the The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
January 2017
A Resolution of Abundance for 2017
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New Years’ Day It’s a New Year, and with a new year often comes the Combined desire to live in new ways. We often call these desires Services at 9:00 resolutions. I’ve never been a fan of resolutions. I’m and 11:00 in sure my lack of excitement the Church about the idea of resolutions stems from the fact that I Church Offices can never keep them even Closed - New when I try. We certainly Years Holiday cannot deny that the idea of resolving to live differently has been all around us these Feast past few weeks, but I bet of that even now, resolutions that sounded so good a Lights few days ago have already gone by the wayside. So this year, rather than joining the throngs around us in untenable resolutions focused on our actions, what if we decided, as a Christian community, Youth to focus on changing our hearts? In the wake of Ministry another Christmas season come and gone, I hope we remember that a blessed life is one that celebrates Retreat abundance without attachment.
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Church
Offices Closed: MLK Holiday
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Women of Saint Michael Meeting
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Prayer Ministry Meeting with the Rector
It is easy to talk about blessings when we have the sense about us that we are blessed. When we look at our material world, the world in which we live and in which we have been trained to succeed, by any measure we are very comfortable. But if we aren’t intentional about how we live with our material wealth, with our abundance, we can begin to be attached to it. Or even worse, we can be controlled by it.
Christmas Offering Hits $45,930
Attachment can look like many different things. Some of us are attached to the security our abundance provides. Some of us are attached to the privilege and advantage our abundance affords. Many of us
The offerings from the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services totaled $45,930. The money is divided equally between three outreach programs selected by the Mission Outreach Grants Committee.
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Celebrations of Christmas Christmas at Saint Michael and All Angels Christmas at Saint Michael is a time of giving, serving, laughing, worshiping by young and old alike. Enjoy the remembrance of Christmas 2016.
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Celebrations of Christmas
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Women of Saint Michael
Party Details: •
• •
Auction: Plan to bid on a wide array of exciting trips, tickets to sporting and theater events, jewelry, artwork, home goods, fun-filled outings, vacation homes, and so much more through live auction, silent auction, big board, and an auction of artwork by our own parish artists! Wine and Whiskey Pull: Go home with excellent bottles of wine and/or whiskey from the all new wine and whiskey pull – $25 buys you a chance to pull for a fantastic bottle of wine or whiskey Entertainment: Dance the night away to the sounds of Motion Band, one of the hottest event bands in Dallas! These talented musicians will have you on your feet, dancing the night away.
Purpose: Every dollar raised from the auction goes to the Women of Saint Michael Gifts Committee which awards grants to community agencies benefiting the most needy. The Women of Saint Michael have donated over $8,000,000 through the years. Please be generous so that we may continue to support those who most need our help, in keeping with the Bible verse that guides our mission: For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. — Matthew 25:35-36
Ticket Sales: Buy your tickets online (www.saintmichael.org/parishparty/) starting January 10th or at tables in the hallways on Sundays starting Sunday, January 15th.
Underwrite: Consider helping with underwriting to support this wonderful evening with our Saint Michael community. Underwriting can be done easily online at www. saintmichael.org/parishparty or by calling Tricia Stewart at 214-675-0586.
Donate: Do you have a fabulous item to donate for the auction? A vacation home, tickets to sporting events, lectures, or theater, gift cards to restaurants, jewelry, other interesting items that would be perfect for the auction? Have a great idea for a wonderful special occasion event that could be auctioned? Email Christine Paddock at christine.paddock@ sbcglobal.net. We would love to have your help! 4
Parish Party Parish Artists: Calling all parish artists: please consider
Volunteer: Make new friends and help make the party a huge success by volunteering for small or large jobs! We need volunteers both for activities leading up to the party as well as for the day of the event. Please sign up online at www. saintmichael.org/parishparty or contact Angela Jackson at arjackson@rocketmail.com
Drop off a bottle of wine or whiskey valued at least $25 for the Parish Party Wine & Whiskey Pull and stay for casual refreshments and a good old time! Better yet, bring a check for $25 (made out to Women of Saint Michael) and we’ll shop for ya!
donating a piece of your art to be displayed at church on Sunday, February 19th, and then auctioned at the Parish Party – we have so many talented artists in our parish! All artwork is welcome: paintings, jewelry, photography, ceramics, watercolors, etc. If you, or a friend or family member can contribute a piece of your work, please contact, Sarah Coke King, sarahfitplay@gmail.com, or 210-834-7904; Whitney Coke, whitney826@aol.com, or 972-345-4494; or Marillyn Seeberger, marillyn.seeberger@gmail.com, or 972-788-1103.
If you can’t attend this shindig, drop off your check or bottle at Nancy Moore’s home (3909 Hanover) no later than Monday, February 13th.
Questions? Contact Nancy Moore 214-215-2459. 5
Women of Saint Michael Women of Saint Michael Spotlight Community Leaders in January Program Three parishioners who have spent a major part of their careers serving the Dallas community will be in the spotlight at the Women of Saint Michael’s January meeting Wednesday, January 18. Tom Luce, Dr. Gail Thomas, and Walt Humann will form a panel discussing “Community Work Through Faith.” The panel will be moderated by former WFAA political commentator, Brad Watson.
Tom Luce
has served as an Assistant Secretary of Education, heading the Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy. He serves as Chairman and Founding CEO of the National Math and Science Initiative, Inc., and is the Founding President of Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute.
Dr. Gail Thomas
is President and CEO of The Trinity Trust, a nonprofit organization educating the community, raising private funds, and promoting the city’s Trinity River Corridor Project. Previously she directed the Center for Civic Leadership at the University of Dallas, and was co-founder of the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture.
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Walt Humann
is recognized as the Father of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system and the redevelopment of the North Central Corridor, with the expansion of Dallas Central Expressway. He also led the Saint Michael 50th Anniversary initiative, Jubilee Park, the redevelopment of a 62-block inner-city neighborhood near Fair Park.
Brad Watson
for 34 years was a reporter, anchor, and political commentator at WFAATV, Channel 8. He served as host of the program “Inside Texas Politics.” Currently, he is director of communications for Luminant. For the first time, the Women of Saint Michael’s meeting will be held in the evening, beginning at 6:30 in the Church. “We have asked four parishioners who have made significant contributions to the greater Dallas community throughout their careers to talk to us about how their faith and this church have motivated their desire to serve and some of the decisions they have made,” said program chair Harriett Cousins. “We thought their messages should be shared with the entire parish, and so we decided to have an evening meeting so that everyone has the opportunity to hear our panel.” Make Reservations for the program and dinner at www. saintmichael.org/wosmluncheons.
Ministry Changes Musgroves Retire as Discovery Mass Band Leaders
The Rev. Mary Lessmann Expands Role at Saint Michael
A message from Vicar Bill Murray
Rector Chris Girata has announced that The Rev. Mary Lessmann will expand her responsibilities at Saint Michael and has appointed her as Associate for Spiritual Growth.
After sixteen years of service, Pam and Len Musgrove have stepped down as the music leaders of the Discovery Mass. Let me say this differently - for some 500-plus Sundays, Pam’s voice has echoed in the rafters of the Saint Michael Chapel and Len’s keyboard led the worship melody for our younger families. Many folks cannot imagine the service without their leadership or even a time before they were the musical voice of Saint Michael Chapel at 9:00. Finding two joyful, dedicated leaders for the musical tradition of a service is nothing short of miraculous. The Musgroves will continue to help from time to time with the service moving forward. Officially, the Christmas Eve Discovery Mass services were their retirement farewells. Moving forward, Tom Black and the volunteers who have helped with Discovery will continue to lead music for that service. The Rev. Chris Girata and The Rev. Bob Johnston are exploring several options for finding the musical skills and talents to help lead this service and work with our other contemporary services. Please keep this process in your prayers.
“Mary will expand on the formative work she has already begun, and work on new ways for our members to grow in their spiritual lives,” Girata said. “Mary’s gifts for ministry are significant and her love for the people of Saint Michael is apparent.” The Rev. Lessmann this past fall initiated and led a new Enneagram class and is leading a second session beginning later this month. She also is teaching the Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study class. “I’ve so enjoyed getting to know the congregation this past year and am looking forward to my increased presence and ministry at Saint Michael,” Mary said. ..............
Grant Them Eternal Rest May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Virginia Harrison Holmes, October 23, mother of Ginger Brown Bob Wayne Heard, December 5, father of Ann HeardSakhaee and Sally Davies Emily Denman Thuss, December 5, sister of Deirdre Glober, sister-in-law of George Glober, Jr. Betty Maddox, December 6, Sister-in-law of Katherine Keeling Walter Lovic Cain, Jr., December 13, husband of Mary Agnes Cain Edith Louise Connolly, December 13, grandmother of Thomas Fenton, Grandmother-in-law of Sarah Fenton, great grandmother of Samuel
Most importantly, thank Pam and Len Musgrove for the amazing dedication and work in leading the music of the Discover Mass.
James Braxton Zimmermann, December 14 Letitia “Tish” Bennett Woodruff, December 23, mother of John Woodruff, Meg French, mother-in-law of Bruce French, grandmother of Kaylie, Madeline, and Hunter Stokes June Barbara Keogh, December 24, mother of Mike Keogh, mother-in-law of Elizabeth Keogh, grandmother of Caroline, Margaret, and Emily
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For Your Information Mission and Outreach Grants Awarded The Mission and Outreach Grants Committee has awarded $145,000 to twelve qualifying agencies and ministries. The Grants Committee received two new applications in addition to eleven returning applications. The committee had to make difficult decisions on funding the successful applicants because the total amount of funds requested by them exceeded the funds available in the Outreach Grants program. Each application was reviewed by a member of the committee and then presented to the full committee for further review and clarification. For local ministries and agencies, members of the committee conducted on-site visits of the ministry to learn more about what support from Saint Michael and All Angels would accomplish. After two months of researching and reviewing each application, the committee awarded grants to 12 of the 13 applicants. One of the applications did not meet the qualifications as it does not directly involve Saint Michael and All Angels parishioners. The committee awarded the following grants: • • • • • • • • •
Amistad Mission ($12,000) Austin Street Center ($15,000) Jubilee Park and Community Center ($65,000) North Dallas Shared Ministries ($9,000) Our Friends Place ($4,000) Rosebud GLORY Program ($2,500) St. Simon’s After School ($7,000) The Priory in the USA of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem ($3,000) Visting Nurses Association ($15,000)
The committee also funded the following internal ministries: • • •
Honduras Mission Trip ($5,000) Honduras Threads Mission Trip ($5,000) Saint Michael‘s Farmers Market ($2,500)
Please thank the members of the grants committee for their tireless efforts to discern how best to share the resources for the community beyond our parish walls. The committee included: Paige Wilbur (Chair), Ginger Brown, Jun Il Kwun, Chris McClung, Bob Campbell, Kyle Moore, Michonne Baker, and Jed Demler.
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The Rev. Hunter Ruffin, Associate for Mission Outreach
Conspirare Attracts SRO at Saint Michael Presents The Grammy Award winning ensemble, Conspirare, played to a standing-room only audience at the season opening Saint Michael Presents concert on December 11. The program titled “A Conspirare Christmas” included an eclectic blend of music and poetry from Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, poet Maya Angelou, and Billy Joel, as well as traditional carols. The spellbound crowd responded with a standing ovation. Saint Michael Presents spring concert, Sunday, March 5, will feature The Vocal Majority, the 100+ men’s chorus that has sung for Presidents Bush and Reagan, and performed with the Dallas and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestras and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Overview Christmas Offering continued from page 1
$15, 310 Promise House - Promise House supports homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth with programs that include emergency shelter, transitional living, pregnant and parenting services, individual, group and family counseling, street outreach, and educational intervention.
Footsteps of St. Paul Pilgrimage Meeting Set for January 17 The Rector, Chris Girata and his family, are hosting a pilgrimage this summer tracing the missionary journeys of St. Paul. An information meeting about the trip will be held Tuesday evening, January 17, at the home of Peggy Carr. The pilgrimage cruise, June 29 - July 12, will include tours of Rome, Athens, Ephesus, and Corinth, as well as other scenic sites in the Mediterranean. For information contact Susan Kalen at skalen@saintmichael.org.
$15,310 North Dallas Shared Ministries - North Dallas Shared Ministries helps low-income people assume responsibility for their lives by providing emergency assistance, aiding access to entitlement, health, and community programs designed to achieve long-term stability, promoting wellness and financial independence.
$15,310 The Anglican Centre in Rome - The Anglican Centre in Rome is the permanent Anglican Communion presence in Rome, working collaboratively for justice and peace in the world. The Centre was a leader in the establishment of a worldwide, multi-faith anti-slavery network, working to combat human trafficking. The choice of the three recipients was inspired by the passage from Gospel of Matthew: Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30
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Cooks and Servers Needed for Austin Street Shelter Saint Michael is cooking and serving at the Austin Street Shelter Tuesday and Wednesday January 3rd and 4th. Volunteers are need for: • Cooking Tuesday evening beginning at 5:30 in the Parish Hall kitchen. • Transporting the food to Austin Street Shelter Wednesday morning. • Serving the meal at the Shelter Wednesday evening beginning at 5:30. To volunteer with the Austin Street Shelter or other Mission Outreach opportunities go to www.saintmichael.org/ missionoutreach/servenow.
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Overview Enneagram Offers Second Session – Begins January 18 In our Christian walk we strive to know and love God, our neighbor and ourselves. The Enneagram is a personality assessment tool that helps us to learn more about ourselves so that we might learn more about how we are in relationship with God and with the people most important to us. In learning the Enneagram we discover characteristics and motivations of our personality – one of nine types. More than this, the Enneagram helps guide us in the spiritual work that is ours to do. The Enneagram has ancient roots. The Christian Desert Fathers and Mothers defined the nine personality types as early as the third or fourth century and used the system for spiritual direction and growth. In the modern era, the Jesuits rediscovered the Enneagram and continue its use in spiritual formation. Mary Ann Webster and The Rev. Mary Lessmann will facilitate this class which will utilize the DVD curriculum of Suzanne Stabile, an internationally recognized Enneagram master and a very entertaining presenter. We will meet in the Coke Activities Room for twelve weekly sessions beginning Wednesday, January 18 and continuing through April 5. Classes will meet from 1:00 to 2:30. Registration is required. This class would be a fantastic Lenten study! If you would like to register or have questions, please contact The Rev. Mary Lessmann at mlessmann@saintmichael.org. ..............
Sunday Adult Bible Study Class to Review Seven Deadly Sins On Sunday, January 8 we will begin a new series in the Adult Bible Class. The Rev. Mary Lessmann will lead a sevenweek series on The Seven Deadly Sins. If you’d like to learn some new sins or improve on the ones in which you already partake, this is the class for you! And just in time for Lent! We will meet at 10:00 in the Coke Activities Room. Please make plans to join us!
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Saint Michael 101 A Quick Course on Membership
If you or some of your friends want to know about Saint Michael and membership in the church, Saint Michael 101 on Sunday, January 22 is the place. The Rev. Bob Johnston and Rector Chris Girata will lead a lively program on the church, its future, and getting involved. Dinner and childcare is included. RSVP online to adult@saintmichael. org.
Overview Journey – A Course About Our Church Journey is a new 5-week course starting in late January that gives newcomers and members entering a new phase in their lives the opportunity to journey more deeply into our Episcopal traditions. “It is a perfect follow-up to Saint Michael 101, which provides a quick overview of our church and membership,” said Rector Chris Girata. “Journey helps answer the question, “What is God calling me to do next.” The course will explore the history of Christianity and the Anglican Church, Saint Michael’s unique mission in Dallas, and the “how to” of worship, including a tour of the church. It will prepare participants to be confirmed, received, or reaffirmed by our bishop in May. The course starts Sunday, January 29 and will continue on Sundays through February. It will be held in the Coke Activities Room beginning at 12:15. A lunch, for $10, will be provided.
Lampedusa Cross Symbolizes Plight of Refugees At the recent celebration of the Anglican Centre in Rome’s 50th Anniversary, Saint Michael’s Tony Briggle was presented a Lampedusa Cross, which symbolizes the plight of refugees. As a part of the offerings given at the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services, $15,310 was given to the Anglican Centre for its project to combat human trafficking, a fate of many of the world’s refugees. The cross, and its story, is on display in the hallway near the Book Shop. The crosses are made from the wreckage of boats washed on the shores of the Italian island of Lampedusa in the Mediterranean Sea close to the shores of Africa. It is the place where many refugees in flimsy, overcrowded boats, tried to reach after fleeing their war-torn countries.
Saint Michael Episcopal School Schedule January 2 January 3 January 4 January 5 January 16
New Year’s Day holiday, No School Teacher in-service, No School Classes resume 2017-2018 Online wait list for new families closes at 3:00 pm MLK Day holiday, No School
The crosses have become a visible reminder of the suffering of refugees around the world. Pope Francis, who received one of the crosses, carried it in the 2016 Good Friday procession at the Vatican. Another of the crosses graces the altar of the Anglican Centre in Rome. Lampedusa Crosses were given to the Catholic and Anglican bishops of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission and to Anglican primates that attended the Centre’s Anniversary celebration in October .
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Christmas at Jubilee I Believe in Angels
Senior Luncheon
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Stewardship
A Message of Gratitude and Opportunity As we begin a New Year, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who have chosen to commit to one another in our common mission in the world through an annual pledge. Each year, in addition to commitments of time and talent, we make a financial commitment to one another. There is so much need in the world, so many who do not feel the love of God, and we have the opportunity to spread that love in new and greater ways. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know so many of you through our annual giving process and the stories of love for Saint Michael and our city have been inspiring. Over and over again, people tell me of their connections to this church over generations, or of their service through one of our active community ministries, or of watching children come to know the love of God through our many programs. No matter how it happens, we all catch glimpses of God’s love when we share life with one another. This year, we hope to continue so many of our great programs and ministries, but we will also pour fuel on the fire of growth. We’ve seen some growth in 2016 already, but there is so much more to come — and we will get there together! If you’ve pledged your financial support, I thank you. If you haven’t done so yet, please send in your pledge as soon as possible. There is so much opportunity to love, but none of us can do so alone. When we join together, when we commit to one another at Saint Michael, the joy and the hope and the love of God will overflow from us into the world. May God continue to bless us all!
The Rev. Christopher Girata Rector
Happy New Year from the Stewardship Committee!
Thanks to all of you who have made your pledge. Have you forgotten to make your pledge? You have until January 31 to do so. Email the stewardship office at stewardship@ saintmichael.org or call 214-692-3015 to make your commitment for 2017. Thank you!
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Pastoral Care My experience of Faith and Grief I had the honor recently of being part of the Faith and Grief Luncheon. Over the course of my five years at Saint Michael, I have come to this gathering several times. As I stepped into the meeting room, I was reminded again how much I experience two worlds, perhaps on occasion you do as well.
The Faith and Grief Luncheon is a ministry for those who are experiencing this level of heartbreak. It is a simple concept. People gather to share their lives over a meal. A speaker gives a short talk. There is a scripture and a question for the day and then the facilitators in each group create a safe space to speak about what is real in our lives. Again, quite simple but there is amazing power in a gathering like this. No one is forced to speak but all eventually do because of Christ’s love manifest at each of the tables.
Like many people, I am the product of a privileged upbringing. My parents both grew up poor but by the time they had me, they were firmly upper middle class in a time when one income could make do for a family of three. I now work for a church that offers insurance, vacation, and a pension. I labor with people whom I respect and I serve people I love. By any measure I have a wonderful life; my family is healthy and I am optimistic about life. This is one world I experience and, in general, everyone wants to live a life free of worry. There is another world, one that is created when pain and loss swipes away the plans we have for our lives. We all know some pain in life is normal and in general we simply buck up and get on with our lives. But there are times when an unexpected loss creates havoc; when someone we love dies or a divorce becomes final, we can feel as if we are knocked off our feet. Have you ever been there? Where we are living our lives as best we can one day and the next we are dealing with tragedy. As I spoke with the participants in the hallway, after the luncheon, it struck me how intertwined faith and grief actually are. It was then that four words came to me. Words that I believe define Faith and Grief and even Pastoral Care as a whole. They are: Relationship + Skill; Pastoral + Care. It is the prayer of Saint Michael and All Angels that no one need ever avail themselves of the Faith and Grief Luncheon, or any of our many offerings, but the reality is that at some point all of us have painful intrusions in our lives. Whenever that time comes, know this Body of Christ is ready to walk with you. May the peace of The Lord be with you this season,
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Pastoral Care Women’s Cancer Support Group is a long-term support system. It will meet in in the New Year beginning January 9. The group meets Mondays, 1:45 in the Parlor. Contact: Sue Patton, pattons@sbcglobal.net, or Charlie Stobaugh, charlie@stobaugh.net. Centering Prayer Group meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 in the Clergy Conference Room. Come, sit in silence and learn how to rest in God. The practice is transforming. Contact Mary Ann Webster at maryannwebster@gmail.com. Knitting Ministry: On Tuesday, January 3, the Knitting Ministry resumes its weekly meeting from 1:00 to 3:00 in the Drake Room. We knit, pray, and tag 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. 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. More information is available by contacting The Rev. Neal Hern, nealhearn@aol.com Caregivers Support Group meets Tuesday, January 3 to provide support to those who have the responsibility of caring for a loved one. Regular meetings are held in the Parlor, 11:00 to 12:30 on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Contact, Sandra Klingeman, jsklingeman@sbcglobal.net. Faith and Grief Luncheon. The luncheon is Thursday, January 12, 12:00 Noon to 1:00 in the Coke Activities Room. Linda Scott will be our guest speaker. Join us to hear how those with losses have managed their burden and how their lives have been blessed. Contact Katherine Bowen to make a luncheon reservation at kbowen@saintmichael.org. There is no fee but your donation is greatly appreciated. Contact: The Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org. Parish Nurse Ministry: Parish Nurse Sunday is January 15. The focus will be Nutrition and Fitness. Drop by the Nurse Station in the South Lanai get some good tips on nutrition and fitness and have your blood pressure taken, too. Contact Dianne Boyd, RN, dboyd@saintmichael.org.
The Rev. Chris Girata to speak at January Prayer Ministry Meeting. The Prayer Ministry will meet on January 19 at 6:00 in the Coke Activities Room. Our guest speaker will be Rector, Chris Girata, who will talk about his vision for the Prayer Ministry. Dinner is provided for $10. RSVP to Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org. To plan for future meetings, pick up a Prayer Ministry 2017 schedule at the information station in the Lanai. We have a very rich schedule for spring and summer 2017. Clergy contact: The Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org. A Stephen Minister is trained to help when life becomes challenging. 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, contact The Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org, or lay leader, Jean Coleman, jwcoleman@sbcglobal.net. Recovery Advocates is a group dedicated to enhancing the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social well-being of people facing substance abuse and other addictions. Recovery Advocates have knowledge and experience in addiction recovery and serve as a resource to discuss issues and concerns. The Rev. Greg Pickens is the clergy contact: gpickens@saintmichael.org All communications remain confidential.
Calling All With A Volunteer Heart! Extended Care Cooks needs volunteers who are willing to cook 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. 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.
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Saint Michael’s Farmers Market Extended Season Buoys Farmers Market After a record spring and summer season, Saint Michael’s Farmers Market was further buoyed by extended markets during the fall months. Despite some colder weather, the once-a-month markets in October, November, and December drew several hundred shoppers. In December, despite temperatures in the 30s and 40s, customers formed lines to get tamales, fall vegetables, and desserts. During the market’s regular season, more than 10,000 shoppers attended on Saturday mornings. To celebrate and cap off the successful season, the Farmers Market Committee held a thank you reception for the Friends of the Farmers Market – parishioners and patrons who supported the market’s operations with donations. Saint Michael’s Farmers Market is an outreach ministry and is not a revenue source for the church.
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Children and Family Ministry Emily Given Bid Good-bye at Nativity Pageant
Soldiers’ Christmas Cards Get Warm Response
Parents and children gathered following the Nativity Pageant on December 18 to say good-bye to Children and Family Ministry director Emily Given.
During October and November the children of the parish made Christmas Cards for members of the military deployed overseas. Several adult parishioners joined them, as well. Shortly after Thanksgiving, 927 cards were mailed to the soldiers.
Rector Chris Girata praised Emily’s seven years of service at Saint Michael, saying she brought a “unique blend of learning, organization, innovation, and love to the children and families of our church, which has blessed all of us.”
Several responded with notes to the children. Here’s a sampling of their letters: “My name is Jeremy Weant and I received a wonderful envelope full of letters from your amazing children at Saint Michael’s. I wanted to write back and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I also wanted to take the time to thank the children for their service. They may not be in a deployed location or fighting a war but they are most definitely serving us by sending us those letters and showing us support. Those cards put a smile on our face and are one of the greatest services you can give someone.”
Emily has accepted a position with an Episcopal church near her home in suburban Philadelphia.
Edge Second Sunday Social (S3) Calling all 4th and 5th graders! Join us for food, fellowship, and fun on the second Sunday of each month at 5:00 for S3. This month is Movie Night. Our feature film will be “Finding D o r y ! ” Registration is open now at saintmichael.org/theedge. Don’t forget your $5 for dinner! Questions? Contact Erika Bower at ebower@saintmichael. org for more information.
“Please send our warmest wishes and thanks to all of the children who took the time to write holiday cards to our 332d Expeditionary Medical Group Staff. A special thanks goes out to Katie, Graham, Susie, Ben, Jack, Gray, Ben and Tripp. We thought the art and drawings were delightful! While we spend the whole holiday season away from our family and loved ones back home, we are humbled by the support we receive from organizations like yours. We are truly grateful for the outpouring love. It makes the sacrifice worth it when we get support like you show our military men and women deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.” - Master Sergeant James Sky Howell, USAF, Paramedic
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Youth Ministry Youth Winter Retreat Set for January 13 Weekend The Youth Mnistry’s Winter Retreat is January 13 – 15 at Camp All Saints. The theme, “Rooted,” will focus on fun, food and rooting our faith at Saint Michael and our world. Middle and High School students can register online at www.saintmichael.org/ event/youth-winter-retreat. For information contact Lauren at lwainwright@saintmichael.org.
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For Your Information simply don’t think about our radical abundance because it’s all we’ve ever known and all we’ve ever been taught to want. Abundance is a part of our national identity and has been encouraged as a sign of success and achievement. For some, abundance is more than what we earn, it is our right. Yet I’m concerned about how that level of abundance affects our spirits over time. We know that we have been created in God’s image: “Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness …So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them (Gen 1:26-27).” Interpreted together, the Hebrew words for image (tselem) and likeness (demût) in this passage means model or resemblance. We were created in the likeness of God, to resemble and model God in the world. We believe that the ultimate and eternal image of God is Jesus Christ, but we know that we have that God-ness inside us. We have a divinely created center that can guide our spirits and keep us grounded in the truth. We also believe that God gives us the gift an abundant life. Jesus himself says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10).” Abundant life is not only what God hopes for us but what God gives us and through that life we are truly blessed. How we define abundance, however, and how we live into and with that abundance can become problematic. If God created each of us to be like God in the world and blesses us with abundant life through Christ, how then should we choose to live? That is the great question that I wrestle with as Rector of this Christian community and one that I hope you wrestle with, too. Last year, a group of parishioners joined me in visioning how we can create a culture of giving in our community that breaks with the traditional model of responding to requests. We know the old model very well: someone asks you to do something or give something and you choose to do so or not, and how much. This group asked a fundamental question — Instead of needing to be prompted to give of ourselves, how can we begin to seek ways to give, to seek ways for our spiritual cups to overflow in this Christian community and in our world? This seems like a gigantic question, one that is almost so large that we can feel paralyzed. We know what it feels like to be energized about our lives, to feel God working in us, and to feel the drive to put that energy into the world. But that
feeling can come and go very quickly. Those mountaintop moments are few and far between, and too easily, the weight of our daily lives quash those high moments. We can begin to think that responding to God, giving of our deepest gifts, is too difficult a task …but it is actually so very simple. The profound truth is this: God doesn’t want our abilities or our giftedness. God doesn’t want our achievements or our successes. God doesn’t want our goodness or our best. God wants us. God wants our hearts, our souls, our spirits. God wants us to live lives that resemble and model God’s essence in the world and with the abundance and lavish love of Christ. As we look toward this New Year, I am filled with hopefulness. Hope that we will renew our life together, hope that we will discover new ways of living like Christ in the world, and hope that we will have the courage and conviction to give our hearts to God. When we do, when we begin to live into the generosity of heart that only comes from our deepest connection with God, our lives and our life together will become the instrument of God’s peace and love in our communities and in our world. May we be filled with the spirit of Christ, and may our lives overflow into the world with the abundant love of God!
Chris Girata Rector
Births Welcome to our newest members recently born into our parish family Lennon Noelle Varel December 6 Kristin and Nick Varel Emma Eloise Aderhold December 14 Lexi and Cullen Aderhold
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Archangel PERIODICAL
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A monthly publication of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
DALLAS, TX
Saint Michael and All Angels
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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
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 Worship and Liturgy The Reverend Greg Pickens, Associate for 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 Mary Lessmann, Associate for Spiritual Growth The Reverend Michael Harmuth, Sunday Associate The Reverend Rich Towers, Weekend 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