The Archangel August 2015

the The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

August 2015

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Cooking for Austin Street Center

By Our Love Cooking

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Vestry Meeting

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the

Faith and Grief

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Full Worship Schedule Resumes Back to School Celebration

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Last Farmer’s Market for the Season

Sunday Classes Begin

Volume 25, No. 11 Volume 27, No. 8

Eucatastrophe It was J.R.R. Tolkien, the influential English writer of compelling fantasy, who spoke of the gospel as eucatastrophe — as fantasy made real, as discovering a good effect in the midst of catastrophe. In his mind, it was the good crisis of Christ’s self-offering that brings restoration, consolation, healing and hope in the face of sorrow, disease and set-back in the world.

Well, that’s good news in the midst of a spring and summer of discontent.

When the news came that mass murderers had again wrought their damage this time in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Lafayette, Louisiana the feeling was that of drill-hammer pounding on the landscape of our living, the ceaseless damage of yet one more crazed citizen working out his rage on society. There seems to be no reasonable way to prevent these random acts of violence and carnage. As Neil Diamond sang, it seems like a “Hot August Night:” from racial tensions with police departments in the spring, to the murders in Charleston, to the continuing tensions of bringing down the Confederate flag in Columbia, South Carolina, to the arrest and sad suicide of Sandra Bland in Houston, to the recent senseless acts against innocent military personnel in Chattanooga and moviegoers in Lafayette. The President said last week that we will not tolerate some Orwellian scheme to test everyone’s sanity in an effort to keep dangerous people away from public places, nor will we let these terrible catastrophes restrict our freedoms and life-styles. cont. on page 19

Full Worship Schedule and Sunday School Starts Sunday, August 23 Saint Michael will return to the full schedule of worship services.

9:00

Rite II in the Church

Joy Mass in Parish Hall

Discovery in Saint Michael Chapel

11:00

Rite I in the Church

11:11

Celebration in the Theater

At all services on August 23 we will bless backpacks (briefcases, laptops and smartphones, too) symbolizing the end of summer and the return to school and the workplace. Beginning at 10:00 there will be our Back to School celebration in the Garden Cloister with gourmet popcorn, hot dogs, face painters, balloon artists, and a caricature artist.

Sunday School kicks-off the following week, August 30, during the 10:00 hour with a full array of stimulating classes for adults, youth, and children. (see descriptions of Sunday classes on pages 2 & 3)

Adult Formation Sunday Bible Study Looks at Abraham Abraham is the “Father” of three major faiths. However, the“children,” Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, each see Abraham differently. Those differences will be explored in a new and insightful Adult Bible Study class this fall led by:

The Forum Explores “Faith and Society” Civic Leaders to Lead Discussions The Forum Sunday School class will address major community issues this Fall with elected and civic leaders presenting their perspectives and leading the discussion. The line-up includes Dallas Police Chief David Brown, Mayor Mike Rawlings, County Judge Clay Jenkins, former Dallas School Board President Miguel Solis, and Larry James, CEO of CitySquare, an organization fighting the root causes of poverty.

“Throughout the Fall we will have people on the frontlines of issues facing our community bring their stories to The Forum as we explore Faith and Society,” said Shelly Vescovo, Director of Adult Formation. “We want our faith to be relevant to the community, the city, and the world in which we live.”

and Interreligious Relations at Perkins School of Theology

Judaism:

Dr. Howard Cohen, a religious scholar who has taught Judaism to Christians and Christianity to Jews for nearly 40 years.

Christianity: Dr. William J. A. Power, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Perkins School of Theology.

Dr. Robert Hunt

Dr. Howard Cohen

Dr. William Power

The Rector Bob Dannals will kickoff the “Faith and Society” series on August 30 discussing “What I have Learned at Saint Michael,” and “What/Who is Saint Michael and What are the Challenges Ahead” the following week.

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The Forum will also be used as a regular venue throughout the year for updates from the Rector Search and Transition Committee.

Where is the parent/young adult or maybe middle adult class? Thanks to the organization of Taylor and Kesh Curtis, we are organizing a class that will meet in the Parish Hall this Fall and Spring to address the needs, hopes, dreams and concerns of our parents, singles, divorced, young adult, and slightly older young adults. The hope is to gather folks 25-50 to teach, share and build community around God and Christ’s church. The Rev. Hunter Ruffin and Vicar Bill Murray will be helping to lead and teach this class with a host of other guests and speakers as time allows. Share the news with friends. We want to gather up a missing generation at Saint Michael and renew our souls in the process.

David Brown

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Islam: Dr. Robert Hunt, Professor of Christian Mission

Mike Rawlings

Miguel Solis

Clay Jenkins

Larry James

Fellowship Class Coming August 30

Adult Formation

Mark Your Calendar Now Sunday, September 27 Education for Ministry Prepares for September Classes Education for Ministry, a four year course focusing on traditional and contemporary theology along with personal spiritual connections, is gearing up for its fall classes. The course, taught by Dr. Elizabeth Lang, is offered on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 – 12:00 Noon, and on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 9:00. Classes begin on September 8.

Education for Ministry (EfM) combines the study of scripture, Christian history, and theology using everyday experiences to discover God’s presence in one’s life. Developed

by The School of Theology at Sewanee, an Episcopal owned university and seminary, EfM offers: • • • • • •

Ways to discern the presence of God An experience of Christian community In-depth study: Bible, church history, theology, ethics Spiritual growth Discussion informed by knowledge and theological reflection Practical applications of faith

Costs • •

Time in study and weekly seminars for 9 months Tuition ($350) with scholarship aid available

To register or for information contact Elizabeth Lang at langelizabeth66@gmail.com or Shelly Vescovo at svescovo@ saintmichael.org. ..............

The Feast of Saint Michael And Farewell to the Dannals • Celebrate 70 years of Saint Michael and All Angels • Honor 7th Decade Parishioners • Festal Music • Magnificent Reception

Tribute to Valerie and Bob for 8 years of Leadership and Love

If you wish to contribute to a purse for the Rector to be presented at the Feast of Saint Michael celebration, send your check to Saint Michael and All Angels, Attn: Rector’s Purse.

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Bob Dannals Retire Rector Searchtoand Transition Envision Our Future Take Parish Survey Send Us Names!

We received a gratifying phone call from a friend at The Episcopal Church’s General Convention a few days ago: “I keep bumping into people who care about your search, including some impressive Rectors who may turn out to be candidates themselves.” We are not yet ready to enter into discussions of deep mutual discernment with candidates, but we certainly are collecting names of priests whom we will want to invite to talk with us.

We can’t repeat the city and church that was named when one parishioner said, “Don’t tell my sister I suggested it, but we should try to steal her Rector.” We would welcome your recommendations, and can protect your anonymity too.

We cannot emphasize enough that YOU (parishioners and friends who know and love Saint Michael and All Angels Church) are the best sources of candidate names for the search and transition committee.

At this early stage in the process, it is appropriate rule candidates in because of the gifts they have, rather than to rule them out because they don’t completely fit all the preconceptions we may hold about the characteristics and background of our next Rector. God may surprise us, and all of us, parish and search committee, should open our minds and hearts to those surprises.

Pray For The Transition When any of us on the committee visit Bishop Moore Chapel to pray for our Rector transition, it is so moving to see that others have arrived earlier in the day and lit candles ahead of us, and some have left notes in the sign-in book. It reminds us the whole parish is praying together and listening for God’s will for our future. Thanks to the church’s Prayer Ministry leaders, someone has prayed for our transition at that altar rail every day for the past three months. If you haven’t already, please spend a few quiet minutes in Bishop Moore Chapel.

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At the end of the summer the Rector Search and Transition Committee will conduct a comprehensive survey of the parish, to update information since the last survey nine years ago, to seek parishioners’ insights and dreams for the direction of the church, and to prepare the committee to educate Rector candidates about the parish. The committee has studied our 2006 and 1995 surveys and other more recent surveys used by large parishes around the country. We have interviewed consultants who have worked with hundreds of churches. The key to a valuable survey, however, is that you complete it. Please stay tuned for more info in a few weeks.

Using the survey and other sources of information, the committee will develop a Parish Profile trying to summarize our church, and will share it throughout the parish and with Rector candidates. We say “trying to summarize” because Saint Michael and All Angels is so many communities within communities, and has more than 100 distinct ministries.

Think of your conversations about the church with fellow parishioners. Invariably you find some church experiences in common and some that are different. The church is not exactly the same for any two of us, and we hope to capture our diversity and our depth in the Parish Profile.

So far, the committee has hosted four Sunday morning listening sessions in a town hall format, and several small group discussions with various ministry areas. In the early sessions more of the questions were about the transition process itself.

(Several are answered at http://www.saintmichael.org/rectorsearch-and-transition-frequently-asked-questions/.) In more recent sessions, the discussions have gotten more deeply into our individual church experiences and what we dream for the future.

We will host a number of parish Conversations beginning in October, when we will have the survey results and the Profile to encourage further discussion.

Diana Newton Van Sheets Co-Chair Co-Chair

Caring Transition and Sharing - Mission Outreach Rector Mission and Outreach - Listening to the Details (i.e. - where is M&O heading?)

Storytelling is one of those arts that is always amazing to listen to when it is done well. In the South, storytelling is part of the culture and part of how we understand who we are, where we come from, and how we are connected to each other. Learning how to tell a good story is not just about telling a good tale; it is how you introduce yourself to other people. It is Hunter Ruffin the primary way connections are made, dreams are shared, and new realities are born. In much the same way, it is how we exist as a church, as a place of gathering, as a community of people seeking deeper connections.

Saint Michael Serves at The Gathering Several parishioners spent Sunday afternoon August 26 at The Gathering, the church for the homeless in downtown Dallas, leading worship and serving lunch. The Rev. Oliver Butler delivered a homily and celebrated communion, after which the congregation was served Fried Chicken, fruit salad, and desert.

The art behind telling a really good story is difficult to teach in this day of modern conveniences. Instead of relishing in the minute details of the story, today’s culture teaches us to get to the point - to the end. Once I have heard that bit, I can move on to the next thing in my diary. It is sad when we forget to listen to a story’s details for it is in the details that we discover the hopes, the fears, and the dreams of another. It is in the details that we begin to have a better understanding of the person sitting across the table. It is in the details that we are able to make an unexpected connection which could lead to a new relationship. The details very quickly become the point of the story instead of simply getting to the end.

In listening to the details, we, as a community of people seeking deeper relationships with each other and with Christ, are able to paint new realities, new hopes, and new dreams together, but we have to begin by listening to the details. As the new Associate for Mission and Outreach, I am beginning to listen to the stories’ details. Soon, we will have new stories to tell that begin with “Remember that time we...”

Jack D’Antoni, grandson of Maria and Richard D’Antoni, got his introduction to Mission and Outreach.

By Our Love

Hunter Ruffin, Associate for Mission and Outreach

We need volunteers to provide nutritious meals to people living with HIV/AIDS who live in housing provided by AIDS Services of Dallas. We are looking for cooks and servers for the third Monday of the month. To volunteer or to learn more about By Our Love, please contact Kelly Giron at kellyh5978@yahoo.com.

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Caring Transition and Sharing - Mission Outreach Rector Honduras Threads Mission Trip: The impact is building …

Mission teams from Saint Michael and All Angels have been going to Honduras to work with women in rural communities outside of Tegucigalpa for the past six years. During that time a transformation has occurred.

According to author Robert Lupton, in his book Toxic Charity, “charity can be either toxic or transformative.”

Honduras Threads promotes transformation by partnering with a group of women in a very poor country who are in chronic need. Through mindful “development” work, the women of Honduras Threads have been transformed, afforded the dignity of working and earning money in their own communities to better the lives of their families and to educate their children by using proceeds to buy clothes, shoes and supplies required for school. Brigham Young said, “You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman, you educate a generation.” Honduras Threads is impacting an entire generation.

Living in one of the poorest countries in the American continent, the women of Honduras Threads own their own businesses and build rewarding lives for their families,

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in many cases without electricity, medical resources, or clean water. They glorify God by using their abilities, productivity, and creativity in creating beautiful handembroidered products. They have become true artisans.

Native Honduran Oto Manley, translator for Honduras Threads, has been a witness to this transformation: “I have seen countenances get brighter with light and hope, women that are far more confident than when I first met them, daughters learning from their mothers, expressions of love among the group united in one purpose, happy children, and motivation all around. I have seen women who know who they are, and who “believe they can.”

Episcopal Deacon Karla Patricia Reyes de Fajardo serves the churches in the communities where the women live.

She is another witness to the transformation: “Honduras Threads has helped them to believe in themselves. In our country, many women think they have no value because they are not educated, and that they are only useful to cook, clean and have babies. Now they know who they are and what they want; they give their opinion, they choose, decide openly and have a voice. They trust themselves, knowing that they can do beautiful work with their art and their hands. The women contribute financially to the family, helping to build or fix their houses, to send their children to school, and some have been able to continue their own studies, even to attend the university.”

Caring and Sharing - Mission Outreach Likewise, those of us involved with Honduras Threads are transformed, as described by volunteer Valerie King: “I believe the impact of this embroidery cooperative has been life changing for them and for me. Although they come from different villages, they have forged a friendship and support for each other, which is just as important as the financial assistance they provide for their families. They are my heroes, keeping a positive attitude in the face of extreme poverty and adversity, maintaining a sense of pride in creating such beautiful embroidery pieces, and improving their business skills by learning the computer and cost accounting.”

sewing skills. This year, the women learned more advanced skills, once again taught by expert seamstress and sewing instructor Susan Oglesbee from Christ Church in Covington, Louisiana. They began work on a special commission to create clergy stoles designed by Pamela Nelson for the consecration of the new Uptown sanctuary at Church of the Incarnation.

All had a good time when certificates were awarded and we celebrated together on our final day.

The women appreciated donated fabric that will be incorporated into colorful embroidered pillows, table runners and placemats sold in the Saint Michael Book Shop and online at hondurasthreads.org.

Mission team members appreciate the Prayer Partners who lifted us up each day, and thank God for allowing us to share our faith and friendship with this marvelous community of Honduran women and their families. They have demonstrated enormous capacity that continues to inspire us.

In late June, a group of nine volunteers experienced a spiritual journey of broadening and deepening the way we understand and express God’s love in Christ. We spent time teaching, learning, working, singing, praying, and having fun together in the small Episcopal Church in Santa Cruz Arriba with over thirty women, eight of their teenage children, and fifteen of their preschool children.

Each of the sewing co-operatives has a small laptop computer to use in their business. This year, computer teaching focused on improving basic skills, to calculate the cost of production for each Honduras Threads project, and to keep accurate inventories. In addition, each woman and teenager composed and typed his or her own personal story in order to improve writing skills.

One of the highlights of the week occurred when the women were able to talk to former mission team leader Bill Bancroft on a Skype video call. The use of computers and the Internet has certainly broadened their world!

Last year the women earned certificates for proper use and maintenance of their sewing machines and refinement of basic

Can’t go on a mission trip? There are many ways that you can be involved with Honduras Threads right here at home, where we are working to support the co-ops year round. Volunteers tag new products, sell products at events and shows, fill and ship orders, do photo shoots for our online store and more.

We would love to have you! For more information contact M’Lou Bancroft, mlou@hondurasthreads.org or Melanie McGill, melanie.mcgill@gmail.com.

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.” ~ Benjamin Disraeli Melanie McGill, Honduras Threads Volunteer 7

From the Vicar

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I find it hard to believe but when August comes it means that summer is almost over. On Sunday, August 23, we will be celebrating Back to School with the Blessing of the Backpacks at the 9:00 and 11:00 services and a fun reception with gourmet popcorn at 10:00 in the Garden Cloister. For most of our kids, school will begin the next day. As a result, all of our Sunday programs will begin in earnest on Sunday, August 30 and continue until Christmas. Our goal as an education team has been to craft a Bill Murray regular format for Sunday mornings that does not change through the year. If it is Sunday morning, we will have programs for adults and children alike thanks to the hard work of our education staff- all twelve of them!

We would love to have you and your family join us in this renewed commitment to learn more about our faith and follow the example of Jesus Christ.

Youth Programs

Child Care Coordinator

Children Announcement

We are excited to announce that Jacynda Griego has been hired as our first ever, full-time Child Care Coordinator. Her position is the result of almost a year of work in evaluating and revamping the way we care for our youngest children. We closed our Noah’s Ark, drop-in program due to a lack of attendance, noted a need for greater oversight for evening and weekend childcare for church programs, and a deep desire to expand our early care and after care programs. With this enormous list of changes and hopes and dreams, we set out to hire the best and brightest we could find to care for Jacynda Griego our children. We are pleased to say that Jacynda was our choice and has done a spectacular job so far.

She is working to evaluate and improve Sunday morning child care, crafting a program for providing childcare for church programs when needed, expanding early-care and aftercare programs for children or working parents, and keeping the summer camps’ programs flowing smoothly this year.

Somehow, she found time in the midst of this to get engaged!

Join me in welcoming this sharp, wonderful young woman to our team. We are overjoyed to have her.

Ellen Talley, a teacher by training, has been working to gather teachers and put together an exciting new year of programs for our children. Erika Bower and Emily Given have been hustling to connect folks and find the teachers for each class.

The three are proving themselves to be a formidable team.

There will be classes for all of our children all of this Fall.

We will only miss 3 Sundays: September 27 – The Feast of Saint Michael/Bob’s Farwell, November 1 – All Saints Day, November 29 – Thanksgiving Weekend. I hope your child or grandchildren can join us.

With summer winding down and folks returning from vacations and summer homes, The Rev. Oliver Butler and Carolina Armstrong are working hard to implement the process outlined by Ministry Architects. As a dynamic trio, we have been working on crafting a Search Team for a new Junior High Youth Minister and a Logistics Administrator for our program. We have also been working on gathering a Design Team to work on reviewing, growing, and strengthening our youth ministry.

Oliver and Carolina have been hard at work preparing for the Sunday School class for youth and the regular Wednesday night meetings. Nancy Moore is excited to be leading the Disciples Confirmation Class again for 2015-2016 and strengthening this critical program in the life of our youth and in our church. If you have questions or want to get your youth involved, please let Oliver or Carolina know.

Each of these areas are working to put together many more events during the week. As much as I love the slower pace of the summer, I am afraid to say that it is all but over. The chaos and joy of a full church and teaching about the joy of being a Christian is about to begin.

Bill Murray, Vicar

Stewardship Children and Stewardship Beginning the Journey

North Texas Giving Day Led by Parishioner Carol Goglia

Personal stewardship is a continuing journey that should begin in childhood. Most children already have a sense of wonder of how to respond with thanksgiving to God who created them and the world in which they live. Theirs is an “attitude of abundance,” according to John Westerhoff author of Will Our Children Have Faith? The question is not only, “How can we teach stewardship to children?” but “How can we encourage children to continually respond to God’s creation by caring and enjoying what God has given them.”

Last year North Texas Giving Day, the 18-hour online giving event, raised a record-breaking $26.3 million and Saint Michael parishioner Carol Pierce Goglia led the charge as the Communities Foundation of Texas’ director of marketing and communications.

In teaching stewardship to children, it is helpful to build on a few points: •

Stewardship of creation

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Stewardship of ourselves and our bodies

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Stewardship of talents and spiritual gifts

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Stewardship of time and priorities

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Stewardship of our relationship with others

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Stewardship of treasure and material possessions

If we want to nurture children in an understanding of stewardship, we need to find ways to help them experience stewardship and the joy of giving of oneself.

Look for more to come this Fall for children with Stewardship

Carol, who is a product of The Saint Michael School, is recognized around the country for her fundraising abilities. Carol and her husband, Mark, She recently was featured enjoy a day at the beach with their in an online webinar, children Michael, Thomas, and “Crowdfunding Myths Cate. and Truths.” She shares her talents at Saint Michael serving on the 2015 Stewardship Committee, teaching Catecheses, and volunteering at Vacation Bible School with her children.

The Saint Michael Episcopal School participated in North Texas Giving Day for the first time last year and will again during this year’s event on Thursday, September 17.

Parishioners are encouraged to go online and designate a contribution to the church’s preschool, which is matched in part by the Communities Foundation. Be on the lookout for ways to support The Saint Michael Episcopal School during North Texas Giving Day, and for more information about the program visit www.cftexas.org/north-texas-giving-day/

2016.

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Overview Cub Scout Pack Getting Started at Saint Michael Planning is underway to create a Cub Scout Pack this fall at Saint Michael and All Angels. Parents interested in being involved with its creation and/or as a volunteer should contact Vicar Bill Murray by August 15 at bmurray@ saintmichael.org. ..............

Dollar and Cents – A Mid-Year Look at Saint Michael, Sunday, August 23 Treasurer Grady Schleier will report on the church’s finances during the first six months of the year at 10:00 August 23 in the Parlor. He will review the church’s income, expenses, and financial projections for the remainder of 2015, and will have a question and answer session. ..............

Prime Timers Offer Retirement Lessons to Bob and Valerie September 3 Prime Timers start their Falls programs with Valerie and Bob Dannals as they move into retirement…kind of. It is a great opportunity to visit with them on a personal level and to thank both of them for their loving service to our parish.

Thursday, September 3, 10:30, in the Coke Activities Room.

Reservations for lunch by August 27, $10. Call Mary Davis, 214-363-7761.

Parishioner Dr. Ken Pool Honored Posthumously for Health Tech Law Physician, Dr. Ken Pool, a Saint Michael parishioner, has been honored posthumously by the Texas e-Health Alliance for championing a bill on the availability of electronic health data in Texas.

Pool died in January while working with health care industry leaders on the legislation.

In June, Governor Greg Abbott signed “Ken’s Bill” – as it’s known – ensuring that state health agencies have software systems that meet national standards, allowing easier transmission of data on immunizations and cancer that doctors and hospitals must report to public health authorities. Dr. Pool and his wife, pediatric audiologist Terese Finitzo, a Saint Michael Altar Guild member, cofounded an Arlington-based IT company specializing in healthcare technology. ..............

Saint Michael’s Farmers Market Season Closing August 29

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For more information on our vendors, outreach, volunteering, and how to support the market, please visit www.saintmichaelsmarket.com or contact Meg Carstens at farmersmarket@saintmichael.org.

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Overview Knitting Ministry Achieves 2,000 Prayer Shawls Seven years ago a group of ladies began meeting for Bible study and fellowship, and began knitting prayer shawls that to share with parishioners going through an illness, a loss, a family issue, a “rough patch.” The group has seen

Ops Ed (a few words from your Operations Ministry) I hope your summer has gone well. Operations is one of the many ministries at Saint Michael that work all through the year serving this parish. Last month, there was a picture in this column. Were you able to guess where the picture was taken? The photograph captured the ornamental fencing across our west entrance. The Chi Rho and Alpha Omega metal work that makes up the “pickets” is unique. When you get a chance, take in this wonderful piece of art that forms one of the entryways to our church.

Below is a photograph of another place on our property.

Do you know where this located? I hope this one is a bit more challenging.

Peace,

Greg its knitters come and go, but the stitching has never stopped. A few days ago, this ministry completed its 2,000th prayer shawl, and at the 11:00 worship service on August 30 we will celebrate that achievement and the ladies that made it happen.

Congratulations and Thank You to the Knitting Ministry, they have wrapped the care and love of Saint Michael around parishioners who have needed it.

Do you know where this is?

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Caring and Sharing - Pastoral Care You Could be a Lay Eucharistic Visitor

By Marillyn Burton Seeberger It is summer and you seem to have a lot of time on your hands…or, perhaps you’ve retired and need a new purpose… or, you and your spouse are empty-nesters with plenty of energy and a lot yet to give… Whatever the case, maybe it’s time to direct your needs to a positive use of your talents: to volunteer.

Saint Michael needs to be your first place you turn. If you’re not sure where “you fit,” the confidential online Spiritual Gifts Survey can help identify your spiritual gifts, skills, passions and experiences; and find matching ministries at the church where you “fit.” You can take the Survey in a matter of minutes. It is on the website at www.saintmichael. org/gifts.

If you are inclined toward pastoral care, communion is an important part of your spiritual life and you enjoy reaching out to the ill or homebound, becoming a Lay Eucharistic Visitor is the perfect niche for you! You can use your listening and visiting skills and your love of the Eucharist to serve Ruthie Garrett prepares LEV kit a group that is easy to overlook. The training is excellent, and, as a lay person, you are drawn to better understand and appreciate the Eucharist. The hours are even good: Sundays, after Church.

Taking the Eucharist to those who are ill or homebound is an ideal way to combine your desire to serve and your need to be involved in a ministry of care. Contact The Rev. Lisa Flores (lflores@saintmichael.org) and she will work with you to explore the suitability of this ministry for you. Do it today, there’s no time like the present to start something new!

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The Rewards of Being a Lay Eucharistic Visitor Gwendolyn and Bobby Chestnut and their two boys Croft and Will have served for several years as Lay Eucharistic Visitors.

Here’s their story.

Over the past 6 years our family has been part of the Lay Eucharistic Visitor Ministry. We have taken Communion to people in the hospital, nursing facilities or homes. We may see someone once, or for a year or more. Each month we visit with our recipient and perform a short Communion service.

The recipients appreciate having our children come with us and have never turned them away from visiting. Our two sons participate in the service by reading the Gospel or a prayer they select. Our family has received more from these experiences than I feel we have given. Our boys have been able to experience relationships with senior citizens they would not have had otherwise. One of our long term recipients seemed like an adopted grandmother, greeting our boys like her own grandsons. One gentleman we visited multiple times passed away the day after we visited him. My youngest son expressed how thankful he was to have seen him before he died and truly understood how important it was that we had given him Communion.

All of the LEV Ministers talk about how rewarding this experience has been for them. We feel fortunate to be a part of it and hope more people consider being an LEV.

Caring and Sharing - Pastoral Care Meetings and Activities: Alcoholics Anonymous. This group, open to both men and women, meets on the first and third Sunday evenings of the month at 7:30, in the Coke Activities Room. Contact: The Rev. Neal Hern, nealhern@aol.com.

Basic Christian Yoga. Stay healthy with Yoga. The popular Christian Yoga classes meeting Monday evenings beginning at 5:30 in the Youth Center. Keep your mind and body healthy with licensed yoga instructor, Annette Lentz. THERE IS NO FEE. Contact: Annette Lentz, annette.lentz@sbcglobal.net. ..............

The Care Giver Support meets the first and third Mondays at 11:00 in the Parlor. Be sure to check the online Pastoral Care, Care Giver menu for information about library resources and community resources for Care Givers. For more information, contact Sandra Klingeman, jsklingeman@sbcglobal.net. ..............

Grief Ministry. Plan to join us at noon on August 13th, in the Coke Activities Room, for our monthly Faith and Grief luncheon. Sharing one’s loss with others is especially comforting. Make your reservation for lunch by contacting Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org or make your reservation on line at the Faith and Grief Website: www. faithandgrief.org/programs/gatherings/. Other questions?

Contact Meg Badgett, mmbadgett@gmail.com. ..............

Parish Nurse Ministry: The Parish Nurse Sunday will be on August 16. The focus for August is Children’s Health Month. If you have questions, contact Dianne Boyd, dboyd@saintmichael.org. ..............

Women’s Cancer Support Group. This group meets weekly on Mondays at 1:45 in the Parlor, to support each other and share helpful information. Now is a good time to reconnect with your support group. Contact: Sue Patton, pattons@ sbcglobal.net, or Charlie Stobaugh, Charlie@stobaugh.net.

Centering Prayer Group Centering prayer will help you start each day positively. We invite you to join us on Tuesdays at 10:00, in the Clergy Conference Room. Learn how to be still, pray, and get your mind centered on those things most important to you. Contact: Mary Ann Webster, maryannwebster@gmail.com. ..............

The Knitting Ministry meets every Tuesday, 1:00 – 3:00 in the Coke Activities Room. Consider joining the knitting ministry, either in person or from your home. Contact: Byrd Teague, byrd.teague@gmail.com. ..............

A Stephen Minister Can Help You Over The Rough Spots 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. If you know someone who might benefit from having a Stephen Minister or you could use one yourself, please contact The Rev. Lisa Flores, lflores@saintmichael.org. or lay leader, Jean Coleman, jwcoleman@sbcglobal.net. ..............

Calling those with a Volunteer Heart If you are good at providing hospitality, volunteer to help during funeral receptions; if you take pleasure in preparing food and sharing it with parishioners needing a little loving care, being an Extended Care Cook is an excellent placement for you. Good Shepherds are the eyes and ears of the health and well-being of those in her specific neighborhood. If one of these opportunities appeals to your heart, contact Ann Mills at amills@saintmichael.org and sign up.

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Saint Michael Preschool

Saint Michael Preschool now Saint Michael Episcopal School

Anthropologist and Episcopalian Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Our preschool program proves this saying true if no one else ever does. Thanks to the work of the Board, the Rev. Greg Pickens, Grady Schleier our Treasurer, Executive Director Katie Riley, and her team, our preschool program is fast becoming the best in Dallas. Over the last three years they have made incremental changes so that many of the big leaps we are witnessing today could be accomplished.

The team then hired a marketing firm to help create a logo and brand with an eye towards presenting an image that reflects these new and strong movements. Their first suggestion which was enthusiastically supported by the Board, staff, and everyone involved was to change our name to Saint Michael Episcopal School. Our space currently limits us to a preschool program for the immediate future but the name change gives us the opportunity to connect the school with the church and dream of adding kindergarten in the coming years.

With an eye always fixed towards creating a fully accredited program, Katie and Greg have been slowly hiring a great leadership team and assembling a top flight staff. Tricia Morris, a 10 year veteran of early childhood programs, is our Director. Elizabeth Keogh now serves as a full-time liaison between the church and school, insuring that 100% of the church parents involved in the Tricia Morris preschool are now pledging members of the parish. Jacynda Griego started a new position this summer developing Early and After Care Programs for working parents and is serving as the Child Care Coordinator for our church programming. With that amazing team assembled, Katie and Greg worked to create the new standard that all of the teachers now have a minimum of Elizabeth Keogh a bachelor’s degree. Almost 15% of those teachers now have Masters Degrees!

The Board is working to build on this incredible momentum in the next two years by becoming one of the first preschool programs that receives full accreditation from the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES).

By becoming full members of the SAES, we will be linking our names to some of the best schools in Texas and the Southwest. We will line up the children in our program for future success and access to the best schools in Dallas.

We will continue to be an asset to the church as we draw young families to a top tier school program and an Episcopal education. The future is incredibly bright for Saint Michael Episcopal School thanks to that small group of thoughtful, committed parents, teachers and administrators. Please join me in celebrating the success of our program, the work of Greg, Grady, Katie, the Board, and the teachers, and the bright future we have ahead — for Saint Michael Episcopal School.

Bill Murray, Vicar

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Children and Family Ministry Saint Michael Delivers Food to North Dallas Shared Ministries Seventeen Saint Michael parishioners, ranging from barely walking to beginning-to-gray, loaded 43 grocery bags with food on Sunday, July 26 and made an initial delivery to the North Dallas Shared Ministries. More food was collected during the last week of the month (July is North Dallas Shared Ministries month) and was delivered in early August.

While there, the families helped stock the charity’s shelves and put together emergency food packets for distribution, which provides a one week supply of groceries and hygiene items for individuals or a family in need. Saint Michael is one of the largest contributors to North Dallas Shared Ministries’ Food Pantry.

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Children and Family Ministry Rector Transition Sunday School Starts August 30 — Children’s Registration is Open A full schedule of Sunday School classes begins Sunday, August 30. Online registration for children from preschool through the 5th grade is available at www. saintmichael.org/childrens-sunday-school-registration/

Sundays Edge Sunday Series – 4th and 5th graders will be exploring the Bible to learn more about their faith and how to weave their faith into everyday life situations.;

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Bridge Sunday School – 3rd graders “connect” with each other and the Old Testament this year with their new curriculum, Connect. They will delve deeper into the stories of the Old Testament, the foundation of the Bible and our faith.

Catechesis is a Montessori-based classroom experience provides a unique opportunity for children to come in contact with scripture, the liturgy of the church, and sacred history in engaging and age appropriate ways. Two levels are offered on Sunday morning – Level 1 (Age 4-6) and Level 2 (Age 6-9). Space is very limited so please register as soon as possible. For more information, please contact Gabrielle Ott – gott@saintmichael.org.

Holy Moly – Preschool (Age 4) through Second Grade Organized by grade level, the children will learn scripture through a short video and then reading it in a children’s Bible story book.

Discussion and activities will help to bring the stories to life. More volunteers are needed.

Please consider teaching a block of Sundays or once each month. Contact Ellen Talley – etalley@saintmichael.org.

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Children and Family Ministry Wednesdays Fun Science – Edge Boys Bible Study – 4th and 5th grade boys will learn about God’ s word by the fun & messy way of science in our weekly Bible study Wednesdays at 5:30 in the Edge Room.

Children’s Choir – Ashley Westgate, children’s musician, each week will teach children (Kindergarten to Fifth grade) to be worship leaders through the ministry of music. The children’s choir will expand their skills as musicians through practice, prayer, and fellowship. The children’s choir will sing regularly in several different worship services over the year. For more information, please contact Jill Delabano – jdelabano@saintmichael.org.

Following God’s Road Signs – Edge Girls Bible Study – 4th and 5th grade girls will be exploring the Book of James this year and how they can apply its lessons to their lives on Wednesdays at 4:30 in the Edge Room.

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Youth Ministry Oregon Mission Trip Bonds High School Students The mission trip to Oregon in mid-July was one of service and bonding for Saint Michael’s high school students.

They served at the Portland Police Department sponsored Sunshine Division, which provides food and clothing to disadvantaged and homeless citizens; and they worked with the environmental restoration organization, SOLVE, in a beach clean-up project at Seal Rock State Park. During a project with special needs children, our youth hiked McKenzie Pass, enjoyed a picnic, and played games.

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FYI cont. from page 1

Isaiah declared to those seeking recovery from exile, human carnage and slavery: “Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her discontent has ended ...” According to Isaiah, God does not sit idly by ... God acts! “Behold your God,” he declares. In short, here is your God who comforts people, who speaks tenderly, who pardons iniquity, who lifts up valleys, and makes mountains low, who dares not leave us alone.

The ultimate intervention of God in the Christian view is the coming of Jesus of Nazareth. The actions of Jesus tell us that God is lovingly interested in the turmoil and pain of life -- a God who even while hanging in human form on the cross has hands and heart generously and compassionately open to us. Thus, working to prevent human damage, to ourselves and others, was the business of Jesus and his followers. And it is our business, too.

Sensing the need to see God active in life beyond our own narrow confines, many parishioners continue to reach out through important ministries in Dallas and beyond. God has given us the ability to enhance the lives of people we encounter every day. Working to prevent the kind of human damage we’ve seen lately, working for a more sane and safe world and exercising a broader love for the sake of many, may be the best we can do by way of an appropriate tribute to those who were slaughtered in ordinary places on ordinary days.

In the face of recent events, and with grace and hope for the future, one significant way that you and I can release the power of Christ’s love is by making a generous and sacrificial pledge -- reminding all of us that giving to our local parish operating ministries has important and direct impact on alleviating challenges of every kind, including the outreach allocation built into our annual budget. When your pledge information comes this fall, consider how your generosity will have a tangible, good effect on lives within and beyond our parish community.

In these challenging times may we participate in God’s eucatastrophe -- the good crisis of God bringing about a transformation through our caring and giving.

Bob Dannals ..............

Grant Them Eternal Rest May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace: Charles Miller Bovard, May 25, father of Jim and Chris Venita “Carli” Taliaferro, April 9, mother of Charles Hensley, fiance of Tony Burris Beatrice Sevier Millet, June 8, sister of Edwina Dyes Joseph R. Dyer, June 29, brother of Bob Dyer, brother-in-law of Ann Dyer Margretta Lillian Clark Aviles, July 2, wife of Jose Aviles James MacDonald Leftwich, July 3, brother of Amy Fikes, Brother-in-law of Lee Fikes Thomas B. Howard, July 9, father of Mary Elizabeth Schleier, father-in-law of Grady Schleier, grandfather of Tommy and Will Sharon Carleton Boyd, July 24 Richard “Dick” Bass, July 26, husband of Alice Bass, father of Jim Bass, father-in-law of Hong Bass, grandfather of Aline, Laura, and Kevin

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Archangel PERIODICAL

the

POSTAGE PAID

A monthly publication of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

DALLAS, TX

Saint Michael and All Angels

the

8011 Douglas Avenue Dallas, Texas 75225-0385

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

Summer 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 Sunday 7:30 a.m. Eucharist Rite I – SMC 10:00 a.m. Eucharist Rite II - Church 10:00 a.m. Discovery Mass – SMC

Joy Mass/Celebration 11:00 a.m. Adult Class 11:00 a.m. Eucharist Rite I – Church 5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer and Eucharist Rite I – SMC

Parish Clergy The Reverend Dr. Bob Dannals, Rector The Reverend Bill Murray, Vicar The Reverend Lisa Flores, Associate for Pastoral Care The Reverend Greg Pickens, Associate for Operations and Pastoral Care The Reverend Oliver Butler, Associate for Youth and Young Adults The Reverend Hunter Ruffin, Associate for Mission and Outreach The Reverend Ariail Gores, Deacon The Reverend Michael Harmuth, Sunday Associate The Reverend Pamela Theodore, Sunday Associate The Reverend Neal Hern, Sunday Associate

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Parish Vestry Matt Waller, Sr. Warden Kathy Jenevein, Jr. Warden Grady Schleier, Treasurer Charlie Sartain, Chancellor Margaret Spellings, Clerk Peter Beck, Eric Conner, Mark Demler, John Gorman, Beth Hise, Kathy Kelley, Rachel Morgan, Sallie Plummer, Randy Rekerdres, Tom Rhodus, J.C. Snead, and Kay Whelan.

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