The Archangel Magazine - Spring 2023

Choir of NEW COLLEGE OXFORD

at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

Featuring a collaboration with the Saint Michael Choristers

SUNDAY, MARCH 26 AT 7 P.M.

“the performance is astonishing… a real revelation”

— BBC Music Magazine

SAINTMICHAEL.ORG/OXFORD

Holy Land Pilgrimages!

October 7–19, 2023

Led by the Rev. Greg Pickens, Associate for Pastoral Care Adults only!

I have been working with Faith Journeys to craft a special pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This trip has unique elements, and the places we see will make every day a blessing to your faith. We will have our subject matter expert, Jude Hanna, to help us put the places we visit in context. Friends, this is not merely a sightseeing tour, we will be learning and praying during our pilgrimage. Our itinerary balances spending immersive time at the ancient sites known by Jesus and moderating travel in our motor coach. We will travel exclusively within Israel.

I am praying you will consider joining this tour of important places from our faith history. Should you wish to go with me on this trip, please email me at gpickens@saintmichael.org. I am excited about this itinerary and hope to spend time with you in Israel!

Information Session: Sunday, February 26 | 12:15 p.m. | Parlor

March 7–17, 2024 — Family Focused!

Led by the Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon, Vice Rector

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is life-changing. Taking this trip with family and friends is even more unique. Join Father Ken as we visit biblical sites, reflect on Jesus’ ministry, and encounter God in a whole new way. Mark your calendars now and note the important dates below. Space is limited! To RSVP for the information session or learn more about the trip, contact Ken Brannon at kbrannon@saintmichael.org.

Information Session: Sunday, February 5, 2023 | 12:15 p.m. | Coke Room

Registration: Monday, March 6, 2023 | 10 a.m. | Online

SAINT MICHAEL STAFF

Dr. Robert August

Rob Baber

The Rev. Christian Basel

The Rev. Nate Bostian

Katherine Bowen

Dianne Boyd

The Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon

Melisa Bray

Justin Brooks

Cedric Buard

Robert Butler

Jennifer Cox-Seals

Nozar Daryapayma

Sarah Fairweather

Bonita Frederick

The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata

The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso

Steve Haal

Dr. Margaret (Meg) Harper

Travis Harvey

Logan Herod

The Rev. Robin H. Hinkle

Catherine Hinkley

Diane Hollie

Angelia Hunter

Beth Igoe

Madelyn Ivy

The Rev. Robert (Bob) Johnston, III (on leave)

Cheryl Kaschak

Caroline Law

The Rev. Mary Lessmann

Chris Love

Caroline Marak

Bhavnita Masih

Colleen O’Hara

Erin Osborne

Darla Osterhout

Christie Rodriguez

The Rev. Greg Pickens

Jenna Pitman

Edgar Porras

Marco Reyes

Jonathan Ryan

Elsa SanJuan

Dr. Timothy M. Smith

Rob Springer

Celise Stephenson

Tish Visinsky

Caroline Wilks

Assistant Director of Music and Organist

Director of Finance

Curate

Sunday Assistant

Assistant to Pastoral Care

Coordinator for Worship Media

Vice Rector

Assistant to Operations

Director of Contemporary Music

Manager of AVL & Technology

Assistant Director of Facilities

Assistant to Worship & Liturgy

Director of Facilities

Digital Marketing Manager

Receptionist

Rector

Associate for Worship & Liturgy

Director of Communications

Associate Director of Music & Organist

Graphic Designer

Interim Cherub Choir Director

Associate for Mission & Outreach

Assistant to Music

Receptionist

Accountant

Assistant to CFM & Youth

Assistant Director of CFM

Associate for Contemporary Worship

Accountant

Director of Advancement

Associate for Spiritual Growth

Bookshop Manager

Director of Stewardship

Executive Assistant to the Rector

Director of Operations

Engagement Coordinator

Accountant

Campaign Consultant

Associate for Pastoral Care

Graphic Designer

Sexton

Sexton

Director of Music & Organist

Sexton

Director of Formation

Director of Engagement

Database Manager & Parish Records

Director of Parish Life

Assistant to Advancement

FULL-TIME CLERGY

The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata , Rector

The Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon , Vice Rector

The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso , Associate for Worship & Liturgy

The Rev. Robin H. Hinkle , Associate for Mission & Outreach

The Rev. Greg Pickens , Associate for Pastoral Care

The Rev. Christian Basel , Curate

ASSISTING CLERGY

The Rev. Nate Bostian, Sunday Assistant

The Rev. Bob Johnston , Associate for Contemporary Worship (on leave)

The Rev. Mary Lessmann , Associate for Spiritual Growth

saintmichael.org/live

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Steve Haal

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Ken Brannon

Robin Hinkle

Tish Visinsky

CHIEF DESIGNER

Jenna Pitman

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

Travis Harvey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Christian Basel

Katherine Blachly

Mark and Terry Demler

Chris Girata

Andrew Grosso

Robin Hinkle

Walter J. Humann

Mary Lessmann

Greg Pickens

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Steve Haal

Jenna Pitman

PRINTER

Rosa Zuniga

Finishing and Mailing Center 2151 W Commerce St Dallas, Texas 75212

No part of this publication may be used without written permission.

Every effort is made to avoid error, misspellings, and omissions. If an error comes to your attention, please accept our apologies and notify us.

FROM the EDITOR

Owls Head airport (RKD) in mid-Maine is a frequent destination on what family and friends like to call the little crashy-planes of Cape Air (no offense intended.) It is one of the official TSA training locations for agents, which is ironic to me that a place with one gate carries such importance—but they do take it very...very seriously. That's probably why departing RKD on Cape Scare to return home can at times cause one to feel like the kingpin of an underworld cartel, the way they piñata everything and scrutinize everyone, coming just short of frisking passengers before the perp-walk out onto the tarmac to board the crashy-plane.

Many of you know that I'm also a photographer and really love high-altitude alpine compositions and astrophotography. For the latter, depending on the shooting style, "dark sky" is incredibly important because even the faintest artificial light can change the color of what would have been a beautiful Milky Way pic. So when vacationing in dark-sky places like Maine, I'm always excited to haul the equipment and enjoy some late-night celestial work. So one can probably imagine my disappointment and frustration that, knowing I would go 15 rounds with the TSA agents on why they shouldn't rip through my 30 lbs. of camera gear, I realized I had brought it all for nothing.

Now the Milky Way is a funny animal: I had forgotten that it's not really a homebody and instead likes to travel—and that for months out of the year, the galactic center (pretty part) is...generally over the Isle of Crete on the other side of the planet. It was so simple: All I had to do was look at my handy Milky Way mobile app, and instantly see that there was no need to schlep my gear 3,894 miles. But I didn't do that. I allowed myself to remain busy longer than I should, with "urgent" things, instead of slowing down and planning, to insure that the "important" things were set up for success. That's an interesting observational distinction: urgent vs. important.

In his book, Tyranny of the Urgent, Charles Hummel, president of Barrington College in Rhode Island, argues that there is a regular tension between things that are urgent and things that are important—and far too often, the urgent wins. Less important things can often take priority over things that actually matter, like thoroughly completing a task before starting the next one—the urgent, though less important, is prioritized, and therefore the important is put on the back burner.

In my last note, I wrote of persistence and details, and referenced the Apostle Paul's intent to spend the rest of his life pursuing the important. In that context for him, it was the pursuit of Christ. But for us, while that should certainly be a priority, perhaps we find that this mindset should be pervasive across all the areas of our lives such as family relationships; personal health and fitness; financial responsibility; spending time with our kids, joining them in their world; investing in this parish community. If we are objective and honest, I'd wager each of us has a list that transcends the urgent but perhaps escapes our attention at times. Thankfully, we have just entered a new year, with new hope for better habits. Emperor Julius Caesar established January 1 as the beginning of the new year. Named for Janus, the two-faced god, January had special significance as he symbolically looked backwards into the previous year and ahead into the future (history.com), becoming a historical basis for new year's resolutions.

I challenge us all to resolve to reflect on our lives for what is truly important. Community is, for many, one of those things. Look through this issue and see the myriad opportunities to deepen friendships and help grow your faith. Per haps you'll find that your breathtaking Milky Way is coming into view!

The Archangel Newsletter (USPS 015-033) is published liturgically seasonally 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

Tuesdays, March 28–May 16, 2023

Alpha Course

Led by the Rev. Ken Brannon & Justin Brooks

6:30 p.m. in the Parlor

$10 free-will offering to cover costs

Did you grow up in the Christian faith but still search for the right words to articulate it? Are you exploring the Christian faith? All are welcome to join us as we explore the basic tenets of the Christian faith and provide an opportunity for asking the tough questions.

2023 VESTRY

Arnold Spencer

Holly Peña

Kelly Reddell

Janice Bywaters

Dianna Bowen

Mary Louise Hopson

Senior Warden Junior Warden

Warden-at-Large

Treasurer Chancellor Clerk

Dee Ann Anigian, Allison Bovard, Stuart Brown, Squeaky Connolly, Eric Gilmour, Carol Goglia, LeAnne Langholz, Carol Roehrig, Jack Rubarth, Ginger Sager, Keller Webster, Hudson Weichsel

2023 DIOCESAN DELEGATE

Exp 2023 Jane Greene, Bill McGannon

Exp 2024 Paul Talbot, Heather Lorch, Rafik Nassif

Exp 2025 Croft Chestnut, Kathy Hayes, Todd Howard

alternates:

Exp 2023 Keller Webster (1), Judy Mercer (2), Suzanne Lipscomb (3)

Exp 2024 George Baldwin (1), Erica Sartain (2), Stephen Miller (3)

Exp 2025 Chuck Butterworth (1), Joseph Cahoon (2), John Seddelmeyer (3)

2023 FOUNDATION

officers

Stewart Thomas President

Larry Galvin Treasurer

Grady Schleier

Assistant Treasurer

Elizabeth "Lee" Thompson Secretary

Katherine Blachly

Vice President of Communications

Dinner is provided with registration. Childcare is available at no cost with pre-registration. We ask that attendees make a commitment to attend most classes because the lessons build on each other and attending the whole course offers the richest experience. Scan the QR code to learn more!

ex officio

The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, Rector Arnold Spencer, Senior Warden

Janice Bywaters, Treasurer

Rob Baber, Director of Finance

trustees

Mary Abrams

Harriet Cousins

Larry Galvin

Allen Lassiter

Matt Waller

Tony Briggle

Katherine Blachly

Nita Clark

Joe Colonnetta

Eric Conner

Stacey Malcolmson

David Martin

Grady Schleier Stewart Thomas

USING OUR GIFTS

My first year in Dallas brought so many new experiences. As I considered Lent and Easter, one memory popped into my head: Ashes To Go. Many of you may know that I take ashes from our church altar out into Preston Center on Ash Wednesday to meet people on the street. Dressed in my flowing robes with my own cross of ash on my forehead, the experience of walking into Preston Center is always a grab-bag. Some people are so excited to see me and come right up to receive ashes. Others make faces as I approach, as if they’d cross to the other side of the street if they could.

The gift of ashes is profound. In our faithfulness, we receive a mark of ash to remind us of our mortality, but the reminder is not meant to be sorrowful. Quite the opposite, the mark of ash is meant to help us see the hope given to us through Christ that death is not the end of life, only a point of change. Lent, in fact, is never meant to be experienced on its own, but hand in hand with Easter.

Lent and Easter have always been seasons that complement one another. The Forty Days of Lent provide us time to consider our fun-

damental human need and setup the celebration of the Fifty Days of Easter. Each is made more profound with the other, so this year at Saint Michael, we are linking them explicitly.

First, Lent. Ash Wednesday is always the first step in our Lenten journey, reminding us of our fragility and our need to repent. The first half of our Lenten experience—our fragility—is easy to understand because none of us make it out of this life alive. Death is part of life. Thankfully we believe the truth of Jesus’s promise that death is not the end of life, but only a point of transition to life beyond what we can see. The other part—repentance—has always been a bit harder to grasp.

The literal meaning of repent is “to turn,” which is why our Lenten theme this year is You-Turn. Christians throughout the centuries have prepared to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus by spending time turning away from the world and toward God, and we have the chance to do that good work once again. The idea of turning toward God is a good one, but to take action is much harder. We are people of habit, and studies show that habits are hard to break. In fact,

most research shows that habits aren’t even broken, so much as they are replaced. In other words, it’s much easier to stop doing something when we begin doing something else. Therein lies the opportunity of Lent.

We’re all familiar with the idea of a Lenten discipline. Over the years, Lenten disciplines have been shaped and reshaped, but the premise still rests on the idea of either letting go of something we shouldn’t hold on to or picking up something we should. I suggest we approach this Lent with both. Consider the ways in which you live your life, the habits you have that define you, and shape you, and then decide which one of those habits are adding distance between you and God. Decide which habit is holding you back

A Message from the Rector, Chris Girata

from becoming the person God intended you to be.

Once you know which habit you’d like to change, begin to consider a habit you’d like to have. There are so many good habits that can draw us closer to God. Simple, classic habits like coming to church every week, or serving in the community once a month, or saying prayers each day, are ones that can replace the habits we wish to stop. This year, rather than giving up eating chocolate or drinking caffeine, dig a little deeper into who you are and who you want to be. Allow the season of Lent to help mold and transform you in a spiritual way that might just stick.

Lent concludes with the beauty of Holy Week. If you’ve never experienced our Holy Week services, I encourage you to schedule them now and join us (seriously, get your calendar out and mark the services down right now.) Following the pageantry of Palm Sunday, Saint Michael enters into the most sacred of all weeks when we tell the story of Jesus’s final days on earth. There are many special services that guide us into deep spiritual connection with Christ’s passion, and I hope you’ll plan to participate with us this year in a deeper way. The week begins with Eucharist services on Monday

and Tuesday, then continues with unique services that are only offered once a year: Choral Tenebrae on Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday. Each step of the Holy Week journey calls us deeper into the beauty of holiness and will fill you in surprising ways.

Finally, after walking the way of Lent together, we reach the Great Fifty Days of Easter. Lent will allow us to consider how we can turn toward God with more intention, so that in Easter we can use our gifts to spread Big Love to everyone we meet. Big Love is our Easter theme this year because big love is what Saint Michael should always be about. Countless people in our Saint Michael family live lives of big love, and this year’s theme was inspired by one we love but see no longer, Amanda Neuhoff. One of her favorite things to say, “big love” is a challenge to all of us to live our love out loud as often as possible.

The Easter story may be told through empty tombs and miraculous appearances, but the true message of Easter is that through Jesus, God has transformed the reality of our world and we are called to be part of that continued transformation. There is no question that the DNA of Saint Michael is

to be generous, and in the beauty of Easter, we will be asked to deepen the impact of our generosity.

Easter is a chance to live our faith with intentionality, using our gifts to help spread Christ’s love and build God’s kingdom. As I’ve said many times, the call God puts on our lives is to use our gifts with purpose. Committing to the time is takes to be together in worship, study, and fellowship can feel daunting with our busy lives, but is time so very well spent. Understanding our talents and offering them as a volunteer in our church and in our city is a great gift that strengthens our spiritual lives and the lives of those around us. And giving financially to the work of our community helps our ministry grow and touch lives beyond anything we can hope for or imagine. This is the legacy we want Saint Michael to stand for.

This year, we will celebrate Lent and Easter in all its glory. I hope you will jump in with us, sharing the beautiful experiences along the way. With each step, we grow deeper in our faith and in our love for one another. Indeed, our hope rests in God alone, and His love carries us onward!

The true message of Easter is that through Jesus, God has transformed the reality of our world and we are called to be part of that continued transformation.

MEN OF SAINT MICHAEL SHROVE TUESDAY

PANCAKE & GUMBO SUPPER

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 | 5–7 P.M.

SAINTMICHAEL.ORG/SHROVE

Led by Br. Luke Ditewig & Br. Todd

9–11 a.m.

Saint Michael Chapel

Scan the QR code for details!

Lenten Speaker Series

Wednesdays in Lent

6 p.m. in Saint Michael Chapel

March 1

DR. DAVID WOODY, III

Saint

Executive Director, The Bridge

March 8

JACOB JOHNSON

Principal, Stephen C. Foster Elementary School

March 15

MARISSA CASTRO MIKOY & ALEJANDRA SALDAÑA

Executive Director & Health and Wellness Manager, Jubilee Park & Community Center

March 22

ASHLEY SHARP

Executive Director, Dwell With Dignity

March 29

STACEY MALCOLMSON

Executive Director, Senior Source

SaintMichael.org/AshWednesday

HOLY WEEK SERVICE SCHEDULE

APRIL 2: PALM SUNDAY

7:30 a.m.

Holy Eucharist I, Saint Michael Chapel

9 a.m.

Holy Eucharist II, Church, LIVESTREAM!

Joy, Saint Michael Chapel

11 a.m.

Holy Eucharist I, Church

Contemporary, Parish Hall, LIVESTREAM!

5:30 p.m.

Holy Eucharist II, Saint Michael Chapel

APRIL 3:

MONDAY IN HOLY WEEK

7 a.m.

Morning Prayer II, Bishop Moore Chapel

APRIL 4:

TUESDAY IN HOLY WEEK

7 a.m.

Morning Prayer II, Bishop Moore Chapel

APRIL 5:

WEDNESDAY IN HOLY WEEK

7 a.m.

Morning Prayer II, Bishop Moore Chapel

7 p.m.

Tenebrae, Church, LIVESTREAM!

For more service details, scan the QR code at left or visit SaintMichael.org/HolyWeek23

APRIL 6: MAUNDY THURSDAY

7 a.m.

Morning Prayer II, Bishop Moore Chapel

7 p.m.

Maundy Thursday & Stripping of the Altar Church, LIVESTREAM!

9 p.m. Altar of Repose, Bishop Moore Chapel

APRIL 7:

GOOD FRIDAY

7 a.m.

Good Friday, Saint Michael Chapel

12 p.m.

Good Friday & Holy Communion, Church, LIVESTREAM!

Family Service, Saint Michael Chapel

1:15 p.m.

Stations of the Cross, Church

5:30 p.m.

Contemporary Stations of the Cross, Church

7 p.m.

Contemporary Good Friday & Holy Communion, Church, LIVESTREAM!

APRIL 8: HOLY SATURDAY

8:30 a.m.

Holy Saturday, Bishop Moore Chapel

7 p.m.

Great Vigil, Church, LIVESTREAM!

Sunday, April 9

EASTER SERVICES

Holy

For more service details or a listing of events happening during the Easter season, scan the QR code above or visit SaintMichael.org/Easter23.

5:30

CANDLELIT COMPLINE

Chant. Meditation. Incense. Choir.

Remaining 2023 Dates for In-person Compline

CHORAL COMPLINE

February 26

Called to Beauty

April 23

Care for the Earth

Compline is an ancient ritual designed to mark the close of the day and draw the strands of our lives together in a pattern of contemplation and peace. Come and immerse yourself in beauty and mystery as the choir sings the sacred chants of Compline.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Service begins at 8 p.m.

Reception at 8:30 p.m.

SaintMichael.org/Compline

Flowers in our worship spaces are a beautiful gift to God and to those who attend and view services at Saint Michael. Beautiful flowers are also a meaningful way to honor or remember a loved one, whether celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms, confirmations, or thanksgivings. Each Sunday holds the opportunity to fund the flowers in either or both of our holy spaces. The commemoration will be noted in that Sunday’s bulletin.

CHURCH

$700 total (2 arrangements)

SAINT MICHAEL CHAPEL

$300 total (2 arrangements)

For questions, please contact Caroline Wilks, Assistant to Advancement, at cwilks@saintmichael.org or 214-692-3036.

For inquiries, scan the QR code!

Thank You

Lynn and Bob Abbott

Julie and Mike Allen

Emy Lou Baldridge

Nell Beck

Barb and Randy Biddle

Monique and Tom Black

Kalita and Ed Blessing

Allison and Chris Bovard

Gretchen and Reiner Brasch

Marla and Tony Briggle

Thomas Bright

Adele Broughton

Julie and Chuck Butterworth

Shannon Wilson Callewart

Lynne and Bob Campbell

Cissy and Plack Carr

Peggy Carr

Cindy and Jay Carter

Margaret Cervin

Suzanne and Lance Charriere

Leslie and George Conant

Betsy and Martin Crawford

John Ellerman

Kay and Frank Ellis

Katharine and Bill Felder

Cookie and Dick Frazar

Kristen Fry

Dare and Dale Gillette

Nicole and Chris Girata

TO THE 2022 FRIENDS OF THE FARMERS MARKET!

Mimi and Pax Glenn

Jane and Greg Greene

Louise and Guy Griff eth

Julie Halley

Mary and David Henderson

The Hickey Family

Kate Hopkins and Ted Brizzolara

Mary Louise and David Hopson

Helen and John Houp

Angela and John Howell

Bitsy and Matt Hudnall

Jane and Pat Jenevein

Kate Juett

Gayle Kesinger

Chuck Lathem

Kathleen and Frank Lauinger

Mary and Russ Lessmann

Suzanne and Jay Lipscomb

Bill Madden

Jeanie Madeley

Stacey and Ken Malcolmson

Cora and Harry Mason

Linda and John McFarland

Sharon and Bill McGannon

Shirley and William S. McIntyre Foundation

Mary Ruth McKenney

Megan and Casey McManemin

Libby Norwood

Nancy Perot

Patricia Plettner

Gigi and Jerry Poglitsch

Carol Price

Katherine and Eric Reeves

Jeff and Darrel Rice

Lisa and Jim Riggert

Tess Romance

Jennifer and Thomas Russell

Erica and Charlie Sartain

Linda and Les Secrest

Marillyn and Gus Seeberger

Leahe Serpan

Betty and Rob Shiels

Elizabeth and Bart Showalter

Linda and Ellis Skinner

Nancy and Jim Skochdopole

Ann Slaton

Anne and Randy Slaughter

Jennifer and Chris Sorrells

Brenda and Nelson Spencer

Kae and Ben Stuart

Betty and John Taylor, Jr.

Byrd Teague

Donna and Wayne Tenney

The Dallas Foundation

Michelle and Stewart Thomas

Tig Thompson

Carol and Ben Vig

Dr. and Mrs. Roy Washburn

Nancy Wilbur

Paige Wilbur

Karen and Jim Wiley

Elizabeth and Chris Williams

Emilynn and Claude Wilson

Nancy Wilson

Sherry and Robert Wilson

Carolyn Wittenbraker

Kathy and John Yeaman

3 Anonymous

The following donations were made in memory of Margaret Ratelle: The Art Club

Galen Bauchman

Bonnie Cobb

Garland and Mike Cohlmia

Steve Head

Lisa Kittredge and Peter Northover

Susie and Sandy McDonough

Dwight Patterson

Sue and Bob Patton

Carolyn and Wyatt Rousseau

Nancy and John Solana

Nancy and Rene Somodevilla

Tricia and Tom Stewart

Harriett Yarbrough

CELTIC CHRISTIANITY

By the Rev. Mary Lessmann

The enchanted isle of Ireland has a captivating history. Ireland was never conquered as part of the Roman empire, so it was able to flourish at its own pace and in its own way—retaining its Celtic independence. When Christianity was introduced to the isle in the early fifth century, it grew organically, free from the Romanizing influence on Christianity reflected on the continent and in England. Aspects of Ireland’s pagan Celtic tradition were gathered up into the practice of Christianity, creating a unique expression of the faith not seen anywhere else in the world.

Celtic Christianity is highly incarnational, having a deep respect for God’s presence which surrounds and never leaves us. Celtic Christianity has a high regard for nature and creation. All that God has created is good. So there is an emphasis on God’s immanence. God works through us and all his creation to reveal the divine, and we can experience God’s divine presence within us. Finally, early Celtic Christianity was characterized

by thriving monastic communities. Monasteries were a natural outgrowth in a society that highly valued kinship relationships. In the early Irish church, monastery abbots had more respect and power than diocesan bishops. It is with an appreciation of these aspects of Celtic Christianity that we will explore this beautiful island.

Saint Michael and All Angels is offering a pilgrimage trip to Ireland where we’ll experience the best of Celtic Christianity. We’ll begin our trip in Dublin where we’ll have the opportunity to tour Christ Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedrals, both medieval Anglican cathedrals. We’ll visit ancient Glendalough Monastery, founded by St. Kevin, and Clonmacnoise, monastic communities founded in the sixth century. Moving north, we’ll immerse ourselves in several sites significant to the life of St. Patrick, including St. Patrick’s Way and the Grave of St. Patrick at Down Cathedral. We’ll have many opportunities to worship together at these ancient and beautiful sites.

A Pilgrimage to Ireland with the Rev. Mary Lessmann

ST. PATRICK'S WAY

Pilgrimage

In good Celtic fashion, we’ll also immerse ourselves in God’s good nature and creation. As we’re visiting historic religious sites, we’ll build in time to enjoy the natural beauty of Ireland. We’ll have opportunities each day to get out in the glorious countryside, whether in walks or picnics. And many of the sites we’re visiting are in picturesque natural settings.

Finally, we’ll also have the opportunity for some particularly Anglican fellowship! We’ll be touring the Guinness Storehouse Brewery and visiting Sean’s Bar—the oldest bar in Ireland, established in the year 900. And, of course, we might encounter some leprechauns, shamrocks and fairies along the way!

INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Sunday, April 30

12:15 p.m.

Coke Room

This 7-day trip, led by the Rev. Mary Lessmann, is scheduled for Memorial Day week, May 23–30, 2024 . Please make plans to join us for this meeting to find out more about the trip, have your questions answered, and learn how you can register. We look forward to seeing you!

CLONMACNOISE

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL, DUBLIN

GLENDALOUGH MONASTERY

ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL, DUBLIN

LOCH AND CROSS, ST. KEVIN'S, IRELAND

2022 PASTORAL CARE AWARDS

On October 11, 2022, sixty leaders, volunteers, and friends of the various Pastoral Care ministries gathered to recognize recipients of the second annual Pastoral Care Awards.

By the Rev. Greg Pickens

When I first came to this ministry, I was absolutely astounded at the selfless dedication of the volunteers who make this ministry so integral to Saint Michael. Each of you, gathered here, have accepted the call and responsibility of being ministers. We as disciples know that ministry is for our spiritual health as much as it is for the well-being of our parish family.

We serve this parish because we love it, even while remembering the importance of our Episcopal Polity. While God calls everyone to ministry—as Episcopalians, our ministry is delegated to each of us by this parish’s leadership team. We do ministry in the name of our Lord and under the direction of our Rector, Vice Rector, and Vestry. There are no Lone Ranger ministers at Saint Michael and All Angels.

Let’s talk about last year. We honestly thought the Pandemic was behind us, but Delta and Omicron arose. There was that day at

the Capitol when no one was sure what was going to happen. We had an ice storm that took out the electrical grid in many portions of the state. Through all this, Pastoral Care continued to run—each volunteer giving even when it was outside their comfort level.

God’s grace was palpable in our ministries. Remember during Lent when parishioners sent in photos of the worship spaces they had created for their homes? We installed a huge tent in the west field so we could have our regular Palm Sunday celebration; we were beginning to find ways to be back together!

Through these ups and downs, Pastoral Care remained strong: over 8,200 touches by our Pastoral Care volunteers in the form of visits, calls, cards, and programs. We all dug a little deeper to look after our parishioners, neighbors, and friends.

Our Pastoral Care Awards are a sign of how much skin the participants have in this wonderful Par-

ish. They are about recognizing our ministers who give themselves to their discipleship; they are a recognition of their devotion. The recipients were chosen from nominations and conversations with the body of Pastoral Care ministers. Today, we offer two awards: the Lifetime Service Award , given in recognition of extraordinary efforts sustained over a long discipleship, and the Servant’s Heart Award , given in recognition of faithful service to this parish and to his or her chosen ministries.

SERVANT’S HEART RECIPIENTS:

Pat

Moore

After serving at Church of the Ascension from 1978, then Grace Episcopal in Georgetown from 2001, Pat and Don found Saint Michael in 2011. Pat immediately involved herself in St. Mary’s Guild, and has been part of the Rector’s Bible Study, Pub Theology, the Prayer Shawl Ministry, and a lot more. Pastoral Care is honoring Pat for her work in our card ministry—as one of the few who write encouraging notes.  Perhaps we can

understand what it is like to be low in spirit and to receive a note from someone who has taken the time to write by hand. This act of encouragement shows someone that Saint Michael cares. In a world like today’s—where everything is super-fast, scheduled, and automated, a note from Pat must seem like a gift from God. Thank you, Pat.

Byrd Teague

Byrd is a child of a legacy. Her family could always be found on the Gospel side, three rows back, on Sunday. She has a long running dedication to our acolytes, her work as a chalice bearer, her knitting, Meals on Wheels, and being a verger. Byrd has been involved in our mission program and the Prayer Shawl Ministry— that team of knitters who lovingly pray and knit the prayer shawls for those who want a tangible reminder of our parish’s love. As one who gives those prayer shawls away, I have seen them bring tears to the eyes of people who were trapped

in a hospital bed or rehab institution. Thank you, Byrd.

Jean Coleman

Jean has a long history of many ministries in this parish. She has been involved as a vestry liaison, worked tirelessly in the Faith and Grief Ministry— and I do mean tirelessly—was at our Stephen Ministry inauguration, has been an extended Care Cook, and a Parish Life volunteer. Jean has surely spent half a lifetime serving or thinking up ways to serve the adults and children of Jubilee Park. Thank you, Jean.

LIFETIME SERVICE RECIPIENT:

Ann

Mills

In a parish full of super smart and strong women who impact our parish and our city, Ann is, for many of us, the Queen. She has spent most of her ministry at Saint

Michael. While priests come and go, Ann has remained—making connections, helping people meet and get to know each other, loving her parish and the people who worship here. On staff for many years, Ann served with Bill Power on the Christian Education team and in other roles. She has volunteered as an extended Care Cook and Angels Among Us. Ann has supported the Inquirers class, the Adult Confirmation Class and the Discovery classes in countless ways. She has led the Welcome Ministry and been a regional Good Shepherd as well as its leader. Let’s not forget her work with Prime Timers and the SMAA Book Club. She is everywhere— in front as a leader as well as in the background making sure all is smooth and meets the quality standards of Saint Michael. Thank you, Ann.

Thank you, all. Your work makes pastoral care ministries the best this parish has to offer. It is an honor to serve with you.

2023 LAY LEADERS

New leaders are elected annually at the Fall Parish Meeting. These leaders were elected on Sunday, October 23.

Diocesan Convention

DEE ANN ANIGIAN

St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange

Chairman, Children & Family Ministry

Former President, Women of Saint Michael

Sunday School Teacher

ALLISON BOVARD

Former President, Women of Saint Michael

Member, Rector Search & Transition Committee

Member, Mission and Outreach Committee

Chair, Gifts Committee WOSM

SQUEAKY CONNOLLY

President, Women of Saint Michael

Stewardship Chair

Search Team, Associate for Mission & Outreach

Parish Party Chair

CROFT CHESTNUT

Missionary

Acolyte, Lector, and Verger

Lay Eucharistic Visitor

KATHY HAYES

Lay Leader, Women, Word, Work

Lay Leader, Adult Formation

Ambassador to SMU, Project Moses Ministry

Member, Usher Corp

TODD HOWARD

Rector Search Committee

Member, Building and Grounds Committee

Leader, Inquirers Class

Co-Chair, Couples Class

Alternates

CHUCK BUTTERWORTH

Usher

LEANNE LANGHOLZ

Couples Class Committee Prayer Chain Chair

Flower Guild/Altar Guild

Preschool Parent Volunteer

HUDSON WEICHSEL

Farmers Market Chairman

Usher

Austin Street Center Server

“Michael: A Musical” Cast

JOSEPH CAHOON

Rector Search & Transition Committee Member

Building and Grounds Committee

Chair, Housing Task Force at Jubilee Park

JOHN SEDDELMEYER

Leader, Rosebud Reservation Mission Trip, SD

Formed a chapter of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship

Speaker, Subject of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

STAFF NEWS

ERIN OSBORNE

Erin Osborne has shifted to Engagement Coordinator and will be working closely with Rob Springer, Director of Engagement, to grow our welcome program and find new ways to connect with our members, especially young parents.

LOGAN HEROD

We are thrilled to welcome Logan Herod as our Interim Cherub Choir Director! Logan comes to us with multiple degrees in music education and years of experience working with young children in churches and schools. Logan’s first rehearsal with the Cherub Choir was on October 26, and we have over 40 children participating!

At the request of the Bishop, the Rev. René Somodevilla has accepted the position of Interim Rector at Church of the Annunciation in Lewisville and will begin his work there on February 1. We are very grateful for his ministry as Assistant Priest these past four years and give thanks that he and Nancy will remain connected to Saint Michael.

Christi Morrow, Mission and Outreach Coordinator, has left the staff to take on a greater role with her family’s business. Fortunately, she will continue to be an engaged member of Saint Michael and serve on the Mission and Outreach Committee. Thank you, Christi, for modeling servant leadership so effectively these past 3 ½ years.

Kristen Burk , Executive Assistant to the Vice Rector, has accepted a new position in Fort Worth, which is much closer to home and a much shorter commute. While we are very sorry to see her go, we are thrilled that she has been offered this new opportunity and know she will bless her new workplace as much as she has blessed ours.

Sheila Johnson , Assistant to Finance and Foundation , is no longer employed at Saint Michael. We appreciate the time she was with us and wish her the very best.

Laisha Cano, Sexton , has accepted a new position in the industry she went to school for.  While we are sad to see her go, we are excited for her as she embarks on this new career.

The Rev. Robert “Bob” Johnston III will be taking a six-month leave of absence that began on January 1. Bob is a wonderful part of our Saint Michael family, and this leave is being given to him at his own request. This gift of time will allow him to focus on his growing law practice, his aging parents, and his two sons who are seniors in high school. We will remember Bob in our prayers and welcome him back when the time is right! Scan the QR code to watch Bob's announcement video.

By the Rev. Robin Hinkle, Associate for Mission & Outreach

During the season of Advent we spend a lot of time learning about the ministry of John the Baptist. He is such a major part of the coming of Jesus, the announcing and the anointing of Jesus’ ministries. The church therefore devotes two Sundays of the Advent season to this very special man: this strange guy who eats locusts and honey and wears strange clothes, living among the poor in the wilderness. I can picture him with wild hair and a beard that has never been cut. The first Sunday we hear about John at the pinnacle of his success in his ministry. How he stuck out in the world as an extraordinary man proclaiming the most extraordinary message—

the savior is here! Which is then capped off by him, John the Baptist, baptizing God’s son. John has become a worldwide rockstar of his age. Jesus even labels him the greatest man ever born.

And then at the height of his ministry, John is locked up in prison. I can picture him sitting and sleeping on the dirt floor of a cell, possibly chained to the wall, surrounded by savage guards with zero regard for him. He has no regular meals and no comforting fire. And so John begins to have doubts. Was I wrong: are you, Jesus, truly the one? John is experiencing a dark night of the soul. John is looking for a miracle.

In December, I had a remarkable week, sitting at tables with the lame, the sick and the poor. First, I spent a Wednesday night at Austin Street Center with our serving team. During the dinner, I sat down at tables filled with homeless women. I listened to their stories and heard their prayer requests. The things they prayed for were a safe home, the return of their children, a job, wholesome meals, and good health. The same things we all want.

I met one tiny woman who looked like a grandmother who was clearly suffering from unmedicated mental health issues. She had been living on the streets and in shelters for 18 years. There was

Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.

another woman, a grandmother, who was forced out of her home because of the violence within it. Her son, who had zero resources, had the wherewithal to take her to the shelter to keep her safe. I also met a mother beat down by life. It permeated her very being, her posture, her expression, her words.

Then the next Thursday morning, I sat at a library table at Foster Elementary School with a little boy 7 years old, one of my kids I am tutoring. He definitely has special needs, and he has been trying so hard just to learn his ABC’s. We are pretty good with A and B. The goal is to get through all 26 letters by the end of the year—and this is not one that will be easily achieved. It will take work, and he is trying his very best. I wonder what his life will be like when he is older. He is and will be so vulnerable throughout its entirety, in poverty on the edge of homelessness. His future is precarious, and we can already tell that for a sweet boy that is only 7.

Then Friday I shared a table at Jubilee, sharing lunch with some of the seniors. One woman I met described the miracle of medicine she received, after being brushed off by seven sets of doctors and nurses who refused to give her time or effort. She wondered if it was because she was poor and shy about speaking about her symptoms, and was on Medicaid. An eighth doctor finally took the time to really see her and was able to diagnose what turned out to be a forty-pound mass in her abdomen that the other medical teams missed.

When you stop to consider the depth and breadth of the needs of the world, and I am not just

talking about the small part assigned to Dallas, Texas, they can be overwhelming, freezing us in our tracks, leaving us to throw up our hands as to our inability to make even the slightest dent. We can feel like John in prison, questioning the presence of Christ. Hoping for a miracle. We can feel like the woman I met at Austin Street Center, hanging on by her finger nails to the hope that God will somehow send her help—a home, a job, security, and safety. There are so many people living in darkness waiting for good news. Looking for salvation. Hoping for a miracle.

I love being at Saint Michael because I get to spend time in the places where we serve and meet and really see the people I just described. But I also love being at Saint Michael because I have been able to meet and see you. You are an extraordinary group of extremely talented and generous people. Of all the places in our corner of the world, this Dallas community, I believe Saint Michael has the people, the gifts needed, and the open hearts required to share the hope of Christ, the love for our neighbor. I believe we have the ability to bring his real miracles into lives starving for basic needs.

We are called to be characters, to live into the fullness of our call, to stand out in the world, and to be the ones to bring not just the good news of the arrival of Jesus, but also to share in his aid: helping the lame to walk, aiding in cures for the sick and providing basic needs for the poor. We are called to help them find a way to live in safety and security with wholesome food, education, and opportunities, while living in homes and

neighborhoods where families can joyfully thrive.

Jesus tells us that to those whom much is given, much is expected. This is a commandment from God himself. And this is something I see so many of you already do, and hope so many of you want to join.

I truly believe Saint Michael has the opportunity to make miracles happen in our corner of the world. To impact so many lives in the nooks and crannies of Dallas. To see the unseen, and then do something about it. Working not on our own steam, thank heaven, but with and through God. Emmanuel, God with us.

I therefore invite you to pray how God is calling you. To let these little words of mine touch your heart and tickle your brain cells. I have no doubt that God will inspire our imaginations (it has already started). It is through this work that the message of the gospel is best shared. As Jesus himself told us, showed us, and assured John the Baptist in his cell—tell him, tell the world, the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.

May we carry them in our heart, as we walk with our Lord in this new year, always looking for ways to continue His work in the world. Please contact the

ADVENT FESTIVAL

On December 4 we celebrated our annual Advent Festival. The festivities began with an Advent-themed Joy service that included the appearance of a very special guest: St. Nicholas! Following the service, parishioners and guests enjoyed treats and refreshments, participated in a Christmas service project, picked up Advent wreath kits, and engaged in a variety of other Advent activities.

VETERANS DAY

On Sunday, November 13 we hosted our annual Veterans Day Celebration. Veterans from all branches were recognized during the service and the Heritage Brass Band, made entirely of veterans, gifted us a stunning musical performance in the Garden Cloister. Our youth packed 50 backpacks with items for homeless veterans which were blessed as part of the service. Saint Michael is grateful for all those who have served—may God continue to bless them!

WELCOME & ENGAGEMENT

Rob Springer, Director of Engagement rspringer@saintmichael.org

WELCOME-GREETER MINISTRY

A Greeter is often the first person people encounter on their way to worship. Our greeter volunteers are here every Sunday to welcome, inform and connect people to Saint Michael ministries and invite people to fun and inspiring events. Greeters also help guide people unfamiliar with our campus to different destinations. We look forward to welcoming you, helping you, and inviting you to come back! Contact Erin Osborne, eosborne@saintmichael.org , or Rob to learn more about this ministry.

GOOD SHEPHERDS

The Good Shepherd Ministry consists of volunteers in each of the 102 neighborhoods into which our congregation is divided. Shepherds serve as liaisons to the church for their neighborhood parishioners in times of need or celebration and reach out to new neighbors with a warm welcome. If you are interested in being a Good Shepherd, please contact Shannon Callewart, scallewart@tx.rr.com, or Anne Leary, anneleary@sbcglobal.net, with questions.

FEBRUARY 11

WELCOME GREETER MINISTRY BRUNCH

9:30 – 11 a.m.

Parlor

Mark your calendar for the Spring Welcome Greeter Ministry Brunch! This is a great opportunity to meet and followship with other Saint Michael volunteers and learn more about this fun, simple, and very important Sunday morning ministry! Contact Rob with questions and for RSVP details.

PARISH CALENDAR

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

SAINT MICHAEL 101

Hosted by the Rev. Chris Girata and the Rev. Mary Lessmann Parlor

12:15–1:30 p.m.

If you are new to Saint Michael or just visiting and want to learn more about membership then SM101 is for you! Meet members of our clergy and vestry, hear about many ministries and opportunities to connect and engage with others inside and outside our parish. Also learn more about the exciting future of Saint Michael! Register, today, we look forward to meeting you! Lunch will be served, and childcare will be available with advance registration. Contact Rob with questions or RSVP details.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

GOOD SHEPHERD MINISTRY: GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR EVENT

5:30–7 p.m.

Parlor

This "Get To Know Your Neighbor Event” will be an informational and engaging evening with good food, and fellowship hosted by your Neighborhood Shepherds. Learn more about this important ministry and others at Saint Michael who live in your area. Meet and chat with your Neighborhood Shepherd. Mark your calendar for this event and invite a friend to join you! Childcare will be available with advance registration. Contact Rob with questions and for RSVP details.

PARISH LIFE

Tish

Visinsky

Director of Parish Life tvisinsky@saintmichael.org

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE & GUMBO SUPPER

5–7 p.m.

Parish Hall

This is an amazing time of great food, family, and friends. You won’t want to miss one last great celebration before we begin the season of Lent. Laissez les bons temps roulez (let the good times roll) with a concert of Mardi Gras/Nawlins jazz! Be sure to put this on your family calendar!

SUNDAY, APRIL 9

EASTER SUNDAY CELEBRATION AND RECEPTION

9:45–11 a.m.

Garden Cloister and Parlor

See a full listing of services on page 13

Join us on Easter Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Come by the Garden Cloister and Parlor for treats, refreshments, and fun Easter activities!

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

SAINT MICHAEL'S FARMERS MARKET OPENING DAY!

8 a.m.–Noon

West Lot saintmichaelsmarket.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 30

MICHAEL, A MUSICAL: SCREENING & DINNER

Screening in the Church: 4–5 p.m. Picnic on the Douglas Lawn: 5–7 p.m. RSVP: saintmichael.org/michaelscreening

All are invited to join us as we celebrate the 1-year anniversary of Michael, a Musical! Enjoy this one-and-only showing of the musical followed by a picnic on the Douglas lawn with the producers and your favorite cast members! There is no charge to attend the event, but we are encouraging all guests to RSVP. Childcare will be provided for kids 3 and under with a reservation.

SUNDAY, MAY 14

MOMS & MIMOSAS

9:45–11 a.m. Garden Cloister

See ad on page 38

Join us as we honor all the mother figures in our lives with mimosas and breakfast bites. All are welcome!

WOMEN OF SAINT MICHAEL

Zoe Hart, President, zhart@me.com saintmichael.org/women

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

JUBILEE PARK AND COMMUNITY CENTER

MOTHER-DAUGHTER TEA

1–3 p.m. 907 Bank Street saintmichael.org/jubileetea

Join the Women of Saint Michael at this special event celebrating mothers and daughters at Jubilee Park. Volunteers are needed to fellowship with the women of the community, serve refreshments, and lead activities.

MONDAY, APRIL 24

WOSM SPRING LUNCHEON:

"BRIDGING THE DIVIDE IN POLITICS AND FOREIGN POLICY"

Featuring Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison, Former United States Ambassador to NATO & Former Senator 11 a.m.

Pegasus Park, 3000 Pegasus Park Dr Purchase tickets at saintmichael.org/springluncheon

For questions, more information, or to register, scan the QR code, visit SaintMichael.org/VBS23 or contact Madelyn Ivy at mivy@saintmichael.org .

CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES

Madelyn Ivy, Assistant Director

mivy@saintmichael.org

Beth Igoe, Admin. Assistant, bigoe@saintmichel.org

SUNDAY MORNINGS

SUNDAY CHILDCARE

8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

0–11 months: Room 14

1 year old: Room 16

2 years old: Room 15

3 years old: Room 13

Children will play enriching games, sing spiritual songs, and hear an age-appropriate Bible story. Children can be picked up at any time. Contact Madelyn with questions.

SUNDAY MORNINGS

CFM FORMATION CLASSES

10 a.m.

Registration for our formation classes can be found at saintmichael.org/cfm. Class registration is ongoing. For more information on the classes below, contact Madelyn

GODLY PLAY

Room 203: Godly Play Level I (Ages 3–6)

Room 210: Godly Play Level II (Ages 6–9)

Godly Play is a Montessori-style curriculum that helps children create personal meaning through story, wonder, and play. Children will explore various stories of the Bible and the mystery of God as they build their faith.

WEAVING GOD’S PROMISES

Room 214: PreK–1st grade (Ages 3–7)

Room 216: 2nd–3rd grade (Ages 7–9)

Children build upon their understanding of God and God’s relationship with people through meaningful lessons and hands-on time with the Bible’s stories, people, and places. Using storytelling, prayer, and play-based activities, this class will help your youngster grow in their faith.

WHAT’S IN THE BIBLE? PART 2

Room 213: 4th–5th grade (Ages 9–11)

This class looks at the Bible, the most important book in your child’s faith development. Students continue their exploration by digging into Psalms–Revelation. Participants learn what they do and don’t know about God’s Word.

EVERY WEDNESDAY CHERUB CHOIR

Room 206

3–4:15 p.m. SMES students, PreK–Kindergarten

5–6:15 p.m. PreK–2nd grade

Registration: saintmichael.org/choristers

Children are offered a chance to get their feet wet with singing basics in the first level of the Saint Michael Chorister program. Children will hear Bible stories, participate in faithbased activities, learn to sing songs, and engage in music and movement-based games. For more info, contact Madelyn.

AVAILABLE BEGINNING FEBRUARY 21

FAMILY LENTEN PRAYER KIT

All are welcome to pick up a Family Lenten Prayer Kit to begin, or strengthen, a family prayer time during the Lenten season. This year’s kit will provide opportunities for families to pray not just throughout Lent, but also into the Easter season! Kits will be available for pick up at the Shrove Tuesday dinner on February 21, at Ash Wednesday services, and throughout the church on Sunday, February 26.

MARCH 5

FAMILY DAY OF SERVICE

12–2 p.m.

Coke Room

Join CFM for a Family Day of Service benefiting the Jubilee Community Center. Come help us fill bags with snacks to stock the pantry of the Jubilee Community Center!

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

FAMILY PASSOVER SEDER MEAL

5:30–7 p.m.

Coke Room

Learn what the festival of Passover is all about by participating in this family-friendly, abridged version of a traditional Passover meal. Full dinner will be served after the Passover meal. Scan the QR code to RSVP!

FRIDAY, APRIL 7

GOOD FRIDAY: FOOT WASHING AND STATIONS OF THE CROSS FAMILY SERVICE

12 p.m.

Saint Michael Chapel

Join CFM for a family-friendly foot-washing (or hand washing) and Stations of the Cross worship service.

MISSION & OUTREACH

The Rev. Robin H. Hinkle, Associate for M&O rhinkle@saintmichael.org

STEPHEN C. FOSTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Join this new ministry as a weekly tutor, in our spring soccer clinic, or in our community outreach projects. We also need speakers for Career Day on March 22. Contact Robin for more information.

NORTH DALLAS SHARED MINISTRIES

This ministry is offering unique hands-on opportunities for service as intake assistants and interviewers. NDSM also needs help in the clothes pantry and during weekly distributions of food. The ability to speak Spanish is a plus but not necesssary. Contact Robin for more information.

AUSTIN STREET COOKS!

saintmichael.org/austinstreet

Each month, parishioners prepare and serve food for residents experiencing home insecurity. Parishioners gather for fellowship to cook dinner which is delivered and served the following day.

COOKING: TUESDAYS, FEB 28, APR 4, & MAY 2

5:30–7:30 p.m.

Parish Hall Kitchen

SERVING: WEDNESDAYS, MAR 1, APR 5, & MAY 3

5–7 p.m.

Austin Street Center | 1717 Jeffries Street, Dallas

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5

TELA, HONDURAS MISSION TRIP: COMMISSIONING OF THE MISSION TEAM

9 a.m. Traditional Service Church

Pray for our mission team as they travel to Tela, Honduras, to offer Christian education, fluoride treatments, eyeglasses, as well as construction projects. The mission team will be in Honduras from February 11–18.

WEDNESDAYS, MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29

LENTEN SPEAKER SERIES

6 p.m.

Saint Michael Chapel

See ad on page 11.

YOUTH

Dr. Tim M. Smith, Director of Formation tsmith@saintmichael.org

Beth Igoe, Assistant, bigoe@saintmichael.org

SUNDAYS MIDDLE SCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOL

10–10:50 a.m. Green Room

Join us as we explore different lessons from the Bible and how they can apply to our lives today.

SUNDAYS HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOL

10–10:50 a.m. Orange Room

Join us as we explore different questions about our faith, how faith can impact our daily work lives, and other relevant issues for our high school students.

FEBRUARY 19

MARDI GRAS BASH!

5–7 p.m. Youth Center

Join us for a fun night of games, mask-making, piñatas, and youth-led worship. All youth grades 6-12 are welcome to join.

MARCH 19

THE AMAZING SAINT MICHAEL RACE

5–7 p.m. Youth Center

Challenges, puzzles, clues, and detours await as the youth embark on our own version of the Amazing Race. Teams will go around the SMAA campus in search of different challenges. The first to complete all the challenges successfully wins the prize! Dinner and worship to follow.

APRIL 16

FOSTER ELEMENTARY MISSION PROJECT

All youth are encouraged to join us for our final Mission and Outreach youth event of the year where we will participate in outreach with Foster Elementary School. Details will be emailed closer to the event.

MAY 7

SENIOR RECOGNITION SERVICE

5:30 p.m. Church

ADULT FORMATION

Dr. Tim M. Smith, Director of Formation

tsmith@saintmichael.org

Beth Igoe, Assistant, bigoe@saintmichael.org

SUNDAYS CLASS FOR PARENTS

Led by the Rev. Christian Basel

10 a.m.

Theater

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

A seasoned journalist chases down the biggest story in history and asks the tough question: Is there credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth really is the Son of God? Retracing his own spiritual journey from atheism to faith, Lee Strobel, former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, cross-examines a dozen experts with doctorates who are recognized authorities in their own fields. He challenges them with questions like: How reliable is the New Testament? Does evidence for Jesus exist outside the Bible? Is there any reason to believe the resurrection was an actual event? This is a riveting quest for the truth about history's most compelling figure. Join us as we seek answers to the foundational question of our faith.

SUNDAYS, NOW–APRIL 16 CREED: WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

10 a.m.

Saint Michael Chapel

We all have questions. Some powerful answers to life, faith and truth are contained in something we do every week in worship: recite the Creed. They are early statements of foundational Christian beliefs, but they also contain truth that can guide our lives, acting as anchors, and answer our most profound questions. Join us as we dive deep into what Christians believe, why we believe it, and why it matters.

SUNDAYS, APRIL 23–MAY 21

THE GREAT PROPHETS OF THE BIBLE

Led by Chris Girata

10 a.m.

Saint Michael Chapel

The Major and Minor Prophets of the Bible help us understand what prophecy means. The collection of books from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel, as well as Jonah, Micah, and more offer revelations from God about promises of the future. Messages of judgment, mercy, and hope are written all over this collection of biblical books. Join Rector Chris Girata, and discover what God is still revealing to us through these ancient voices.

SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY 19–MARCH 26 A LENTEN STUDY: JESUS, THE DAYS BEFORE THE CROSS

Led by Dr. Tim Smith

10 a.m.

Coke Room

The story of Holy Week begins with Jesus’ triumphant entrance into the Holy City of Jerusalem and then moves to the darkness of the Last Supper, Jesus’ night of agony in prayer, and finally his crucifixion. But what happened on Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday? Those overlooked Scriptures reveal much of Jesus’ life and ministry leading up to his crucifixion. This study will look at His last acts, confrontation, and teachings on the first days of Holy Week, giving us insight into what he must have been thinking and feeling. By doing so, we will have a greater appreciation and understanding of the journey to the cross. Join us for this Lenten study and make it a part of your spiritual journey this Lent. For more information or questions, contact Tim

SUNDAYS, APRIL 23–MAY 21 FOLLOWING CHRIST IN DEEP WATERS

Led by Brady Millican and Barbara Kennard

10 a.m.

Coke Room

This Easter season Barbara Kennard and Brady Millican will lead parishioners in an exploration of Gerard Manley Hopkins’ longest poem, The Wreck of the Deutschland, written in 1877. Our interest will center on the author’s experience of the challenges and joys of Christian life, shared with us in some of the most memorable language in English Christian poetry. Hopefully, we will find greater strength for our own journeys in the power of Hopkins’ testimony to the perpetual presence of Christ’s care and love. Copies of the poem will be provided, as well as a link to a recording.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

LENTEN RETREAT: THE JOY IN RETURNING

9–11 a.m.

Saint Michael Chapel

Br. Luke Ditewig and Br. Todd, SSJE

If we keep before our eyes the joy of returning to the heart of God’s love, our Lenten practices can free us from what holds us back and open us to new depths of God’s provision. Come reflect on Scriptural themes of joy and repentance and welcome the disciplines of Lent with the fervent hope of resurrection joy.

MONDAYS, FEBRUARY 6–MARCH 27

UNENDING CONVERSATION GROUP

Led by Linda Westerburg and Nancy West

9:30–11 a.m.

Coke Room

Do you have questions of faith? Then this group is for you! This is a class of inquisitive women seeking to learn more about their faith, emerging church ideas, and new ways of looking at Christianity and following Christ. Members of the group lead discussions of selected books and videos. For more info, contact Linda Westerburg, lindawesterburg@ gmail.com, or Nancy West, nancyjw@me.com

FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH WOMEN'S CURSILLO GROUP

Led by Maria D'Antoni

11 a.m.–Noon

Zoom

This group is open to all women who have completed a Cursillo weekend, whose goal is to equip and inspire people to live out their faith. For more information, please contact Maria D'Antoni, maria@dantonipartners.com.

2ND AND 4TH MONDAY OF THE MONTH

WOMEN WORD WORK

6:30–7:45 p.m.

Room 106

Are you a working woman? Are you craving relational and spiritual connection, but know you can’t commit to one more thing? Then this is the perfect group for you! Drop in when you can as we share fellowship, study and prayer. Books are chosen by the group during the year. Ask a friend and join us. There is no preparation needed. This group meets year-round.

TUESDAYS, BEGINNING JANUARY 17 BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY

Led by Peggy Carr

11 a.m.–Noon

Room 104

Women of all ages are invited to attend as we study different books of the Bible, share strengths and weaknesses, and make friends. We recommend 30-40 minutes of preparation for each class. For questions or the Zoom link, please contact Peggy Carr, peggy.carr@sbcglobal.net.

TUESDAYS, MARCH 28–MAY 16

ALPHA COURSE

Led by the Rev. Ken Brannon & Justin Brooks

6:30

Parlor

$10 free-will offering to cover costs

SaintMichael.org/Alpha

See ad on page 7

Did you grow up in the Christian faith but still search for the right words to articulate it? Are you exploring the Christian faith? This course will explore the basic tenets of the Christian faith and provide the opportunity for asking the tough questions. Dinner is provided with registration. Childcare is available at no cost with pre-registration. We ask that attendees make a commitment to attend most classes. Attending the whole course offers the richest experience.

TUESDAYS, FEBRUARY 7–JUNE 6

SAINT MICHAEL READER’S BOOK CLUB

Led by Ann Mills

6:30–7:30 p.m.

Parlor

Join the Saint Michael Book Club to enjoy reading a great book each month and join in conversation about what stood out for you, how you did or did not like it, how the author touched you. For questions, please contact Ann Mills, acmills3225@gmail.com.

February 7: Matrix by Lauren Goff

March 7: The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kaddish

April 4: Horse by Geraldine Brooks

May 2: The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee

June 6: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

WEDNESDAYS, NOW–APRIL 19

MEN OF SAINT MICHAEL BOOK STUDY

12 Rules of Life by Jordan Peterson

7 a.m.

Room 103

Breakfast Tacos and Coffee served

Renowned psychologist Jordan B. Peterson's answer shares hard-won truths combined with scripture and stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research. Dr. Peterson discusses discipline, freedom, adventure, and responsibility, distilling the world's wisdom into 12 practical and profound

rules for life. Rather than restraining you, the 12 rules will help you live with meaning and purpose and attain a free and full life. This book will help you take responsibility for our own lives, get your life in order and do the best for yourself, your society, and the world at large. For questions, contact Eric Gilmour, eric.andrew.gilmour@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAYS IMAGING THE WORD BIBLE STUDY

Led by Karen Wiley

9:30–10:30 a.m.

Chapel Conference Room and Zoom

The Bible and the arts are inherently and historically linked. Since the 4th century in the Christian era, congregations have been guided by the lectionary's imaginative and disciplined journey through the Bible. Using these readings, the liturgy, music, colors, movements, and celebrations of the church year, the Bible and the arts are brought together in a significant way. Imaging the Word is a resource providing visual arts, music, photography, prose, poetry, prayers, and commentary based on each Sunday's lectionary readings. The class is open to everyone anytime. For questions and the Zoom link, contact Karen Wiley, kkwiley@sbcglobal.net

WEDNESDAYS, FEBRUARY 8–APRIL 26 THE ENNEAGRAM JOURNEY

Led by Mary Ann Webster and Chick Deegan

1–2:30 p.m.

Coke Room

The Enneagram is a personality assessment tool that helps us to discover the characteristics and motivations of our personality—one of nine types. More than this, the Enneagram helps guide us in our spiritual work. Mary Ann Webster and Chick Deegan facilitate this class which utilizes the DVD curriculum of Suzanne Stabile, an internationally recognized Enneagram master. Registration is required. There is a $30 fee for the class workbook; scholarships are available. To register, contact Mary Ann, maryannwebster@gmail.com, or Chick, deeganchicke@aol.com

WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 19–MAY 10

COSMOLOGY: UNDERSTANDING THE HEAVENS

Led by the Rev. Christian Basel

6–7 p.m.

Chapel Conference Room

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Scripture begins with the cosmological, the order of the universe, but what is our place in it? Join us as we explore our place in the created order of the universe draw on scripture, philosophy, and science to begin forming an idea of how a biblical cosmology exists side by side with modern science. For more info, contact Christian, cbasel@saintmichael.org

THURSDAYS

MEN’S LECTIONARY BIBLE STUDY

RECTOR'S BIBLE STUDY

Led by Chris Girata

10 a.m.

Saint Michael Chapel or Streamed Live saintmichael.org/rbs

Join our Rector, Chris Girata, for his weekly Bible study as we continue a fascinating character study of great leaders in the Bible! This year, we focus on the kings: Saul, David, and Solomon. We will focus our study on 1 and 2 Samuel, as well as the early chapters of 1 Kings. Although knowing about the united kingdom period of Israel is helpful to us, we will spend most of our time studying King David specifically. David is a truly complicated character and integral to our understanding of Jesus Christ. Although not required, you are encouraged to read this year’s companion book, Exodus and Leviticus for Everyone by John Goldingay.

Led by David Loomis

7–8 a.m.

Zoom

This men’s group meets to discuss the Lectionary’s Scripture lessons for the current week, exploring ways in which the passages speak to everyday life and our own spiritual journey. Lessons and commentary are emailed early each week to enable participants to familiarize themselves with the material. For questions or the Zoom link, please contact David Loomis at dlloomis@sbcglobal.net

THURSDAYS

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

7:30–8:30 a.m.

Room 106

This Bible study is based on the Lectionary readings for the coming Sunday and meets throughout the year. Advance

Rector’s Bible Study

preparation is not required. There are no attendance expectations other than to come when you can. For questions, contact Phil Ritter, pjritter@mac.com.

THURSDAYS COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY: FOOD, DRINK, OR LACK

Led by Elizabeth Lang and Brady Millican

9:30 a.m.

Room 222 and Zoom

“Ho, everyone who thirsts, come . . . eat what is good and delight yourself in rich food.” –Isaiah 55

We invite you to discover what scripture offers that nourishes your mind, heart, and soul. We are using the theme of food and drink to examine biblical passages. There is no homework, and attendance can vary. Our bonds of community enhance our conversation and allow us to discover “rich food” in the Bible that feeds our hunger for meaning. For more information, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Lang, langelizabeth66@gmail.com.

THURSDAYS BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP: THE UNEXPECTED KING

9:45–10:30 a.m.

Room 104 and 106

Who is Jesus? What do His words have to do with your life? How can Jesus bring peace and satisfaction to your life and broken world today? Explore God’s answers to these questions and more in the community through an in-depth Bible study of the Gospel of Matthew. For more info, contact Kimberly Colonnetta, kimberly@colonnetta.com, or Sylvia Hood, sylhood@aol.com

THURSDAYS LECTIO DIVINA

Led by Nancy Somodevilla

2–3 p.m.

Parlor and Zoom

Please come to lectio divina to spend an hour meditating on a bible verse, poem, story, song or art. We have quiet reflection followed by discussion of what touched each one of us and how it will affect our spiritual and practical lives.

PRIME TIMERS

This group is primarily an organization for seniors (60+). We meet on the first Thursday of the month and the ‘P.T. Cruisers’ take local trips on the third Thursday of the month. For more info about monthly meetings or excursions, contact Ruth Mason, 214-373-7984, or Bonita Frederick, 214-728-6440.

FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH PRIME TIMERS MEETINGS

10:30 a.m.

Coke Room

Reservation required, includes lunch

RSVP by calling Bonita Frederick, 214-728-6440

$12

March 2: Rector Chris Girata

April 6: No Meeting—Maundy Thursday

May 4: Closing Eucharist and brief “goodbyes”

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16

PT CRUISERS VISIT THE HOLOCAUST AND CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM

9:30 a.m.

RSVP by February 13 to Bonita Frederick, 214-728-6440

$14

The PT Cruisers will step back into a time in our history that should never be forgotten. Lunch will be on your own. The bus will leave the church at 9:30 a.m. As this may be a full bus, it’s better to get your reservations in early.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

PT CRUISERS VISIT THE FIRE STATION AND TOUR THE PARK CITIES SPRING FLOWERS

9:30 a.m.

RSVP by March 13 to Bonita Frederick, 214-728-6440

$20

The PT Cruisers will visit our little fire station on the corner and then tour around the Park Cities to look at the azaleas and other spring flowers in bloom. We will have lunch at Celebration. The bus will leave the church at 9:30 a.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

PT CRUISERS TOUR HERITAGE VILLAGE

9:30 a.m.

RSVP by April 17 to Bonita Frederick, 214-728-6440

The PT Cruisers will step back in time as we go tour the Heritage Village near downtown Dallas. Lunch will be on your own. The bus will leave the church at 9:30 a.m.

PASTORAL CARE

The

Rev. Greg Pickens, Associate for PC gpickens@saintmichael.org

Katherine Bowen, Assistant kbowen@saintmichael.org

ANGEL FOOD COOKS

Angel Food Cooks is a ministry made up of volunteers who are available to provide a delicious meal to parishioners in need. Those receiving meals are individuals and families of Saint Michael who may be going through a challenging time due to a recent hospitalization, ongoing illness, or the birth of a child. If you are interested in being an Angel Food Cook, please contact Katherine Bowen or Gay Rekerdres, gayrek@sbcglobal.net, with questions.

CARD MINISTRY

The Card Ministry, working with the Pastoral Care office, stays in touch with parishioners by sending cards of sympathy, celebration of birthdays and holidays to homebound parishioners, and congratulations to the precious new arrivals of our SMAA families. Please contact Stephanie Ritter, smritter@mac.com, Pat Moore, dwpjmoore@yahoo.com, or Sandra Hughes, sjhughes411@gmail.com, with questions.

FRIENDS IN CHRIST

The Friends in Christ Ministry re-establishes ties with parishioners who are unable to attend church but wish to stay in touch with the life of our parish. A cadre of visitor Friends in Christ has been formed and makes visits, offering friendship and a listening ear to those they visit. Contact Gus Seeberger, gusseeberger@gmail.com, with questions.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY (DAILY)

The Daily Intercessory Prayer Ministry offers daily prayers from online requests (SaintMichael.org/prayer-requests) or through the Pastoral Care Ministries office. All prayer requests are kept in strict confidence. Intercessors pray at home or in the Bishop Moore Chapel. Contact Terry Demler, tsdemler@gmail.com, with questions.

LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS

Lay Eucharistic Visitors are teams of trained parishioners who take the bread and wine, directly from the church altar to parishioners who cannot be in church. They are served in the hospital, at home, or in assisted living facilities. This is a fulfilling ministry for people of all ages— single or married, and a bonding experience for families serving together. For questions, please contact Charlie Smith, jsmithcpa@earthlink.net .

MICHAEL, A MUSICAL: SCREENING & DINNER

Sunday, April 30

Screening in the Church: 4–5 p.m. Picnic on the Douglas Lawn: 5–7 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate the 1-year anniversary of Michael, a Musical! Enjoy this one-and-only showing of the musical followed by a picnic on the Douglas lawn with the producers and your favorite cast members! There is no charge to attend the event, but we are encouraging all guests to RSVP. Childcare will be provided for kids 3 and under with a reservation.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO RSVP TODAY!

RECOVERY ADVOCATES

Recovery Advocates is made up of volunteers who work to provide for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of those who experience substance abuse or other addictions. Contact this ministry for any help in navigating the recovery community. Please contact Greg with questions.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

With Dr. Elizabeth Lang or the Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer Spiritual direction provides guidance and companionship for one who is seeking to deepen their faith. It is a safe space that opens a way to receive God’s love and to enhance awareness of one’s relationship with God. For one-on-one spiritual direction, contact Dr. Elizabeth Lang, langelizabeth66@gmail.com or the Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer, hnussertelfer@aol.com.

STEPHEN MINISTRIES

Stephen Ministries equip lay persons to provide confidential Christian one-on-one care to anyone in our community. If you are going through a difficult time, consider having a Stephen Minister. If you know someone is facing difficulties, suggest that they request Stephen Ministries. For more info on Stephen Ministries go to stephenministries.org , contact Greg or Mary Kardell, mary.kardell@sbcglobal.net .

TOUCH BASE PHONE MINISTRY

Touch Base Phone Ministry is a voice at the other end of the telephone representing the parish of Saint Michael, its clergy, and staff. This caring voice checks on those who have had a recent death; and checks on those who are homebound. Contact Liz Wheelan, LizWico@aol.com, with questions.

EVERY MONDAY CARE GIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Led by Gayl Braymer

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Parlor

Caregiving a loved one can be isolating and overwhelming. Our group provides confidential, loving support to those involved in caregiving. We seek to give emotional support and resource suggestions to those in need. Contact Gayl Braymer, gaylbraymer@gmail.com, to enroll or with questions.

FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Led by Sue Patton and Charlie Stobaugh

1:45–3 p.m.

Parlor

The Women’s Cancer Support Group is a long-term support system for information, referrals, feedback, and a

feeling of safety, shared by other women who have experienced cancer and from those who are in the fight right now. Contact Sue Patton, pattons@sbcglobal.net , or Charlie Stobaugh, charlie@stobaugh.net , with questions.

FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH PRAYER SHAWL KNITTING MINISTRY

Led by Peggy Carr

1–3 p.m.

Room 103

To date, 2,801 shawls have been knitted and distributed, extending the love of our parish to those who are hurting or ill. Each of these shawls is tagged with a healing prayer and a label that identifies it as being "knit with love" at Saint Michael. Each shawl is blessed by the clergy and congregation prior to distribution. Join us for camaraderie, prayers, and the joy of knitting a message of love. Knitters can also work on shawls at home and drop them off at church. Contact Peggy Carr, peggy.carr@sbcglobal.net , with questions.

THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

PRAYING OUR GOODBYES

Led by the Rev. Christian Basel

10–11:30 a.m.

Parlor

Praying Our Goodbyes is a grief and support ministry at Saint Michael for those who are experiencing a loss of any kind. Based on readings from the book Praying Our Goodbyes, by Joyce Rupp, we share our experiences together and focus on different aspects of our grief during each session. Contact Christian Basel, cbasel@saintmichael.org , to RSVP or with questions.

SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

G.R.A.S.P. DALLAS CHAPTER

Grief Recovery After Substance Passing

6:30 p.m.

Parlor

GRASP was created to offer understanding, compassion, and support for those who have lost someone they love through addiction and overdose. Anyone who wants to find a safe place to express their concern, grief, and walk toward understanding and grief recovery from the passing of a loved one from substance death, is welcome. For more information, see grasphelp.org or contact Paula Calise, paula@linkedexec.com, with questions.

WEDNESDAYS, FEBRUARY 8–MAR 29

COMFORT & HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY OF GRIEF

Led by Regina Hunt, Faith and Grief Ministries

6–8 p.m.

Parlor

To register: faithandgrief.org/smaa

Participate in a supportive community, learn ways to cope, and practice spiritual exercises that bring comfort. Register by Tuesday, February 7. Contact Katherine with questions.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

ORGANIZING FOR HEAVEN

Led by the Rev. Greg Pickens

10–10:50 a.m.

Room 103

We all know how important it is to plan. We plan our weddings and our education, we plan for children, and our retirement. However, there are many reasons why we do not plan for the end of our life. This gathering will answer questions about how to request a funeral at our parish, the guidelines for a Saint Michael funeral, and how to purchase a niche in our Columbarium. Registration is required. For questions, contact Katherine .

SUNDAYS, APRIL 16, 23, 30 & MAY 7

PRE-MARRIAGE CLASS

10 a.m.

Room 103

Pre-marriage class series is offered to prepare couples for marriage and their life together. Contact Dianne Boyd, dboyd@saintmichael.org , to register or to go over the details of scheduling a wedding at Saint Michael.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

BLOOD DRIVE

9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Theater

The Parish Nurse Ministry, with the American Red Cross, will sponsor our spring blood drive. Dallas is facing a severe blood shortage and needs blood donors to give to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Driver’s license or ARC card/app required to donate. Please contact Dianne Boyd , RN, to reserve a time or with questions.

WORSHIP & LITURGY

The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso, Associate for W&L agrosso@saintmichael.org

Jennifer Cox-Seals, Admin. Assistant for Worship & Liturgy jcox-seals@saintmichael.org

Jonathan Ryan, Director of Music & Organist jryan@saintmichael.org

Justin Brooks, Director of Contemporary Music jbrooks@saintmichael.org

Dianne Boyd, Coordinator for Worship Media dboyd@saintmichael.org

FEBRUARY 22

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES

Details are on page 11 saintmichael.org/ashwednesday

FEBRUARY 22–APRIL 7

STATIONS OF THE CROSS PARISH ART PROJECT Ambulatory

Read more on page 50

FEBRUARY 26

IN-PERSON CHORAL COMPLINE: CALLED TO BEAUTY

8 p.m. Church

WEDNESDAYS, MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 LENTEN SPEAKER SERIES

6 p.m. Saint Michael Chapel

Join us Wednesdays in Lent to worship together and hear leaders and clients in the non-profit community address housing and homelessness, community development, and education. A reception will follow each service.

March 1: Dr. David Woody, III Executive Director, The Bridge

March 8: Jacob Johnson

Principal, Stephen C. Foster Elementary School

March 15: Marissa Castro Mikoy and Alejandra Saldaña Executive Director & Health and Wellness Manager, Jubilee Park and Community Center

March 22: Ashley Sharp Executive Director, Dwell With Dignity

March 29: Stacey Malcolmson Executive Director, Senior Source

WEDNESDAYS, MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29

LENTEN RECITAL AND HOLY EUCHARIST

12 p.m. Recital

12:30 Holy Eucharist

Saint Michael Chapel

Saint Michael musicians share instrumental mini-recitals to help us find meaning in the season of Lent. Join us for an oasis of beauty in the middle of the week.

MARCH 26

SAINT MICHAEL PRESENTS: CHOIR OF NEW COLLEGE OXFORD

Featuring a collaboration with the Saint Michael Choristers

7 p.m. Church

See ad on the inside cover saintmichael.org/oxford

For the first time, Saint Michael presents one of the most highly regarded of the Oxford college choirs in concert, on tour from England.

SUNDAY, APRIL 2–SUNDAY, APRIL 9

HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES

Details are on pages 12–13 saintmichael.org/holyweek23 saintmichael.org/easter23

APRIL 23

IN-PERSON CHORAL COMPLINE: CARE FOR THE EARTH

8 p.m. Church

MAY 18

ASCENSION OF OUR LORD SERVICE

5:30 p.m. Saint Michael Chapel

SUNDAY, MAY 21

CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT

4 p.m. Church

See ad on the back cover

The Saint Michael Choir and Orchestra present a gala concert including Mozart's complete "Coronation" Mass. A free will offering will benefit the music ministry.

Featured Items from the

BOOK SHOP

Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sundays: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Soap stone bunnies from Africa Large: $14.50 Small: $8.50

Set of 6 plastic cups with floral cross or floral cowboy boot $15

Pink, lavender, or light blue quartz necklace with gold cross $42

Ceramic angel vase $12.50

Set of 8 boxed notecards with floral cross or floral boot $19.50

NATIVITY PAGEANT

Our youngest parishioners put on an adorable Nativity Pageant where we witnessed the story of Christ's birth.

EPIPHANY & BURNING OF THE GREENS

In this service we celebrate the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God to the wise men who traveled from the east to visit the newborn king and it concludes the Christmas season. After the service, parishioners moved to the Garden Cloister for the annual burning of the greens followed by hot chocolate and s’mores!

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH ACTS OF LOVE

By Katherine Blachly, All Angels Foundation, Vice President of Communications

In 2020, homeless shelters in North Texas and around the country were forced to reduce the number of people they served due to Covid-19. The pandemic stretched an already strained system, throwing more people into homelessness.

Jason Vallejo, who had spent many years working within unhoused communities and had just launched Dallas’ first transitional living center for at-risk youth, knew young people between 18 and 24 were especially vulnerable to homelessness and other tragedies. They ranked among the highest for unemployment and had no facilities for their age group. Most felt unsafe in adult shelters.

Vallejo founded Elevate North Texas to bridge the gap in the region’s homeless system and provide a haven for young adults through emergency shelter, diversification and reunification, and host home placement programs.

Jason learned about the All Angels Foundation from a colleague at the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas who encouraged him to apply for startup funding.

The All Angels Foundation (AAF), formerly The Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation of Dallas, is the charitable arm of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, governed by a 15-member board elected by the Church, serving six-year terms.

“When Jason reached out to the Foundation, my fellow board members and I recognized that his mission to provide a safe, healthy, and affirming environment for an overlooked demographic in the homeless community aligns with our mission,” said Nita Clark, All Angels Foundation’s grants committee chair. “We believed in his leadership and helped him launch Elevate, expedite a matching gift challenge, and serve as a catalyst for additional community support.”

All Angels Foundation is aligned with Saint Michael in purpose and mission, partnering with the Church and other nonprofits dedicated to serving and caring for the most vulnerable in our communities.

“I joined All Angels Foundation’s board because the organization’s

calling—to bring our church’s light and love to the world— deeply resonated with me,” said Katherine Blachly. “My belief in the Foundation’s vision to bring lasting, transformative changes to people’s lives inspired me to become part of this movement.”

OUR HISTORY

The Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation of Dallas was founded in 1953 when generous parishioners asked how they could further support the Church. Their donations were used to help build the main church and educational building.

As parishioner support increased over the years, we saw an opportunity to help even more people in need by expanding our focus within and beyond the Church.

In 2021, AAF was repositioned and renamed the All Angels Foundation to support this vision of becoming more intentional in our quest to uplift those who need it most by empowering, enhancing, and enriching our parish and communities.

WHAT WE DO

The All Angels Foundation’s mission is to transform lives through acts of love. We believe love is a verb. Loving our neighbors calls us to demonstrate kindness, acceptance, and caring through positive action and the guidance of three pillars:

ELEVATING ACTS OF LOVE

We empower, enrich, and enhance our neighbors’ lives by supplying grants that support the mission of Saint Michael and affiliated outreach initiatives proposed by clergy, staff, and parishioners.

EMPOWERING ACTS OF LOVE

We offer sustenance to vulnerable community members by funding programs that address issues like food insecurity, joblessness, and disaster relief.

HEALING ACTS OF LOVE

We help heal those who are hurting through restorative causes, such as reconciliation initiatives, interfaith and youth dialogues, and community revitalization projects.

HOW WE’RE FUNDED

As a separately chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AAF is funded by donations from parishioners and non-parishioners, including gifts made through wills, trusts, insurance policies, and retirement plans.

Contributions to the Foundation are separate from annual stewardship. Stewardship funds support the operations of Saint Michael and All Angels, while AAF donations are non-operational.

All Angels Foundation donations, including bequests, can be designated for a specific purpose, such as music, outreach, or youth ministry. Undesignated contributions support the special opportunities and ministries of the Church and other community nonprofits in North Texas and across the country.

OUR IMPACT

Through a streamlined grants program and as part of Saint Michael’s 75th Anniversary Celebration, AAF made available more than $1.4 million in 2022 to support the Church through the music program, Youth Ministry and Worship Enhancement. The foundation also supported community organizations, including Project Moses, The Stewpot, Bachman Lake Together, United to Learn, Jubilee Center, Elevate North Texas and Tomorrow's Women.

“Our long-term vision is to become a growing force for good in the community,” said Stewart Thomas, All Angels Foundation’s President. “We are building partnerships to advance the outreach goals of the Foundation and the Church. And we are strengthening our grants

platform to enhance our ability to identify and qualify organizations that align with our mission.”

ALL ANGELS SOCIETY

The Foundation established the All Angels Society to commemorate gifts made to the parish through bequests and other estate planning. Anyone who has remembered SMAA in their will qualifies for membership. Society members will gather a few times each year to have fellowship and hear about the latest grants and activities of the Foundation.

To enroll in the All Angels Society or find out how to include the Church in your estate planning, please get in touch with Caroline Marak at (214) 692-3015 or cmarak@saintmichael.org

The Foundation prioritizes grants to the community that is aligned with these pillars.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

In 2021, the Foundation’s name changed to “All Angels Foundation.” We chose this name because angels symbolize taking care of others, which is the heart of our mission.

The All Angels Foundation logo features three angels representing the Foundation’s outreach focus: Elevating, Empowering, and Healing. The angels’ outspread wings symbolize outreach to our communities and the fulfillment of our mission to spread God’s love.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

To learn more about the All Angels Foundation, please visit our website at allangelsfoundation.com

MEET THE AAF TRUSTEES OFFICERS

Stewart Thomas, President

Larry Galvin, Treasurer

Grady Schleier, Assistant Treasurer

Elizabeth “Lee” Thompson, Secretary

Katherine Blachly, Vice President of Communications

Nita Clark, Vice President of Grants

Eric Conner, Vice President of Strategy

TRUSTEES

Mary Abrams

Tony Briggle

Joe Colonnetta

Harriet Cousins

Allen Lassiter

Stacey Malcolmson

David Martin

Matt Waller

An All Angels Society reception was held in November to learn about the Foundation’s Fall 2022 grants.

PROJECT MOSES: THE MINISTRY HAS COME FULL CIRCLE

By Mark and Terry Demler, Founders of Project Moses

Avisit by the Director of The Anglican Centre in Rome to Dallas, Texas helped to inspire the formation of our Project Moses Ministry.

In April 2015, Archbishop Sir David Moxon, Global Freedom Network Executive Committee member and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s representative to the Holy See came to Saint Michael to speak at a symposium on human trafficking. This symposium was co-hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas, and the American Friends of the Anglican Center in Rome. Also speaking at this event was parishioner Jeanne Phillips, former U.S. Ambassador and Advisory Board Member of New Friends New Life.

Mark and I attended this symposium, although we did not have any knowledge of the human trafficking issue—globally or locally. After hearing the presentations that day, Mark and I discussed the information and were overwhelmed with this new knowledge. Why did we not know more about it?

As days passed, we couldn’t let it go. There was a strong tug at our hearts! After reflection, we realized it was God gently guiding us to embrace this topic of human trafficking. To not let it go. To learn more. To find out how we might fit in to the work being done against the issue. Could we possibly make a difference?

In 2016, Project Moses was founded as a Mission and Out-

reach Ministry with a mission of highlighting the truths of human trafficking and sharing the light of Christ with its survivors. Three primary focus areas were chosen to begin the ministry. These were education and awareness, advocacy, and forming partnerships with established agencies to expand our outreach as a ministry.

The words of encouragement from Archbishop Moxon inspired us. The missions of The Global Freedom Network and the Anglican Centre in Rome have propelled Project Moses to grow and become a resource in the North Texas community for the fight against human trafficking. Significant milestones for our ministry have been our participation as board members of the North Texas

Could

We realized God was gently guiding us to embrace this topic of human trafficking. To not let it go.

we possibly make a difference?

Coalition Against Human Trafficking, our monthly routine of cooking and serving meals to trafficking survivors and their families, and the 2018 Symposium on Human Trafficking: Fighting For Freedom that was conducted for the community at our church.

Another educational event was hosted by Project Moses in January of 2022, Fighting For Freedom: Understanding Sex Trafficking. This event featured a distinguished panel of executives and survivors that lead several of the most impactful global organizations working to eradicate human trafficking including The Human Trafficking Institute, The Rebecca Bender Initiative, Savhera, and The Kleinert Foundation.

In addition to these milestones, Project Moses has developed a scholarship program to aid trafficking survivors in their education and rehabilitation. In 2022, the Project Moses Ambassador Program was also initiated to provide a closer engagement with our most important community agencies. The purpose of this program is to become closer allies with the direct care of survivors and to better understand the needs associated with their rehabilitation.

A future aspiration of Project Moses is a residential facility in our community to help survivors with their rehabilitation path. It was discovered that long term residential care is a significant need for survivors in our state. Thistle Farms and their Magdalene program is a model we intend to use as we develop these plans.

As the work of Project Moses continues, we also plan to part-

ner with The Anglican Centre as it continues to work on this issue globally. Under the direction of Archbishop Ian Ernest, Archbishop of Canterbury’s Personal Representative to the Holy See and Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, the Centre will lead efforts in awareness, education, and advocacy for the fight against human trafficking.

We were honored to present the Project Moses story at a recent meeting of the American Friends of the Anglican Centre in Nashville. The audience was the Board of Trustees, led by Saint Michael’s Tony Briggle, Chairman, and Archbishop Ian Ernest and his wife Kamla. The response of our ministry’s story was overwhelming and prompted the Archbishop

and Kamla to invite us to submit our story for publication in the Anglican Centre newsletter, Centro. Project Moses will also help to enhance education and communication about the global human trafficking issue throughout the Anglican Communion.

With this recent reconnection with the Anglican Centre, Project Moses has truly “come full circle”. Project Moses plans to host a pilgrimage to the Anglican Centre in Rome in 2024 to focus on the work being done within the Anglican Communion. With these plans being developed, our ministry inspiration from 2015 will take us back to the origin of our first education about the human trafficking issue that affects us all.

Join us in the fight against human trafficking. Learn what’s happening every day in your community. Be an advocate for survivors.

To get involved with Project Moses, contact Terry and Mark, projectmosesht@gmail.com, or visit saintmichael.org/projectmoses

To Our Saint Michael Friends, We pray for each of you as the one way that we can thank you for your great love for us.

Thank you very much for everything that you do for us. We wish you a joyful Christmas, and may God bless your lives. We hope to see you again soon!

With our love, Mamá

Our friends at Amistad Mission, Casa Esperanza sent us a beautiful and heartwarming Christmas card all the way from Bolivia! We are so grateful for our partnership with Amistad Mission, Bolivia, and look forward to meeting the children at Casa Esperanza during the youth mission trip in July 2023.

Our wonderful volunteers helped distribute Christmas gifts to the families of Jubilee Park. This year, YOU made Christmas wishes come true for 350 children and 200 senior citizens through generous donations and many hours of gift wrapping, organizing, and planning. Thank you to all those who spent countless hours making I Believe in Angels possible!

TOP: CHRISTMAS CARD FROM CASA ESPERANZA

BOTTOM: I BELIEVE IN ANGELS GIFT DISTRIBUTION

Jimena, Aylin, Mathias, Anderson, Jhair, Ezequiel, René, and Iveth.

Parishioners and guests of all ages spent their Christmas Eve at Saint Michael celebrating the birth of Christ! From our Jazz service to the Joy service (geared completely to young children) to our 10:30 p.m. service, we had something for everyone to enjoy.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Station 1 Michael Blachly

STATIONS OF THE CROSS ART PROJECT

By the Rev. Christian Basel

Praying with the Stations of the Cross is one of the great devotions of Christian tradition. Traditionally, fourteen images depicting Jesus Christ follow the route he took on the day of his crucifixion. Each image is accompanied by prayers and in a spiritual way reflects our joining in on that walk with Jesus, either done individually or as part of a group.

Many church communities have a set of stations, and they can vary widely in artistic style and composition. You may be familiar with the set of stations at Saint Michael found in the narthex of the church—the Via Crucis, fourteen bas-relief sculptures created by Federico Severino. This example uses symbols that are found throughout each the sculptures to create a unified approach and depicts in a beautiful and moving way the last moments of Christ’s life.

This year, SMAA has added a different approach to the Stations of the Cross by enlisting the talents of parishioners and staff members to create a new set of stations. Each station is interpreted by one artist, who creates a piece of artwork based on that station. What results is a set of fourteen very different views, in varying styles and approaches, to the stations.

The idea behind this project is to allow viewers to interact with the Stations of the Cross in a new way. In each station you will encounter different emotions and ideas, different ways of looking at the images, in hopes that you will connect with the image or prayer in a new way. You will also be encountering images that come directly from the people with whom you worship and form part of your community. These artistic pieces reflect part of your own community as it interacts with Jesus’ walk to the crucifixion.

Our hope is that you experience the Stations of the Cross in a fresh and unexpected way. That they will help you to be more attune to the work of the Holy Spirit and the ways in which we are connected as a community.

The stations will be displayed in the ambulatory from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday. To assist in your devotions, you can pick up an accompanying booklet with artists reflections and meditations written by SMAA clergy.

REFLECTIONS ON JUBILEE

An Edited Transciption of the Speech Given by Walter J. Humann at the 25th Anniversary Formal Dinner and Celebration Held for Jubilee Park and Community Center on November 5, 2022

By Walter J. Humann, Founding Chairman of Jubilee Park and Community Center

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you so much for coming tonight to this magnificent event, Jubilee’s 25th Anniversary. Let’s have a round of applause for the staff and the folks who put on this event.

Jubilee began as a twinkle in the eye of Saint Michael’s rector, the Rev. Dr. Mark Anschutz. He believed we should do something special for the 50th Anniversary of Saint Michael Church. So, he established a 50th Anniversary Committee chaired by Bill Johnson. This committee concluded that, rather than build additional facilities, the church should do something more substantive and

lasting. It should provide outreach to a needy community in Dallas.

On a Saturday morning following the 50th Anniversary Committee recommendations, I was invited to the rector’s office and met with Bill and Mark. The rector asked me to lead this effort. I was honored and viewed this opportunity as a chance of a lifetime. Using the experience gained as a White House Fellow and through over 30 years of community service in Dallas, this was a chance to try a radically different approach to urban revitalization. Since World War II, federal, state, and local governments have spent literally hundreds of billions of dollars trying to re-

duce poverty and rejuvenate urban areas. By most measurements, all that money has failed to “move the needle.” Perhaps Jubilee could really succeed by going down a completely different path in its quest to revitalize the community.

So, for the Jubilee project, we implemented the following Principles:

First Principle: we adopted an entire 100 block area and pledged to make everything in that area “the best it could be.”

Second Principle: we set up task forces to comprehensively address issues that impact revitalization. These task forces included the fol-

lowing issues: Education, Housing, Public Safety, Health, Physical Improvements (e.g., Park), Employment, Economic Development, Community Ownership, and Transportation. Rather than providing only after-school education, our approach covered the entire spectrum of issues impeding progress. All of these issues are inter-related. For example, you cannot just educate children if the community is unsafe, unhealthy, and in decline. We needed to act comprehensively, rather than just concentrating on a single silo. All issues are not only inter-related, but they must also be addressed simultaneously.

Third Principle: but you ask, "How could Jubilee address all these issues at the same time with limited staff and funding?" The answer is to make maximum use of volunteers. A volunteer provides three benefits. They are talented, can get the job done, and work for free. A volunteer will attract others as volunteers. And all those volunteers will probably provide in-kind or financial help.

Fourth Principle: Primarily use private rather than public funding. Less hassle and red tape.

Fifth Principle: Make a long-term commitment to the community. Don’t think you can clean an alley one Saturday afternoon and you have solved the problems in South Dallas. Don’t start and not finish the job.

Finally, there must be a Principle of servant leadership. A partnership must be developed between outside volunteers and community leaders. Take risks. Be entre-

preneurial. Ask for forgiveness instead of permission. Don’t be afraid to lead.

When we started Jubilee, the area had no name, one of the highest crime rates in the city, worst performing grade school, 25% of the lots were vacant or had abandoned houses, high unemployment, and other more deeply seeded problems.

We started on a hot, June 27th afternoon. Saint Michael’s women provided games and food for the residents and kids. The rest of us picked up bricks, shingles, glasses, and debris accumulated over 40 years, along with a summer’s worth of chiggers.

We built two Habitat for Humanity homes. One was used to house four AmeriCorps members, and the other house was used to teach kids and for administrative purposes. LaSheryl Walker was one of those AmeriCorps members who worked with us for almost 15 years. She was the Mother Superior of the neighborhood.

We began operations by providing after school education. However, when some of Saint Michael's Vestry heard about all the problems in the community, they were concerned about Saint Michael’s reputation. Some asked: “What is our exit strategy?” So, I was called to a vestry meeting to explain how we could withdraw with dignity. I explained that we could pack up a U-Haul at midnight, move everything out, and put up “for rent” signs on Monday morning. No one would be the wiser.

However, I countered that we should do something tangible and permanent for the residents. We could help the community by implementing one of three options.

Option One: We could buy the Wyatt house (see photo on the next page) behind our classroom, eliminate an eye sore, and build a pocket park with a little swing set.

Option Two: We could buy the Wyatt house and the lots on either side of the Wyatt house, build a mini park, and install a bigger swing set.

Option Three: We could acquire all 60 lots in the entire block and build a great park.

The next day I got a call from Nancy Solana who was on the vestry and had heard my testimony. She was also an official with the Fikes Foundation. What she said I’ll remember forever. Her first words were: “Walt. Let’s build a great park. The Fikes Foundation will fund it.” I cannot thank them enough.

Lee Fikes and his wife Amy have done so much for Jubilee. Not only did they fund the park, but they also responded when we called for help with education and programs to reduce the high crime rate. We hired off-duty police; crime went down temporarily. It was then that the concept of a police sub-station in Jubilee was born. The Fikes have our sincere thanks.

To build a great park and acquire every lot in an entire block required divine intervention. Normally Dallas parks occur when

one party owns all the land and donates it for park use. But in our case, we had to acquire about 60 lots. There could be no park if we had holdouts. It was like we had to flip a coin 60 times and every time it had to come up heads. One “out-parcel” would ruin the park. God allowed us to acquire all 60 lots and create a miracle in south Dallas. Here are the major impediments God helped us overcome in acquiring those 60 lots.

First, there was the stigma in the black community of the Fair Park condemnation. Many years ago, the city of Dallas condemned all the lots along Fitzhugh to build a parking lot for the StarPlex entertainment center. Black owners were paid less than the appraised value and black renters were simply kicked out with no compensation. So, when we tried to buy lots, many owned by black citizens, they were convinced we would condemn their land, under pay, and then make big profits. To overcome that issue, we offered to put in each deed: “If Jubilee

ever used their lot for non-park purposes, they could buy their lot back for $1.00.” That commitment overcame that impediment. Next there were title problems. Who were the owners of each lot? Almost everyone living in Jubilee dies without a will. So, on most of the 60 lots we had to research and then construct elaborate family trees. One 50 by 70-foot lot had 40 owners with an incredibly complex family tree.

Many owners of record were dead. Other owners required herculean efforts to find them. Some of you have heard the story of Mr. T. and Ardonna Hoxey. We would not have closed those lots without God’s help.

Once the owners were identified, we had to get their contact information and get them to talk to us. How many of you get spam calls and hang up immediately? We had a lot of rejections. An example is the Wyatt house which was next to our Jubilee classroom building.

This lot was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Wyatt, Sr. The parents died intestate and so the title went to their three children—two boys and a girl—now all grown. Alonzo Jr. was a Korean War Veteran, who had shell shock. He would preach every day in downtown Dallas at Elm and Akard. LaSheryl would call me at the office whenever Alonzo, Jr. came back to his rat-infested house to sleep. He would preach from his front porch. I listened to a number of his sermons and finally got him to tell me where his brother and sister were. It turns out they were living in Dallas but were estranged. They hadn’t spoken to one another for years. His brother worked as a bouncer at the Z Discothèque on East Grand and I-30. The brother agreed to meet me at his business. I had to proceed through two locked doors and ended up in a very dark room. I thought I might not get out of there.

Later, we located the sister working at the postal annex in Grand Prairie. She was the most suspicious of the three. She said, “I hate my brothers; I don’t want anything to do with them. I am against anything they want to do.” But with divine help we finally got them all together in that little Jubilee classroom. The first five minutes were terrible and then the dam broke. One embraced the other, and finally they all started crying and hugging one another. It was their first reunion in 15 years. They all signed the deed and took their checks. We had acquired our first lot and the rest is history.

As word got out that we were buying, potential sellers upped their

sale price. The best example of this inflation involved Pastor B. [He] owned the church on Bank and Gurley and the adjacent parsonage. The church and parsonage were old and dilapidated like the Wyatt house. One day, LaSheryl called me and said that Pastor B. would like to talk about a potential sale. This was a great opportunity for Jubilee. I knew that Pastor B. liked Slurpees from 7-11. So, on a hot July day, I walked up on his front porch with two big Slurpees and began our visit. He said, “Walt, the Lord has told me that He wants me to sell this church and house.” I said, “Pastor B., that’s great! We want to buy them!” He continued, “The Lord also told me that I need to get one million dollars for them.” I said, “But Pastor B, they only appraised for $34,000! I would be thrown out of Jubilee, and anyway we don’t have that kind of money.” So, I took my Slurpee, which had turned into hot mush, and left totally deflated, thinking we would never own that property. But Pastor B. had several visits with the Good Lord, and the Good Lord finally told him a price that we could both agree upon. So, we now own what we call “the Old Church in Jubilee Park” and several adjacent lots.

A final impediment involved parties who said they never wanted to sell. The best example was the Soto Brothers. They owned two “shotgun” houses on opposite sides of Gleason Avenue, next to the Wyatt lot. Gleason was a dirt road cutting through the middle of the proposed park, starting at Gurley and ending were Jeanie’s Place parking lot exits onto South Car-

roll. The Soto lots were in the dead center of the proposed park. They would not sell in spite of repeated meetings. But they had children and there was no park in the entire area. That became the key.

After weeks, miraculously, unexpectedly, the elder Soto called me and said they decided to sell. The next afternoon, I walked up Gleason Ave. to consummate the sale. I noticed the two families, children and adults all in their Sunday finery, were gathered on Gleason between the two houses. The elder Soto motioned me up on the high porch. He had his son bring out a table and three chairs for himself, his brother and me. I sat there like an empresario. They signed the deeds to the two houses. And this is what he said, “Parque para los ninos.” (Park for the kids) That’s what influenced him and finally led him to sell. He relocated elsewhere in Jubilee Park.

We ultimately were able to acquire all 60 lots. Each acquisition involved a wonderful human inter-

est story, and one day I’m going to commit those stories to writing.

About 18 months after Nancy’s phone call, we dedicated the Park, releasing doves to the delight of the children invited to the ceremony. Kids gathered at the entrance under the metal “Jubilee Park” Sign (see photo above). In the background was the new park with donated sprinkler system, light poles, grass, a playground, basketball courts and a football/ soccer field. The Park was a magnet for the community. It was tangible evidence that something had been done for the residents. It symbolized that Saint Michael's volunteers were here for the long run.

The park became a beehive of activity. Field days, police officers coaching, and four pee-wee league football teams—that brought out the cheerleaders. And the player and cheerleader kids brought out their parents. We had so many people in the fall afternoons that there were no parking places for blocks. That was a great tribute to the val-

ue of the park which became the life blood of the community.

Aside from land acquisition, we needed another ingredient, a person who basically walks on water. We needed a person who knew how to develop and maintain a park. So we appointed Bill Pardoe as Park Czar. More on that later.

With the park and additional land we acquired, we built the Jubilee Community Center, the Resource Center, Police Station, Head Start School—David’s Place, (which is dedicated to David & Maria Martin’s son, David, and to their good friend, David Silby)—and Jeanie’s Place, the Early Head Start School.

We bought and closed down two crack houses, one where Jeanie’s Place school is now and the other where we built Gurley Place, the Senior Living homes. We bought the church. Built affordable homes. The Dallas City Manager said that “We have accelerated our 15-year plan to get Jubilee curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and street recovering into Jubilee because of the Park.” We convinced the DISD School Board President and Superintendent to get rid of its 102-year-old school and build a new, 23 million dollar Oran B. Roberts School. Most people, like our mayor here and the city manager, now know the name Jubilee Park and where it is located.

With each lot acquisition, decades of debris had to be removed. Marvin Boulden, an African American former truck driver, was hired as the janitor at Roe Chapel Baptist Church, a block to the east

of Jubilee Park. Marvin became a good friend. Marvin was asked to operate heavy equipment to uncover buried debris. And then volunteers would come in late afternoon, pick up debris and toss it into a dumpster. The archaeological dig made us aware that a once vibrant community had deteriorated into an urban slum. That “after hours” activity also introduced volunteers to different residents. They revealed the great disparity between the people who lived in Jubilee neighborhood and the rest of Dallas.

Two people, especially, come to mind: Mrs. Griner lived on Congo Street, in the shotgun house, owned by a slum landlord. She had four children, worked three jobs as a maid in the Park Cities, had breast cancer, and was getting by on $18,000 a year. [Try running] a budget—four children going to school, food, clothing, transportation, and utilities—all on $18,000. Still, she made time to come down to City Hall and testify to get zoning for this park.

The other person was 10-year-old Larry. One late afternoon, while picking up those bricks and debris, a chubby 10-year-old African American boy appeared. “My name is Larry. What are you doing, mister?” “We’re building a park for the kids.” “Can I help?” “Absolutely.” I got him a pair of gloves and we’d work in silence, picking up material and throwing it in the dumpster. I soon learned that Larry never met his dad, he was teased at school because he was overweight, and he had a large growth on his ear from an ear piercing gone bad. His mother was

a crack-head. Each time she was released from prison, she would beat Larry unmercifully. Instead of staying at home, like normal kids would do, Larry would grab food and sleep at classmates’ houses, or ultimately go further away to his grandmother’s house.

As Larry and I picked up bricks, we could see the lights from downtown Dallas coming through the trees. That is where the people work and live who have it made. Quite a contrast to what the residents like Mrs. Greiner and little Larry have. It reminds me of this poem:

We are all blind until we see That in the human plan Nothing is worth the making If it does not make the man. Why build these cities glorious If man unbuilded goes? We build the world in vain unless the builders also grow.

The next 25 years will be wonderfully exciting for Jubilee Park. And while our work is far from finished, certainly we can say that the community residents have benefited from what we have done so far. But, if we are honest, we must admit that we have received the greatest benefit in providing service to others. So, I’ll close with this,

I sought my soul. But my soul I could not see.

I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought to help my fellow man, and I found all three.”

Thank you very much.

We want to pay tribute to those who have meant so much to Jubilee.

MARISSA MIKOY, President and CEO of Jubilee: Marissa provides strong, personable, effective leadership. She has held major non-profit positions here and in Washington, D.C. She received a coveted Presidential Award. She is bilingual and is perfect for Jubilee.

BILL & LYDIA ADDY, underwriters of this event. This couple has done so much for Jubilee. Bill provided all the furniture for the new community. They have made major donations and underwrote the 20year celebration. They receive the Champions of Change Award.

BILL PARDOE , Park Czar : Bill Pardoe was a former owner of Lamberts Landscaping Company. He has chaired the University Park committee for decades. He has a degree in landscape architecture. God sent us the perfect person to develop and oversee the Park. Almost everyday Bill would be here providing a helping hand, keeping this park great and adding to its function. Every park should have a name. It is only fitting that henceforth our park will be called Pardoe Park.

The following seven volunteers and benefactors have gone to heaven.

BILL JOHNSON, 50th Anniversary Committee Chair : He was a light to all who knew him. He was a legacy of compassion, change, and renewal. And Bill raised a lot of money for Jubilee. He will light a path for our community for generations to come.

As many of you know, Bill never owned a cell phone or a computer. Consequently, we had to call his

home to invite him to meetings. If Bill wasn’t there, you would get the following phone recording from Bill, “We are not here right now. So, you know what to do. But if you leave words please speak slowly and distinctly.” So Walt, looking up to heaven and speaking very slowly and distinctly into his cell phone, said the following, “Bill. Its Walt down here. We are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Jubilee. We cannot thank you enough for all you have done for Jubilee. As a result, we are giving your lovely wife Anne a special award. Take care of yourself. No need to call me back.”

JOE GORDON, Employment

Task Force Chair: Joe got the street sign toppers saying “Jubilee Park”. He was a leading architect in Dallas.

MARVIN BOLDEN, Roe

Chapel Baptist Church: Roe helped clean the park and was the top African American chess player in Texas. He ended up teaching chess to kids in our new park.

JEAN BEATY, a one-person-volunteer search firm within Saint Michael Church: Whenever I needed a volunteer, I would call Jean, describe what we needed, and within days we had several great volunteers with the skills required.

LARRY SHOWALTER : volunteered every day to pick up trash in the park while Arden, his wife, taught the children.

T. BOONE PICKENS: He donated funds to make the Community Center, Resource Center, and police sub-station possible. We also used his funding to buy

the infamous bar at the corner of South Carroll and Lindsay that is where the Resource Center is located. His gift also allowed land purchase for the new Jubilee Park entrance and President George Bush tree grove. Pickens was a member of the Giving Pledge, determined to give away most of his fortune before his death. We had become friends working in North Sea Oil Exploration. Mary Stewart also knew Boone. So, we arranged a meeting, and he was receptive to our funding request. Subsequent meetings and visits by Boone to Mrs. Gringer’s shotgun house, with no running water and gaps in the bedroom’s walls, convinced him to invest in Jubilee. After he committed to the design and construction of the Community and Resource Center, he was asked for an addition $1 million to cover “sticker shock”—that is, the increased administrative and utilities costs when you move into a new building.

MARIA MARTHA RUIZ : Simply known as Ms. Martha, she was a beloved member of Jubilee Park community from the beginning in 1997. Servant at heart, not a single person walked through our doors who didn’t have their hearts touched by Martha. She reminded us that “Jubilee es Casa de todo la Comunidad” (Jubilee is home to the entire community.)

I am pleased to announce that Jubilee has named, in her honor, the kitchen where Martha spent countless hours feeding and caring for her neighbors, Martha's Café. Her children, including her daughter, Patricia Ruiz, will be informed of this honor.

CLERGY COLLEGIALITY

By the Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata

Growing up in the Roman Catholic Church, I always held the priests in high esteem. As a member of the choir and as an acolyte, not to mention being a parishioner in the pews, I respected the office of the priesthood and imagined super serious men (of course they were all men) who were far holier than me. Fast forward to adulthood and now I am a priest, and my experience of what the priesthood means is quite different.

For many, priests can be hard to get to know. Each person has their own experience with ordained leaders and some of our most formative experiences drive our adult understanding. It’s true that priests play a vital role in the life of our church. The Catechism notes that “the ministry of a priest or presbyter” is “to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as pastor to the people; to proclaim the gospel; to administer the sacraments; and to bless and declare pardon in the name of God (BCP, p. 856).” At Saint Michael, we have a team of priests. When you count our part-time priests, including our Sunday assistants, we have nine! Such a large group is unusual for the Episcopal Church.

You might be surprised to know that in many churches, clergy don’t get along. Yes, it’s true that in many Episcopal churches, there can be rocky relationships between parish priests that often spill out into the congregation.

That’s why I’m so very grateful for the clergy team we have at Saint Michael! The clergy team that’s gathered to serve our church is intelligent, generous, highly capable, and a lot of fun. We actually like each other!

When the pandemic hit, I really missed seeing my clergy colleagues. When we were able to start gathering in person again, I began to schedule regular moments when we could get outside the weekly pattern of logistics meetings and focus on deepening our relationships. These moments have proven so very valuable. In addition to regular moments when the clergy gather outside a regular meeting room, I’m also hosting semi-annual parties. This fall, the clergy gathered with spouses to take a cooking class at Sur la Table and had a blast. I’ve included some pictures from the event because I know you’ll enjoy seeing the priests in their “civies.”

I am very grateful to the leaders of our parish who support the collegiality of our clergy, and I appreciate you for the kindness and love you show to all the priests here. Thank you for your continued investment and energy to make Saint Michael such a faithful community in which all of us can deepen our discipleship. And thank you for making Saint Michael such a wonderful place to do ministry together!

GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST

May the souls of these faithful departed rest in peace

Samuel L. Parham, Jr.

January 5, Drew Hutchinson Steele Parham (wife)

Janice D. Bloodgood

July 4, Kristi Wilson (daughter), Scott (son-in-law), Brynn and Charlotte (granddaughters)

Drew Hutchinson Steele Parham

July 10

James Howard "Jim" Barnett

September 1, Tricia Monfrey (sister) and Mark (brother-in-law)

Daniel John Lyke

October 2, Jennifer Sorrells (sister), Chris (brother-in-law), Dylan and Bennett (nephews)

Margaret Volk "Peggy" Wood

October 3

Max Walker Wells

October 6, Martha Wells (wife), Duncan and Amy Kimmerling (step-children)

Logan Aaryn Talley

October 16, Larry Talley and Ellen (parents), Tripp, Ashten, Daisy, Haley, Hayden and Jackson (siblings)

Brian Alan Buongiorno

October 22, Liz Ann Ellinor (mother-in-law)

Janice Jacobi Martina

October 26, Ann Brown (daughter), Doug (son-in-law), Renner and Rowen (grandsons)

Jack Rue Coleman

October 27

Gary Dale Callarman

October 28, Paul Callarman (son), Bess (daughter-in-law), Jack and Kate (grandchildren)

Marilyn Humphrey Moore

October 30, Melissa Carry (daughter) and James (son-in-law)

Edwin Pratt "Ed" Crenshaw

November 2, Bob Crenshaw, Jr. (brother), Christy (sisterin-law), Katie, Alicia, Robert, Elizabeth and Hal (nieces and nephews)

Douglas Geoffrey McGrath

November 3, Mary Abrams (sister)

Jan Terese Jones

November 14, Michael Huggins (son), Monica (daughter-inlaw), Foster, Libby and Eli (grandchildren)

William Norman "Bill" Hamilton

November 18

David Washburn Soelter

November 18, Lila Soelter (wife), Judy Spiva (daughter) and Mike (son-in-law)

Mary Lou Bray

November 25, Melisa Bray (daughter-in-law)

Don Carlos Chancelor

November 25, Ann Mills (sister)

Elaine Folley Notestine

November 27

Freda B. Baber

November 28, Rob Baber (son) and Lisa (daughter-in-law)

Susanne Marie Faulkner Osborne

November 29, Erin Osborne (sister-in-law) and Vic Schmerbeck (brother-in-law)

William McLauchlin Bass

November 30, Margaret Watson (daughter), Brad (son-inlaw), Eleanor and Emily (granddaughters)

Constance Patrick "Connie" Nicholas

December 1, Trez Patrick (son), Becky (daughter-in-law), Anna and Brooks (grandchildren)

John Augustine Alexander

December 5, Jennifer Alexander (wife)

Gwen Mills Johnson

December 12

Virginia Justin Gagnon McEwen

December 15, Heather Moore (daughter), Jerry (son-in-law) and Graham Moore (grandson)

David Allen McGee

December 16, Liz McGee (wife), Todd McGee (son), Zoe McGee (granddaughter), Mark McGee (son), Jaime (daughter-in-law), Finley and Molly (granddaughters)

Norma Ann Wallace

December 23, Jay Wallace (son), Kathleen (daughter-in-law), Regan and Marshall (grandchildren)

Jean Wright Williams Lattimore

December 25, Whitney Grogan (daughter), Jay (son-in-law) and Will (grandson)

Brooke Erin Millican

Frederick Hagaman Benners

January 6, Betsy Benners (wife), Rick Benners (son), Allison (daughter-in-law), Tripp and Will (grandsons)

Suzanne Lee Mayo

January 8, the Rev. Dr. Chris Girata (nephew), Nicole (niece-in-law), Brayden (great-nephew), Layna, and Annemarie (great-nieces)

Dominick August Sciortino, Jr.

January 10, Gabrielle Ott (daughter) and Luther (son-inlaw), Abby, Jordan, Alli Grace and Luke (grandchildren)

Laura D. Vaccaro

January 10, Debra Decker (niece) and Michael (nephew-in-law)

Herbert Lee "Herb" Brewer

January 13

Joseph "Jay" Barta

January 14, Carolyn Barta (mother)

Linda Kay Sellers Blake

January 18, Erika Bower (granddaughter), Phil (grandsonin-law), Philip and Liliana (great-grandchildren)

Mary “Gayle” Mattingly Kesinger

January 20

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Celebrating the arrivals of our newest family

Patrick Hadden Halpin

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Parents: Katy Jane and Patrick Halpin

Grandparents: Kathy and Patrick Jenevein

Great-grandparents: Jane and Pat Jenevein

Arthur Edwin Diamonstein

Monday, August 22, 2022

Parents: Callie and Eric Diamonstein

Grandparents: Kathy and Patrick Jenevein

Great-grandparents: Jane and Pat Jenevein

William Alexander Knapp

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Parents: Elizabeth and Spencer Knapp

Alice Arceneaux Barry

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Parents: Michael & Virginia Barry

Grandparents: Rick and Kay Barry & Ginger Brown

Noah Everly Somodevilla

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Great-grandparents: The Rev. René Somodevilla and Mrs. Nancy Somodevilla

December 27, Dr. Brady Millican (uncle) and Barbara Kennard (aunt) *As of: 1/24/2023

90% of our annual budget is based on YOUR contributions! YOU are putting the hands and feet of God at work in our community by Building His Kingdom through the people of Saint Michael and All Angels. Thank you!

If you have yet to make a pledge or financial gift to the 2023 program year, visit SaintMichael.org/Stewardship2023 or scan the QR code below.

Your support empowers the ministry we are able to provide and will enrich the faith lives of many that you may never know. If you have questions about your pledge, contact Caroline Marak, Director of Stewardship at 214.692.3015 or cmarak@saintmichael.org. Visit SaintMichael.org/Stewardship2023 to make your pledge!

SUNDAY, MAY 21

4 p.m. in the Church

The Saint Michael Choir and Orchestra present a concert including Mozart's complete "Coronation" Mass. A freewill offering will benefit the music ministry.

SAINTMICHAEL.ORG/MUSIC