the The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
July 2017
Find your +1
the
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Independance Day Holiday Church Offices Closed
Youth Ministry Movie
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Faith and Grief Luncheon
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Vestry Meeting
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Youth Mission Trip to Bolivia departs
When I was a child, I assumed that church was where I went on Sundays (and occasionally on other days). I would say things like, “I go to church,” or I would ask others, “Where do you go to church?” This is familiar language that we all use, and there’s nothing inherently wrong with it. However, I don’t think that language connotes the best or truest form of church. Rather than church being a place we go or an organization to which we belong, at its best church is who we are.
Vestry Sets October 29 Parish Meeting for Elections The Vestry has called a Parish Meeting for Sunday, October 29 to elect 5 new members to the Vestry and three new Diocesan Convention delegates. Those elected will assume their posts beginning in January, 2018. Nominations for the Vestry and delegate positions will remain open until Friday, August 18. Nomination forms are available online and from the receptionist in the South Lanai.
This is the second in a series of articles in which I hope to unpack the three highest level goals that the vestry and staff leadership have set for the next 18 months. We are taking a long look and prioritizing large steps we can take toward growth at Saint Michael. We are intentionally not focusing on some important areas just yet, so that we can build the foundation for sustained growth over time. Over the course of the next few years, quite a lot will be accomplished and our growth will be solid. Last month, I introduced the first major initiative, “Feed the Spirit,” meaning that we want everyone who connects with Saint Michael to be fed and filled with the power of the Spirit. It is essential that each of us find our church to be a challenging and rewarding community in which we can invest ourselves. The second of our major goals over the next 18 months is to encourage and enable as many Saint
The Vestry, Clergy, and Staff have set three major initiatives embodied in this FEED the Spirit, FIND your +1, BUILD the Future symbol. In coming weeks look for this logo as the initiatives are unveiled. continued on page 19
Volume 29 No. 7
Welcome to Saint Michael
New Leaders for Formation and Music In his Parish Open Forum in May, the Rector said that in the coming months there will be “a huge investment and growth” in Sunday School and worship offerings and music programs. Significant steps were taken in recent weeks toward those goals with calls to an Associate for Formation, a Director of Music and Organist, a Director of Modern Worship Music, and an interim director of Children and Family Ministry.
The Rev. Dr. Eric Liles Associate for Formation The Rev. Dr. Eric Liles has been called as the Associate for Formation. He will lead all of the church’s formation programs including Adult, Youth, and Children and Family ministries. He will begin his ministry on August 15. Dr. Liles is a graduate of Texas A&M University and a graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary. He earned his Doctor of Ministry from the University of the South – Sewanee. Eric has served churches in Austin, and Alabama. He comes to us after serving 5 years as Rector of St. Paul’s in Ivy, Virginia. (This church may sound familiar to some since we hired The Rev. Chip Edens from that community a decade ago.) His vision and energy will inspire our growing Formation Department. “I believe that after worship, lifelong Christian formation is the most important thing we do as followers of Jesus,” Dr. Liles said. “We are all on a journey of growth and discovery of what is means to be disciples.”
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Eric is married to The Rev. Allison Liles. They have two children, Hill and Pailet, and a dog. He enjoys cycling, golf, hiking, outdoor activities, and plays guitar. He is also an Eagle Scout.
Jonathan Ryan Director of Music and Organist Jonathan Ryan has been called as Saint Michael’s Director of Music and Organist. His first Sunday at Saint Michael will be September 10. Jonathan currently serves as Associate Director of Music at Christ Church in Greenwich, Connecticut where he helped guide all aspects of the music program’s 9 choirs, including the adult choir. He regularly conducts the Men & Boys Choir and the Girls Choir, and serves as Director of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) program for children and youth choristers, which is regarded as the largest Episcopal parish choir program for children and youth in the country. Ryan received his Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance with academic honors at the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. He has the distinction of holding six First Prize awards from major international and national organ competitions, including First Prize in the 2009 Jordan II International Organ Competition. In Ryan’s own words, “my entire life has witnessed how faith expressed in music and liturgy affects people’s lives, including my own.” We look forward to a bright and vibrant future as we express our faith together through the music at Saint Michael and All Angels.”
Our New Staff Members Justin Brooks Director of Modern Worship Music Justin Brooks, a nationally recognized leader in modern worship music, has joined Saint Michael and All Angels, Rector Chris Girata has announced. “Justin has a unique perspective and passion for the merging of ancient faith practices with modern ways of worship which fits perfectly with the culture at Saint Michael,” the Rector said. As Director of Modern Worship Music, Brooks, working with Ashley Westgate and our current musicians, will lead the music for the church’s Celebration and Discovery services, and he will coordinate the music for the children’s Joy Mass. The Rev. Bob Johnston, Associate for Modern Worship said, “I am incredibly excited to have Justin join our team and be a part of this new chapter that is beginning at Saint Michael.” A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Brooks performed as lead guitarist for the band Rhythm, which recorded on the EMG/Warner label. He has released three albums of original songs and new hymn arrangements, and continues to perform as a solo artist. For the past 11 years he has served as Director of Contemporary Music for Uptown at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation. “My wife and I are very enthusiastic about joining Saint Michael and All Angels as I accept the call to serve as Director of Modern Worship Music. I’ve been inspired getting to know Fr. Chris and his wonderful vision for this parish and am privileged to join Fr. Bob in ministry once again. We would appreciate your prayers as we look forward to a bright future here at Saint Michael.” Brooks is married to his college sweetheart, Tiffany, and they have two children, Taylor, 9, and Grayson, 8. He will begin his ministry at Saint Michael this month.
Gabrielle Ott Interim Director of Children and Family Ministry Gabrielle Ott, who for several years has led Saint Michael’s Catechesis program, will lead the Children and Family Ministry on an interim basis. Beginning this month, Gabrielle will plan and direct programs for our children, pre-school through 5th grade. Vicar Bill Murray said of Gabrielle, “Her many years of leading Catechesis gives her an insight into how to reach our families and parents.” Upon arrival in mid-August of our Associate for Formation,the Rev. Dr. Eric Liles, Gabrielle will help in the selection and transition of a permanent Director of Children and Family Ministry. ..............
Rector Leads Pilgrimage Tracing St. Paul’s Ministry The Rector, Chris Girata, is leading a 13 day pilgrimage with parishioners and friends from Saint Michael and All Angels tracing the ministry of the Apostle Paul through the Mediterranean. The Rector is blogging daily about the group’s visit to cities where St. Paul preached and their travels can be followed online at saintmichael.org/ pilgrimage. The pilgrimage will travel to Rome, Athens, Corinth, and Malta, as well as cities along the Mediterranean coast where they will study St. Paul’s influence on the growth of Christianity.
Photo: A shrine to St. Paul commemorating his ship wreck on the island of Malta 3
Pie for the 4th of July
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Pie for the 4th of July
Photography courtesy of David Boldrick
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Summer Education
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Adult Formation Enneagram: Know and Love God, Our Neighbor, and Ourself The Enneagram is a personality assessment tool that helps us 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. 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 nine personality types as early as the third 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 Room for twelve weekly sessions beginning Wednesday, September 6 and continuing through November 29 (with a break November 22 for Thanksgiving). Classes will meet from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Registration is required. There will be a small fee for the class workbook, but scholarships are available. If you would like to register for this offering or have questions, please contact The Rev. Mary Lessmann at mlessmann@saintmichael.org. ..............
Exploring Christian Poetry Class Coming this Fall Poetry and Faith: An Exploration of Christian Poetry is coming this fall. This once a month evening series explores Christian poetry from the Middle Ages to today.
Christian poets. The class is limited to 10 - 12 people. Other than a book to buy, the only prerequisites are curiosity and an open mind. If this sounds interesting to you, please contact Richard Kilgore at richard.kilgore@gmail.com or 214-8683758 for more information. ..............
Education for Ministry Taking Registrations for Fall Course Education for Ministry is a program for adult Christian education that combines study of scriptures, Christian history, and theology with a focus on ordinary experience in order to discern God’s presence in one’s life. The program comes from the Episcopal seminary at Sewanee and has become famous for educating adults to see God acting through their lives as well as developing knowledge of scripture and theology. 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
EfM costs • • •
Time in study and weekly seminars for 9 months Tuition ($375) scholarship aid available Four years to complete
For further information, please contact Elizabeth Lang at langelizabeth66@gmail.com.
The class will be led by Richard Kilgore, PhD, a retired clinical psychologist and a member of the UT Southwestern Medical School adjunct faculty, and by John Seddelmeyer, a retired attorney from the Exxon Mobile legal department. Meeting on the 2nd Thursday, September through November, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., the discussion group will be an overview of Christian poetry and poets prior to the 20th century, those active during the 20th century, up to contemporary
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Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School Visits St. Paul’s Rome More than 100 children participated in June’s Vacation Bible School at Saint Michael. The kids visited St. Paul’s underground church in Rome experiencing the marketplace, Coliseum, and secret worship services. Relive the adventure in pictures.
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Overview Church Closed for July 4th Holiday The church will be closed Monday, July 3rd and Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. There will be no 7:00 a.m. worship services, meetings, or Bible study classes either day. ..............
Invite a Friend to Learn About Saint Michael Do you have a friend or neighbor that should be a member of Saint Michael and All Angels? This summer is a great time to invite them to the next Saint Michael 101 Dinner for newcomers and visitors. This dinner is for exploring membership, meeting members of our Clergy and Vestry, and hearing about our many ministries, opportunities for involvement, and the exciting future of our parish. The Saint Michael 101 Dinner will be Sunday, September 24th from 6:00-8:00 in the Coke Activities Room. Childcare will be available.
Planning a Wedding? Think St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange As a special gift to parish members, St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange offers a discount on invitations and other printed items when the wedding invitations are ordered at The Exchange. This offer may be enjoyed whether or not the wedding takes place at Saint Michael. Order your wedding invitations at The Exchange and save on Save-the-Dates, Shower and Party Invitations, Thank You Notes, and Rehearsal Dinner Invitations! Call the store at 214-521-3862 for an appointment or for more information.
Become a Sweets Temptress Join the St. Mary’s Guild St. Mary’s Guild provides home-baked goodies at the “Yield to Temptation” table in the South Lanai on Sunday mornings from September through May. It’s one of the most popular locations in the church. Become a member of this sweet group known for its hospitality, service, and fellowship. All proceeds benefit local Dallas charities. St. Mary’s Guild is a fun group and a great place to “get involved,” especially if your available volunteer time is limited. Contact stmarysguild@yahoo.com for more information.
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Overview Handmade Kyrgyzstan Scarves Now In The Book Shop. One of a kind scarves from 7 Sisters have arrived in the Book Shop! The scarves are handmade in Kyrgyzstan of silk and felt featuring the new floral design made by the sisters. Come by before they sell out!
Book Shop hours: Mon.–Thurs. 10:00 – 3:00 CLOSED on Fri. (summer only) Sat: 9:00 – 11:00 Sun. 8:30 –12:30
Saint Michael Ties On Sale A specially designed Saint Michael tie is now available online at www.saintmichael.org. The tie weaves the Angel and Women of Saint Michael logos in a creative design that can be worn for any occasion; dinner parties, work, even church. In addition to traditional styles, bow ties, youth ties, and pocket scarves are available in blue, red, and yellow. Proceeds go to the Women of Saint Michael gifts committee that supports charities and Episcopal ministries addressing hunger and poverty.
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Parishioner Bart Forbes Honored by Society of Illustrators Saint Michael parishioner Bart Forbes was inducted into the Society of Illustrators 2017 Hall of Fame during ceremonies in New York June 27. The Society illuminated Forbes’ career saying, “His work has graced publications and corporate clients including Time Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Exxon, the United States Mint, the U.S. Postal Service, Hilton Hotels, Philip Morris, Pepsi Cola, Lockheed Martin, General Electric, ABC-TV and many more. In 1986, Bart was named Sports Artist of the Year by the American Sport Art Museum and Archives in Alabama. Two years later he was named Official Artist for the Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, where he created paintings of each Olympic event, works that are now housed in their Olympic Museum.” Saint Michael and All Angels has been graced by Forbes’ talent on several occasions. Among his many contributions, he created the Angel Doors leading into the refurbished Saint Michael Chapel, and designed the stained glass doors leading to the Courtyard Columbarium on the south wall of the church.
Overview Who said Stewardship was ALL about money? Stewardship – what does it really mean? In the Saint Michael community, one would be quick to associate stewardship with the act of donating dollars. What a wrap! How did a person’s giving of time, talent, and treasure get looped into giving funds? We have to change that!
Saint Michael’s Fires at Pentecost Get National Attention
The season that Saint Michael is presently in is an exciting one! A new day for our youth. A new day for the music program and our choirs. A new day for our communities of friends and families as we walk this journey of faith together in our Christ-filled lives. What a great new day it is for our present and GROWING church! This new day is also a time for tremendous stewardship growth. Growth in your experiences as you spend your time digging deep in a ministry where God has called you to make an impact. Growth in your richness of the Holy Spirit as God works within your hearts through the ways in which He will make Himself known to you. Growth of a strong bond in our church community! My friends, this bright and evolving future that is staring Saint Michael between the eyes is one in which you to want to be a part. God is waiting to unfold His plans – are you going to be a part of them?
On Pentecost Sunday, June 4, a fire-breather led the procession into the Church at the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services to emphasize the scripture from the Acts of the Apostles, “… They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire…” Pictures and a video of the fire-breather in the services posted on Facebook and other social media were viewed by thousands of people around the world. The Pentecost video recorded more than 5,700 views, and pictures were shared and retweeted by thousands, including the national Episcopal Church.
Caroline Marak Stewardship Manager
Photography courtesy of Smokey Goodrich 11
Mission and Outreach
From Formation to Mission and Outreach We have announced on several platforms that Saint Michael will have a new Associate for Formation, The Rev. Dr. Eric Liles. Eric will be tasked with continuing and growing our formation programs from birth to grave. He will have tasks in front of him as varied as teaching our Confirmation curriculum to starting a nationwide search for a Director of Children and Family Ministry. Please join me Bill Murray in celebrating Eric’s arrival in August. This great news for Saint Michael means that I can now shift my focus to another area in our church: Mission and Outreach. After two great years of ministry with us, The Rev. Hunter Ruffin has gone to start a new church in the Diocese of Fort Worth. Chris and I are now working with the Mission and Outreach Committee to craft a vision with how to become a parish active in volunteering and caring for the least in our community. Here is the broadest of road maps for how to move forward. First, we have made the choice to follow a national trend of hiring a lay person to lead this ministry in the future. Clergy leadership in this area often proves problematic. Roughly half of a priest’s time is spent preaching, teaching, and leading worship. The result is that Mission and Outreach gets a smaller percentage of time. The other side of this process is that clergy have a shorter tenure than many lay leaders. In my three years as Vicar, we will now be on our third head of Mission and Outreach! So, in hiring a lay leader, we hope to gift Mission and Outreach with a longer tenure and more exclusively dedicated leadership. Secondly, we plan to provide an Administrative Assistant to the program. That is, a great deal of energy in Mission and Outreach is spent collecting checks and donations, writing checks to various agencies, creating cards, advertising, and other administrative tasks. By taking some of those tasks off of the plate of our future Director, we can shift focus for Mission and Outreach.
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Thirdly, Chris and I want to shift the focus of Mission and Outreach from a gatekeeper mentality to a clearing house/ volunteer center. Jesus speaks relentlessly in the gospels about caring for the poor, the widow, the orphan, the hungry, the prisoner, and the lost. We want Saint Michael to become a community that volunteers together to live into Christ’s call. So, as we begin a search process for this new Director of Mission and Outreach, please keep us in your prayers as we being a process of changing our culture around volunteering and working together. We want to make the Kingdom of God visible in the world. Help us to do that by volunteering and helping us grow an extroverted, empowering program in Mission and Outreach.
Bill Murray Vicar
Mission and Outreach Project Moses Saint Michael and All Angels Joining the Fight Against Human Trafficking Project Moses is the new Mission and Outreach Ministry that has been formed to help combat human trafficking – Modern Day Slavery. At the June meeting of Project Moses, ministry members heard our Rector, Chris Girata, speak about his experiences with efforts against the evils of human trafficking and provide his blessings and support for this new endeavor for our parish.
July is North Dallas Shared Ministries Month. Fill at least one grocery bag during July and bring it to the South Lanai. Suggested items: macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, tortillas, canned food items, saltine crackers. A more extensive list is available at several locations throughout the church. Financial contributions are just as valuable. Make checks payable to North Dallas Shared Ministries and bring to the South Lanai receptionist.
Also at this meeting, a direction for our Ministry was established. The mission for Project Moses is: to highlight the truths of human trafficking and bring the Light of Christ to the rehabilitation of survivors. To support this mission, four areas of concentration have been established to focus our efforts. These are Formation, Advocacy, Outreach/Partnerships, and Friendship Groups. Each of the focus areas now have team members that are working on objectives that will guide our ministry. By the fall, we hope to have specific plans in place to begin outreach. If you would like to join the Project Moses team or need additional information, please contact Terry Demler, tsdemler@gmail.com, or Mark Demler, mdemler@comcast. net. ..............
Austin Street Shelter Cooking Shifts for 4th of July Holiday Saint Michael will be serving dinner at the Austin Street Shelter on Wednesday, July 5. Due to the July 4th Holiday, cooking will be on Sunday, July 2 beginning at 5:30. The meal will be stored in the church refrigerators and transported to Austin Street Shelter on Wednesday. If you can help cook, come Sunday evening to the Parish Hall kitchen or if you can help serve Wednesday sign up online at saintmichael.org/ missionoutreach/servenow.
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Honduras Threads Honduras Threads Co-Ops Gain Official Status As Threads Mission Trips Starts by Bill Bancroft After 15 years in various stages of infancy, a new Honduran company has just taken flight. The Honduran Office of Development of the Social Sector of the Economy officially designated Empressa de Servicios Multiples Mujeres Artesanas Arte y Creatividad (aka Honduras Threads) a “company” under Honduran law, an action which moves the five Honduran Threads co-ops closer to sustainability. News of the approval came six weeks ago, in time for the Saint Michael Honduras Threads mission trip, which started Sunday June 25, to develop workshops on how to run a company and how to comply with Honduran government regulations. Four parishioners, including Threads leader M’Lou Bancroft, started delivering the workshops on Monday, June 26. The formal designation of the five Threads co-ops with 45 members is a game changer. In the short term, it will allow the co-ops to gain the necessary documentation to ship their finished product to the U.S. at lower rates. As the
Honduran government continues to amp up its tax collection abilities, it will also allow the co-ops to continue purchasing needed supplies without paying exhorbitant sales tax rates. More importantly, it confers the status of legitimacy on the coops and its members, status they have never had before. The Honduran government took 14 months to approve the new company. The application was made possible, in part, from donations to Honduras Threads. In the long term, it will mean significant changes in the way co-op members run their operations. The designation is for one company. Under the 15-year old Honduras Threads umbrella, co-op members have been working in five separate enterprises each attached to the location where the members live and each aligned equally with Honduras Threads. Now, those co-ops become production centers under one company. Two boards of directors (Honduran law requires two) will become responsible for the organization’s success. Activities, including planning and reporting of financials, will be rolled up into one statement to file the appropriate reports to the government. Co-op members become business owners. Honduras Threads will report to the boards of the new company. The workshops are planned to help co-op members and leaders decide how the new company will work day to day. On Monday, co-op owners settled on a list of core values to guide the company and its officers – loyalty, creativity, cooperation, art, freedom and honesty. Tuesday, co-op members decided on functions and roles and who will take on those roles. They introduced formalized approaches to make lists of urgent tasks and to use scorecards to see trends. The teaching also focuses on making critical processes clear and understood by all. “This is a huge amount of change to absorb all at once, “ said M’Lou. “I expect the training and transition will take place over an extended period of time.”
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Youth Ministry Registration Starts for Fall Disciples Confirmation Class It’s time to register 6th grade students for the fall Disciples Confirmation class. It will meet weekly on Sunday mornings during the academic year and will culminate with Confirmation in May of 2018. The class focuses on furthering the faith of our youth through Bible study and building a greater understanding of the Church. In the Confirmation class, students participate in a high-energy, interactive, large-group experience. They spend the entire year with a tribe (or small group) led by two adults. In addition to the Sunday morning classes there is a service project, two retreats – one in the fall and another in the spring – and opportunities to work with a mentor. Registration is available online at www.saintmichael.org/ disciples.
Stock Chase’s Pantry Help us stock our NEW Assistant Youth Director, Chase Monson’s, pantry! We are requesting simple non perishable items that we can deliver to him before our youth mission trip to Bolivia. Please drop off all items in the Youth Center offices by Sunday, July 16. You are welcome to include a card or picture of your family so he can get to know you! ..............
Saint Michael Wants to Contact Your Camper Is your child at camp this summer? The Youth Department wants to send them a note. Email Youth Director Lauren Wainwright your child’s camp address, and the dates of their camp and they’ll make sure they get a letter. It’s always fun to get a letter at mail call. Send the information to lwainwright@saintmichael.org.
Saint Michael Youth Headed to the Movies Save the Date: Sunday, July 9! Our youth are going to see the new hit movie “Spider-Man Homecoming” at the NorthPark AMC Theaters. The cost is $15 for the movie, but bring money for snacks. Time will be in the early afternoon, but won’t be finalized until the week before. Sign up online at www.saintmichael.org/youth. Several Saint Michael kids took the opportunity to beat the heat at a daylong outing at the Hawaiian Falls Waterpark on June 22. 15
Pastoral Care Monthly Meetings: Faith and Grief Luncheon July 13 Amy Moore will be the speaker at the Faith and Grief luncheon on Thursday, July 13. Join others who have experienced the grief of losing a loved one by sharing a meal and conversation. Make reservations with Katherine Bowen at kbowen@saintmichael.org. Alcoholics Anonymous meets on the first and third Sunday evenings at 7:00 in the Coke Activities Room. Contact The Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org. Care Givers Support Group meets on the first and third Mondays of each month 11:00 to 12:30 in the Parlor to provide support to those who have the responsibility of caring for a loved one. Contact, Sandra Klingeman jsklingeman@ sbcglobal.net. ..............
Pastoral Care Ministries Weekly Meetings: Women’s Cancer Support Group is a long-term women’s cancer support system. The group meets on Mondays at 1:45 in the Church Parlor. Contact: Sue Patton, pattons@ sbcglobal.net, or Charlie Stobaugh, charlie@stobaugh.net. Centering Prayer Group meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 in the Drake Room to engage in Centering Prayer. Come and sit with us and learn how to rest in God. The practice will transform you. Contact: Shannon Callewart, scallewart@ tx.rr.com. ..............
Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV)
If you have an interest in taking the Eucharist to our hospitalized or homebound Saint Michaelites, you can explore the opportunity of doing so by contacting The Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org, or Charlie Smith at jsmithcpa@ earthlink.net.
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. 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, Mary Kardell, mary.kardell@ sbcglobal.net. ..............
Congregational Care Ministry Invites you to Volunteer Extended Care Cooks needs cooks one or two times during the year. 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. If this describes you, please contact Judy Cole, judycole2012@ gmail.com. ..............
Recovery Advocates 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 are individuals who have knowledge and experience and are willing to serve as a resource to discuss issues and concerns. The Rev. Greg Pickens is the clergy contact. Contact Greg at gpickens@saintmichael.org. All communications remain confidential. ..............
Looking to August The Prayer Team Ministry will meet on August 17 with The Rev. Canon Michael Gilton speaking about Prayer Changes You. 16
Pastoral Care CARE-Dallas Begins Partnership with Saint Michael and All Angels
(LCDC), and she can assess the situation and provide appropriate options that best suit the needs of the individual and the family.
At the Parish Open Forum Meeting in May, the Rector Chris Girata said the Saint Michael in the future “will be partnering with organizations in Dallas and beyond, giving us the opportunity to work in new ways spreading Saint Michael’s presence in our community and around the world.” The first to join in this partnership is CARE-Dallas, a recognized resource for those seeking help with chemical dependence questions and referrals. CARE began in 1984 and strengthened its ties to the Park Cities by settling into a space at the YMCA. The story of this group is truly inspiring and we are blessed to have them so close, in the Lomo Alto building. This month, Susan Morgan, the Executive Director of CARE-Dallas will inaugurate an occasional column for our publications as well as provide speakers and programming in the parish through our Pastoral Care Ministry. — Greg Pickens
As many of you know, addiction affects the entire family, not just the person who is using, so CARE provides support, education and referrals for family members as well. Addiction affects all aspects of our community – teens, families, parents, schools, the workplace, and even the faith community; yet, because of the stigma associated with alcohol dependence, we are often hesitant to reach out for help. CARE is working hard to reduce the stigma associated with addiction so that individuals and families can get the help they need. CARE-Dallas is located at 8100 Lomo Alto in suite 219. Please feel free to drop by anytime to learn more about the mission of CARE. Or you can call us at 214-526-8986 or visit us at www.care-dallas.org We are here to help. We are here to serve. We CARE.
Greetings! I am overjoyed with the recently created partnership between Saint Michael and All Angels and CARE-Dallas. CARE has a long history of providing a safe and confidential place for anyone struggling with drug or alcohol misuse. Since the early 80’s, CARE has provided education programs in schools and community settings to both youth and adults. But mostly we are a place to start when a person decides to get help for a substance use disorder. Oftentimes, a family member becomes concerned about a loved one’s use or over-use, and they are overwhelmed by the chaos created by someone they love. They don’t know where to begin to get help for their loved one. In fact, I challenge you to conduct an internet search for treatment facilities. The options are staggering. This is where CARE-Dallas comes in. Our counselor is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) as well as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
Kind Regards,
Susan Morgan Executive Director, CARE Dallas
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For Your Information The Power of Plus One - It Can Change Lives It was early morning January 10, 2011. Katy and Jon Davis were preparing to go to Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas for a week where Katy would be poked, prodded, pushed, and pulled in beginning their battle with cancer. Before leaving, Jon sent an email to Bob Dannals (then Rector of Saint Michael and All Angels), asking to have Katy remembered in prayers that morning.
named Wes, who they had met at The Gathering. Saint Michael and Saint Paul’s were working to get Wes to Alaska, where he could be with his children. After a lot of work, their mission was accomplished! Today, Katy and Jon hear from their homeless friends from all across the country. “It’s fun talking to them”, Katy said. “I love hearing about what they’re doing…A couple of them think of us as their mom and dad”, said Jon, “Andrew calls her “mama” and me, “pops.” Whether it’s helping with appointments or simply enjoying lunch with one of them, both Katy and Jon feel blessed to have homeless friends in their lives. “Katy and Jon’s story is a good example of the power of our Plus One vision,” said Rector Chris Girata. “It started out with Saint Michael and the Diocese in 2011 responding to the need of the homeless in downtown Dallas and it has grown to include many other area churches and people, and it has blessed the lives of Katy and Jon as their work continues to bless the lives of people living on our cities streets.”
Wes, the former homeless veteran, recently visited Saint Michael and All Angels with his service dog. He is shown here with Emma Davis, granddaughter of Katy and Jon, and her friend Kori.
Fast forward to February, 2013. Katy and Jon meet with the late Reverend Jim Webb, Diocesan Archdeacon, resident at Saint Michael. They wanted to get involved with The Gathering, a church for the homeless in Thanks-Giving Square, sponsored by Saint Michael and the Diocese of Dallas. Fast-forward again, to July, 2014. Katy and Jon are working behind the scenes with Saint Michael, and Saint Paul’s Cathedral, in Chattanooga, helping a homeless veteran, 18
For Your Information (Find your +1 continued from page 1) Michaelites as possible to find their “Plus One.” By Plus One, we mean that everyone is encouraged to participate in worship AND have one more meaningful experience at the church each week. In May, I introduced this idea as “worship plus one,” and the vestry has officially adopted this goal. Through my research, I have become convicted of one thing: our individual identity is transformed through deep relationships with others. It’s a very simple idea, perhaps one that makes perfect sense to you, but it is not common for Episcopalians. Our Episcopal identity is grounded in corporate worship and for most Episcopal churches, including Saint Michael, most members connect with and are formed through that corporate worship. It is very true that corporate worship forms us as Christian disciples, but that formation only happens once our individual identities have been radically transformed. For generations, Episcopalians were raised with clearly defined expectations that our communities (homes, schools, etc.) were grounded in Christianity. However, as our world has changed and has become more secularized, being Christian is no longer a given. Our starting place, our need for transformation, does not happen for most people through large corporate acts such as worship. Instead, most people need to experience the power of the Spirit through deep, personal relationships with just a few people. To that end, we are investing in programs that deeply connect people to one another in small, intimate groups. We have already begun that investment by establishing the position of Membership Coordinator. Anne Schmidt has begun to identify ways in which we can better connect with people who are not a part of our community, as well as those who are very loosely connected. Put another way, Anne will be focusing her efforts on how people connect to our community, whether they just walked through our doors for the first time or have been worshipping with us for years. This will enable us to support deep, personal relationships between members of our community, thus strengthening the environment in which we hear and respond to the call of the Spirit. These efforts will also help us expand our small group ministries. If you were to name a few people who are totally committed to Saint Michael, I bet they are very active in a small group of the church. There is no doubt in my mind
that participation in small groups – finding your “Plus One” – radically changes our commitment to discipleship. It is critical for everyone to have that opportunity, and we will strategically invest ourselves in the support of those groups. At this point, I hope you see how simple and yet how profound this can impact our church community – but this won’t work without your participation! If you’re reading this article, you are likely someone who is well connected at Saint Michael. Your generosity in inviting others to a deeper level of connection will be critical to spreading the Good News of Christ beyond our walls. I ask that you prayerfully consider your individual responsibility to do the work of God’s kingdom in your own life, and how you and I and so many other Saint Michaelites can be the church with new ministries that help ourselves and our neighbors discover ways to find a “Plus One.”
Deaths May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Johnna Reinauer Chamberlain, May 19, mother of Chris Abel, mother-in-law of Katy Abel, grandmother of Bea, Maggie, Annabelle, Chris and Ben Kathryn Amsler Priddy, June 2, mother of Hervey Priddy, Betty Walker, and Ann Bentley, mother-in-law of Dianne Priddy, and Rhett Bentley, grandmother of Caroline, Elliott and Ashley Walker, Katherine Francis, and Amsler Bell, grandmother in-law of Jim Francis, and Don Bell, great grandmother of Jimmy, Ashley and Robert Francis, and Jackson and Ellie Bell. Cecile LaFleur Flude Hardin, June 3, sister of Susan Moore
Births Welcome to our newest members recently born into our parish family: Harper King Roby May 22 Mary Katherine and Christopher Roby 19
Archangel the
PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX
A monthly publication of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
Saint Michael and All Angels 8011 Douglas Avenue Dallas, Texas 75225-0385
the
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, Wednesday, and Friday 7:00 a.m. – Morning Prayer – BMC Tuesday, and Thursday 7:00 a.m. – Eucharist – BMC Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – Healing Service – BMC Saturday 8:30 a.m. – Eucharist - BMC 5:30 p.m. – Candlelight Mass – SMC Sunday 7:30 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I – SMC 9:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite II – Church 9:00 a.m. – Joy Mass – Parish Hall 10:00 a.m. – Sunday School 11:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I - Church 11:11 a.m. – The Celebration - Parish Hall
Parish Clergy The Reverend Dr. Christopher Girata, Rector The Reverend Dr. Bill Murray, Vicar The Reverend Lisa Flores Musser, Associate for Worship and Liturgy The Reverend Greg Pickens, Associate for Pastoral Care The Reverend Bob Johnston, Associate for Modern Worship The Reverend Oliver Butler, Associate for Young Adults The Reverend Mary Lessmann, Associate for Spiritual Growth The Reverend Michael Harmuth, Priest Associate for Worship The Reverend Rich Towers, Priest Associate for Worship The Reverend Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer, Priest Associate for Pastoral Care
Parish Vestry Eric Conner, Sr. Warden Margaret Spellings, Jr. Warden Arnold Spencer, Warden at-Large Grady Schleier, Treasurer Charlie Sartain, Chancellor Margaret Cervin, Clerk Bonner Allen, Marla Jacks Briggle, Mark Demler, Whitney Grogan, Warren Houser, Kathy Kelley, Ben Leal, Christine Paddock, Sally Schupp, Elizabeth L. Selzer, J. C. Snead, and Chris Wiley.
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5:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer
and Eucharist Rite I - SMC
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