Rector's Report
Our annual report will be different this year. We are beginning to shift to a piece that reflects and inspires, not just a piece that reports. What you will begin to see this year and will see more of in following years, will look more like an impact report of who we are and how we engage with one another and the world. We will still give a proper accounting of our corporate life, but it’s my hope that we shift to be much more than being transparent about our worldly business and seek to shine more light on our sacred business. To that end, I will keep my report brief in the hopes that we will see the forest and not be lost in the trees.
I do not believe we can over emphasize the significance of 2023 in the life of our church. There are few years in which more was done for the health, vitality, and future of this faith community we love. In 2023, we finally reached the end of pandemic-era impacts and saw the reengagement of our membership in tangible ways. Attendance increased—not only in worship, but also in learning, service, and giving. We have clearly identified the four markers of healthy discipleship—prayer, learning, service, and giving—and we saw measurable increases in each marker.
Discipleship is the primary purpose of our life together. Focusing on our spiritual health and development as disciples of Jesus Christ is the root upon which all else grows. Discipleship development is hard work, and because it’s so hard, we can often skip over the hard work and focus on what is ostensibly easier. We can count people present, books read, food collected, and more, and convince ourselves that we are doing good, Christian work. But let us not fool ourselves. Unless we are doing the hard work of digging into our identity as disciples of Jesus Christ first, everything else is just very nice busyness. We are now shifting into a new reality where we will lovingly and intentionally hold one another more accountable to the health and development of our discipleship identities, and the impact will be more than we can even imagine.
Extending from the importance of discipleship, development is the tangible commitment we are making to reform our physical campus. In 2023, we neared full com-
pletion of the development project on the north side of our campus. The land lease has already begun to impact our Dallas communi ty through strategic grants, and the new parking structure was a hit at Christmas and will serve us very well as we shift into our own construction in 2024.
The construction we have begun on our church build ings is only possible through the generosity of our parishioners. In 2023, we launched the community phase of Building our Future, the capital campaign that will transform our church campus for the next century. More than 500 households have given to the campaign, helping us near our ambitious goal. We ended 2023 at $59MM of our $65MM stretch goal and hope to reach and surpass our goal in 2024. What our church family did in 2023 is beyond remarkable. Together, we are completing the largest capital raise in Episcopal Church history. The generosity and the faithfulness to our shared vision has allowed us to commit to a project that will set Saint Michael up for the next century.
My gratitude for the confidence and faithfulness of our church cannot be expressed in words, and yet, we’re not done. We still need you to be part of our effort. Together, we will fulfill a dream that continues the work of our founders nearly 80 years ago. That dream is anchored in our discipleship and expressed in our generosity and love of God, of our neighbors, of one another, and of ourselves.
I hope you will continue reading through this report. Take a few minutes to absorb the true kingdom building impacts in and through Saint Michael. God continues to call each one of us to go deeper and use our gifts more fully. Together, we can all move toward God and extend His sacred love to all.
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata RectorVice Rector's Report
We often talk about “Building the Kingdom” at Saint Michael. We don’t just mean this metaphorically. God is at work in our church community, revealing the good news of Jesus Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This sacred work is manifested through the ways we pray, learn, serve, and give. We give thanks for current expressions of faithfulness and the new ministries that are coming into view.
In addition to our regular work, staff and parish leaders focused on the following strategic priorities in 2023:
• Welcoming people to Saint Michael Church and connecting them to discipleship opportunities
• Raising money for the Capital Campaign and getting ready for construction
• Fostering collaboration among our Community Impact Partners (the Mission and Outreach Committee, Women of Saint Michael, All Angels Foundation, and Horizon Outreach Fund)
• Expanding and improving the Standing Committees of the Vestry
• Strengthening ties between Saint Michael Episcopal School and the Church
• Building and growing our young adult ministry
• Configuring our church management software and tracking member engagement
We are grateful for the role that staff play in equipping parishioners for ministry. In 2023, we spent a great deal of time ensuring that the right staff were in the right seats and that we were organized for strong, effective work.
For example, we reorganized our Executive team, which now consists of the Director of Finance (Rob Baber), the Vice Rector (Ken Brannon, Facilitator), the Rector (Chris Girata), the Senior Associate for Worship and
Discipleship (Andrew Grosso), the Director of Advancement (Caroline Moore), the Director of Operations (Colleen O’Hara), and the Director of Communications (Meredith Turner). This group pays close attention to the intersection between ministry and ministry support and, in collaboration with the Vestry, sets strategic direction.
We also created a new Ministry Leadership Team that ensures we are living into our Core Focus—“Building Christian disciples for a transformed community.” This group consists of the Senior Associate for Worship and Discipleship (Andrew Grosso, Facilitator), the Associate for Mission and Outreach (Robin Hinkle), the Director of Children and Family Ministry (Meghan Houk), the Director of Engagement (Rob Kyle-Springer, who also represents Pastoral Care), the Director of Youth Ministry (Sam Moore), the Director of Formation (Tim Smith), and the Director of Parish Life (Tish Visinsky).
These reorganized teams have been effective in advancing the gospel and strengthening the organization overall.
In the pages that follow, you will see snapshots of many of our ministries and the impact we are hav ing in the community. For all the ways we are “on track” and for all the ways we still need to grow, we give thanks and glory to God!
The Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon Vice RectorCore Focus
Build Christian Disciples for a Transformed Community.
COLLABORATIVE
Collaboration is working together to encourage a culture where all ideas are respected. Seeking clear decision points that consider impacts outside our ministry area helps us support one another’s work and celebrate one another’s successes, rather than being in competition.
GROWTH-ORIENTED
Growth orientation combines a fearless, can-do attitude with a clear commitment to discipleship and the missional focus to bring people into our community who are not yet part of it.
KIND
Kindness is strong, clear, and respectful. When we act in love, hard conversations bear the fruit of authenticity and grace. Communicating with compassion and empathy helps people thrive.
LOYAL
Loyalty is achieving alignment, not always agreement. Nurturing authentic, durable relationships with one another, based on honesty and clear communication, helps us achieve unity of purpose and mission.
EFFECTIVE
Effectiveness is born out of good actions based on strategic alignment with our core focus, consistent decision-making, hard/smart work, mutual accountability, and measurable outcomes.
10-Year Target
A vibrant community of committed disciples impacting the church and the world.
Wardens' Report
Per the Canons of the Episcopal Church, the Vestry serves as agents and legal representatives of the parish in all matters concerning corporate property and the relations of the parish to clergy. The Vestry is also charged with assisting and counseling the Rector in whatever areas appropriate for lay persons for the furtherance of the Gospel.
The 2023 Vestry oversaw enormous progress on projects that were initiated and undertaken by previous vestries and the clergy and staff at Saint Michael. We were blessed with sound and strategic decisions and actions of vestries before us. Our job, enviably, was to continue the good works put in place before we assumed our positions.
The highest visibility project was, of course, the capital campaign and the earliest stages of new construction currently taking place on our campus. The Vestry finalized and approved various budgets and initial plans for major renovation of the campus. Importantly, neither the Church nor the Chapel will undergo substantial changes, but the rest of the buildings on our campus will either be rebuilt or improved. Our goal—adopted by previous stewards and continued under our term—was to create a campus that serves our church and our congregation. We will face many frustrating disruptions in the near future while making improvements for generations to come.
Another long-term initiative for the 2023 Vestry, although introduced with less publicity, was the creation of new Standing Committees and the reconfiguration of existing ones. In the past, Saint Michael relied on a patchwork of various committees, created by the Vestry and staffed by dedicated congregants, to handle specific areas. For example, the Buildings and Grounds, Stewardship, Audit, and Mission and Outreach Committees have served effectively for decades. But some areas of church business have had little structure or congregational support, and in some cases, been led by one or two dedicated volunteers for decades. The new Standing Committee structure mirrors the organization of the church staff, creating leadership and input opportunities for members, including in the areas of worship and liturgy, communications, technology, human resources, and adult, youth, and children and family ministries. Each Standing Committee has a separate charter and consistent corporate governance practices. These opportunities for engagement and leadership will serve our congregation well into our future.
As a dynamic and engaged partner of the community, Saint Michael is affiliated—formally and informally—with a diverse number of organizations. The 2023 Vestry discovered that many people (including Vestry members!) didn’t understand the different legal and practical aspects of these relationships. In response, we reviewed our relationships and attempted to standardize the status, nomenclature, and characteristics of these relationships. We landed on three designations: Church Organization (wholly controlled Saint Michael committees or entities), Affiliated Organizations (independent of Saint Michael, but with legal associations), and Community Partners (independent of Saint Michael, but mutually supportive). As examples, Saint Michael Episcopal School is an affiliated organization, and Jubilee is a community partner. By defining these relationships, we hope that we can appropriately and effectively fulfill our mission and our associates’ missions.
Finally, the Vestry is charged with counseling and evaluating our Rector. We can happily report that our Rector is dedicated, focused, energetic, and committed to Saint Michael's future. Throughout the year, Father Girata exhibited his special blend of corporate leadership and spiritual guidance, at times filling roles as fundraising savant, food and culture critic, and frustrated Broadway performer. We are blessed by his service and grateful for his spirit.
2024 Vestry
LEADERSHIP
MEMBER CLASS
MEET YOUR NEW VESTRY MEMBERS
JULIE ALLEN
Member and Volunteer, Farmers Market Volunteer, Weddings and Funerals
Acolyte and Verger
Lead Trainer and Teacher, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Sunday School
SUSAN BARNICOAT
Reader, Chalice Bearer, and Usher
Member, Saint Mary’s Guild
Reservations Chair, WOSM
Volunteer, Jubliee Park and Austin Street Shelter
JAMES CARRY
Member, Men of Saint Michael Member, Building & Grounds Committee Server and Volunteer, Pancake Supper Volunteer, The Bridge
2024 Diocesan Convention
Stephen
Chuck
Finance Report
Last year proved to be a strong year financially for Saint Michael, ending on budget. Our parishioners continued to fulfill their pledges and make additional contributions. I am pleased to report that our finances are sound, and our cash reserves are good.
Total Operating Revenue increased by over 4% in 2023 to $8,577,855. Total Operating Expenses came remarkably close to meeting the budget, leaving Saint Michael with a surplus of $3,553 for the year.
We continue financial support of Mission & Outreach ministries at a high level, both directly through support of grants, allocation of staff and clergy resources, and support of the Episcopal Church; and indirectly through the Christmas and Easter plate, Heart of Giving, and the Women of Saint Michael gifts committee.
Our 2024 budget builds on the commitment made three years ago to increase our engagement within the church and in the community through our staff and programs.
2024 BUDGET AND STATUS OF ANNUAL GIVING
Each year the budget is based on our pledging dollars from the annual stewardship campaign. From the total dollars pledged, we project the annual revenue available to our ministries for the year. During the stewardship campaign, our staff engage in a professional budgeting process forecasting costs for their ministry areas. We then compare those budgets with the results of the stewardship campaign. As you can see, every pledge matters and every dollar matters.
As of February 1, total pledges for 2024 were $6,845,555. This was a successful campaign, and I thank all of you as well as our outstanding Advancement Committee. The Vestry and its Finance Committee have approved the 2024 budget based upon these pledges and consistent unpledged contributions, along with revenue from the North Land Agreement and reserves dedicated in prior years. The 2024 budget is based on $8.45 million of total revenue and an equal amount of expenses. 2024 will continue to be an exciting time at Saint Michael.
FINANCE TEAM
Saint Michael has an excellent financial staff led by our Director of Finance, Rob Baber. Rob has faithfully served our parish for more than 15 years. He and his accounting team have enormous institutional financial knowledge and serve as the backbone of our financial process. Our Finance Committee is appointed by the Vestry to oversee and advise on church finances. The committee meets monthly and is composed of a dedicated group of individuals with a broad range of experience. The 2023 committee included Michael Cosby, Glen Davison, Patrick Jenevein, Kathy Kelley, Bill McGannon, Becky Odlozil, Michael Riddell, Jeanie Sikes, Jim Smith, and Chris Wiley. I am extremely grateful for this team.
CONCLUSION
The clergy, staff, and lay leaders at Saint Michael and All Angels are careful stewards of the church’s resources. The church’s well-being is in your hands as you decide how to use the material gifts you receive from God.
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Bywaters 2023 TreasurerFinancial Statements
and Expenses, 2024 Budget
1 2023: Revenue by Source (in thousands of dollars)
79% of revenue is derived from current year pledges
2
Recent History: Current Year Pledge Revenue
(in thousands)
Pillars of Discip leship
Pray Learn Serve Give
PARISH STATISTICS
Pray
This past year was marked by renewed commitment and energy in our worship ministries as we turned our gaze to the future and initiated several new developments aimed at helping expand both the breadth and the depth of the way our worship ministries shape our life as a community of faith.
We welcomed several new members to the Altar Guild, Lector Guild, and Acolyte teams, and the number of volunteers in the Senior Choristers, Choristers, and Cherub Choir nearly doubled. Six new team members joined the Worship & Liturgy staff: Haley Dettra, Head Sacristan to assist with the oversight of our worship ministries; Tammy Hale, Assistant to Worship & Liturgy; Steve Burk, Interim Director of Music; Shelby Hendryx, Director of Early Childhood Music; Sammy Sweet, Assistant Choirmaster; and Charlie Eidelman, Organ Scholar. We also initiated the search for a new Director of Music. The dedicated volunteers coupled with the new and seasoned staff team strengthens our worship ministries in powerful ways.
All Baptized Members as of December 31, 2022
Confirmed Communicants as of December 31, 2022
Adults
Transferred Communicants
All Baptized Members as of December 31, 2023
Confirmed Communicants as of December 31, 2023
Learn
7,993
Total Sunday Formation Attendance
54
Youth participated in Youth Mission Week
60+
Young Adults Engaged
110+
Middle and high schoolers participated in Youth Summer Programming
53
Youth Confirmed
93
Children attended VBS
43
Youth and adults volunteered with VBS
While Jesus is the one who initiates the invitation, formation helps people understand the Good News and what it means to follow and obey Jesus. Formation also involves Jesus transforming us to become more like him, impacting our hearts, our minds, our actions, and our affections through learning and community. Finally, formation equips us to become fishers of people, joining Jesus on mission to love and reach others for Christ. This impacts what and whom we live for, how we live, with whom we associate, and what we do.
BUILDING DISCIPLES THROUGH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to Sunday morning formation classes, parishioners have grown in their faith by leading, attending, and participating in formation offerings at Saint Michael, including the Brown Bag Bible study, Prime Timers activities, Women of Saint Michael events, Men’s Bible Study, Lenten Retreat, and so much more. In the daily life of our parish, these groups provide social opportunities to make friends, deepen relationships, grow spiritually, and minister to those in need.
MEN OF SAINT MICHAEL
After two years of thoughtful planning, parish leaders and the Formation team reconfigured a robust ministry for the Men of Saint Michael. This group now has the structure to offer deeper and more impactful opportunities for men in our parish to build relationships with one another and grow in their faith as we seek to make disciples of Christ.
NEW LEADERSHIP IN CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY AND YOUTH MINISTRY
In 2023, Meghan Houk joined the team as Director of Children and Family Ministry, and Sam Moore came on board as Director of Youth Ministries. They share a passion for helping children, youth, and parents in their spiritual journey, and their strategic visions will help these ministries grow.
PLAN FOR DISCIPLESHIP
The Formation team introduced a “plan for discipleship” designed for children and youth from birth through high school. This plan includes core teaching and messaging for each grade and walks them through Bible skills, faith application, and mission opportunities. Parents will now have a better understanding of what their children learn each year and see firsthand the progressive development of their children’s faith that comes with regular attendance.
As a result of the growth and changes in Adult Formation, I have never grown as much in my faith than I have in the last year.
– 55-year member of Saint Michael
I love all of the friendships that I make in youth group and I look forward to seeing my friends every Wednesday. Saint Michael has helped me grow closer to God and I’ve learned to think more deeply about the decisions I make and the things I do.
– Isabelle DerrI loved working with Foster Elementary because it was a fun and engaging way for me to make an impact on these kids’ lives. I am looking forward to this next year where I can take what I learned last year and use it to help me take care of the kids.
– Gwendolyn BeckerServe
Mission and Outreach is embarking on an exciting expansion of Saint Michael’s impact in Dallas and beyond as we work with church and community leaders on critical issues affecting our neighbors. We are building upon the solid ministries that we have with our longterm ministry partners as we prayerfully and thoughtfully consider how we can further address complicated issues including child poverty, homelessness, and senior needs.
MAKING AN IMPACT WITH M&O PARTNERS
In 2023 we continued to work with our mainstay partners, Jubilee Park and Community Center, North Dallas Shared Ministries, and VNA Meals on Wheels. We are blessed to have church leaders working with the staff of these non-profits, as our parishioners serve countless hours on their boards and as ministry liaisons, helping with strategic planning, special events, and executive functions. Through these ministries, Saint Michael volunteers of all ages provided food, fellowship, Christmas gifts, holiday meals, and other aid to thousands of individuals and families.
BEYOND OUR BORDERS
This past year, we also restarted our international mission trips to Tela, Honduras, and Amistad Mission in Bolivia. In Honduras, 17 missioners provided fluoride and eyeglasses to hundreds of children and seniors in Tela villages, as we shared our love of Christ with the children of the community. We also provided Christian education classes to our Episcopal Church partner, the school at Espiritu Santu. Saint Michael also sent our first youth mission to Cochabamba, Bolivia, where 11 of our youth shared the
light of Christ with the children, youth, and young adult friends of Amistad.
SERVING CHILDREN IN NEED
In 2023 we continued to grow our relationships with our newer ministry partnerships including Bachman Lake Together, United to Learn, and Stephen C. Foster Elementary School. We now have a full slate of tutors serving children every week at Foster Elementary, helping our scholars in reading, math, and more. A highlight of the Foster Elementary school year was the Summer Day Camp our youth provided to the school during intercession in June. Over 300 children were given a full camp experience of song, arts and crafts, field games, and sports. We also took the whole camp to enjoy a day at the Perot Museum, a first-time experience for most of the children.
KEY IMPACTS
• Work with community leaders as together we seek greater clarity as to effective means to address the problems of our homeless people living in shelters and on the streets of Dallas
• Provide school supplies, uniforms, basic needs, tutoring and other support to aid North Dallas children in achieving their education goals
• Provide basic needs and housing assistance to local families in Dallas to help them overcome long-term or temporary economic trials, leading them to financial stability
54 Youth volunteers
2,295 volunteer hours
300 kids served
$83,446 raised
6,363 items donated
368 volunteer hours served
34 volunteers
2,216 volunteer hours
455 kids served
Give
Our giving does more than just support our growing staff, campus, and programs. Our giving is part of the stewardship of our time, talents, and goods, and that stewardship is a key part of being true disciples of Christ.
FINANCIAL GIFTS: CAPITAL AND ANNUAL GIVING
Throughout 2023, our Saint Michael and All Angels community gave joyfully and generously to build God’s kingdom. In September, we launched an unprecedented capital campaign, Building our Future, to support the decades-long overdue revitalization and expansion of our church facilities. Chaired by Mary and Matt Waller, alongside Honorary Chairs Ann and Lee Hobson, the $65 million campaign is a bold step to unite our community, reinvigorate our campus, and invest in education. As we stretch towards our goal, we are encouraged to imagine, with the power, guidance, and strength of the Holy Spirit, who we will be in the future and how we can make a difference in our community for the next 75 years.
Parishioners also showed unwavering dedication to the programs and ministries supported by our annual campaign, Building the Kingdom. Because of the commitment from our dedicated committee chair Tom Fenton and excellent work from our new Director of Stewardship Martha Bogdon, our Stewardship campaign reached a new high, not only in dollars raised, but also in the number of households who gave. As we do the good work of building the kingdom at Saint Michael, there is no doubt that your pledged dollars accelerated our progress and empowered us to expand our ministries.
$59.3M
Capital Campaign: Building our Future, has raised $59.3 million of our $65 million goal as of February 1, 2024.
$6.8M
Annual Stewardship Campaign: Building the Kingdom, raised over $6.8 million in pledged dollars from over 1,010 households
GIFTS OF TIME AND TALENT
In addition to financial gifts, volunteering time and donations make lasting impacts on the wider community. Through our Mission & Outreach efforts, hundreds of volunteers dedicated several hours of hard work to make a significant difference in the lives of those in need in our community and in the world. And within our own walls of Saint Michael, people giving their time and talents as greeters, welcome liaisons, choir singers, formation teachers, committee members, acolytes, and more contribute to building disciples of Christ.
Through 37 ministries, Saint Michael’s Pastoral Care team and volunteers made meaningful connections in the lives of our parishioners and guests, making 9,412 pastoral touches. Every single interaction is impactful and meaningful to someone who is experiencing hardships.
109
Greeter Ministry Volunteers welcomed visitors on Sunday mornings and at parish wide events
2,557 cards and encouraging notes written by volunteers and clergy
3,200+
canned goods and cleanliness items for families were donated through the Advent Calendar Food Drive
18
Welcome Liaison Volunteers helped newcomers identify ways they can get involved in the life of our parish and begin to make connections within the Saint Michael community
2,263
Phone calls to parishioners in their time of need
1,035
Visits to the homebound, those in facilities, and those in hospitals
93
Good Shepherd Ministry Volunteers address the needs of neighbors in their neighborhoods in the eight regions divided up into 102 community areas
I Believe in Angels
Your financial gifts through I Believe in Angels provided these items to families and seniors in need.
3,557
Number of people who came to professional and volunteer-led support group meetings
984 coats and toys were collected for St. Phillip’s and Stephen C. Foster Elementary School
105
Saint Michael members participated in the Parish Ministry Council
200 Thanksgiving meals
375 Christmas Gifts
385 Gift Cards
200 Household Goods
Supporting the Ministries of our Church
Because of the countless hours of guidance, expertise, and dedicated hard work provided by leaders in our church and our Operations Team, construction on our campus is well underway. Planning the logistics to prepare for this unprecedented project took thoughtful coordination and detailed planning with every ministry area to ensure we continue to serve our community during construction.
Without skipping a beat as we planned for our parish’s future, we hosted many celebrations, including Mother’s Day, Michael, A Musical, Burning of the Greens, Advent Festival, Shrove Tuesday, and so much more.
Operations Communications
The Communications Team continued to facilitate effective communication, digitally and in-person, that strengthens connections and fosters engagement within our parish community and beyond. In collaboration with the leaders in our church and ministry teams, we developed communications strategies to ensure our members and visitors receive information in a timely and accessible way.
KEY ACTIVITIES
• Took inventory of all furniture, fixtures, and equipment in the church. Did you know we own 250 banquet and folding tables and nearly 1,000 chairs?
• Planned and moved out of the gym, Parish Hall, and the first floor of the education wing in anticipation of the reconfiguration and refresh of the Saint Michael Episcopal School and Saint Michael and All Angels classrooms.
• Planned staff moves to 8100 Lomo Alto during construction and successfully moved the Operations team in December. The remainder of the staff is slated to move in the first part of 2024.
• Technology upgrades included moving to a cloud-based church phone system and setting up a network infrastructure for the Saint Michael staff at 8100 Lomo Alto to effectively work for the next two to three years while under construction.
1,730
RBS Livestream Views
19,530
Digital Worship Views
6,116
Average Weekly Web Views
102,589
Total Unique Web Views
58%
Average Saint Michael Weekly Open Rate for 2023
37,476
Total Social Media Engagements (Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok)
7,203 Archangels Distributed
Other Reports
All Angels Foundation
The All Angels Foundation exemplifies the Church’s commitment to making a real impact in the lives of those in need. At its core, the Foundation believes that love is a powerful force that goes beyond sentiment, driving individuals to take positive actions and create meaningful change within Saint Michael and All Angels and throughout the larger community.
The Foundation’s mission revolves around three key pillars: Elevating Acts of Love, Empowering Acts of Love, and Healing Acts of Love. These pillars guide the Foundation’s efforts and grant initiatives as they work to uplift, empower, and bring healing to those facing challenges.
In 2023, the Foundation awarded $339,000 in grants into the community, strategically distributed to tackle urgent issues and create lasting impact.
A notable initiative in 2023 focused on homelessness in our community. Our largest grants were awarded to The Stewpot, Housing Forward, and Elevate North Texas, organizations working on Dallas’ homeless response system and providing essential resources for those who are unhoused.
The Foundation also focused on literacy, awarding grants to United to Learn and to Vickery Meadow Literacy Achieves, providing emergency funding to help cover the cost of repairs after a literacy learning center suffered extensive water damage. Literacy Achieves provides literacy instruction for non-English speaking individuals, offering better opportunities and integration into one of Dallas’ most diverse communities. The Foundation’s grant was matched by a private foundation, together covering the cost of the campus’ urgent need.
Collaborating with the Compass Rose Society, the Foundation worked to improve healthcare accessibility for children with disabilities. The grant supported the Mother and Family Empowerment program, which increases access to quality rehabilitation, addressing a critical community need. This collaborative effort reflects the Foundation’s dedication to forming partnerships that amplify their impact.
Notably, the Foundation also continued its long-term commitment to community revitalization with generous grants to Jubilee Park & Community Center and Bachman Lake Together.
Operationally, the Foundation is the financial steward of 21 different funds (restricted and unrestricted) currently totaling est. $43 million. As
part of an ongoing effort to elevate the Foundation and align with the Vestry, a revision of the bylaws was undertaken, including changing trustee terms from six years to three years with the option to renew for an additional term.
As the All Angels Foundation continues its mission, its impact goes beyond the walls of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. It serves as an example of how a community, driven by love and compassion, can be a force for positive change, providing hope and healing to those who need it most.
OUR 2023 IMPACT IS BEST DEFINED THOUGH OUR PILLARS:
EMPOWERING ACTS OF LOVE
We recognize the challenges faced by individuals and families in our community in their everyday lives. We are driven by a strong commitment to provide sustenance to those in need and empower them with essential life skills. Through our various initiatives, we are tackling food insecurity, fostering community gardens, bridging technology gaps, offering job assistance, and providing vital support during times of disaster. Programs Funded in 2023:
• Elevate North Texas: Hotel Voucher Emergency Shelter Program
• Literacy Achieves: Support to rebuild the Early Childhood Education Center at the Vickery Meadow Campus
• The Stewpot: ID Services Program (assists individuals in recovering vital IDs and provides a secure document bank)
• Housing Forward: Dallas REAL Time Rapid Rehousing, support for the Flex Fund (assistance for minor but impactful expenditures that can impede a client from ending their homelessness)
HEALING ACTS OF LOVE
We understand that when someone is hurting, we can be there to extend a helping hand and support them on their journey towards healing. Through our Healing Acts of Love, we actively engage in initiatives that foster reconciliation, interfaith dialogue, and youth empowerment, with the goal of creating scalable models that bring about positive and lasting change in communities throughout North Texas. Program Funded in 2023:
• Jerusalem Princess Basma Center: Support for a residential program providing quality healthcare and training for parents to care for children with disabilities
ELEVATING ACTS OF LOVE
Through the collaboration of the All Angels Foundation and Saint Michael and All Angels, we have established a grants program to elevate the mission of the Church and its affiliated outreach initiatives. These grants provide crucial resources and support to projects proposed by the Church’s clergy, staff, and Vestry allowing us to expand outreach efforts and fund essential programs. Programs Funded in 2023:
• Saint Michael and All Angels: New banner stands/flag poles for worship services
• United to Learn: Childhood Education Needs/Brain Development Partnership
• Jubilee Park & Community Center: 25th Anniversary Commemoration & Ongoing Support
Stewart H. Thomas 2023 President, All Angels FoundationThe mission of Saint Michael Episcopal School (SMES) is to provide a nurturing, individualized, and inclusive early childhood experience that is based on our four pillars—Love, Faith, Education, and Service.
SMES also seeks to intentionally create a community that keeps our children at the center. We continue to partner closely with our families and Saint Michael to provide the best educational opportunities for them both now and in the future.
We experienced a remarkably successful 2023. Our SMES community remains strong and connected as our dedicated families and staff continue to put our precious children first in all that we do each day at school. As a result, enrollment has increased and almost reached capacity, which allows us to joyfully give each child a strong sense of belonging and to feel known. Throughout the year, SMES has demonstrated several ways in which we have strengthened not only our school community, but also supported our Dallas neighbors.
1. BUILDING A FUTURE—LAUNCH AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In August, we began the school year with 52 staff members, welcoming 327 excited children in 27 different classes. Our theme for the year, “Building a Future for our Stars!”, intentionally reflects the preparation and anticipation of the launch of our capital campaign partnership to renovate SMES and Saint Michael. Throughout this year, Netra Fitzgerald, Caroline Moore, Saint Michael’s Director of Advancement, and their teams spent time in conversation with many enthusiastic SMES families, sharing details about the future of our campus and asking for their thoughtful support. It is with great excitement that by the end of 2023, we had received incredible community support with the naming of nine special rooms/classrooms and received meaningful gifts from many SMES families.
2. GODLY PLAY FOR PREK 3–KINDERGARTEN
As SMES continues to purposefully help build a founda-
tion in faith for our children, we were excited to transition from Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to the Godly Play program for the 2023–24 school year. Godly Play allows us to weekly reach all children in PreK 3–Kindergarten. This class allows each child the opportunity to learn and grow their faith in a more intimate setting, led by two Godly Play trained teachers. This has been a beautiful addition to our curriculum and offerings.
3. SERVICE TO OTHERS
As part of our school’s mission, impactful service to others remains an important part of what we share with and teach to our children. In the spring, our kindergartners led a project to support Canine Companions by hosting a lemonade stand. They promoted the event, and together they sold lemonade to raise almost $700 for this canine support organization. This fall, SMES partnered with Saint Michael and St. Philip’s School and Community Center to collect new coats for the annual children’s coat drive. SMES parents and students stepped in and far exceeded the goal of 300 new coats. We also continued our annual November food drive for North Dallas Shared Ministries as children delivered several hundred items to the altar at our Family Thanksgiving Service. We then wrapped up our year with a successful Toy Drive to benefit Foster Elementary as a partnership with Saint Michael.
As 2023 came to a close and we launched into 2024, Saint Michael Episcopal School once again looked forward to celebrating with our annual auction and fundraiser, “SMES Disco.” We wish to extend a sincere thank you to all our parents, staff, church members and leaders for your continued support of SMES in all that we do!
Head of School
327 Excited children
52 Staff Members
27 Different classes
All women who are members of our parish are members of the Women of Saint Michael (WOSM). Our purpose is to “be the extension of Christ’s Kingdom by uniting the women of the parish in a program of worship, study, service, and fellowship and leading them into the service for the Church, in the parish, the community, the diocese, the nation, and the world.”
Our theme for this year has been “Encounters in Art and Spirituality” where we invited our members to take a minute to stop and appreciate the beautiful, artistic world in which we live. Our programs have encompassed the theme with a focus on art, literature, and the decorative arts where we invited all to experience the spiritual gifts that might bring us into a deeper relationship with God and focus on something bigger than ourselves. Our guiding verse this year is “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).
We kicked off our luncheon Speaker Series in September and heard from our own Chris Girata about growing the Kingdom of God at Saint Michael. In October, Capera Ryan, Deputy Chairman of Christie’s Americas, entertained us with stories of bringing collections to auction and educated us with tips on how to start or maintain our own collections. In January we moved up to the Sanctuary and had a group from the Men of Nehemiah who told us about their mission and gave us a treat with some incredible music. Barbara Heller, author and award-winning director of short films, gave us a deep dive into Pride and Prejudice and the regency postal system. Barbara’s lively and informative presentation was followed by a English high tea in the parlor, enjoyed by everyone! Thank you to all of our luncheon season subscribers and underwriters who made all these programs possible.
In November, Saint Michael’s Womans Exchange graciously welcomed us for another Christmas Shopping Evening. The Exchange, led by the capable Lynne Campbell, continues to thrive thanks to a team of 140 volunteers who give of their time and talent. Exchange profits, combined with our bi-annual Parish Party and special events have enabled the WOSM Gifts Committee to give over $11.6 million to non-profits over the past 60+ years. Lynne has presented a wonderful gift to WOSM. Our gifts committee is already underway researching and reviewing grant requests and award support to Dallas agencies fighting poverty and Episcopal organizations doing good work. Last year 71 agencies received grants totaling more than $600,000.
Saint Mary’s Guild, led by Bitsy Hudnall, is part of WOSM, and they enjoy seeing us all on Sunday mornings in the South Entrance for savories and sweets. Punchcards and Zelle have been great for the Guild, and last year they donated $4,800 to three agencies. That is a lot of goodies!
The Altar Guild works behind the scenes to prepare all the items and spaces necessary for worship and celebration at Saint Michael. The work is meaningful, the fellowship is rich, and the time commitment is minimal. We are actively recruiting new members and would love to have you join us! For more information, call or text Kimberly Colonnetta, Altar Guild Directress, at 214-683-1259.
In 2023...
71 agencies
$600,000! received grants totaling more than
39
1,011 average vendors each Saturday
We will continue our mission to build community; to provide fresh local food to our neighborhood and beyond; to support local, small businesses; and to offer opportunities for outreach. guests to the church during the 2023 season
20,000 average patrons each Saturday
The Saint Michael’s Farmers Market was founded to be an extension of the church’s fellowship, and 2023 was no exception. The market continued to thrive in the west parking lot of the church, mid-April through Labor Day. We averaged 39 vendors and 1,011 patrons each Saturday. In total, that is around 20,000 guests to the church during the season—quite a successful ministry right in our own backyard!
Along with our weekly markets during the summer, we added a very fun event! We participated in the Park Cities Rotary Club 4th of July Parade. Many thanks to the Rev. Christian Basel for driving his red pickup truck as our float. Our volunteers arrived early to decorate and had a blast waving, smiling, handing out Saint Michael Farmers Market fans, and reminding the community about our fabulous neighborhood market.
We held our third annual Electronics Recycling Event on the last Saturday of our season and collected 4,651 pounds of electronics. Thanks to everyone who participated to protect our earth. Never wanting to cancel a market, we held another Family Day at the Farmers Market in October, delaying the start due to a torrential downpour. We still had a good turnout and it’s always great partnering with Saint Michael Children & Family Ministry, Parish Life, Advancement, and Engagement. We appreciate their efforts to bring the fun, despite the weather. Our final market of the season was our fourth annual Holiday Market at Klyde Warren Park. The weather was perfect! Our market regulars enjoy coming downtown to this beautiful and festive oasis and it’s a great way to introduce our wonderful market and vendors to a new audience.
We are looking forward to kicking off our 13th season on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 8 a.m. until noon. We will continue our mission to build community; to provide fresh local food to our neighborhood and beyond; to support local, small businesses; and to offer opportunities for outreach. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers and to the Friends of the Farmers Market, who through their time and donations, make the market possible year after year.
Tricia Stewart Director of Saint Michael ’s Farmers MarketOur Staff
Rector's Office
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata Rector
Bhavnita Masih Executive Assistant to the Rector
Worship and Liturgy
The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso Senior Associate for Worship & Discipleship
The Rev. Robert "Bob" Johnston III Associate for Contemporary Worship
The Rev. Mary Lessmann Associate for Spiritual Growth
Vice Rector's Office
The Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon Vice Rector
Shannon Rawdon Executive Assistant to the Vice Rector
The Rev. Nate Bostian Sunday Assistant