the The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
July 2016
the
9:00 Patriotic Music for the 4th of July
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Church Offices Closed - 4th of July Holiday
Cook for Austin Street Center (at Saint Michael)
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Serve Dinner at Austin Street Center
Faith and Grief Luncheon
Prayer Ministry with The Very Rev. Doug Travis
Volume 28 No.7
Saint Michael and All Angels Calls New Rector
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church has called The Rev. Christopher D. Girata to be its eighth Rector. The Vestry unanimously voted to make the call at its meeting on Wednesday, June 15. He will begin his ministry at Saint Michael on Monday, August 15. The Rev. Girata, 36, currently is Rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee, a church of more than 1,000 parishioners in downtown Memphis. His wife, Nicole, is a retirement consultant for Mercer, an international human resources consulting firm. They have three children; son, Brayden, 10, and daughters, Layna, 8, and Annemarie, 3. The Rev. Girata is a native of Florida and grew up in the Tampa area. He received his Bachelor of Arts in religious studies, in honorus, from Stetson University, a Master of Theological Studies from Emory University, a Master of Divinity, cum laude, from Virginia Theological Seminary, and is completing his Doctor of Ministry from Duke University. He became Rector of Calvary Episcopal, a downtown “destination church,” in mid-2012. During his tenure youth participation has tripled, the church’s average Sunday attendance has grown
every year, particularly with new members in their 20’s and 30’s, and its members’ engagement in outreach ministry has expanded dramatically. Prior to becoming rector at Calvary, The Rev. Girata was Associate Rector at St. Luke’s in Birmingham from 2008 – 2012, and as a seminarian served at The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and at St. John’s in Chevy Chase, MD. He already is recognized as a leader in the Episcopal Church, presenting regularly at church-wide conferences, including the recent Invite-Welcome-Connect conference at Camp Allen and to the Consortium for Endowed Episcopal Parishes on “Turning Visitors into Members.” Chris is a classically trained musician and amateur cook. His wife, Nicole, received her undergraduate degree in finance and computer information systems from Stetson University (where she and Chris met), and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In addition to being a Senior Associate at Mercer, she likes to travel, go to the theater, and enjoy her husband’s cooking! Send a message of welcome and congratulations to Chris and his family at cgirata@saintmichael.org.
Rector Search and Transition The Rev. Dr. Alyce McKenzie, Professor and head of the Center for Preaching Excellence at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology, led a seminar to raise our sophistication about homiletics.
The Rector Search and Transition Committee has spent 13 months meeting Rector candidates, listening to God’s will, and discerning God’s call for our parish. The Committee chairs, Diana Newton and Van Sheets, recount here the experience that profoundly impacted the lives of every member of the committee.
Summary Report from the Rector Search and Transition Committee This describes the search process as we planned and did it, the surprise of how we see it with hindsight, and what we learned about the future of Saint Michael.
The Official Story We started with these steps in mind: • • •
Understand The Parish and What We Need “Cast The Net” For Candidates Discern Best Fit
We sought to understand Saint Michael through the Parish Survey with its thousands of thoughtful comments by parishioners and 20+ listening sessions throughout the parish, and of course the Vestry had selected us because collectively we had diverse personal involvement in ministries of the parish. You can’t write a job specification from the input of over 1,000 people, especially when they pride themselves on their “Big Tent” diversity. We did try to absorb it all so it would ring in our ears as we encountered the candidates, and it did. We studied how others have approached Rector transitions by talking with Episcopal Church leaders around the U.S., and with numerous members of our past four search committees (the searches for Bob Dannals, Mark Anschutz, Bob Ratelle and Bob Estill). We also interviewed several former Saint Michael clergy. 2
We developed a Parish Profile to present Saint Michael (www. saintmichael.org/profile). We cast the net by asking parishioners and friends throughout the Church to suggest outstanding prospective candidates, and beginning last November we invited all of them to consider becoming candidates. We had conversations with many who were undecided or who said “No” at first, to encourage them to take a first step with us. Prospects become official candidates by completing an application in a daunting format established by The Episcopal Church, which includes 11 deep questions about the candidates’ ministry and experience. Ultimately nearly 50 priests became candidates. We asked them to answer five additional questions in writing: 1. Please tell us how you were called to ministry and tell us about your daily walk with Jesus Christ. 2. How have you led your congregation into evangelism and outreach, and how do you see this leadership applying with us? 3. What do you see as keys to the Episcopal Church ministering to more young adults and young families? How have you acted on these where you are now? 4. Please describe your management style, with specific examples of how you have interacted with and supported clergy, staff and laity.
Rector Search and Transition 5. We believe you have extraordinary personal gifts to share during your years in fulltime parish ministry, and we feel our capabilities and attitudes comprise a gift of potential that few parishes have. What are your thoughts on pursuing a vision for ministry, which would marry your gifts with ours?
there but their congregations certainly didn’t. There were a few funny moments when friendly parishioners greeted us and we tried to remain incognito while minimizing our misleading explanations of why we were in town. We discussed each of the final candidates for many hours, and did some intensive reference checking by phone, eventually reaching a consensus.
We were impressed not only that the candidates represented a large portion of the most outstanding priests in the Church, but also that each of them would share so openly with a group of strangers in Dallas. They accepted the vulnerability with their current parishes and with their spouses and families, and we felt strongly that we owed them extreme confidentiality. A few of them told friends they were in mutual discernment with us, but we ourselves never hinted at the fact that they even had returned our first phone calls. We will continue to protect their confidentiality the rest of our lives. In addition to studying all the materials the candidates provided, we explored their websites, watched their sermons on YouTube, reviewed their social media output, their books and articles, etc. Based on this, we discussed the candidates extensively, and invited fewer than 20 to meet us in video conferences. In these structured video conferences some questions were asked of all candidates and some were individualized. In each session four of us were on camera with the candidate, and others introduced off camera. These interviews were recorded for every member of the committee to watch or re-watch. We continued to research the candidates online. We discussed each candidate for hours, and ultimately invited fewer than ten to visit Dallas with their spouses. Each visit lasted more than two days and nights. Each candidate led us in Bible study and a home communion, and we were together in both large and small groups through the waking hours, getting to know each other. We gave them secret tours of the church and of Jubilee, and served meals in our homes to avoid bumping into parishioners in restaurants. We continued this “courtship” by visiting several of them, including experiencing their churches on a Sunday. Teams of four of us visited discreetly – the candidates knew we were
What really happened The steps described above seem factual, like a business process. We organized it that way, but our experience was different. It was intensely spiritual. The first time we met, minutes before the Vestry commissioned us, Father Michael Harmuth led us in a private Eucharist. After that, we began every meeting either celebrating the Eucharist, or with a devotional led by a Saint Michael lay leader. Last September we spent a weekend in an offsite retreat led by former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold. He helped us prepare for spiritual discernment through the process, both by sharing his wisdom about parish transitions and through
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Rector Search and Transition teaching us the Ignatian method for group discernment. (Ignatius of Loyola founded the Jesuits in 1534, and also developed a simple but powerful method for groups to make decisions together.) Bishop Griswold emphasized that our objective was to try to discern and reach a consensus about God’s will for our parish, while our candidates tried to discern God’s will for their vocations. In the past year we have talked at length with scores of the most outstanding priests in the Church, and we have been blessed to spend long days with a number of them. Now we try to consider all the twists and turns with 20/20 hindsight. Rather than feeling total clarity, we feel a sense of mystery. It is as if the Holy Spirit made our path, sometimes putting a stone in the way to make us turn or delay, and other times removing an obstacle.
We frankly were uncomfortable at some times during our discernment, before the Holy Spirit lifted the fog. Now we appreciate the journey and pray we will appreciate our future journeys. Third, this call represents the beginning of a partnership between the Rector and the laity. With this call we have just won the race to the start line. The next step will be a transition period of integrating the Giratas into our life as a congregation. The Rector does not do it all, we parishioners and our clergy together will claim our future through the coming years.
There were periods of confusion, when each of us was impatient in his or her own way, and moments of hope and expectation. We were excited as wonderful priests took steps of discernment with us, and had tears as we had to part ways with them. There were times when we were overwhelmed by the intensity of our discussions, and one of us would call for a break for prayer together.
In fact, Bishop Griswold and others have referred to a “marriage between Rector and congregation,” and reminded us that a marriage only begins with the wedding. It is built from there, with mutual commitment and action.
Near the end some of us noted that it felt as if we were walking through a fog together, trying to sense God’s will as it came at us in unexpected ways.
Diana Newton, co-chair
Now it feels as if the Holy Spirit lifted the fog, and we feel peace and joy, since we and Chris Girata discerned that God has called us together.
What we learned First, the call is about the future. Every parishioner has dreams for Saint Michael and how we can be a beacon of learning, fellowship, service and joy. Sometimes we recall the “good old days” of Saint Michael (never mind that no two of us have exactly the same memory of those.) Bishop Griswold challenged us not to try to recapture our past, but instead to appreciate and build on it to claim our future. Second, accept and appreciate mystery. God’s will is not always obvious, at least not on our schedule. On a nearby page 4
the prayer by the Trappist monk and writer Thomas Merton, has the words, “… I cannot see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where I am going….” We prayed Merton’s prayer together in one of our first meetings, and returned to it several times, including praying it with the Vestry the night they voted unanimously to call Chris as our next Rector.
Van Sheets, co-chair
Rector Search and Transition Keep on Praying The Rector Search and Transition Prayer Station in Bishop Moore Chapel, an important part of discernment process, continues to be central to our transition and welcome to our new Rector. Come pray in Thanksgiving for: • Our Rector, The Rev. Chris Girata and his family, Nicole, Brayden, Layna, and Annemarie; • Our Rector Search and Transition Committee • Saint Michael and All Angels Church
“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.” — Thomas Merton The Rector Search and Transition Committee
Allison Bovard
Joseph Cahoon
Margaret Cervin
Richard D’Antoni
Lee Hobson
Kathy Jenevein
Ben Leal
Diana Newton Co-Chair
Christine Paddock
Bob Penn
Jeff Rice
Van Sheets Co-Chair
Tricia Stewart
Matt Waller, Senior Warden
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A Message from The Rev. Chris Girata Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! It is with great pleasure and hopefulness that I greet you all as your new rector. These last weeks have been a whirlwind of joy and anticipation as Nicole and I have begun to make final plans to begin our new life with all of you at Saint Michael and All Angels. I have been looking forward to joining you and beginning the work of discerning how God is preparing us to walk with one another and to serve our city in new ways. I know that whatever God has in store for us will be richer than we could ever dream or imagine on our own. Saint Michael is such an amazing community of faith, a leader in the church, and yet I believe that new life and growth is still ahead of us. Growth is always a very full experience, and as we begin this new phase of life together, I ask that you begin to dream about Saint Michael’s future and what part you will play. Think about why you are passionate about Saint Michael, about what you love most, and hold that in your heart as you begin to imagine what we can be and do next. My arriving is a great thrill to me and to my family, and I hope you are feeling reenergized, too.
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By virtue of our baptism, we are all called to proclaim the Good News of God in Christ, seeking and serving Christ in all people, and striving for justice and peace. Inside each one of us rests the power of the Spirit, ready to burst forth, and together, we can accomplish extraordinary and wonderful things! As you read this, Nicole, the kids, and I will be preparing to make the move to our new home in Dallas. I ask that you keep all of us in your prayers as we continue to keep you in ours. We have so many new experiences ahead of us and I know God will be with us each step of the way. Faithfully,
The Rev. Chris Girata with his wife, Nicole, and children Brayden, Layna, and Annemarie
From the Senior Warden Race to the Starting Line - A message from the Senior Warden I am ecstatic that we have called The Rev. Chris Girata to be our 8th Rector. By now you’ve read a great deal about Chris, his wife Nicole and their family, but here I’d like to focus on our next phase. As Van Sheets, our search Co-Chair, said so well, “Our search is like a race to the starting line, as our real work begins after we call our Rector, when we begin the process of transition and welcome.” So at long last, we are finally here – at the starting line – blessed with Chris as our new Rector and beginning our new life together at Saint Michael. The work of welcome and transition is well underway. Our Junior Warden, Kay Whelan, is chairing our New Rector Welcome Committee, which is charged with organizing every aspect of the Girata family’s arrival and welcome. I’m happy to report they have already been meeting and have made good progress. Expect to hear from Kay and the committee in the weeks to come. If you have a desire to help, please contact Kay at welcome@saintmichael.org.
to make sure that Chris and Nicole meet all of us in good order and without wearing them out as they start!! One last item, I am so grateful for the careful work of our Rector Search and Transition committee led by our co-chairs Diana Newton and Van Sheets, and frankly we cannot thank them enough. I list the other committee members here, so you can offer them a note of thanks or a warm thank you when you see them. They are: Allison Bovard, Joseph Cahoon, Margaret Cervin, Richard D’Antoni, Lee Hobson, Kathy Jenevein, Ben Leal, Christine Paddock, Bob Penn, Jeff Rice, and Tricia Stewart. Please keep the Girata family in your prayers as they shift their lives to be with us in Dallas!
Faithfully,
I already heard from many of you who are excited to welcome Chris and invite him to gatherings or ministry meetings. I’d ask your patience as we would like to carefully use Chris’ time as he begins his ministry to us. Let’s plan on the first 90 to 120 days being organized by the New Rector Welcome Committee. They have a wonderful plan 7
Farmers Market Dedicated Committee Keeps Saint Michael’s Farmers Market on the Top Burner By Marillyn Burton Seeberger Every Saturday morning at 6:00 you will find a bee hive of activity on the north parking lot of Saint Michael’s church. These are the volunteer members of the committee responsible for running our church’s Farmers Market. Beginning with Mike Cohlmia and Jose Aviles placing the welcoming signs around our neighborhood, the committee sets up the welcome tent, making certain that we have water available for all, including guest dogs, and coffee for those willing to donate. Margaret Ratelle soon arrives with balloons to tie to our welcoming signs. Then, we aid our vendors in getting their booths ready. We also put everything back where it belongs after the market closes at Noon. Saint Michael’s Farmers Market vendors are carefully screened by the committee’s vendor liaison, Nancy Wilbur, who has a history in the food business. Her energy is reflected in the entire market and spills over to everyone there. All of our vendors grow or make their products within 150 miles, assuring customers of getting fresh, locally produced products. New this year the market has started chef demos. Jed is overseeing the Chef Demos and has lined up an impressive list for future Saturdays. The recipes will be available to all in attendance at the market. Among other special events, the Fire Department from Station 27 brings their fire truck on different Saturdays for kids (young and old) to climb on. From 8:00 until 12:00 Noon each Saturday an enthusiastic group of volunteer greeters are at Saint Michael’s welcome booth. Headed by Gus Seeberger, the group makes certain
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that guests are welcomed and assisted in finding the vendors they are seeking. The market also serves as a receiving site for used clothing. When clearing out your closets, don’t forget to bring your men’s suits, shirts, etc. to give to One Man’s Treasure, or shoes to the Shoe Bank. These two outreach ministries aid men recently released from prison and in need of clothing for job interviews. Mary Ruth McKenney heads up this effort for our market. The Farmers Market Committee chairman, John Ellerman, notes that the market has become the place to be on Saturday mornings. Friends meet friends for a breakfast taco, new friends are made, and shoppers get to know their food providers personally. Saint Michael’s Farmers Market is a Community Outreach of the church and is made possible by donations from supporters who are “Friends of Saint Michael’s Farmers Market” Go to www.saintmichaelsmarket.com, to see a complete list of our vendors, each week, or to learn how you can support the market. To be a volunteer greeter, go to: www.saintmichael.org/ smfmvolunteers or contact gusseeberger@gmail.com.
Summer Sunday School The adult class Faith and Literature continues at 10:00 on Sunday mornings in the Saint Michael Chapel. Our clergy will review the following books:
July 3 Augustine to Freud: What Theology and Psychology Tell Us About Human Nature by Kenneth Boa Reviewer: Greg Pickens July 10 When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi Reviewer: Lisa Flores Musser July 17 The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Karantzakis Reviewer: Bill Murray
July 3
Jubilee Park Ben Leal
July 10
Lay Eucharistic Ministry Ruthie Garrett
July 24 The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver Reviewer: Mary Lessman
July 17
Honduras Mission Trip Sally Schupp and Sissy Massad
July 24
Altar Guild Frances Tompkins
July 31 The Brothers Karamazov by Theodor Dostoyevsky Reviewer: Bob Johnston
July 31
By Our Love Kelly Giron
Wear Your Nametag!
Fai th & LITERATURE
Sundays at 10 Saint Michael Chapel
Let’s face it, we don’t know every parishioner, and there’s no way our clergy can remember everyone’s name. Let’s be more considerate and more welcoming to one another. Wear your name tag! (If you need a new one, ask the receptionist at the South Lanai.
Books are available in the Saint Michael Book Shop
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Overview Patriotic Music to Highlight July 3rd Worship
Interim Rector to meet with Prayer Ministry in July
Celebrate America and Independence Day with the Saint Michael choir with orchestra and organ at the 9:00 worship service in the church Sunday, July 3. The Prelude and Postlude will feature James Diaz and Hyeon Jeong performing patriotic marches. The choir’s anthem will be “America The Beautiful” arranged for choir, organ, brass, and percussion. Throughout the service the congregation will join in singing patriotic hymns. The service will be a fitting tribute to our country. Don’t miss it.
Saint Michael’s Prayer Ministry will meet 6:00 – 7:30 on Thursday evening, July 21, in the Coke Activities Room. The program will feature Interim Rector, Doug Travis. The focus this summer is Practical Training for the Prayer Team. During the last half of the meeting, Mary Ann Webster will lead the training session. All are invited. Questions? Contact Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org.
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Care Givers Meeting Rescheduled The Care Givers Support Group will not meet July 4. July’s meetings have been rescheduled for Tuesday, July 5, and Monday, July 18, at 11:00 in the parlor. We provide support for those who have the responsibility of caring for a loved one. Contact: Sandra Klingeman, jsklingeman@ sbcglobal.net. ..............
Women’s Cancer Support Cancels Meeting on Holiday The Women’s Cancer Support group will not meet on Monday, July 4. Their meeting will resume July 11 and every Monday at 1:45, in the Parlor to offer support to those who have or who are recovering from the disease. To learn more, Contact: Sue Patton, pattons@sbcglobal.net, or Charlie Stobaugh, charliestobaugh@gmail.com. ..............
Faith and Grief Luncheon Scheduled July 14 Beverly Patrick will be the guest speaker at the July 14 Faith and Grief Luncheon beginning at 12:00 Noon in the Coke Activities Room. It is an opportunity to listen as others recount how their faith intersected with grief. The lunch is free but you donation is welcome. Make reservations with Katherine Bowen at kbowen@saintmichael.org. 10
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Serve with Austin Street Center Tuesday, July 5 and Wednesday, July 6 The Austin Street Center provides emergency shelter and expert services to homeless men and women in Dallas. One night each month, Saint Michael serves a prepared meal to those at the shelter. We need volunteers for the following: Cooking: July 5, 5:30-8:00 in the Parish Hall Kitchen. We will begin our time together with prayer and then cook a hot meal for the residents of Austin Street Center. Please e-mail Randy Rekerdres, randy@rek-ins.com to volunteer. Transporting the food: One person is needed the morning of July 6. Please e-mail Rita Davis, rrdavis14@aol.com to volunteer to drive the food to Austin Street Center. Serving food at Austin Street: Our service begins at 5:30 on July 6. After setting up our supplies, we dish out a hot meal to our neighbors at Austin Street. Please e-mail Rita Davis, rrdavis14@aol.com to volunteer.
For Your Information Altar Guild Prepares New Worship Materials for Celebration Service
Matthew Horvath on State Championship Baseball Team Saint Michael parishioner Matthew Horvath capped his high school career as part of the championship Jesuit Rangers baseball team. The team captured the University Intercollegiate League (UIL) 6A State Championship defeating San Antonio Johnson on Saturday, June 11 at Dell Diamond in Round Rock. Matthew, who graduated this spring from Jesuit, will attend Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama in the fall…and play baseball.
The Altar Guild has taken on a new project, preparing several new items for the 11:11 Celebration worship service that has moved to Parish Hall. Former Altar Guild Directress Gigi Poglitsch and honorary Directress Cora McClure are making altar frontals, stoles, a burse, and veil for the contemporary service. Cora, who is 87, has been sewing the objects used in Saint Michael’s worship spaces for more than 50 years. ..............
The 7 Sisters Scarves Handmade In Kyrgyzstan Are Back! The Book Shop has the beautiful one of a kind silk and wool scarves in a variety of colors. The shop also has handmade straw bags from Madagascar that would make great bags for the pool or beach! Come see us in the Book Shop. Book Shop Hours: Monday -Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
10:00 -3:00 Closed for Summer 9:00 – 11:00 8:30 -12:30
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For Your Information The following article was written by The Rev. Oliver Butler and published in the Diocese of Dallas’ Theology Matters blog.
A Christian Theology of Creation The universe began with a bang – of some sort. However and when it all happened, scientifically, we assume there was a “first mover,” God, who made it all happen. Science and theology have not always been able to share a place at the ‘who are we and where did we come from?’ table, but they need to. The Christian Scriptures begin with a theological answer located within a larger narrative to one of the great and historic ontological questions. Properly posed, we need to ask not only from whence we came, but what accounts for or what gives meaning to our being personal (our ability to love, our sense of justice and fairness, moral claims, enjoyment of beauty, music, taste, recognition of evil, etc.) vs. impersonal (being strictly made of material with no cognitive function), and our being diverse with particular traits while recognizing some universals. In short, how do we account for being finite and personal, while simultaneously accounting for some sense of unity and diversity? A sound Christian theology of creation located within the Bible’s pages offers a comprehensive understanding of the world, its creatures, nature and human origin. It gives significance to our existence, and answers necessary queries of metaphysics, morality and ultimate Hope. The question of human origin is posed throughout the ages in Western thinking, and philosophers’ answers have varied from water, wind and fire from the early thinkers like Thales, Anaximenes, and Heraclitus, to Darwin’s theory of evolution – which, on their own do not account for the aforementioned and necessary complexities we humans experience and need explanation of. Included in the question of a Christian perspective of creation is the theology of the fall. Most of
Scientifically, We Assume There Was A “First Mover,” God, Who Made It All Happen
the Christian story is located in the “post fall of humanity,” where Creation is affected, and therefore warrants mention within the discussion. God’s nature is understood in the Triune God: The Trinity, made up of three co-equal, co-eternal persons, and shapes a theology of creation. Although God the Father was Creator, he was in community with the God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit before creation. This is where the Christian recognizes the example – in fact the origin - of personal unity and diversity in a created order; a pre-existent community in the Trinity: they loved and communicated with one another before creation. Since God is infinite, personal, creative, loving, and communicative, we - being made in God’s image - are innately personal beings (as opposed to impersonal beings made strictly up of atoms, neurons and molecules) have the capacity to love, to create, to celebrate, and to express goodness. We (as non-God, finite, created personal beings) cannot only recognize beauty, we know it is meaningful because we are created in the image of an infinite, personal God who is the source.
And, In The Middle Of God’s Perfect Order, Adam and Eve Chose to Go Against God’s One Request In Genesis 1, we see all of creation occur over the course of six days. Light, land, water, days and nights, the sky, all plants, trees and seeds, fish, birds and animals and human beings are all created. God provided everything Adam and Eve needed – there was enough of everything. We don’t see any disharmony between Adam and Eve and the creation. There was perfect order, no discomfort, sickness, natural disaster, or strife. There was a community – God, Adam and Eve, who talked to each other, and had a relationship that could be characterized as close. However, there was also free will: God had created them with the freedom to make choices. And, in the middle of God’s perfect order, Adam and Eve chose to go against God’s one request that they not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They ate the fruit and everything changed: human sin and the need for redemption was born. continued on page 19
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Youth Ministry - Cuba Cuba Youth Trip 2016 It was mid-morning on a warming June day. The group standing near the American Airlines check-in counter was chattering with excitement. Parents looked on as the group began the check-in process for their first flight moving steadily southwards. Their children were getting ready not only to leave Dallas but also to leave the United States. They were going to a land surrounded in mystery, to a land with a government and culture very different from their normal. In just 24 hours, the group would walk off a plane in Santa Clara, Cuba with little ability to communicate with the outside world.
for picnics at the parish, and in playing baseball on a make-shift diamond located on the outskirts of the town. As with any mission trip, the lives of the parishioners of Saint Michael and All Angels were changed forever. We were introduced to the reality of abject poverty with little opportunity for improving one’s condition in life; we were reminded of the abundance of God’s love in the way that the parish of San Bernabe gave of itself - in food, in laughter, in sports. All of our lives were changed because we were willing to receive the love of God from a group of people that shared that love freely, willingly, and abundantly during our time in Cuba. Our lives were changed because we met Jesus in the face of each of the parishioners. — Hunter Ruffin
The week spent in Cuba was a week of life-changing moments. The work of the mission trip was as much about the relationships between San Bernabe and San Miguel y Todos los Angeles as it was about the painting of a mural or the building of the table. The trip quickly focused on renewing and building upon the relationship between the two parishes, but the difference was in the way that the relationships were being renewed and built. Instead of conversation, the focus was on playing futbol (i.e. soccer), keep away, and teaching a young child how to take pictures with a rather fancy camera. The relationships were built on shared passions for living life in the moment, for enjoying the camaraderie built in a single day, and for surviving the heat of Cuba at the start of summer. Through the relationships built with sports, with jokes, with laughter, and with struggling to communicate in a new language, the youth mission trip to Sancti Spiritus, Cuba resulted in the two communities working together to paint a mural in the garden, building a table 13
Youth Ministry - Cuba Read The Experiences Of Three Of Our Youth Missioners: While in Cuba I got to experience the amazing culture of Sancti Spiritus. If I had to narrow the trip down to one major thing it would be the outstanding and unmatched
sense of community that is found there. Upon arrival, we became a part of the family of the church. It didn’t matter what language we spoke or what we looked like, because no matter, we all treated each other the same. We talked (or tried to) and got to know each others’ hobbies, favorite soccer teams, taste in music, and much more. We didn’t miss
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a beat in playing games with them and the older members of the church would always be up to talking with you (Even if you couldn’t understand it). Another common ground we found was playing the guitar. Many members of the church played the guitar and whether we spoke English or Spanish, we were able to communicate through music. The level of acceptance and kindness that we received has definitely left its impact on me. — Parker Lacour
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Youth Ministry - Cuba taught us to value the importance of strong relationships over the importance of materialistic things and technology. Most importantly they taught us to be thankful for all the things we have. Even though they are poor in the material goods, they are extremely wealthy in love and happiness.
None of us knew what quite to expect going to Cuba. What I was expecting was certainly not what I found at the church of San Bernarbe in Sancti Spiritus. Everyone on the trip can agree that the people there impacted our lives on a much larger scale than we impacted theirs. From the beginning, the people were extremely kind and welcoming to our group. They treated all of us like family, greeting us with smiling faces and outstretched hands. Even with the language barrier, we all shared information about our families and churches and cities. From playing tag to taking pictures to painting the mural in the church courtyard, and as we attended services and shared meals, it was amazing how even though we live such different lives, we share so many similarities.
Overall, this trip proved to me how God works in His wonderful ways. I am so happy I was able to be a part of this remarkable journey. — Julia Gray Peters
In one week, I created relationships I will never forget.The women, men and children of the church of San Bernarbe
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Youth Ministry - Cuba When we were first welcomed into the Church of San Bernabé, we were overwhelmed by the amount of kindness and excitement that everyone else showed us, as well as the fact that all the Cubans knew almost no English; the language barrier was a challenge to overcome, but thank goodness we overcame and still had an amazing time! Throughout the
week, we worked on a mural that went on a far wall of the church courtyard, and all the time that we worked, there were always other people watching us work. We found that many children were skipping school that week just to see us and play with us, and many San Bernabé church members often chipped in to help us, especially to help build the table that would serve as an altar. I think the biggest challenge for everyone was not painting the mural or building the outdoor altar, but simply trying to communicate in Spanish. We
knew that the other Cubans wanted to speak with us just as much, but they also didn’t know much English; but there was something beautiful in the way that everyone tried to communicate with each other. We all wanted the same thing; every person wanted to hold a conversation with another person of another origin, and I think it was an amazing thing to see everyone visibly work to try and accomplish that as a 16
whole. Amidst the ungodly amount of humidity and sweat, it created what many churches and organizations would be envious of; a strong sense of community. Always fighting- that is the Cubans’ motto, and many times when we worked with them, it showed in the way they worked, they always found a reason to be happy and they were good about not relying on materialistic things. They knew God was with them, and why wouldn’t you shout for joy or sing songs of praises at that? What I think everyone found amazing is the way that they praise God; they are
not afraid to show their joy and faith in the Lord, and they always went all out in their dancing and singing at the services we attended. The way that they worship is something that perhaps everyone can learn from; do not be afraid to proclaim your faith to the world, it is always something to be proud of. All in all, our experience in Cuba was something to never forget, from the ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch every day, to the tropical downpours that were always a blessing in exchange for the humidity. God knows how to have a good time, and so of course it is thanks to Him that our group had such a crazy, fun, unforgettable week. Psalm 28:7 — Anne Talbot
Children and Family Ministry Kids Dive Deep at Vacation Bible School There were a lot of fish, lobsters, and turtles greeting the more than 300 kids at the Deep Sea Discovery at Vacation Bible School and Jr. VBS in June. What they discovered, however, was wherever they went, how deep they dove, God
was always with them. Through Bible stories, crafts and science experiments, and service projects, the kids learned the role God plays in everyone’s lives all the time. This year’s outreach project was to donate a toy for children living with cancer. Donation boxes were set up outside Saint Michael Chapel and on Thursday more than 400 toys were delivered to Children’s Health Dallas. The patients at the hospital get to choose a present as a reward following their treatment.
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Youth Ministry Dinner & Ghostbusters Movie On Wednesday evening July 20th join Youth Ministry at the NorthPark Mall for dinner and movie. We will eat dinner in the food court before heading to see the new Ghostbusters movie. Please bring money for dinner and the movie. We will meet at the mall. Time TBA
Texas Rangers Baseball Outing On Sunday afternoon July 31st Youth Ministry will be heading to Globe Life Park in Arlington to watch the Texas Rangers face off against the Kansas City Royals. We will meet at the church at 12:30. First pitch is at 2:05. We will call parents when we leave the ball park and are heading back to the church. Tickets are $25 and we only have 15 spots available for youth. Sign up at www.saintmichael.org/youth
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Water Park Day at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor On Thursday August 11 get out of the heat and join us at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. We will meet at the water park at 10:30 located at 1800 E Lamar Blvd. in Arlington. Pick up is at 4:00. Tickets are $25 and the deadline to sign up for this event is July 27. Sign up at www.saintmichael.org/youth
Youth Ministry Searching for Associate Director Do you know someone who would be a great Associate Youth Director at Saint Michael and All Angels? There is a description of the position online at www.saintmichael.org/ youth. Refer that person(s) to kristinaz@ymarchitects.com.
For Your Information Creation continued from page 12 At this point in chapter 3, everything changes: the Fall of Man commences and Adam and Eve are banished from the Garden of Eden. God is angry, and we read from v.16-19 that from that moment on life would be harder for Adam and Eve: there would be pain, suffering, and brokenness of different kinds, including the natural order. Even the ground is “cursed” through this expulsion in v. 17. God’s “pre-fall” creation in Genesis can be characterized as peaceful, ordered, and plentiful. The relationship humanity had with God was whole, and nothing separated humanity from that intimacy with God. God’s “post-fall” creation contains chaos, hardship, scarcity (the opposite of “plentiful”), various suffering, and separation from God. Add to this what we have and still experience: sickness, natural disasters, death, and other realities that amplify our need for redemption and wholeness.
Everything Changes: The Fall Of Man Commences And Adam And Eve Are Banished From The Garden Of Eden. So, who are we and where did we come from and what does it mean? Our lineage comes from the opposite nothingness of an empty and impersonal universe: an infinitely powerful and creative God who has and always will be in a coeternal triune love community, who made us like him and to know him, and to know and love fellow humanity. We have the capacity for love, for good, and beauty, and to know that we and the rest of creation has true significance and purpose. Also, we have the freedom to choose. We hurt – ourselves and others - get sick, suffer and experience great need, only to recognize our separation from and need for God. This frames the human story, condition, and our relationship with our Lord Jesus who has saved us, and upon whom we wait once and for all.
Grant Them Eternal Rest Col. William H. “Bill” Bliss, December 1, father of Sara Stroud, father-in-law of Eric Stroud, grandfather of Will Janet Lynn Farrow, May 19, grandmother of Alisa Richardson, grandmother-in-law of Ryan Richardson, greatgrandmother of Nolan and Charlie Ann Mary Norborne Sweet Downs, May 25 Lawrence William Davis, May 28, father of Brad Davis, father-in-law of Tiffany Davis, grandfather of Bennett, Ford and Chandler Glen Brown Plummer, June 8, husband of Sallie Plummer Robert “Bob” Louis Dauterman, June 10, father of Peter and Jim Dauterman, father-in-law of Lynn and Jan Dauterman, grandfather of Mary and Sarah Sidney McLaurin “Laurin” Fields Stamm, June 16, mother of Maggie Langston, mother-in-law of Greg Langston, grandmother of Lauchlin, Story, Carson and Vaughn Shirley Vestal Dougherty, June 17 Connie Hoskins Gordon, June 20 Harold George Powell, June 24, father of Becky Casey, father-in-law of Mike Casey James Layton, June 26, grandfather of Courtney Peeler, grand father-in-law of Price Peeler, great grandfather of Paige
We Hurt – Ourselves And Others - Get Sick, Suffer And Experience Great Need, Only To Recognize Our Separation From And Need For God.
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Archangel PERIODICAL
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Saint Michael and All Angels
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www.saintmichael.org Phone: 214-363-5471 Fax: 214-363-4388 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 Monday – Friday 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 Mass and Discovery Mass
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10:00 a.m. – Summer Sunday School
(Children and Adult)
11:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I - SMC 11:11 a.m. – The Celebration - Parish Hall
Parish Clergy
Parish Vestry
The Very Reverend Doug Travis, Interim Rector The Reverend Bill Murray, Vicar The Reverend Lisa Flores Musser, Associate for Pastoral Care The Reverend Greg Pickens, Associate for Operations and Pastoral Care The Reverend Hunter Ruffin, Associate for Mission and Outreach The Reverend Bob Johnston, Associate for Evangelism The Reverend Oliver Butler, Associate for Young Adults The Reverend Michael Harmuth, Sunday Associate The Reverend Rich Towers, Weekend Associate The Reverend Mary Lessmann, Sunday Associate
Matt Waller, Sr. Warden
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Kay Whelan, Jr. Warden Grady Schleier, Treasurer Charlie Sartain, Chancellor Margaret Spellings, Clerk Peter Beck, Eric Conner, Mark Demler, Whitney Grogan, Beth Hise, Kathy Kelley, Rachel Morgan, Tom Rhodus, Elizabeth L. Selzer, J. C. Snead, Arnold Spencer, and Chris Wiley.
5:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer
and Eucharist Rite I - SMC