the The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
June 2017
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Summer Off to Fiery Start
The Saint Michael Vestry has been hard at work in recent months as they retool their work as leaders of our parish. Their work has focused on high-level, strategic goals for the church in the next 18 months. As part of that effort, the vestry, along with the clergy and staff, has outlined some initiatives to help guide our work. This article is the first in a series of three that will help unpack these initiatives to help everyone in our community align for the future.
Summer is not taking a vacation at Saint Michael and All Angels. In fact, it’s off to a fiery start. Don’t miss Pentecost Sunday, June 4, as the tongues of fire will start worship at 9:00 and 11:00 in the church. The summer worship schedules will be in place Sunday, June 11, (See schedule on page 4 or online.) and the popular adult Sunday series, Faith and Literature, begins. New Vestry and Convention Delegates will be nominated over the summer, and work to refresh the worship spaces in the Church and Parish Hall will pick up their paces. Remember, if you’re traveling this summer, the worship services at 9:00 in the church and 11:11 in Parish Hall are streamed at www.saintmichael.org/live
the Pentecost Sunday Vacation Bible School Begins
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Vacation Bible School Family Celebration
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Goodbye Reception for Erika Bower
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Feed the Spirit
Vestry Meeting
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Serve at The Gathering
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Honduras Threads Mission Trip
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Family Pilgrimmage Trip Departs
Volume 29 No. 6
About a year and a half ago, the Rector Search and Transition Committee conducted a parish-wide survey. Those survey results helped inform and populate the parish profile, as well as identify areas of the church where there could be improvement. In early March, the vestry and I went on retreat and, using the parish survey information and our knowledge of various ministry and program areas, we compiled initiatives grouped into these three categories: Feed the Spirit, Find Your Plus One, and Build the Future. When we say “feed the spirit,” we mean that we want everyone who connects with Saint Michael to be fed and filled with the power of the Spirit. It’s important to me that each of us find Saint Michael to be a challenging and rewarding community in which we can invest ourselves. We should expect to be comforted and cared for by one another, just as we should expect to be pushed into new experiences that grow our faith. continued on page 27
When the day of Pentecost came… They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. — Acts 2:3
From The Rector
The First Ten Months: The Next 10 Years There are many indicators pointing to a lot of “really good things going on” at Saint Michael the Rector stated at an Open Forum Meeting on Sunday, May 21. Citing his first 10 months at the church, Chris Girata said church attendance has grown, the level of participation has increased, and he said, “The easiest way to quantify some really good energy that is going on is the Refresh project that we just finished executing.” More than 200 members participated in the campaign and raised $950,000, which is about $350,000 more than the goal. The project will make the worship spaces in the Church and Parish Hall “sparkle and shine.” The Rector said the success of the campaign is “indicative of the future of where we’re going.”
Major changes to the Saint Michael campus, the Rector said, will begin when the Episcopal School of Dallas relocates its lower school to the main campus at Midway Road and Merrell Road, which is projected to be in the summer of 2019. One opportunity, he said, is that the Saint Michael Episcopal School can grow. It will move into the space currently occupied by ESD, which will enable it to double its size. “A strong school will help us be a stronger church,” Girata said. The move of ESD will also enable Saint Michael to look at improvements in its facilities. “Parts of our building don’t make sense,” he said. Tight hallways and choke points make it difficult to get around, especially for people with ambulatory issues. “There are 14 different ways to enter this building, which makes it difficult to welcome people.” The Rector said that the church 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. He announced that two organizations have committed to moving into the Lomo Alto office building, which the church owns: Care Dallas, which specializes in working with teens and young adults in addiction recovery; and The Church Music Institute, which has the largest church music library in the country, providing music and worship programs throughout the world.
Over the next 10-years the Rector said we would see changes in the church’s campus, an emphasis on children’s and young families’ programming, and increasing partnerships with organizations to spread Saint Michael’s presence in Dallas and around the world. He explained that beginning next year Vestry members will begin serving calendar-year terms. This fall new vestry members will be elected for three year terms that will start in January, giving them an orientation period before taking office in January of 2018. “You will see over the next 12 – 24 months,” the Rector said, “a huge investment and growth in our programming for children.” He cited growth in Sunday School and worship offerings, and music programs. “I want a children’s music program that is the best in the city,” and he continued, “there will be a lot more Bible education.” He said he wanted the children to know the Bible so well that they would “embarrass their parents” into studying the Bible. 2
The Rector said he would have three or four Open Forum Meetings a year to update the parish on activities and to solicit ideas and input. “l always want to know ways we can be better,” he said. View the Rector’s presentation at www.saintmichael.org
From the Vicar A Report on Christian Formation Over the last three years, I have been charged with the task of working with and leading Christian Formation at Saint Michael. The process of raising up Christians has been split into three areas: Children and Family Ministry (CFM) which is birth through 5th grade, Youth Ministry which is 6th through 12th grades, and Adult Formation which Bill Murray is essentially everyone else. In the last three years, we have been working to create a Christian Formation process and plan. Believe it or not, the first steps of that plan were incredibly basic. We had to reclaim Sunday morning for education and formation. Previously there was not a single month of the academic/school year that had three Sundays in a row of education. Special events, speakers, and extended services dominated the calendar. So, we started by prioritizing Sunday School so that people knew what to expect on a Sunday morning: go to church and go to Sunday School. This process witnessed a 300% increase in our numbers.
We started by prioritizing Sunday School so that people knew what to expect on a Sunday morning: go to church and go to Sunday School. This process witnessed a 300% increase in our numbers. The current phase is looking at what we teach compared to scientific developmental theory and faith developmental theory. We used two experts, Dr. Jean Piaget and The Rev. Dr. John Westerhoff, to discern if we are teaching the right things at the right ages to our children and youth. We presented the results of our planning on May 9. To be clear, it is the BEGINNING of the conversation on how we want to raise Christians. Some of the proposals are simple like dividing our 7-12 grade Sunday School into a Middle School Group and a Senior High Group. Some of the proposals, like extending Catechesis to more children and older grades, require space that will not be available for several years.
confirm our youth. We currently confirm in 6th grade, which is age 11 or 12. The unanimous recommendation of two different committees working on these programs is to move confirmation to an older level, preferably 8th grade. We will not do this immediately. Our plan is to hold three meetings with parents: 6:00 p.m. on September 12, October 12, and October 24. We want to hear from the parents of children in this age range to weigh in on what they want to do to move forward. We will put the PowerPoint report online to allow folks to
The most controversial is looking at the age at which we confirm our youth. Our plan is to hold meetings with parents on September 12, October 12, and October 24 to discuss and explore when we confirm our youth.
see the research and more details of the programs. The great news is that people are engaging and interested in the process we are proposing. We, the formation staff at Saint Michael, feel confident that this is the best way to move forward. We hope you will join us in praying for our children and youth. Even more than that, we hope you will consider helping to teach them and raise them up to know and love the Lord.
The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray Vicar
The most controversial is looking at the age at which we 3
Summer Worship Schedule
Summer Worship Schedule Sundays – June 11 through August 13 • 7:30 a.m. Rite I in the Saint Michael Chapel • 9:00 a.m. Rite II in the Church • 9:00 a.m. Joy Mass in Parish Hall (Discovery Mass will not meet during the summer) • 11:00 a.m. Rite I in the Church • 11:11 a.m. Celebration in Parish Hall • 5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer and Holy Communion Rite I in the Saint Michael Chapel
Weekdays and Saturdays – May 30 through August 13 • 7:00 a.m. • 7:00 a.m. • 10:00 a.m. • 8:30 a.m. • 5:30 p.m.
Holy Communion on Tuesdays and Thursdays Bishop Moore Chapel Morning Prayer on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays Bishop Moore Chapel Healing Service on Wednesdays – Bishop Moore Chapel Holy Communion on Saturdays – Bishop Moore Chapel Candlelight service and Holy Communion on Saturdays Saint Michael Chapel
We will return to the regular fall worship schedule on Sunday. August 20.
Young Adults at the Ranger’s Game
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Summer Education
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Women of Saint Michael Women of Saint Michael Celebrate Stellar Year at Spring Luncheon The Women of Saint Michael celebrated a stellar year at its Spring Luncheon in May; a record-breaking Parish Party, the opening of a totally remodeled St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange, the first-ever Day of Service, and an evening meeting which included spouses and guests.
Squeaky Connolly President Squeaky Connolly told the group, “Faith, hope, and love was our theme this year and I truly believe that we experienced all of this in each of our special events.” She said the “incredibly fun and successful Parish Party” achieved new heights in participation and in the funds it raised. Parish Party Chair, Christine Paddock, announced that the event raised more than $193,000.
Gifts Committee Gifts Committee Chair, Jeff Rice, announced that the Women of Saint Michael made grants to 49 charities and Episcopal ministries that address poverty and hunger in Dallas and around the world. Grants were made to:
Jeff Rice 6
Women of Saint Michael Grants Aberg Center for Literacy AIDS Services of Dallas Alley’s House Association for Independent Living Attitudes & Attire Austin Street Center Avance - Dallas, Inc. Brighter Tomorrows CitySquare Cornerstone Crossroads Academy Creativity for Peace Crossroads Community Services Dallas CASA Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center Family Compass Genesis Women’s Shelter Honduras Threads Hope Supply Co. Housing Crisis Center Human Rights Initiative Interfaith Housing Jonathan’s Place Jubilee Park & Community Center Legacy Counseling Center LIFT - Literacy Instruction for Texas Mosaic Family Services NETWORK of Community Ministries, Inc. New Friends New Life North Dallas Shared Ministries North Texas Food Bank One Man’s Treasure Our Friends Place OurCalling, Inc. Promise House Rainbow Days Senior Source Services of Hope Shared Housing Center, Inc. Saint Michael Austin Street Shelter Cooks The Family Place The Well Community Turtle Creek Recovery Center Visiting Nurse Assoc. (Meals on Wheels) VMLC Wesley-Rankin Community Center White Rock Center of Hope Wilkinson Center Youth Believing in Change Youth With Faces
Women of Saint Michael St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange
2017 – 2018 Women of Saint Michael Officers
St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange in Highland Park Village, opened its newly remodeled store during the year, and reports that sales and profits “are on the upswing.” The Exchange was in a temporary location for six months and was closed for two months during the remodeling program. Lynn Campbell, chair of the Exchange, said that new businesses adjacent to the store “help attract a constant flow of visitors.” She also noted that next year the Exchange will celebrate its 60th anniversary of operations.
Tricia Stewart assumed the presidency of the Women of Saint Michael at the luncheon. She told the group, “In 1973, my mom, Pricilla Bell, was president of the Women of Saint Michael… Times have changed at Saint Michael but the vision remains the same: ‘Followers of Christ, Spreading God’s Love.’ It was an honor for my mom Tricia Stewart to serve the Women and the church, and I am thrilled to be able to do the same.” The Women of Saint Michael officers for 2017-2018 are: President: Tricia Stewart President-elect: Christine Paddock Vice-President: Bitsy Hudnall Communications: Gabrielle Ott Newsletter: Mason Custard Recording Secretary: Amanda Neuhoff Treasurer: Carol Carrington Assistant Treasurer: Holly Peña Parliamentarian: Squeaky Connolly
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For Your Information Rector and Vicar Earn Doctor of Ministry Degrees
Sugar Mommas Win Top Angel Chefs Challenge
Our Rector, Chris Girata, and Vicar, Bill Murray, officially received their Doctor of Ministry hoods this past month.
The Sugar Mommas took the prize at the Top Angel Chefs Challenge at Trinity Groves on Monday night, May 1, in a tightly contested cook-off, billed as the biggest food fight in Saint Michael history. Only one point separated each of the top three teams. The winning team of Ali Treaster, Caroline Hattemer, Gina Horton, Melissa Pekar, and Jen Elliston, won with an entree of lamb chops nestled in a bed of freshly made pasta with a cream sauce and asparagus.
The Rector, Chris Girata, participated in the graduation ceremonies at Duke University
Second place went to team Birds of Pray; Chris Girata, Jay Grogan, Matt Waller, and Allen Custard. Third place was captured by team Padre Loco; Hunter Ruffin, Jed Demler, Mark Demler, J.C. Snead, and Michael Blachly.
and the Vicar, Bill Murray, was hooded in ceremonies at the University of the South – Sewanee. Congratulations to: The Rev. Dr. Chris Girata and The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray. ..............
Vestry and Diocesan Delegate Nominations Are Open
Nominations are open for people to serve on the Vestry beginning in January 2018, and for delegates to serve at the Diocesan Convention in 2018. The Vestry recently changed the Church’s Bylaws so that Vestry members and new Delegates to the Diocesan Convention will be elected in the fall, and begin their terms on January 1 of the following year. This will allow Vestry members and Diocesan Delegates to serve on a calendar year basis. Therefore, five new Vestry members and new Convention Delegates will be elected at a Parish Annual Meeting in October/November 2017. The deadline to submit nominations is 4:00 p.m., Friday, August 18, 2017. Nomination forms are available from the church receptionist and online at www.saintmichael.org. The forms should be returned to the receptionist at the South Lanai. 8
After announcing the winners, a dinner for eight cooked by the Sugar Mommas was auctioned to the highest bidder, Donell Wiggins; Jay Grogan then chipped in to get the Mommas to do another dinner at his and Whitney’s home. More than 200 Saint Michaelites were on hand to cheer on their favorite team, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and sip their favorite drinks. After the smoke cleared more than $10,000 was raised for the Women of Saint Michael’s Gifts Committee, which distributes proceeds from the St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange and the Parish Party to area charities and Episcopal Ministries to fight poverty and hunger.
Overview Enneagram Class - Enroll for Fall
Education for Ministry
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 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, September 6 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. To register for this class, contact The Rev. Mary Lessmann at mlessmann@saintmichael.org.
EfM 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.
Donate Fabric for Honduras Threads Mission Trip The Honduras Threads Mission trip, June 26 – 30, needs fabric to take to the women in the village co-ops. If you have extra fabric or remnants there are collection baskets in the north and south Lanai entrances through Friday, June 16. Working with the artisans, Honduras Threads provides the women training, designs, supplies, donated fabrics, and marketing for their beautiful hand-embroidered products. Learn more by contacting M’Lou Bancroft at mlou@hondurasthreads.org.
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 does NOT * Give quizzes, tests, term papers, or grades * Provide easy answers * Tell participants what to think * Confine itself to the Bible
EfM costs * Time in study and weekly seminars for 9 months * Tuition ($375), scholarship aid available * Four years to complete * Enrollment for one year at a time
EfM is not for everyone since it challenges people to think and to examine their lives. For adults who want to grow in faithfulness and spirituality, it is priceless.
For further information, please contact Elizabeth Lang (langelizabeth66@gmail.com).
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Overview Youth Ministry Water Park Day at Hawaiian Falls! Take a break and join us at the water park on Thursday, June 22nd. We will meet at the church at 10:00 a.m. and return by 5:00 p.m. The cost is $25 and includes a water park ticket, a walk up meal, and unlimited drinks. All rising 6th grade youth to “just graduated” are invited. Register online at www.saintmichael.org/youth
Saint Michael’s Farmers Market Gets Great Press The Dallas Morning News has tagged Saint Michael’s Farmers Market as the “King Daddy” of artisan markets in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. “Nearly 50 artisan vendors and farmers flock to this North Dallas market,” the newspaper said. Kelly Gatewood’s popular blog “Gray Around the Edges” toasted our market as “a hidden treasure of delicacies in the heart of Dallas.” The blogger writes, “I love this market! It is the ideal place to enjoy breakfast outdoors on a lazy Saturday morning and take a few delicacies home for the rest of your week. It is a well thought out market, featuring both local brick and mortar businesses as well as family owned weekend market entrepreneurs… If you enjoy outdoor markets and great food, definitely put this on your summer bucket list. You won’t be disappointed!”
Refresh + Revive + Renew a Huge Success: Work Started For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Hebrews 3:4 The Refresh project was a HUGE success! Over $950,000 was raised - more than 50% over our goal. A very BIG “thank you” to the donors that made “Refresh” a reality! There are several contracts that are in the process of being finalized, but we are so pleased with the artisans and builders we’ve begun to work with. The work on the creation window, the centerpiece of our renewal, will begin in September and will be done by Stanton Glass of Waco. We have a long history with Stanton and they are excited to help us take care of our windows into the next century. Under the guidance of Kittye Peeler, Anne Coke, and other altar guild leaders, fabric has been ordered and the new pew cushions should be completed this summer. Clair Solutions, an international audio, video, and lighting company with an office in Dallas, has begun the 4-month process of ordering and preparing the equipment needed to refurbish and modernize all of the technology in the church and parish hall.
Saint Michael’s Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8:00 – 12:00 Noon in the north parking lot. 10
Dee Brown Masonry, the largest masonry contractor in the southwest, has started the process of tuck pointing (the replacing of grout around bricks) on the Bell Tower, as well as repairing the granite veneer. They will do more work this fall after the Creation Window has been removed.
Overview Welcome Confirmands The following photos are the Adults and Youth that were confrmed or received into our parish in May. Welcome to these new members.
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St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange Passion for Parties Author at the St. Michael Woman’s Exchange
The Turquoise Table Author to Sign Book Kristen Schell put an ordinary picnic table in the yard of her Austin home, painted it turquoise, and began inviting friends and neighbors to join her. It started a movement of Neighborhood, Friendship, and Community that has swept the nation. Kristen Schell will be at the St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange on Thursday, June 22 to greet customers and sign her book, The Turquoise Table. Her book gives stressfree ideas for starting one’s own Turquoise Table, simple outdoor recipes, ways to overcome barriers, and new ways to view hospitality.
Steven Stolman, author of The Serial Entertainer’s Passion for Parties, will be at the St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange on Thursday, June 8. He will be available to sign his book between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. which includes memories, recipes, and photos from his favorite parties from New York to Palm Beach. The Exchange is located in Highland Park Village.
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She will be at the Exchange in Highland Park Village from 3:00 to 4:30 on June 22.
Meet Our New Staff Members Veteran Church Leader Hired as Membership Coordinator Longtime Episcopal Church leader Anne Schmidt has been hired as Saint Michael’s Membership Coordinator. She will work with the clergy, staff, and lay leadership to design and implement a comprehensive welcome, engagement, and member retention program for the church. “Anne’s experience and enthusiastic approach to building membership and parishioner engagement fits perfectly with Saint Michael’s goal to grow our church both physically and spiritually,” Rector Chris Girata said. For several years, Ms. Schmidt has served as a consultant to various Episcopal Church organizations. She was a coconvener of last year’s Evangelism Matters Summit in Dallas which included the Presiding Bishop and General Secretary of the Anglican Communion. She has consulted with Saint Michael’s Rector Search and Transition Committee and the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande. She co-chairs the planning team for the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes, is the in-coming chair of Forward Movement, a ministry working to reinvigorate the Episcopal Church, and has been on the nominations committee of the Diocese of Dallas. Anne also served as Senior Warden of Transfiguration Episcopal in Dallas in 2013.
Saint Michael Youth Ministry Names Assistant Director Vicar Bill Murray has announced that Granbury native Chase Monson is joining the Saint Michael Youth Ministry staff as Assistant Director. A 2016 graduate of Angelo State University, Chase has served as the Director of Youth Ministry at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in San Angelo. He brings more than five years experience in youth ministry having served as the church’s youth ministry intern prior to being named its director. He recently earned his Certificate in Youth and Family Ministry from Forma, an association of Christian educators, formation professionals, and their institutional partners, and has been head counselor at Camp Quarterman in the Diocese of Northwest Texas. Chase enjoys working outside, traveling, exploring new places, and his biggest passion is working on cars. “I am excited to be joining the Saint Michael church family and beginning this new chapter in my life,” Chase said. His first Sunday at Saint Michael will be July 23rd and he will accompany our youth on their mission trip to Bolivia during the last week in July.
She began her ministry at Saint Michael Monday, May 15.
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Altar Guild Altar Guild Dinner Honors Directress, Welcomes New Leader, Names Directress-Elect
Frances Tompkins
Altar Guild Directress Frances Tompkins was honored at the May 19 Altar Guild Dinner and Party and the new Directress, Carol Hill, took over leadership of nearly 100 ladies that prepare the Church’s worship spaces throughout the year.
Frances recounted the many highlights from the year including the Institution of the new Rector, Chris Girata, who she said “truly dropped down from heaven.” She pointed to the development of a new Altar Guild website, the trainees that are bringing new life and vitality to the group, the Team Captains and Co-captains, and the camaraderie that binds its members to one another. “Thank you all so very much for this incredible honor and blessing…as we have tried to do our best in our double ministry of “Serving God and Each Other.” The Directress was presented a Jan Barboglio-designed cross, which will become an annual gift to out-going directresses, and the traditional Directress Cross which was placed around her neck by the Rector.
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Carol Hill
The Altar Guild’s new Directress, Carol Hill, was introduced with a forecast of an “incredibly fabulous year.” Carol announced that the theme for the year is “Following Christ Together,” and she introduced her team of Captains and Co-captains:
Team One: Team Two: Team Three: Team Four: Team Five:
Debbie Shuey – Captain, Sally Earnest – Co-captain Cookie Frazar – Captain, Candi Reynolds – Co-captain Madalyn Teal – Captain, Sara Shanley – Co-captain Jeff Rice – Captain, Bonnie Mastin – Co-captain Midge Mosley – Captain, Jean Clayton – Co-captain
The evening closed with the announcement by the Rector that Susan Boldrick was the DirectressElect for 2018-2019.
Susan Boldrick
AltarFeast Guildof Lights The
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Pastoral Care When Ministry is Sweet-Bitter-Sweet I am so grateful for Pastoral Care and I continue to be humbled by the many offerings of ministry that come from the people of God. In this parish, we know that to run a ministry is a challenge. Pastoral Care is always seeking ways to sharpen our focus, reach others, and touch lives in meaningful ways. It is hard work: volunteers are always needed, volunteers who have the time to take on leadership roles are rare, and expanding/contracting our ministries takes an abiding faith, creativity, and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. On May 10, I invited all the Pastoral Care Ministries to gather in the church to hear a speaker. Sixty-one answered the call and The Reverend Dr. Fran Shelton did not disappoint. We listened, we learned, and we renewed some friendships. Many thanks to all who made that day happen. It was sweet! In the middle of that meeting we said “So Long” to two Pastoral Care leaders: Jean Coleman and Ruthie Garrett. Both have heard God’s call to move in a different direction. That was particularly bitter for me as both had Jean Coleman helped me in ways they could not have possibly known. Both of these leaders have loaned their extraordinary ministerial gifts to Stephen Ministry and Ruthie Garrett Lay Eucharistic Visitors respectively and the people of Saint Michael are richer for it. Thank You! Saint Michael is in its seventh decade now. We are a body of Christians who understand it is Christ Jesus who is of premier importance. Ministries have risen and some have fallen away; leaders and volunteers are called into and out of ministries at Saint Michael. The constant in all of this is Christ Jesus. It is in his name and power and glory that ministry makes sense.
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Ministries change, but the Light of Christ never dims in our parish. And so it is an honor to announce that Mary Kardell will lead Stephen Ministry and Charlie Smith will lead the Lay Eucharistic Mary Kardell Visitors. Each of these women has very deep roots in our parish and in its ministry. Please join with me to welcome them into their new Charlie Smith roles; keep them in your devotions and when they ask you to serve, please give that request your highest level of discernment. Ministry is vibrant here at our parish and even in the midst of that vibrancy we hear the voice of God calling us into various ways of serving, making way for new possibilities for us and others. This is the way God’s economy moves and it feels Sweet – Bitter – Sweet. We are invited to celebrate ministry in all of its phases, changes, and chances and I invite you deeper into the ministry of Pastoral Care. If you have any questions or would like an opportunity to serve the Lord through this ministry, please contact me anytime – I am eager to help find a place for you at Saint Michael.
Greg
The Reverend Dr. Fran Shelton
Pastoral Care Looking forward to Summer 2017: All pastoral care groups continue to meet throughout the summer, unless otherwise noted. Exceptions are: Faith and Grief Ministry: Please make note that the Faith and Grief Luncheon at Saint Michael will not take place in June. We will be back with Amy Moore as our guest speaker on July 13. Questions? Contact Katherine Bowen, kbowen@ saintmichael.org. Parish Nurse Sundays will be discontinued in the months of June and July and will resume in August. ..............
Pastoral Care Ministries Monthly Meetings: The Prayer Ministry is scheduled to meet on June 15 at 6:00 in the Coke Activities Room for “Case Training by Popular Request.” Please put this on your calendar and plan to attend while experienced prayer team members guide newer Prayer Team members in how to approach certain topics. Contact Katherine Bowen to make reservations, at kbowen@ saintmichael.org. The Prayer Ministry will not meet in July, but please put June 15 and August 17 on your Calendar for Prayer Team meetings. 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. ..............
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 to engage in Centering Prayer. Come and sit with us and learn how to rest in God. As with everything about us, God is paying attention and the practice will transform you. Contact: Shannon Callewart, scallewart@tx.rr.com.
The Knitting Ministry needs help to fill orders for next Christmas! Help the Saint Michael Knitting ministry meet its goal of providing 100 scarves and hats to be given to our adult friends at Jubilee at the annual Christmas party next December. We still need to keep up with our shawl knitting, too. The knitting ministry meets weekly on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 in the Drake Room. If it is not convenient for you to attend, you can knit from home, and bring your contributions to the church. For more information, please contact Byrd Teague, byrd.teague@gmail.com.
Other Ministries: 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, please contact The Rev.Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org. 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, and share experiences. The Rev. Greg Pickens is the clergy contact. Contact Greg at gpickens@ saintmichael.org. All communications remain confidential.
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. 17
The Warden’s Corner Feed the Spirit. Find Your +1. Build the Future. These powerful catch phrases are the themes that will unfold over the coming months. Shaped by the parish profile and fueled by clergy and lay/staff leadership, these imperatives will serve as the cornerstone of some very exciting initiatives ahead. The full set of initiatives (think organizational priorities) will be unveiled throughout the summer. Eric Conner, Sr. Warden While the Rector’s column will go into deeper detail over the next three issues, I wanted to offer some general thoughts on what these themes embody.
Feed The Spirit We are all disciples of Christ with a need to be spiritually fed. That feeding (while ultimately personal) can be shaped by developing formative and educational opportunities for all ages, by insisting on excellence in the overall worship experience, and by offering new and uplifting ways to serve and be served. This theme emboldens us to define and own what makes us great and what enriches our own spirit, so that we can fully engage the greater community and share with them the enormous gifts Saint Michael and All Angels has to offer.
Find Your +1 As has been beautifully engrained in us lately, membership at Saint Michael is about more than just attending. Explore how Saint Michael defines membership that welcomes and
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encourages parishioners to find or enrich their +1 (a particular ministry group or small group offering) and gain a deeper sense of community. This theme also centers on intentionally inviting others to experience this parish, to thoughtfully welcome them, and then to connect them to a +1 experience that feeds their spirit.
Build The Future This is a unique time in Saint Michael’s history. Several transformative events are in process that will help shape the future of the parish: • the departure of Episcopal School of Dallas’ lower school • the accreditation of the Saint Michael Episcopal School • the opportunity to fill several new positions (CFM/ Youth, Formation, Music) • the potential to physically revamp the main campus • the infectious energy and vision of Father Girata This theme urges us to think boldly, to change the way our systems and technology work, to alter the way our campus looks, to adapt and target the ways we communicate, and to develop partnerships that expand our outreach and enhance our growth. These themes are indeed t-shirt worthy, and we will want to spread that enthusiasm to all who are willing to engage. They serve as the critical building blocks to guide us as we move forward on a longer-term vision. Please join us on this journey.
Eric Conner, Sr. Warden
Overview
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Children and Family Ministry Vacation Bible School June 5 – 8 Rome: Paul and the Underground Church
Vacation Bible School Family Celebration
Vacation Bible School will be filled with fun, excitement, adventures, and an experience with God they will never forget.
Save Thursday evening June 8 for a Family Celebration closing out Vacation Bible School. The kids will have been tracing the Apostle Paul’s underground church in Rome during the week and will celebrate their experiences with parents and friends. Games and activities from VBS will be showcased for parents. Cost is $30 per family. RSVP at check-in tables during Vacation Bible School. More information from Erika at ebower@saintmichael.org.
Vacation Bible School steps back in time with the Apostle Paul and the underground church in first-century Rome! The kids will walk through the Roman marketplace and spend time exploring firsthand the unique culture of the Apostle Paul’s world.
Goodbye Reception Scheduled for Erika Bower
Volunteers Needed Both adult and youth volunteers are needed to make Vacation Bible School a meaningful success for our children.
A Thank You and Goodbye reception for Erika Bower, Assistant Director of Children and Family Ministry, will be in the Garden Cloister on Sunday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m. She has been a leader in our children’s ministries since June of 2014. Erika has accepted a position as Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministry at an Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.
Adult volunteers are needed as grade level group leaders, snack and game helpers, and arts/crafts coordinators. Youth volunteers will assist the group leaders, organize games and activities, help with arts and craft projects. Rising 6th graders through high school students are urged to sign up. Volunteer registration is available online at www. saintmichael.org/children/vbs. 20 17
Seniors 2017 Congratulations to the Saint Michael Class of 2017
22 high school seniors were honored at the 11:00 worship service on Sunday, May 14.
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Seniors 2017
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Seniors 2017
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Seniors 2017
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Seniors 2017
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Seniors 2017
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For Your Information We will focus on worship in new and intentional ways, starting with our sacred music experience. As a preacher, I love the spoken word and always seek to make my sermons as informative and inspiring as possible. Yet even though I believe in the power of the spoken word, I know that the primary engine of a full worship experience is music. Starting this fall, the music experience in worship will expand to include new music leadership in both our traditional and modern worship services, as well as music in our earliest Sunday service. I am thrilled by this transition and can’t wait to see what our new leaders can do. As our music expands, more and more of us will have opportunities to connect and serve in worship leadership, especially our children, which takes me to the next facet of “feeding.”
in hopes that they will find new ways to feed their own spirits. Reminding ourselves what makes the Saint Michael community remarkable will give us the fuel to spread the fire of the Spirit beyond us. As we are reminded in the Book of Acts, we are to be Christ’s “witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” We have been witnesses at Saint Michael for more than 70 years, and as we look into a bright future, our witness will continue to grow as we work together!
Children are our future. We know this, but we haven’t invested ourselves intentionally in recent years as I think we should. Beginning this fall, we are throwing much more energy into the growth of our children, youth, and family ministries. We will seek to “feed the spirits” of all our members in new and inspiring ways. Children will be invited into new and expanding experiences of worship, as well as formative groups and trips. These efforts will need all of us to succeed. As parents, we will all need to volunteer in new ways to support this growth, but the church vestry and staff are recommitting to invest in this growth along with you.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Finally, growth in our membership will be an explicit effort. We are all called to evangelism, and in the coming years, we will identify and promote the remarkable qualities of our community to both those who are disconnected and those around us who do not yet have a church home. We have already begun this process by working to develop new integration programs within our system to help connect and reconnect people to the church community. As these ministries are refined, we will all be more confident inviting our friends and neighbors to come with us to Saint Michael
We will seek to “feed the spirits” of all our members in new and inspiring ways.
Deaths
Leila Houseman Shannon, May 23, sister of Don Houseman and sister-in-law of Katy Houseman Dianne Dalton Laros Regan, April 28, mother of Angelo Laros Maryann Phinizy “Mimi” Reese, April 30 Gaynelle McBrayer Kelley, May 3, mother of Kevin Kelley, mother-in-law of Kathy Kelley, grandmother of Marshall, Anne, Paige Rex Miller Telfer, May 8, brother of The Rev. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer David Hudson, May 16 Dr. George Henry Kakaska, May 15, father of Gwen Kakaska, grandfather of Blake Reynolds Dr. Benjamin Richard “Dick” Respess, May 16, husband of Liz Respess Suellen Morris “Susie” Hutchison, May 17, wife of Gary Hutchison, mother of Nicole Hutchison Crystal Ann Barton, May 18, mother of Courtney and Wilson Coke Mary Rita Miller Murphy “Junie” Smith, May 19, mother of Brian Smith, mother-in-law of Jill Smith, grandmother of Spencer Leila Houseman Shannon, May 23, sister of Don Houseman and sister-in-law of Katy Houseman Ernest Smith, May 29, brother of Dollie Smith .............. 27
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 (Beginning June 11) 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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