The Archangel Magazine - Winter 2022

a.m. Service

Michael Chapel

a.m. Activities

Cloister & Coke Room

The festival will begin with an Advent-themed Joy service and includes the appearance of a very special guest: St. Nicholas! Following the service, all are invited to enjoy treats and refreshments, participate in a Christmas service project, and engage in a variety of Advent activities.

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

Kristen Burk

Robert Butler

Laisha Cano

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

The Rev. Robin H. Hinkle

Catherine Hinkley Diane Hollie Angelia Hunter Beth Igoe Madelyn Ivy Sheila Johnson

The Rev. Robert (Bob) Johnston, III Cheryl Kaschak Caroline Law

The Rev. Mary Lessmann Chris Love Caroline Marak Bhavnita Masih Christi Morrow 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

The Rev. Canon René Somodevilla 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 Executive Assistant to the Vice Rector Assistant Director of Facilities Sexton

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 Associate for Mission & Outreach Assistant to Music Receptionist Accountant

Assistant to CFM & Youth Assistant Director of CFM Assistant to Finance & Foundation Associate for Contemporary Worship Accountant Director of Advancement Associate for Spiritual Growth Bookshop Manager Director of Stewardship Executive Assistant to the Rector Mission & Outreach Coordinator Director of Operations Coordinator of Small Groups Accountant Campaign Consultant Associate for Pastoral Care Graphic Designer Sexton Sexton Director of Music & Organist Sexton Director of Formation Sunday Assistant 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

SUNDAY SERVICES

7:30 AM: Holy Eucharist Rite I, Traditional

9 AM: Holy Eucharist Rite II, Traditional

9 AM: JOY: A Children’s Service

10 AM: Formation Classes

11 AM: Holy Eucharist Rite I, Traditional

11 AM: Holy Eucharist Rite II, Contemporary

5:30 PM: Holy Eucharist Rite II, Traditional

8 PM: Compline Digital Webcast saintmichael.org/live

CONTACTS

EMERGENCY PRIEST ON CALL

Main Parish Number

All Angels Foundation 8011 Douglas Ave Dallas, TX 75225

Saint Michael Episcopal School 4344 Colgate Ave Dallas, TX 75225

St. Michael’s Woman's Exchange SMWE FAX 5 Highland Park Village Dallas, TX 75205

Episcopal Diocese of Dallas Episcopal Diocese FAX 5100 Ross Ave Dallas, TX 75206

(214) 232-7512

(214) 363-5471 (214) 363-5471 (214) 521-3862

(214) 521-3862 (214) 522-1933 (214) 826-8310 (214) 826-5968

ASSISTING CLERGY

The Rev. Nate Bostian Sunday Assistant

The Rev. Bob Johnston Associate for Contemporary Worship

The Rev. Mary Lessmann Associate for Spiritual Growth

The Rev. Canon René Somodevilla Sunday Assistant

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

the the the

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Steve Haal

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Bhavnita Masih

Robin Hinkle

Tish Visinsky

Ken Brannon

CHIEF DESIGNER

Jenna Pitman

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

Travis Harvey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carolyn Barta

Justin Brooks Chris Girata Andrew Grosso Olga Martinez Hickman

Robin Hinkle

Christi Morrow Ryan Moss Greg Pickens Allison Tucker

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sarah Fairweather

Steve Haal

Jenna Pitman

PRINTER

Rosa Zuniga Finishing and Mailing Center

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

“...it’s-[uh] raining men, hallelujah it’s raining men...” was loudly echoing through the room as I was quickly walking a tight-rope of space between other servers focusing on 27 different things, and carrying two large trays of food, one in each hand. This was the typical scene at Planet Hollywood Dallas, located in a former iteration of the West End district (a much livelier iteration.) Anyone reading who may have visited during the years it was open may remember the enormous diorama of images that surrounded the main dining area, just below Mel Gibson’s dangling motorcycle from Lethal Weapon, and other neon-flashing memorabilia and TVs.

If only I hadn’t been looking at things on the diorama TV and humming that Weather Girls tune, I might have seen the wet spot on the floor...suddenly I was the man raining down...

Whereas the food and trays hitting the ground was embarrasing, I think it was the pepper-mill that was attached to the back of my belt that caused the most damage to my body when I hit the ground bottom-first. At least that’s what my primary, chiropractor, and MRI seem to say. Luckily, they were able to fix me, more or less. They said I should be good to go—just need to stay in shape and keep exercising those support muscles.

So it’s 30 years later, and I’m back in rehab for the same injury because I was lazy.

The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 7:15 about a similar bout of inconsistency: vent ing that the things he knows he should do, he doesn’t, “For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate.” Then in Philippians 3:13-14, Paul states a singular commitment that if there is just one thing he will do, it is to keep trying, “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching for ward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Persistence and details.

Is it easier, perhaps, to see the need for consistent persistence and attention to the details of what keeps us physically healthy, as opposed to spiritually healthy? If so, is it that we have a physical mirror in which we view ourselves each day? Even with that I became lax—but it wan’t until my body demanded my attention once more, with spasms, numbness, and weakness, that my attention to detail and persistence kicked in again. Only now it’s pretty clear that I must stay on point in maintain ing, or it’s off to surgery.

How do we maintain our spiritual lives? I’m betting most of us can easily recall times in our past when our spirits were crying out, demanding our attention. Perhaps that was all it took. Perhaps like many of us it can be cyclical with the busyness of life. That may be one reason why Rector Chris Girata writes on page 8 about discipleship and the need to—even more so now in this country— “seek out a community that can support you on [your] journey...”

There is no quick fix; either for our bodies or our faith. Saint Michael as a parish is filled with leaders: clergy, staff, and laity, who passionately and strategically working to find ways to help each of us bind together more strongly, grow in our faith, encour age one another, and stand together in the moments of need. Look through this issue and you will find a myriad of ways to take part in this community— too many ways to mention here! As we do, our faith and church family will grow larger and stronger.

2022 VESTRY

Richard D'Antoni

Erica Sartain

Arnold Spencer

Janice Bywaters

Dianna Bowen Nancy Wilbur

Warden

Warden Warden-at-Large Treasurer

Clerk

Stuart Brown, Eric Gilmour, Carol Goglia, Louise Griffeth, John McFarland, Jr., Holly Peña, Kelly Reddell, Darrel Rice, Carol Roehrig, Jack Rubarth, Ginger Sager, Keller Webster

2022 DIOCESAN DELEGATES

2022 ALL ANGELS FOUNDATION

officers

Stewart Thomas President

Larry Galvin Treasurer

Grady Schleier

Treasurer

"Lee" Thompson Secretary Katherine Blachly

President of Communications

Nita Clark

President of Grants

Conner

President of Strategy

The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, Rector Richard D'Antoni, Senior Warden

Janice Bywaters, Saint Michael Treasurer Arnold Spencer, Vestry Representative Rob Baber, Director of Finance

Mary Abrams

Harriet Cousins Allen Lassiter

Matt Waller

Tony Briggle Joe Colonnetta

Stacey Malcolmson

Martin

WE HAVE IGNITION

A Message from the Rector, Chris Girata

T his past summer

gave me an op portunity to take a step outside my normal routine and reconsider the work we do together in our Saint Michael community. I’ve written specifical ly about my summer sabbatical lat er in this issue, but here, I want to focus on one of the most important benefits of my time away.

When I began my summer jour ney, one personal goal was to reset and renew my excitement for what is happening at Saint Michael. We have grown in giving, attendance, and vision during my first six years with you, and I left for sabbatical excited about our future. However, what I didn’t expect was to return from the sabbatical with such re newed clarity about what God has given us to do.

In Europe, including the UK, Christianity has shifted in an in credible way over the past two

generations. I knew that Europe ans overall didn’t go to church in significant numbers—any survey can tell us that. What I didn’t real ize was that low church attendance wasn’t simply a function of people getting out of good habits. Rather, low church attendance represents a shift in the impact of Christianity. Religion, specifically Christian ity, has become a relic of history to most Europeans. Yes, there are many ways in which religion is still present, such as its use in names of schools, buildings, and towns, but those names and traditions have become secularized and historical, without any broad, meaningful spiritual connections.

That reality stunned me. I simply was not prepared to see the shift away from religion in such a sweep ing way. When I left on my sabbat ical, I expected to have a wonderful time with my family, which I did. I expected to rest and renew my personal spiritual life, which I did. What I didn’t anticipate was get

ting so fired up about our mission at Saint Michael, which I really did!

What we are doing here has evolved in my heart and mind. Over the first six years of my ministry with you, I was passionate about who we have been and who we can be in the future. This manifested in en ergetic engagement around giving, investment in major ministry areas such as music, outreach, pastoral care, and communications—the last proving especially important during Covid. Last year, we began to dig into more effective and im pactful discipleship programs, as well as welcome and engagement ministries, and now I’m far more energized about both of those.

I’m keenly aware that we live in a community that still desires a spiritual life, even if fewer people are making the commitment to show up and invest themselves in church communities. For me, that means we have an opportunity, that we are surrounded by truly

fertile hearts and minds. In other words, I think we can make a big impact on our neighbors if we commit to reaching out and inviting them to join us.

I write regularly for the Katy Trail Weekly. It’s a unique opportunity for me to potentially reach thou sands of people in our community who might never sit in our pews, and I always try to walk the fine line of publicly claiming my faith while remaining accessible to those outside a religious com munity. Recently, I wrote about the phenomenon of wishing for a spiritual life while being discon nected from a church community and suggested what it might mean for us here in Dallas.

“If you’re one of the 90% of Ameri cans who report desiring a spiritual life,” I wrote in the August 26th issue, “I want to encourage you to seek out a community that can support you on that journey. I hope that you have a desire for a spiritual life that drives you to seek out ways to express it. But take care as you do, because the world has begun to hijack spirituality for political or social gain. In the process, spiritual truths are being lost, at best, and outright perverted, at worst. Have the courage to seek and find ways to express the God-given beauty inside you, while also staying vigi lant to not let others limit how you find hope and how you spread love.

“Although it may be tempting to make this an individual exercise, we are made for one another, and

we are made to share our spiritual life in community. Love is the great force that defines our humanity and can be made holy when our faithfulness is lived out loud. Don’t stop with passive hope. Today, go help a friend, feed someone who is hungry, be kind to someone who is hurt, and, when you do, your love will help change our world for the good.”

We are not meant to just be a good church doing good things. Saint Michael has been given incredi ble gifts of resources—financial, social, and spiritual—that give us the opportunity to be a leader in the Gospel movement. Put another way, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to renew the power of Christ’s Gospel here in our neighborhood, our city, and our world. The chance before us is incredible, and God is giving us all the tools we need to take and make powerful strides toward a renewal of Christian faith all around us.

Now is the time for all of us to grab ahold of the combined energy in this church and to strap in for the incredible work ahead. The mea sure of our impact is only limited by our vision and faithfulness. Our family, friends, and neighbors need our witness now more than ever, and as I look out at who we are and who we wish to become, I am renewed and reignited in my belief that with God’s help, the best is most certainly yet to come!

SEASONS OF LIGHT

By the Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso

The seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany always include a number of oppor tunities for celebration. This year, one of the ways Saint Michael will mark these seasons is by offering three special services of lessons and carols: Advent Lessons and Carols, Christmas Lessons and Carols, and Epiphany Lessons and Carols. The details of these services are available on page 13.

Together, these services connect the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany in ways that help us enter fully into the meaning and the blessings each season offers.

The seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany are the first three seasons in the calen dar of the church year; together, these seasons inaugurate the cycle of remembrances and celebrations that order the worship and mission of the church. These three seasons are in trinsically linked: each leads naturally to the next, and all three are organically connected to the later observances of the year.

The overarching theme of these three seasons has to do with the coming of Christ into the world. Advent is about the promise and anticipation of his coming. Christmas is about the fulfillment and celebration prompted by his appearing. Epiphany is about the procla mation of his coming to all the peoples of the world. Each of these seasons thus commem orate in different ways God’s redemptive action on behalf of his people and his creation: Advent bears witness to the promise of salvation, Christmas testifies to the fulfillment of God’s promise, and Epiphany describes the outcome of that fulfillment.

“The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together”

Isaiah 40:5

“What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all peoples”

John

One of the images that has often been used in the history of the church to describe the coming of Christ into the world is that of light. Light is, after all, one of the most primordial elements of creation (Gen 1:3), second only to wisdom in the ordering of the world (Prov 8:22-31). But the use of the im age of light as a way of marking these seasons in the calendar year is not something Christians invented: even before the time of Jesus, the people of Israel observed Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Light and the Festival of Dedication.

The observance of Hanukkah is a commemoration of the reconsecration of the temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean rebellion against the Se leucid empire. The lighting of the candles of the menorah is a central part of the observance of Ha nukkah, and is as much as a sign to the nations as it is a sign to Israel: the menorah provides light to those outside Israel as a testimony to what God has done for God’s people, as much as it provides light to those inside Israel and reminds them of God’s faithfulness.

Grosseteste, the thirteenth-century Bishop of Lincoln, made extensive use of the image of light as a way of making sense of the nature of the world and the relationship between God and the creation.

For Christians, Jesus himself is an image of both the light of God and the temple of God’s people. Thus, the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany invite us to reflect on how through Jesus God renews the worship of God’s people, illumi nates the darkness of the world with God’s glory, and sends out the people of God into the world to proclaim in word and deed all that God has done.

The observances of Advent, Christmas, and Epiph any are about remembering what God has done in the past. But they are also intended to draw our at tention to what God is doing in the present, and even orient us toward what God will do in the future. Advent provides us with opportunities to re flect on the ways we hope and long for God’s pres ence to be manifest in our lives and in the world, and to remember the promise of God’s salvation. Christmas is an invitation to recognize the ways God’s Word is born anew in our lives and in the world, and the ways we are thereby born anew in him. Epiphany encourages us to bear witness both in word and in deed to our experience of the salva tion God gives to us through Christ, and to share that experience with others.

– Luke 2:30-32

Over the centuries, Christian theologians have ex plored ways the image of light helps us understand God’s creative and redemptive activity. Gregory of Nazianzus, writing in the fourth century, preached a sermon on Epiphany known as the “Oration on the Holy Lights,” in which he described the bap tism of Jesus as the appearance of God’s light in the world. The anonymous but influential sixth-cen tury scholar known only as pseudo-Dionysius used light as a metaphor to describe the relationships between the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. Robert

May the light of Christ be born in us again this year, and may we be born again in him, that our lives would be a testimony to all people of the love and mercy we have received in him.

“My eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles”

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you”

– Isaiah 60:1

December 4

ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS

4 p.m. in the Church

Begin the Advent Season with this beloved service of readings, music, and processions led by the Saint Michael Choir.

SaintMichael.org/AdventLC

December 18

CHRISTMAS LESSONS & CAROLS

4 p.m. in the Church

As we prepare for Christmas and the birth of Christ, join us for this beloved and beautiful service, featuring nine Lessons and Carols sung by our Saint Michael Choristers and Saint Michael Choir.

SaintMichael.org/ChristmasLC

New service!

January 22

EPIPHANY LESSONS & CAROLS

4 p.m. in the Church

A special evening of music and lesson readings: the Contemporary and Traditional music departments will combine to perform selections of Epiphany hymns and original arrangements to observe the Light of the World given to all.

SaintMichael.org/EpiphanyLC

STEPHEN MINISTRIES

By Carolyn Barta

W hat is the Stephen Ministry?

If you ask a dozen parishio ners, perhaps one or two might be able to describe this important min istry at Saint Michael. That’s not good enough.

With activities back in full swing, now is a good time to broaden awareness of a ministry that in the last few years has been operating somewhat below the radar.

“I think people are unaware, they’ve forgotten about it or they just don’t understand it,” said Mary Kardell, Stephen Ministry coordi nator. That’s partly due to the pan demic, but also to the confidential nature of the ministry.

The ministry has been active for al most 15 years at Saint Michael, with Stephen Ministers providing con fidential, one-on-one, Christ-cen tered care for anyone going through a difficult time in their life. Circum stances vary and can range from the death of a loved one, a life-threaten ing illness, job change, demands of caregiving, dealing with an empty nest, or other issues.

“We are available, and no need is too big or too small for us to listen

to,” Mary said. “Loss of life or loss of livelihood or change in marriage, these are really big things that hap pen to a person, and a good time to rely on a Stephen Minister.”

Stephen Ministers are not counsel ors. Their role is to listen, to care, and to provide support, not to give advice. The ministers go through intensive training—50 hours of initial training—to prepare for their role. They meet with their care receiver, usually once a week, for an agreed upon length of time; anywhere from one month to three years, as long as needed. They stay in touch. The two pray together. Min isters also meet together monthly and participate in continuing edu cation throughout the year.

Stephen Ministry began at Saint Michael when then Rector Bob Dannals recruited the Rev. Patty Willett Rhyne to the clergy staff in 2008 to expand pastoral care. Pat ty asked Harriet Cousins to be the lay organizer. Five Saint Michaelites went to the first Stephen Ministry Leader “school.” Besides Harriet, the team consisted of Frank Guenther, Bill McGannon, Charlie Smith, and Katherine Penn. Harriet recalls that there were 15 to 20 minister train

ees in the first class. Some continue to be Stephen Ministers today. Jean Coleman later became lay leader, followed by Mary Kardell.

The ministry has been successful over the years because of the dedica tion of lay people, the emphasis on confidentiality, continued training of new “listeners,” and clergy com mitment to pastoral care. Today, the ministry is overseen by the Rev. Greg Pickens, Associate for Pastoral Care, who said, “There is a comfort that comes from two believers who gather in the name of the Lord to talk through life’s ups and downs.”

The desire to raise awareness of the ministry now stems partly from the lingering effects of the pandemic, in cluding the limiting of church activ ities and social interaction for a long period, and parishioner needs that grew out of related lifestyle changes.

“Covid has greatly affected people. The isolation, loss of life and loss of the way life used to be, has produced an incredible amount of stress,” Mary Kardell said. “People think they don’t want to bother anyone. But if you’re upset about something, you should know you can talk to someone and get some support.”

Care receivers typically are referred to Stephen Ministry by Fr. Greg. Refer rals also can come from other clergy, church members, or care receivers who have been helped.

The ministry is not meant to replace clergy, but to be an added resource. It recognizes that God has called all of us to minister to one another and helps everyone involved to grow in their faith. The ministers are trained to recognize when a care receiver’s needs fall outside what they are equipped to provide—at which point, they, or Fr. Greg, help connect the person with the appropriate outside resource.

Julie Smith, who trained as a Stephen Minister in 2020, and currently is in leadership training to become a train ing coordinator, tells how she became acquainted with the ministry.

“Twelve years ago, my husband and I lost our 30-year-old son in an acci dent. Our world was rocked. In the depth of our grief, someone—an an gel—sent me a series of small books, Journeys Through Grief. They are four books designed to be sent from a Stephen Minister or someone you know—at different intervals during the first year of grief. They were so quiet. They were powerful.”

The books, which are produced by Stephen Ministries Saint Louis, the headquarters for this global, trans-de nominational movement, provided her introduction to Stephen Minis try. Staff in St. Louis offer resources and support to local Stephen Minis tries around the world.

Then, about three years ago, Julie tran sitioned from her Episcopal church in McKinney to Saint Michael. Rector

Painting of Saint Stephen by Carlo Crivelli as part of the Demidoff Altarpiece.

STEPHEN MINISTERS: THE "AFTER" PEOPLEStephen Ministers: The After People

People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?” One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the "After" People.

Stephen Ministers are there :

. . . after t he phone call you hoped you’d never get.

. . . after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.

. . . after the relationship falls apart and the bottom falls out of your life.

. . after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do.”

.

. . . after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”

.

. . after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away—and the house suddenly seems empty.

.

. . after the gavel comes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.

.

. . after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible.

. . . after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck.

. . . after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.

Stephen Ministers are the "After" People. They are ready to come alongside you— or your friends, neighbors, co workers, or relatives—and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.

Chris Girata and Vice Rector Ken Brannon were preaching about dis cipleship and mentioned Stephen Ministry. She visited with clergy.

“It was something I felt called to do,” she said. And this was several years after she was introduced to the ministry by the grief books. “You plant a seed and where it goes no body knows.”

She wants people who are hurting to know that they can have a caring Christian presence to provide emo tional and spiritual support.

“Through Scripture we’re called to be listeners. We’re the care giver. God is the cure giver. We can give care, but God gives the cure. Hear ing people talk helps them move forward or have the strength to get up in the morning,” she said.

“In a church this size, pastoral care is huge. There are many wonderful supportive pastoral care ministries. Some people might be part of more than one pastoral care group. The thing about Stephen Ministry is that it’s one-on-one and confidential.”

Stephen Ministers recognize that it’s not easy to ask for help. In challenging times, people will try to tough it out on their own, wearing a smile that is holding back a flood of tears. But God does not intend for us to suffer alone. Jesus promises, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We can receive this promised rest when we turn to one another for comfort and help.

Are you in need of a Stephen Minister? Would you like to be part of this powerful ministry? Contact Mary Kardell, mary.kardell@sbcglobal.net, or the Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org. Increase your understanding of Stephen Ministries at stephenministries.org.

STEPHEN MINISTRY FAQS

WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?

Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which trained and supervised lay people, called Stephen Ministers, provide one-to-one Christian care to individuals facing life challenges.

WHO IS INVOLVED?

Stephen Leaders oversee and direct our Stephen Ministry. They recruit, select, train, organize, and super vise our Stephen Ministers; identify people in need of care; and match them with a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Ministers are lay caregivers. They have engaged in high-quality

training in Christian caregiving, in cluding topics such as listening, feel ings, boundaries, and assertiveness.

Care receivers are the recipients of Stephen Ministers’ care. They are people from our church or commu nity who are experiencing grief, loss of a job, divorce, loneliness, illness, or other life difficulties.

WHAT DO STEPHEN MINISTERS DO?

Stephen Ministers are caring Chris tians who listen, understand, accept, and pray for and with care receivers who are working through a difficult time in life.

WHERE DID IT ALL START?

Stephen Ministry has been around since 1975, when Kenneth Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist, be gan the ministry in order to multiply the caregiving in his congregation in St. Louis, Missouri. More than 13,000 congregations are enrolled in Stephen Ministry representing 187 Christian denominations in 50 states and 30 other countries.

WHY THE NAME STEPHEN?

The name Stephen comes from St. Stephen, who was the first layper son commissioned by the apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need (Acts 6).

HONDURAS THREADS

Celebrating 20 years of Honduras Threads Through a Collaborative Art Project

By Allison Tucker, Sunwest Communications

Honduras Threads is celebrat ing 20 years of strengthening the fabric of lives through work, pride, and faith. This nonprofit or ganization provides support to a social enterprise owned by 30 women in rural areas outside Tegucigalpa,

the capital city of Honduras. The support of the nonprofit enables these women to earn money in their own communities to help them selves, their families, and future generations, by making beautiful products in a safe environment.

Honduras Threads began in 2002 when Saint Michael and All Angels parishioners Bill Bancroft and his wife M’Lou started the first sew ing co-op in Santa Cruz Arriba, as a part of a multi-faceted mission trip. Their initial hope was to pro

vide the women with a way to earn money in their own village through their own handiwork. The couple discussed their idea with represen tatives of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras and thought that em broidery and appliqué work would be the perfect product to focus on, given that the women in Honduras learned to embroider as little girls. They also chose this product, as it could be easily exported to bring new capital into the community.

As they began the partnership, the Bancrofts quickly learned that al though the women learned embroi

dery as young girls, they hadn’t em broidered since and only knew one stitch. Missioners taught the wom en more embroidery techniques, and the women stuck with it, perse vered and were determined to learn. After a time, the Honduran women became experts in embroidery tech niques and now, they are self-suffi cient, training their own members.

In addition to embroidery, Hondu ras Threads also set up classes that teach the women other marketable skill sets such as computer literacy and record keeping, in order to pre pare them to run their business.

As part of the 20th anniversary of Honduras Threads, the Bancrofts knew they had to celebrate all the great work that has been done the past two decades. Working with the 20th theme, they invited Tex as female artists to submit a line drawing that could inspire a pillow design. Their goal was to secure the interest of 20 artists to partic ipate. Twenty-one artists agreed to partake, including renowned Dallas artist Pamela Nelson whose color theory artwork is featured in NorthPark where shoppers admire her work daily.

Many other successful women are a part of this program including incredible women of Saint Michael such as Kate Juett, Mary Elizabeth Schleier, Sally Schupp, and Susan Johnson. Each of these women con tributed a drawing and are inspired by the work Honduras Threads has accomplished over the past 20 years.

Susan noted how happy and hon ored she is to support this Hon duras Threads project, as she has purchased several of the fabulous pillows over the years and they bring great joy to her home. She is excited

to now participate as an artist who donated her services to this cause.

To kick off the 20th celebration, the artists submitted their drawings to Honduras Threads in June and all 21 images were then taken to Hon duras for the women to select three drawings to interpret and design into pillows. The selection day for the women was an exciting process of choosing three designs, fabrics, and thread, which were all provided by Honduras Threads. The women had free reign to design the pillows however they saw fit. Some designs were more abstract while others were inspired by nature, such as Mary Elizabeth’s image.

“When I was trying to decide what my design should be, I feel like the Holy Spirit guided me and gave me the inspiration to draw a butterfly,” said Mary Elizabeth Schleier, artist and parishioner at Saint Michael and All Angels. “I could make it symmetrical, but this would also give the women creative freedom to fill in the butterfly through their own creative prowess. I’m truly flat

tered to be included with these in credible local big-name artists.”

Mary Elizabeth has a very personal tie to Honduras Threads: this non profit is how her family grew by one. Mary Elizabeth and her hus band bonded with a young, intelli gent girl and ultimately asked if she wanted to come live with them in America. This way, she could con tinue high school—since Hondu ras doesn’t have a 12th grade—and attend college in the United States. She said yes! This was eight years ago, and the young girl, Jennifer, has since graduated from SMU. She has become a fond part of their family, going on many family vacations— including a trip to Europe this fall.

“Because my husband Grady and I have a special relationship with Honduras, it’s especially meaning ful for me to be able to contribute in the way that I can,” said Mary Elizabeth. “I spent many years as a mom art volunteer for our church and schools, which I loved, but the Honduras mission trips and Hon duras Threads give me an opportu

nity to use my skills to help people who don’t have the privileges that we have here.”

Many of the families involved with Honduras Threads have a personal story of their own that highlights the deep relationships made while visiting Honduras during mission trips and spending time with the enterprising women. The connec tions people foster are as unique as the pillows the artisans make. Even though many of the people who go on the Honduras Threads mission trips are not fluent in Spanish, they are able to communicate together through art in a way that supersedes everyday language.

Each pillow will truly be a one-ofa-kind creation that will be unable to be mass produced or replicated due to the nature of the artistic process. The fabric the women use is donated to the project from local Dallas design groups. Bill started a recycling program with local design groups and individuals to help sup ply the women in Honduras with luxury fabric to use for the pillows.

In the design industry, about 60-70% of textiles are wasted because there might not be a use for the leftover cloth once it is used. Through this project, the stunning fabric is given a second chance to be a part of some one’s home and kept out of the landfill.

Since early this summer, the Honduran art ists have been hard at work creating their three pillows that will be on display and available for purchase during the 20th an niversary event on October 20th through the 22nd. The line drawings from the Texas artists who provided the inspiration for the pillows have been framed and will also be for sale in a silent auction at the exhibition.

“I was very honored to be asked to partic ipate in this event,” said Kate Juett, artist and parishioner at Saint Michael and All Angels. “The women of Honduras have mastered the craft of embroidery along with the use of their vibrant colors. The modest income they get from the sale of these pieces has allowed them to afford many of life’s es sentials that were not available before. Their stories are quite heartwarming. I am also an artist and include beading and embroidery and stitching in the canvases that I create. So, I truly appreciate their talent and how it has been able to change their lives.”

If you have questions or would like to get involved with Honduras Threads, including the 2023 mission trip, please contact M’Lou Bancroft at mlou@hondurasthreads.org

HOW A PARISH FAMILY CARES

By the Rev. Greg Pickens

The Care Ministries of any parish are im portant to the way that parishioners feel about their faith community. Pastoral touches mean so much to the people of our parish both when times are good and in those seasons when trouble comes. Handwritten notes, phone calls, support ministries, lay and clergy visitation, and prayer—these are a few of the ways that our members know that their church loves and cares for them.

Pastoral Care is always looking for ways to serve the members of our parish. We are asking you to let us know when you have a joyful mile stone! We would love to celebrate with you. At the same time, we are honored when you ask us into the hard times that invariably come in this life. Pastoral Care has an array of ministries designed to bring comfort and solace when the unexpected happens.

Saint Michael Care Ministries are deep, confiden tial, and exist to care for you. Please let us serve you; all it takes is for you to let us know by making use of our online prayer request, by using the back of a Welcome Card in the pew back, or by calling the church and asking for Pastoral Care.

Our mission statement is: “Our Pastoral Min istries love, support, and bless our parish family and friends by caring for them through life’s joys and challenges.” We are here for you.

To get in touch with Pastoral Care, contact the Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org.

WOMEN OF SAINT MICHAEL LUNCHEON: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

The Women of Saint Michael kicked off their 5-part lecture series, "Bridging the Divide," on Monday, September 19! The featured speakers, The Honorable Margaret Spellings, President & CEO Texas2036 and Former Secretary of Education, and Mr. Todd A. Williams, Chairman & CEO of the Commit Partnership, addressed the structural divides of public education in America today. After the speaking portion of the evening, guests gathered in the Garden Cloister for refreshments. A full calendar of WOSM's events are available online at saintmichael.org/women

FALL KICKOFF

What a day! On Sunday, August 14, Saint Michael celebrated our annual Fall Kickoff, beginning our Fall 2022 programming From the near-sell-out debut and book-signing of our new book Stories From the Bible: From Creation to Pentecost to Backpack Blessings, to a popcorn bar, and many other festivities, it was a day to remember!

TOP LEFT A caricaturist draws parishioner Stanley Ukeni.

TOP RIGHT Rector Chris Girata during one of the Sunday morning services.

BOTTOM Our youngest parishioners enamored by Father Michael Harmuth's reading of Stories From the Bible Read more about the book's creation on page 46.

ROB SPRINGER, DIRECTOR OF ENGAGEMENT, IS A PEOPLE PERSON

By Carolyn Barta

Could anyone be more engag ing than our new Director of Engagement? If you can’t answer that question, you haven’t met Rob Springer.

Rob is that guy who is hanging out in the South Entrance on Sunday mornings. No, he’s at the west door by the parking lot. No, he’s at the front door on Douglas. He’s everywhere with his growing band of greeters, making folks feel welcome when they enter Saint Michael and All Angels and get ting them acquainted with other parishioners, the facility, and the myriad of church ministries.

The Rev. Greg Pickens, whose Pas toral Care portfolio includes this new ministry, said this important new position at SMAA would in

terface with virtually every min istry. The Engagement Ministry “will be responsible for getting to know all visitors, incorporating our newcomers, and assuring our longtime members are well con nected to our parish ministries,” he said. “We want everyone to experi ence an abiding sense of belonging, to grow as a disciple of Jesus, and to connect and engage with oppor tunities to serve Christ in others.”

Rob Springer is perfectly suited for this new job at SMAA, not only because of his training and profes sional experiences, but because of his philosophy. He believes people are our most valuable asset, rela tionships are our greatest tools, and collaboration is our greatest resource—in accomplishing goals with a good plan and clear purpose.

As he says, “People, relationships, and collaboration are three things that I am very passionate about and believe are key elements to effectively connect with people where they are and help connect them with God and others.”

Rob honed his people skills while serving as a small group/connec tions pastor, a worship leader, and church planter in Florida, Califor nia, and Indiana. In Fort Lauder dale, he helped launch a downtown day care and preschool and it is where he met Mary, his former wife, who would be the mother of his four sons: Noah (21), Samuel (19), Elijah (15), and Levi (12). Noah lives in Bloomington, Indiana, and the other three live with their mother in Tyler. Yes, he said, his sons all have Biblical names. “We thought we’d give them something to live up to.”

A graduate of Baylor University, where he studied business admin istration and marketing, Rob felt called to ministry and complet ed his Master of Divinity degree at Regent University in Virginia

Beach, Virginia. During the last six months of seminary, he served as a missionary in Gyor, Hunga ry, where he helped develop house churches for young adults and the unchurched. While in seminary, Rob (who grew up Southern Bap tist) was drawn to the Episcopal Church. He loved the liturgy as a tool for worship and the history. In Tyler, he began attending an Epis copal church, while the rest of his family remained Baptist.

After seminary, Rob went to Shel byville, Indiana, where he says he found his niche “not so much be ing a preacher/teacher but in com munity development” and worked in the mayor’s office. He also had an interim job with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which was prompted by his second son, Samu el, being diagnosed with MD when he was seven years old.

Rob grew up in Texas. His father’s job was opening Sears stores, so the family moved every two years. When Rob was at Baylor, his par ents settled in Tyler. After his par ents died in 2015 and Rob returned to Tyler to settle their estate, giving his family an opportunity to resettle there. He got involved in the com munity through his involvement with the chamber board and Lead ership Tyler. He ended up at the University of Texas at Tyler as the Director of Development for the Soules College of Business. While he has had a multi-faceted career, Rob realized he is good at pulling people and disparate forces togeth er, and at launching and completing projects. He is an implementer.

He wasn’t looking for a job when Saint Michael came calling, but

the job spoke to many of his tal ents, and the church spoke to his heart. “I was really impressed with the profile of Saint Michael,” he said. “I read through the vision, goals, strengths and weaknesses, and what it wanted to accomplish in the community and surround ing area. It really spoke to a lot of my strengths and my passions.” He was drawn by the church’s desire to connect people not only within but also outside the church. Saint Mi chael had strong examples of part nering with the community, with its work at places such as Jubilee Park and Bachman Lake Together.

He was impressed with some of the people he met when he visited Saint Michael. Seeking directions, he asked one woman the way to the sanctuary. “She said her husband was real involved as an acolyte. She was super engaging, and witty. I didn’t know who she was, but she was encouraging, helpful, and fun. I think being part of a church should be fun,” he said. Rob later credit ed Marla Briggle (whose husband Tony heads up the church’s massive acolyte program) with being that person and said she influenced his decision to come to SMAA.

Since arriving in May, Rob said his focus has been working with the Greet er Ministry and the Good Shepherd Min istry, which has “shep herds” who stay in contact with parish ioners in 102 differ ent neighborhoods. Over the long-term he wants to introduce and help connect people to all the other ministry

leaders and ministries that are im portant to the church and the com munity.

Rob’s philosophy dovetails with the renewed emphasis on disciple ship envisioned by Rector Chris Girata and other SMAA clergy. “If churches are going to survive, we’re going to have to create a process that will enable us to build inten tional relationships that are wel coming, collaborative, and kind. If we’re going to survive, we must be seen as a hub for community, as a collaborative resource, that takes the time to listen, understand, and really connect with people where they are, and a parish that provides help, support, and grace for the community and surrounding ar eas,” Springer said.

Look for Rob at one of the en trances next time you are at church

PARISH CALENDAR GUIDE

WELCOME & ENGAGEMENT

Rob Springer, Director of Engagement rspringer@saintmichael.org

GREETER MINISTRY

A Greeter is often the first person a parishioner or visitor encounters on the way to worship. It is important for that first experience to be welcoming. Our Greeters help guide people unfamiliar with our campus to different destina tions. Greeting is important to the health of our parish and how we present ourselves. We want to welcome you, help you, and invite you to come back! Contact Kristi Hornsby, kristine.hornsby@gmail.com, with questions.

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.

JANUARY 22

SAINT MICHAEL 101

12:15 –1:30 p.m.

Parlor

saintmichael.org/SM101

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 and hear about ministries and opportunities to connect and engage with others. Also learn more about the exciting future of Saint Michael! Lunch and childcare available with advance registration. Contact Rob with questions.

PARISH LIFE

Tish Visinsky

Director of Parish Life tvisinsky@saintmichael.org

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

VETERANS DAY

5:30 p.m. Service in the Church

6:30 p.m. Reception in the Garden Cloister

See ad on page 7.

This event is open to the entire community, so bring your friends and neighbors and join us in saying "Thank you!" to our veterans for their incredible service.

The organists will play the military medley and the branch flags will process up the aisle near the end of the service. All veterans are invited to fall in line behind their branch’s flag and join us at the altar for our annual group photo! The eve ning concludes with festive food and beverages and musical entertainment by the Heritage Brass Band

DECEMBER 4

ADVENT FESTIVAL

9 a.m. service in Saint Michael Chapel 10 a.m. activities in the Garden Cloister & Coke Room

The festival will begin with an Advent-themed Joy service and includes the appearance of a very special guest: St. Nicho las! Following the service, all are invited to enjoy treats and refreshments, participate in a Christmas service project, and engage in a variety of Advent activities. See ad on inside cover.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

SMAA FARMERS MARKET HOLIDAY POP-UP

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway saintmichaelsmarket.com

See ad on the back cover.

CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES

Madelyn Ivy, Assistant Director mivy@saintmichael.org

SUNDAY MORNINGS SUNDAY CHILDCARE

8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Room 14: 0–11 months old

Room 16: 1 year old Room 15: 2 years old Room 13: 3 years old

During their stay, 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 ex ploration 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.

OCTOBER 16 & 23 NATIVITY PAGEANT AUDITIONS

12:30–2 p.m. Theater

Registration: saintmichael.org/cfm

Calling all 3rd–8th graders! Sign up to audition for this year’s Nativity pageant and be a part of a wonderful tradition here at Saint Michael as we share the story of Jesus’ birth with everyone! Children ages 3–2nd grade will be able to sign up to participate in late November and will be assigned a role based on their age or grade.

OCTOBER 29 FAMILY DAY AT THE FARMERS MARKET

9 a.m.–1 p.m.

West Parking Lot

CFM is continuing our partnership with Saint Michael’s Farmers Market to bring you our third annual Family Day at the Farmers Market! All are invited to come dressed up in their favorite costumes (no scary costumes, please) and enjoy the offerings of local farmers, ranchers, and artisans. Be sure to stop by the decorated tents sponsored by many of Saint Michael’s ministries to pick up some sweet, yummy treats!

DECEMBER 11

NATIVITY PAGEANT

11 a.m. Worship Service Church

Don’t miss out as children from preschool through 8th grade re-enact the story of the birth of Jesus. The performance will be held live during the 11 a.m. traditional service.

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.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 BUILD CHRISTMAS CRAFT KITS FOR STEPHEN C. FOSTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

5–7 p.m. Youth Center

Join us as we work on Christmas projects for our friends at Foster Elementary School!

NOVEMBER 20

DONUT OLYMPICS

Led by the Rev. Christian Basel & Justin Brooks 5–7 p.m. Youth Center

Join us for a fun and messy night of Donut Olympics! You’ll compete in several donut-themed games for the honor of wearing the golden donut. Dinner and youth-led worship will follow the games.

DECEMBER 18

DECK THE HALLS

Led by the Rev. Christian Basel & Justin Brooks 5–7 p.m. Youth Center

Join us for the best Christmas party this side of the North Pole! You can expect Christmas treats, lots of music, wor ship, and you might want to wear your best “ugly” sweater.

MISSION & OUTREACH

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

NOVEMBER 27–JANUARY 7 NORTH DALLAS SHARED MINISTRIES ADVENT FOOD DRIVE

Grocery bags with the Advent calendar will be available at church entrances on November 27. Please participate in the 24-day Advent journey and return food to the South entrance the first week of January. Parishioners will have the opportunity to learn about food insecurity, pray for the people impacted by hunger, and serve North Dallas Shared Ministries while counting down the days until Christmas. See the Advent Calendar on the facing page.

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.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | COOKING

5:30–7 p.m.

Parish Hall Kitchen

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | SERVING

5–7 p.m.

Austin Street Center | 1717 Jeffries Street, Dallas

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 | COOKING

5:30–7 p.m.

Parish Hall Kitchen

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 | SERVING

5–7 p.m.

Austin Street Center | 1717 Jeffries Street, Dallas

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3 | COOKING

5:30–7 p.m.

Parish Hall Kitchen

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4 | SERVING 5–7 p.m.

Austin Street Center | 1717 Jeffries Street, Dallas

the Poor

Neglected

and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

STEPHEN C. FOSTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

TUTORING MINISTRY

8:30–9:30 a.m.

Come be a part of our new ministry! We will help children (3k through 2nd grade) with reading and phonics. We will work in teams but ask volunteers to commit to 1 day per week this fall semester. Training will be provided on site during our initial days of tutoring. For further information or to volunteer, contact Robin Hinkle

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

AMISTAD MISSION, BOLIVIA INFORMATION SESSIONS

8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Coke Room

Amistad Mission Bolivia provides nurturing Christian environments for vulnerable Bolivian children to grow to independent adulthood and to strengthen families in crisis to establish loving and stable homes. Join Chris King, Amis tad Executive Director, for an information session about the upcoming Youth mission trip June 27–July 4, 2023 and an adult mission trip (date to be determined).

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28

STEPHEN C. FOSTER HALL-O-WEEN

8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. 3700 Clover Ln, Dallas 75220

Join our team at the school where we will share tricks and treats with the elementary school students. Contact Robin Hinkle for further information or to volunteer.

NOVEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 17

I BELIEVE IN ANGELS saintmichael.org/IBIA

I Believe in Angels is a partnership between SMAA and Jubilee Park and Community Center. Parishioners sponsor angels (children and seniors) and donate Christmas gifts which will be wrapped and distributed to families. Volunteers are needed to sort, process, and wrap gifts, bake cookies, and dis tribute gifts to families.

NOVEMBER 6–DECEMBER 20 HEART OF GIVING

saintmichael.org/heartofgiving

As a meaningful complement to Christmas gifts, Heart of Giving is a thoughtful way to spread the spirit of the season by purchasing tax-deductible cards for family and friends. Each card describes how your gift provides tangible benefits for Mission and Outreach initiatives. Participate online or by visiting our tables in the church hallways on Sundays. The 2022 beneficiaries are Bachman Lake Together, Jubilee Park and Community Center, and St. Philip’s School and Community Center.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

JUBILEE PARK AND COMMUNITY CENTER

THANKSGIVING SENIOR LUNCHEON

10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Join Jubilee Park and celebrate Thanks giving with the senior residents. Volun teers are needed to serve seniors at the luncheon and to donate Thanksgiving meal bags. For your convenience, scan the QR code to order for curbside pick up at your local Walmart. Thanksgiving meal bags may be dropped off at the south entrance on Sunday, November 13.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 HONDURAS THREADS POP UP SALE

8 a.m.–1 p.m. Parlor

Stop by and shop! Honduras Threads supports embroidery cooperatives in rural Honduran villages to enable the wom en to earn money to support themselves and their families.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8

JUBILEE PARK AND COMMUNITY CENTER CHRISTMAS SENIOR LUNCHEON

10 a.m.–3 p.m. saintmichael.org/jubilee

Join Jubilee Park and celebrate Christ mas with the senior residents. Volunteers are needed to serve the seniors on the day of the luncheon (2 seatings) and to donate homemade sweet bread.

DECEMBER 20–25

CHRISTMAS PLATE OFFERING

See ad on page 33 for details.

Local: Stephen C. Foster Elementary School

National: The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, Uvalde

International: Holy Spirit Episcopal School Scholarship Fund, Tela, Honduras WOMEN OF SAINT MICHAEL

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

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

DISCUSSION & RECEPTION: PERSPECTIVES ON FAITH, SCIENCE, AND DECIPHERING THE UNIVERSE

Featuring Dr. Fredrick Olness, PhD, Professor of Physics, SMU 6:30 p.m. Church

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT THE EXCHANGE

5–7 p.m.

St. Michael's Woman's Exchange, 5 Highland Park Village smwexchange.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24

DISCUSSION & RECEPTION: CONNECTING DALLAS COMMUNITIES THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS AND REVITALIZATION

Featuring Mr. Peter Brodsky, Real Estate Developer and Community Builder, RedBird 6:30 p.m. Church

SAVE THE DATE!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17

PARISH MARDI GRAS PARTY

ADULT FORMATION

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

Beth Igoe, Assistant, bigoe@saintmichael.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

ADVENT RETREAT: ABIDING IN CHRIST

With Erin Osborne and Dr. Tim Smith 9 a.m.–Noon

Saint Michael Chapel

Think about the way your recent conversations have started. “How are you?” “Oh, just busy. You know how it is . . .” Sound familiar? This is all too prevalent during the holiday season. We’re incredibly busy and we’re also incredibly exhausted deep within our souls. When was the last time you weren’t busy? When was the last time you stopped and de lighted in the fact that God runs the world, and you don’t? When was the last time you were present to a moment with out thinking about “the next thing” on your schedule? Join us as we consider the problem of busyness and Jesus’ call to truly “abide in the vine.” For questions, contact Tim Smith.

SUNDAYS, OCTOBER 30 – NOVEMBER 20 READING THE BIBLE FOR ALL ITS WORTH

Led by Dr. Tim Smith 10 a.m.

Saint Michael Chapel

The Bible was written over the course of 1500 years by more than 30 different authors, in nine different genres, on three different continents, each one with a unique time, place, and context. If that’s not enough, understanding Scripture is complicated all the more by the fact that we are separated from the text through time, culture, and worldview. Most of us have never been taught how to read and interpret the Bible in its original context. The goal of this class is to get you excited and re-engaged in discovering God's Word anew by learning the original meaning of a text. To do that, we’ll teach you some frameworks, and share tools and resources that will forever change how you engage and read God’s Word.

SUNDAYS, OCTOBER 30 – NOVEMBER 20 OUTRAGEOUS PRAYERS OF THE BIBLE

Led by Dr. Elizabeth Lang

10 a.m.

Coke Room

Some faithful Christians are reluctant to pray because they are concerned that they are not doing it right, especially if

they are not using a prayerbook. Elizabeth Lang will lead us in examining a variety of prayers in the Bible so that we can discover what speaks to each of us about prayer. There are many questions and answers that come from exploring outrageous prayers in the Bible. These may free us to pray with honesty and faith.

SUNDAYS, NOVEMBER 27–DECEMBER 18 JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM, AN ADVENT STUDY

10 a.m.

Saint Michael Chapel

A simple girl. And ordinary man. An unforgettable desti nation. It is one of western civilization's best-known stories, celebrated every year with Christmas trees and lights, with gifts and cards, carols and hymns—and yet, its very familiar ity may keep us from fully grasping its riches. This study will help us to explore the story of the birth of Jesus with fresh eyes and ears. As we walk through the Holy Land and retrace the steps of those involved, we will draw upon insights gained from historians, archaeologists, biblical scholars, theologians as well as the very places the story occurred, In the process, we’ll rediscover the real meaning of Christmas! Join us for this Advent Study as we journey to Bethlehem together.

SUNDAYS, JANUARY 8–FEBRUARY 6 LIFE IN CHRIST: PRACTICING CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY BY JULIA GATTA

Led by the Rev. Ken Brannon

10 a.m. Coke Room

With its great heritage from English mystics, the Episcopal Church has been "spiritual" since before it was trendy, and modern Episcopalians have been at the forefront of explor ing practices beyond Anglican boundaries. Yet perhaps only rarely do we grasp the implications of the theology embedded in these practices or in the liturgies of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, which has shaped Episcopalians with its emphasis on baptismal, spirituality, and the cen trality of the Eucharist.

In this study, we will explore common Christian practices and their underlying theology, using an Episcopal lens. With particular reference to scripture, The Book of Com mon Prayer, and the wisdom of the Christian spiritual tradition, we will illuminate methods you may already be practicing and provide insight and guidance to ones that may be new to you. Come explore how Anglican traditions can enrich your spiritual journey and your worship.

SUNDAYS, JANUARY 8–APRIL 16 CREED

Understanding the beliefs found in Episcopal Creeds 10 a.m.

Saint Michael Chapel

We’re all searching for answers. When finding answers is dif ficult, how can we discover and examine the truths that give meaning and purpose to life? Powerful answers to life, faith, and truth are contained in something we do weekly in wor ship: recite the Creed. As Episcopalians, we have two creeds: the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed. Both are early state ments of foundational Christian beliefs, but they also contain truth that can guide our lives, act as anchors, and answer profound questions. Join us to learn about the sources of this litany of beliefs contained in the creeds and the early conflicts that brought them into being. We’ll also dive deep into what Christians believe, why we believe it, and why it matters.

SUNDAYS, NOVEMBER 13–DECEMBER 18 CLASS FOR PARENTS

Led by the Rev. Christian Basel 10 a.m.

Theater

Join us for a study on The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel, which confronts the questions around who Christ is, and will equip us in understanding and discussing faith with our families.

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, and whose goal is to equip and inspire people to live out their faith. For more information, contact Maria D'Antoni, maria@dantonipartners.com.

2ND AND 4TH MONDAYS OF THE MONTH WOMEN WORD WORK

Led by the Kathy Hayes 6:30–7:45 p.m. Room 106

Are you a working woman? Are you craving relational and spiritual connection? Drop in when you can as we share fellowship, study, and prayer. Books are chosen by the group during the year. This group meets year-round. For more information, contact Kathy Hayes, khayes@mail.smu.edu.

MONDAYS, NOW–NOVEMBER 28 UNENDING CONVERSATION GROUP

Led by Linda Westerburg and Nancy West 9:30–11 a.m. Coke Room

Do you have questions about faith? This group is for you! 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

TUESDAYS, JANUARY 17 – FEBRUARY 14 SLAVERY AND THE CHURCH

Led by the Rev. Christian Basel 6–7 p.m. Room 222

Slavery has long been part of our world and the church has interacted with it in different ways. Join us for a five-week study of slavery and the church as we look at various scripture passages, writers, and theologians that address this topic. For more info, contact Christian Basel, cbasel@saintmichael.org

TUESDAYS

BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY

Led by Peggy Carr 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Room 104

Women of all ages are invited to attend as we study differ ent 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 con tact Peggy Carr, peggy.car@sbcglobal.net

FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH SAINT MICHAEL READER’S BOOK CLUB

Led by Ann Mills

6:30–7:30 p.m.

Parlor

Women of all ages are invited to attend as we read and dis cuss different books and make friends. For questions or the Zoom link, contact Ann Mills, acmills3225@gmail.com.

Christmas Plate Offerings

Each year at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, as part of our Christmas celebrations, we have a lovely tradition of giving 100% of our undesignated offerings on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to outreach projects supported by our par ish. This year, the Mission and Outreach Committee has chosen to focus on the theme of "Children and Youth" as we remember the story of the birth of Baby Jesus in a Bethlehem stable over 2,000 years ago. We therefore will be supporting children near and far through the following ministries:

LOCAL: Stephen C. Foster Elementary School

Through United to Learn, SMAA is part nering with Foster to provide resources for tutoring, parent support, school festivals and celebrations, community resources, after school programming and more.

NATIONAL: The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, Uvalde

The center provides counseling and resources to children and families affected by the recent tragedy. St. Philip’s is provid ing temporary space while a beautiful new center is built. All counseling is provided at no charge.

INTERNATIONAL: Holy Spirit Episcopal School Scholarship Fund, Tela, Honduras

The children we serve through this longtime ministry are in need of resources to further continue their basic elementary school education. Our missionary team will personally deliver this donation during its trip to Tela in February 2023.

Thank you for giving generously to the needs of children and youth this Christmas season.

SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NIGHT

Led by the Rev. Christian Basel

For adults in their 20’s and early 30’s Taco Joint, Preston Center

Join us for dinner once a month! This will be a great time for fellowship and thinking about theology as it relates to our lives and the world around us.

WEDNESDAYS, BEGINNING JANUARY 18 MEN OF SAINT MICHAEL BOOK STUDY

“12 Rules of Life"

7 a.m.

Room 103 saintmichael.org/mosm

What does everyone in the modern world need to know to lead a successful and happy life? Renowned psychologist Jordan B. Peterson's answer shares hardwon truths combined with Scripture and stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research. Humorous, sur prising, and informative, 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. Only then will you discover the true extent of your potential and resilience, while helping mankind to thrive collectively.

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 disci plined 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

RECTOR'S BIBLE STUDY

Led by The Reverend Dr. Christopher D. Girata

10:30–11:30 a.m.

Saint Michael Chapel saintmichael.org/RBS

Join our Rector, Chris Girata, for this 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 study 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 absolutely integral to our under standing of Jesus Christ. Although not required, you are en couraged to read this year’s companion book, 1 and 2 Samuel for Everyone by John Goldingay, which can be purchased in the Saint Michael Book Shop. To be added to the weekly emails, contact Bhavnita Masih, bmasih@saintmichael.org.

THURSDAYS

THE UNEXPECTED KING

BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP

9:15–10:30 a.m.

Room 104 , 106, & Saint Michael Chapel

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 through an in-depth Bible study of the Gospel of Matthew. For more info, contact Kimberly Colonnetta at kimberly@colonnetta.com or Sylvia Hood at sylhood@aol.com.

THURSDAYS, BEGINNING NOVEMBER 3 LECTIO DIVINA

Led by Nancy Somodevilla

2–3 p.m.

Parlor and on Zoom

We spend the first 20 minutes in centering prayer and the remaining time is spent meditating and focusing on scrip ture, poetry, prose, a painting—something that will move us closer to the Holy and to each other. Come share with us an hour of quiet reflection. For more information, contact Nancy Somodevilla, arkodevilla@gmail.com.

THIRD SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH WRITERS’ RETREAT

Led by Cynthia Sample

10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Parlor

Writing for publication, spiritual work, therapeutic journal ing, or just for the fun of it can be lonely work. Our meetings begin with a short introduction, then one of our facilitators will offer a few writing prompts. After an hour of writing, participants will have the opportunity to share their work and solicit comments if they choose. For more information, contact Cynthia Sample, cynthia@cynthiacsample.com

PRIME TIMERS

This group is primarily an organization for seniors (60+). We meet at Saint Michael on the first Thursday of the month and the ‘P.T. Cruisers’ take trips to area locations on the third Thursday of the month. For more information about monthly meetings or excursions, please 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 $12

Prime Timers have lined up programs and activities for all tastes and interests. RSVP by calling Bonita Frederick, 214-728-6440.

November 3: Dallas Morning News' Dave Leiber

December 1: Ebeneezer Scrooge, played by Ken Freehill, and Saint Michael Episcopal School Carolers

NOVEMBER 17 P.T. CRUISERS VISIT HERITAGE VILLAGE

9:30 a.m. Meet at the South Entrance

Join the Prime Timers for their field trip to Dallas' Heritage Village, a beautiful step into the past. The bus leaves the church at 9:30 a.m. For information and bus reservations, call Bonita Frederick, 214-728-6440.

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 the 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 sym pathy, celebration of birthdays and holidays to homebound parishioners, and congratulations to the precious new arriv als 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 Dem ler, 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 facil ities. 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, smithcpa@earthlink.net

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 addic tions. 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 direc tion, contact Dr. Elizabeth Lang, langelizabeth66@gmail.com or the Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer, hnussertelfer@aol.com.

STEPHEN MINISTRIES

Stephen Ministries is a program for our congregation that equips lay persons to provide confidential Christian oneon-one care to anyone in our community who is experienc ing any sort of life need. Stephen Ministries is Christ caring for people through people. If you are going through a diffi cult 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 . See article on page 14.

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.

THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH PARISH NURSE MINISTRY

Led by Dianne Boyd, RN 9:30–11 a.m. Nurse’s Station, Outside the Parlor

The Parish Nurse Ministry is made up of professional Reg istered Nurses from our parish. Among other services, the Parish Nurses take blood pressures and provide information regarding the focus of health awareness for the month. Con tact Dianne Boyd, dboyd@saintmichael.org , with questions.

November 20: High Blood Pressure and Diabetes

December 18: Mental Health/Stress/Grief Awareness

January 15: Nutrition and Fitness Planning

February 19: Healthy Heart Month

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 in volved 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. Please 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, 2,792 shawls have been knitted and distributed by the Saint Michael Prayer Shawl Knitting Ministry, extending the love of our parish to those who are hurting or ill. Each of these shawls is tagged with a label that identifies it as being knit with love at Saint Michael and a healing prayer is added. Each shawl is blessed by the clergy and by the entire congre gation 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. Con tact 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 support ministry 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 the Rev. Christian Basel, cbasel@saintmichael.org , to RSVP or with questions.

WEDNESDAYS, FEB 8 –MAR 29

8-WEEK GRIEF WORKSHOP: COMFORT AND HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY OF GRIEF

Led by Regina Hunt of Faith and Grief Ministries

6–8 p.m. Parlor

Registration: 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.

SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH GRASP 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 has lost a loved one through substance use knows that society treats this loss differently than any other death from any other cause. This is a safe place to express concern, grief, and walk toward under standing and grief recovery from the passing of a loved one. For more information, visit grasphelp.org or contact Paula Calise, paula@linkedexec.com with questions.

NOVEMBER 4 AND FEBRUARY 3 BLOOD DRIVES

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Theater

The Parish Nurse Ministry, with the American Red Cross, sponsor our blood drives. 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. Contact Dianne Boyd, RN to reserve a time or with questions.

JANUARY 22 AND 29 & FEBRUARY 5 AND 12 PRE-MARRIAGE CLASS

10 a.m.

Room 103

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

Christmas Flower Memorials

Honor a loved one by making a Christmas Flower Memorial donation. Make your donation from December 4–19

WORSHIP & LITURGY

The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso

Associate for Worship & Liturgy agrosso@saintmichael.org

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

The Rev. Bob Johnston, Associate for Contemporary Worship bjohnston@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

JOIN CHORISTERS!

The Saint Michael Choristers welcome all young people from pre-K through high school to join. Choristers receive music education, formation in faith, responsibility, and mentorship, develop skills benefiting academics, and make new friends. Choristers also enjoy social activities and meals together. No musical background is necessary. For more info, contact Catherine Hinkley, chinkley@saintmichael.org.

OCTOBER 23

SAINT MICHAEL PRESENTS: YING QUARTET

7 p.m. Church saintmichael.org/ying

Saint Michael Presents is proud to bring Grammy award-winning ensemble the Ying Quartet to Dallas! The Ying Quartet occupies a position of unique prominence in the classical music world, combining brilliantly communi cative performances with a fearlessly imaginative view of chamber music in today's world.

Now in its third decade, the Quartet has established itself as an ensemble of the highest musical qualifications. Their performances regularly take place in many of the world's most important concert halls; at the same time, the Quar tet's belief that concert music can also be a meaningful part of everyday life has also drawn the foursome to perform in settings as diverse as the workplace, schools, juvenile pris ons, and the White House.

NOVEMBER 6

ALL SOULS EVENSONG

4 p.m. Church

Please join us for this beautiful annual service in which we remember those whom we love but see no more.

NOVEMBER 13

BISHOP SUMNER’S VISITATION AND CONFIRMATIONS

Adult Confirmations

11 a.m. Church

Youth Confirmations

2 p.m. Church

NOVEMBER 20

IN-PERSON CHORAL COMPLINE

Holiday De-Stress

8 p.m. Church

See ad on page 12.

DECEMBER 4

ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS

4 p.m. Church

See ad on page 13.

Begin the Advent Season with this beloved service of read ings, music, and processions led by the Saint Michael Choir!

DECEMBER 18

CHRISTMAS LESSONS & CAROLS

4 p.m. Church

See ad on page 13.

As we prepare for Christmas and the birth of Christ, join us for this beloved and beautiful service, featuring nine Lessons and Carols sung by our Saint Michael Choristers and Saint Michael Choir.

DECEMBER 24

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

See a complete listing of services page 39.

24: CHRISTMAS EVE

DECEMBER 25: CHRISTMAS DAY

HOLY NAME

STAFF NEWS

We are pleased to welcome Laisha Cano to the Saint Michael staff as a Sexton on our facilities team. In her role, Laisha’s primary responsibility will be working with the Saint Michael Episcopal School (SMES) and from time to time she will assist the church staff. Please make sure to say “Hi” and congratu-

DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS DAY

See a complete listing of services page 39.

JANUARY 1

HOLY NAME

See a complete listing of services page 39.

JANUARY 5

EVE OF EPIPHANY & BURNING OF THE GREENS

5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II in the Church

6:30 p.m. Burning of the Greens in the Garden Cloister

Join us for the Feast of Epiphany, a service in which 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. It's also the day that officially concludes the Christmas season. The service begins in the church and concludes with the annual burning of the greens in the Garden Cloister followed by hot chocolate and s'mores.

JANUARY 8

IN-PERSON CHORAL COMPLINE Light Through Darkness 8 p.m. Church

See ad on page 12.

NEW SERVICE!

JANUARY 22

EPIPHANY LESSONS & CAROLS

4 p.m. Church

See ad on page 13.

Join us for our new Epiphany Lessons & Carols service as we complete the cycle of observances that began in Advent and continued through Christmas. This service will feature both our Traditional and Contemporary music ministries, and will include familiar hymns and music newly arranged for this service. Come and bring a friend as we celebrate the light of Christ shining throughout the world.

Director of Facilities

PARISH MINISTRY COUNCIL DINNER

The Parish Ministry Council gathered for its fall dinner on Tuesday, September 27, to learn about strategic priorities for the coming year: mission and outreach, discipleship, welcome and engagement, and small groups.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

On October 2, Saint Michael celebrated the feast day of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. Our annual Blessing of the Animals service is an opportunity for the community to bring their pets, great and small, to receive a blessing by our clergy. The Rev. Robin Hinkle and the Rev. René Somodevilla blessed countless dogs, cats, kittens, a few fish, and even stuffed animals! Guests were also able to participate in an outreach project to bless other pets in our community.

BEHIND THE PAGES

The Making of

From The Bible: From Creation to Pentecost

By Justin Brooks

I’ll never forget the day I attended the Joy Service for the first time and heard the mellifluous sound of a Pittsburg accent carrying the following words to my uninitiated ears: “Boys and girls, if the idea of the Trinity seems confusing to you, don’t worry ‘bout it. It’s a mystery.” I could hardly believe the simplicity in which this complex idea was presented to the eager young listeners. The orator of this statement, I would come to find out, was none other than the Rev. Canon Michael Harmuth. It would become apparent through working with him over the next five years that I was witnessing only a minuscule portion of his abilities as a communicator to children. A priest for 58 years, hav ing served 23 of those years at Saint Michael and All Angels, Father Michael has used his unique gift of sto rytelling to share the gospel with generations of young children and families.

As part of the team of musicians leading our chil dren in song at the Joy Service, I’ve had the weekly privilege of a “front row seat” to Father Michael’s family-oriented sermons. On any given Sunday, Bible stories seemingly leap from the page, inducing a sense of wonder as he explains them in an understandable and simple way. For example, when telling the story of Creation, he asked the boys and girls to take a deep breath to demonstrate that the same life-giving Spirit God blew into Adam and Eve is also in them. At a family Ash Wednesday service, he reassured the children that the ashes they were about to receive would

not be hot, so there was no reason to be afraid. These are simple but comforting things and give children the respect that they deserve. It became increasing ly clear that the way Father Michael tells these sto ries should be recorded in a more permanent way for families to enjoy outside of the church walls. As news came that Father Harmuth would soon be retiring, it became imperative that we do this, as it would be a significant and meaningful way to honor his min istry with us.

In January of 2021, I approached Father Michael and asked if he had ever considered collecting his stories in a children’s book. He said, “Sounds fun! I’ve never written a children’s book before; how do you suppose we go about something like that?” I replied, “I have no idea, but we’ll figure it out together.” That same spirit carried us into assembling a team of gifted, like-minded people who wanted to help bring this vision to life. For many of us, it was our first time to work on a book project, especially a children’s book. When proposing the idea to our “Dream Team”, the common refrain was, “I’ve never done anything like this before, but why not? Let’s do it!” It became evi dent that the Holy Spirit was at work, and soon our team began to form. Father Michael as author and narrator, me as producer, editor, and manager, Steve Haal as co-editor and manager, Travis Harvey as our illustrator, Kassie Taylor as proofreader/editor, Cedric Buard as our audiobook engineer and mixer, and

Cedric Buard recording Father Michael Harmuth!

Parishioners holding their copy of Stories from the Bible!

Father Michael Harmuth recordingStories from the Bible!

Lane Harder as composer for the audiobook music. I’d also like to acknowledge Adam Jones, published author and former SMAA staff member who was im mensely helpful in pointing us in the right direction on how one goes about the publishing process.

As we prayerfully considered the vision of the book, we knew we wanted families to experience these sto ries with one another. It should be a big, beautifully illustrated book to allow the kids to envision these stories and to add an element of visual excitement. The final piece of the puzzle would be to record an audiobook to capture Father Michael’s particular way of speaking as he brought these stories to life. The book would be simply and aptly titled, Stories From the Bible: From Creation to Pentecost.

I’ve heard authors say that when one decides to write a book, it becomes all-consuming. You’ll edit, then edit more, and just when you think you’re done, you’ll edit it even more. This proved true for us as well. Proofing, redesigning, editing, and illustrating seemingly became our breakfast, lunch, and dinner from May 2021 until August of 2022. However, af ter a year and a half of diligent work, the day finally came when we had the finished product in hand.

On August 14, 2022, Stories From The Bible was re leased with a book signing by Father Michael and illus trator, Travis Harvey. Father Michael said of the day,

“This has been a wonderful experience and it’s amazing to see the response. There were people here from ESD who were little kids when I was chaplain there. They’ve grown up and are now adults, but they tell me it reminds them of those days when we were all together in chapel. I love telling these biblical stories to children. I tried to do it in their words and understanding. Working with Justin Brooks, Steve Haal, and Travis Har vey has been a joy in producing this book. It was incredibly heart-warming to see how much the book meant to so many.”

Several parishioners have reported how they not only love to read it to their kids and grandkids, but that the stories come alive for them as well.

One of the largest, most difficult, and most important tasks of this project were the illustrations. Travis Har vey took this on and produced truly stunning results. When he showed us the initial sketches for the first time, our jaws just hit the floor. We knew he would do a great job, but we had no idea of the true beauty he

Father Michael Harmuth in SMAA's recording studio.

Lane Harder composing musicfor the audiobook.

Justin Brooks, Cedric Buard, and FatherMichael Harmuth in the recording studio.

would bring to these stories. One of our team’s favorite images in the entire book was the illustration of the “Little Girl”. It depicts a vast, desolate room, with the girl lying alone in her bed. A lone beam of sunshine il luminates her bed through the window. It conveys her desperate situation and the loneliness she must have felt. Yet, the light represents that there is hope. Father Michael said of the image, “That one image tells the story.” Co-editor and project manager, Steve Haal, agreed. Recalling the first time he saw the illustration, he remembers, “When we were going through the il lustrations and I saw that, I said ‘This is the one page that doesn’t get changed.’”

Reflecting on the illustration process, Travis said, “It was fun, but also challenging. These stories are not small. All twelve stories are big, not only within con text of scripture, but also as individual stories. There's a lot to represent in only a few images per story, so we had to find out how to represent a complicated idea in one image. I think that was the biggest challenge.” When asked if the rumor was true that he inserted an illustrated version of himself into a few of the scenes, he laughed and said, “Well, it was definitely uninten tional, but the more I looked at it, yeah, it was defi nitely me. You know they say that everyone puts a lit tle of themselves into their story, so I guess I felt like I had to.” (Join us in a game of "Where’s Travis" and let us know if you find him!)

In "The Birth of Jesus" and "Jesus and a Donkey", Fa ther Michael talks about the importance of donkeys. Donkeys are humble animals and are mostly used to assist in hard work. They are not particularly majestic, but this animal was chosen by God to carry the moth er of Jesus to Bethlehem, and Jesus, the King of Kings, into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. If there was a main theme to this book, it would be that sometimes you may not feel important or worthy, but God knows your worth, and has a wonderful plan for your life.

In the words of Father Michael and the way he ends every story in the book: Amen. May God bless you.

Copies of Stories from the Bible are available for pur chase in the Saint Michael Book Shop.

Father Michael Harmuth and TravisHarvey signing copies at Fall Kickoff.

Cedric Buard setting up Father Michael Harmuth in the recording studio.

Parishioners waiting in line to have their copy of Stories from the Bible signed.

INVESTING IN NEIGHBORHOODS

By Dr. Olga Martinez Hickman, Bachman Lake Together

Growing up in poverty has shown to have lifelong conse quences for individuals, and soci ety as a whole. Although I grew up in a neighborhood that continues to be impoverished and neglected, I never realized I was growing up with less. The elementary school I attended was just a few hundred feet away from the home my par ents still live in today, I got to walk

to school with all my friends, and all but one of my teachers looked and spoke like me. Although my teachers didn’t live in the impov erished Mexican neighborhood, known as Monterreyito, we knew we were their children.

As a woman of color, grim stats have always been used in an at tempt to define kids like me. I

was either going to drop out of school or become a teenage moth er. Nobody who looked at my life from the outside-in would have ever thought, "she’s going to get a Ph.D. one day." Besides the ESL classes that forced me to learn to hate Spanish, I am unable to recall any systems that were designed to create opportunities for upward economic and educational mobili

ty for my community. Sure, there were programs—but those were more like band-aids. Those bandaid programs, like any band-aid, can easily rip off; the focus was never centered around long-term, equitable solutions. The only con stant support we knew of were the cultural values instilled by our parents and the educational invest ment from our teachers.

As a former reading teacher, I stud ied the work of Geoffrey Canada, educator and activist, for years. I admired his tenacity in advocat ing for transformation of a com munity that's been historically ig nored through his work at Harlem Children's Zone. When I watched Waiting for Superman , I was even more attracted to the idea of how much investing in place matters. When I taught, I went back to teach 4th grade reading at Pearson Elementary School, the school I at tended as a little girl. My students

knew where I lived, and sometimes I would even walk to school with them. I was a part of their com munity. To me, it was important for the children knew that it was okay to leave home to receive an education, but that coming back was just as important. Like me, the children needed to see adults that looked like them in the educators that were shaping their lives— which is a cornerstone of the work of the Harlem Children’s Zone.

Earlier this spring, I had an oppor tunity to explore “place” through the lens of the work at The Harlem Children’s Zone Practioners Insti tute. We were immersed in what “place-based” means, why it is im perative to invest in communities, and how this work is transforma tive for children and families— when done with intention. We spent time visiting classrooms, en gaging with leaders at all levels, and gaining perspective from everyone

Changing the odds for the children of Bachman Lake, Dallas, and North Texas requires all of us to become more invested in the communities we serve.

involved, including students. Ev erything I observed was intention al. I equated the intentional, eq uitable, investment that is poured into every child, to all that I pour into my own children. I witnessed some very dedicated adults from the community itself changing the odds for neighborhood children. Its success is a result of an extreme ly focused, outcome-driven system, designed to ensure success for the entire community.

That amazing experience was fol lowed by more learning! Our team was invited to engage with other place-based leaders from across the country at the Power of Place: A Gathering of Leaders, hosted by the William Julius Wilson Insti tute (WJWI) at Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ). There, we aligned on the importance of communi ty-based, cradle-to-career strategies and the power in investing in our most vulnerable neighborhoods.

Summer came to an end for me do ing what I love doing best, delving deeper into research, policy and practice at Transforming Place Through Neighborhood Leader ship, a five-day summit co-spon sored by the EdRedesign Lab at Harvard Graduate School of Edu cation and the William Julius Wil son Institute at Harlem Children’s Zone. Our team joined leaders from 17 place-based organizations from across the country, as we immersed in research and critical issues facing community-based organizations, through sessions fo cusing on organizational finance, federal grants, neighborhoods as a unit for change, racial equity, and much more.

While the link to “place”—com munity, neighborhood, and cul ture—has been an impetus for me professionally, it is also very per sonal. I am extremely fortunate to serve a community that is very sim ilar to the one I grew up in—the one I still get to call home when I visit my parents a couple of times a year. Our vision for strengthening Bachman Lake Together is inclu sive of investing in the commu nity as a whole. Yes, we want our youngest learners to be ready for kindergarten, but we also know that they don’t drive themselves to school and there are barriers that exist beyond the classroom. Place-based strategies strengthen the physical, social, structural, and economic conditions of a commu nity affect more than kindergarten readiness—the well-being of the children, families, and all indi viduals who live in the communi ty we serve. We want the first five formative years of a child’s life to be the launching pad to the future, creating opportunities for children and families to excel academically, socially and emotionally—so they can thrive in school and in life.

At a time when systemic inequities have been heightened in distressed vulnerable communities, like in Bachman Lake, we can come to gether for change. The national expertise of HCZ, WJWI and EdRedesign Lab, coupled with philanthropic and social sector partners allowed us to engage with some of the hardest working lead ers in the country. As we embark on the 2022–23 school year, I am reminded that there is no time to waste. The last two years may have pushed us back, but together,

we keep pushing forward. Chang ing the odds for the children of Bachman Lake, Dallas, and North Texas requires all of us to become more invested in the communi ties we serve. I invite you to learn more about the work of Bachman Lake Together. You can help other women and children of color break through and live to their fullest potential. Come by for a visit, meet some of the amazing people in our community, or volunteer. Champion this work in whatever capacity you can. And if I may leave you with only one thing, always re member this: place matters!

For more information on Bachman Lake Together, please contact the Rev. Robin Hinkle, rhinkle@saintmichael.org.

NDSM SCHOOL SUPPLY AND UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION

By Christi Morrow

North Dallas Shared Ministries sponsored their annual school supply and school uniform distri bution at the beginning of August. Forty-eight Saint Michael parishioners volunteered, including youth, adults, clergy, and staff members, to set up, shop with

clients, restock, and take inventory. NDSM provided 3,527 students with school supplies and 2,638 stu dents with school uniforms, equipping them with the items needed to thrive in school. The students began school with the resources they need to be successful!

I was very impressed with the young people leading the uniform distribution. They were working to a plan, and very service oriented to the families coming in. Just as a casual observer, I was impressed with our youth.

—Hoddy Peck, Parishioner

Letter from Ken Brannon, Vice Rector Letter from Judy Rorrie

Executive Director, NDSM

Saint Michael Church,

Dear Harper, Laure, John, William, and Layna,Thank you for your extraordinary faithfulness with the NDSM School Uniform Drive this week! Your kindness and consistency is such a gift to those in our community who need a helping hand. May God bless you richly and may you shine with God's light!

Ken Brannon, Vice Rector

I want to tell you about one of the brightest highlights of 2022. It has been the amazing and wonderful volunteer efforts of four members of SMAA’s Youth Group. William Morrow, John Wein berg, Harper Visinsky, and Laure Ghorayeb, who were later joined by Brayden and Layna Girata. These four high school sophomores took charge of and managed the entire operation of NDSM’s School Uniform Distribution program. From retrieving and orga nizing the remaining 2021 inventory to accepting and reconciling shipments of thousands of boxes of uniforms to organizing these boxes by sex, size, and item in the Clothes Closet workroom, to filling bins with shirts, pants, and shorts for boys and girls in sizes ranging from 4T – 20 to setting up tables and placing the bins on and under the tables, the four spent almost every day of three weeks preparing to welcome the preapproved mothers who came to get the uniforms for which they had applied. The four then took over training and managing the adult volunteers from SMAA, St. Luke’s and the Northwood Woman’s Club who came in shifts to help distribute uniforms They also played a major role in working one-on-one with the client moms. They also constantly refilled the bins and broke down boxes and took them to the dumpster. All this they did during the two weeks of uniform distribution.

The six also played a major role in the distribution of school sup plies Saturday, August 6 and 13. They spent the day outside check ing client tracking numbers, taking boxes of supplies to the cars and directing traffic. Nicole and Chris Girata along with their three children were school supply distribution volunteers. I loved every minute of the time these teens were at NDSM.

So many good SMAA members and I am honored to have the privi lege of knowing and working with several. Thank you for being one and opening yourself so generously to NDSM.

Judy Rorrie

Judy Rorrie, Executive Director North Dallas Shared Ministries

P.S. Enjoy lunch! You deserve it.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE

By Ryan Moss, Stewardship Chair

s society emerges from a time that has been more than challenging and looks forward to returning to a more normal rhythm of life, we are presented with a great opportunity. The op portunity to reconsider our pri orities, take inventory of our bless ings, and think about how we want to re-engage with our faith community more broadly.

In contemplating this next chapter for either yourself or you and your family, think about how you can take a deeper walk of discipleship with our Saint Michael community. When you share your time and talents in ministry work within and outside of our walls, you may think that your im pact is small, but indeed it is significant. Disciple ship—especially doing a new thing—looks differ ent for everyone. For some, it may be the start of something small. For others, God’s call may be so loud that they may make no other decision than

to shift their lives in a big way. Whatever that call may be, I challenge you all to listen for it.

Your financial support in the forms of either a pledge or an outright gift enables our ministries to walk with you and others on our roads of dis cipleship. With YOU, the work that we do has a greater impact when we share the financial bless ings that God has graciously bestowed on us with one another.

We have all learned a lot about ourselves, our community, and our church over the last couple years. Perhaps most of all, we have learned that we are better together. As we prepare for the 2023 program year, prayerfully reflect on your relation ship with Saint Michael and how we can support each other while doing God’s work.

To learn more about Stewardship 2023, see page 63, visit saintmichael.org/stewardship2023 , or contact Caroline Marak, Director of Stewardship at 214.692.3015 or cmarak@saintmichael.org

Ryan Moss Stewardship Chair

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9

Saint Michael Christmas Ornament

Elizabeth Buchanan

Featured

BOOK SHOP

Monday

Linen pink or blue cross cocktail napkins set of

angel ceramic wall

Boxed snowflake

Red velvet heart

STEPHEN C. FOSTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The Next Phase of Saint Michael's Work with Children

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

Since my arrival at Saint Mi chael and All Angels, I have had the delightful task of learning about and visiting with many of our established partner ministries that serve children and their families, in Dallas and beyond. It started with our community partnerships at St. Philip’s, 75 years ago, and then Ju bilee Park and Community Center, 25 years ago, and now, Bachman Lake Together. I also learned about the children we serve in other lands, including Tela, Honduras and Amistad, Bolivia. And of course there are the schools that were start ed here at our church—The Episco pal School of Dallas, and now the Saint Michael Episcopal School, as well as our Sunday School for chil dren and youth. All of this work in the over 7 decades of SMAA min istry led me to reflect upon the fact that this church has a huge heart and gift for serving children. If you think about the number of children we have touched in this expanse of

time, I have no doubt that it would number in the tens of thousands.

I am therefore pleased to announce that we are adding a new partner ship to come alongside the work we are currently doing.

We are the new Community Partner of Stephen C. Foster Ele mentary School (“Foster”) in the Bachman Lake community.

It is a true Community Partner ship grounded in the United to Learn program, funded in part by a very generous 3-year grant from our own All Angels Foundation. This program is a natural extension of the work we are already doing serving the children and families of our ministry partner, Bachman Lake Together.

Foster serves children from PreK3 to 6th grade, almost all of whom live in homes where English is a

second language, and almost all of whom are impacted by the effects of poverty. Principal Jacob Johnson is a high-energy visionary (fits right in with SMAA!) with a huge heart and lofty dreams. He is already do ing phenomenal work at the school that he has led for just 2.5 years. Despite Covid, major renovations to the school and the surround ing grounds are already in process. Additionally, he and his staff have been working hard to improve the programs and outcomes for his stu dents. Also, the school is just a fun place to work and study!

A core part of our ministry will be the establishment of a tutoring program working with Foster staff in tandem with United to Learn. Initially we will assist PreK3 to 2nd grade students with phonics and 4th grade to 6th grade students with fluency. We will also support the teachers by providing hospi tality and other resources as they

work with the students and their families. We will help with the an nual Fall Festival, Career Day and more. We will also have community workdays to paint and decorate the inside hallways and assist in land scaping the extensive grounds sur rounding the school. Additionally, we have the opportunity to plan and provide afterschool program ming, including possible options for students to join our chorister program and/or a once-a-month soccer clinic.

We at SMAA have a solid history of going above and beyond in our work for the children we serve. We naturally tend to surround our lit tlest neighbors and their families with love and resources in hope that they can reach their greatest poten tial. I therefore invite you to bring your Saint Michael love and energy to this new partnership. Watch for ministry announcements, links on our website and other parish com munications to sign up and partici pate as we launch this ministry.

O Eternal God, bless all schools, col leges, and universities, especially Ste phen C. Foster Elementary School, that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Who We Are

United to Learn (U2L) is a Dallas-based education nonprofit with a stated mission of changing lives by transforming the relationship between schools and community. United to Learn is focused on accelerating student achievement across 50 Dallas ISD elementary schools, and growing purposeful leaders through partnerships with businesses, high schools, colleges, faith-based organizations, and engaged individuals and groups. Together we work to create a united, thriving community.

What We Believe

Our values underpin everything we do. Together, we strive to be:

Optimistic: We believe that with the right resources all children can achieve greatness.

Nimble: We respond flexibly and creatively through active listening.

Culturally Competent: We build a positive under standing of diverse perspectives.

Collaborative: We respectfully and empathetically work to learn from each other and build coalition.

Effective: We use evidence-based practices for high-impact results.

What We Do

Our program initiatives aim to: 1) improve our schools’ social emotional health, 2) create aspi rational learning environments, 3) drive student literacy achievement, and 4) activate an informed community empowered to advocate for educational equity from a culturally competent perspective.

All Angels Foundation

At All Angels Foundation our mission is to make lasting, transformative changes to people's lives by serving alongside Saint Michael and All Angels Church and partnering with other nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving and caring for the most vulnerable in our community.

A TIME FOR REST

By Chris Girata, Rector

Many of you know me well enough to know that I love what I do, and I spend a lot of time doing it. Being a priest in the Church, specifically sharing ministry with you at Saint Michael, is a gift in my life. In prepa ration for my seventh year at Saint Michael (seven—time flies when you’re having fun!), my family and I stepped out of our regular habits to get some intentional, extended time to rest.

Rest is not something I’ve historically done well. I’m a bit more ener getic than average and can keep my engine running naturally. And yet, our faith gives us solid, consistent models of rest that go right back to Jesus himself. Over and over again, Jesus steps away from his public ministry, often with his disciples, to rest and to pray. In the sixth chapter of Mark, we see an exam ple of this when Jesus says to his disciples, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while (Mark 6:31).” Rest is essen

tial and critical for our health and for our long-term ministry impact.

Over the summer, I was able to take some intentional time away on a sabbatical. A sabbatical is meant to be more than just time away, more than a vacation. Sabbaticals are meant to enrich and renew one’s spiritual life and passion for min istry. This is the first time I’ve ever taken a sabbatical, and I admit it took some time to figure out what a good sabbatical should be. I really like what I do and wasn't keen to step away from the work I love, at first. However, given the amount of work we did during the pandemic and the way we continue to push forward with our shared mission, I listened to the gentle, loving nudges of those around me to take time for renewal.

This summer was an ideal time for my family. Nicole and I are in that “golden period” when all three of our children are the right ages to do everything together (our oldest

“Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while."

was young enough and our young est was old enough). We capitalized on the amazing pilgrimage I led to see the Passion Play in Oberam mergau, Germany, and spent the bulk of the sabbatical in Europe. In addition to visiting major cities on the continent, we spent a signif icant amount of time in the UK.

As you might expect, we saw lots and lots of churches! We saw churches big and small everywhere we went. Our experience in sacred spaces was especially powerful in the UK, where we visited some of the most significant and historic places of worship in the Anglican world. From evening prayer with the Archbishop of Canterbury to participating in the once-in-a-de cade Lambeth Conference, we had a most incredible experience.

While apart from our Saint Mi chael community, it was import ant to me that the good work we started continued, setting us up for further growth in the coming year. I’m very grateful to the Wardens

and Vestry for their support of my sabbatical, and grateful to the amazing staff and lay leaders who didn’t miss a beat while I was gone.

Time away is a gift for any of us. Like many of you, I don’t take enough time to break from the hustle and routine of my regular life to find renewal. If you’re better than me at finding time to go away and rest, keep it up! For the rest of you, I hope you’ll receive this little nudge from me, just as I received nudges from my friends in lead ership at Saint Michael, and find some time to separate from your day-to-day and seek after God, lis tening to what is being said to you.

As incredible as my sabbatical was, I’m even more invigorated to be back home and with you. What we have in front of us truly ignites me, and to be walking with you makes the work we share a gift. For that and for our many blessings, I am so very grateful!

The Girata family with the Most Rev. and the Rt Hon. the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST*

May the souls of these faithful departed rest in peace

Frank L. McNeny III

January 5

Ann Boyd Royall Maffitt

June 1, Rebecca Royall (daughter), Andrew Royall (grandson), and Elizabeth (great-granddaughter)

Dr. Fred Lee Hackney

July 8, Dr. Gail Hackney (wife), Maggie, and Emma (daughters)

Gordon W. Elmore

July 29, Frank-Paul King (stepson), Eugenia (daughter-in-law), Jonathan, and Christian (grandsons)

Colin Trotman

July 31, Doug Trotman (nephew), Caroline (niece-in-law), William, Lucas (great-nephews), and Lizzie (great-niece)

John Elmer Moderi

August 7

Cynthia “Cindy” Rhind

August 7, Debra Decker (aunt) and Michael (uncle-in-law)

William Christopher "Chris" Jackson

August 12, Cheryl Jackson (wife), Clair (daughter), Harry (son) and Layne Jackson (sister)

Marilyn Trubenbach Koontz

August 12, Angie Russell (daughter), Andee (son-in-law), Austin, Adam, and Andrew (grandsons)

Earl "Richey" Owen, Jr.

August 12, Lisa Batson (sister), Tom (brother-in-law), Blair, Erika (nieces), and Bradley (nephew)

Virginia “Anne” Ponder Boyd

August 14, Dr. Charles Boyd (husband), Stephanie Walker (daughter), Stuart (son-in-law), Elizabeth, Grace, and Kate (granddaughters)

Yvonne Ittner Hays

August 15

William Clarke "Bill" Murphy

August 16, Linda Murphy (wife), Angie Lima (daughter), Rick (son-inlaw), Lucas, Caleb, and Juliet (grandchildren)

Jack Day Watson, Jr.

August 21, Jack Day "J.D." Watson III (son) and Dr. Sallie Watson

Plummer (former wife)

The Rev. James Monroe "Jim" Frensley

August 25

Shirley Ann Howard Owen

September 1, Lisa Batson (daughter), Tom (son-in-law), Blair, Erika, and Bradley (grandchildren)

Carla Louise Jones

September 4, Whitney Harmon (daughter), Jon (son-in-law), Vivian, Amié, and John (grandchildren)

Charles Monroe Sheets

September 12, Van Sheets (son) and Brenda (daughter-in-law)

Robert Felix "Bob" Martina

September 12, Ann Brown (daughter), Doug (son-in-law), Renner and Rowen (grandsons)

Clara Jane Robb Rubarth

September 13, Jack Rubarth (son), Andy, Charlie, and Oliver (grandsons)

Lucy Ann McAlister Sogandares

September 15

Spencer Ward Wheeler

September 15, Suzie and Ed Cary (grandparents), Sutton Wheeler (uncle), Lindsay (aunt), Betty, Wynn, and Virginia (cousins)

Nancy Carol Springer Ballard

September 20, Rob Springer (nephew)

John William Rhodes Blackmon

September 22, The Rev. Tom Blackmon (brother) and Molly Steele (sister-in-law)

James Francis "Jimmy" Gallivan, Jr.

September 24, Robie Vaughn (brother-in-law), Fallon (sister-in-law), Browning (niece), Robert (nephew), Lauren (niece-in-law) and Robie (great-nephew)

Arthur Patrick “Pat” Bishop

September 29, Tana Parsons (daughter), John (son-in-law), Bailey and Hank (grandchildren), Ellie McKenzie (daughter), Jeannette, Max and Alexandra (grandchildren)

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Celebrating the arrivals of our newest family

Ezra Thorin Bowie Hogan Monday, April 18, 2022

Parents: Stella and Brendan Hogan

Grandparents: Carol and Courtney Hogan and Susan Wilson Thomas and Tommy Thomas

Huck Dean Hutchinson Sunday, August 7, 2022

Great-Grandparents: Marillyn and Gus Seeberger

John (Jack) Lafayette McNabb Monday, August 8, 2022

Parent: Catherine McNabb

Grandparents: Edna and Mark Cannata

Lila Bell Stewart Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Parents: Claire and Jeff Stewart

Grandparents: Tricia and Tom Stewart

Kaia Ren Blackthorne-Wylie Monday, August 1, 2022

Parents: Jonathan Wylie and Jordan Blackthorne

Grandparents: Sheryl and Phil Wylie