The Archangel November/December 2019

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 Volume XXXI Number VI

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

the the the the the the the the photo credit deluca photography

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THIS HOLIDAY SEASON JOIN US AT

SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 8 0 1 1 DO UGLAS AVE N UE , DA L L AS , TX 7 5 2 2 5

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Tuesday, December 24

Make plans now to attend your favorite service!

11a.m. Joy: A Christmas Children’s Service

in the Church

Sunday, December 22, 5:30 p.m.

Hear the Saint Michael Choristers and Choir offer a rich array of Christmas choral music in our candlelit church! Arrive early to enjoy the prelude, listen to cherished Christmas readings from Scripture, and sing your favorite Christmas carols.

Harp and organ prelude music begins at 5 p.m.

1 p.m. Traditional Eucharist (Rite II)

in the Church with Jazz Music 3 p.m. Traditional Eucharist (Rite II)

in the Church with Brass, Organ and Choir 3 p.m. Traditional Eucharist (Rite II)

in Saint Michael Chapel with Organ 3 p.m. Contemporary Eucharist (Rite II)

in the Parish Hall with Band 5 p.m. Traditional Eucharist (Rite II)

in the Church with Brass, Organ, Choristers,

and Incense 5 p.m. Traditional Eucharist (Rite II)

in Saint Michael Chapel with Organ 5 p.m. Contemporary Eucharist (Rite II)

in the Parish Hall with Band 10:30 p.m. Traditional Festival Eucharist (Rite I)

in the Church with Choral Eucharist and

Orchestra, Organ, Choir and Incense

saintmichael.org/holidays

SAINT MICHAEL STAFF Monica Awbrey Rob Baber Ross Badgett Julia Dietz Beckel Katherine Bowen Dianne Boyd Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon Justin Brooks Robert Butler Nozar Daryapayma Kathy Davis Jill Delabano Hannah Fisher Bonita Frederick Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata Steven Haal Patricia Hale-Siedler Rev. Canon Michael Harmuth Dr. Margaret (Meg) Harper Travis Harvey Rev. Amy Heller Carol Hicks Diane Hollie Angelia Hunter Madelyn Ivy Adam Jones Rev. Robert (Bob) Johnston III Susan Kalen Cheryl Kaschak Elizabeth Keogh Tiffany LaMotte Rev. Mary Lessmann Rev. Dr. Eric J. Liles Chris Love Caroline Marak Santos Martinez Amy McMahan Christi Morrow Chase Monson Tricia Morris Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer Collen O'Hara Darla Osterhaut Rev. Greg Pickens Edgar Porras Owen Reid Marco Reyes Monica Rosser Jonathan Ryan Elsa SanJuan Rev. Robert A. Scott Dollie Smith Rev. Canon René Somodevilla Celise Stephenson Tish Visinsky Regan Wallace

Assistant Choirmaster Director of Finance Mgr of Electronic Communication Music Administrator Asst. to Pastoral Care Asst. to Worship & Liturgy Vice Rector Director of Contemporary Music Assistant Director of Facilities Director of Facilities Childcare Asst. to CFM & Youth Ministries Asst. to Adult Formation & Parish Events Weekend Receptionist Rector Director of Communications Youth Intern Priest Associate for Worship Associate Director of Music & Organist Graphic Design & Production Priest Associate for Worship Extended Care Director Receptionist Accountant Asst. Dir. of Children & Family Ministry AVL & Technology Manager Associate for Contemporary Worship Executive Asst. to the Rector Accountant SMES Admissions & Community Relations Coord.

Director of Youth Ministry Associate for Spiritual Growth Associate for Formation Bookshop Manager Stewardship Manager Sexton SMES Head of School Mission & Outreach Coordinator Asst. Director of Youth Ministry Director of SMES Priest Associate for Pastoral Care Executive Director of Operations Accountant Associate for Pastoral Care Sexton Organ Scholar Sexton Special Assistant to the Rector Director of Music & Organist Sexton Associate for Worship & Liturgy Sexton Priest Associate for Worship Database Manager, Parish Records Director of Parish Life Director of Children & Family Ministries (CFM)

2019 VESTRY Warren Houser Bonner Allen Jay Lipscomb Kathy Kelley Jim Skochdopole Ginger Brown

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

Marla Jacks Briggle, John Ellerman, Jane Greene, Ben Leal, Kyle Moore, Anna Paccone, Christine Paddock, George Baldwin, Hallie Lawrence, Stacey Malcolmson, Steve McKenney, Blair Oden

2019 DIOCESAN DELEGATES John McFarland Jr., Tricia Stewart, Kay Whelan, Terry Demler, J.C. Snead, Scott Wilson, David Greenblatt, Jerry Poglitsch, Susie Ryan alternates: Ed Blessing, Katherine Blachly, Ross Vick, Heather Lorch, Jack Rubarth, Blair Oden, Tom Bowen (1), Jessica Clements (2), Mary Abrams (3)

FROM the EDITOR Are you guys okay? No one has heard from you yet tonight.

Yeah, we're okay. But part of the roof is missing and

most of the windows have been blown out.

Wait...what? Did the tornado hit you? The roof is missi—where are the boys—are they okay?!

VOX LUMINIS was simply other-worldly in the harmonic textures and mastery of the music they performed during the October 20 Saint Michael Presents concert—truly awesome. The SMP committee, along with Communications, had really been working hard to promote the event and was deeply gratified to have had such a great turn-out. And, after all the "gratitude talk" we have been surrounded with the last number of weeks, we couldn't help but feel thankful about the fruit of our efforts.

Then the concert ended and we were educated on true gratitude—the kind that has nothing to do with our own efforts but instead was simply rooted in the benevolent love of a being I too often don't relate to.

It was another storm rolling through Big D, blah blah, yes I see the alert on my phone, no I don't really care, I just want to finish up and have a cocktail and sit down...uhhh HEY EVERYONE it looks like one has touched down in Park Cities...THAT can't be right....hey I think everyone should stay put and move to the interior of the building....

Chris had been saying things like, "when we become aware of true grace, we begin to understand how God works in the world, and our response to that grace is most purely expressed through gratitude..."

Like many that evening, I spent most of that night helping framily dig out of their destroyed home, gather up scattered, broken belongings, in the dark, and figure out where to stay the night.

Chris was right. I should have taken it more seriously. My family is safe.

In a home that is intact. That could easily have been us...

"When I become aware of true grace, my response to that grace should be expressed through gratitude."

We I have so much to be thankful here in Park Cities. In Kessler Park. In Dallas...In the USA. Our My problems and perceived turmoils are not insignificant—but every once in a while we I am reminded of conditions, that while extreme to us me, are the status quo for others.

There's lots of great events in this Christmas issue—check them out, they represent a path to deeper community. Read and re-read Chris' article on p. 6. Contemplate it. Check your gratitude level. Consider no one died in the tornadoes. That's the best Christmas present we could ask for. And I'm upright and breathing...I think my gratitude should start there.

THE ARCHANGEL | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

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THE NEW SAINT MICHAEL

MOBILE APP IS HERE! Download the new Saint Michael app today, and easily find other parish members in the new member directory, watch sermons on demand, view the special event lineup, give online—and so much more!

The Main “Home” Screen

AIM MOBILE PHONE CAMERA HERE; CLICK LINK

DOWNLOAD 1. USE THE QR CODE below to visit the “Saint Michael and All Angels” app download page for both iOS and Android 2. Open app and click on the SIGN IN button 3. Select CREATE an account* unless you already have, then simply log in. *If you create an account, check the email you provided to confirm the address and set a password. Then go back to LOG IN.

4. Select your 4-digit security PIN 5. Upload a profile pic (Just like Facebook...)

For in depth details on each of the app “home screen” functions, please visit the link below, or scan the QR code.

6. THAT’S IT—ENJOY!

SAINTMICHAEL.ORG/APP

ABOUT YOUR

PROFILE SCREEN Access your profile screen by clicking on your profile photo on the home screen. You will be prompted to verify your identity.

PEOPLE SEARCH*

User Profile Screen

Look up other parish members. This is similar to the “Directory” tile on the home screen. In future development, this will primarily search within the people groups you are registered with, such as classes, events etc. *For security reasons, this feature is restricted and will only be visible to verified parish members.

TASKS

This is a feature being developed for the future

INFORMATION

Take control of your information! Edit personal information and set contact preferences. Please note there are four screens. iPhone users will see tabs across the bottom, and Android users will scroll horizontally for the same four screens.

Please take a moment and set your primary email address and contact preferences on the "Communication" tab/screen.

FAMILY

View your family member’s profiles

GIVING

View your personal giving records from the current calendar year.

INVOLVEMENT

This is a feature being developed for the future

SETTINGS

Control app security: PIN and fingerprint settings Visit the URL below to learn more about app features, and future function development

SAINTMICHAEL.ORG/APP THE ARCHANGEL | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

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Deep Gratitude A MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR

Just like that, it’s November, and Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner!

For some of us, that thought alone strikes feelings of panic. Perhaps for others, feelings of dread. And still others, this holiday season will be filled with sadness – sadness over having lost a loved one, and for some, having lost their entire homes. As we approach the rush of the holiday season, I want to invite you to center yourself on your faith and to know that this season can be deeply renewing.

time for celebration. Holidays are a time for deep gratitude.

Over the last two months, our Saint Michael family has been exploring the ideas of grace and gratitude. Grace is freely given to us.

There is nothing we can do to earn grace and nothing we can do to lose grace. God’s grace is a gift that finds us when life is going well and when life is going badly. When we become aware of true grace, we begin to understand how God works in the world, and our response to that grace is most purely expressed through gratitude.

"Generosity is born out of gratitude, and a generous spirit transforms us over time.

When I think of the holidays, I think of family. I have a pretty big family and married into an even bigger one. Preparing for big family moments takes time and energy.

Old recipes are brought out, travel arrangements are made, and décor is planned.

Our family holidays are rich with traditions and opportunities to recall favorite stories.

When we get together, there’s music and laughter, food and games, and all the good drama that makes big family moments fun!

And yet, our holidays are more than just a

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THE ARCHANGEL | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

To know that we are loved as we are, not in spite of our imperfections but because of them, often produces a deep sense of gratitude. I know that I am grateful for the love and acceptance of God even with all my imperfections, and I see evidence of gratitude in so many of you, too. That deep sense of gratitude leads us away from what I believe is our natural, self-centered nature toward a spirit of generosity. Generosity is born out of gratitude, and a generous spirit transforms us over time.

I saw examples of gratitude and generosity last month after the devastating tornadoes that ripped through North Dallas. For some, the tornadoes destroyed their homes. Only hours after the tornadoes blew through, a friend of mine was standing in front of the shell of her home and said, “We were saved by the grace of God. We are safe. The house is destroyed but all of that’s replaceable.” Her gratitude is born out of her faithfulness – her true, deep belief that what we see is not all there is.

For most of us, however, we did not lose our homes. Yet nearly all of us know someone who suffered a great loss and we were motivated to help. Although some may have helped those in need out of a sense of obligation, I believe our faith gave most of us a desire to help that is born out of gratitude, rooted in the truth of God’s grace. We know we are loved, we are grateful for that love, and we want to be generous in sharing love with our neighbors. Countless members of our Saint Michael family helped in big a small ways, from picking up trash and preparing meals, to donating money and coordinating relief efforts – so many answered the call to help.

that life – our eternal life – is bigger than anything we can see or imagine.

We have so many reasons to be grateful this year, and as we look toward the holidays, we approach a season that will give us many opportunities to express that gratitude. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Epiphany all give us an opportunity to celebrate the lives we have and look forward with hope to the future. This year, as we celebrate, I hope that we will be far more aware of how we are blessed. The blessings we receive from God may not always take the form we expect or want, but I believe that we can find gratitude in every one of them. God’s love for us is real and eternal, so may our celebratory shouts be songs of praise and thanksgiving!

Saint Michael—our faith family—is here. We have been here for nearly 75 years and we aren’t going anywhere. The stability of Saint Michael is a gift to each one of us, especially in our times of greatest need. You can help by donating supplies, donating money, and most importantly, showing up for your friends. Don’t hesitate to reach out to those you know are hurting. Your presence is the truest gift. And most importantly, pray for and with each other.

Prayer is central to who we are and grounds us in our faith. We do not pray in order to get a certain outcome in the world (God is not a cosmic vending machine). Instead, prayer shapes our behavior and our belief, and prayer forms the strength of our church community. Pray for one another, and even better, pray with one another. When we pray together, we root ourselves in the sacred truth

THE ARCHANGEL | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

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he t g n i k l a W

o n i m a C

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 Volume XXXI Number VI

the

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

the

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A MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR

10 WALKING THE CAMINO theDE SANTIAGO 14 REFRESH+RENEW+REVIVE

CARING FOR WHAT GOD ENTRUSTED TO US 15 PARISH VIEWS

the

16 INTRODUCING THE NEW SMES HEAD OF SCHOOL 17 BILL POWER REMEMBERS BOB ESTILL 18 STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL the 20 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER PARISH CALENDAR 28 FEELS LIKE HOME (JUBILEE PARK)

the 29 BUILDING GOD'S KINGDOM BEYOND OUR WALLS 30 PHOTOS: ON THE CAMINO TRAIL 32 SMAA KIDS PAGES

10 CLERGY FULL-TIME CLERGY The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, Rector The Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon, Vice Rector The Rev. Dr. Eric Liles, Associate for Formation The Rev. Greg Pickens, Associate for Pastoral Care

34 A CHERUB'S LIFE: THE JOURNEY OF ONE YOJNG SINGER

FROM FIRST REHEARSAL TO DEBUT PERFORMANCE 36 SAINT MICHAEL TORNADO RELIEF 38 PHOTOS: AROUNDthe THE PARISH 44 GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST 44 BIRTHS 46 STEWARDSHIP AS A FAMILY

SUNDAY SERVICES 7:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Rite I (SMC)

PRIEST ON CALL (214) 232-7512

9 a.m. Traditional Worship Rite II (Church)

Main Parish Number (214) 363-5471

9 a.m. Joy: A Children’s Service (SMC) 10 a.m. Sunday Classes

The Rev. Robert A. Scott, Associate for Worship & Liturgy

11 a.m. Traditional Worship Rite I (Church)

PART-TIME CLERGY

11 a.m. Contemporary Worship (Parish Hall)

The Rev. Canon Michael Harmuth, Sunday Assistant

5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer & Eucharist (SMC)

The Rev. Amy Heller, Sunday Assistant

8 p.m. Choral Compline (Church)

The Rev. Bob Johnston, Associate for Contemporary Worship The Rev. Tim Kennedy, Sunday Assistant The Rev. Mary Lessmann, Associate for Spiritual Growth The Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer, Pastoral Care Assistant The Rev. Canon René Somodevilla, Pastoral Care Assistant

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THE ARCHANGEL | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

CONTACTS Jubilee Park & Community Center (214) 887-1364 907 Bank Street Dallas, TX 75223 St. Michael’s Woman's Exchange (214) 521-3862 SMWE 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

Faith in Action A Speaker Series

This series is in thanksgiving for the ministry of Shelly Vescovo

Nov. 21 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | Coke Activities Room 8011 douglas avenue, dallas, texas 75225 Featuring renowned speaker

The Rev. Randy Mayeux Founder of “First Friday Book Synopsis” Rev. Mayeux brings his acclaimed book review series to Saint Michael!

Each evening is based on a book covering the Social Gospel. Join us for great conversation, hors d'oeuvres, and drinks.

WINNERS TAKE ALL: The Elite Charade of Changing the World – Anand Giridharadas An insider’s groundbreaking investigation of how the global elite’s efforts to “change the world” preserve the status quo and obscure their role in causing the problems they later seek to solve.

Former New York Times columnist Anand Giridharadas takes us into the inner sanctums of a new gilded age, where the rich and powerful fight for equality and justice any way they can–except ways that threaten the social order and their position atop it. We see how they rebrand themselves as saviors of the poor; how they lavishly reward “thought leaders” who redefine “change” in winner-friendly ways; and how they constantly seek to do more good, but never less harm. We hear the limousine confessions of a celebrated foundation boss; witness an American president hem and haw about his plutocratic benefactors; and attend a cruise-ship conference where entrepreneurs celebrate their own self-interested magnanimity.

Giridharadas asks hard questions: Why, for example, should our gravest problems be solved by the unelected upper crust instead of the public institutions it erodes by lobbying and dodging taxes? He also points toward an answer: Rather than rely on scraps from the winners, we must take on the grueling democratic work of building more robust, egalitarian institutions and truly changing the world. A call to action for elites and everyday citizens alike.

Questions: Fr. Eric, eliles@saintmichael.org, 214.692.3030 | saintmichael.org/FIA

de o n i Wa lking the Cam By

The Rev. Mary

Less

o: g a i t San

ge

n man

ain S A

l Pilgrima e a h c t Mi

15/16

72

198,879

Week 1/Week 2 Pilgrims

Camino Trail Miles Walked

Total Steps Taken

115

81

17,292

Kilometers Walked, Per Group

Total Miles Walked

Total Calories Burned

By The Rev. Mary Lessmann And The SMAA Ladies Of The Camino Pilgrimage

On

a crisp September morning in Sarria, Spain, a group of ladies from Saint Michael and All Angels began their weeklong pilgrimage to hike the last leg of the Camino de Santiago. We had prepared as best we knew how, but there was so much unknown! We started this first day—14 miles of hiking—with excitement and trepidation. But we felt fortified by the thought of all the Christians who had made this trek before us.

And by all of our friends and loved ones who were praying for us back home.

Today was the culmination of months of planning and training. Hiking poles—yea or nay? Hiking boots or trail runners?

Backpack bladder or Nalgene bottle? We spent months determining which gear was best for each of us. Then we trained.

We began nine months before our trek, starting with an hour, then two; seven miles, nine miles, twelve miles. By the time we actually began our hike, we were ready to test ourselves and see what the path had in store for us.

The Camino is the pilgrimage road to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia where St. James, an apostle of Jesus, is said to be laid to rest. Legend states that St. James

spent time preaching the Gospel in Spain before returning to Jerusalem where he was martyred. His remains were carried by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain and were buried on the site of what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela. The Camino, or Way of St. James, has been one of the most important Christian pilgrimages since medieval times and has existed for over 1000 years. It was considered one of three pilgrimages on which all sins could be forgiven—the others being pilgrimage to Rome and pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Over the years, the scallop shell, which pilgrims collected from the shore to ‘prove’ the completion of their trek, has become a symbol of the Camino de Santiago.

Today you still have to prove your completion if you want to be awarded your Compostela, a certificate that is completed by hand, in Latin, for each Camino

pilgrim who qualifies. To earn it, you must have a credential, or passport, that has been stamped at least two to three times a day, with dates, for at least the last 100 kilometers of the Camino. Our groups hiked 115 km and each SMAA pilgrim was awarded her Compostela!

What we discovered on the trail was far more than we had imagined. We had foolishly ‘done the math’ during our training and determined that we should be done by late lunchtime each day. “If we cover three miles per hour and leave at 8 a.m., we’ll be in our next town by 1:30 pm.” But we didn’t account for managing the undulating terrain, stopping at shops and cafes and churches to have our credential stamped, taking time to admire and sometimes explore the small hamlets we passed through on our way, and pacing ourselves by resting on an outdoor patio with a café con leche.

On our American secular time, our planning was all about attacking the trail to get the day’s hike ‘in the bag’ so we could check it off our list. On God’s time, we were invited to slow down, to see his glory all around us in the crops and gardens and livestock and woods.

We saw undulating fields of corn, stalks bursting and ready to be harvested. We interrupted a herd of cows making their way down a road and were forced to the edges for safety as they took continued

THE ARCHANGEL | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

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no notice of us and ambled right through.

We saw trees laden with fruit and it seemed that each home had a backyard garden.

Sally Schupp captures it best. “Most of our pilgrimage was spent walking on unpaved trails through the Spanish countryside. The landscape was even more lush than I had imagined...fruit trees loaded with pears, apples, pomegranates and kiwis. So many of the charming village homes had carefully tended, tidy gardens growing lettuces, cabbages and kale. We saw enormous brussel sprout plants, blackberry vines spilled over the walls; there were eucalyptus groves and tall hedges of blue and white hydrangeas everywhere.”

And we talked…a lot! Beginning with each other. While we started the day as a clump of 15 women, we quickly, organically broke off into groups of two or three or four. We got past the resume and stats of our lives and into discussions around what matters most to us, where we’re hoping for discernment on this journey, and our desire that this pilgrimage might be the beginning—or closure—for a new phase of our lives. But we also talked to others, as the language barrier allowed. We encountered pilgrims from Germany, Korea, Canada, the Philippines, Luxembourg, Australia, France,

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THE ARCHANGEL | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Indonesia, the UK, and, of course, Spain.

We greeted one another with ‘Hola!’ and ‘Buen Camino!’ and were amazed at how quickly pilgrims were willing to share their stories with us. One story that touched us all was that of an Australian pediatric oncologist. The hospital Chris Rossbach had been associated with for years closed this summer. He and his wife, Vivian, sold their home and put what little belongings they kept in storage and headed out on a three-month journey. They are hiking the Camino as part of their discernment of where God is calling them next. Chris has written a book inspired by his patients and their experience of the divine called Red Dragonflies and Other Postcards from Heaven. At the end of our fifth day of hiking as we were about to enter O Poudrouzo, visiting with Chris and Vivian on a lovely patio, hosted by a gracious Spanish restaurant staff and sipping Sangrias, we felt as if we were being ministered to.

Folks hike the Camino for many reasons: as a spiritual offering, to gain clarity during a major life transition, because it’s on their bucket list, or in honor of a loved one. The Camino is full of makeshift and ancient shrines where folks have offered stones, letters, shells, photos of loved ones, prayer cards, ribbons and poems. As Carol Roehrig observed, “These totems are manifestations of surrender, reflecting a burden or care pilgrims want to give to God. People travel hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles to walk day after day to release a burden, find wholeness, or fill an empty hole.” In fact, each SMAA pilgrim was encouraged to follow the tradition of bringing a stone from home to leave behind to symbolize a burden that you want to let go of or a worry you want to release, or in honor or memory of a loved one. Margaret Spellings noted, “I think that all of us left at least one, and often more, stones behind and felt changed in the process.” As we moved into the second half of our week of hiking, we were encouraged to intentionally spend some time walking alone, creating space where God might speak to us and we might hear him. “We were encouraged to

spend some part of our journey walking alone,” Sally Schupp said. “What I noticed: was how much more I noticed!

I loved the quietness of it; cocooned in the mantra-like sound of my boots on the gravel path. It was joyful, uplifting and enlivening!

There is a community that has grown up around the Camino. Most prominent are the cafes along the way. You rarely hike more than a few kilometers before discovering one. Performers also were also in abundance. We would round a corner to find ourselves serenaded by bagpipers in ancient garb, by Gypsy musicians and percussionists, by artists who provided credential stamps with wax, flowers and charms. There were fruit stands and woodworkers offering their wares and souvenirs. “Walking the Camino is all about community,” observed Ginger Baden (sister of Tricia Stewart). “Community with God, friends, strangers, and nature. The community that God strives for us to find and share with others.”

And, of course, there are the churches.

A hamlet might have only 6 buildings, but one of them was usually a church!

Many of the churches were open so that we could enter for physical and

spiritual respite, enjoying the cool quiet that invited us to say our prayers. And we prayed a lot! We began and ended our days with prayer and reflection. On Sunday, we celebrated Holy Eucharist in the cemetery that surrounds St. Julian church, in a small town. As Tricia Stewart noted, “We worshipped, literally, with the communion of saints.”

While there were many revelations on this pilgrimage, a few stand out. First, we were amazed at how simplifying and clarifying it was for our day’s sole (soul?) mission to be walking from one town to the next. “I loved the independence and strength I found in being on my own two legs every day,” noted Diana Newton. “Everything I needed to move forward was in me. That was refreshing and empowering. Walking the Camino day after day I felt I was walking away from all the noise in life and towards God's will for me. I felt like I could hear Him better in the dappled glades of the Camino than I can when I am my usual over-scheduled self in Dallas.” And we were moved by how this pilgrimage reminded us that we are part of the larger people of God throughout the world. “Walking the way of so many pilgrims over the centuries brought me closer to my faith on a

personal level as well as a global level,” Kay Whelan shared. “Although I don’t greet strangers with a Buen Camino in Dallas, I am striving to continue the essence of that warm greeting forward to those I meet and greet now. The Camino de Santiago brings one into a ‘thin place’ with God as you walk with your fellow companions as well as total strangers from around the world on this intentional pilgrimage to the beautiful cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.”

Our arrival at the cathedral in Santiago was emotional. We laughed and celebrated and cried and hugged one another.

We took many pictures in front of the cathedral. And we stood in wonder as we observed the other pilgrims arriving in the square and the massive, beautiful, ancient cathedral looming before us. We still had to collect our Compostelas, a challenging process that tests one’s patience and resolve! But we had completed the journey we had come to make. In love of God and in the desire that he be more present in our lives, we had walked in the steps of hundreds of thousands of Christian pilgrims who had gone before us. And we had experienced God’s protection and provision and presence on the way. Now, as we turn our faces homeward, our challenge is to hold onto the learnings of the Camino, that they might enrich and refocus our lives as we journey onward.

Buen Camino

by Carol Roehrig October 13, 2019

The infant socks caught my eye. Nestled among grey rocks, a few photos and holy cards, the spot of soft white texture graced the granite base of the cruceiro (stone cross). The trail guide dated this monument from 1670. I stretched my neck to recognize a Virgin Mary and continued pg 26

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REFRESH+RENEW+REVIVE

CARING FOR WHAT GOD ENTRUSTED TO US

by CHRIS GIRATA, Rector and PEGGY CARR, Refresh Chair

I

n the spring of 2017, it was brought to my attention that our iconic Creation Window that sits above the choir loft was at risk of collapse.

areas of our worship spaces. Some of the additional projects focused on the Saint Michael Chapel, including the repair and restoration of the beautiful glass angels, as well as the complete replacement and reengineering of the interior angel doors and the exterior red doors.

The details of our expenses are included here to you can celebrate with me for the meaningful work accomplished through our shared vision.

Years of exposure to moisture changes and other natural influences had weakened the window and we needed to take care of it, and fast! Bill and Karen Pardoe stepped forward and offered to make a lead gift to repair the window. Their gift planted the seed that would be the Refresh + Renew + Revive project.

What we do together in this building helps build up the Kingdom of God on earth, and with each investment of time, talent, and treasure, the Kingdom grows. These significant projects have renewed our worship spaces in meaningful ways, making our building more hospitable and secure so that we can continue to do our important work together. The future is bright, and I am excited to be a part of God’s work in this place!

The Creation Window was the largest of a series of projects that we identified as ways to “refresh” our worship spaces.

The Refresh Project, as was its shorthand name, gathered quick momentum.

I announced the project at the beginning of Lent with a simple invitation: If you can give, give, and if you can’t this time, no worries. The response was quick and decisive. Our Saint Michael community CONTRIBUTIONS was energized to take care of our spiritual home and PROJECTS gave generously. Within only a matter of weeks, we Creation Window had exceeded our goal, and Church Audio, Video, Lighting Parish Hall Audio, Video, Lighting ultimately, we landed at Pew Cushions more than 115% above it.

Chapel Angel Doors The work of this great projChapel Red Doors ect was completed earlier Bell Tower Repair this year, so I want you all to Ambulatory Lighting know what we’ve done!

New Hymnals The generosity shown by so many givers, allowed us to expand our initial plans to include other important

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$945,320

$325,138 $244,414 $153,689 $63,788 $35,463 $42,807 $22,994 $17,649 $11,655 Church and Chapel Sacristies $27,723

THE ARCHANGEL | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

TOTAL $945,320

R

efresh—this means “give new strength or energy to; reinvigorate."

Several years ago, we had a Refresh Campaign to raise funds to update our sanctuary, paint the Chapel doors, and totally outfit the contemporary service in the Parish Hall. Any time we have new strength or energy, we are invigorated and this is what is happening in our Saint Michael halls now.

When there are new pictures or posters on the bulletin boards in the hall, we stop to see what’s going on. When we see our friends, we stop to talk with them. Our attendance numbers are up in all categories. And, though I doubt it is because of the new paint, clean-up or seat fabrics, one gets a feeling that sprucing up means excitement and there’s lots to come.

When I walk in the doors of Saint Michael, I am home—always glad to be there, comfortable in the surroundings, fed by all who are there. Won’t you think about refreshing your commitment to our church and increase your pledge, come to church, participate in some mission activities.

There’s a lot waiting for you.

PARISH VIEWS Top: The Saint Michael staff halloween party. We're trying to loosen up.

Right: Arriving at the Santiago de Compostela after walking 115km!

Bottom Right: The Class for Parents

small group decided to meet up for dinner together at Barnyard Boo Bash and then helped host a car for trunk-or-treat!

We're so excited for this new group and the work they're doing!

Bottom Left: The 2019 Women of Saint Michael Board. Thank you, ladies, for your amazing work and leadership in the parish!

Left: One of the Camino de Santiago groups preparing to tackle the day!

Dear Members of the Saint Michael Episcopal School Community, The Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs. Netra Fitzgerald as Saint Michael Episcopal School’s next Head of School, effective July 1, 2020.

This appointment is the culmination of an extensive search in which the 7-person search committee—with the help of our consulting firm Carney Sandoe & Associates—screened numerous candidates and interviewed five highly qualified candidates before unanimously agreeing that Netra was a perfect fit to lead Saint Michael Episcopal School in this important time in our history.

Netra comes to SMES immediately after serving as Head of Greenhill School Preschool Division for five years. She focused there on establishing strong relationships with her students, parents and faculty. During her tenure, the student enrollment in the Greenhill Preschool grew to be the largest in Greenhill’s 70year history. She has been instrumental in guiding their curriculum development, social & emotional learning skills integration, and balance of direct learning & play. Throughout the greater preschool community, Netra has become known for her expertise. Even internationally, her leadership and knowledge have been recognized as evidenced by her invitation to present at the Annual International Education Summit in Beijing, China last

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summer where she presented and spoke on “Early Childhood Learning Ages 0-3.”

Most importantly, Netra has the vital experience of being a teacher in the classroom for a number of years including Kindergarten and First Grade. The Search Committee believed strongly that an able administrator without meaningful classroom experience would not be as attuned to our faculty and students as she clearly will be.

Netra’s background includes over twenty years in education with a focus on early childhood and leadership. She began her educational career as a kindergarten teacher at Presbyterian Day School in Memphis. Thereafter, she has taught at four independent schools across the country, teaching first grade, directing summer school programs, and serving as interim assistant head of school in Albuquerque before moving to the Metroplex in 2014.

A 1992 graduate of Christian Brothers University in Memphis with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Netra then earned a Master of Arts in Teaching: Curriculum and Instruction in 1999 from the University of Memphis. She was also selected in 2006 to participate in the highly regarded Project Zero Summer Institute at Harvard University where she took a deep dive into learning and intelligence.

We look forward to welcoming Netra, her husband Ty and their adult children (Kelsey studying to be a nurse and Kyle applying to medical schools) to our school and our community.

As we make this important announcement, I want to publicly thank Amy Mc-

Mahan for her extraordinary leadership and unmatched engagement with SMES over the past two years. I personally asked Amy to step into the breach when Katie Riley, our former Head, needed to step aside for health reasons. She has continued to move the school forward to where we find ourselves today. Simply one of the best early childhood educational institutions in Dallas. She has been an incredibly effective Head. I will be forever grateful.

I would also like to thank the members of the Search Committee and our consultants at Carney Sandoe for their tireless efforts. In addition, I would like to thank all the Saint Michael Episcopal School community who shared their insights and perspectives as to the type of leader that SMES needs to continue to thrive and grow.

We, as a search committee, were impressed by Netra’s enthusiasm for teaching, her love of the children and her Christ centered approach to education.

Her almost instant and genuine connection with all she met was remarkable to observe. Both her academic background and her professional experience fit beautifully with our beloved Saint Michael Episcopal School. I cannot wait for her to begin.

Enthusiastically,

Grady Schleier President, Saint Michael Episcopal Board of Directors

BILL POWER REMEMBERS

BOB ESTILL With forward by Rector Chris Girata

When I received the news of Bob Estill’s death, my immediate reaction was to give thanks for the life and ministry of a true servant of God. As our fourth rector, Bob may have only been a part of the Saint Michael community for four years, but he made a meaningful impact. His ministry here ended when he became the Bishop of North Carolina, a position he held until his retirement. As you will see in Bill Power’s touching remembrance, the ripples of Bob’s ministry can still be felt today. We can be proud of our part in his wonderful journey. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!

W

hat I remember most particularly about Bob was his ironic self-deprecatory sense of humor. He did not take himself too seriously and enjoyed making himself the butt of an amusing story. He told me one day about a conversation he had had with a parishioner who was very upset about his children. He had poured money and energy and emotion into them. He had given them the best education and opportunities in life that he could imagine, but they appeared to be making nothing of their lives. When Bob tried to commiserate with him, the fellow said to Bob that he had no idea what it was like to have a son who was making nothing of himself. Bob agreed and shortly thereafter, he escorted the fellow out of his office and into the hall where they encountered Bob’s son, Bobby, with a mop. Leon had hired him to work in maintenance at the church. “Hey dad,” Bobby said. Bob bade the parishioner goodbye and retreated to his office.

Bob suffered from the fact that he followed Donald Henning, a man with a big personality, a delightful speaker and an effective preacher. Bob was a good thoughtful preacher, but he wasn’t Henning and he knew it. Nevertheless I remember one of Bob‘s sermons better than most I have heard from that pulpit. He had to come back as a visiting preacher to Saint Michael after being elected to the episcopacy, and in the last sermon I heard him preach he told this story: He was driving from Durham to a nearby town for a baptism and confirmation and he noted on one of the overpasses that some clown had run the risk of hanging over the railing and painting on the overpass these words, “I love you Lisa.” Bob wondered about the guy’s sanity as he drove on, but when he came to the next overpass there it was again, “I love you Lisa.” This message occurred on each overpass that Bob came to until

ORDAINED IN 1955, THE REV. ROBERT W. ESTILL BECAME THE FOURTH RECTOR OF SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS, SERVING FROM 1976-80. IN 1983 HE WAS INSTALLED AS THE NINTH BISHOP OF NORTH CAROLINA

the last one. When he pulled onto the access road, he saw that the message read, “I will always love you Lisa.” Bob used that experience to define the essence of baptism with God’s declaration, “I will always love you.”

Bob’s most lasting contribution to this parish was the Christian education program. He hired a staff and was responsible for organizing a program that was designed to nurture both children and adults from the cradle to the grave. So, he was responsible for the hiring of experienced teachers like Shelly Vescovo, Nancy Solano, Nancy Somodevilla, Alice Aston Bass, Bill Clarkson, Ann Mills, and others to establish a program that lasted for 20 years. He knew that the future of the parish depended upon the education of its children and he pursued that goal with enthusiasm.

I would be remiss if I did not say that Bob was a good personal friend whom I shall remember fondly as long as I live. Whenever I think of him, I smile. Ave Atque, Bob, I salute you.

Farewell.

THE ARCHANGEL | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

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STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

by MARILLYN SEEBERGER, Stephen Ministry Lay Leader

Read this only if you can promise to keep everything in confidence.

"MARY"

“Mary” was literally at her wit’s end.

She was the only child of a widowed father who was suffering from increasing dementia, so she was his primary caregiver. His demands for attention increased daily and mostly without warning. Her son was graduating from high school this year and she had assumed some responsibilities for his endof-school events and other activities.

She also had a part-time job with an unsympathetic and domineering boss.

Her daughter needed help in planning her wedding and it was important to “Mary” to spend this time with her, too.

She loved her father without question but she was so tired. She felt as if she were walking through a thick mire and could not make a step forward without taking two steps back. She simply could not make any decisions and she was falling apart over being pulled in so many directions. “Mary” needed help.

"JOHN"

“John” had suffered a traumatic experience and was having thoughts of suicide and had developed a drinking problem.

He was sinking deeper and deeper into depression. He knew he needed help, but didn’t know how to get it. He did not have a relationship with a church. He had no place to turn. “John” needed help.

"SHE"

“She” moved back to her home town with her children, immediately fol-

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lowing a bad divorce. Living with relatives had created additional stress for all parties. Her problems seemed unending and she needed someone to talk to besides the well-meaning friends and relatives who wanted to solve her problems. She just needed to ‘get it all out’. She knew she needed to re-establish her self-confidence and build a safe home environment for herself and her children. She couldn’t afford private counseling. “She” needed help.

Each of these scenarios were completed when a Priest, friend, or family member recommended the person to the Stephen Ministry, where they were able to talk out their hurts and fears with a Christian friend who they could trust in their private conversations. The two met for at least an hour each week for an extended period of time and when each agreed that the time was right, they discontinued their meetings, sometimes with the ‘care receiver’ continuing his or her work with a professional counselor.

These lives were changed.

All of the above situations are fictional but represent the kinds of stories and situations that are presented to Stephen Ministers. A Stephen Minister relationship changes lives, but the in-depth stories of who, what, when and how cannot be told, nor can the successful endings be shared with you, because Stephen Ministers have taken an oath of confidentiality.

The Stephen Ministry changes lives by simply providing and being a listening, non-judgmental ear and a friend.

The Stephen Ministry at Saint Michael is made up of a group of trained laity who have caring hearts for their

fellow parishioners and their community. Their love for their neighbor is so great that each of the ministers has voluntarily gone through 50 hours of training and each regularly participates in continuing education amounting to a minimum of one hour or more per month. Some of the ministry members are called Stephen Leaders and they have voluntarily gone through a total of 100 hours of training. All of this effort is supported by the Stephen Ministry’s commitment to total confidentiality.

The Stephen Ministers then volunteer their time, just to serve others.

The Stephen Ministry at Saint Michael is part of a national Christian faithbased, peer support group, headquartered in St. Louis since 1975. Care givers are Stephen Ministers and are individually matched with care receivers.

A male care giver is assigned to a male care receiver and females to females.

You may ask, “Why or when would I need a Stephen Minister?” The answer is: When you are having a rough spell in your life perhaps due to a loss, such as a job, a friendship, a marriage, the death of a loved one, or a difficult family, job, or friend relationship may be your concern. You may find it difficult to discuss your problem with just anyone and maybe you feel that a one-time visit with a priest cannot possibly cover the depths of your need but there is no one else to whom you can turn. That is just the right time for you to contact the Stephen Ministry. Your priest may even recommend that you do so.

THE PROCESS

Here is what will happen: The Lay Director of Stephen Ministry will meet

THE STEPHEN MINISTERS EACH OF THESE FOLKS, PLUS OTHERS NOT PICTURED, HAVE HAD 50 HOURS OR MORE OF TRAINING TO SERVE AS STEPHEN MINISTERS

with you, hear your concerns and thoughtfully and confidentially match you with a Care Giver: a Stephen Minister. Only the Director, who does the matching, will know who you are and the name WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY? of your Stephen Minister. No one else will ever know that you are a participant in the program. Stephen Ministers are not psycholoA Stephen is someone will walk besidelocagists, but you willMinister meet one-on-one at awho mutually agreeable you while you are hurting – listening to you, praying for tion for an hour or so a week for a continued period of time. Your you, and encouraging you. A very dedicated group of Stephen Minister will not solve your problems but will listentoto your men and women have received specialized training concerns.

When you both decide the ‘time is right, ’ you accompany you, confidentially, on this journey. will discontinue your meetings.

IS IT FOR YOU

Sometimes just being able to express one’s anxieties about life to a non-judgmental listener is all that is needed to get through a bump Caring, non-judgmental peer support in the1:1 road.

That Confidential, may be what the anxiety is about: simply put, an inability to get one’s life jump-started to the next step on the jourStephen Ministers will confidentially listen and ney. All of the needs of care receivers notlife’s be dire but whatever non-judgmentally support you need through one’s need, is important. toughittimes Are ayou overwhelmed (ina afree crisis) andthat don’t know what Utilizing Stephen Minister is service is donated by wellto do next?

Contact the Stephen Ministry program to trained Christian peers who give their listening, confidential and arrange for help with your personal Stephen Minister non-judgmental ears. A Stephen Minister will not fix things, but who will use a confidential, non-judgmental approach. will give you confidence in making decisions of your own. Stephen Ministry relationships have resulted people working to change Does everyone else’s life - butin yours - look perfect? their own lives for the better. If you, or a friend, or a family member Letinterest a Stephen Ministeryour help you thatcontacting it is have an in changing life, youunderstand might consider not the adversity defines us as humans, but that the Stephen Ministry.

It that is strictly confidential! we handle the adversity with dignity and grace.

CONTACT Mary Kardell mary.kardell@sbcglobal.net The Rev. René Somodevilla rsomodevilla@saintmichael.org The Rev. Greg Pickens gpickens@saintmichael.org

CONFIDENTIAL

CARE FOR YOU

The Stephen Ministry at Saint Michael is made up of highly trained men and women who have caring hearts for their fellow parishioners and their community.

WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY? A Stephen Minister is someone who will walk beside you while you are hurting – listening to you, praying for you, and encouraging you. A very dedicated group of men and women have received specialized training to accompany you, confidentially, on this journey.

IS IT FOR YOU 1:1 Caring, Confidential, non-judgmental peer support Stephen Ministers will confidentially listen and non-judgmentally support you through life’s tough times Are you overwhelmed (in a crisis) and don’t know what to do next? Contact the Stephen Ministry program to arrange for help with your personal Stephen Minister who will use a confidential, non-judgmental approach.

Does everyone else’s life - but yours - look perfect?

Let a Stephen Minister help you understand that it is not the adversity that defines us as humans, but that we handle the adversity with dignity and grace.

CONTACT

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER EVENTS for a full listing of all events & classes, please visit saintmichael.org

CFM

To Contact Children & Family Ministries: Regan Wallace, Director, rwallace@saintmichael.org Madelyn Ivy, Asst. Director, mivy@saintmichael.org DECEMBER 5 ST. NICK NITE 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Saint Michael Chapel Join us for an evening prayer service in Saint Michael Chapel as we learn about St. Nicholas. We will bless candy canes, light the Advent wreath, sing songs, and enjoy milk and cookies. There will also be a visit from a very special guest: St. Nicholas himself ! All ages are welcome to be a part of the fun and fellowship as we begin the Advent season together. Pajamas are highly encouraged!

For questions or to volunteer, please contact Regan or Madelyn.

DECEMBER 15 NATIVITY PAGEANT 11 a.m. Worship Service in the Church Don’t miss out as Saint Michael and All Angels’ youngest parishioners reenact the story of the birth of Jesus. The performance will be live streamed through the Saint Michael website and on the Saint Michael Facebook page.

Don't forget to register your 3 year old- 2nd grader to participate in the pageant! Roles will be assigned based on age and/or grade. Sign-ups for these children are available until December 1. Registration can be found at: saintmichael.org/nativity-pageant Have questions or want to help with the pageant? Please contact Regan or Madelyn.

YOUTH

To Contact Youth Ministries: Tiffany Lamotte, Director, tlamotte@saintmichael.org Chase Monson, Asst. Director, cmonson@saintmichael.org SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 YOUTH GROUP: PACKING COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES 5-7 p.m.

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High school will pack the boxes We will meet in the youth center at normal Youth Group times. Help us pack boxes for our college youth right before finals! All youth who participate in this event will receive service hours for their help.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PARTIES Youth Group Christmas Party (This is a progressive dinner so we will be at a few people houses for dinner) 5-8 p.m.

6-12th Grades (All Youth) Meet at SMAA North Parking lot by 4:45 to load the party bus for our Progressive Dinner.

RSVP to Chase or Tiffany Join us for our awesome Christmas progressive dinner! This event is for all youth in the 6-12th grades. If you have never been on a progressive dinner then you are in for a special treat. A progressive dinner is a 3-4 course meal that takes place at different youth volunteer/parent's houses. During this progressive dinner, we will have a tacky Christmas sweater contest the winners will receive a trophy and prize. We will also have a White Elephant gift exchange we ask that each youth bring a gift that is $10.00 and under. Please RSVP to Chase or Tiffany.

JANUARY 17-20 YOUTH SKI TRIP!!

Please pray for a safe trip!

SKI T RI NOW P FULL !

PARISH LIFE

To contact Parish Life: Tish Visinsky, Director, tvisinsky@saintmichael.org SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 ADVENT FESTIVAL with Tree Lighting & Wreath Making 6:30 p.m. Advent Message in the Church 7 p.m. Wreath-Making and Outreach Project in the Coke Activities Room 7:30 p.m. Tree Lighting with Cookies & Cocoa on the Douglas Lawn 8 p.m. Choral Compline in the Church

Parish Life partners with Formation and Mission Outreach for a FREE community-wide Advent Festival. All ages are encouraged to join us as we kick off the Advent season with stories and songs, wreath making and outreach, and concluding with our glorious tree lighting.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 EPIPHANY FEAST OF LIGHTS AND BURNING OF THE GREENS 5:30 p.m. Epiphany Service in the Church 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Burning of the Greens Reception in the Garden Cloister Epiphany is one most beautiful nights of the year at Saint Michael. The congregation gathers in the church for a candlelit contemporary service that concludes with a procession out to the Garden Cloister for the ceremonial Burning of the Greens and hot chocolate and s’mores.

MISSION & OUTREACH

To Contact Mission & Outreach: Christi Morrow, M&O Coordinator, cmorrow@saintmichael.org WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20 THANKSGIVING SENIOR LUNCHEON 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Give thanks with Jubilee Park senior residents! Volunteers are asked to help bring desserts and decorations, to assist with

set-up, to serve food, and most importantly to bring a smile and friendly conversation to this joyous event. There are also opportunities for groups to collect in-kind donations and put together senior gift baskets for the event. Join Jubilee for this heart-warming tradition in a season of gratitude. Contact: Jeff & Darrel Rice at Rice1070@gmail.com FRIDAY, DEC. 13 - SATURDAY, DEC. 14 I BELIEVE IN ANGELS IBIA Weekend starts on Friday with volunteers setting up a ‘Christmas store’ where residents can use their volunteer hours to “buy” gifts for their family. That next morning, hundreds of Jubilee Park residents come through the doors to pick out gifts during a magical shopping day! Volunteers assist parents in shopping for gifts, work in the gift-wrapping station, or help package and transport gifts to vehicles. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to include the spirit of giving in their holiday schedules. In addition, last year Saint Michael parishioners donated over 600 gifts in just a few weeks that made up the ‘Christmas store’! Contact: Johanna Corrigan or Nancy Moore. johannacorrigan@sbcglobal.net nancystahlamoore@yahoo.com TUESDAY, DEC. 17 CHRISTMAS SENIOR LUNCHEON 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to serve at Jubilee!

Volunteers are asked to help bring desserts and decorations, to assist with set-up, to serve food, and most importantly to

THE ARCHANGEL | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

21

bring a smile and their holiday spirit to this lively occasion.

There are also opportunities for groups to collect in-kind donations and put together senior gift baskets for the event.

Jubilee seniors look forward to this event all year! Contact: Maria Martin at mariaomartin@sbcglobal.net COOKING & SERVING: SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING NOVEMBER 5 -COOKING 5:30-7:30 p.m., Coke Room Kitchen NOVEMBER 6 - SERVING 5 - 6:30 p.m. at New Friends New Life DECEMBER 3 - COOKING 5:30-7:30 p.m., Coke Room Kitchen DECEMBER 4 - SERVING 5 - 6:30 p.m. at New Friends New Life Volunteer Signup: saintmichael.org/ProjectMoses For more information on cooking and serving: Sheryl Wylie, sherylwylie@sbcglobal.net SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 HONDURAS THREADS POP-UP SALE 8 a.m. -1 p.m.

Church Parlor Stop by and shop! Honduras Threads’ mission is to strengthen the fabric of lives through work, pride and faith. They support women in rural Honduras outside Tegucigalpa, enabling them to earn money without leaving their country, communities or families. Their work enables them to feed and educate their children and empowers them as owners of their own business, making beautiful hand-embroidered items for you to enjoy. If you would like to volunteer, contact M’Lou Bancroft at mlou@hondurasthreads.org.

NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 22 HEART OF GIVING As a meaningful complement to Christmas gifts, Heart of Giving offers a thoughtful way to spread the spirit of the season. This program provides tangible benefits for Mission and Outreach initiatives. To participate, Sunday mornings at a table set up outside the parlor, at the church can also donate during the at the front desk of the church or online. Contact Paige Wilbur to learn more. paige.e.wilbur@wellsfargo.com

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PASTORAL CARE

To Contact Pastoral Care: Fr. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org Katherine Bowen, PC Assistant, kbowen@saintmichael.org ADVENT LITURGY OF REMEMBRANCE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 6 - 7 p.m.

Saint Michael Chapel The annual Liturgy of Remembrance features sacred music, prayers, an Advent liturgy of remembrance and candle light.

This is a time to remember, with gratitude, those people and things we have loved and lost. Attending this service has become a tradition at this special time of the year as we approach the celebration of our Lord’s birth. All in the church are invited. Contact Katherine Bowen.

ADULT FORMATION

To Contact Adult Formation: Fr. Eric Liles, eliles@saintmichael.org Hannah Fisher, Formation Assistant, hfisher@saintmichael.org SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 CONFIRMATION 11 a.m. service in the Church THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21 FAITH IN ACTION: A SPEAKER SERIES 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Coke Activities Room Questions: Fr. Eric at eliles@saintmichael.org SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019 1ST ANNUAL SAINT MICHAEL PARENTS CHRISTMAS PARTY Hosted by the Saint Michael Parents Board 6-8 p.m.

4308 Overhill Come as you are...casual RSVP online here: saintmichael.org/class-for-parents/ Are you a PARENT of children ages 0 - 19? If so....join us for some holiday merriment. Festive food and beverages provided. Come get to know others raising children at Saint Michael. FREE childcare provided at the church with an advance reservation. Kids 4 and over will watch a Christmas themed movie, enjoy pizza and hot chocolate. Littles will be in the church nursery. Children must be picked up by 8:30 p.m.

THE MEN, BOYS, & GIRLS CHOIR OF THE

CATHEDRAL OF THE MADELEINE SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 | 7 P.M.

The Choir of the Madeleine Choir School, Salt Lake City consists of the acclaimed Boys and Girls with men from one of North America's premiere choir schools.

Past tours have encompassed performances in London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Vienna, Prague, and Berlin, including Westminster Cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris and St. Peter’s Basilica. In addition, the choristers sing regularly with local arts organizations, including the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, and have been featured in performances with Ballet West, Utah Chamber Artists, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Helena Symphony, and the San Francisco Opera.

For a special part of the program, their voices will join with our own Saint Michael Choristers! We invite you to our 11 a.m. service that same day for a sneak preview of this outstanding choir.

saintmichael.org/SMP

WORSHIP & LITURGY To Contact Worship & Liturgy Fr. Bob Scott, bscott@saintmichael.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS 11a.m. in the Church Begin the Advent season by preparing for Chrismas with this beloved service of readings, music and processions.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 CHRISTMAS LESSONS & CAROLS 5:30 p.m. in the Church see full ad page 2 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 FESTIVAL EUCHARIST FOR CHRISTMAS EVE 10:30 p.m. in the Church with orchestra featuring the Haydn “St. Nicholas” Mass see full ad page 2 for full list of Christmas Eve services

WOMEN OF SAINT MICHAEL WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 NOVEMBER LUNCHEON: “A PILGRIM’S JOURNEY” 11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall Featuring Nancy Mead, Vice President of the Friends of the Anglican Pilgrim Centre of Santiago Each year, thousands of people from all over the world walk the Camino de Santiago. What compels people to go on

pilgrimages? Nancy Mead can speak from her own experience. Married to an Episcopal priest for 46 years, Nancy took up trekking at the age of 50. She has walked 5 different routes of the El Camino as well as the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome. In all, she has walked nearly 7,000 miles. Nancy will share her thoughts on pilgrimages as well as efforts to create an Anglican Pilgrim Centre in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

PRIME TIMERS & P.T. CRUISERS

To contact the Prime Timers: Ruth Mason, 214.373.7984 Bonita Frederick, 214-728-6440, bfrederick@saintmichael.org The Prime Timers, a group of seniors, welcome everone to our meetings and activities! Meetings are on the first and third Thursdays of each month. In-house luncheon programs, on the first Thursday, present book reviews, performances by actors or musicians, interesting lectures from the business or arts community, or talks from favorite journalists. On the third Thursday, the ‘P.T. Cruisers’ take well-planned trips to interesting area locations.

IN-HOUSE EVENTS: NOV 7: “The Summer of 1927: Charles Lindberg, Babe Ruth, Flappers, and Al Jolson”, with Colleen Boudreaux DEC 5: “Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas”, with Jackie Payne, Lively Music by the Little Angels of Saint Michael Episcopal School, (Bring caps and socks for the Jubilee children) To RSVP, or questions about the Prime Timers, please contact Ruth Mason, 214.373.7984 or Bonita Frederick at 214-728-6440 or bfrederick@saintmichael.org 3RD THURSDAY “CRUISERS” EVENTS: NOV 21: Visit the C.R. Smith Museum (a.k.a.

American Airlines History Museam) followed by a delicious lunch at Savianos Italian Kitchen Make your reservations for each event with Bonita Frederick at 214-728-6440 or bfrederick@saintmichael.org

ADVENT RETREAT: “CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN”

with the Rev. Dr. Julia Gatta SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 9 a.m. - Noon Coke Activities Room $10 Admission (free for all WOSM subscribers) Advent is a rich, complex, and largely misunderstood season of the Church year. Yet, its perspective and particular graces are crucial for Christian life. In the presentations and spaces for quiet prayer, participants will consider the three “advents” of Christ - past, present, and future - to explore their significance and ponder how we meet Christ in all three even now. Participants should bring a Bible with them.

saintmichael.org/adventretreat

S

MY T

O

R

Y

November 3 Cappadocians: Greg, Greg, Macrina, and some Basil for spice November 10 Celtic Christianity (Patrick, Columba, Bridget ) November 17 Aquinas: What are your questions about God? November 24 No Class: Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday!

ACOLYTE TRAINING

December 1 Lectio Divina

NOVEMBER 16 & DECEMBER 7 Saturday mornings 9-10:30 a.m., only one Saturday session required

December 8 Eastern Christianity: the Processions

Young persons, beginning in 4th grade, are especially needed right now. The Acolyte Corps is composed of 200 persons (adults and youth) who serve at the altar assisting the priests or by participating in the processional traditions of our liturgy. We serve at all parish services and on special occasions, i.e. Baptisms, Confirmation, Weddings, and Funerals. Yearly activities include training sessions and several social events.

Contact Dianne Boyd, dboyd@saintmichael.org, or Tony Briggle at tonybriggle@sbcglobal.net or 214-505-7422.

No Class:

December 15

December 22 & 29 No Class

OUR STORY INFORMATION For questions, please email

FALL ADULT CONFIRMATION November 17 | 11 a.m.

eliles@saintmichael.org or call 214.363.5471

www.saintmichael.org/OurStory

Complete information about life stages please visit SAINTMICHAEL.ORG THE ARCHANGEL | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

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crucifixion carving on opposite sides of the crucerio, nestled next to a 100-year old majestic oak tree that canopied and protected the cross. I stepped off the trail up a few stone steps to discover this treasure near the hamlet of Ligonde at the 76 kilometer point, my second day on the Camino de Santiago.

Christmas Flower Memorials DEADLINE TO DONATE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Donate any amount to be included in the 2019 Christmas Eve Flower Memorial Booklet.

Dont' miss this opportunity to celebrate loved ones, both those that have gone before us, and those still with us. The Christmas trees and wreaths in our holy worship spaces are a beautiful gift to God and those who attend services at Saint Michael as well as those being honored or remembered. Each Christmas Eve, we release a booklet commemorating all those for whom a donation has been made.

To donate visit

saintmichael.org/flower-memorials

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I became a pilgrim on September 13, 2019 in Sarria, Spain. I pivoted from my usual business leader role to a backpack carrying walker on a 115 kilometer excursion headed to Santiago de Compostela. The origin of this path dated to the 8th century when people believed it would lead to the end of the earth.

The route subsequently became one of the most important in the growth of Christianity as pilgrims walked to see the holy tomb of St. James, housed in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. When I learned of a planned trip for Saint Michael women posted by Rev. Mary Lessmann in summer of 2018, I signed up without hesitation. The lure of a spiritual experience, and the chance to meet more Saint Michael women, grabbed my attention.

Lots of planning and REI shopping visits occurred throughout the year. Preparation included practice walks at White Rock Lake, the Katy Trail and neighborhoods. Key test trials focused on shoes and the best socks, followed by the back pack and water carrying plan. From my former marathon days I embraced the rigor of preparation. Rev. Mary provided spiritual insights and suggestions for prayers and readings. One other tip was “be sure to bring your rocks”, a curious item when coupled with guidance to minimize suitcase size and weight.

Sixteen Saint Michael and All Angels women made up our pilgrim population, different ages, backgrounds and physical stature. Each day started with breakfast, followed by gathering outside our inn, backpacks in tow, hiking poles positioned, learning route tips and sharing a morning devotional. Reverend Mary prepared a booklet that outlined a suggested focus for the day’s walks, such as recognizing God’s protection, walking in solitude to listen for God’s voice or walking with other pilgrims to share community. These daily reminders brought our Christian way close into view and solidified the nature of this spiritual journey.

Nature abounded in moss-covered rock walls, tree canopies that loomed to the heavens and the aroma of dairy farms. My level of joy lifted with each step as my Wisconsin heritage of oak forests, rolling hills with perfect corn stalk rows, and awakening roosters came to life. I did not expect this walk to draw into my memory banks. Most everyone in my childhood unincorporated town of St. Peter subsisted through milk, egg and beef sales. By default, I learned the rhythm of the farm with the twice daily cow march to milking stalls, the distribution of feed and the distinct smell of sileage, fermented corn stalks stored in silos. Many of my fellow Saint Michael pilgrims grew up in urban centers so this close exposure to dairy farms brought an opportunity to share my stories.

The picturesque nature walk provided ample time to walk in solitude with reflection. Granite distance markers with bright yellow arrows served to keep me going in the right direction, but also collected small stones and indications of those who had passed before. Trails often have rock piles to aid hikers in finding their way, but on the Camino, cairns signify far more. This was what Rev. Mary meant about bringing rocks. Pilgrims bring prayers, troubles, hopes and gratitude with them in the form of a stone, shell, photo, ribbon and other mementos. When I walked alone, I thought about the whys behind the rocks, and acutely on why God called me to walk the Camino.

The physical challenge is one aspect, yet for me the call to go deep and seek connection evoked far more energy and emotion.

My heart stirred most when I saw the baby socks, small and dusted with soot. What did they signify? The possibilities swayed from joy for a newborn to a still born child. A hope lost in never conceiving, perhaps never finding the mate to marry, or worse, making a regretted life decision to abort.

In any case, the small speck of white fluff among thousands of stones showed surrender to God, the only power to heal and give life a fresh beginning. Near those same socks I found a beautiful photo of a woman, perhaps in her mid-thirties, smiling with oar in hand from an orange kayak, long black hair shimmering in the sun. A prayer, personal and typed, protected the photo. Was this a parent longing for a daughter to return home, a girlfriend who slipped away to another love, or a fiancé soon to walk down the aisle in joy? And then a tube of lipstick. What an odd surrender, or was it? Perhaps it meant a return to true self with vanity forestalled, cancer killing hope of beauty, or the best kiss of love forever treasured.

I took two rocks and left them at two different points along the trail. These stones blend in with all the thousands of other ones, unlike the distinctive socks, photo and lipstick I encountered. Yet the magnitude of the number of prayers and petitions crying from each of these stones and mementos speaks to the vast call for God’s protection. Surrender materialized in each artifact, and for me I learned to visualize each of life’s challenges in the form of a stone placed with prayer along the Camino. A verse from Proverbs 3, verses 5-6 explains this: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.”

My walk on the Camino will stay with me forever and I will always see an infant pair of socks in a new and blessed way.

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ity of life. A spirited woman of great faith, Ms. Toni sees the work of angels in her new bathroom.

who have worked their entire lives and paid off their family home trying to navigate rotting floors, non-existing ceilings, plastic bags over windows, and inaccessible bathrooms. Some elderly neighbors shared that they had to take ‘sink baths’ to clean themselves because of how inaccessible their bathrooms are.

H e k i L s l e e F

The holiday season is a time when we all think of home: our traditions, our pastimes, and our families. Images of Thanksgiving and Christmas show us families safe and sound, celebrating the grace of being together.

Since founding Jubilee in 1997, Saint Michael parishioners have made a huge difference in helping families stay safe and sound. You may have heard about Jubilee’s work in education and nutrition, but did you know that the Housing Initiative at Jubilee has helped increase homeownership in Southeast Dallas by 50% over the past ten years?

Parishioners Tom Harbison, Bob Axley, Joseph Cahoon, Chuck Hansen, David Martin, Jerry Poglitsch, Arden Showalter, Nancy Shutt, Kathryn Sargent, Keller Webster, and more have truly catalyzed a new sense of home for families working hard to build their lives through the Housing Task Force.

This year, the Housing Task Force piloted a repair program for elderly neighbors in Jubilee Park who own their homes but cannot afford to make much-needed repairs. The volunteers were stunned by the condition of many of the candidates—imagine a couple

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e m o

One example is Ms. Toni’s home, where the lady of the house couldn’t enter her bathroom or even get to her sink because the door and walkway could not accommodate her wheelchair. Volunteers assessed the situation, budgeted improvements to make it possible for Ms. Toni to bathe herself and access the sink, and started shopping for deals on the refurbishment.

Just like Ms. Toni’s bathroom, the Housing Task Force has set to work fixing wheelchair ramps, repairing broken floors, installing donated air conditioners, and much more. It’s a heartwarming feeling to know that volunteer time, expertise, and energy can go such a long way in making someone’s home that much safer and healthier during this season of celebrations.

Up next for the Housing Task Force is more education for homeowners on property taxes and home maintenance, as well as a possible partnership with the city to support more home repairs across Southeast Dallas. For more information or to get involved, contact Ben Leal at 214-887-1364 or hello@jubileecenter.org.

The roll-in shower, accessible toilet, shallower cabinet, and wider doorframe have done wonders for Ms. Toni’s qual-

HOUSING TASK FORCE MEMBERS MARJORIE MURAT, BEN LEAL, DAVID MARTIN

BUILDING GOD’S KINGDOM BEYOND OUR WALLS

By CHARLIE SARTAIN, Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation President

Since its inception, the Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation has existed as an adjunct to our Church’s ministries, making grants based on vestry requests for funding. The Foundation can do more, and we are charting a new course to help us build God’s kingdom beyond our walls. We want to become an active participant in the mission and ministries of Saint Michael. But we have our challenges.

Jesus knew money was a difficult issue.

He told the rich man that to be perfect he must sell everything he had and give money to the poor and then he would have treasure in heaven. What did the man do? He “went away grieving because he had many possessions.” The poor fellow asked a good question but didn’t quite “get” the answer. He wasn’t asked to be perfect, and neither are we.

With our abundance, we don’t have to forsake our lifestyles, much less liquidate the children’s college fund, to put Jesus first in our lives.

Martin Luther understood our human frailty when it comes to money. He said there are three conversions necessary to become a Christian: the conversion of the heart, the conversion of the mind, and the conversion of the purse. I expect that for most of us, the last is the most difficult.

When we look at our money as a tool by which we can invest in growing God's kingdom, that money becomes a powerful instrument for good. One could say that how we think and behave about money reflects our spiritual condition. How we align ourselves

with God's will can be played out in the realm of our finances.

WE WELCOME OUR NEWLY ELECTED TRUSTEES Here are our new trustees, along with a glimpse of their many talents:

WHAT CAN THE FOUNDATION DO FOR YOU? The Foundation is the vehicle by which you can put your abundance to use to build God’s kingdom beyond the walls of our Church as well as create a lasting legacy for you and your family. We urge you to participate in the good works of the Foundation in addition to your sacrificial giving through our annual stewardship campaigns.

In the future expect to see and hear more from the trustees of the Foundation, both in terms of where we should align our resources and also to help build the financial support needed to do our mission. To learn more about the Foundation, contact any trustee or Caroline Marak at cmarak@saintmicheal.org.

The Foundation carries out its business through lay leadership of 15 trustees.

Every two years the Church elects five trustees to serve six-year terms. Each brings a different set of skills, but all are united in their desire to put our resources to work in the community beyond our Church.

I’m joined by Kalita Blessing, who served on our investment committee, and Bill Peeler, our treasurer, as our sixyear terms come to an end. Please thank Kalita and Bill for their hard work.

KATHERINE BLACHLY Re-elected after filling an unexpired term. Extraordinary communicator.

Joined Saint Michael in 2004.

NITA CLARK Re-elected after filling an unexpired term. Well-versed in development and non-profit work. Joined Saint Michael when she was four years old.

TONY BRIGGLE Known throughout the Anglican Communion as the preeminent lay liturgist/acolyte and throughout Dallas for his community involvement.

Joined Saint Michael when Lyndon Johnson was president.

JOE COLONNETTA Brings his business acumen and a history of foundation work. Joined Saint Michael in 1995.

ERIC CONNER Former senior warden and current member of the mission and outreach subcommittee to commemorate our 75th anniversary. Joined Saint Michael in 1997.

These new trustees join Peggy Carr, Dare Gillette, David Martin, Tamara O’Connor and Stewart Thomas, whose terms expire on 2022, and Harriet Cousins, Larry Galvin, Alan Lassiter, Darrel Rice and Matt Waller, whose terms expire in 2024.

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l i a r T o n i m On the Ca

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

Camino 2 group celebrating their arrival at the cathedral square in Santiago; Camino markers appear regularly. Here the marker notes that we had reached our 100 km mark; Kay Whelan standing before the shrine to Saint Irene.

OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

An intricate stamp in the credential passport incorporating flowers and wax; sharing the trail with a herd of cows; Bishop Carlos Lopez Lozano, Reformed Episcopal Bishop of Spain, celebrated Holy Eucharist for the SMAA pilgrims in Santa Susanna Church in Santiago; some of our pilgrims arriving in the outskirts of Santiago; musical troubadours on the way.

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smaa kids pages!

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A Cherub’s Life:

The Journey of One Young Singer from First Rehearsal to Debut Performance As Saint Michael’s brand new Cherub Choir kicked off this Fall, we thought it would be fun to follow one of our Cherubs from her first rehearsal to her first performance. Elsie Rosser, an energetic and outgoing three-year-old who also loves to swim, play soccer, dance, and do art projects, became our chosen subject for observation over the first month of Cherub Choir.

From a shy first day to stealing the show at the Cherubs’ first performance, Elsie has certainly taken the stage and embraced singing!

""Exposing Elsie to music and all that it brings is an early childhood development opportunity for us. We look forward to this bringing her a sense of fellowship, of working with others and, not insignifcantly, a new group of friends. As well, we hope it further instills in her an appreciation for Saint Michael and all of its great offerings" - Monica and Jay Rosser, parents of Elsie, before her first Cherub rehearsal

Wednesday, August 28

22 nervous kids aged 4-8 walked through the doors of the Atrium, unsure of what to expect. Some were excited, some were afraid to be left, and

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all were curious. In the following hour, they played, sang, and learned the story of Jonah and the giant whale. A stuffed whale helped demonstrate the concepts of “high” and “low” in singing – they each got to create a vocal exercise where whatever way they made the whale swim, their classmates had to sing.

around the room, music at a brisk tempo, and lots of laughter followed.

Wednesday, September 18

Elsie had a fantastic time and particularly loved hugging the giant stuffed whale. When picked up and asked by her mother what she’d done at Cherub Choir, Elsie responded enigmatically: “I don’t know…”

Wibbledy wobbledy woo, a whale just swallowed up you. Wibbledy wobbled wee, a whale just swallowed up me!

Wednesday, September. 4

25 kids walked more confidently through the doors of the Atrium, wondering whether they’d get to sing with a whale again. This week, the whale made an appearance for warm-ups, but so did a train whistle. The Cherubs got to learn a new game called “Riding on the Railroad” where Mrs. Awbrey led them around the room linked by hand like the cars on a train and they learned a song that combined trains with an introduction to musical tempos (the speed of a song). As each Cherub was added oneby-one, they got to decide whether their train went fast or slow.

Elsie chose to go fast! A quick trip

Today, Mrs. Awbrey introduced Toobaloos, phonic phones that allow children to hear their voices more clearly as they sing. As Cherubs learned the song “All night, all day,” they got to listen to their own voices through the phone to hear themselves sing high and low. This song is one of four that the Cherubs are preparing for their debut performance, which is coming up in two weeks.

All night, all day, angels watching over me, my Lord. All night, all day, angels watching over me. Now I lay me down to sleep. Angels watching over me, my Lord. Pray the Lord my soul to keep, angels watching over me…

“Mrs. Awbrey, Angels are always walking with you and me. Why do we have to wait until the morning?” – Claire Christian, age 4

Sunday, September 29

At 8:30 A.M., 34 Cherubs walked

through the doors of Saint Michael Chapel to warm up for their debut performance. Some were nervous, but all were excited. They knew their music and their hand signs, they were confident and had prepared for this moment for weeks. With a medley of four angel-themed songs, the Cherub Choir stole the hearts of all at the Joy mass. They sang beautifully and with heart. In the words of Rev. Amy Heller, “They were so spirit-filled and it made our time of worship so meaningful.”

Elsie, for one, loved her moment in the spotlight, and took on her new leadership role in the liturgy with ease, showing great confidence and enthusiasm as she sang!

“"Watching Elsie's face light up during her debut Cherub Choir performance was magical. Her animation, the song gestures, the sweet messages in

each song all made for such a joyful experience for her and us as her parents".”

– Monica and Jay Rosser after the first Cherub performance Are you interested in enrolling your child in Cherub Choir? There’s still room for more! Come join us at one of our Wednesday rehearsals (3:15 or 5:00 p.m.) or let us know you’re interested by emailing director Monica Awbrey at mawbrey@saintmichael.org.

About the Cherub Choir Director Monica Awbrey combines her role as Assistant Choirmaster at Saint Michael with teaching at The Episcopal School of Dallas where she has been a music specialist since 2008. Her roles at ESD include directing the middle school choir and serving as the early children music specialist and Coordinator of Sacred for daily chapel at school. She began teaching young musicians in 1994 and has served subsequently on the faculties of many schools, churches, and community choirs, including St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Dallas and the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas. She also serves as a clinician for workshops and festivals throughout the state. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Choral Music from Trinity University in San Antonio.

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THE AFTERMATH WHEN THE STORM HAD PASSED, MANY WERE LEFT IN DARKNESS AND DESTRUCTION, WITH FIRST RESPONDERS TRYING TO REACH THEM

SAINT MICHAEL TORNADO RELIEF SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2019, will be seared in to the minds of many people here and abroad. The devastating tornadoes demolished homes, schools and businesses in the Preston Hollow/Preston Royal areas.

Saint Michael is so thankful for the ultimate safety of all those impacted by the tornadoes, and also for the overwhelming desire demonstrated by parishioners and others to help in the much-needed relief effort. Municipal service providers, non-profits and scores of volunteers have been— and still are—coming together to help those in need.

Upon learning of the scope of destruction, the Saint Michael leadership immediately began coordinating to learn who was affected during the storm, and to begin strategizing a plan of relief. The fruits of that discussion have yielded both a drive for physical donations, as well as a financial giving drive to raise money for the cause.

The generosity of our parish is already being felt! We are so proud to announce that over $30,000 has already been given in this short time since donations opened—including being able to distribute two sets of new uniforms to 199 Frankline Middle School children, displaced by the tornado! But don’t stop now—we can and need to do more. Through your generosity we can help students get back to school, displace families find homes, and contribute to many day-to-day needs we take for granted.

Thank you so much for your willingness to help care for those in need.

The relief money donated through our tornado relief website page, saintmichael.org/tornadorelief, is benefiting: • • •

North Dallas Shared Ministries (NDSM) Dallas Independent School District (DISD) Gateway of Grace

Visit our relief webpage to learn more about these ministries and details on what items are still needed, and can be dropped off at the church south entrance, near reception.

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saintmichael.org/tornadorelief FLEEING THE SCENE THE LATE-NIGHT STREETS IN THE TORNADO'S PATH WE'RE FILLED WITH FAMILIES TRYING TO FIND SHELTER AFTER THE STORM

AIM MOBILE PHONE CAMERA HERE; CLICK LINK

NOV 24 -DEC 22 CARDS AVAILABLE AT HEART OF GIVING TABLES

Heart of giving A Saint Michael Advent Outreach

As a meaningful complement to Christmas presents, The Heart of Giving offers a thoughtful way to spread the spirit of the season. When you make tax-deductable gifts in nonor of friends, business associates, or family members, you will receive The Heart of Giving acknowledgement cards to give the people on your Christmas list.

Each card describes how your gift in that person’s honor provides tangible benefits for the Mission and Outreach initiatives of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.

Choose any or all of the following programs to benefit from your donation to The Heart of Giving:

Austin Street Center The Gathering Amistad Mission - Bolivia

AROUND THE PARISH

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

The Saint Michael choir and choristers singing under the direction of Jonathan Ryan, Director of Music, for the Blessing of the Animals event; Rector Chris Girata baptizing one of the infants; Pam Barbera smiling for the camera at the P. T. Cruisers event aboard The Spirit of Dallas catamaran; Vice Rector Ken Brannon offers the baptismal blessing alongside Rector Chris Girata; one of our most joyous occasions: infant baptisms; a packed house at The Angelika theater for a private screening of the award-winning Normie movie; choir member Wendy Finley is all smiles as she sings during the All Saints Day service; the P.T. Cruisers aboard The Spirit of Dallas catamaran; Master of Ceremonies Tony Briggle stands ready to serve, during holy communion.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

Associate Director of Music and Organist Meg Harper conducts the Saint Michael choir during the majestic All Souls Day service; Beyond Your Giving 2020, our annual stewardship drive kicked off in October; Rector Chris Girata and Fr. Greg Pickens chanting the Necrology—the names of the dearly departed—during the All Souls Day event; Bishop Moore vestments and bench: cushion design drawn by Ann Coke and needlepoint by Byrd Teague, Kittye Peeler and the Rector picked out the fabric, Cora McClure made the vestments; Director of Youth Tiffany LaMotte playing it cool at the 2020 Barnyard Boo Bash and Trunk or Treat event; some of the hand-written leaves from The Gratitude Tree, detailing everything small and great for which we are grateful, Stewarship Coordinator Caroline Marak and family hosts one of the vehicles for Trunk or Treat; Assistant Choirmaster Monica Awbrey joins Director of CFM Regan Wallace and Assistant Dir of CFM Madelyn Ivy at Trunk or Treat!

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SEASON 8 EXTENDED DAYS! Volunteering, Information, Questions: Contact SMFM Director Tricia Stewart farmersmarket@saintmichael.org, or 214-675-0586.

SATURDAYS 8 A.M. - Noon

NOVEMBER 16

FAMILY DAY! DECEMBER 14 WINNER THE SUPER-FANTASTIC FARMERS MARKET FAMILY DAY!!

— ALL AGES WELCOME! ARRIVE EARLY, HAVE ALL THE FUN!—

Best of Big D The

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD FARMERS MARKET

2017

Fun for the whole family!

Sip fresh cider while you shop the amazing deals!

Interactive stations for kids—and kids-at-heart!

Take home goodies from you favorite vendors in the NORTH PARKING LOT SAINTMICHAELSMARKET.COM @saintmichaelsmarket

SAVE THE DATE!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 | 7 P.M. | CHURCH

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GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST May the souls of these faithful departed rest in peace.

Jerry Ronald Welch August 27, Gail Welch (wife) and Catherine Welch (daughter) Mary Nell Taylor September 6, Cynthia Taylor (daughter), Max and Sabrina (grandchildren) Gary Lee Odgaard September 7 Bassem Joseph Ammouri September 10, Dr. Saleem Ateek (brother-in-law) and Carla (sister-in-law) Helen C. Walker September 10, Joe Walker (son) Peter Weldon Baldwin September 16, George Baldwin (son) and Mary (daughter-in-law) Karolyn Kucera Bowles September 19 Edie Grace Peck and Maren Matthew Peck September 20, Hoddy and Carolyn Peck (grandparents) Ollie Mae Smith September 22, Lucinda Butler (daughter) and Robert (son-in-law) The Right Rev. Robert Whitridge "Bob" Estill October 9, Joyce Estill (wife) Mary Nicholson Allen October 10, Sally Williams (daughter) and Jim (son-in-law), Rob, Rhett, J.B., and Carl (grandsons)

BIRTHS Mary Margaret (Margot) Prince Monday, August 26, 2019 Taylor and Chris Prince; Grandparents: Julie and Ross Vick Zoe Danielle Johnson Monday, September 9, 2019, Will and Colleen Johnson; Grandparents: Gene and Susan Johnson; Great Grandparents: Rob and Betty Shiels Jaxon Kenny Fox Sunday, September 22, 2019, Andrew and Catelyn Fox; Grandparents: Patrick and Cindy Fox

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FEATURED ITEMS FROM THE

SAINT MICHAEL BOOK SHOP GET YOURS TODAY!

Matchbox Nativity

HOURS Monday-Friday: 10 AM - 3 PM Saturday: CLOSED Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

MADE IN THE PERU

$9.50

saintmichael.org

Saint Michael Ornament DESIGNED BY LONG TIME PARISHIONER DARE GILLETTE

$29

Fir-Scented Candles In Seasonal Canvas Bags $1 1 . 9 9

Wood And Cement Nativity MADE IN USA

$25

Handmade Nativity Pillow MADE IN PERU

$ 72

THE ARCHANGEL | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

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Stewardship as a Family We are tremendously excited about the many changes occurring at Saint Michael and hopefully you are as well! One of the most significant of these is a renewed focus on our children and youth. Significant time and resources are being devoted to programs designed to lead to increased engagement from our young families. YOU are a part of God’s work being done in our community and your participation in His plans for our church is immensely important to Saint Michael and All Angels!

Integral to this desired engagement is the act of spending time together talking about what it means to you and your family to be generous of heart. A Christ-centered and generous heart is grown and modeled at home. As faith leaders in your home, reflecting with your children on God’s abundant generosity in your lives will lead to an authentic understanding and expression of gratitude.

The Stewardship Committee invites you and your family to join us in giving freely of your gifts of time, talent, and treasure for the spiritual growth of our community, your children and most critically, to join us in showing thanks to God by sustaining His Church.

Saint Michael is entering its season of giving as Stewardship 2020 is underway. Now is the time to give prayerful thought to your contribution and the opportunity your children have to be an active part of their church. The importance is not in the amount of a gift or pledge, but it is the act of showing thanks to God for ALL that He has given you in a blessed life. A key to this process is having conversation with your children, young and old, about their role as a member of the family of Christ and our church. Helping them to understand their own need to give will establish roots that will grow deep and bond them to Christ and His church for the rest of their lives.

Thankful you are a part our church community,

Ross Taylor

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Maria & Richard D’Antoni

Jay Lipscomb

Warren Houser

MOMENTOUS START! The 2020 Season of Giving is off to a strong start in being halfway to our goal in less than 1 month! If you have yet to make your pledge, visit saintmichael.org/give to invest with a community eager to grow together in their faith walks.

Kimberly Colonnetta Our giving begins with a recognition that all we have comes from our gracious and generous God, and we give from our gratitude for His gifts to us. We are pleased to partner with him to invest our resources in building His Kingdom.

Ross Taylor I give to Saint Michael because I believe that we are called to be stewards of our resources.

Giving is an act of obedience as well as a spiritual exercise that helps me cling more loosely to money and what I can be lulled into thinking money can do for me and my family. I see giving to Saint Michael as an eternal investment that will bear returns for the kingdom. Seeing the way Saint Michael uses the money I give makes me excited about the continued spread of the gospel and gives me confidence that more people will hear about the God of love that I worship and adore.

In 2020, we need to accommodate our over-subscribed catechesis classes with more atriums stocked with supplies and teachers. Your support of our growing faith is invaluable!

- The Rev. Dr. Eric J. Liles

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%

increase in Vacation Bible School enrollment

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