the The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
November 2016
Feast of All Saints - The Link to Our
North Dallas Shared Ministry Heritage Collection On the first day of November, churches around the Month world celebrate the Feast of All Saints. Over the years, All Saints’ Day has Women of taken on different meanings, Saint Michael but one thread has remained Luncheon the same — we acknowledge and honor the link between those who have passed away Farmers and those of us who remain. Market We know that we live and we die, but we believe that in death, life is changed, not ended. We begin this month by giving thanks for Veterans those who built the world in which we live. We give Day Service thanks for family and friends who built traditions and taught us to be who we are. And we give thanks for our Saint Michael family which built our great Vestry church and gave the church into our care.
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Jubilee Thanksgiving Luncheon
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Church Closed: Thanksgiving Holiday
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Advent Family Night
Volume 28 No. 11
One of my favorite scripture passages is the very last verse in the very last Psalm: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6). After all the stories and all the poetry, all the ecstatic highs and the dramatic lows, the Psalms end with the simplest sentiments of all: praise and thanksgiving. There is such a profound simplicity in those words. Those words can begin the month as we remember those whom we love and see no longer, and then end the month celebrating the love we share with our family and friends all around us. Being thankful is a natural human response to good experiences, but we run into trouble with thankfulness when we hit hard times. I certainly know how it feels to experience pain and heartbreak, and being thankful for those experiences is just about the last thing I want to be. But being thankful is not about what we want, it’s not even about an action. continued on page 19
Farewell Dear Parish Friends: Within a few months after we joined Saint Michael in 1975, I was leading Children’s Chapel and teaching 3 year old Sunday School. By 1979, Bill Power hired me to join the newly minted Christian Education Department as Director of Adult Education and Parent Involvement. I had no written job description. Here some 37 years later the job has changed, the title has changed, and I have changed. Saint Michael has formed me, nurtured me, challenged me, matured me. The parish has supported me and celebrated with me. In this place I have been privileged to live out my call to Christian Formation – particularly with “grown-ups.” continued on page 3
Anglican Centre Ecumenical Ties Celebrated at 50th Anniversary In early October, I traveled with members of the Saint Michael community to Rome to witness a historic, ecumenical moment in the life of the Anglican Communion and The Episcopal Church. Fifty years ago, then Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Ramsey, and Pope Paul VI came together to form the Anglican Centre in Rome. This year, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and Pope Francis came together to commission a new group to continue that work — and we were there!
L-R: Tom McConnell, Dianne Betts, Rector Chris Girata, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Marla Briggle, Mark Demler, Tony Briggle, Terry Demler Almost fifteen hundred years ago, Pope Gregory the Great chose Augustine, a Roman monk, to leave Italy and spread Christianity throughout Britain, becoming the first Archbishop of Canterbury. A century later, in 1534, Christians in England separated from the Roman church over a complex set of issues, some theological and some political, forming the Church of England. The Church of England was transported around the world through English colonial expansion and remains a global (catholic) church. Separation in the form of denominationalism has been a reality in Christianity for a century, particularly in the last 500 years stemming from the Protestant and Anglican
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Pope Francis greets Marla Briggle
Reformations. Yet there remains a desire, truly a mandate from Christ, that we be one body, one church. To that end, and with the hopefulness of reconciliation and unity, the Anglican Centre in Rome came to be. This house of research and prayer, located in the heart of Rome, is meant to help bring Anglican and Roman Christians closer together over time. This desire was played out in a stunning worship service, co-officiated by Archbishop Welby and Pope Francis, where they commissioned bishops from both churches to begin working together in their own regions toward unity. Seeing the heads of two global traditions sharing the altar and praying together was inspiring and a true gift. Although the experience in Rome was amazing, I was most inspired by the connection Saint Michael has with these global leaders. Saint Michael has developed a relationship at the highest levels of leadership within the Anglican Communion for years and our opportunity to continue those relationships give us a unique responsibility.
The Saint Michael table at the Gala dinner Saint Michael is a passionate, energetic community with huge potential not only for growth here, but to inspire growth in the wider church. The church is in need of renewal and revitalization, and we can play a big part in those efforts. As we begin a new journey together in this place, I have been reminded of the impact we can make around the country and the world. When we choose to accept the opportunity of our influence, we can inspire and support the work of growth in faith communities far beyond the walls of Saint Michael. Participating in this historic trip in celebration of ecumenism was a great gift. Now we have the chance to let this gift inspire us to renew our place as a leader in the global communion, courageously moving into the future with vision and hope.
Shelly Vescovo Retiring continued from page 1
From the Vicar: A Tribute to Shelly
Farewell
Shelly was one of the first to greet me when I was hired at Saint Michael. She wanted to know which Faith and Literature summer session I wanted to teach. Her passion, at every step, has been teaching and educating the people at Saint Michael. I have had the deep privilege and honor of working with her in the time since to refocus our education programs and expand our offerings.
After much prayerful thought, I have decided, as of December 1, that it is time for me to resign from formal employment with Saint Michael and be open to what comes next for me. This parish is my extended family, and I have formed many lasting friendships here. And I will continue to be a part of this parish – as a parishioner, as a volunteer, and as support where I am needed. I will just do it as a member of my parish rather than the added joy of being an employee. I have told Chris and Bill that I will continue to help implement the Adult Formation program in the coming months as a volunteer. And I will continue to be a part of the worship and community life here. It has been a joy and privilege to wake up in the morning and know you are getting to go work with your friends to effect ministry. Blessings to you all,
Shelly Simpson Vescovo
Shelly has been an integral part of making Saint Michael go for so long it was easy for her to pull the levers and make the phone calls. The best part is that she can and does laugh while doing it. Her retirement is one of those bittersweet moments of a wonderful career that is transitioning into something new. Thankfully Shelly is not leaving, just moving into a phase where she can spend time with her family and offer her wealth of wisdom as a volunteer. The Rev. Chris Girata and I will be working on the process of searching for a new Director of Adult Formation in the months ahead. For now, we want to celebrate Shelly’s many gifts and specifically celebrate her at the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services on Sunday, December 4. We will have a reception after the services in the church Narthex so we can thank her for her 37 years of ministry. Please join me in celebrating Shelly. Blessings
Members of the Saint Michael Choir enjoyed an evening with Rector Chris Girata and his family in mid-October. It was especially gratifying for the Rector, as he is a classically trained musician.
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Mission and Outreach I Believe in Angels Benefiting Jubilee Park Children and Seniors
North Dallas Shared Ministry Collection Month
The I Believe in Angels Project is a partnership between Saint Michael and Jubilee Park providing Christmas gifts for children and seniors living in the Jubilee Park neighborhood.
Three times a year Saint Michael and All Angels collects food for the food pantry at North Dallas Shared Ministries, and November is our opportunity to help refill the pantries for our neighbors that are hungry! Grab a shopping bag after worship on the Sundays in November, fill the bag with groceries during the week, and bring the filled bag to the South Lanai the following Sunday! Let’s make sure the food pantry at North Dallas Shared Ministries is completely filled during the month of November!
Last year, Saint Michael parishioners made Christmas wishes come true for 117 families with 354 children and over 193 seniors. Jubilee families are required to take an active role by volunteering in the community in order to participate in I Believe in Angels program. Please “adopt” angels from the tables located by the Parlor or near Saint Michael Chapel on Sundays beginning November 6 and return gifts by Sunday, December 4. We invite you to participate and minister to these families in the true spirit of Christmas. Volunteers are needed to work the Angel tables on Sundays, to help sort gifts at The Jubilee Center on Friday, December 9 and to help with the family “shopping” day on Saturday, December 10. For more information please contact Maria Martin at mariaomartin@sbcglobal.net or Nancy Moore at Nancystahlamoore@yahoo.com.
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Jubilee Park Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon November 17 – Volunteer Now Saint Michael and All Angels and the Jubilee Park and Community Center each year provide a fun-filled Thanksgiving celebration for the seniors living in the Jubilee Park Neighborhood. We need your help to do it again! You can help by volunteering to prepare a cooked dish, to transport food to Jubilee Park, or to be a server during the luncheon on Thursday, November 17. Volunteer today at www.saintmichael.org/jubileethanksgiving. ..............
Meals on Wheels Needs Holiday Drivers Meals on Wheels provides food and drivers to deliver meals to the elderly and other shut-ins. On Thanksgiving and Christmas the regular drivers are given the day off. Volunteer drivers are need to cover those delivery routes. It can be a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday by bringing a meal and fellowship to people often forgotten. If you can drive a Meals on Wheels route on either Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day contact Mary Bartholow at mary.bar@sbcglobal.net. 4
Mission and Outreach Mission and Outreach Leadership Opportunities Mission and Outreach is looking for new volunteers to serve in multiple leadership capacities! The heart of Mission and Outreach is a committed and dedicated corps of volunteers helping to lead ministries, the vision of Mission and Outreach in the future, and the Mission and Outreach Grants Committee. Currently, Mission and Outreach is in need of persons interested in serving as: •
Mission and Outreach Leadership Team Members Leadership Team members augment the leadership provided by ministry advocates and generally are not an advocate for a ministry. Leadership Team members serve a term of 3 years.
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Mission and Outreach Grants Committee Members (beginning August 2017) - Grant committee members serve a term of 3 years and are not members of the leadership team nor serve as ministry advocates within Mission and Outreach. Committee members must be members in good standing with a current pledge or have given to the parish in the current pledge year.
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Mission and Outreach Ministry Advocates - Ministry advocates are the heart and soul of our outreach ministries. Advocates help recruit and retain volunteers for specific ministries. Advocates are the dedicated leadership volunteers that make Mission and Outreach effective in the larger community and help other parishioners get involved in outreach ministries.
If you are interested in learning more about leadership opportunities in Mission and Outreach, please email The Rev. Hunter Ruffin for more information!
A Stephen Minister Can Help You Over The Rough Spots Now is a good time to begin again with a new you. Do you have a burden that you cannot handle alone? Saint Michael and All Angels offers a dedicated group of men and women who have received specialized training to walk with you, confidentially, on this journey. Consider asking for a Stephen Minister. If you know someone who might benefit from having a Stephen Minister or you could use one yourself, please contact the Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org or lay leader, Jean Coleman, jwcoleman@sbcglobal.net.
Recovery Advocates Work with Addiction Recovery Advocates is a group dedicated to enhancing the spiritual, physical, emotional and social well-being of communicants in the matter of substance abuse and other addictions. The Recovery Advocates are individuals who have knowledge and experience in the area of addiction recovery and are willing to serve as a resource to parishioners, to discuss issues and concerns, share experiences, or take someone to an AA or Al-anon meeting. The Rev. Greg Pickens is the clergy contact. Contact @ gpickens@saintmichael.org All communications remain confidential.
Calling All With A Volunteer Heart! The Congregational Care Ministries is issuing a request for volunteers in the following areas: •
Extended Care Cooks needs volunteers who are willing to cook only one or two times during the year for someone in need. Share your gift of cooking. If you are interested and have questions, please contact Ann Mills, Congregational Care Ministries, amills@saintmichael.org.
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Good Shepherd Ministry welcomes anyone who would like to be a Good Shepherd in their neighborhood. You can be the person to provide a neighbor with that needed connection to Saint Michael. If this describes you, please contact Judy Cole, judycole2012@gmail.com. 5
Trunk or Treat Costumes Galore at Trunk or Treat They came as dogs, cats, witches, goblins, fairies, and comic book characters. Hundreds of little people and a lot of big people swarmed the south parking lot Sunday, October 30 for the annual Trunk or Treat. There was plenty of candy to for everyone, and even a few “healthy� treats.
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Trunk or Treat and Blood Drive Super Heroes Gave Blood The super heroes of the morning were those who lined up to give blood at Saint Michael’s fall blood drive for the American Red Cross. The recent Hurricane Matthew severely reduced blood supplies. There is still a way to support the American Red Cross. Send a donation online to www.redcross.org.
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Young Adults Over 40 young adults joined the Rector Chris Girata and Revs. Bob Johnston and Oliver Butler at TNT on October 23 for a Sunday Funday happy hour. A great time was had by all! If you are a young adult and interested in knowing more about this group, please visit www.saintmichael.org/youngadults for upcoming opportunities and to fill out our short online interest survey.
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Overview All Saints Sunday, November 6
Veterans Day
On All Saints Sunday we acknowledge and honor those who have died during the past year. As we celebrate these loved ones, we will be joined by Bishop George Sumner, who will preach and celebrate communion at the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services in the Church. There will be an all-parish reception following both services in the Nave Courtyard beginning at 10:00. There will be no Sunday School.
Honoring All Who Served Sunday, November 13 5:30 Service in the Church 6:30 Reception in the Garden Cloister
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Children’s Brain Research Specialist Addresses Women of Saint Michael Concussions – They can happen almost anywhere, anytime; a Saturday night fall at home, football, basketball and soccer games or a fall off of the monkey bars or slide at the playground. How do you know when to be concerned? One in 30 children will have a brain injury before age 21. The Women of Saint Michael is presenting a great opportunity to learn from Dr. Lori Cook, who oversees pediatric brain research at the Center for Brain Health, UTD. Dr Cook is a mom and is a bundle of positive energy. She will talk to us about how to identify concussion symptoms and best practices for concussion prevention, management, and recovery.
Join us on Sunday, November 13 at 5:30 in the Church for our Annual Veterans Day Service and Reception. All are welcome at this FREE event, so please invite your friends, family and neighbors to help us say “Thank You!” to these heroes. All Saint Michael Veterans in attendance will be asked to join us at the altar at the end of the worship service for a group photo. Everyone is invited to the Garden Cloister for food and fellowship after the service. The Heritage Brass Band, comprised of many veterans, will be with us again this year playing their wonderful medleys of military marches, anthems and war-time favorites during the reception. Photos of Saint Michael men and women who served or currently are serving our country will be featured on our Wall of Honor outside the Parlor during the month of November. Please submit a photo of yourself or family members in uniform, along with rank, branch of the military, and years of service to Tish Visinsky (tvisinsky@ saintmichael.org) if you haven’t already.
The luncheon and program begins at 11:30 in Parish Hall where we will broaden our circle of friends and acquaintances. If you don’t have your ticket for November’s luncheon email Marea McMurray, Reservations Chair, at wosmreservations@ saintmichael.org. A reminder: our January gathering is a special dinner. It will be open to all; spouses are included.
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Overview Acolyte Training Scheduled in November
Conspirare Concert Nears “Sell Out”
Acolyte training will be held on two Saturdays in November, the 12th and 19th from 9:00 to 10:30 in the church. Only one session is necessary. Contact Tony Briggle at tonybriggle@sbcglobal.net.
Even though the admission is free, tickets for Saint Michael Presents fall program, “Conspirare Christmas” are nearly all taken.
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Prime Timers to Hear Journalist Jacquielyn Floyd The Prime Timers will host Jacquielyn Floyd, a columnist at The Dallas Morning News at its meeting Thursday, November 3, beginning at 10:30 in the Coke Activities Room. Lunch for $10 follows the meeting. Make reservations with Mary Davis, 214-363-7761. ..............
PT Cruiser to Get Cowtown Culture PT Cruisers will soak up culture in Fort Worth at the Kimbell Museum’s “Monet – The Early Years” exhibit on Thursday, November 17th. The bus will leave the church at 9:30. After seeing the exhibit, we will go to the Rodeo Goat for first class hamburgers or salads. Cost for the museum and lunch is $30. Call Mary Davis at 214-363-7761 for a reservation. The deadline is Sunday, November 13th. ..............
J.C. Snead Elected to Diocesan Leadership Vestry member J.C. Snead has been elected to the Executive Council of the Diocese of Dallas. He joins parishioners Jim Riggert, whose term expires this year, and Bill McGannon, whose term run through 2018, on the council, and Richard D’Antoni who serves as Secretary of the Diocesan Convention.
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Conspirare, the Grammy Award winning chorale group, will perform its Christmas concert at Saint Michael on Sunday December 11 at 7:00 p.m. It will be the group’s first performance in Dallas in more than 20 years. All of the tickets allocated for online reservations have been taken. There are a limited number of tickets available at Saint Michael from the receptionist in the South Lanai.
Overview New Policy for Christmas Flower Memorials In the next few week parishioners will be able to participate in the annual Flower Memorial booklet produced during the Christmas season. The contributions pay for the holiday flowers, trees, and greenery that decorate the Church. Beginning this year only those who contribute this season will be listed in the booklet.
Stewardship Thank you to those who participated in last month’s Stewardship Celebration! We are so thankful for your support. If you haven’t made your pledge, please fill out a pledge card today! And, you can pledge online at www. saintmichael.org/give.
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Vicar Named to University of the South Board of Trustees Saint Michael Vicar Bill Murray has been elected to a three year term as the Clergy Trustee at the University of the South – Sewanee. The Episcopal Church owns the university and the Diocese of Dallas is one owning dioceses. Bill’s first year to serve as a Trustee coincides with the 150th anniversary of the second founding of the school (the first was just before the Civil War and did not take in that difficult time). The University of the South just launched a $250 million capital campaign called “Sewanee: Stronger, Truer” to construct a new building for the seminary and for renovation of some older buildings, and increasing the endowment and scholarship funds. The university this summer, also, presented Dallas Diocese Bishop, George Sumner, a honorary doctorate.
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Saturday, November 12
Church Offices Closed for Thanksgiving The church offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and on Friday, November 25. There will be no 7:00 service on these days. 11
Overview Vestry and Diocesan Delegate Nominations Are Open
Book Shop Presents Holiday Merchandise – Church Christmas Ornament is Here
Nominations are open for people to serve on the Vestry beginning in February next year, and for delegates to serve at the Diocesan Convention in the fall.
Christmas has arrived in the Book Shop! The 2016 Saint Michael Christmas ornament designed by Mary Baldwin is available, so come get yours before we sell out Also, there is a great selection of nativities and ornaments from around the world made by our fair trade vendors.
The Vestry members (5) and Convention Delegates will be elected at the Parish Annual Meeting on February 26. The deadline to submit nominations is 4:00 p.m., Friday, December 16.
The Shop hours:
Nomination forms are available from the church receptionist and online at www.saintmichael.org. The forms should be returned to the receptionist at the South Lanai.
Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. Wed. Sat. Sun.
Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University Welcomes N.T. Wright
Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of St. Andrews, author, and retired Anglican bishop, for a three-day program of lectures, workshops and discussion related to his books. Online registration and additional details for the event are available at www.smu.edu/Perkins/Events/NTWright
SMU.1 J?J����?
Higher learning. Real experience. Vital ministry.,,,.
10:00 – 3:00 9:00 – 3:00 9:00 – 11:00 8:30 – 12:30
Sponsors
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Episcopal Church of the Incarnation Episcopal Diocese of Dallas Highland Park Presbyterian Church Highland Park United Methodist Church To register and for schedules visit www.smu.edu/perkins/ events/ntwright
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Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University
Sponsors
Saint Michael and All
Overview Advent Retreat with Paula D’Arcy Saturday, December 3 9:00 am – 12:00 p.m. Tickets $10
Being Guided By A Star At the heart of our common journey is a mystery above our human comprehension. But it is this mystery we are called to embody, and this star we follow still. Paula D’Arcy is a writer, retreat leader, and conference speaker who travels widely in the United States, Canada and abroad. She is President of the Red Bird Foundation which supports the growth and spiritual development of those in need and furthers a ministry to those in prison and those living in third world or disadvantaged cultures. RSVP online or adult@saintmichael.org
Gabriel Musser, son of Associate for Pastoral Care Lisa Flores Musser and David, is beginning to step out with mom and dad. However, he appears to be a little bored with the venue. 13
Pastoral Care A Note from Greg Happy November to all. As you may know, I am leading Pastoral Care while Lisa is on Maternity Leave and I am so grateful to you all for your ministry to this parish. Several of you have invited me to attend your meetings or just have a leisurely talk about the ups and downs of caring for others. I am still new to the overall reach of Saint Michael’s Pastoral Care but what I have already found are truly dedicated people who have a deep calling. I had the honor to briefly address the Good Shepherd gathering a few weeks ago and related how all of us, working together, create a community called Saint Michael and All Angels. This is true of each of you. Through your service to the Lord, you create a space where people can be known; where individuals can be free to say what is on his or her heart. I cannot imagine a greater gift to the people of this parish. Thank you for serving Saint Michael’s and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Greg Pickens ..............
Pastoral Care Ministry Calendar
The Women’s Cancer Support Group This group meets every Monday at 1:45 in the Parlor and is a long-term support system. Contact: Sue Patton, pattons@sbcglobal.net, or Charlie Stobaugh, Charlie@stobaugh.net Centering Prayer Group. You are invited to join us on Tuesdays at 10:00, in the Clergy Conference Room, to engage in Centering Prayer. Come and sit with us in silence and simply wait on God. Learn how to rest in God. As with everything about us, God is paying attention and the practice will transform you. Contact: Mary Ann Webster, maryannwebster@gmail.com. Knitting Ministry: We meet on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 in the Coke Activities Room. We would love to have you with us in this ’hands on’ ministry for those who love to knit and those who want to learn to knit. Knitters knit, pray, and tag their shawls with a prayer for the recipient. Bring your needles and join this group. For more information, please contact Byrd Teague, byrd.teague@gmail.com. 14
Alcoholics Anonymous meets on the first and third Sunday of each month in the Coke Activities Room at 7:30-8:30 in the evening. The group is open to both men and women who are alcoholics. More information is available by contacting The Rev. Neal Hern, nealhearn@aol.com Care Givers Support Group meets twice monthly to provide support to those who have the responsibility of caring for a loved one. Meetings are held in the Parlor, 11:00 to 12:30 on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. Contact, Sandra Klingeman, jsklingeman@sbcglobal.net. The next Faith and Grief Luncheon will be Thursday, November 10. Every second Thursday, our Faith and Grief luncheon meets in the Coke Activities Room at 12:00 Noon to 1:00 for a box lunch, facilitated conversation with trained table leaders, and this month, a presentation by Lacy Jacobus. Let those who have suffered a loss know of this opportunity. Bring a friend or relative to participate in the conversation. Kindly make a reservation with Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org. There is not a fee for the meal, but a donation is greatly appreciated. Questions? Interested in becoming a facilitator? Contact Greg Pickens: gpickens@saintmichael.org. The Prayer Ministry meets as a group, monthly, on the third Thursday evenings at 6:00 in the Coke Activities Room. The speaker for our November 17th gathering will be Dr. Samira Page, founder and Executive Director of Gateway of Grace Ministries. Born and raised in Iran as a Muslim, Samira’s family fled Iran and obtained political asylum in the U.S., where she converted to Christianity. With a Master of Divinity and doctorate in Missional Church Studies from Perkins School of Theology at SMU, Samira founded Gateway of Grace, a refugee outreach program. All are invited to attend another enlightening evening of prayer. A light supper is offered for $10. Please RSVP to Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org. The Parish Nurse Ministry. The Parish Nurse Ministry will be at their station in the South Lanai on the third Sunday of each month, taking blood pressures and providing information regarding the focus of health awareness for the month. The focus for November 20th will be Flu/Pneumonia Prevention/ Treatment. Questions? Contact Dianne Boyd, dboyd@ saintmichael.org.
Pastoral Care Blessed Are The Care Givers by Marillyn Burton Seeberger You are responsible for paying bills and supervising the financial decisions for a parent or a spouse. You do the grocery shopping and accompany your loved one to doctor visits and also supervise medications. Wherever that person lives, whether it is in your home, in your loved one’s home or a nursing care facility, you are the primary caregiver. You are not getting paid for the work you do, so you are not a professional caregiver, nor have you ever thought of yourself as a caregiver. You have thought of what one does for a loved one, who is unable to do for him or herself. You admit there are many days when the job is too hard and there are times you are not sure you can do everything you need to do. Your own strength is taxed and you hate to admit it, but you need a time and place to catch your breath. It is hard for you to ask for help. As a caregiver, you need some loving care yourself. One of the resources to support caregivers such as you, is here at Saint Michael and All Angels. It is our Caregiver Support Group. Parishioner, Sandra Klingeman has led this ministry since 2008. Educated and trained professionally as an occupational therapist, Sandra had the personal responsibility of caregiving for family members and this ministry is a passion of hers. Sandra says “Unless you have been in a caregiver’s situation, there is no way you can understand the demands. . . this ministry was conceived as a place for people to be able to talk about their feelings without fear of being judged or being fearful that what one says will be repeated outside of the safe place of our confidential environment.” In addition to the special section of books and resource materials in the Bill Power Library, Sandra notes that “the most valuable resource we have is each other. Our twice monthly meetings at Saint Michael allow us the opportunity to get away from our daily duties where we confidentially share our concerns, complaints, laughter, and tears. We will not judge you, nor will we tell you what to do. We are not counselors.” The ministry simply wants to give you a safe place to share your burden, for an hour or so, every first and third Monday at 11 to 12:30. You are welcome to participate when you can. You do not have to make a reservation. Just come and see.
Caregivers to have Meditation Workshop November 19th With the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays nearing, many caregivers are dealing with other family members and asking themselves, “How do I do this?” “How do I get through this season?” As one of our special programs, Rev. will
The
Very
Douglas Travis be
leading
a
workshop for caregivers on Saturday, November 19.
He will show us
how to use meditation to ease the stress and anxieties of care-giving, at any time of the year. The workshop,“Prayer, Meditation, and Pastoral Care,” begins at 12:00 noon in the Youth Center, on the second floor of the church.
Join us and others with similar
experiences to learn and practice the art of meditation for stress relief. It will be a blessing to you. Blessed are the caregivers. Questions? Contact Katherine Bowen, kbowen@ saintmichael.org
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Saint Michael Episcopal School Auction Hits the Top for School The October 21 Auction party benefiting the Saint Michael Episcopal School hit and went over the top raising some $80,000. More than 200 parents and friends attended the “Saved by the Blues” party at the House of Blues. The funds raised at the event, termed “totally rockin’,” will be used to support teacher excellence and enhancements to the schools building and facilities.
November School Calendar: November 3 Parent/Teacher Conferences – No school November 16 Family Thanksgiving Chapel – 9:00 Church November 21 – 25 Thanksgiving Break 16
Children and Family Ministry Family Communion Class Set for Saturday, November 5
Great Expectations Ministers to Expecting Families
Communion can be daunting sometimes, especially if you’re young. On Saturday morning, November 5, Vicar Bill Murray and Emily Given, director of Children and Family Ministry, will hold a Communion Class crafted for families with children 5 years and older from 10:00 to 12:00 Noon in Saint Michael Chapel. For more information contact Emily at egiven@saintmichael.org.
Are you expecting or know someone who is having a baby? As part of Saint Michael’s Great Expectations ministry, we want to make this joyous journey with you and make connections with the clergy and children’s ministry team during your pregnancy and at birth. To learn more about Great Expectations, go to www.saintmichael. org/greatexpectations/and fill out the VERY Brief form or contact Emily Given at egiven@saintmichael.org.
Children’s Sunday School Collecting Warm Clothing for The Gathering SPARK and The Edge (children from 3 to 5th grade) are collecting winter clothing items that will be distributed at The Gathering, the downtown worship service for the homeless at Thanks-Giving Square. There are collection boxes in each Sunday School classroom to collect new hats, gloves, and scarfs.
The Nativity December 18 11:00 Church
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Youth Ministry New Youth Ministry Task Force Created Ten volunteers to meet monthly, serving families with youth grades 6-12
The 10-volunteer task force plans to help Youth Ministry staff tackle the Goals and Benchmarks created at Saint Michael and All Angels 2016 Youth Ministry Summit. The group will monitor program attendance and will work toward building relationships, executing mission opportunities, welcoming newcomers and recruiting adult volunteers, in addition to searching for and hiring an additional youth ministry staff in 2017. Questions or Comments? Lauren Wainwright, Youth Ministry Director at lwainwright@saintmichael.org or Pressley Peters at pressleypeters@gmail.com.
Youth Winter Retreat ToTake Root at Camp All Saints This year’s Youth Winter Retreat will take place at Camp All Saints from January 13-15th. Our theme this year is Rooted. We will spend the weekend in community, having fun, and learning how to root ourselves in our faith and ministry at Saint Michael and All Angels. Winter Retreat is for all youth in the 6-12th grades and the cost for the weekend is $115.
Homework and Bible Study Join us each Sunday at 3:00! The Youth Center will be open for youth to do their homework or study for an upcoming exam. Our youth interns will also be around to help with your studies. Afterwards, stay for bible study at 5:30 followed by dinner in the Preston Center. 18
Paintball at Cousins Paintball Park We will be heading to Cousins Paintball Park on Sunday afternoon December 4th. We will carpool and leave from the church at 12:30 and return by 6:00. The cost is $40. Deadline to register is November 30th. There are only 15 spots available so register early! Entrance to the Park, Paintball, gun, goggles, and mask will be provided. Register online at www.saintmichael.org/youth
For Your Information Being thankful is a state of mind.
Great Expectations
Too often, we respond to what we experience in life, rather than living through those moments. Rather than responding to the day-to-day, we should embrace a tradition that encourages us to change our perspective, to transform the way we see the world through the love of God. In that transformative process, we begin to live through our lives, not simply bounce from one moment to the next. Being transformed by love, a love that is deeply true and unchanged by the whims of life, gives us a solid foundation so that we begin to live with gratitude for life itself, not for the infinite little moments life brings our way.
Welcome to our newest members recently born into our parish family: Anne Louise Davis (Annie) September 23, 2016 Amy and Walt
Perhaps it’s simple gratitude for the gift of life that is the core of our journey, our walk with God. Unconditional, truly unchanging gratitude for everything we have and everything we are is what God hopes and dreams for us. It’s the foundation of a life well lived in this world and the hopefulness of our life to come. That is the great arc, the great story of this month, and I want to invite you to live into that story in a new way this year. At the beginning of November, as we celebrate and honor those whom we have loved and lost, think of the profound hopefulness displayed in our All Saints’ celebration. Consider how much hope and love it takes for all of us to gather together in the beauty of holiness and profess our faith that death is not the end of life, but the moment when our life is transformed in a profound way through God in Christ. Imagine living our lives now, every day, with that kind of sacred hopefulness at the center. Then, as we approach the end of the month and our national Thanksgiving Day, we are given the opportunity to live into that new sense of gratitude with those we love most in the world, a gratefulness for all we have and for all we are. Perhaps this year, Thanksgiving Day can be transformed in light of the celebration of All Saints’ Day. We can be changed, indeed transformed by the gratitude we hold for this simple, profound gift of life.
Camille Carter Richardson September 29, 2016 Caroline and Will Henry Mal Ellis October 18, 2016 Leslie and Eli
Grant Them Eternal Rest May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Patrick Lee Holloway, July 26, husband of Nancy Knutson, father of Ian and Brooke Holloway Jack Edward Rosser, Sr., August 20, father of Jay Rosser, father-in-law of Monica Rosse Lorraine Burklund Sanford, September 2, mother of Nancy Sanford Andrew Dawson Bell, September 27, Brenda Bell Norita Ledbetter Hasselle, September 27, grandmother of Heather Demler, grandmother-in-law of Jed Demler, great grandmother of Carson and Mason Reginald K. Brack, Jr., October 4, brother of Linda McFarland, brother-in-law of John McFarland Alice Clara Ostermayer Stubblefield, October 8, grandmother of Chris Rowley, great grandmother of William Robert Creasey, October 9, husband of Marilyn Creasey Joyce McDowell Hyde Nunn, October 9 John Walter Ankeney, October 10, father of Angie Yates, father-in-law of J.D. Yates Myrtie Rawlins Rice, October 16 John DeGolyer “Jack” Maxson, October 21, husband of Sally Maxson Jerry Mack Cosper, October 25, father of Cindy Sparrow, father-in-law of Ted Sparrow, grandfather of Ali and Teddy Martha Youngquist, October 25, mother of Amy Youngquist, father-in-law of David Cowling
Christopher D. Girata Rector
Walter Ferguson, October 26, father of Cheryl Kaschak Gene D. Burton, October 30, brother of Marillyn Seeberger, brother-in-law of Gus Seeberger 19
Archangel PERIODICAL
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Worship Schedule 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. – Discovery Mass – SMC 9:15 a.m. – Joy Mass – Theater 10:00 a.m. – Sunday School
(Children and Adult)
11:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I - Church 11:11 a.m. – The Celebration - Parish Hall 5:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer
Parish Clergy
Parish Vestry
The Reverend Christopher Girata, 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.
and Eucharist Rite I - SMC