and no mail or delivery services, all thanks to the embargo on Cuba imposed by the U. S. Government in 1962 and the rigid doctrinaire ineptitude of the Cuban government that discourages communications among its people.

We had a good and diverse team, four men and four women, ranging in age from 40’s to 70’s, with two Spanish speakers – very important in a country where very little English is spoken outside Havana.

The trip went well. We stayed two nights in Havana and were able to meet with the Bishop and attend

a Sunday service in the Cathedral with about 200 and even address the congregation about who we were and what we were doing. We were very well received. For the next three days in SS, we were a whirlwind of activity, cleaning and painting the room used as the temporary church, hanging a chandelier that we hauled down from Dallas, distributing gift bags of cosmetics, dispensing reading glasses and sunglasses, making jewelry, installing fans, and holding a piñata/pizza/s’mores party for the youth. They were joined by the youth and leaders of the First Baptist Church, which had a large courtyard space for the party, and who have a close relationship with our tiny Episcopal church. Cuban Protestants are very ecumenical, much more so than in America. My original idea to have the party in a city park was shot down as something the local party leaders might not like. When the piñata broke, we dumped into the scrum another large sack of candy and toys, causing a near riot. The pizza party has become a fixture of the trips to Cuba and is always a ball. One of

the greatest rewards was the ferocity with which the Cubans pitched in to work alongside us. In every project we have tried there, much of our success was due to the resourcefulness of the Cubans. These are people who can keep 1950’s model cars running with Bulgarian diesel tractor engines and homemade parts, and in any given building project, there is little they THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

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cannot do.

On this trip we also toured three or four properties as potential church sites. We all agreed that one of the properties was ideal, although in need of some renovation to make it useful as a church. We expressed our desire to the owner, an elderly widow, to buy it and we agreed on a reasonable price. We explained that we would have to return to America, raise the money and then get the money into Cuba.

She understood and more or less agreed to wait for us. I asked about getting the property under contract with a delayed closing to learn that there is no such thing in Cuba – no realtors, contracts, mortgage companies, escrows, real estate notes, housing regulations – nothing. The process is to agree on an amount, obtain the price in cash (convertible Cuban pesos), and appear before a notary, who documents the transfer and records it in the local records. Transfer costs are about $3.00, plus a $50 tip to the notary. We now had our objective in sight and a rough budget of how much we needed to raise.

Upon return to Dallas, we raised the money needed without any general solicitation. Despite various attempts to get the money to the Bishop, we finally carried it with us on the 2014 trip. While there, we did some more work in the temporary house, held our pizza party, worked on the acquisition, and made a quick one-day trip to Havana to deliver the purchase money to the Bishop.

It was a time of further bonding with our SS companions, this time delivering proof that we could do the job assigned to us. A closing occurred in January 2015, and house now belongs to the Mission of San Bernabe’. The Cubans

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attacked the new property with a vengeance. They hired an architect, the husband of a parishioner, and used another parishioner as the contractor, both at substantial discounts. The money left over from the purchase price went a long way, enabling the reconfiguration of the main sala and a small side bedroom into the main sanctuary, complete with vaulted ceiling, a raised altar floor, and an altar wall containing a ten foot high, recessed, lighted wooden cross. A full bathroom was equipped, and two toilet rooms constructed.

The October 2015 mission trip was a lot of fun. We did the usual activities, this time in the new property (we invited the Baptists to the pizza party at our place after having it twice at theirs), but also worked hard with the Cubans to paint, clean and begin to equip the building. We brought two chandeliers, which the Cubans hung and wired. We also made a trip to the appliance store to select a refrigerator, range, microwave and assorted kitchen gadgets, thanks to a generous contribution from the Women of Saint Michael.

On this trip the members told us they were working on a plan to obtain a water purification system for the church that would be used to supply pure drinking water to the members and anyone else in the neighborhood, and to form the basis for a breakfast service to the local children. Our team was astounded. Here was a group of very poor Cubans, who, upon receiving our gift of a church building, turned their attention immediately to their own outreach efforts. There is a reason their city is named for the Holy Spirit.

The final mission trip was in June 2016, consisting of some adult veterans but also a youth group led

by two priests and two adults. In addition to the usual activities, the youth painted a Tree of Life mural on one of the patio walls. The trip was highlighted by a visit from Bishop Griselda to consecrate the building as an Episcopal Church on the feast day of Saint Barnabus, the name of the mission. It was a very moving ceremony that included a baptism, a sermon, an extended passing of the peace, the Consecration and communion, followed by a party and many photos. We understand many of the youth still correspond with their Cuban friends.

Fast forward to early 2018, when Bp. Griselda was making plans to attend General Convention in Austin in July 2018. She wrote me to inquire if she could visit Saint Michael after the Convention, as a way of saying thanks for our work on behalf of the church in Cuba.

We enthusiastically agreed and began planning. What we didn’t know at the time was that a major item on the convention agenda was the rejoinder of the Cuban church with the American church.

She had been working on it for years, obtaining approval from the Cuban side two years ago. It was unclear whether our convention would approve, and there were roadblocks suggesting that would delay the process until 2021 at the earliest. The various canon lawyers finally got their act together, and the reunification resolution was passed unanimously in both the House of Bishops and House of Deputies. The very day of final passage, she left Austin and drove to Dallas to be with us. Her first official action as a Bishop of the US Episcopal Church was to baptize an infant at the font of Saint Michael and All Angels.

THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

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wa rt

Jeff Rice

by Ju

dy Ga ss, Ma ry

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R amsey, and

Just over twenty years ago, a group of eager hearts and resourceful minds from Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church saw a need in Southeast Dallas and decided to do what they could to make it better.

Today, that same combination of talented volunteers and entrepreneurial spirit have made Jubilee Park a one-of-a-kind place which serves as a national model. Grassroots leadership by our parish lives on at Jubilee in this year’s Summer Art Program-- and it all started with a handful of parishioners who thought, “I can do something to make a difference here.”

Last summer, Jubilee held a small ‘open house’ on National Summer Learning Day so that its volunteers and supporters could see what a typical day of summer camp looked like—the visitors got to see reading, math, science, coding, recess, lunch, and art class. Many of the visitors had questions about how to get involved, but two guests in particular had a specific idea on how to improve the art program.

“Mary Stewart and I were standing next to each other at last year’s summer camp open house, and we both had the same reaction: perhaps the camp could use some additional materials to support the art program. One thing led to another, and before we knew it, we were putting together a program that was way beyond our own expertise and would require the help of ‘real artists.’ Nine area educators and artists

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stepped up to help us launch a program that surpassed our wildest dreams!” says Judy Gass, a Dallas educator who has put together the ‘pilot’ art program with fellow parishioner and Jubilee Council of Honor member Mary Stewart Ramsey.

“The teachers and their assistants, who had not previously known Jubilee and its purpose, and those who have not been out to Jubilee in years, have absolutely ‘bought in,’” agrees Mary Stewart. “Even those who came with some trepidation have, I think, fallen in love with Jubilee and its precious children. How could they not?”

The two worked together to recruit quite a talented bunch, many of whom belong to our own Saint Michael family. The esteemed group includes portrait and collage artist Brenda Bogart, award-winning artist and parishioner Bart Forbes (whose wife Mary Jo has taught sewing at Jubilee for years now), painter Annie Griffeth, artist and active parishioner Kate Juett, printmaker and ceramicist Dee Mayes, children’s librarian Janet Peters, designer/artist and parishioner Sally Schupp, Director of Parish Life Events Tish Visinsky, artist Lucy Wyma, and others. Some of them had been involved with Jubilee for decades, some had visited at different points in time, and some had not seen the campus in years—or ever! Perhaps a testament to the generosity of spirit among Saint Michael parishioners, or to

Judy’s and Mary Stewart’s persuasive powers, each volunteer bravely agreed to teach a week’s worth of classes in clay, collage, illustration, mixed-media, and painting to more than 150 energetic children ages five to thirteen.

“I’ve been involved with Jubilee for 20 years but this is the first time I have worked with the kids directly,” says Kate Juett, who worked with Brenda Bogart to teach a collage self-portrait class. “Being abstract was a new concept but once they saw how fun and expressive it was they had a ball. It was great seeing how they responded to the special attention each one got—their confidence was boosted and imagination expanded.”

“At their age, conformity is valued over individuality, but in art, it is individuality that is valued over conformity!” points out Annie Griffeth. “We encouraged each student to be uniquely themselves, to use their favorite colors, and to paint in a way that felt natural and fun. By the end of the week I could tell the kids felt more bold about their choices, and more confident that their natural expression was the

“right” one for them.”

Tish Visinsky loved the conversations sparked by the energy and enthusiasm of the children combined with the passion of the visiting teachers.

“Our goal was to allow them to explore something new, to channel their thoughts and emotions and to express that in their art. By the end of day three we had kids really opening up to us about the work they were creating. We were fortunate to witness the kids start and end each day with their leaders by talking about their feelings and discussing important issues like bullying, telling the truth, and being a good friend.”

Each week’s art lessons do much more than teach the children about paper, paint, clay, and crayons—they demonstrate caring relationships and expose the campers to subjects entirely new to them. As Bart Forbes noted during his class, “They’re really good kids, and very inquisitive. It’s important that they experience these things, and build relationships. This is just giving them exposure they would never have otherwise.”

Each volunteer instructor has found a way to put their talents to work in lifting up others through creativity.

Just as Jubilee’s earliest volunteer opportunities like building or tutoring were rooted in community and love, the summer art pilot program shows how the servant-leadership of a few can touch the lives of many.

about themselves, each other, and the world around them. As Mary Stewart learned from a seven-year-old little boy, art has a way of communicating the divine. She sat with him and asked about his self-portrait, he pointed to his collage of himself and said “this is not just a picture of my outside face, it is the protector of my soul.”

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.”

--Thessalonians 5:11 “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and to good works” --Hebrews 10:24 Author’s Note: This is just one example of how we chose to step up and get involved at Jubilee, based on what we saw as a need and how we thought we could help. We hope people reading this will think about what makes their lives richer, and consider bringing it to Jubilee through volunteering.

So many Saint Michael parishioners have touched the Jubilee community in their own special way, and the staff have been extremely flexible and supportive to us. The possibilities are truly infinite, and awaiting you at Jubilee.

Though we can’t know the long-term impact that the pilot art program may have on these young lives just a few miles from our church, we do know that the classes have taught the children

THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

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continued from page 33

Mid day, Cindy Carter, Braun’s friend who helps run a private island named Maya Key, sent a launch to a dock near Mahogany Bay to pick us up. Braun arranged the meeting after seeing our samples. Carter, she said, could help us break into the cruisers. Turned out Maya Key contracts with the cruise lines to host land excursions. Cruisers come for the day, snorkel, scuba dive, lie on the beach talk to the macaws and shop in the souvenir shop. How quickly, Carter wanted to know, could we deliver our products to her shop?

At day end Wednesday, we stopped last at New Souvenirs, a store selling traditional, Honduran-made souvenirs only. Lenca Indian pottery. Carved wooden chests. And t-shirts. There must have been 200 different t-shirts hanging along a hundred-foot wall.

One of the sales people met with us.

Cheap. Cheap. Cheap. The items they would stock had to be cheap. Quality wasn’t high on her list. So noted on sticky notes.

Thursday morning it was time to make sense of the sticky notes. We used them to create personas based on our research and interviews – a cruiser, an island investor, a tourist who comes to the island for a few days and another who stays more than two weeks. We took the personas on an imaginary 1

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p.m. to 5 p.m. shopping trip, recording the highs and lows of the experience. No Honduran-made products in one store.

Been there, seen that in another.

Completely bummed out until the fourth store when there it was – the ideal Christmas ornament made by Honduras Threads.

What were the sticky notes telling us, we asked? What did people who came to Roatan really want? Where was the treasure hiding? Bam, came the insight! They wanted something that had intrinsic value, something that reminded them of Roatán and Honduras, something made in Honduras, not China or Guatemala, that fit their budget, or was worth splurging on. And best of all, we were already making it or could make it, and as a blended team of Hondurans and Saint Michaelites, we could sell it.

But will Roatán stores demand enough that we can sell down our inventory? Will we be able to create new products using raw materials already available in Honduras? Will we be able to create a process to achieve sales for the long term? Will there be enough demand to take Honduras Threads to sustainability? Was there that much treasure buried in the sticky notes? We don’t yet know.

When we arrived on Roatán we were apprehensive, unsure whether the team would accomplish much more than learning something about the market.

But now after 18 years of prayers, sweat and tears, the answers to these ques-

tions, including sustainability may be much closer. For sure, for the women who made the items to experience success in selling them was empowering.

Uncertain outcomes. Such is the nature of mission and mission trips. We are called. We show up. That in itself is success. Ultimately though, measurements are illusive. How do you know who and how what you did had any lasting effect?

As if to punctuate the eureka moment, the last day on the way to the airport, Honduran team members who made the products stopped by Waves of Art to deliver the items Braun purchased. A couple from Danville, VA, both of them divers, asked to see what was left of the samples. They grabbed four items. “We have been coming to Roatán for years and we always stop in this store, always looking for something new and different,” Flo Jackson said. “These items are it.”

-Bill Bancroft

LET YOUR LOVE FOR SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS LIVE ON Including the Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation in your estate plan is a simple way for your love of Saint Michael to live on.

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS: Bequests and Wills Retirement plans/IRAs Life insurance policies Charitable Trusts Bank accounts, Securities, Certificates of Deposit

Contact: Lowell Duncan, Director of Legacy Planning lduncan@saintmichael.org 214-363-5471

Saint Michael and All Angels has nurtured us spiritually and opened ways for us to serve our neighbors, both in the parish and in community.

It is important that the love, care, fellowship, and hope that Saint Michael has given us be passed on to future generations.

Marillyn and Gus Seeberger THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

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