the The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
November 2015 North Dallas Shared Ministries Collection Month
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Zacchaeus: Saved by Gratitude
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All Church Breakfast Veteran’s Day Celebration and Reception
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Saint Michael Presents Concert
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Consecration of Bishop Sumner
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Distinguised Lecture Series Amy-Jill Levine
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Jubilee Senior Luncheon Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service Church Offices Closed Thankgiving Holiday No 7:00 Eucharist
I love Zacchaeus (cf., Luke 19:1-9). So short that he could not see over the crowd gathering as Jesus passes through Jericho, Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree just to be able to glimpse the man! And what happens? Jesus approaches the tree, looks up, and commands, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today!” (v. 5) We have absolutely no evidence that Jesus had known Zacchaeus before. How had he known his name? And why, of all in the crowd, did Jesus order this particular man to take him and his disciples into his home? I also wonder, how and why did Zacchaeus, an apparently tiny man, set out to become a “tax collector and a wealthy man?” What follows is conjecture of course, but I can imagine Zacchaeus as a boy, smaller than everybody else, being bullied and ridiculed, perhaps spending his life largely alone. “Well,” Zacchaeus might have thought, “if I can’t have friends I might as well have money!” Even today the tax collector is not a popular person, but imagine if you were collecting taxes for an occupying force. In ancient Palestine tax collectors gathered money for the Romans, and what profit they made came from the overage they charged on the monies collected. Not a popular way to make money. And I can imagine Zacchaeus thinking to himself, “I remember how you all treated me when I was a boy! Who’s in the catbird seat now?” cont. on page 23
Volume 27 No. 11
Visioning Retreat Focuses on Building Vibrant Youth Ministry – All are Invited! A Visioning Retreat to help create a vibrant Youth Ministry at Saint Michael will be held over three days in early December. It is important that people from every generation in the Church participate in this critical planning process, as we all have a stake in the youth ministry. We will develop a Mission Statement, core values and 3-year goals for the youth program. The retreat, Thursday, December 3 through Saturday, December 5, will be facilitated by Ministry Architects, the nationally known consulting group the church engaged to help restructure the youth program, and will involve clergy, staff, the Youth Ministry Design Team, as well as all interested parishioners. “Please come and help us design a vision for our youth program. cont. on page 9
A Community Concert Series
Home
featuring the Concert Choirs from Southern Methodist University Thursday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets available at www.saintmichael.org
Rector Search and Transition
• We continue to study all of it. (The full committee has access to every response, but the responses are anonymous. None of us can see which parishioner said what.) • Our internal discussion document summarizing the comments is 57 pages long, and our data summary is longer. We want to highlight a few themes.
Survey Themes: Who Are We?
Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, for they will eat the fruit of their actions. Isaiah 3:10
This passage from Isaiah sums up the feeling of the Rector Search and Transition Committee that all is well with our church. The 70th Anniversary Celebration of Saint Michael and All Angels church was a wonderful celebration. The Rev. Doug Travis has engaged with our parish as an Interim Rector, and is working with the Vestry to tackle important issues to ready our parish for our next Rector. The Rector Search and Transition Committee completed the Parish Survey on schedule. If you haven’t already, please pick up a copy of the pamphlet that summarizes the survey at the lanai reception. We will publish more information on the website soon, but want to give you a brief overview here. •
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We received over 900 responses, a new record in Saint Michael and All Angels history, on the longest survey in our history (43 questions, most with comment fields in addition to data collection). You offered thousands of thoughtful comments. The shortest was two words; the two longest both exceeded a half page.
• We still feel and desire to be a Big Tent in terms of forms of worship we appreciate, our theological perspectives, and our views on social and political issues. We wrestle intellectually and emotionally with the complexity of scripture, and we respect the legitimacy of each other’s interpretations even when we disagree, and no survey respondent expected us to reach a uniform agreement. A few respondents recognized that as a Big Tent church we are in some ways a microcosm of The Episcopal Church and Christianity, where we try to model appreciation for our individual differences. • We feel passionately about our parish, which many of us called “home” or our “spiritual home.” In fact some survey respondents said they had left but want to return. Saint Michael has provided us with some of our deepest spiritual connections, and regardless of what we identified in the survey as needing repair or work, many of us still feel deeply bound to our church. • We are hard workers in our spirituality. While we are all drawn to Saint Michael by different reasons, whether we are touched by the liturgy, Inquirers’ Class, Saint Michael Episcopal School, pastoral care we received in a crisis, etc., it is striking how many survey respondents are drawn not by a passive experience, but by work they choose to contribute as volunteers. Over 40 specific ministries were mentioned this way.
Rector Search and Transition Who we want to be: • Regardless of the respondent’s age, a huge majority of us hope to see younger faces around the church, in worship and in ministry. We all see the importance of growing our parish, appealing to children, teens, young adults and young parents. Many of us wrote about the importance of seeking a Rector who has experience connecting with youth and families, and with young adults. Many of us would like to combine services so that all generations can worship together. • Many respondents expressed disappointment that we are not all we can be as a church. They discussed programs that they feel were better in the past, or regretted that their favorite service has lower attendance lately. Some comments further explained that when a service declines in attendance, they take it to mean some of their friends are not being spiritually fed by that service. • A large number of comments referred to “the good old days” of particular church ministries, and wished we “could go back to that.” This sense is not uncommon among Christians, because when we connect with a church it is a deep feeling that we remember vividly. On our committee’s retreat with former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, he cautioned us not to try to “recapture our past.” Instead, he encouraged us to appreciate the best things of our past, and use those to build a new future.
Who we want as Our Next Rector: What does all of this this mean we want in our next Rector? The survey results suggest we want “a friend and fellow traveler” of personal warmth and humor, a powerful preacher whose sermons leave us uplifted or provoked or both, and a thoughtful guide who will help us understand how to live Christian lives in a world of confusion and change.
Many respondents pointed out that what worked well in the past may not be right for the future. For example, since most want a Rector who connects with youth and young adults, we have to recognize that this could mean changes to “the way we have always done things.”
This Discussion Will Continue We will continue to discuss these subjects as a parish, because the Rector transition is not just about understanding whom God has in mind as our next Rector. It also is about considering what we hope to become, before our next Rector joins this discussion in partnership with us.
Van Sheets Diana Newton Co-Chairs Rector Search and Transition Committee
DEAR GOD, whose ever present love surrounds us, you are active and alive in our Parish. We give thanks that you are with us all the time. We rejoice that you promise that each of us can make a difference. You call us to know and support each other and to know and experience you together, and we pray for a leader to be part of that life. You call our church to be a beacon of learning, fellowship, service and joy, and we pray for a person to nurture this dream. Be with all clergy, both those in discernment as well as all who have led our Parish in the past, and with the staff who support them. Guide us to a shepherd to feed the spiritual hunger of all who enter our doors and to inspire us to be Christ-like so that we can better serve all in your Son’s name. Seeking that all we do is for your glory, Amen.
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Bishop Consecrations 27th Presiding Bishop Installed in
The Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas
Washington D.C. Ceremonies
to be Consecrated November 14
The Most Reverend Michael Curry was installed as the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church in ceremonies Sunday, November 1 at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.
The Consecration of Bishopelect The Rev. Canon Dr. George Sumner as the 7th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas will be Saturday, November 14 at 11:00 at First United Methodist Church in downtown Dallas, which was selected to provide more seating for the ceremony.
Before his election at the General Convention in June, he served as Bishop of North Carolina. He succeeds The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori. Bishop Curry is a native of Chicago and he and his wife, Sharon, have two grown daughters. The Presiding Bishop came to Saint Michael and All Angels in March where he delivered the Distinguished Lecture, and preached at the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services. He also preached at the ordination to the priesthood of our Vicar, Bill Murray. He will participate in the consecration of The Rev. Canon Dr. George Sumner as the Bishop of Dallas on November 14. ..............
Director of Music’s Composition to be Sung at Bishop’s Consecration A diocesan choir of 75 will sing Saint Michael’s Director of Music James Diaz’s “Go Forth Into the World In Peace” at BishopElect George Sumner’s consecration. It is the only work included in the service created by a Dallas composer. “Go Forth Into the World In Peace” was last sung at our parish on Saint Michael and All Angels Day when the church bade farewell to Valerie 4
and Bob Dannals.
The Bishop-Elect was preacher at the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services at Saint Michael on October 25, and spent the Sunday School hour meeting parishioners in the Parlor. In recent weeks he has been visiting parishes and learning the geography of the diocese. The Consecration service includes three consecrators including, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Bishop Suffragan Paul Lambert, and The Rt. Rev. John Bauerschmidt, bishop of Tennessee. Other officiating bishops include The Rt. Rev. Daniel H. Martins, bishop of Springfield, The Rt. Rev. William C. Frey, retired bishop of Guatemala and Colorado, The Rt. Rev. Michael Smith, bishop of North Dakota. Parishioners Tony Briggle and Gayle Kesinger have coordinated Sumner’s transition to Dallas and the consecration service. A public reception will immediately follow the consecration. Sumner formerly served as the Principal of Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto in Canada, where he was responsible for strategic planning, encouraging future priests, stewardship, and building relationships with other bishops. He was ordained as an Episcopal priest in western Massachusetts in 1981.
For Your Information We are grateful to our patrons whose generosity makes Saint Michael Presents possible. Fortissimo Hyeon Jeong and James Diaz Maestoso Beverly W. Morrison Mrs. David M. Munson Randy and Gay Rekerdres Carolyn and Wyatt Rousseau
“HOME” featuring C
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Concert Choirs Meadows School of the Arts Southern Methodist University
MY
CY
CMY
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FREE Admission – Tickets Required*
Thursday, November 12 – 7:00 p.m. Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (*Tickets available online at SaintMichaelPresents.eventsbrite.com and Saint Michael and All Angels – 214.363.5471)
Sforzando Mary and Jerry Andrlik Kelly Compton Whitney, Jay, and Will Grogan Bob and Mary Ann Marshall Caren Prothro Karen and Jim Wiley Crescendo Donald A. Baty Bergner-Stewart Fund Shannon Wilson Callewart Nancy and Lowell Duncan Sam and Gloria Hocking Holly H. Huffines Jane and Pat Jenevein Betty and Forrest Lipscomb Suzanne and Jay Lipscomb Pam and Tom Luce Sally Lutz Shirley and Bill McIntyre IV Park Cities News - Marj Waters Gigi and Jerry Poglitsch Nancy Shutt Byrd Teague Linda and Rob Westerburg Sherry and Robert Wilson Carolyn and Tom Wittenbraker Presto Pam Barbera, in loving memory of Mike Barbera Peggy and Web Carr Jessica Whitt Garner Tom and Marilyn Harbison Mr. and Mrs. Don M. Houseman Angela and John Howell Ruth and Fred Mason Heather and Gerald C. Moore M.D. Anne Barclay Reed Jeff and Darrel Rice Stephanie and Phil Ritter Marillyn and Gus Seeberger Rob and Betty Shiels Jinny and Rusty Smith Pat Snider Anonymous (3)
Arpeggio Bill Barker Nell Beck Carol and Bob Beveridge Pat and Steve Black Margaret Cervin Steve Cowan Sally and Mark Cullum Dick and Cookie Frazar Ruthie Garrett Melissa and Jeb Hensarling Mary Louise and David Hopson Corinne and David Karp, M.D. Honorable James W. Kerr, Jr. Eugenia and Frank-Paul King Ed and Molla Ladd Joni Martin Andrew McRoberts Libby Norwood Noralyn and Greg Pickens Ann Ratelle Margaret D. Ratelle James and Patricia Richardson Beverly and Mack Rogers Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Roosevelt, Jr. Jennifer H. and Thomas K. Russell Cynthia Sample Erica and Charlie Sartain Gabe Shapiro Linda and Ellis Skinner Randolph and Anne Slaughter Joan and Dan Stansbury Tricia and Tom Stewart Suzanne H. Thomas Patty and Tig Thompson Robert Wallace Susie and Carl Yeckel Anonymous (3) Dolce Dianne C. Betts Jim and Anita Caldwell Pat and Jack Coleman Mary Adair and Dee Dockery Deirdre D. Glober Frank and Jody Guenther Joyce and Blake Hull Patrick and Kathy Jenevein Prudence and John Mackintosh Linda and John McFarland Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Patton Lutetia and Jack Raley Leonard Shockey Courtney and Edward Slater Robert R. and Ann B. Smith Dr. Sharon Spalding Darlene H. Spellings Linda and Ray Tunnell Don Waddington Anonymous (2)
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Stewardship
Generosity is one of the most important values parents and churches can model for children People have purpose. So do churches. We were created to give. Honoring this truth is the part of this stewardship season at Saint Michael. This holy, loving place runs on God’s grace, with your financial gifts. The wine and bread served at Eucharist, they’re provided by you, as is everything else from candles, music, education and electricity, to clergy and staff salaries. Your gift helps to engage and empower our parish to love, care, and serve in the name of Christ. And, beyond our grounds, your gift helps to make Dallas, and the world more like God’s kingdom.
Pledges provide 90% of our income. Please respond with prayer and purpose. For our family, stewardship is the completion of the circle of faith. We receive so much from Saint Michael’s for the enrichment and strengthening of our faith. So it is only right to give back to our church community in order for others to be supported in faith as well. Melinda and Mark Knowles Family We feel that stewardship is not just about giving money, it’s about giving everything Lindsay and Sutton Wheeler 6
We don’t learn to be good stewards just from a program or curriculum, a one-day service event, a one-time mission trip, or a once-a-year stewardship campaign. Instead, we learn to be good stewards when we see generosity modeled for us. Generosity is one of the most important values parents and churches can model for children and teenagers. In a culture where we are saturated with messages of consumption, violence, and individuality at the expense of others’ wellbeing, the church bears a particular responsibility to teach and model generosity. Some ways to model generosity; • Make an annual monetary pledge to Saint Michael; • Talk about ways to create a more generous spirit and lifestyle in your family; • Identify one thing your household can do differently to be more generous.
Enhance Your Gifts to Saint Michael and All Angels Many companies have programs in which an employee’s charitable gift is matched by the corporation. In most cases, a gift to Saint Michael or the Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation will qualify. Check to see if your company has a matching gifts program. It’s a way to enhance your gift to the Church or the Foundation. If you have questions, contact Mary Kardell, Director of Giving, at mkardell@saintmichael. org.
Adult Ministry Dr. Bill Power Concludes Study of Abraham’s Children The Adult Bible Study series “The Children of Abraham” will conclude in November and December with Dr. Bill Power examining Christianity. The Sunday morning class has focused on the three major religious faiths that grew out of Abraham and his descendents. The group has examined Islam, and Judaism previously. Dr. Power is Professor-Emeritus of Old Testament at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. The class meets at 10:00 on Sundays in the Coke Activities Room.
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine is Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and College of Arts and Sciences. Professor Levine has been awarded grants from many foundations, held office in both Jewish and Christian organizations, and has authored numerous books and publications including, The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus.
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From the Vicar: A Report on Youth Ministry So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. – Matthew 6:34
I worked as a lifeguard at the Jewish Community Center in Memphis for 7 years- high school and most of college. I loved that gig. I learned two really important life skills: How to swing a whistle around your finger and how to get people’s attention. Even if you have only spent 30 seconds on a pool deck, you know that telling people not to do something seldom works. If a child is running on a wet surface, and you yell, “don’t run!” they will only speed up or look around as they run like you’re not talking to them. The only and best way to help people in potential dangerous situations is to tell them what you want them to do. Instead of yelling, “Don’t run!” You look at the person and bark, “Walk!” I understand in theory what Jesus is saying about do not worry but it is not so easy to do all the time. For instance, when you have your two youth ministers resign within 7 months of each other and you do not have someone lined up, it is far more natural to worry. If you are directly responsible for those kids in the youth program, you really start to feel the blood pressure rise. You start thinking of a thousand different things and different problems that may not even exist. What I have discovered in my life and ministry is that Jesus gives us the instruction not to worry about tomorrow. The more important thing is to worry and deal with all that is happening today. I really believe the lesson barked from an old lifeguard is “Be Present!” We can get so wrapped up in the worries and concerns of next week or next Spring that we forget the work at hand. In this instance, we are called to care, love, and support our youth today. If Saint Michael as a community rallies around her youth today, if we gather and love on our middle and high school students today, if we pray and work to care for them today, then all the rest will be ok. 8
We have a wonderful Search Team as well as a Design Team that have both been working for a while on plans to grow our program and find a new youth minister. They are doing great work. Read more about how you can help them. Come and help us vision of a new way to love and support our youth on December 3-5. The more important task that Jesus places before us is “Be Present!” Love the youth we have and make sure they know that they are valued. If each of our 7,000 members were to do that in some small way, we would have a growing and vibrant program without hiring anyone. Being present and loving the person in front of you is the heart of our faith and some of the hardest work Christians can do. It is also the best work we can do. Be Present! Now if I can just find a decent reason to swing a whistle around your finger . . .
The Rev. Bill Murray Vicar
Youth Ministry from page 1
Visioning Retreat Focuses on Building Vibrant Youth Ministry – All are Invited! The future of Saint Michael and All Angels depends upon a dynamic, enthusiastic, and committed youth program.” J.C. Snead, the Design Team chair said. We need moms, dads, older folks, younger folks, and anybody who cares about our youth! The retreat sessions on Thursday and Friday evenings will be from 6:00 to 9:00 and conclude with a morning session on Saturday from 9:00 to 12:00 Noon. Ministry Architects says, “We will build clarity and consensus through a fun, positive process during these retreat sessions. If you cannot come to all the meetings, please come to the first one or two.” Retreat locations will be announced later. For more information, contact The Rev. Bill Murray at bmurray@saintmichael.org, The Rev. Oliver Butler at obutler@saintmichael.org, J.C. Snead at j.c.snead@ sbcglobal.net or any member of the Design Team. Parishioners serving on the Design Team are Leslie Agouridis, Julie Borus, Ann Gough, Charlotte Huthnance, Carl Moore, Kyle Moore, John McFarland, Jr. and Carol Vig.
Help Saint Michael Youth Ministry find new staff members!
Saint Michael and All Angels is dedicated to our youth and we have three opportunities for the right people to help us keep our youth program strong. We are hoping to fill three positions: 1. The Director of High School Ministry for grades 9-12, 2. The Director of Youth Ministry for grades 6-8, 3. Youth Logistics Administrator to support them both. All will develop engaging programs, build solid relationships with families and help them connect with God and our church community. The search committee needs your help in casting a wide net! Do you know of an engaging person with experience and a contagious faith who might be a good fit? Direct your questions, any names and contact information to Melissa Rau at 215-872-7532 or Melissa@MinistryArchitects.com. Resumes should be sent to Kristina Zirschky at KristinaZ@ ymarchitects.com. We deeply appreciate your partnership and prayers. With blessings, The Youth Ministry Search Committee Dee Dockery Claire Hagenbuch Hays Haney
Pressley Peters Mike Tanner
High School Youth Minister Resigns Carolina Armstrong, who has led Saint Michael’s High School programs for the past three years, has resigned to pursue a career in web development and design. She will continue to facilitate the high school Wednesday evening and Sunday morning programs through
the end of the year. The Vicar Bill Murray and The Rev. Oliver Butler will work directly with the youth and parents to implement the youth programs. Two parish committees, working with consultants Ministry Architects, are restructuring our youth ministry and searching for two people to serve as middle school and high school ministers. More information on the youth programs is available at www.saintmichael.org.
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Men of Saint Michael Men of Saint Michael Bar-B-Que After a lot of Bar-B-Que and beer the Men of Saint Michael got down to “serious” theological questions. Which is better, beef or pork? The men met at Bob Penn’s home Thursday night, October 22 to take up the issue. The question was never resolved, but everyone agreed to disagree and vowed to discuss it again. The evening, obviously, generated a lot of opinions.
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Overview Honor Our Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces Sunday, November 8
Vestry and Diocesan Delegate Nominations Are Open
On Sunday, November 8th we will honor our veterans and members of the Armed Forces at a special service at 5:30 in the Church. The evening’s offering will go to the Dallas/ Fort Worth USO. A glorious reception follows in the Garden Cloister with entertainment by the Heritage Brass Band, a group of Vets playing our favorite military anthems and marches.
Nominations are open for people to serve on the vestry beginning in February, and for delegates to serve at the Diocesan Convention. The vestry members (5) and Convention Delegates will be elected at the Parish Annual Meeting on February 28. The deadline to submit nominations is 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 15. Nomination forms are available from the church receptionist and online at www. saintmichael.org. The forms should be returned to the
Also, we will be sending Christmas cards to our soldiers on active duty. Pick up the cards at the table outside the Parlor, write your greeting, and return them to the church by November 30. All are welcome at this free event, so invite your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors of all ages! Let’s show our veterans how much they are appreciated. Kindly RSVP online or by calling the church and let us know if you plan to join us!
receptionist at the South Lanai.
The Rev. Mary Lessmann to Serve at Saint Michael The Rev. Mary Lessmann will be assisting at Saint Michael worship services during the busy holiday season. She was ordained in 2010 and most recently served as Vicar of Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, and before that as Associate Rector at St. Andrew’s McKinney.
Saint Michael 2015 Christmas Ornament Available in the Book Shop The 2015 Saint Michael Christmas ornament, designed by parishioner Kelley Salewske, has arrived and is available in the Book Shop. The ornament was inspired by the pipes of the Saint Michael Church organ. It makes a great gift and will stand out on any tree. There are only a limited number, so get yours early. There are also one-of-a-kind Christmas cards designed by Dallas artist Denise Lindgren The cards are created on unique papers utilizing international religious stamps from the Cook Islands, Uganda, and St. Vincent. They are works of art unto themselves. Remember, the Book Shop is participating in Partners Card through November 8. With your Partners Card everything in the Book Shop is 20% off. 11
Overview Learning About Lego’s on Prime Timers Program The Prime Timers will play with Lego’s during their meeting Thursday, November 5. Emily Given, Saint Michael’s Children and Family minister, will introduce “Lego My Bible” which she developed to teach Bible stories to our parish children. The program is the subject of a book published by Church Publishing, Inc., and has been adopted by churches across the country. The meeting, November 5, is at 10:30 in the Coke Activities Room and includes lunch for $10. Make reservations with Mary Davis by November 1 at 214-3637761.
PT Cruisers to see “The Twelve Days of Christmas” at the Arboretum Join us on Thursday, November 19 as we travel to the Arboretum. The bus leaves the church at 9:30. After viewing the fall decorations and this wonderful Christmas display we will end our day with an “on your own” lunch at the Highland Park Cafeteria. Cost for the trip is $15 plus lunch. Call Mary Davis at 214-363-7761 to make your reservations. The deadline is Sunday, November 15.
Freedom Place Director to Speak at Women of Saint Michael Luncheon Shandra Carter, Executive Director of Freedom Place, a residential treatment facility for victims of child sex trafficking, will address the monthly Women of Saint Michael luncheon on Wednesday, November 18. The meeting begins at 11:30 in Parish Hall. An accomplished mental health professional with more than 17 years experience, Shandra has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable populations, especially children who have suffered from sexual exploitation and abuse. She is also a dynamic educator who has led numerous seminars on child sexual abuse prevention, human sex trafficking, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention. Tickets to all Women’s programs are available online at www. saintmichael.org/wosmluncheons. 12
Floral arrangements created at a recent Mom’s Escape Club
Overview Women of Saint Michael Undertake United Thank Offering The United Thank Offering was established to nurture the habit of giving thanks to God through prayer and thank offerings by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Episcopal Church General Convention in 1889. The money collected in the early years was used to expand the mission of the church by training women, supporting female missionaries, and funding the building of hospitals, schools, and churches across the country.
Thanksgiving Schedule Join is for Thanksgiving Eve Worship and Eucharist on Wednesday, November 25 at 6:00 p.m. in the church. The Church Offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (November 26) and Friday (November 27). There will be no early morning Eucharist.
Today, the grants awarded through the UTO significantly impact the lives of people across the globe, and provide financial support for works like the Honduras mission currently supported by our parish. Take a blue United Thank Offering box home, and as you give thanks each day for the good things in your life, fill the box with coins or bills. Return your box to Saint Michael’s on November 14 or 15 and our blessings will combine with others throughout the Episcopal Church to become blessings for others. For more information on the UTO or to help with distributing or collecting the boxes, please contact Liz Helfrich: elizabeth. helfrich@gmail.com or Shannon Callewart: scallewart@tx.rr. com.
Cradle Roll We warmly welcome our newest member born into our parish family: Margaret Ruth Jayroe September 20, 2015 Sarah and Pete Jayroe Leo Austin Wallace September 28, 2015 Jourdy and Bryson Wallace Claire Walker Christian October 2, 2015 Kelley and Brian Christian Chandler Hardin Davis October 7, 2015 Tiffany and Brad Davis
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Good Shepherds Good Shepherds Meet for Annual Meeting The Good Shepherd Annual Meeting on October 8 drew nearly 100 women to the luncheon. They met the Interim Rector, Doug Travis, and heard reports on the group’s activities over the past year. The Good Shepherds are a ministry of presence, communication, and caring, by responding to the needs of others and by creating a sense of community. The parish has been geographically divided into neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has a Good Shepherd who responds to the needs of parishioners in that area — sharing not only in the good times but also in times of need by caring for parishioners when they are ill and giving help and hope when the unexpected happens. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Good Shepherd ministry, contact Ann Mills at amills@saintmichael.org.
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St. Michael Woman’s Exchange St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange’s New Store is Open The St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange newly remodeled store in Highland Park Village is open and was blessed Thursday afternoon, October 29, by The Rev. Lisa Flores Musser. The shop is just a few steps from its previous location. Run by volunteers, it is open from 9:30 to 5:00 Monday through Saturday and all proceeds go to Dallas area charities selected by the Women of Saint Michael’s Gifts Committee.
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Saint Michael Episcopal School Weather Doesn’t Dampen Saint Michael Episcopal School Spirits There were record rains, flights cancelled, roads closed, and power outages, but nothing dampened the spirits of the Saint Michael Episcopal School auction party, “A Night in Old Havana,” Friday October 23. Set for the House of Blues, party chairs Gina Horton and Melissa Pekar got a call at Noon Friday cancelling the party because of a power failure. Gina and Melissa contacted Katherine Mathes, a school mom, and they swung into action. In a Party Chairs Gina Horton and matter of hours, the party Melissa Pekar had been moved to the Hilton Anatole Hotel, decorations and all. Guests were notified and the party was on. “A Night in Old Havana” may have been hit by a storm, but it sailed through unscathed. Nearly 150 guests showed up, and danced the night away. In the midst of it all, the auction party raised more than $120,000 which will benefit teacher excellence, the music programs, and a learning garden at the school.
Family Thanksgiving Chapel Service Planned The children and families from Saint Michael Episcopal School will have a special Thanksgiving chapel on Wednesday, November 11 in the Church at 9:00. The children will participate in the service which includes presenting their donations of canned food and Stewardship cards. The Rev. Bill Murray will lead the worship and bless the donations.
November School Calendar November 23rd-27th –No School Thanksgiving Holidays 16
Caring and Sharing - Mission Outreach Cuba Mission Trip Builds Relationships and a Church Home
I Believe in Angels Benefiting Jubilee Park Children and Seniors Begins November 8
On October 23, seven Saint Michael missioners went to Cuba to be reunited with The Episcopal Church of San Bernabe in Sancti Spiritus. The goal was to continue fostering the relationship with the parish and to work alongside its members to refurbish the house that now serves as their church.
The “I Believe in Angels” Project is a partnership between Saint Michael and Jubilee Park designed to provide Christmas gifts for children and seniors living in the Jubilee neighborhood. Last year, Saint Michael parishioners made Christmas wishes come true for 117 families with 354 children and over 193 seniors. Jubilee families are required to take an active role by volunteering in the community in order to participate in I Believe in Angels.
Over three days, with the members of San Bernabe, Saint Michaelites painted the interior of the two main rooms in the church, hung chandeliers, created a cross wall, held a pizza-pinata-s’mores party for the children of the mission and the neighborhood, distributed bags of toiletries, made financial contributions to the mission and the Diocese, and led a jewelry-making session with the women. It quickly became clear that the members of the parish wanted to be intimately involved in the work being accomplished in their parish home and the relationship the parish has with Saint Michael and All Angels is held close to their hearts.
Please “adopt” angels from the tables located by the Parlor or near Saint Michael Chapel on Sundays beginning November 8 and return gifts by Sunday, December 6. We invite you to participate and minister to these families in the true spirit of Christmas. Volunteers are needed to work the Angel tables on Sundays, to help sort gifts at The Jubilee Center on Friday, December 11 and to help with the family “shopping” day on Saturday, December 12. For more information please contact Maria Martin mariaomartin@ sbcglobal.net or Nancy Moore Nancystahlamoore@yahoo.com.
San Bernabe hopes to become a fountain of giving in their own community - quite literally. Its members are working with ecumenical partners to install a water filtration system to provide clean drinking water to the parish and the people living in the parish’s neighborhood. San Bernabe is saying thank you to the generosity of Saint Michael and All Angels by sharing their own gifts within their community.
Saint Michael missioners deliver San Bernabe’s new refrigerator on the back of a converted bicycle.
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Caring and Sharing - Mission Outreach Parishioners Provide Monthly Dinner at
Volunteer Opportunities at Jubilee Park
Austin Street Shelter for the Homeless
Jubilee Park’s O.M. Roberts Elementary School serves over 600 students. Volunteers are needed throughout the year for the following:
Saint Michael parishioners will be cooking and serving dinner at the Austin Street Center in early November. The Center provides emergency shelter and expert services to homeless men and women in Dallas. One night each month, Saint Michael serves a prepared meal to those at the shelter. We need volunteers for the following: • Cooking: Tuesday, November 3 beginning at 5:30 in the Parish Hall Kitchen, • Transporting the food: One person to deliver the food Wednesday morning November 4, • Serving the meal at Austin Street Center along with celebrating Evening Prayer in the center’s chapel Wednesday evening at 5:30. If you want to cook, please contact Randy Rekerdres - randy@ rek-ins.com; If you want to transport or serve, please contact Rita Davis - rrdavis14@aol.com; If you are interested in helping lead Evening Prayer contact The Rev. Hunter Ruffin at hruffin@saintmichael.org. ..............
• Classroom Assistance Program: Volunteers will be assigned to a specific classroom to provide assistance. Time commitment: once a week, 1 hour. • Mentoring Program: Mentors will be assigned to a specific student for weekly check-ins and discussion. Time commitment: once a week, 30 minutes. • Beacon Hill: The preparatory institute’s tutoring program needs volunteers to assist the instructors. The program takes place Monday through Wednesday from 8 to 3.
Davids’ Place Readers Davids’ Place, the Head Start school at Jubilee, serves 3 to 5 year olds. Volunteers are needed to read to the children. Time commitment: 1 hour a week.
Jeanie’s Place Assist the Early Head Start School with care and activities for infants and toddlers, ages newborn through three years old. Time commitment: 1 hour a week.
Tree Planting at Jubilee Park November 7 Saint Michael volunteers will gather at Jubilee Park Community Center on Saturday, November 7 to plant trees throughout the neighborhood between 8:00 and 12:00 Noon. This is a great opportunity for youth to earn community service hours while supporting the residents of the Jubilee Park community. For more information about volunteering at Jubilee Park contact Allison Johnson at volunteer@jubileecenter.org
The Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon at Jubilee Park Needs Your Help
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The Thanksgiving luncheon for seniors living in Jubilee Park will be Thursday, November 19. Volunteers are needed to prepare food and drive the food from Saint Michael to Jubilee Park, and to help the serve meal. If you can help contact: Beth Hise at jbhise@att.net .
Caring and Sharing - Pastoral Care Recovery Advocates offer The LIFELINE of Spirituality As a service to Saint Michael and All Angels and the community at large, Melanie McGill, lay leader of our pastoral care ministry, Recovery Advocates, is introducing a new program, Lifeline: Dallas, to the parish. It is based on the 11th Step of Alcoholic Anonymous’ 12 Step program. This special evening, at 7:00 on Tuesday, November 17 in the Theatre, is not a religious service, but a gathering of people who seek to improve their conscious contact with God as they seek to deal with addictions. Spirituality has long played a role in recovery from addiction. The focus on spirituality stems from the “12-Step” program, which specifically calls for spirituality in the 11th step: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand him, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.
By Marillyn Burton Seeberger The one-hour meeting at Saint Michael will include a speaker on recovery, meditative music led by sacred musician Ana Hernandez, and guidance on how to pray and meditate. Dr. McGill says, “The meeting is open to people from different faith traditions, as well as no particular faith...to those in recovery and those who are just curious. Lifeline: Dallas is open to all.” At Saint Michael, Recovery Advocates is a group of volunteers in recovery who are dedicated to enhancing the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of those who experience substance abuse or other addictions, and their families. Through Recovery Advocates help in many forms is available for those suffering from any kind of addiction. Join us at 7:00 on Tuesday evening, November 17, for Lifeline: Dallas, a spiritual lifeline to recovery. For more information contact The Rev. Neal Hern, nealhern@aol.com or Melanie McGill, melanie.mcgill@ gamail.com or The Rev. Lisa Flores Musser, lflores@ saintmichael.org. ..............
75 People Helped By Saint Michael Blood Drive! Dianne Boyd, R.N., and Lay leader of the Parish Nurse Ministry reports that 25 units of blood were collected in our recent Red Cross Blood Drive at Saint Michael. Each unit is used in three different ways to save lives. Our 25 units translate to 75 people who can be helped. The Parish Nurse Ministry and the Red Cross thank all of you who unselfishly made this powerful gift of life! People from all walks of life become lost in addiction to substances such as alcohol, drugs, or food, or in activities such as gambling, sex, or shopping, which eventually become compulsive and can interfere with work, relationships, or health. 19
Caring and Sharing - Pastoral Care Alcoholics Anonymous. This group, open to both men and women meets on the first and third Sundays of November, at 7:30, in the Coke Activities Room. Contact: The Rev. Neal Hern, nealhern@aol.com. .............. The Care Giver Support Group meets on the first and third Mondays of November, at 11:00, in the Parlor. For more information, contact Sandra Klingeman, jsklingeman@ sbcglobal.net. .............. Faith and Grief Luncheon. The November Faith and Grief Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at 12:00 Noon, in the Coke Activities Room. Our guest speaker will be Kay Rainey. Contact: Contact Katherine Bowen for reservations. kbowen@saintmichael.org
Parish Nurse Ministry. Parish Nurse Sunday is November 15, and will focus on Blood Pressure Awareness. Visit the South Lanai between services and let a Parish Nurse take your blood pressure and learn about the importance of monitoring these records. Contact, Dianne Boyd, R.N., dboyd@saintmichael. org .............. Lifeline: Dallas, a night of music and prayer and meditation. This new event, sponsored by the Recovery Advocates at Saint Michael, is scheduled for November 17 at 7:00 in the Theater. Contact Melanie McGill for more information, melanie. mcgill@gmail.com .............. Prayer Ministry. The Prayer Ministry meets on Thursday, November 19, 5:30-7:00 in the Coke Activities Room. The Rev. Oliver Butler is our guest speaker and we will finish with Evening Prayer.
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Meets regularly on Mondays at 1:45 in the Parlor to offer support to those who have or who are recovering from the disease. Contact: Sue Patton, pattons@ sbcglobal.net, or Charlie Stobaugh, charliestobaugh@gmail.com. Women’s Cancer Support Group.
.............. The Christian Yoga Class. Plan to be with us on Mondays at 5:30 in the Youth Center. Now is the time to take advantage of the Christian Yoga classes offered by Licensed Yoga Instructor, Annette Lentz. There is no fee. Questions? Contact: Annette Lentz, Annette.lentz@sbcglobal.net .............. Centering Prayer Group. You are invited to join us on Tuesdays at 10:00 in the Clergy Conference Room to engage in Centering Prayer. Learn how to be still, pray, and get your mind centered on those things most important to you and those you love. Contact: Mary Ann Webster, maryannwebster@ gmail.com. .............. Knitting Ministry. You are invited to join us weekly as we gather on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 – 3:00 in the Coke Activities Room where we knit together. If you don’t know how to knit and would like to learn, we’ll teach you. Consider joining the knitting ministry, either in person or from home. Contact: Byrd Teague, byrd.teague@gmail.com. .............. A Stephen Minister Can Help You Over The Rough Spots. Now is a good time to begin again with a new you. Do you have a burden that you cannot handle alone? Saint Michael and All Angels offers a dedicated group of men and women who have received specialized training to walk with you, confidentially, on this journey. Consider asking for a Stephen Minister. If you know someone who might benefit from having a Stephen Minister or you could use one yourself, please contact The Rev. Lisa Flores Musser, lflores@saintmichael.org. or lay leader, Jean Coleman, jwcoleman@sbcglobal.net.
Children and Family Ministry Book Donations for Jubilee Park Due by Wednesday
Faith Lab
Saint Michael’s 6th Grade Disciples Confirmation Class is collecting books for the Jubilee Park Literacy Fair. Bring new or gently used books for all ages to the Youth Center by Wednesday, November 4. Help spread the word.
Edgers Get Locked Up
The Edge students (grades 4 and 5) got locked up Friday, October 23, but they didn’t seem to mind. They spent allnight in the church working on their All Souls tee-shirts, decorating Halloween cookies, and having a lot of fun.
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Children and Family Ministry Instruction Focuses Inquiring Minds on the Meaning of the Eucharist Children, parents, and some grandparents gathered Saturday morning, October 17 in the Saint Michael Chapel where the Rev. Greg Pickens explained step-by-step the meaning and ceremony behind Holy Communion. Afterwards, the group got to try on the priest’s vestments.
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For Your Information Continued from page 1
our earnings we’re doing well.
I envision an embittered man willing to estrange himself from his community and any possibility of friends simply to be able to garner wealth.
But the lowest percentage mentioned in the New Testament is Zacchaeus’ 50%!
But there is in his heart something yet alive, something that hopes, something that wants to belong, be embraced and loved. He climbs the tree to see Jesus. And Jesus knows him! By name! Jesus commands that Zacchaeus open his house to him and his disciples. I wonder when Zacchaeus last had houseguests? Zacchaeus is overwhelmed. He is known! He is embraced! He is loved! Behind and beneath all the wounds of his childhood there is a confidence that he can still belong, that he can still matter and makes a difference, that he has something good to offer. He blurts out, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” (v. 8) Then Jesus says the most remarkable thing, “Today salvation has come to this house.”
The point is not that we should all give 50% away. Rather, the point is that we should all invite Jesus into our homes and our hearts! In the lifelong process of becoming apprentices of Jesus, we come to understand that “Everything is gift – it’s all pure gift.” And then we find that we’re freed from the shackles of anxiety that prevent our being as generous as God calls us to be. You see, the question is not, “How much should I give?” Rather the question is, “How should I give?” And the answer is, we should give out of our hearts in response to our recognizing that it’s all pure gift, and that God shares generously with us that we might also share what in truth actually belongs to God.
Doug Travis, Interim Rector
What does he mean? We tend to think of salvation as what happens after this life is over. When we die if we’re “saved,” we go to heaven. Eternal life is included, but salvation is not just about eternal life, and it doesn’t begin when we die. It begins NOW, in this very moment. The Greek word translated here as “saved” can equally well be translated as “healed.” To be saved is to be healed, and to be healed is to be saved. Discovering himself in the presence of Jesus, known and loved, Zacchaeus is suddenly healed/saved, and in his gratitude and newfound security, he’s wildly generous! He’s now a new man, a man who shares his wealth and is invariably honest. He is guaranteed eternal life, but more than that he’s given the gift of new life and friendship with God, now! (Zacchaeus is a little bit like that other famous miserly misanthrope, Ebenezer Scrooge.) Zacchaeus has come to understand something vital. Everything is gift. It’s all pure gift. And when we live into God’s gift our souls are freed from the fetters of anxiety that normally bind us. Zacchaeus no longer needs to hoard, nor does he need to make his money at the expense of his Jewish sisters and brothers. We always want to know how much we should give. The Old Testament standard is, of course, 10%, and if we share 10% of
Grant Them Eternal Rest May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace: Earl Larremore, October 3, brother of Janice Lee, brother-inlaw of Wayne Lee Ann Bower, October 8, sister of Tom Bower, aunt of Phil Bower, aunt in law of Erika Bower, great aunt to Philip & Liliana Mary John Spence, October 21, mother of Louise Griffeth, mother-in-law of Guy Griffeth John Taylor, October 22, father of Allison Benners, father-inlaw of Rick Benners, grandfather of Tripp and Will Gene Taylor Hefner, October 24 Betty Campbell, October 28, mother of Lou Ann Campbell Frank Miller Guenther, October 29, husband of Jody Guenther Jane Sawyer Bickel, October 29 23
Archangel PERIODICAL
the
POSTAGE PAID
A monthly publication of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
DALLAS, TX
Saint Michael and All Angels
the
8011 Douglas Avenue Dallas, Texas 75225-0385
www.saintmichael.org Phone: 214-363-5471 Fax: 214-363-4388 The Archangel Newsletter (USPS 015-033) is published monthly by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church POSTMASTER: Send Address changes to The Archangel, Saint Michael and All Angels Church, P.O. Box 12385, Dallas,TX 75225-0385
Worship Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – Eucharist – BMC Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – Healing Service – BMC Saturday 8:30 a.m. – Eucharist – BMC 5:30 p.m. – Candlelight Mass Sunday 7:30 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I – SMC 9:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite II - Church 9:00 a.m. – Joy Mass - Parish Hall 9:00 a.m. – Discovery Mass - SMC 10:00 a.m. – Sunday School Classes
(Children and Adult)
11:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I –Church
Parish Clergy The Very Reverend Doug Travis, Interim Rector The Reverend Bill Murray, Vicar The Reverend Lisa Flores Musser, Associate for Pastoral Care The Reverend Greg Pickens, Associate for Operations and Pastoral Care The Reverend Oliver Butler, Associate for Youth and Young Adults The Reverend Hunter Ruffin, Associate for Mission and Outreach The Reverend Michael Harmuth, Sunday Associate The Reverend Rich Towers, Weekend Associate The Reverend Pamela Theodore, Sunday Associate The Reverend Neal Hern, Sunday Associate
Parish Vestry Matt Waller, Sr. Warden Kathy Jenevein, Jr. Warden Grady Schleier, Treasurer Charlie Sartain, Chancellor Margaret Spellings, Clerk Peter Beck, Eric Conner, Mark Demler, John Gorman, Beth Hise, Kathy Kelley, Rachel Morgan, Sallie Plummer, Randy Rekerdres, Tom Rhodus, J.C. Snead, and Kay Whelan.
11:11 a.m. – The Celebration - Theater 5:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer
and Eucharist Rite I – SMC
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