Saint Michael and All Angels
Saint Michael and All Angels Dallas, Texas
Based on Faith, Building on Hope and Expectation
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 Christlike so that we can better serve all in your Son’s name. Seeking that all we do is for your glory, AMEN.
Table of Contents
Our Vision and Values................................................. 4 Welcome to Saint Michael and All Angels................ 5-7 Our History ........................................................................5-7 Worship...................................................................................8-11 Music Ministry ..................................................................10 Altar Guild .........................................................................10 Acolyte, Chalice Bearer and Lector Corps ...............10 Ushers .................................................................................11 Clergy ..................................................................................11 Discipleship...........................................................................12-14 Adult Formation...............................................................12-13 Children and Family........................................................13 Youth Ministry...................................................................13 Pastoral Care......................................................................13-14 Mission and Outreach........................................................15-18 Jubilee Park and Community Center..........................15-17 Other Local Ministries....................................................17 National Outreach Ministries......................................17-18 International Outreach Ministries..............................18 Fellowship..............................................................................19-21 Women’s Groups...............................................................19 Men’s Groups.....................................................................19
Fellowship Groups...........................................................19-20 Farmer’s Market................................................................20 Big Parish Events.............................................................20-21 Our Future..............................................................................22-28 Spiritual Home..................................................................23 Involvement.......................................................................23-24 Worship, Preaching..........................................................24 What We Do Best.............................................................24-25 What Would Make Us Better........................................25 Our Next Rector................................................................25 Survey Results...................................................................26 Dreams for Saint Michael.............................................27 Campus Planning.............................................................27 Communications..............................................................28 Our Leaders............................................................................29 Diocese of Dallas.............................................................29 Bishop Sumner..................................................................29 Our Vestry...........................................................................29 Our Finances..........................................................................30 By the Numbers ...............................................................31 Our City...................................................................................32-34
Our Vision Followers of Christ Spreading God’s love Our Mission Saint Michael and All Angels is an embracing and engaging community of faith living our Baptismal Covenant.
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Welcome to Saint Michael and All Angels Saint Michael and All Angels is a special place. We know that God is in this place. It’s where we hear God call us to serve Him, each other, our community and beyond. We’re eager to respond to that call. We have the resources, the talent and treasure, to spread God’s love, to teach and learn the faith, and to serve Christ, within our congregation and in the broader community. God lifts us up in this place.
We have benefitted from several years of economic growth enabling parishioners to increase their annual giving, with pledges now exceeding $6 million. The average pledge is $4,000, an increase over 2014. We are a church that looks both outward and inward. Over the past five years, our average annual giving to ministries beyond ourselves is nearly $1.5 million, including being a fullpaying supporter of the Diocese of Dallas and the national church. We want to put our resources to work because we recognize that to whom much is given, much is expected. People connect deeply with our church, but in many different ways. It is a caring community with a rich historical tradition. It’s a liturgical church with a heart and soul, inspiring music, pastoral care, opportunities for fellowship, and with significant outreach and mission work. It’s a cradle-to-grave church that feels like home. It has embraced many new members during its 70-year history; some can still recall the early days.
History
We are a large parish, blessed with hundreds of lay volunteers and more than 100 groups and organizations that engage and involve our parishioners, from worship support groups to mission and outreach. We are a parish of seekers and doers. A major strength is our army of talented, committed, educated, take-charge lay leaders.
World War II was ending when Dallas Bishop Harry Tunis Moore pursued his dream of establishing a new church in North Dallas. It was 1945 and Dallas had only three Episcopal churches north of the Trinity River.
Saint Michael is also a theologically diverse parish. It may be the largest “big tent” Anglican congregation in the nation; philosophies range from conservative and traditionalist to more moderate to progressive. It’s a cerebral church, intellectually interesting with many resources for learning -- from Bible studies to religious book clubs to distinguished and diverse speakers. While it is a church with many voices, its members have a common goal: to be fed spiritually in worship, discipleship and service, to grow in understanding, and to be guided in leading purposeful lives. 5
Our History Bishop Moore chose The Rev. A. A. Taliaferro, recently returned to Dallas from seminary, to fulfill his dream. An initial problem was the question of overlapping church boundaries. It was decided that the new parish should be established north of Mockingbird Lane, to serve the Park Cities and Preston Hollow.
A small group of prospective members met in the heat of the first Sunday in August 1945 in a Boy Scout hut in University Park. Thirty-two persons signed a petition asking the Bishop to organize a North Dallas mission. A subsequent parish meeting selected the name of Saint Michael and All Angels, and the group soon moved to the Fondren Library auditorium on the Southern Methodist University campus. The mission became a parish church in January, 1946, and at the end of that year, the vestry voted to spend $21,000 for a 9-acre property at the corner of Colgate and Douglas, where the first 6
church building, a Gothic-style, Austin stone church would be erected. The first service was held in the church on Easter Sunday, 1948. Fr. Taliaferro was a charismatic leader and the young church grew to a thriving congregation of over 2,000 members by the time he left in 1962. He led in the design and development of a larger church to replace the original 200-seat sanctuary that became Saint Michael Chapel. The new church of brick, granite and marble featured a gold-leaf cross and reredos of angels above the altar, a cloistered courtyard and campanile with clavier and bells. Regular services began in 1961.
In accordance with the wishes of Fr. Taliaferro, the Saint Michael Day School opened as a parish school in 1950 with 45 students. It was organized as a separate entity from the church and grew to include six grades. In 1995, the Saint Michael School merged with the Episcopal School of Dallas, which became all grades. The lower grades remained on the Saint Michael campus but will soon move, with an independent pre-school remaining as the Saint Michael Episcopal School. When Saint Michael was preparing to celebrate its 50th or Jubilee anniversary, instead of adding a building or launching another capital campaign, members decided to give back to the community. They identified an area, an economically disadvantaged neighborhood in East Dallas, to adopt. The neighborhood is now called Jubilee Park. Jubilee has become the defining ministry
Our History of Saint Michael, an important building block in the life of the church. Hundreds of members are involved as tutors, mentors, homebuilders and more in the Jubilee neighborhood. Saint Michael has grown into one of the nation’s leading Episcopal churches with 6,821 baptized members at the end of 2014, almost 3,000 households, and an average attendance of 1,171 at nine Eucharistic services each weekend. Today, the Saint Michael campus encompasses the entire city block on which the original church was built. It has been through several capital campaigns and building additions and is poised for additional growth as a result of the purchase of commercial land north of the church site. A campus planning committee is working on a long-range use plan. Saint Michael and All Angels, launched in a prestigious area of Dallas, has always been a “big fish,” although once in a smaller pond. Its founding members were Park Cities-Preston Hollow residents, some with substantial means but who were also financially frugal and debt-averse. The initial bid of $140,000 for the first church was rejected and the cost brought in at two-thirds that amount. In 1971, there was much to-do over the burning of the mortgage of the new church. Today, Saint Michael is a big fish in a big pond. The vacant lots and open fields north of Royal and Forest Lanes are gone. Today, neighborhoods to the north are fully developed, and while Park Cities and Preston Hollow residents still form the core of the
congregation, the geographical boundaries of membership extend much further as North Dallas has grown into northern suburbs and adjoining counties. We are now a destination church as well, with parishioners coming from a wide-ranging number of zip codes. Several clergy leaders contributed to the growth of Saint Michael, and the congregation is indebted to them. They include the following Rectors: The Rev. A. A. Talliferro 1945-1962 The Rev. George Kempsell 1963-1965 The Rev. Donald Henning 1965-1974 The Rev. Robert Estill 1974-1979 The Rev. Robert Ratelle 1980-1994 The Rev. Mark Anschutz 1996-2006 The Rev. Bob Dannals 2007-2015 Our congregation knows that it faces challenges, not the least of which include the declining role of organized religion in today’s culture, maintaining unity in a large church of different philosophies and disparate interests, building a more vibrant youth program, attracting young families, strengthening our relationship with the Diocese of Dallas, and restructuring facilities for greater use. But there is a can-do spirit at this church, just as there has always been a can-do spirit in the city of Dallas. We look at this time of transition as a unique time in our history, with new bishops in our diocese and in the Episcopal Church USA. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of our founding, we are thankful for charismatic and visionary clergy, for energetic lay leaders, and for the commitment and enthusiasm of forwardlooking parishioners. We are grounded in our faith and look to the future with hope and expectation of a renewal of the Holy Spirit in our midst.
Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this place I can feel God’s mighty power and his grace I can hear the brush of angel’s wings I see glory on each face Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place Copyright 1977 Lanny Wolfe Music
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Worship Worship is the heart and soul of Saint Michael and All Angels. We recognize the centrality of worship as the springboard to all else that we do. We gather on Sunday mornings and other times to be fed through worship and prayer. We are driven by a deep hunger for what Christ offers to our faith life. Worship is where we seek our spiritual food, where we share our faith as a community, where we pray for our blessings, our needs and the needs of others. It’s where God speaks to us, moves and shapes our lives, and equips us for the work of ministry within our faith community and beyond. An important goal of parishioners is to have this spiritual hunger fed through worship and spiritual study. Saint Michael provides a diversity of services, including nine different weekend services in four worship spaces. The Sunday services range from the traditional, in both liturgy and music, with both Rite I and Rite II every Sunday, to the contemporary Celebration Mass in the Theater. The Discovery Mass in Saint Michael Chapel is a participatory mass for children and their parents and features the Discovery Band playing simple hymns, traditional spirituals and gospel music. At the same time, the Joy Mass is offered in the Parish Hall for even younger children and their parents. Sunday evening service in the chapel is a said evening prayer followed by Eucharist. Saturday evening features a candlelight service. Morning prayer is said daily in the Bishop Moore Chapel and has a small, faithful attendance.
Holidays offer opportunities to draw extended families, friends and visitors at festive services featuring glorious music. Saint Michael offers multiple back-to-back services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The church is always ready to accommodate crowds to facilitate our community of worship during our holy holidays so that no one is turned away. Easter attendance also is huge: In 2014, the attendance was 3,886 and Holy Week attendance typically draws over 6,000. Large and dedicated ministries are required to provide support for worship services at a church the size of Saint Michael and All Angels. During an average week, we may have as many as 20 different worship services, including funerals and weddings. The support groups include the music ministry; Altar Guild; Acolyte, Chalice Bearer and Lector Corps; and the Ushers.
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Worship Music Ministry
Altar Guild
Music has always been important at Saint Michael, dating back to founder Fr. Taliaferro, who studied music and was the first organist for the church. Fr. Taliaferro believed in the importance of music as part of worship and in 1960 hired Paul Lindsley Thomas as Music Director. James Diaz is only the second Director of music. A nationally renowned organist, choirmaster and composer, he has been at Saint Michael since 1998. Hyeon Jeong is Associate Director of Music. Saint Michael adult choirs sing at the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday services. String, wind and brass instruments often accompany the choir on feast days. When the congregation is asked what they value most about Saint Michael, music is often mentioned. In 2014, the music ministry inaugurated a special community concert series titled Saint Michael Presents, which draws music-lovers from the wider community as well as parishioners. Saint Michael Presents this year will feature Southern Methodist University’s three concert choirs and the Boston Brass at two concerts.
The Altar Guild consists of 85 multi-generational members who consider preparing the Lord’s Table to be a cherished privilege. They maintain the altars, sacristies, vestments, linens, vessels, candles, torches, silver/brass, flowers and supplies for every worship service. In a year, the Altar Guild will prepare and serve at 400 Sunday services, 375 weekday services, and 35 services during Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent and Easter – plus serving at weddings, funerals and baptisms. Would anyone believe that that Altar Guild washes and irons some 4,000 linens in a year? This is a group dedicated to the enhancement of the worship experience.
“How often making music, we have found A new dimension in the world of sound As worship moved us to a more profound Al-le-lu-ia!” — Hymn 420, Verse 2
Acolyte, Chalice Bearer and Lector Corps It’s hard to imagine a fuller, more dedicated corps of acolytes, chalice bearers and lectors than the one at Saint Michael. Director Tony Briggle enlists, trains and organizes 200 parishioners, ages 12 to 80, who assist the clergy in celebrating Holy Eucharist and at other services. Additionally, some 50 lay readers deliver the lessons, Psalms, and Prayers of the People at the various services.
Ushers
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The ushers are typically the first and last people that visitors see at our worship services. They provide a friendly, welcoming spirit – handing out programs, assisting people in finding seats, managing the offerings and directing the movement of people to communion. It takes a corps of 115 men and women at a parish the size of Saint Michael to do this job. Hospitality has been an emphasis and one that parishioners want to see continued.
Worship Clergy The bedrock of the worship experience at Saint Michael is provided by the clergy. The church has been blessed to have Bob Dannals as Rector for eight years. Other fulltime clergy are The Rev. William S. (Bill) Murray, vicar; The Rev. Greg Pickens, associate for operations and pastoral care; The Rev. Hunter Ruffin, associate for mission and outreach; The Rev. Lisa Flores Musser, associate for pastoral care; and The Rev. Oliver Butler, associate for youth and young adults. Sunday assistants include The Revs. Neal Hern, Michael Harmuth, Pamela Theodore and Rich Towers. Interim Rector is The Very Rev. Douglas Travis. As Henry C. Coke III, an early and well-loved priest at Saint Michael, has written: “The proclamation of the Gospel, the administration of the sacrament – this is the core and center of our lives in this place, and the much, much else that goes on here in our midst is spin-off and consequence of its life-giving power.” We are a worshipping parish and a welcoming parish. Saint Michael has an open communion; all baptized persons are welcome to partake at the Lord’s Table. Our communicants strongly believe that worship binds together our broad and multi-dimensional congregation.
As Christ breaks bread and bids us share Each proud division ends That love that made us makes us one, And strangers now are friends. — Hymn 304, verse 3
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Discipleship Discipleship means to be a follower. As Christians, we are followers of Jesus. Our objective at Saint Michael is to equip people to follow the way of Jesus. It is important to study, pray and engage in conversations about what following looks like. It’s not easy. That’s why we need a community that worships together, studies together and engages in reflection about living a faithful life. Our internal ministries and programs offer opportunities for learning and for engagement, where people live and grow their faith. They are communities of people with a commitment to each other and a common desire to develop as disciples of Jesus Christ. We like to think there’s a place for everyone at Saint Michael and All Angels.
Adult Formation Adult Formation provides opportunities for education and spiritual formation, for asking questions, discovering answers, and growing in our relationships with each other and with God. Adult Formation programs include Sunday adult classes, weekday study groups, distinguished lecture series, home communions during Lent and Advent, and retreats and workshops during the year to help people slow down the pace of their lives and focus on spirituality.
There’s a Place for Me - Video
Four different adult classes are offered during the Sunday School hour in fall 2015. They include a Bible study on the “Children of Abraham” featuring learned lecturers on topics regarding Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The Forum class is centered on “Faith and Society” and is hosting community leaders to discuss how their faith impacts their position. Speakers include the Dallas police chief, a Dallas County judge, a school board member and others. A new fellowship class has been designed for middle adults, 30s, 40s and 50s, including parents, couples and singles. Coffee with clergy is always on the schedule. Several times during the year, all classes combine to hear a special speaker.
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The Distinguished Lecture Series was established in 2004 in honor of former Rector Robert E. Ratelle. Fr. Ratelle was deeply interested in Biblical theology and ethics and encouraged bringing in speakers to make these topics relevant to daily Christian living. In 2015-2016, Saint Michael will host noted theology professors from Vanderbilt, Princeton and Columbia. The lecturers speak during the Sunday School hour and again at lunch.
Discipleship An average of 15 study groups meet during the week. They range from Brown Bag Bible Study for women to Men’s Bible Study, Dad’s Bible Study, book club, meditation, and Women-Word-Work, an evening group for working women.
Children And Family Sunday School for pre-school through second grade is Holy Moly, where the Bible is brought to life by parents and adult volunteers. Classes are organized by grade level. Third graders connect with each other and the Old Testament in The Bridge Sunday School. Fourth and fifth graders explore the Bible in The Edge class. Tweens learn how to weave their faith into everyday life situations. Additionally, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based method of engaging scripture with children ages 4-6 and 6-9. A children’s choir is offered for kindergarten to fifth graders; the choir sings in several worship services during the year.
Youth Ministry The emphasis in the youth ministry is on building relationships, a sense of belonging and creating opportunities for leadership and service. The Disciples Class is confirmation for 6th graders; 76 were confirmed in 2014. Encounter and other classes are offered on Sunday and midweek for 7th to 12 graders. Programs for youth
go beyond Sunday School. Our young people have traveled on summer mission trips to places such as Oregon, for a beach cleanup project, Corpus Christi, where they worked with a food bank and Salvation Army Thrift Store. High school and middle school youth serve as classroom helpers at VBS. Many of our teens participate in the bi-annual musical production of Godspell as their Lenten discipline.
Pastoral Care Midweek formation and seasonal events also are scheduled, such as the Pajama Prayers for pre-school and early elementary families during December. The Nativity Pageant performed by more than 100 three-year-olds to eighth graders is always a treat. Talented, creative volunteers engage Saint Michael children at Vacation Bible School, a big program in the summer.
The mission of pastoral care at Saint Michael is to build the Kingdom of God by responding in love to those in need. The clergy, staff and parishioners provide loving care and a pastoral presence for those in need, through visiting, care groups, prayer groups and service groups. Rector Bob Dannals said in the 2014 Annual Report: “The pastoral care network has a stunning array of dedicated and caring people. Through Stephen Ministers, Friends in Christ, LEV’s (Lay Eucharistic Visitors), Funeral Reception Guild, and many others,
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Discipleship we have hundreds of parishioners who reach out with love, care, mercy and the touch of God...our 7,000 members become 14,000 in the volume of our care and concern, because we tend to many relatives and friends who don’t have a church home.” Prayer groups include the Prayer Shawl ministry. Seven years ago a group of women began meeting weekly to knit shawls to share with parishioners experiencing an illness, a loss, or family issue. The shawls are blessed in worship before being sent to those in need. The ministry was honored recently upon completion of its 2,000th prayer shawl. Other prayer and care groups include Christian Yoga, Alcoholics Anonymous, Recovery Advocates, Care Givers Support Group, Grief Ministry, Women’s Cancer Support Group, Sunday Service Prayer Teams (prayer with members following Eucharist at each service on Sunday), Stephen Ministry (one–on-one care to individuals facing life challenges), phone ministry, and a parish nurse.
Cursillo is alive and well at Saint Michael, equipping many members along their spiritual journey. Parishioners who live out their 4th Day at Saint Michael are also active in the Diocesan Cursillo programs and the national movement in the Episcopal Church. Congregational Care ministries include Extended Care Cooks, who deliver a home cooked meal once a week to those in need; Funeral Reception Guild, which provides food for funeral receptions; and Good Shepherds, a neighbor-helping-neighbor ministry. Close to 200 shepherds represent 101 different neighborhoods, responding to needs of parishioners in their neighborhood. Parishioners provided volunteer receptions for more than 60 funerals. Those who visit include Friends in Christ, parishioners who are trained to visit and support those who are homebound, in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Lay Eucharistic Visitors take the Blessed Sacraments to parishioners in the hospital, homebound, or in assisted living centers. Pastoral care is taken seriously at Saint Michael. Twenty-one different lay ministries reach out to those in need in the parish.
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. – John 13:34 14
Mission and Outreach It’s hard to overstate the importance of Mission and Outreach at Saint Michael and All Angels. We feel that, by sharing and caring, we can be Christ’s hands and feet in our own community and beyond. Our mission outreach is local, national and global. Additionally, companionship in mission work constitutes a shift from models that suggest we have everything to teach and nothing to learn. For many in our church, mission outreach has been transformational. Nowhere is that more apparent than in our volunteer work at Jubilee.
Jubilee Park And Community Center To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Saint Michael decided to adopt an economically disadvantaged neighborhood in East Dallas. Instead of adding on to the church or building some other physical sign of the church’s “Jubilee” anniversary, members wanted to give back
to the community. They focused on a 62-block area sandwiched between Interstate 30 and Fair Park — once a vibrant middle class neighborhood, where residents relied on jobs at the Ford plant on East Grand Avenue and shopped mom-and-pop stores on the same street. But the area had fallen on hard times, isolated by the construction of I-30 in the 1960s and closure of the Ford plant in 1970. Older families moved away, and the area was repopulated with a more racially diverse and poorer population. The area fell into neglect, beset with crime, economic, education, housing, health and community ownership problems. “Had you walked the streets of Jubilee 17 years ago, you would’ve seen prostitutes…You would’ve seen dime bags and syringes littering the gutter. You would’ve seen gang members freely roaming the neighborhood and residents afraid to exit their homes,” said Jubilee Park Community Center CEO Ben Leal. Listen to a 2015 KERA radio report on Jubilee Park. With a commitment from Saint Michael and partnership with Habitat for Humanity and AmeriCorps, rebuilding and rehabilitation were initially realized in 1997 with the Jubilee Park and Community Center. The Center has served as a catalyst for community revitalization with an emphasis on education in an area where the majority of families are working poor, with 46 percent living below the federal poverty level. Today, 14 staff members and more than 800 volunteers provide services and education to more than 1,100 individuals in Jubilee Park. A multi-facility campus includes a community center, resource center, two Head Start schools, a senior housing complex and three-acre park. An independent Board of Directors with many parishioners serving provides self-sustaining governance. Increased police presence has resulted in a 64 percent drop in the crime rate since 2007. Houses have been built or renovated and new affordable housing built for seniors. Healthy meals are provided for seniors and children, including weekend snacks for kids. Head Start prepares children ages 3-5 for kindergarten and an early Head Start program is offered for infants and toddlers. 15
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Father‌grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you. — Prayers of the People, Form III
Mission and Outreach Saint Michael has been instrumental in this massive partnership and turnover, providing funding, planning, advice, and hundreds of volunteers who tutor, mentor, read to children, serve meals, gather backpack foods, work with seniors as well as children, build homes…and build hope. As Marta Holden, former director of engagement at Saint Michael, said: “Jubilee is a huge piece of who Saint Michael is. It’s our footprint in the community.” In 2014, parishioners contributed countless hours, energy and money to a wide array of opportunities at Jubilee, including such special programs as I Believe in Angels. More than 100 Saint Michael volunteers contributed 1,200 toys to 354 children and 193 senior gift bags. Volunteers also served a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to seniors. The Park Cities neighborhood, which is home to Saint Michael and All Angels, is often referred to as “The Bubble.” Jubilee has offered the chance for Saint Michael parishioners to get out of “The Bubble” to minister in a neighborhood that is only 15 minutes away in time – but far away in terms of opportunity. It has become a place to deepen our faith, become servants, roll up our sleeves and go to work. In the process, parishioners have learned that the rewards far outweigh the commitment and the effort. As parishioner Sallie Plummer said: “I thank God that the joy of Jubilee is in my life.”
Other Local Ministries Saint Michael is also involved in other local ministries. Parishioners collect canned goods and deliver grocery bags three times a year to North Dallas Shared Ministries, which provides services to people in need. Volunteers also provide job counseling and help with the clothes closet and food pantry. Volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels to elderly and shut-ins. And Saint Michael raises money to support the Food 4 Kids initiative, which provides a backpack filled with foodstuffs for children at risk for hunger over the weekend. Several ministries involve cooking and serving meals to the less fortunate. Every other month, volunteers prepare and serve a hot meal for The Gathering, a ministry for the homeless in downtown Dallas launched by Saint Michael Deacon, Jim Webb. Once a month, volunteers from Saint Michael prepare a homemade meatloaf dinner, which they serve to 325 men and women staying in the Austin Street Center shelter. Also once a month, parishioners cook for and serve some 50 people living in a residence hall operated by AIDS Services of Dallas called By Our Love ministry. From September to June, Genesis Cooks provide a hot meal for the women and children who reside at Genesis Women’s Shelter.
National Outreach Ministries For several years, parishioners have taken a mission trip to the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in Rosebud, S.D. In 2014, parishioners put a new roof on the Episcopal church, administered fluoride treatments to reservation children, cooked and served dinner to 80 residents, and conducted Vacation Bible School. The work is coordinated with the local Episcopal priest. Saint Michael also supports a program that feeds 50 kids on the reservation during the week and with backpacks on weekends. 17
Mission and Outreach International Outreach Ministries Foreign mission work is centered in Honduras, Bolivia and Cuba. Parishioners travel to Honduras in February to work with the local parish and school in Tela, Honduras, and surrounding communities. The work involves Christian education, construction, fluoride treatments and eyeglasses for kids. Honduras Threads was started in 2002 on a mission trip; it turned into a year-round endeavor. Honduras Threads works with six sewing co-ops in rural communities outside Tegucigalpa. The embroidery co-ops produce table runners, placemats, napkins, pillow covers and other items that are sold for income for families. Saint Michael volunteers provide assistance in sewing, computer skills, and through marketing and other activities. The Saint Michael Bookstore offers items from Honduras Threads. Through the children’s village and its rural development programs, Amistad Mission is responding to needs in Bolivia. Since 1999, Saint Michael has supported Casa Experanza, one house in the village where orphaned siblings are raised in a Christian environment and supported through college or technical school. Each year in the fall, parishioners take a pilgrimage to Amistad to visit the children living in the house supported by Saint Michael and to work alongside members of the community. Saint Michael also provides committed prayer friends to the children of Amistad.
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Saint Michael has had for a few years a relationship with a parish in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, in coordination with the Diocese of Cuba. Saint Michael has been able to assist with the purchase and renovations of a new parish building. In 2014, a mission trip to Cuba resulted in completed construction projects, dispensing of reading and sun glasses, and shared meals. The Rev. Hunter Ruffin, associate for Mission and Outreach, says: “My dream is that Mission and Outreach would continue to grow into a ministry of faith formation and growth for every person in the church and to be a witness to the world of what faithful love could look like when we take the time to pay attention to each other and build fruitful relationships.” Retiring Senior Warden Stewart Thomas wrote this in the 2014 Annual Report: “Our Mission and Outreach ministry has become the gold standard in outreach ministries, providing relief, rehabilitation, and development locally, nationally and abroad. We generously gave away over $157,000 from our Christmas and Easter plate offerings and Heart of Giving. We bought and prepared food for 350 homeless persons each month at Austin Street Shelter, served 14,312 Meals on Wheels, served 50 meals each month to AIDS victims, and we started The Gathering, which served spiritual and nutritious meals to over 600 homeless persons. Over 400 parishioners contributed countless hours at Jubilee, including tutoring 130 children in after school programs. Of course, we also sent missioners back to Honduras, Amistad, Cuba and Rosebud.”
Fellowship Fellowship Groups We believe at Saint Michael that building real friendship is a key factor in spiritual growth. Parishioners are encouraged to connect in one of the fellowship organizations that include Women’s Groups, Men’s Groups and age-specific groups.
Women’s Groups: Women of Saint Michael is comprised of all women members who wish to be involved. This group has grown into one of the most impactful women’s charity groups in Dallas. The WOSM meet for lunch and a program monthly and every other year plan a big Parish Party. They staff the St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange, a highly successful specialty gift shop in Highland Park Village, with 150 volunteers who sell gift items in a unique “retail ministry” to raise funds for charity. In 2014-2015, WOSM awarded support to 68 non-profit agencies totaling $500,000.
mornings, which makes the Lanai extremely popular with our youngest parishioners. Proceeds from the sales go to small, needy charities that provide a specific service for women -- charities where a little help goes a long way to empower other women. Men’s Groups: Men of Saint Michael is an informal umbrella organization that coordinates men’s activities at the church, including fellowship, study and groups that work together to deepen men’s relationship with God, other men of the church and their families. The Men meet for Bible study and tacos on the last Friday morning of the month and have occasional evening events. The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew, the longest continually-serving ministry in the Episcopal Church, is a missionary and evangelism ministry that meets the first and third Saturday mornings of each month. Its service projects include delivering meals to Habitat for Humanity construction site workers, promoting the annual Diocese of Dallas golf tournament benefitting Habitat for Humanity, and working with Mission Outreach in supporting orphans and graduate students in Uganda. Fellowship Groups: Targeted age groups include Prime Timers, an organization geared toward parishioners over 65. They meet twice a month on Thursdays. One luncheon meeting a month features a performance, book review, or talk from someone from the business or arts community. For the second monthly meeting, PT Cruisers take a road trip to an interesting area location.
The Women also gave $25,000 to the Jubilee Park and Community Center to build a paved walking path around the park’s green space. The profits from the Exchange and the bi-annual Parish Party have enabled the Women of Saint Michael to give more than $8 million to non-profit charities since 1958. St. Mary’s Guild is a long-standing organization that offers opportunities for service and fellowship to women who prefer occasional evening meetings, and who like to bake or interact with fellow parishioners while selling baked goods on Sundays. The Guild is divided into four teams that provide home-baked goodies at the “Yield to Temptation” table in the Lanai on Sunday
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Fellowship Singles ‘N Saints builds community and friendships among mature single adults with activities and parties, such as the Denim and Barbeque party that opened the 2015-2016 season. Saint Michael ALL Adults promotes friendship, community and just plain fun among adult parishioners of all ages with special events.
Big Parish Events
Foyer Supper Clubs are made up of 8-12 people grouped together for five months who meet monthly in members’ homes for supper. The host provides the main course and others bring side dishes. The idea is to get to know new people, make new friends, enjoy a good meal and fellowship.
Throughout the year, Saint Michael hosts big parish events open to everyone. The clergy and staff recognize that this is a big church, with almost 7,000 members, and parishioners often attend different services or belong to different fellowship and study groups. These events provide an opportunity for everyone to be together. Farmers Market: The Saint Michael Farmers Market just completed its fourth year. The Market, staged on Saturday morning during summer months, provides a place for parishioners and the broader community to come together to buy local, healthy food, and support area farmers and food producers. This ministry has both a healthy living and community aspect and it lets people know about our church. An advisory committee of about 50 lay people help with the market with a dozen or so volunteering on Saturday mornings. The Discovery Band plays, providing a lively atmosphere on the north parking lot, where local growers and homemade food producers set up booths. About half of the shoppers are from the church; the other half from the broader community. The Market thus provides a gateway to the church and also promotes goodwill in the community. 20
These events are often tied to a season or special days, such as the elaborate Feast of Lights reception. Hundreds attended the last Twelfth Night Epiphany service and then followed the three Magi to the candle-lit Garden Cloister for the annual Burning of the Greens and dinner finished off by s’mores roasted over fire pits. The annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, complete with Mardi Gras beads and hot pancakes flipped by the
Fellowship Men of Saint Michael, is a multi-generational event. Wednesday evening Lenten suppers are held before the Evensong services. An Ice Cream Social follows services on Memorial Day weekend. Patriotic music performed at the July 4 weekend service is a big attraction, along with the homemade pies served afterward in the Garden Cloister. Bakers are eager to show off their pies, and the 2015 celebration featured some 80 pies. A Cookie Swap produces homemade treats for Christmas Eve. The Home for the Holidays Christmas Eve Open House reception is attended by parishioners, their families and friends. Homecoming begins back-to-school in the fall and the end to the summer church schedule and introduces parishioners to various activities, programs and volunteer opportunities. Homecoming 2014 featured Larry Gatlin playing gospel music at worship services and a tent country breakfast. The Blessing of the Animals in the fall is a popular event that cuts across age groups. The Veterans Day service, with its patriotic appeal and special music, has outgrown its chapel venue and is moving to the sanctuary. A reception follows the service. Super Bowl Sunday brings a Chili Cookoff. The Parish Life events team is trying to streamline the special events and have them coincide with the church calendar so that
they meet an underlying purpose, i.e. getting people to church for holy days. At the same time, these events are often just a chance to share food and connect with fellow parishioners with no other agenda or program than to enjoy each other in fellowship and have a good time. As Parish Life Events Director Tish Visinsky likes to say: “This church does like to have a good party.�
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them. — Matthew 18:20
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Our Future... s 22
Video - A Place for You
Our Future Parishioners at Saint Michael look to the future with hope and expectation – hope that our fold will grow spiritually and exponentially, and expectation that our new Rector will guide us in that journey. This Parish Profile has attempted to describe Saint Michael and All Angels – a dynamic organization and iconic institution in the religious life of Dallas. We are a people of conviction and confidence. Above all, we are a “big tent” congregation and a spiritual home to many people for many different reasons. More than 900 parishioners said, in a recent survey, what they value about our parish, what they hope for in our next Rector, and what they dream about for our future. Seventy-two percent of survey respondents regularly attend weekend worship services and Sunday school classes, 26 percent have children who attend Sunday school, and 78 percent feel involved in parish life.
Spiritual Home The top five reasons people attend Saint Michael are: • Fellowship/friendship • Clergy • Sacrament/liturgy • Adult Christian education • Family (family is the No. 1 reason selected by respondents 40 years and younger) Many parishioners expressed the idea that Saint Michael feels like home. A typical comment: I feel at home and feel spiritual during services. One called attention to the “vitality” of the parish, another to the church’s “personality” – warm and welcoming. Another said, Saint Michael helps me hold myself accountable for my responsibilities as a committed Christian.
Involvement The reasons people feel at home vary, depending on their activities. Forty-one distinct ministries were mentioned as the main reason someone is a part of Saint Michael, such as involvement as an acolyte, usher, Sunday School teacher, outreach volunteer, in Altar Guild or as a Good Shepherd. The top four ways people participate in parish life are: • Attending liturgical services • Making financial contributions • Attending parish programs and events • Praying for others Comments covered myriad areas of involvement, such as: • Being an acolyte has made me closer to God by being involved in the service. • The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew has been an epiphany for me. I even brought my grade school-age daughters out to feed the homeless at a Brotherhood service project.
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Our Future • Being on the Sunday Service Prayer Team “has blessed me by allowing me to lift up burdens of fellow travelers. It has also shown my grandchildren the meaning and power of prayer for all ages.” • Jubilee: “I have spent many happy hours at Jubilee. It is a wonderful ministry. …taught my children they could change the world of those less fortunate.” • The Couples’ Bible Study was “amazing and transformative” and “when it disbanded, we were adrift for a long time.” • Women of Saint Michael: “Taking leadership roles in WOSM has allowed me to meet new friends, become very involved in Saint Michael and rooted me into our church.” • Prayer Shawl knitting ministry: “The impact of seeing a prayer shawl on a hospital bed is tremendous.” • The importance of music: “Choir has and will be an anchor of my faith life.”
Worship, Preaching It’s clear that the worship experience matters to Saint Michael and All Angel parishioners. What determines the quality of the worship service? Celebration of the Eucharist was cited by 93 percent and preaching by 92 percent, followed by music by 89 percent and the liturgy by 84 percent.
When asked what makes for a meaningful sermon, respondents said: • Provides spiritual feeding • Theologically grounded • Emphasizes daily Christian life Worshippers are looking for sermons they can take home to discuss, apply, share with others and remember. “A good sermon makes me want to be my best Christian self all week,” one wrote. Another expressed support for a preacher who can relate to the thoughts and concerns of parishioners…”who can speak plainly about everyday issues.” Still another wants to “hear sermons that transform us and call us to go forth in the ‘power of the Spirit’ to serve the broken world and to invite the suffering and needy into our comfortable space to be fed and healed.” As one member said: “We need someone to feed souls and engage us all.”
What We Do Best Survey respondents said: • Outreach to the poor • Preparing candidates for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Marriage • Counseling and pastoral care
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Many parishioners expressed support for qualities of Saint Michael that they don’t want to change. The sense of caring, love and friendship are important qualities, such as pastoral care given in the face of health issues and the loss of loved ones. Similarly, parishioners appreciate openness and the effort to encourage discussion on challenging issues. And value is placed on the wide spectrum of thought -- from conservative to progressive, traditional to contemporary.
Our Future What Would Make Us Better Respondents weighed in on areas for improvement. They said: • Strengthening programs for children, youth and adults • Growing the parish • Growing the demographic diversity of the church
Saint Michael is a leader in the Diocese of Dallas and would like to expand this role and continue its active involvement in the Episcopal Church. Members note the opportunities that could come from the next Rector arriving soon after the consecration of a new Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas and the installation of a new Presiding Bishop. If our next Rector helps us tackle some of our goals for improvement, as listed above, perhaps we can do a better job of holding sheep in the flock, and prevent what happened to this stray, who observed: “We have stopped going regularly... [but we] would like to return to Saint Michael’s because it is where we feel a deep and unique fellowship.” As one member wrote: “There are pockets of great commitment, enthusiasm, hope, outreach and profound spiritual formation in our parish.” Our challenge and opportunity are to build on these.
Our Next Rector Many references were made to the importance of a strong youth program. Creativity is needed to stop the decline of religion in today’s culture. That means inventing new ministries for young people – pre-teens, teenagers and 20-somethings. “The church would benefit from reaching out to and welcoming new members, as well as nurturing youth in a more focused and intentional manner,” one member wrote. Greater emphasis is needed in the ministry to adults in their 30s and 40s, who don’t have children. Finally, while there is great diversity of theological thought, the congregation is not as racially/ethnically as diverse as many would like.
Parishioners listed the following qualities as desirable in a new Rector: Someone with a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ and who recognizes the power of the Holy Spirit, excellent preaching and teaching skills, pastoral, good at hiring, directing and delegating to and managing a large staff and clergy, appreciation of the strong lay leadership in the parish, and the ability to explain how to be good stewards of the gifts God has given us. The words that appeared over and over as desirable traits in the survey were: “visionary, honest, collaborative, friendly and dynamic.” And they want a Rector who connects personally.
Parishioners acknowledge that a large parish may have higher clergy turnover, but would like the Rector and Associates to serve longer terms that enable many close relationships. 25
Our Future This is what we said in the survey: Personal Traits Good social and interpersonal skills
97%
Good Listener
95%
Good sense of humor
94.75%
Good orator
94%
Good counselor
88.5%
Well read
88.5% 85.75%
Engages with children and youth
Skills and Leadership Traits 96%
Being decisive and well-reasoned as well as articulate and honest about reasons for decisions
89.5%
Preaching powerful sermons
89.5%
Being a visionary leader
88.5%
Emphasizing the spiritual development of parishioners Developing and supporting religious education programs for children, youth, and adults
86.5% 86%
Mentoring and supporting our clergy in the development of their ministry
Ministry Styles Is accessible and approachable
96%
Is inspiring and challenging
95.75%
Emphasizes spiritual development
89.25%
Is outgoing and socially engaging
87.5%
Has a relaxed interpersonal style
86.5%
Welcomes new approaches and ideas
86%
Has expertise in Biblical and Theological issues
85.5%
Encourages collaborative decision making
85%
Ministry Orientation 84%
81.5% 81% 80%
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Friend/Fellow Traveler Minister of the Word/Teacher of the Congregation Celebrant/Worship Leader Spiritual Guide
Our Future Here are a Few Comments: • “A dynamic preacher/inspirational leader who is not afraid to stand up and challenge the congregation.” • “Someone to feed souls and engage us all who will bring in great people…needs to be a good leader and executive and work well with others. • One who will look at the many talented folks at Saint Michael “as his or her talent pool for the Lord. That really requires knowing his or her flock.” • “A faithful, attentive Rector who works hard to create and nurture shared ministry, both clergy and lay, and who makes sure that all who serve know that their work, modest or great, is accepted, valued, and appreciated.”
Campus Planning Our next Rector will be able to work with the parish to determine how to fulfill this potential, including but not limited to the following possibilities. • New entrance and welcome area on Douglas Avenue • A new, on-grade Parish Hall nearer the sanctuary and the three other worship spaces • A contemporary worship space/auditorium • Improved circulation, with main arteries replacing narrow hallways • Consolidation of administration, which currently is in disconnected locations • Relocation of Saint Michael Episcopal School to upgraded space.
Dreams For Saint Michael and All Angels Parishioners were asked to list their “dreams” for Saint Michael. Here ae a few: • A vibrant, energetic church where all are welcome and that instills in youth a deep love of Jesus Christ • A beehive of engagement, excitement and warmth of community • Full pews, boisterous hallways on Sundays • A more diverse parish, with both traditional and contemporary services and strong leadership compelling its congregation to challenge themselves spiritually, intellectually and philanthropically In addition to addressing the desires of parishioners as expressed in the survey, the new Rector will have other challenges and opportunities.
Currently, pre-kindergarten through fourth grade of the Episcopal School of Dallas are housed at Saint Michael; we expect they will leave our campus in about five years. This will create opportunities for expansion already underway with Saint Michael Episcopal School, which includes Mothers Day Out, pre-K and kindergarten. One idea being explored would be to lease a piece of the northern acreage not needed by the church and school to a private developer to build a mid-rise office building that would provide significant income to the church and underground parking on weekends. The proceeds could be a meaningful contributor to support the longterm mission and ministry of Saint Michael. The Vestry’s current plan is to take advantage of an attractive real estate market and secure this long-term ground lease. As to the implementation of the master plan, the Vestry and Campus Planning Committee have decided to table any further action until the new Rector can lead the planning for these historic opportunities.
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Our Future Communications The new Rector also needs to be conversant with new technologies and social media to reach both communicants and the wider community. Saint Michael is a digital community as well as one that gathers physically. We have five presences on Facebook, including Children and Family Ministry, Youth, Saint Michael Episcopal School, the Farmers Market and the church’s main page, which has more than 1,000 organic likes. In the past 12 months:
In the words of one parishioner: “May a great leader be called and may she or he have the courage to move beyond the paths we have trod and open new doors.” We look to the future with hope and expectation…and with open arms.
• Saint Michael sent over one million emails to parishioners reaching over 5,000 parishioners • Our website had over 100,000 viewers and 257,000 page views, and nearly 50,000 distinct users • Every month we had hits from over 45 states Our survey showed that parishioners feel that they have good communications about events and ministries; we want to continue and expand internal and external communications. The new Rector will need to bring some thought and energy to digital communications and community.
Conclusion Saint Michael is looking for a Rector who can fit comfortably in big shoes. While there are many qualities about Saint Michael that parishioners want to retain, they also recognize opportunities for growth and are invigorated by the thought of a visionary new leader. We are a large church, and we seek a candidate with a warm personality who is an inspiring preacher, who can reach out to and be inclusive with our dynamic laity and our hundred-plus ministry groups, who will encourage the clergy on his or her staff, and who will work to build up Saint Michael’s position in the Diocese of Dallas and in the national church. 28
Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. – Matthew 7:7
Our Leaders Talented and engaged laity has always led Saint Michael. We love our church, and it’s evident in the energy and creativity that our parishioners pour into the Vestry, working committees, and other leadership opportunities. And we freely share the responsibilities of leading among a wide circle of people. There is no concentration of influence or control; leadership is widely diffuse. There is no lack of volunteers, regardless of the task. For our people, election is a call to service, not honor. Saint Michael has always supplied leaders not only for our parish but also for the larger community. Our parishioners often chair non-religious boards, both for profit and non-profit. It is common to see our members as senior executives of local companies, as known and respected journalists and commentators, or as political leaders at the local, state and national levels. As a result, the parish is a rich stew of people with all manner of skills and interests to offer to our church.
source of the Diocese of Dallas, a diocese comprised of 66 parishes and missions, stretching from Dallas to Texarkana in East Texas. At present, we welcome a new Bishop, The Right Reverend Canon George R. Sumner, the former principal of Wycliffe College, Toronto, Canada, with hope and expectation of a solid, faith-filled future. Saint Michael has a staff of over 40 hard-working clergy and lay people. Our worship schedule and myriad programs demand their best fruits, and our staff consistently delivers. Many people at Saint Michael have worked here for years; for most, it is a joyful and satisfying place to serve God and our fellow people.
Our 2015 Vestry Matt Waller, Sr. Warden Kathy Jenevein, Jr. Warden Grady Schleier, Treasurer Charlie Sartain, Chancellor Margaret Spellings, Clerk Members: 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.
Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all. —Mark 9:35 Saint Michael has also provided bountiful resources to our diocese and to the national church. Many of our parishioners have contributed abundant hours and energy to committees of the diocese. And Saint Michael’s assessment is the largest revenue 29
Our Finances Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church Finances Annual Income Statement
2014 Actual
2015 Budget
$5,268,515
$5,849,000
386,846
201,000
$5,655,361
$6,050,000
1,263,046
1,421,808
76,239
79,411
Family, youth and adult programs
844,539
865,197
Early childhood ministry and school (net of tuition)
526,623
514,015
1,475,117
1,510,503
Facilities Operations
615,433
777,448
Mission & Outreach grants and direct expenses (Most Outreach giving is outside the Income Statement)
167,000
174,137
Diocesan assessment
559,292
582,216
98,699
102,744
$5,625,988
$6,027,479
Revenue: Pledged and related contributions Plate and other income
Total operating revenue Expenses: Ministry, worship, and music Pastoral care and congregational programs
Administration
ECUSA “ask�
Total operating expenses
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Our Finances Our finances are in excellent order. We have received “clean� opinions from independent audits annually for more than a decade. We follow comprehensive written policies and procedures and have highly qualified lay committees commissioned by and reporting to the Vestry, including Finance, Audit, Risk Management, Buildings & Grounds, and Compensation. Our full time financial staff of four is led by a CPA with 20 years of experience in church management. Our budget is developed and monitored by the clergy, the Vestry and its Finance Committee, and the staff and lay volunteer leaders of 19 ministry areas. Our operating account reserves range from $2.2 million at the high point in January, to $450,000 at the annual low point in September.
In addition, our Balance Sheet includes about 40 special purpose Restricted Accounts totaling about $1.3 million. We own a subsidiary that operates a commercial office building on a corner of our campus. It is paying down its debt of $1.4 million ahead of schedule, and its assets have a market value of over $10 million. Our separately incorporated Foundation is managed by an elected board of lay leaders. Its assets of $5.8 million are in 18 special purpose funds, most of which fund grants for non-operating initiatives such as new ministries. Foundation support for annual operating expenses totaled $80,000 in 2014.
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church by the Numbers Membership and Services Total Members Communicants Households Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) Holy Eucharists Pledges Average Pledge
2014 Actual 6,821 4,935 2,947
2015 (as of 9/30) 6,651 4,861 2,864
1,171
1,090
1,144 1,291 3,805
750 1,299 3,994
Staff Full-time Clergy
6
Part-time Clergy
4
Full-time Staff (non-school) 30 Full-time School Staff
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Our City Dallas is a vibrant city, the commercial and cultural hub of a wide area. Dynamic, thriving, growing – these are all terms used to describe Dallas, the ninth largest city in the country. At 1.2 million people, it’s racially and ethnically diverse, with a growing Hispanic population. It’s a cosmopolitan city with one-quarter of residents foreign born, and the county seat of Dallas County, which comprises 26 cities and has a population of 2.5 million. The larger Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area, known as the Metroplex, is home to 6.8 million people and is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country. Dallas, founded in 1841 as a trading post, grew into a financial and business center, prospering largely on the entrepreneurship of its business class and what is often referred to as a “can-do spirit.” Over the years, business leaders provided civic leadership -- in areas ranging from the arts to politics. The city’s political structure, once under the paternalistic control of business leaders, is today much more pluralistic, with diverse representation on the
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Dallas City Council and Dallas School Board. Dallas has long been known as “Big D,” because of its business heft and its attractions – from major sports to shopping to entertainment. The Metroplex contains the largest concentration of corporate headquarters for publicly traded companies in the U.S. and is home of the 11th District of the Federal Reserve System. For the year ending in July 2015, the Dallas metro area ranked first in the nation in the rate of job growth among the 12 largest metropolitan areas in the county. Dallas has much to offer. The weather is balmy, except for the 100-degree days of August and “blue northers” occasionally bringing temps below freezing in January and February. Dallas is a cosmopolitan city, with a downtown that is redeveloping with housing, office towers and a vibrant new Arts District. Restaurants abound, from gourmet dining to the traditional steaks, barbecue and Tex-Mex. Dallas has a mass transit system of trains and buses, and its significant highway construction projects are struggling to keep up with population growth.
Our City and majorities in the Texas House and Senate. The city made a conscious effort to overcome its reputation as the “city of hate” after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. It was once regarded as a city of wide-brimmed hats and narrow minds. Not so anymore. Today, Dallas is a much more inclusive and welcoming city to diverse viewpoints. Dallas is also a shopping mecca, with only an occasional wave at the cowboy culture that is more predominant in neighboring Fort Worth. Other attributes include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, fourth busiest airport in the U.S., and Love Field, which handled 9.4 million passengers in 2014, only four miles from the church. The cultural assets range from a downtown arts district to a host of community theaters, an arboretum, a zoo and the annual State Fair of Texas. The Arts District is the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation, spanning 68 acres and 19 blocks. It includes the world class Dallas Symphony Orchestra playing in the I.M. Pei-designed Meyerson Symphony Center, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Renzo Piano-designed Nasher Sculpture Center, Winspear Opera House, Wyly Theatre, Crow Museum of Asian Art, a 5-acre public park that spans a freeway, and the Perot Museum of Science and Nature. A Harvard musicologist in Dallas to deliver a lecture in October 2015, observed: “This is a cultural city. I didn’t know that.”
The area includes a number of higher education institutions, such as Southern Methodist University, the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and a community college system. While the Dallas public school system faces challenges familiar to other urban areas, private schools abound and suburban school districts are well regarded. But Dallas also is a city of contrasts, a city of haves and have-nots, facing major challenges of poverty, public education, low-income housing and transportation.
Dallas is known as a sports center. It boasts five major professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (football), Dallas Mavericks (basketball), Dallas Stars (hockey), Texas Rangers (baseball), FC Dallas (soccer), as well as minor league ball clubs. The “Friday Night Lights” of high school football and college athletics attract area residents and visitors. Sports Illustrated’s Fansided ranks it the third best sports city in the U.S. As for politics, Dallas County is a blue enclave in a region and state that is overwhelmingly red. Dallas County elected officials are mostly Democrats (the city council is non-partisan). But Republicans reign in the suburbs, hold all statewide elected offices 33
Our City Dallas is often pictured as a haven of wealth, and indeed some of the world’s richest people live here, yet the underbelly of the city is more disturbing. The percentage of Dallas residents living below the poverty line grew from 18 percent to 24 percent over the past decade. The homeless population grew 11 percent from 2013 to 2014. The income inequality prompted one longtime Dallas advocate for the poor to observe, “Dallas is the poorest rich town in America.” Mayor Mike Rawlings, a former advertising executive and business CEO, has said that chronic poverty is the city’s “biggest strategic issue.” One of his initiatives is GrowSouth, an economic development strategy designed to boost the economy in Southern Dallas over the next few years. Likewise, The Dallas Morning News has editorialized for several years about sectional disparities in its North-South Gap project that won a Pulitzer Prize.
recognize that Dallas has become a world-class city, and they want to make it better for all residents. Some have expressed a desire to take on another ambitious project like Jubilee.
Saint Michael and All Angels parishioners celebrate the successes and the advantages of Dallas. They respond to the many charity events and benefits that provide assistance to the less fortunate and are involved in various church outreach projects. Parishioners
As one parishioner said in the recently conducted church survey: “Saint Michael is a powerful and important church and we need to use that power very strategically for the good of our community. We could play a bigger role in making a good city even better… We need to spread [a] blanket of love beyond our own parish to South Dallas, to places of need in the Park Cities, to be present and counted in Dallas as a force for good.”
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:14
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Links Video - A Place for Me Video - A Place for You
A PDF of Our Parish Profile www.saintmichael.org