the The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church April 2018
2
A Letter From The Rector the
Music Ministry
4
Farmers Market
5
Sr. Warden's Corner
6
Women of Saint Michael
9
General Convention
10
Parish Calendar and Overview
13
Stewardship
14
Pastoral Care
16 18
Youth Ministry
Children and Family Ministry
Volume 30 No. 4
We have traveled a great journey of Lent together, one that took us through 40 days of preaching and fish pudding that fed the body and the soul! Now we are in the Great Fifty Days of Easter, a period when the church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This Easter season is one that I look forward to every year. The winter is over, the sun is shining and the earth is being reborn. And just like the flowers and the trees are reborn, we are reborn into a new life in Christ. Easter comes along every year, so if we aren’t careful, we might not be able to appreciate what Easter really means. Easter Sunday is a delight with all its wonderful festivity: the gorgeous flowers, children in their new outfits, and herald music. I even love all the peripheral Easter stuff like bunnies, eggs, candy, and that messy fake grass. Easter can feel like a day, but Easter is really a way of life. In other words, as Christians, we are defined by the resurrection, inspired by new life, a true Easter people. We began our celebration with the Easter Vigil, where we were told and retold the story of our history with God and heard what God wants from us now. During our vigil service on Saturday night, in what I believe is one of the most profound moments of the year, we heard a series of stories from the Bible that remind us of the great arc of salvation, the great love story of God and humanity. Every year, I listen
to those stories of great courage and conviction. I listen to the stories of faithful men and women who chose to follow God’s lead, to truly do what God created them to do. And every year I feel some sense of shame. I hear those stories and realize that there is so much I have failed to do, so much left undone. I recall all the ways I fell short of living the way God created me to live. If we are honest with ourselves, we all carry a sense of shame about things we have done or things we have left undone. Our human nature causes us to make mistakes and to drift away from the person we were created to be. We naturally stumble and fall, over and over again. But we also hope for something more. We yearn for a more profound way of life, a more whole, complete, sacred life that connects us to one another and to God. That desire is at the core of us. That nugget of God-ness is at our very center, calling us and compelling us to want the good, to want a new life. Since the beginning of time, God has had a hand in the world, calling and guiding people in every generation. Put simply, our Bible is a collection of stories about how God has worked in the world through so many people, ultimately becoming incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ. It is an amazing story, but too often, it is treated superstitiously and becomes nothing more than a fairytale. Believe me, it is no fairytale. The story of God is real and profound, and that great story was and is for you! continued on page 19
Music Ministry Come and see! Mark your calendars for a special “come and see” event about our growing chorister program on Monday, April 9 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall (Cafeteria). Following the singing of the Men & Boys Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford at our morning services and evening concert the day before, we’ll have a chance to hear from Jonathan Ryan some of the boys in that choir what it’s like to sing in such a choir and how it’s impacted their lives. This is a rare opportunity to interact with and hear from boys and adults who have lived and breathed our Anglican choral heritage. Although anyone can attend, this event is especially designed for children 2nd grade and older (and their families) who might be interested in singing here. This is especially because they can see, hear, and interact with something that our music program strives to have in the coming years. Bring your friends and neighbors! This is a wonderful outreach opportunity. Dinner and musical entertainment from the Magdalen Choir will be provided. Come and learn more about how our music program can provide not just first rate music making and enrichment of our worship, but transform lives and build the kingdom of God too!
June 15: Girls Choir from Washington National Cathedral As we are hosting a choir of men and boys this month, we are also intentionally hosting a widely-acclaimed girls choir. We’re doing all this in part to see, hear, and experience the inspiration behind the growth in our music program, as well as have a tangible vision of what our future can be. I couldn’t be more thrilled to have one of the finest girls choirs in North America here at Saint Michael on Friday, June 15 at 7:00 p.m. The Girls Choir from Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC will sing a concert as part of our Saint Michael Presents series, with some of our girl choristers joining them. Mark your calendar now!
April 8: Choir of Men and Boys from Oxford, UK We’re so fortunate to have the world-renowned Choir of Men and Boys from Magdalen College, Oxford here at Saint Michael on Sunday, April 8. They are in Dallas as part of their US spring tour. Some of our boy choristers will have an opportunity to rehearse and sing with them in their Saint Michael Presents concert at 7:00 p.m. Their concert program includes a musical journey through Lent and Easter, as well as a second half featuring music by composers who lived in Oxford, such as John Taverner, John Stainer, William Harris, and Hubert Parry. We will also hear them in our Sunday morning 9:00 (men only) and 11:00 (men and boys) services in the church as we continue the Easter season. This is a special opportunity to hear what having a men and boys choir lead in our worship can be like – perhaps an exciting window into our future! 2
Jonathan Ryan, Director of Music and Organist
UR ! YO AY E D RV TO E S TS RE CKE TI
MAGDALEN UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF OXFORD
SUNDAY APRIL 8 Sunday 9AM & 11AM services in the church Experience the phenomenon of having a highly acclaimed choir of men and boys leading in worship! (Combined men and boys at 11am only)
The crowd queueing to hear the Magdalen Choir sing for “May Morning”
7PM CONCERT Reservation Ticket required, see link at bottom DON’T MISS OUT! Founded in 1480, The Choir of Magdalen College has graced stages the world wide. They have also won a Gramophone award under former director Grayston Ives, and have collaborated with the film composer George Fenton, most notably in Richard Attenborough’s movie, Shadowlands, with the Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney, and on the award-winning soundtrack for the BBC TV series, Blue Planet.
Part of the choir singing during service
MONDAY APRIL 9 5:30pm “Come & See Event for Choristers” Parish Hall Open to all, but geared especially for families, children through 8th grade, and parents. A trio of boys rehearsing
• Hear from Magdalen choir boys about their experience • Hear from Magdalen Choir Director Mark Williams and our own Jonathan Ryan as they discuss what choir life at this level entails. • Speak and mingle with current chorister parents • Musical entertainment by Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford Informal dinner provided
“Will you be coming to hear me sing in concert?
www.saintmichael.org/smp
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Farmers Market Our Seventh Season Opens on April 14! Saint Michael’s Farmers Market begins its seventh season on Saturday, April 14, 8:00 a.m. to Noon and will be open every Saturday through September 15! Looking back: Our 2017 season was outstanding in every way including an increased number of vendors from whom outstanding products were offered as well as a record-setting number of visitors attending our market. We received outstanding support from the Friends of Farmers Market (those who donate to support the operation of the market) and to top it all off, we were named by D Magazine as the “Best Neighborhood Farmers Market of 2017!” We plan for the 2018 season to be just as exciting. The Committeerun market has already been vetting the growers, as well as the food producers and, as has become our model, we only offer edible products. Another thing that makes this market unique is our greeters. Our volunteer greeters are a primary part of our culture. The volunteers work in two hour shifts and try to connect with everyone who attends our market. Our welcome booth is situated in the center of the activity and provides a touch point for the dissemination of welcoming conversation, help to those looking for a specific vendor or product, giveaways such as recipes of the day, sale of insulated shopping bags and just plain fun. Nearby, you will find our volunteer Farmers Market Band filling the air with lively music and songs. When you attend, be sure to bring the whole family including your dogs. They will find there are many doggie friends to say “hello” to and ample water for them to drink! Many Saturdays there will be a chef demo of products from our vendors. As you do your spring cleaning, don’t forget to select men’s suits and shirts and shoes, ties, etc., that are in good condition. We have made these donations available to One Man’s Treasure for the past three years to give to men who have recently been released from prison. They are so grateful for these items that allow them to make a good presentation when applying for a job. This year, our outreach committee has added Family Gateway as an opportunity for you to donate women and children’s clothes. These are two more excellent reasons for you to come to the market and know that you can make a contribution that will go directly to someone in need. This is just the beginning. We are expecting a number of new vendors this year, so keep checking our website for Saint Michael’s Market news and if you are so inclined, consider supporting the market with a shift as a greeter and/or through a donation to support the operation of the market. Last but not least, support the market with 4
your presence and invite all your friends to do the same. You are our best advertising: word of mouth! FYI: The church makes no money from the market. We are here to provide a safe place for families and friends to gather, shop for food, and enjoy each other’s company. We rely on you to support our market and our vendors with your presence, so, come see us, meet all the vendors, buy some fresh food products and just have a great Saturday morning with friends and family. Greeting visitors is a wonderful way for you and your family, or you and your men’s group, bible study, book club, young adults, youth group, etc., to work as a team to provide the great outreach ministry of Saint Michael. We welcome all ages. To volunteer for a specific shift, contact Jose Aviles at 214-708-9453 or cuthbert4@sbcglobal. net, or sign up by visiting saintmichaelsmarket.com/volunteer. To be a supporter, make a donation to Friends of Farmers Market at: www.saintmichaelsmarket.com/friends/
@saintmichaelsmarket
Sr. Warden’s Corner
Margaret Spellings Sr. Warden •
As I write this column, I can look out my window and see that the trees are beginning to bud, and the tulips have bloomed. Spring has arrived! This is a good time to look back at what the Vestry has done over the past three months, and to look ahead to the rest of the year. Here is a sampling of some of the ground that the Vestry covered in its January, February and March meetings:
We continued to work with Church clergy and staff on the Vestry initiatives, transitioning leadership for some initiatives to members of our new Vestry class.
•
We approved the 2018 Church budget.
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We learned of the successful conclusion of the 2017-2018 stewardship campaign.
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We thanked Grady Schleier for his service as Treasurer for the past four years, and welcomed Kathy Kelley as our new Treasurer.
We also looked forward to other opportunities at our Church: •
We heard from Steven Haal, our Director of Communications, about his plans for Church communications this year.
•
We heard of exciting plans for the 2018 Farmers Market.
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We focused on our music programs with a report from Jonathan Ryan and Justin Brooks on their plans for both traditional and contemporary music at Saint Michael.
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We heard about the celebration of Holy Week at our Church.
For me personally, these past three months have been a period of spiritual growth and reflection. As I have spent more time at our Church with our thoughtful Clergy and our talented and dedicated staff, my faith has grown through watching their example. The Lenten Meditations contributed by parishioners, staff and Clergy have deepened my appreciation of the meaning and purpose of the period of Lent. I wish all our parishioners a very happy Easter!
Margaret Spellings, Sr. Warden
June 4-8 | 9a-Noon Registation begins April 3rd! Visit www.saintmichael.org/vbs (Ages 4 to upcoming 5th graders)
Fun games, Bible studies, snacks and more!! Committe Chairs needed—to volunteer please contact Gabrielle at gott@saintmichael.org
Women of Saint Michael DAY OF SERVICE AT JUBILEE PARK The second annual Women of Saint Michael Day of Service at Jubilee Park & Community Center will be on Friday, April 6 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Join the group for gardening, playing Senior Bingo, reading to children, rocking babies, and helping Jubilee get ready for their annual Health Fair. This is a great way to come together in joyful service to the Jubilee community and celebrate the love of the Easter season! Volunteers are needed for the following: Gardening: Help provide Jubilee Park with fresh food by aiding in the spring planting of the ever-expanding Jubilee community gardens, led by Katie Whiteman. Bring work gloves and any planting tools you might find helpful if you have them. Davids’ Place: Join group leaders Maria Martin and Arden Showalter as they walk you over to Davids' Place where the staff will put you to work either working with the children or helping the staff organize.
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Jeanie’s Place: Join Jeanie Laube and Squeaky Connolly at Jeanie’s Place where you will be able to help take care of the babies as well as help the staff as needed. Senior Bingo: Join Karen Pardoe and Jean Coleman as they organize Bingo for the seniors in the community center. Health Fair Committee: Help Tricia Stewart prepare mailings or make snack bags for the children of Jubilee in preparation for the Jubilee Health Fair on April 28. Free childcare will be available at the church the day of the event. Volunteer, make childcare reservations, and donate online at www. saintmichael.org/wosmdayofservice Questions? Conatct Sharon Snyder at sharonandwillsnyder@gmail.com
SPRING LUNCHEON Wednesday, May 9, 11:00 a.m. 7000 Park Lane “Finding God’s Grace Through the Spirit of Hospitality” Benita Long, author of Share the Bounty and Come to the Table Join author Benita Long as she helps us address questions of hospitality and how we prepare our homes to be welcoming havens to friends and family. She asks us to consider how we have prepared our homes for visitors and how we infuse the spirit of charity into our gatherings, giving us ideas for how each of our homes can be a sanctuary of Christian fellowship. In her two cookbooks, Long addresses the scriptural basis for hospitality through the development of menus that will complement special occasions with the important people in our lives. Make reservations online at www.saintmichael.org/ springluncheon
WOSM Mother Daughter Tea
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General Convention 2018 General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be held July 5th - 13th in Austin, Texas. General Convention supports the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church through its work. Its responsibilities include: Episcopal Church
• Adopting legislation that affects The
•
Adopting the next triennial budget for The Episcopal Church - Electing nominees to offices, boards and other committees of The Episcopal Church
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Amending the Book of Common Prayer, the Constitution, and the Canons of The Episcopal Church
•
Authorizing liturgical texts - Creating covenants and official relationships with other branches of the Church
•
Determining requirements for clergy and other leaders
There are many important issues being addressed at this year’s General Convention, including the election of the next Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, the Report of the Task Force for Reimagining the Episcopal Church, the Report of the Task Force on the Study of Marriage, and others.
If you have any questions, the Saint Michael contact is Mary Ruth McKenney maryruthmckenney@gmail.com or please contact any of the clergy or lay deputies listed below: CLERGY DEPUTIES: The Rev. Canon Victoria R.T. Heard, Chair The Rev. Dr. Samira Izadi Page The Very Rev. Dr. Neal O. Michell The Rev. Canon Michael Gilton CLERGY ALTERNATES: The Rev. Greg T. Methvin The Rev. Craig Reed LAY DEPUTIES: Canon Carrie Boren Headington Mrs. Lana Valenta Ms. Lee Spence Mr. William Murchison ALTERNATES: Mrs. Jolayne LaCour Mrs. Anne Schmidt Mr. William McGannon Mr. Don Mills
You may keep up with these important issues by accessing the website: www.generalconvention.org/
bit.ly/messagesforleon 9
Par APRIL EVENTS
April 2
April 7
Church Offices Closed
Mission Outreach: Loving Our Neighbors
Easter Monday April 3
Cooking for Austin Street Shelter 5:30p-8:30p | Parish Hall April 5
Prime Timers
10:30a | Coke Activities Room
The Prime Timers welcome Spring with story teller, Mary Roberson and her presentation of beloved Beatricezz Potter’s creation, Peter Rabbit and Friends. Lunch is $10 reservation to Bonita, 214.728.6440, by Sunday, April 1. see ad opposite page
Join us as we build O.M. Roberts Elementary School's Outdoor learning Garden as part of Saint Michael Family Service Project. 4918 E. Grand Ave. Dallas 75223 RSVP is online at bit.ly/SMAAeastertide
Magdalen Choir Leads Sunday Morning Worship
WOSM Day of Service 9a - Noon | Jubilee Park see ad pg 6
5:30p | Parish Hall see ad pg 3 April 12
Hill Riddle Book Reception 5:30p - 7:30p | Parlor The Rev. Hill Riddle, former interim rector of SMAA, will be returning for a signing of his new book, "Beloved Community". April 14
Farmers Market Opening Day
9a and 11a | Church | see pg 2
8a - Noon | North Parking Lot see ad page 4
April 8
April 14
Saint Michael 101
April 6
Come & See Event for Choristers
ish
9a - Noon | O.M. Roberts
April 8
April 9
12:15p-1:30p | Parlor | see ad pg 12 April 8
Saint Michael Presents Magdalen Concert 7p | Church | see ad pg 3
Mission Outreach: Feeding the Hungry 9a -11a | N. Dallas Shared Ministries 2875 Merrell RSVP is online at bit.ly/SMAAeastertide
Cale April 15
Youth Serving at Dallas Animal Services
Meet at church 1:30p, return by 4:30p RSVP to lwainwright@saintmichael.org April 17
Project Moses Cooking
5:30p - 7:30p | Parish Hall RSVP to tsdemler@gmail.com April 19
PT Cruisers: Let's Sing Like the Birdies Sing Last outing of the year...
Day trip to Trinity River Audobon Center. Bus leaves church at 9:30a. Admission & box lunch $20. Reservation deadline is April 15! RSVP to Bonita Frederick 214.728.6440 April 21
Woman's Exchange Birthday Party 9a - 5:30p | 5 Highland Park Village see ad page 8
April 21
nd
Mission Outreach: Loving God's Children
9a - Noon | ChildCareGroup 407 W. Tenth Street RSVP is online at bit.ly/SMAAeastertide April 23
Men of Saint Michael Breakfast
7:15a - 8a | Coke Activities Room April 28
Mission Outreach: Caring for God's Creation
9a - Noon | Texas Tree Foundation Bob Woodruff Park South Pavillion 3840 E. Park Blvd, Plano TX 75074 RSVP is online at bit.ly/SMAAeastertide
May 4
Youth Ministry Rangers Game 5:15p - 11p RSVP saintmichael.org/youth May 6
Confirmation & Bishop Visitation 9a and 11a | Church May 6
Youth Confirmation 2p | Church May 9
Women of Saint Michael Spring Luncheon 11a | 7000 Park Lane See ad page 7
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Parish Calendar Saint Michael 101 Sunday, April 8 12:15-1:30 p.m. in the Parlor
Want to know more about becoming a member of Saint Michael and All Angels? Join us for a lively and fun luncheon led by Rector Chris Girata and The Rev. Mary Lessmann on Sunday, April 8 from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in the Parlor. If you are new to Saint Michael or just visiting and want to learn more about membership, then this luncheon is for you! Come meet members of our Clergy & Vestry, hear all about our many ministries, opportunities for involvement, and the exciting future of our parish. Lunch and free childcare is provided with pre-registration which can be found here: www.saintmichael.org/101luncheon Questions? Contact Anne Schmidt aschmidt@saintmichael.org
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Stewardship Stewardship Is More Than Just Your 10% Stewardship is so much more than just a tithe or monetary contribution. The “holy trinity” of Stewardship – time, talent and treasure – do not stand apart from one another. Our ministries are what we, as a congregation, make them. As a steward of God’s blessings, the giving of your time and talents is invaluable to the Caroline Marak growth of our programs. The prayerful consideration in giving of the most precious commodity of time means more than you know! If you are still looking for ways to get involved at Saint Michael and All Angels, there are several ministry areas that are in need of your help: •
Youth is in the process of planning for this summer’s Vacation Bible School and needs volunteers. Contact Gabrielle Ott at gott@saintmichael.org if interested!
•
Membership is looking for Sunday morning greeters and welcome center attendants. Contact Anne Schmidt at aschmidt@saintmichael.org if interested!
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Parish Life continually needs volunteers to help with varying events throughout the year. Contact Tish Visinsky at tvisinsky@saintmichael.org if interested!
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Pastoral Care is in need of Angel Cooks, Lay Eucharistic Visitors and Knitters. Contact Katherine Bowen at kbowen@saintmichael.org if interested!
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Stewardship is looking for volunteers who feel the call to walk with Stewardship as we grow in this ministry of time, talent and treasure. Contact Caroline Marak at cmarak@ saintmichael.org if interested!
Saint Michael and All Angels Altar Flowers The gift of flowers in memory or honor of a loved one beautifies our most holy of worship spaces in meaningful ways. Your generosity to the Flower Fund of Saint Michael and All Angels is what enables this ministry to continue the Episcopal tradition of using fresh flowers on a weekly basis. The cost of flowers per location is as follows: • • •
Church - $700 total: $350 per arrangement Saint Michael Chapel - $300 total: $150 per arrangement Sanctus Candle - $50 total: $25 per location
The sponsoring of a single arrangement or both arrangements is possible depending on current availability. Please go to our website saintmichael.org/give to reserve the weekend that you would like your loved ones to be honored or remembered, and to make your payment directly. Doing so in advance will allow your loved ones to be celebrated in the bimonthly Archangel (starting May 2018) and the weekly Sunday bulletin. Your faithful participation in this ministry comes not only in the gift of beauty, but a gift to God and those who attend our services. Gayle Kesinger (gkesinger@tx.rr.com) and Caroline Marak, Stewardship Manager (214-363-5471; cmarak@saintmichael.org) are available for any questions that you may have.
In the event you have any questions regarding your Stewardship pledge or payments, please feel free to always reach out to me directly at cmarak@saintmichael.org or 214-692-3015.
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Pastoral Care Lay Eucharistic Visitors
Greg Pickens
All volunteers are special because they have answered God’s call to be in service to others. Scripture reminds us that the people of God are called to work in different ministries, as they are equipped by the Spirit – all working together to benefit the Church. This month, I am focusing on the team of Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV). They are a highly trained group of volunteers who take the blessed bread and wine to parishioners who cannot be present
for Sunday services. The LEV ministry is grounded upon scripture. You may recall that Job’s friends came to be with him during hard times and provided comfort to him ( Job chapter 2). The other scripture that comes to mind is in Matthew chapter 25 where Jesus told his disciples, “When I was naked, you clothed me; when I fell ill, you visited me; and when I was in prison, you came to me.” Both passages let us know the blessings that happen when God’s people are reminded of their place in the community of faith. Many LEVs have themselves received a visit from someone who brought the blessed bread and wine to them. LEVs recognize that no one wishes to be parted from their church home and so they are willing to go through two separate processes. First, a few hours of training by the leader of this ministry, Charlie Smith. This training is to assure the LEV will both administer the sacrament correctly and understands how to make a pastoral visit. After the training, the volunteer then is certified by our diocese that they have the training to perform the ministry in the proper way. Finally, LEVs must be dependable and willing to work in a structured pastoral ministry where timely feedback to the leader is needed. Despite these mechanics, our LEVs are loved and supported by the LEV team; help is always near and the best part is this ministry is very friendly to singles and families. Noralyn, Annie, and I often made rounds together – it is a chance to serve together and it gives the person receiving the bread and wine a chance to truly feel connected and loved. If you feel you are called to this ministry, please contact Katherine Bowen at kbowen@saintmichael.org.
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Grief Workshop Faith and Grief Ministries will conduct a 6-week Grief Workshop at Saint Michael beginning April 5 through May 10, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Parlor. On these six Thursday afternoons, Regina Strader Hunt, of Faith and Grief Ministries, will lead the workshops where one can partipate in a supportive community, learn ways to cope, and practice spiritual exercises that bring comfort. Register online by April 4: www.faithandgrief.org/programs/workshops/. Contact: Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org
Faith and Grief Ministry Parishioner Anne Leary will be our guest speaker at the monthly luncheon scheduled for Thursday, April 12, noon until 1:00 p.m. Share a meal at a facilitated table and hear others’ stories of how faith and grief have intersected in their lives following the loss of a loved one. There is no fee but your donation is greatly appreciated. Kindly make a reservation with Katherine Bowen, kbowen@ saintmichael.org. The clergy contact is The Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org.
Prayer Ministry The Rev. Mary Lessmann will be the guest speaker at our Prayer Ministry meeting on Thursday, April 19, 6:30 pm in the Coke Activities Room. If you wish to have a light dinner with us, kindly make a reservation with Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org ($10), or just come to participate in the program, “Do Personality/Temperament influence Prayer Preference” as The Rev. Lessman explores the relationship of enneagram and prayer. All are invited. Lay Contact: Joan Faubion, joan.faubion@sbcglobal.net.
Praying Our Goodbyes
Alcoholics Anonymous
Pastoral Care Offers an Additional Mourning and Grief Support Ministry on April 18. Our own The Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer is leading a monthly gathering for those who have suffered loss and are grieving. Grief is a natural process for humans and to shorten or circumvent the grieving process is to invite illness and even severe depression. Using the research of noted author, Joyce Rupp, the gathering will encounter and identify our good byes in life, both big and small. All are welcome to join Hiltrude in the Parlor on the third Wednesday of each month from 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous meets on the first and third Sundays at 7:00 p.m. in the Coke Activities Room. Contact The Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org.
For further information, contact The Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@ saintmichael.org.
Women’s Cancer Support meets on Mondays in the Parlor 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., Contact: Sue Patton, pattons@sbcglobal.net, or Charlie Stobaugh, charliestobaugh@gmail.com.
Parish Nurse Sunday
Centering Prayer
April 22 when we will hold our Spring Blood Drive. 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the ESD Library. Questions? Or how to register for an appointment in advance, Contact: Dianne Boyd, R.N., dboyd@ saintmichael.org.
Care Giver Support Care Giver Support meets on Mondays in the Parlor, 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Lay leader: Gayl Braymer, gaylbraymer@gmail.com, or 214-906-2170.
Women’s Cancer Support
Centering Prayer meets Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in the Bishop Moore Chapel. Contact: Shannon Callewart, scallewart@tx.rr.com.
Prayer Shawl Knitting Ministry The Prayer Shawl Knitting Ministry provides care and comfort. For years, shawls lovingly knitted by members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry have brought comfort to those who need to feel the love of their church. Out need for prayer shawls is always present. Our Prayer Shawl Ministry meets every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Drake Room. Unable to come to the church on Tuesdays? No problem. Knit at home and bring your items to the receptionist who will make certain they get to us. Don’t know how to knit? No problem. We are happy to teach new knitters basic skills. If you are a beginner, we have supplies to get you started. All are welcome, regardless of skill level. Please join us to knit and enjoy fellowship. Contact: Byrd Teague, byrd.teague@gmail.com.
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Youth Ministry Community Outreach This spring is a busy season for our youth’s community outreach! Our middle schoolers and high schoolers have been helping their community in many ways over the past few months. In early February, we visited North Dallas Shared Ministries to help distribute free groceries to those that need them. We sorted canned goods, filled grocery carts with food, and gave away the food to the families that need it. The youth learned a lot about the other ministries that the company provides and had a great time helping out with their friends! At The Gathering, the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas’s church for the homeless and those with insecure housing, youth and staff joined in fellowship at their church service and served a hot meal on a cold day. “The love of Christ definitely shone through”, says youth intern Daniel Stanelle. “Having the experience of worshipping with those who are less fortunate than me really changed my perspective.”
Some of our high schoolers and staff helped our own high school junior Sophie Pearson with her Girl Scouts service project of fixing up the gardens at Oak Hill Academy. The youth got some dirt under their nails by raking up leaves, pulling out weeds and preparing flower beds for new plants to be planted. Sophie, by completing this project, is hoping to achieve her gold award within her Girl Scouts troop. Way to go, Sophie!
We also volunteered at Interfaith Family Services on March 21st, helping prepare apartment spaces for those who are in between homes or lack a permanent living situation. “Interfaith is a great place for families who don’t have money,” says youth intern Patricia Hale Siedler, “and is the perfect way for them to get back up on their feet, find work within the Dallas area, and most importantly, gain back their hope.”
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Youth Ministry This year’s confirmation class has had a book drive throughout the semester for their Jubilee Park Literacy Fair. They have been collecting books that are in good shape to donate to the kids at Jubilee Park, a community center for those who are under served in terms of education and health resources. With their contributions, adults and children who have not had access to books will finally have the resources to gain a lifetime of literacy. On March 24th, at their literacy fair, they handed out book totes, a bookmark, and 5-10 books to the kids at Jubilee Park. Great job, confirmation kids!
If you’d like to volunteer with us at Dallas Animal Services on April 15th (hanging out with sweet dogs and cats!), contact Lauren Wainwright or Chase Monson to RSVP and get involved. The youth ministry team is so proud of our kiddos for all of the hard work they do! If you need some community service hours for school, or just want to get involved with our youth group, email lwainwright@ saintmichael.org for more information.
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Children and Family Ministry Vacation Bible School June 4-8, 9:00 a.m. - Noon This year, Saint Michael and All Angels’ VBS theme is Shipwrecked. Children will learn that Jesus rescues! This adventure will help kids begin or deepen their faith by discovering that Jesus cares about them
and activities, help with snacks and arts/ crafts. Rising 6th graders to high school students are encouraged to sign up. Service hours are available. Volunteer registration is online at www.saintmichael.org/vbs/
Snack Backpacks for Jubilee Service Project On Sunday, February 25, the Bible 101 class and the middle school Sunday school class packed snack backpacks for the children in the after school program at Jubilee. Christi Morrow talked to the Sunday school classes about what hunger looks in the United States. In Texas, 1 in 4 children struggle with food insecurity. Food insecurity refers to lack of access to enough food to fully meet basic needs at all times due to a lack of financial resources. In the United States, hunger isn’t caused by a lack of food but rather a continued prevalence of poverty. She explained that our goal with this service project and others is to close the gaps on hunger. One such gap is when school is out such as during the spring break holiday. After the lesson and a short video, the children packed 200 backpacks with 5 snacks and handwritten notes. Snacks and money were donated by all of the Children and Family Ministry classes during the month of February.
personally and rescues in life’s toughest circumstances. There will be daily arts and crafts, bible lessons, snacks, and an outreach project. Our hope is that Vacation Bible School with be an experience with God that the children will never forget.
Registration for VBS opens on April 3 Registration for Vacation Bible School, June 4-8, is open for children ages 4 (as of June 4) to rising 5th graders.
Register now at www.saintmichael.org/vbs/ Volunteers Needed—We Need YOU! Both adult and youth volunteers are needed to make VBS a meaningful experience for our children. Adult volunteers are needed as grade level leaders, snack and game helpers, and arts/crafts coordinators. Youth volunteers will assist the grade level leaders, organize games 18
Rector’s Corner continued from page 1
The resurrection event is about new life. We have all made mistakes— we make them every day! Many of those mistakes are small, but sometimes they are huge and can weigh us down. The good news of the resurrection is that we are not anchored to the past. We are not anchored to the mistakes and pain and tragedy of the past. We are not bound by what we have done because through Christ, we know that God wants us to start again, right now. God wants us to put down the baggage of the past and pickup the promise of today. Today is a new day, a new life. We are not talking about superstition and empty promises, we are talking about resurrection!
Grant Them Eternal Rest May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Sandy Randolph Pitts Carstens, March 2, mother of Mary Louise Hopson Karl A. Horvath, March 5, father of Mike Horvath Craig Otis Canon, March 12, husband of Judy Canon Barbara Ruth Spalti Rawson, March 12, father of Becky Weaver George Oniu, March 21, father of Dianne Boyd Suzanne Wallace Artz, March 21, sister of Bob Wallace
Births Saint Michael is a unique community. We may look very much like many other churches on the surface, but just under the surface, we have an irrepressible spirit of action. We take love and work and mission seriously. For us, resurrection is a movement that spread among us and through us into a world that needs to love the promise of new life. You are part of a mission, part of a movement, and you are being called to spread the story of resurrection, to spread the hope of new life! The yearning for God is real, and everyone around us is searching for the truth. May we courageously follow a new life in Christ, and may our new life shine the hope of resurrection to all those around us. Alleluia, Jesus Christ is risen indeed, and let the whole earth rejoice!
We warmly welcome our newest members recently born into our parish family!: Charles “Charlie” McKay Biddle March 1, 2018 Meghan and Ben Biddle
Great Expectations We pray for members of our parish family who are expecting: Sarah and Austin Conway Caroline and Trey Marak
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Archangel the
A monthly publication of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX
Saint Michael and All Angels 8011 Douglas Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75225-0385
the
The Archangel Newsletter (USPS 015-033) is published monthly by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church POSTMASTER: Send Address changes to The Archangel, Saint Michael and All Angels Church, P.O. Box 12385, Dallas,TX 75225-0385
Worship Schedule Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 7:00 a.m. – Morning Prayer – BMC Tuesday, and Thursday 7:00 a.m. – Eucharist – BMC Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – Healing Service – BMC Saturday 8:30 a.m. – Eucharist - BMC 5:30 p.m. – Candlelight Mass – SMC Sunday 7:30 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I – SMC 9:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite II – Church 9:00 a.m. – Joy – Saint Michael Chapel 9:00 a.m. - Discovery - Parish Hall 10:00 a.m. – Sunday School 11:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I - Church 11:00 a.m. – The Celebration - Parish Hall 5:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer and Eucharist Rite I - SMC 8:00 p.m. – Compline Service Canterbury House SMU
Parish Clergy The Reverend Dr. Christopher Girata Parish Rector The Reverend Dr. Bill Murray Parish Vicar The Reverend Lisa Flores Musser Associate for Worship and Liturgy The Reverend Greg Pickens Associate for Pastoral Care The Reverend Dr. Eric Liles Associate for Formation The Reverend Mary Lessmann Associate for Spiritual Growth The Reverend Bob Johnston Associate for Modern Worship
Parish Vestry Margaret Spellings, Sr. Warden Sally Schupp, Jr. Warden Warren Houser, Warden at-Large Kathy Kelley, Treasurer Jim Skochdopole, Chancellor Margaret Cervin, Clerk Bonner Allen, Marla Jacks Briggle, John Ellerman, Jane Greene, Whitney Grogan, Ben Leal, Jay Lipscomb, Kyle Moore, Anna Paccone, Christine Paddock, Elizabeth L. Selzer, and Chris Wiley.
The Reverend Rich Towers Associate for Student Ministries at SMU The Reverend Michael Harmuth Priest Associate for Worship The Reverend Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer Priest Associate for Pastoral Care
saintmichael.org (214) 363-5471
@smaadallas