The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

January 2016Being Christian Friends “Under the Big Top”

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

I’ve been with you just about three months now, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Your hospitality

is stunningly wonderful, especially given the fact that there are so many of you! I’m fond of reminding people that Saint Michael and All Angels has more members than there are citizens in the town where I went to high school. From

my first meeting with Matt Waller to my daily hug from Dolly Smith, I’m constantly reminded of just how welcoming and accepting you all are.

This matters to me . . . enormously. In a world racked by ideological, political, and theological division, it’s imperative that we keep before us the priority for Christians of friendship and hospitality.

One of my favorite passages of all scripture is John 15:12-17:

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.  I do not call you slaves any longer, because the slave does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever

Volume 28 No. 1cont. on page 19

ArchangelArchangel

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New Years’ Day Church Offices

Closed

Holiday Worship Schedule

7:30;10:00

Combined in Church; and

5:30

Feast of

Lights

Faith and Grief

Women of

Saint Michael

Luncheon -

Jessica Heer

Vestry Meeting

Chili and

Chowder

Cookoff

Chili and Chowder Cook-Off January 31Get your team together, make your recipe, and start cookin’. The Saint Michael Chili and Chowder Cook-Off will be Sunday, January 31 and the competition will be delicious.

Whether you cook or not, you’ll want to be a part of the tasting beginning at 12-Noon. Find details on how to form and register a team, or when and where to show up for the fun and food, on the website, www.saintmichael.org/chili. Any questions contact Tish Visinsky at tvisinsky@saintmichael.org.

Registration information on page 4

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Christmas at Saint Michael

Christmas at Saint Michael

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Parish Life Events

Cook and Compete. Or Just Come to Eat!Chili and Chowder Cook OffSunday, January 31

Schedule11:30 Teams Arrive with HOT chili or chowder to set up

their stations12:00 KICK OFF! Tasting begins and the fans vote for

their favorites1:00 Final votes cast1:30 HALF TIME!  Prizes awarded.2:00 GAME OVER!  Tasting officially ends

Rules of the Game & GuidelinesTeams can consist of competitors of ANY age.

Only one recipe will be judged per team. Whatever you call chili or chowder we will call chili or chowder:  it may or may not contain meat, may or may not contain beans, may be red, white or any other color.

What Your Team MUST Provide• 1 large  disposable  foil steam table pan (8.5” x

13” x 3” deep) full of piping hot chili or chowder (approximately 2 gallons). Pick up your free pan at the south lanai reception desk or on Sunday, January 17th or January 24th at the table outside the parlor.

• Ladles to serve your chili or chowder

• Condiments you want to serve with your chili or chowder (ex. jalapenos, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, fritos, etc.)

• Team members to serve chili from 11:45 – 1:30. Someone from your team must man your station the whole time.

• Team spirit!

What Saint Michael All Angels Will Provide• Station to keep your chili or chowder hot in Parish Hall

with a chafing dish to hold your aluminum pan.

• A sign with your team name and number

• Voting tickets for every fan.

• Tasting cups, spoons, napkins

• Concession Stands - beverage stations with lemonade, tea, water, beer and “Backfield in Motion Potion” (champagne punch)

• Dessert End Zone (for those that need a little something sweet)

• Hot Dog Stand

• Prizes for the winners

When to ArriveBring your chili or chowder to Parish Hall anytime between 8:30 - 11:30 on Sunday, January 31st.

Prize Categories• Best Team Name

• Super Fans (Team Spirit Award) – extra points for matching attire/team cheer

• Most Creative Chili & Most Creative Chowder (Unusual Ingredients)

• Biggest Kick Chili (Spiciest)

• All-Pro Chili (MVP - Best All-Around) & All-Pro Chowder (MVP - Best All-Around)

• Winners will receive a prize, photo in the Sunday News & Archangel, and bragging rights for the following year!

Questions?  Contact Tish Visinsky, Parish Life Events Director, tvisinsky@saintmichael.org

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Women of Saint Michael

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Women of Saint Michael Provides Meals for Homeless Children at Kids’ UniversityMore than 300 students participated in two sessions of Kids’ University this summer.

Empty bellies were not a concern for more than 300 homeless children who came to campus this summer to learn about math, science and engineering. Their tummies were full, thanks to the Women of Saint Michael, a small group making a big impact on Kids’ University, two one-week camps at UT Dallas that encourage local homeless youths to make college dreams a reality.

“The Women of Saint Michael give funding to meet our most basic need for the program: food,” said Dr. George W. Fair, founder of the program, vice president for  Diversity and Community Engagement, and professor and dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies.

“Simply put, homeless children are hungry. Without meeting this basic need, they can’t concentrate to take advantage of what education can offer them.”

Twenty years ago, UT Dallas developed Kids’ University in partnership with  Rainbow Days, a Dallas nonprofit that offers services to provide children with skills to make healthy choices and stay drug-free. Classes at the day camp included science and computers, which were developed and taught by partners from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Home Depot, Frito-Lay and Cranium Kids and other agencies.

The Women of Saint Michael, a group from the Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, has supported the day camp for the past three years. The group raises funds for nonprofits through events and sales at the St. Michael Woman’s Exchange, a specialty gift shop in Highland Park Village.

Staffed almost exclusively by volunteers, the shop contributes its annual proceeds to the Women of Saint Michael gifts committee.

“By helping to feed children attending Kids’ University, we not only provide food for the needy, but also help to prepare the children for future financial stability by encouraging them to get an education,” said Kathy Jenevein, chair of the group’s gifts committee.

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! – It’s Mardi Gras Time(Let the Good Times Roll)Get your party pants on and get ready to roll. The all-parish Mardi Gras Party will be Saturday, February 6 at the Park City Club.

Sponsored by the Women of Saint Michael, the party has become one of the favorites of the year. The fellow-ship and fun begins at 6:30 on the 17th floor of the Park City Club at 5956 Sherry Lane. Their classic Mardi Gras buffet will rival any from New Orleans and The Blenders are guaranteed to fill the dance floor.

Chairs Ginger Sager and Dixey Arterburn promise even more surprises to enlighten the evening. Get tickets online at www.saintmichael.org/mardigras.

For Your Information

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Deployed Service Men and Woman Receive Holiday Greetings from Saint Michael

Beginning with the Veterans’ Day celebration in November, through Thanksgiving, and into December, Saint Michael parishioners were given the chance to send holiday greetings to our armed services men and women deployed in the Middle East and Far East.

In mid-December, our Children and Family ministers Erika Bower and Emily Given sent more than 50 packages containing gifts and more than 800 Christmas cards to the troops. Last week they received this message from Staff Sergeant Adam Keith:

“Hello from this side of the world!

All of us here just wanted to let you know we received your care packages, letters, and gifts. Receiving all these comforts from home and your kind words this time of the year truly means a lot to us. We are sincerely grateful that you took the time and effort to send us such great things. I have attached a photo of the guys I work with and again thank you very much!!”

Saint Michael Serving at The GatheringSaint Michael and All Angels brought the cheer of Christmas to The Gathering – the outdoor church for the homeless in downtown on Sunday, December 13.

The Rev. Oliver Butler led the worship and celebrated the Eucharist, which was followed by lunch cooked and served

by the Mission and Outreach Ministry. St. Mary’s Guild donated the desserts and The Edge youth group provided “goodie bags” with toiletries and warm weather apparel.Saint Michael

parishioners serve at The Gathering, held at Thanksgiving Square, once a month.

If you would like to participate contact Mary Ruth McKenney at maryruthmckenney@gmail.com.

The Rev. Oliver Butler

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Rector Search and Transition

Happy New Year from the Rector Search & Transition Committee! As a committee, we enter into this new calendar year full of hope and energy for our task ahead. Finding the next Rector for Saint Michael and All Angels fits well with the fresh start that a new year brings all of us. As Brother Curtis Almquist, Brother of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, advised us early on in our search process, we have both “head tasks and heart tasks” in the process of finding a Rector. This fall, the Rector Search & Transition Committee completed many of the important “head tasks,” culminating in our parish profile and our invitations to prospective candidates.

We now approach the “heart tasks” of discerning God’s will for our beloved church, with our hearts and minds open to the Holy Spirit and open to all of the names of potential candidates that we received throughout the fall. We begin this process simultaneously with the infancy of 2016, but also in the season of Epiphany that we are entering as a church. Epiphany celebrates both the revelation to the Three Kings that the Baby Jesus is Christ as well as the Baptism of Jesus by John. The Rector Search & Transition Committee prays that our process will similarly reveal God’s will for our eighth Rector, and as in Baptism, we pray that our next Rector will invigorate our parish to share in the life of the Holy Spirit, to receive the forgiveness of sins through our relationship with Christ, and to act as the light of God in the world. We humbly ask that you please pray for our church in this time of transition by lighting a candle at the prayer stand in the Bishop Moore Chapel.

With Thanks,

Diana Newton Van SheetsCo-Chair Co-Chair

Your Finance Committee and Vestry are working on the 2016 budget, and it is crucial for the church to know where it stands financially for 2016 through its annual pledge commitments.

We are 75% percent toward our $5.8 million goal. If you haven’t made your pledge, please do so now! If you’ve made your pledge we are very grateful, and we ask you to prayerfully consider increasing it for 2016. You may pay your pledge throughout the year or prepay now, whatever works best for you. 

Every pledge counts! You can pledge online at www.saintmichael.org/pledge/  or by contacting Mary Kardell at 214-692-3015, mkardell@saintmichael.org.  She can speak with you personally if you have any questions regarding stewardship and the life of our parish. 

Our gratitude for your support of Saint Michael and All Angels. Blessings and Happy New Year!

 

2016 Stewardship Committee

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Adult Formation

Sunday School Resumes Sunday, January 10A new slate of intriguing, interesting and enlightening Sunday School classes begin on January 10.

The Forum – Saint Michael Chapel

January 10 – The Rev. Gilberto Junco from the San Bernabe parish in Cuba will provide an update on the Cuba mission which Saint Michael has worked on for the past two years.

January 17 – Meredyth Cole, Headmistress at Episcopal School of Dallas, will talk on “Faith, Education, and Society.”

January 24 – Chick Deegan, manager of Employee Spiritual Support for the Baylor Healthcare System, will address “Finding Meaning in All We Do.”

January 31 – Interim Rector Doug Travis will talk about “Spirituality for the Second Half of Life.”

The Adult Bible Class – Coke Activities Room - Who is Jesus?

January 10 & 17– Parishioner Elizabeth Lang, former head of the Episcopal School of Dallas Religion Department, will look at “Jesus as a Prophet” in a two week study.

January 24 & 31 – Kimberly Rogers, head of the Episcopal School of Dallas Religion Department, will explore “Jesus: A Man of Prayer, and Jesus: The Healer” over a two week period.

The Fellowship Class – Parish Hall, Vicar Bill Murray

January 10 – “Let’s Start from the Beginning.”January 17 – “The Fall: Why Adam is Dumb.”January 24 – “Nephilim and the Flood.”January 31 – No class (Chili & Chowder Cook-Off)

Living. Faith. – Chapel Conference Room, The Rev. Greg Pickens

January 10 – “Superchristians and their Kryptonite.”January 17 – “Dangerous Beliefs.”January 24 – “Real Life Gumbo: Simmering Skepticism and Belief.”January 31 – No class (Chili & Chowder Cook-Off)

Lent Retreat Scheduled for Saturday, February 13The all-parish Lenten Retreat, led by Brother Mark Brown from the Society of St. John the Evangelist, will explore the meaning of Jesus’ words when he said “Behold I make all things new.”

Br. Brown said, “God is not only the maker of all things, but the One who makes all things new, often through the hearts and hands of human beings,” And he asked, “How will our hands be the hands of Christ in the ongoing creation of his Kingdom on Earth?” The retreat, developed by Br. Brown for both men and women, will be from 9:00 to 12-Noon in the Coke

Activities Room.

Br. Brown will also meet with the Forum Sunday School class on Sunday, February 14 to introduce the Brothers’ online Lenten Video Series “Growing a Rule of Life” and discuss some of the practical aspects of living as a Christian in today’s world “on purpose.”

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Overview

Safe Church Training Set for Thursday, January 7Safe Church Training is essential to Saint Michael’s dedica-tion to provide a caring environment for every parishioner and is required for anyone working with youth or children. The training will be Thursday morning, January 7 from 9:00 – 12 Noon in the Coke Activities Room. RSVP to Kimberly Robinson at krobinson@saintmichael.org.

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Women of the Spirit Look at Crazy ChristiansWomen of the Spirit will read, review, and discuss the book by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry during January. The group meets on Mondays from 10:00 to 11:00 in the Edge Room on the 2nd floor. All women are welcome. For more infor-mation contact Emily Given at egiven@saintmichael.org.

Living. Faith. New Adult Class Beginning in JanuaryWant to see more God in your life?  Join The Rev. Greg Pickens in the Chapel Conference room during the Sunday Adult Hour.   Our time together will be grounded in Scripture, our Prayer Book, and our experiences.  Each week will support a deep and meaningful faith that will help us to live powerfully into the rest of the week.  Gather with us to be encouraged.

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Women to Hear Dallas Chamber Economic Development Director

Jessica Heer, Vice President of Economic Development for the

Dallas Regional Chamber, will address the Women of Saint Michael’s January 20th Luncheon. Ms. Heer leads the chamber’s corporate recruitment efforts and has been involved in moving the headquarters of AT&T, Comerica Bank, and Toyota North America, among others, to the Dallas area. The luncheon begins at 11:30 in Parish Hall. Make reservations at www.saintmichael.org/wosmluncheons.

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Childcare will be provided from 6:00-7:30

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Overview

The Rev. Bob Johnston joins Saint Michael as Associate for Evangelism

The Rev. Bob Johnston has been called as Saint Michael and All Angels’ Associate for Evangelism. He will focus on our

welcome ministry and on developing and implementing programs to attract new members and families to the church. Bob has degrees in theology, law, and business from Southern Methodist University, and maintains an intellectual property law practice. Beginning January 4, Bob will be at Saint Michael two days a

week; on Sundays, serving primarily in the 11:11 Celebration worship service, and one other day during the week. Most recently he helped start and lead the contemporary worship ministry, “Uptown,” at Church of the Incarnation, as well as the small group ministry, “Growth Groups,” and an outreach in local pubs known as “Theology Live.” Read more about The Rev. Johnston at www.saintmichael.org.

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Men of Saint Michael to Learn about Bargaining with GodThe Men of Saint Michael breakfast on Friday, January 29 will hear more about bargaining with God - and Sodom and Gomorrah with The Rev. Bill Murray. Bring a friend or two to hear more about God and experience some Saint Michael hospitality. Breakfast starts at 7:00 in the Coke Activities Room with coffee and Breakfast Tacos for $5.

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Four Corners Brewery on Men of Saint Michael TourThe Men of Saint Michael will meet at the Four Corners Brewery and enjoy a few beers and tacos on Thursday, February 4th. They will get a tour of the Dallas-based craft brewery located at 423 Singleton Boulevard, just west of the Margaret Hunt Hill bridge. The tour starts at 6:00.The evening promises to be a lot of fun, so grab a friend and come. You get the tour, two beers and tacos for just $20. RSVP to Julia Giles at jgiles@saintmichael.org.

Saint Michael Men’s Retreat Scheduled April 8 – 10The Men of Saint Michael will escape to Lantana Resort, overlooking Lake Ray Roberts on the April 8 -10 weekend for a retreat aimed at renewing faith and building bonds.

The Rt. Rev. Jeff Fisher, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Texas, will lead the retreat. Bishop Fisher is passionate about ministry among men, leading retreats for Episcopal parishes from around the country. His honors thesis in seminary, “Recasting a Masculine Theology,” set the stage for his focus on building up men in the church.

Early registration before February 15 is $275, and $300 after February 15. The fee includes meals, accommodations, and the program. Register with Julia Giles at jgiles@saintmichael.org.

Making

RealEvents for the entire family

Wednesday Nights Beginning

February 17

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I Believe in Angels

I Believe in Angels Brings Joy to Jubilee ParkA VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS was made for our friends at Jubilee Park thanks to the generosity of Saint Michael and All Angels!

Youth Ministry Update

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Youth Ministry Restructure Gaining Momentum

The restructuring of Saint Michael’s youth program, started this past spring, is gaining momentum, resulting in greater involvement from adults, as well as our young people. “A lot has been accomplished in a short amount of time,” said The Rev. Oliver Butler, Associate for Youth.

• Ministry Architects, a nationally recognized consulting group, has completed a thorough evaluation of the youth program and led a three-day retreat involving adults and staff to create a vision, establish goals, and set a timetable by which to measure achievements for the program.

• Two new youth ministers, one for high school youth and one for middle school students, as well as a department logistics coordinator are expected to be hired and in-place in the New Year. Initial interviews with candidates have been held and on-site meetings with the finalists are planned for January.

• Wednesday evening and Sunday morning programs are being facilitated by the Vicar, Bill Murray, and Fr. Butler, with an emphasis on getting the kids input on what a meaningful youth program would look like to them. (Both Fr. Murray and Fr. Butler have extensive backgrounds in youth ministry. Before his ordination, Fr. Murray served for over 5 years as a youth minister in Memphis, and Fr. Butler for seven years served as Chaplain at the Episcopal School of Dallas.)

• The annual Youth Retreat, normally held in January, is being rescheduled for the spring. Planning for the retreat will begin with the youth’s first Wednesday evening meeting on January 13.

• Summer Mission Trips have been scheduled for Cuba and Corpus Christi. The high school trip, June 5 – 12, will be to Sancti Spiritus, Cuba where Saint Michael has had a three year relationship working to acquire and renovate a new facility for the local parish. The middle school mission trip, June 26 – 30, will be to Corpus Christi working with local nonprofits on programs for disadvantaged children, the homeless, and hungry.

“We have made good progress, but what is most encouraging is the renewed, active interest in Saint Michael’s youth program from not only from the parents and the kids, but from the entire parish,” Vicar Murray said. “We are committed to building a foundation for a program that will play a meaningful role in our kids’ lives, today, tomorrow, and always.”

Saint Michael Episcopal School January Schedule

Classes resume Jan 4th

Jan 8-15 – Returning SMES families

online registration

Jan 18 – No school, MLK holiday

Jan 19 – No school, teacher in-service day

Grants Totaling $160,000 Go to Mission and Outreach MinistriesThe Mission and Outreach Grants Committee has awarded $160,000 to 10 ministries in which the church and parishioners are actively involved. The grants went to:

• Amistad Mission

• Austin Street Shelter

• Honduras Mission Trip

• Honduras Threads Mission Trip

• Jubilee Park and Community Center

• North Dallas Shared Ministries

• Our Friends Place

• Rosebud Hunger Initiative

• St. Simons After School

• St. John of Jerusalem Hospital (Priory in the USA)

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Cuban Mission Vicar to Address The Forum January 10For the past two years Saint Michael and All Angels has sponsored a mission trip to Cuba working with the St. Barnabas parish in Santi Spiritus. On Sunday, January 10 The Rev. Gilberto Junco, who serves as the parish’s Vicar will be at Saint Michael to address the Forum Sunday School, providing an update on the mission’s progress. The Forum meets at 10:00 in the Saint Michael Chapel.

The Rev. Junco serves as the Archdeacon of the Midwest in Cuba, and Vicar of St. Paul in Cienfuegos and Santa Maria in Rodas as well as St. Barnabas. He is a graduate of the Theological Seminary  of  Matanzas with a  degree in Evangelical  Theology. Fr. Junco was ordained  to the priesthood  in 2009 and serves as chairman of  the department of Christian education in the Diocese.

Caring and Sharing - Mission Outreach

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Caring and Sharing - Pastoral Care

Saint Michael’s Cancer Support Group Reaches 19 Year Milestoneby Marillyn Burton Seeberger

Saint Michael’s Women’s Cancer Support Group has been meeting weekly and continuously for almost 19 years! This speaks to the strong bond that has been created among the women who suffer from or are survivors of cancer in any form.

What is unique about us? Charlie Stobaugh, a professional counselor, who has been meeting with the group for the past 18 years, pointed out that ”each of the women have educated themselves on their disease and other non-cancer related illnesses so well, that they are a virtual walking apothecary. One of the members of the group has had or knows the treatment for most of these illnesses and is able to share it with the group. They support each other with this kind of information.“

Susie Franklin, an original member of the group says: ”It was June 1997, I had just come home from the hospital after my surgery and the group had met for a luncheon, one of the members brought me some food. That is when I joined. I wouldn’t dream of taking any action on my medical treatment without discussing the recommendations and getting a concensus from the group. I have also made some very good friends.”

Dr. Jody Guenther, retired from the Baylor University Faculty and a 27-year volunteer with the American Cancer Society, trained to work with newly diagnosed cancer patients in the Society’s Reach to Recovery Program. Jody has been meeting with the group since her retirement 13 years ago. Her background as a medical librarian enables her to answer questions and explain the technical jargon.

Charlie Stobaugh continued to say that “Sue Patton, has been the administrative lay leader of our group since its inception. Sue keeps us organized. We are so grateful for the passion with which she continues to lead the group.” Another perk is the presence of a Pastoral Care Priest, serving as a spiritual advisor at many of the sessions.

The cancer support group was started by The Rev. Sharon Turner, in 1997, when three young parishioners were diagnosed within a very short time frame. Many of the long term attendees are not parishioners and many of those attending are now cancer-free, but continue to meet because of the consolation they receive and give to one another.

We know this: We, alone, cannot cure your cancer.

We also know: People have a less stressful cancer experience, if they are a member of a support group.

Jose Aviles, husband of one member, said: “Even when it was physically difficult, Margretta so looked forward to attending…the comraderie of the group meant so much to her. She always said, ‘she was glad she had gone (to the meeting).’ This was good for me, too, when I saw what joy she received from attending.”

If you want more information about this caring ministry, contact The Rev. Lisa Flores Musser, at lflores@saintmichael.org.

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Alcoholics Anonymous. This group, open to both men and women, meets on the first and third Sundays of each month at 7:30 in the Coke Activities Room. Contact: The Rev. Neal Hern, nealhern@aol.com.

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The Care Giver Support Group meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 11:00 in the Parlor. For more information, contact Sandra Klingeman, jsklingeman@sbcglobal.net.

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Faith and Grief Luncheon. The January Faith and Grief Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, January 14 at 12 Noon, in the Coke Activities Room.

Our guest speaker will be Ken Francis. Anyone who has ever suffered the death of a loved one is invited to attend. There is no fee, but donations are happily accepted. Contact: Katherine Bowen for reservations. kbowen@saintmichael.org.

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Prayer Ministry. The Prayer Ministry will meet on Thursday, January 21, 5:30 - 7:00 in the Coke Activities Room, where we will have fellowship, snacks, sacred music, prayer, and The Rev. Hunter Ruffin will be our clergy leader/speaker. Join us as we begin the New Year in Prayer. Questions: contact, Dana Juett, dana.juett@bigplanet.com, or Joan Faubion, joan.faubion@sbcglobal.net.

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Parish Nurse Ministry. Parish Nurse Sunday is January 17, when the focus will be Nutrition and Fitness. Visit the South Lanai between services and let a Parish Nurse provide you with materials on these focus subjects. Contact, Dianne Boyd, R.N., dboyd@saintmichael.org

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Women’s Cancer Support Group. Meets regularly on Mondays at 1:45 in the Parlor to offer support to those who have or who are recovering from the disease. To learn more, Contact: Sue Patton, pattons@sbcglobal.net, or Charlie Stobaugh, charliestobaugh@gmail.com.

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The Christian Yoga Class. Yoga classes commence again on January 4. Plan to be with us on Mondays at 5:30 in the Youth Center. Start the New Year off by taking 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.

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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. 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.

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A Stephen Minister Can Help 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.

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Calling All With A Volunteer Heart!The Congregational Care Ministries is issuing a request for volunteers in the following areas: • Extended Care Cooks needs volunteers who are

willing to cook one or two times during the year for someone in need. Share your gift of cooking.

• Good Shepherd Ministry welcomes anyone who would like to be a Good Shepherd in their neighborhood.

• Funeral Receptions. We welcome volunteers who would like to bring cookies for Funeral Receptions.

If you are interested, please contact Ann Mills, Congregational Care Ministries, amills@saintmichael.org.

Caring and Sharing - Pastoral Care

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Children and Family Ministry

Cradle Roll

We warmly welcome our newest members born into our parish family:

Justin Matthew WestgateNovember 30, 2015Ashley and Paul Westgate

Ruth Anderson SmithNovember 30, 2015Alison and Ware Smith

Cordelia Olmsted TaylorBetty Moss TaylorDecember 1, 2015John Ramsay Taylor III

John Andrew Coke, JuniorDecember 1, 2015Whitney and John Coke

Evelyn Sue BowmanDecember 1, 2015Laci and Ira Bowman

William George Mundinger IVDecember 15, 2015Leigh and William Mundinger

Eleanor Jane MillerDecember 16, 2015Rebecca and Stephen Miller

Dinner Church is the newest addition to The Edge’s midweek schedule. Edgers (4th and 5th grade) are encouraged to join us on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month from 5:00-6:30 in the kitchen to prepare a meal, eat, and worship together.  This will be kid-planned, kid-prepared, and kid-led. RSVP for Dinner Church sessions at saintmichael.org/edge. Questions? Need more information? Contact Erika Bower at ebower@saintmichael.org.

Children and Family Ministry

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Nativity Pageant Draws Large Crowd and Rave Reviews

The Nativity Pageant featuring the children and youth of Saint Michael filled the Church Sunday, December 20. More than 75 children participated. Following the pageant the Children, Youth, and Family Ministry hosted a lunch for all parishioners in the Youth Center.

Children and Family Ministry

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For Your Information

you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.” (John 15:12-17)

My soul has been torn in encounters with people willing to be friends only with those who agree with them. I’m sure many of you have suffered the same experience. In my own journey I hope I am reaching the place where I seek to see each and every person as I anticipate God sees him or her. When two people extend each other such a generosity of vision, friendship is always possible regardless of political or theological differences. But in our culture the pressures to not live our lives with this generosity are profound and omnipresent. It’s so very much easier to gather into conventicles of like-minded people and see those with whom we disagree as enemies. However, I’ve learned that there’s much greater joy to be derived from embracing my commonality with all people than in focusing on what divides us. And in attempting to live out of this generosity I think I’m coming much closer to following my Lord’s counsel.

Notice that in the passage from John, Jesus reminds us that “you did not choose me but I chose you!” He selected us, not we him. He then admonishes us to “go and bear fruit.” In other words, the effect of a life lived well as a Christian is that others should be drawn to our love, a love we have only from Him. Finally he reminds us that he is giving us these commands “that [we] may love one another.”

The very night before his totally unjust, unwarranted, and excruciating execution, Jesus admonished his followers to live into the love for each other that he would demonstrate upon the cross in less than 24 hours.

He died for you and me, and he commends to us this selfsame love he shared with his disciples the night before he died.

Jesus’ goal is not ideological or theological conformity, but love. I think it’s really that simple.

Upon my arriving in your parish community, one of you said to me, “Saint Michael’s prides itself on being a ‘Big Top’ under which people with a variety of convictions can nonetheless come together as one community.” It delights me that, even as your church building is often called “the Big Top,” so is your parish community!

Being the “Big Top” under which a variety of people with a variety of convictions can come together in the common bond of Christian friendship is, to my mind, the source of the power of the witness as a parish you have to offer this city, this diocese, and indeed the larger church throughout this country. I experience your “Big Top friendship” every day when I come in your doors. I applaud you, and I’m grateful to be part of you.

Let us together carry this witness into a larger world desperately in need of the message that friendship – especially Christian friendship – transcends differences.

Grant Them Eternal RestMay the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace:

Marilyn Barbara Young Schmidt, December 4

Parker Snead, December 8, brother of J. C. Snead, brother-in-law of Jeanne Snead

George F. Merzbacher, December 8, brother of Betty Roseburg

Irene Bickley, December 10, sister of Joan Wilde, sister-in-law of Earle Wilde

Betty Nell Green, December 13, mother of Carrie Varel, mother-in-law of Kyle Ford, grandmother of Ella, Caroline, and Jack

Jane Roten, December 16, mother of Dana Near, grandmother of Andrew, Alexandra, and Caroline

Tennessee McNaughton, December 25, mother of Charlene Marsh, mother-in-law of Tom Marsh, grandmother of Charles Marsh, grandmother-in-law of Louise Marsh, great grandmother of Luke, Will, Tennessee

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PERIODICAL

POSTAGE

PAID

DALLAS, TX

Saint Michael and All Angels

8011 Douglas Avenue

Dallas, Texas 75225-0385

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

www.saintmichael.org Phone: 214-363-5471 Fax: 214-363-4388

Monday – Friday

7:00 a.m. – Eucharist – BMCWednesday

10:00 a.m. – Healing Service – BMCSaturday

8:30 a.m. – Eucharist – BMC5:30 p.m. – Candlelight MassSunday

7:30 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I – SMC9:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite II - Church 9:00 a.m. – Joy Mass - Parish Hall 9:00 a.m. – Discovery Mass - SMC10:00 a.m. – Sunday School Classes (Children and Adult)11:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I –Church11:11 a.m. – The Celebration - Theater5:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer and Eucharist Rite I – SMC

The Very Reverend Doug Travis, Interim RectorThe Reverend Bill Murray, VicarThe Reverend Lisa Flores Musser, Associate for

Pastoral CareThe Reverend Greg Pickens, Associate for

Operations and Pastoral CareThe Reverend Oliver Butler, Associate for Youth

and Young AdultsThe Reverend Hunter Ruffin, Associate for

Mission and OutreachThe Reverend Bob Johnston, Associate for

EvangelismThe Reverend Michael Harmuth, Sunday

AssociateThe Reverend Rich Towers, Weekend AssociateThe Reverend Mary Lessmann, Sunday

Associate

Parish Clergy Parish Vestry

Matt Waller, Sr. WardenKathy Jenevein, Jr. WardenGrady Schleier, TreasurerCharlie Sartain, ChancellorMargaret 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.

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A monthly publication of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church