The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

June 2016Beginning in this edition, The Very Reverend Doug

Travis, Interim Rector, will start a series of articles

on “The Creed.” His articles will be available in

subsequent editions of the Archangel and on the Saint

Michael website.

In this article I’d like

to explore the notion

of “belief,” and the

implications it has for my

(and your) experience as a

contemporary Christian.

For those of us in the

Anglican or Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, and

Orthodox traditions our beliefs are summed up

in “creeds.” The word “creed” comes from the

Latin credo which means, simply, I believe. As

Episcopalians we adhere to two creeds, the Apostles

(which finds its roots in the earliest Christian

teaching) and the Nicene, composed largely at the

Council of Nicaea in 325.

What is a creed? The Oxford Dictionary of the

Christian Church states, quite simply, that a creed

is “a concise, formal, and authorized statement of

important points of Christian doctrine.” To be a

Christian is, in part, to believe to be true certain

things about God and his relation to his world. But

it is more than that. As the Gospel of John puts it,

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only

Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish

but have eternal life.”(3:16). And again, following

John’s thought:

Volume 28 No.6 cont. on page 23

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Youth Mission Trip to Cuba

Faith, Grief and

Chocolate Pudding

Honduras Threads Mission

Trip

Vacation Bible

School

Pie for the 4th of July

At Saint Michael’s Vacation Bible School, Deep Sea Discovery, every day will start at the bottom of the sea! Our kids will be swept to faraway places where they will learn God is with them—wherever they go! They will sing, laugh, and learn with upbeat worship music, engaging skits, and fun group challenges.

Both adult and youth volunteer opportunities are available. Contact Emily Given at egiven@saintmichael.opg.

See more Vacation Bible School details on page 21

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Faith and Literature

Fai h & LITERATURESundays at 10

Saint Michael Chapel

Books are available in the Saint Michael

Book Shop

t

Interim Rector Doug Travis will lead off the adult formation series, Faith and Literature, which will meet at 10:00 Sunday mornings in the Saint Michael Chapel. Saint Michael clergy will review some of their favorite books. All of the books to be reviewed will be available in the Saint Michael Book Shop.

June 5

June 12

June 19

Falling Upward

by Richard Rohr Reviewer: Doug Travis

AHA! The God Moment that

Changes Everything

by Kyle Idleman Reviewer: Greg Pickens

The Great Divorce

by C. S. Lewis Reviewer: Hunter Ruffin

June 26

July 3

Augustine to Freud: What Theology and Psychology Tell

Us About Human Nature

by Kenneth BoaReviewer: Greg Pickens

July 10

When Breath Becomes Air

by Paul KalanithiReviewer: Lisa Flores Musser

July 17

The Last Temptation of Christ

by Nikos KarantzakisReviewer: Bill Murray

Rector Search and Transition

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Cabbages and RosesIn the past year the Rector Search and Transition Committee has celebrated the Eucharist together nearly 20 times. In a homily Father Harmuth recently shared with us, he told the story of a grandfather who noticed that roses smell better than cabbage, and concluded roses would make better soup. Father Harmuth urged us to remember that God calls “Unlikely Vessels” to tasks, and to consider that our next rector could be a cabbage rather than a rose!

After connecting with many remarkable priests at some level, we now are getting to know a few more deeply through spending days together. We are praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, for us to know these candidates well and for them to know us well, as we and they discern whether we feel called to a life in Christ together.

God knows who our next rector will be, and when he or she will arrive. We don’t know yet! But we feel strongly that any of the priests now in discernment with us would be a wonderful rector, so we are full of hope, expectation, and peace as we try to listen to the Holy Spirit.

Our discernment discussions occasionally have strayed into comparing our parish to who we were in past eras (both good and bad if we are honest about it), or into comparing us to other local churches with their own strength and weaknesses. But we appreciate the moments of clarity when we see the candidates’ strong gifts without expecting perfection, and see our parish and the amazing potential we have now to realize ministries within Saint Michael and All Angels and beyond our walls.

This discernment process leads us to the observation that all of us are cabbages in some way, and in fact our next rector will be as well. Nonetheless, we can look forward to a powerful partnership as we worship and serve God together.

Your Rector Search and Transition Committee,

Diana Newton, co-chairVan Sheets, co-chair

Prayer For The Search

Of Our Rector

DEAR GOD, whose ever present love

surrounds us, you are active and alive

in our Parish. We give thanks that you

are with us all the time. We rejoice

that you promise that each of us can

make a difference. You call us to know

and support each other and to know

and experience you together, and we

pray for a leader to be part of that life.

You call our church to be a beacon of

learning, fellowship, service, and joy,

and we pray for a person to nurture this

dream. Be with all clergy, both those

in discernment as well as all who have

led our Parish in the past, and with the

staff who support them. Guide us to a

shepherd to feed the spiritual hunger of

all who enter our doors and to inspire

us to be Christ-like so that we can better

serve all in your Son’s name. Seeking

that all we do is for your glory, AMEN.

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A Profile of Our Clergy

This month the Archangel is beginning a series profiling Saint Michael’s clergy. We see them on Sundays and at various church functions, but what are they like when they are “off-duty?” Here’s a chance to get to know our clergy better.

Bob Johnston is an evangelist’s evangelist who loves bringing people to Christ whether it’s using demographics for strategy, praying with runners, or preaching in a bar. The Rev. Bob Johnston wants everyone to connect with God. It’s his passion.

Johnston, who is an identical twin, grew up in Victoria, Texas where he felt God’s call in high school. He

met with his rector who told him “run from it and if you can get away you are not called.” He gave it a shot and went on to college earning an engineering degree from Baylor and graduate degrees in business and law from SMU.  He met and married his wife, Robin. But it turned out he couldn’t run from the call and earned a graduate degree in theology as well.

While working on his divinity degree at SMU, Johnston went to Holy Trinity Brompton in London, England for a yearlong internship. “It’s a great place to learn and they had five attorneys-turned-priest on staff, so I thought it would be a good fit.” His wife took a leave of absence so they could both live a year abroad, and The Rev. Larry Smith, who was the rector at Church of the Incarnation, offered Johnston a job upon his return. About a month before the couple left for London, Robin found out she was pregnant with twins.

The London church proved to be a great education for Johnston. “I got to run the school of theology there, help lead the hospital ministry and other incredible things,” Johnston said. He helped teach a popular evangelism course with more than 600 people, and took a class on church planting. His personal life was exciting as well, when his fraternal twin boys, Ian and Hugh were born.

Returning to Incarnation Johnston took his England experience, researched demographics, put together a team and launched the Uptown ministry which focused on capturing young adults in the area. “The Uptown ministry was intentionally built as a church within a church because they were going to spin us off as a new church if we did not fit, but after a year and half the church leaders said they liked Uptown because it brought a lot of energy to the place,” Johnston said.

When he left Incarnation, Uptown’s Sunday attendance was pushing 500, nearly doubling the church. On holidays, that number was closer to 1,000. Johnston helped get the church involved in international mission trips, developed growth groups, and other creative ministries. He helped to start Theology Live, a lecture series in area bars that offered interesting theological topics that attracted the un-churched. “We would get people who would say ‘I’m not ready to go to church, but I’m glad you came to us.’” He also started Marathon Mass to offer prayer and communion to Dallas marathon runners, which is always on a Sunday.

The Rev. Bob Johnston

Robin, Hugh, Ian, and Bob ready for a family hike.

cont. on page 5

The Rev. Bob Johnston

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Johnston began working at Saint Michael in January as Associate for Evangelism, working with the contemporary service, welcoming ministry, and evangelism. He is bi-vocational, working part-time as a priest and also practicing trademark and patent law. He has served on several diocesan committees.

Johnston’s twin boys are now age 12 and attend St. John’s Episcopal School. His wife, Robin, is an OB-GYN at Presbyterian Plano and Medical City Dallas and likes to cycle in her free time. Johnston is a runner and a private pilot. The family has a Jack Russell Terrier named Indiana Jones John Williams Johnston, or just Indy. Johnston’s identical twin brother Stuart, is a surgeon at Baylor in Garland and, he too, has identical twin boys. When Johnston’s father, Robert, retired as a heart surgeon, he became ordained at age 77 in the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas.

Johnston is excited to be at Saint Michael and looks forward to his ministry here. “Saint Michael’s has lots of opportunities to grow, and I look forward to helping.”

Saint Michael’s Veterans Support USOSaint Michael Veterans, Don Waddington and Bob Wehrmann, presented a check for more than $1,700 to Stephanie Melson, Director of the D/FW Airport USO. The money was collected from the offering during our Veterans’ Day worship service and celebration.

USO Dallas/Fort Worth opened its doors in 2004, and serves an average of 530 troops and retirees every day. With the assistance of over 250 active volunteers, the USO provides a bridge to home for our service men and women, providing them and their families with communication access, entertainment, goods and services, and simple day-to-day comforts. The DFW USO will serve approximately 215,000 troops and their families this year.

Save the Date for Saint Michael’s 2016 Veterans Day Celebration - Sunday, November 13th. Worship service to begin at 5:30 p.m. and reception with dinner and entertainment by the Heritage Brass Band in the Garden Cloister from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Hugh and Ian pick strawberries on family outing.

Don Waddington and Bob Wehrmann present USO check

For Your Information

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The Rev. Hunter Ruffin, Associate for Mission and Outreach, recently wrote an article published by the Diocese of Dallas addressing the question of “why bad things happen to good people.” In light of recent tragedies brought on by spring storms, Hunter’s thoughts provide a deeper perspective.

Finding Hope In The Face Of SufferingIt was late August in 2005. I boarded one of the last flights going to Gulfport, Mississippi from Atlanta thanks to

the generosity of Delta Airlines. After explaining to them that I worked for the American Red Cross and that I had to get back to Mississippi to assist with the relief effort, they quickly upgraded my ticket for a flight out on the same evening. I sat in the plane listening to nervous chatter from people flying into

Gulfport. Some of them did not know what they were going to do when they got there. Some were returning home as quickly as they could to prepare their homes for the oncoming storm, and a small number of us were going back to stand before the wrath of nature and to provide relief to people impacted by the storm.

Today, parishes and communities around Dallas, dealing with the aftermath of the Spring and Christmas storms and tornadoes, may be faced with the same questions that I faced after Katrina. In fact, many of us around the diocese may be asking the same sorts of questions - looking for some logical explanation for the suffering that ensues after an event like a hurricane or a tornado. The questions that we ask - about suffering and God - may seem even more pertinent after a tornado given that tornadoes come with very little warning and have immense impact on people and communities. In times like this, we may be asking questions like, “Why did the tornadoes have to strike these communities?” or “Why did members of our community have to die?” The questions may get even more personal and more dire the closer we are to the suffering in our immediate community. Why did God allow this tragedy to happen? Why is it that bad things happen to good people? Why was God seemingly absent?

The why questions asked about God and suffering seem to be good questions at different times in our lives, but they are also questions that only look backwards. The questions asked during times of tragedy are big questions that have no good answers. They are questions that baffle the mind and have the potential to shred the soul into small pieces. The questions turn into a bog, imperceptible on the landscape, until you are sinking further and further into it when you ultimately find yourself neck deep in it with little hope of rescue or escape.

The reality of an embodied life is that it can and will involve suffering along the way. The fall story in Genesis tells us that life will now include certain hardships - from working in order to provide food, to labor during childbirth, to the ultimate truth that the fall narrative is not simply a story about the fall of humanity but is a story about the tragic fall of creation. And yet, the fall narrative is also a narrative of hope and of love. Instead of dying “in the day that you eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,” God shares his redemptive love with Adam and Eve in casting them out of the garden. The result is that God’s action during the fall was one of love towards humanity, and it is that same love that we need to look for in the face of suffering.

Thus, it may better to reframe the question that we are asking about God. Instead of asking why bad things happen to good people, it may prove more instructive and more faithful to ask, “When bad things happen to good people, where am I witnessing God’s redemptive love in action?” By reframing the question in this way, we are recognizing that suffering is simply part of living an embodied life in a tragic creation. Though tragedy and suffering did not exist in the beginning, the fall of creation brought suffering into the world and made the reality of creation a tragic one. In recognizing that suffering is simply a truth of our embodied existence within creation, we are able to move past the why question and begin asking different questions that help us to look forward

The reality of…life is that it can and will involve suffering….

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For Your Information

into the future with hope, faith, and love. We are able to begin looking for the ways that God continues to redeem us - even in the face of suffering.

As we continued the work of attempting to provide emergency relief to those affected by Hurricane Katrina, my emotions began to build into a tidal wave of anger. It was a torrent of anger that was looking for someone to take the brunt of it until I finally turned my rage to God, or, to be more precise, I turned my rage on God. In that moment, I let God have every venomous accusation I could imagine, and I challenged God directly. I challenged the reality of a God that supposedly loves his children but continues to allow suffering to happen. In that moment of rage, God responded. God took my anger and helped me to see that the last word had not been written. God still had something to say about the suffering of people after Hurricane Katrina, and God helped me to see that, even in the greatest moment of pain and suffering I had known, God was there alongside me.

During Hurricane Katrina, I was not able to see that God was there until I took the time to reframe the event through the power of the resurrection. Just as Christ called out to God, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” so too did I call out to God in a moment of great suffering. In the moment of the crucifixion and in the moment of Hurricane Katrina, God wept. In the moments of the crucifixion and after Hurricane Katrina, God responded through love by redeeming humanity. Today, the action of that redeeming love is present with us through the care and love being offered by Eucharistic communities to those that have faced the brunt of the tornadoes.

In the creation narrative, it is important for us to remember that sin and suffering are not a given within creation. Sin is something that enters the narrative after God speaks creation into being and calls it good. As a result, we, as faithful disciples of Christ, need to remember that suffering and sin are secondary realities; the primary reality is that we are created in the goodness of God’s image and that we can be reconciled to the goodness with which we are created. In short, though sin and suffering exists in the world, we are called to look out on the horizon of the future with hope and with expectation. We are called to look for the redeeming love of God, which is our singular hope in the face of suffering.

In the end, a recognition of suffering as part of the reality of the embodied life is also a recognition of the importance of grace in our lives. It is a move that helps us to slowly inch beyond the immediate state of suffering and into a future that is filled with hope precisely because it is upon the grace of God that we rely. Yet, the recognition of suffering as a reality is not enough for us to rediscover the hope that God offers to us. And it is here that being part of a community of hope, a community of thanksgiving becomes vitally important to our ability to experience God’s redemptive love through the care and actions of others. It is within the Eucharistic community that we are able to be reconnected to the reality of God’s redeeming love and that we are able to begin to imagine a future filled with hope and with love. It is within the Eucharistic community and by sharing the love of God through Christ that we become agents of God bringing love and hope into a landscape of tragedy.

Though we are not able to eradicate pain and suffering from our reality, we are able to rely on each other to bring God’s love into a tragic and hurting world. We are able to support and love each other, and we are able to serve as disciples of Christ by sharing God’s love with persons burdened by the yoke of suffering.

 

…I finally turned my rage to God

…and I challenged God directly.

We are called to look out on the horizon…with hope and with expectation.

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The Women of Saint Michael

Women of Saint Michael Grant Charities $401,000 at Spring Luncheon

The Women of Saint Michael celebrated the 2015-2016 program year at its annual Spring Luncheon by donating $401,000 to nonprofit charities and ministries. Kathy Jenevein, chair of the Gifts Committee said the grants went to local non-profit agencies focused on poverty and protecting and nurturing children and families, and to Episcopal Church related organizations. Funds for the Women’s grants come primarily from the St. Michael Woman’s Exchange and the Bi-annual Parish Party.

The luncheon, chaired by Mason Custard and Melinda Knowles, was attended by nearly 350 women of the church and their guests. Former Women of Saint Michael President, Peggy Carr, was the Honorary Chair of the event.

President Margaret Cervin recounted the year’s accomplishments including a successful monthly luncheon series featuring outstanding speakers, and a “fantastic” year at St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange, which relocated into a new store in Highland Park Village. “Few efforts in the history of Dallas can match the sustained impact of the Exchange,” she said. “For more than 50 years, many dedicated women have generously donated their time and talents to this top-notch gift shop.”

Before adjourning to lunch, the ladies received an update on the search for a new Rector for Saint Michael and All Angels, and were entertained and inspired by Courtney Ferrell, a former parishioner, who is recognized as one of the nation’s leading corporate change-agents.

New President Cites Collective Wisdom as Her Term Begins

Citing the collective wisdom she is inheriting, Squeaky Connolly, the 2016 - 2017 president of the Women of Saint Michael is confident of another banner year of service to the church and the community.

“The Women of Saint Michael represents years of collective wisdom, and I feel fortunate to be the beneficiary of so much of that wisdom,” Squeaky said at the group’s Spring Luncheon. “The incoming board and I will do our best to make this another banner year, but we need your help.” She urged the women to be involved and to offer advice and ideas. “You have always been there for me in the past and I will need your support and knowledge now more than ever.”

The 2016 – 2017 officers are:

Vice President – Kristin Lambeth, Communications – Linda Shaffer, Newsletter – Electra Harelson, Recording Secretary – Allison Bovard, Treasurer – Elizabeth Gorman, Asst. Treasurer – Carol Carrington, Parliamentarian – Margaret Cervin, Parish Party Chair - Christine Paddock, and President-Elect – Tricia Stewart.

The Blessing of the Checks

Mason Custard and Melinda Knowles, Luncheon Chairs

2015-2016 President, Margaret Cervin

Peggy Carr - Honorary Luncheon Chair

Squeaky Connolly, 2016 - 2017 President

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Women of Saint Michael Grants

2016 Women of Saint Michael Grants

Aberg Center for LiteracyAIDS Services of DallasAkola ProjectAlley’s HouseAssociation for Independent Living

(AFIL)Attitudes & AttireAustin Street CenterAVANCE-DallasBrighter TomorrowsBrother Bill’s Helping HandBryan’s HouseCaptain Hope’s KidsCitySquareCornerstone Crossroads AcademyCreativity for PeaceCrossfire KidsCrossroads Community ServicesDallas CASADallas Children’s Advocacy CenterDallas Christian Women’s Job CorpsDallas Furniture BankDwell with Dignity

East Dallas Community OrganizationFamily CompassGateway of Grace MinistriesGenesis Women’s ShelterGirls, Inc.Honduras ThreadsHousing Crisis CenterHuman Rights Initiative of North Texas,

Inc.Interfaith Housing CoalitionJonathan’s PlaceJubilee Park & Community CenterLegacy Counseling CenterLIFTMosaic Family ServicesNETWORK of Community Ministries,

Inc.New Beginning CenterNew Friends New LifeNorth Dallas Shared MinistriesNorth Texas Food BankOne Man’s TreasureOur Friends Place

OurCalling, IncPromise HouseRainbow DaysServices of HopeShared Housing Center, IncSkill QUESTSMAA Austin Street CooksSt. John Eye Hospital, JerusalemSt. Matthew’s Cathedral Bishop’s CampThe Senior SourceThe Shoe BankThe StewpotThe Way Back House, IncThe Well CommunityTurtle Creek Manor, Inc.VMLCVNAWesley-Rankin Community CenterWilkinson CenterYouth Believing in ChangeYouth With Faces (aka Youth Village)

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Overview

Donate Extra Fabric to Honduras ThreadsThe Honduras Mission Trip needs any extra fabric you can donate for its June 12 -17 mission trip. There are collection baskets for the fabric at the north and south lanai entrances through June 3. The fabric will be given to the women in the Honduras embroidery cooperatives for their appliqués and stitching designs. For information contact Shannon Callewart at scallewart@tx.rr.com.

Enneagram: Coming This FallNo – this is not the symbol for anything atomic.

It represents one of the most significant tools for understanding yourself and others: THE ENNEAGRAM. Defining our personality types, Enneagram helps us see the ways from which we experience the world.

Why this tool and not another?

Enneagram not only focuses on psychological and physical development, but a large component involves our spirituality. The interaction of these three perspectives gives dimension to our personal growth.

Watch for more information, but mark your calendars for a workshop series this fall. Learn more about Enneagram at www.enneagramworldwide.com/the-enneagram/ or contact Shelly Vescovo at svescovo@saintmichael.org for more information.

We Need Your Pie!The June 26 reception in the Garden Cloister will feature pies of all varieties as part of our Celebrate America festivities. We need you to bake your favorite pie – apple, cherry, peach, peanut butter – and share it at the party. If you can bake (or buy) a pie, contact Tish at tvisinsky@saintmichael.org.

Wear Your Nametag!Let’s face it, we don’t know every parishioner, and there’s no way our clergy can remember everyone’s name. Let’s be more considerate and more welcoming to one another. Wear your name tag! (If you need a new one, ask the receptionist at the South Lanai.

Welcome Confirmands

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Bishop George Sumner confirmed the 64 members of the Disciples confirmation class during ceremonies on Sunday afternoon May 1. The Bishop met with the students and their mentors and parents challenging them to “put their confirmation to work.” Following the service there was a reception during which the Bishop signed programs and talked with the new confirmands.

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Congratulations to the Saint Michael and All Angels members who are graduating seniors.

Margaret Christine Abel, Highland Park High School, Baylor University Joseph Fisk Beckham, Episcopal School of Dallas, University of Colorado BoulderCaroline Bradley Beutel, Episcopal School of Dallas, University of AlabamaAvery Ruth Bragg, Highland Park High School, University of MississippiMillicent Rae Callan, Parish Episcopal School, Baylor UniversityMegan Laine Casey, Episcopal School of Dallas, University of San DiegoJohn Brandon Cowden IV, Highland Park High School, University of TexasKendall Marie Deitch, Highland Park High School, Santa Clara University,Stanton Lawes Geyer, Highland Park High School, UndecidedBryan Alden Hagar, Lake Highlands High School, Michigan State UniversityMatthew Langhorne Horvath, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, Spring Hill College Julia Haynes Jenevein, Highland Park High School, University of TexasJacob Parker Lacour, Highland Park High School, Texas A & M UniversityMolly Margo McGrath, J. J. Pearce High School, University of Colorado BoulderCamille Padgett McSherry, Highland Park High School, University of Texas Natalie Claire Noble, The Hockaday School, Boston CollegeBenjamin Harrison Powell, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, Texas A & M University John Andy Rubarth, Bishop Dunne Catholic School, Denison UniversityCharles McIntosh Sikes, Episcopal School of Dallas, University of TexasBarton Bowers Showalter, Highland Park High School, University of TexasAddison Townsend Smith, June Shelton School, Western State Colorado UniversityLily Ann Sumrow, The Hockaday School, University of Southern CaliforniaElectra Gail Thomas, The Hockaday School, Southern Methodist UniversityMolly Linhua Waring, The Hockaday School, University of Southern California

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For Your Information

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Welcome New MembersA warm Saint Michael welcome to our newest members who were recently received or confirmed into our parish.

Saint Michael’s Courtyard Columbarium Wins Statewide Architecture AwardThe Texas Society of Architects has named Saint Michael’s Courtyard Columbarium as one of the 10 best representations of architecture in the State of Texas.

In announcing the award winners, Thomas Hacker, FAIA, one of the jurors said, “There are a few times that I’ve been on juries like this for design awards where a project presents itself in a way that is so simple and so understated but is about something that is so powerful and so important for us as human beings that it sort of rises above the kind of norm in terms of its poetic content. I think this building is really a work of poetry as much as it is architecture.”

Nearly 300 projects were considered in the competition for the group’s 2016 Design Awards. The Columbarium was designed by Dallas architect Max Levy.

Pentecost

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Pentecost Sunday, May 15, was festival day at Saint Michael and All Angels. The church was adorned with symbolic banners of fire and a dove descending as the Holy Spirit. Parishioners dressed in red were everywhere. In the garden cloister, a community breakfast was served with fellowship and happy greetings. A life-dove release captured the imaginations of kids and adults alike.

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Pastoral Care

Faith, Grief & Pass the Chocolate Puddingby Marillyn Burton Seeberger

Wha-a-at? Oh, it’s the name of a book. You’ve got me hooked. Now, what is this about?

It’s about a reception and book signing to meet the authors on Sunday afternoon, June 12.

No. I mean, what’s the book about? Amy Logan, says it is “the best book on grief ever.”

Faith, Grief & Pass the Chocolate Pudding was co-authored by two people: Heather Wallace, a wife, mother of five and a Director of Presbyterian Youth Ministries from Arkansas and by Stuart Rubio, a husband, father of three boys and a career U.S. Air Force officer. These two strangers, who connected at Faith and Grief gatherings, and recognized that their mutual experiences with tremendous loss had given them a tool with which to cope. They learned that they could find humor in some of their experiences and the ability to laugh through their tears helped propel them through the healing process. It was the catalyst that prompted the writing of this book. The strangers, who supported one another through the Faith and Grief gatherings, had become friends and co-authors, as well.

Does that sound familiar? Faith and Grief Ministries? Strangers supporting one another in grief? It should.

In 2009, Saint Michael became the second host site, following Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, where the Faith and Grief Ministry organization was initiated in April of 2008. By 2011, three of the original leaders, lay

person, Sharon Balch, The Rev. Fran Shelton and The Rev. Wendy Fenn, realizing that the ministry could be helpful to so many others, formed a non-profit 501c-3 organization named Faith and Grief Ministries, Inc. They continued to grow and develop to what are now 12 host sites located in and around the DFW Metroplex, including sites in Austin, El Paso, Little Rock, Kansas City, and New Jersey. All of the host sites are ecumenical in Christian faith, some being collaborative interdenominational groups. All faiths are welcome and the hope for the future is for host sites to represent all faiths.

The mission statement of Faith and Grief Ministries, Inc., reads that they are organized “to provide resources of on-going comfort to persons who’ve experienced the death of a loved one.”

Following are some of the resources that have been developed by the organization during the past 8 years.

1) The monthly gatherings at the host sites. 2) A monthlynewsletter. 3) 6-week grief workshops hosted at thedifferent sites. 4) Week-end retreats. (This is the thirdyear for the retreats at Mo Ranch, in central Texas, whereparticipants engage in scripture-based spiritual exercises thatpromote comfort.) 5) The most recent offering is a financialeducation for widows, with Saint Michael Parishioner,Connie Webb serving as Facilitator.

Join us in the Coke Activities Room at Saint Michael at 4:30 on Sunday afternoon, June 12. Meet the authors, Heather Wallace and Stuart Rubio, hear them share portions of their book and enjoy fun beverages and chocolates. Books will be available for sale at this event or www.passthechocolatepudding.com, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble. Questions? Contact Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org, or www.faithandgrief.org.

Pastoral Care - Calendar

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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.

Care Givers Support Group: Meets on the first and third Mondays at 11:00 in the parlor. We provide support for those who have the responsibility of caring for a loved one. Contact: Sandra Klingeman, jsklingeman@sbcglobal.net.

Faith and Grief LuncheonOn June 9th 12:00 – 1:00, the Faith and Grief Ministry meets in the Coke Activities Room, where we will welcome The Rev. Virginia Holleman as our guest speaker. Don’t

miss this opportunity to listen to how one person’s faith intersected with grief. The lunch is free but your

donation would be welcome. Kindly make your reservation for lunch with Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org.

Prayer Ministry Continues to Meet this SummerGet your calendar out. The Prayer Ministry will meet from 6:00 to 7:30 on Thursday evening, June 16 in the Coke Activities Room. Our June speaker will be Interim Rector, The Very Rev. Doug Travis. Our focus for June and July is “Practical Training for Prayer Team.” During the last half of these meetings, Mary Ann Webster will lead training sessions. The July 21 meeting will feature a DVD of one of Bishop Curry’s dynamic speeches. All are invited. Questions? Contact Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org.

Women’s Cancer Support Group Meets every Monday 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.

Centering Prayer GroupYou are invited to join us on Tuesdays at 10:00 in the Clergy Conference Room, to engage in Centering Prayer. Learn how to rest in God. As with everything about us, God is paying attention and the practice will transform you. Contact: Mary Ann Webster, maryannwebster@gmail.com.

Knitting MinistryYou are invited to join us weekly as we gather on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 – 3:00 in the Coke Activities Room where we knit together. If you don’t know how to knit and would like to learn, we will teach you. Consider joining the knitting ministry, either in person or from home. Contact: Byrd Teague, byrd.teague@gmail.com.

A Stephen Minister Can Help You Over The Rough Spots.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.

Recovery AdvocatesRecovery Advocates is a group dedicated to enhancing the spiritual, physical, emotional and social well-being of those facing substance abuse and other addictions. The Recovery Advocates have knowledge and experience in addiction recovery and serve as a resource to discuss issues and concerns, share experiences, or take someone to an AA or Alanon meeting. The Rev. Neal Hern is the clergy contact. nealhern@aol.com. All communications remain confidential.

Calling All With A Volunteer Heart!Extended Care Cook one who is willing to cook only one or two times during the year

Good Shepherd You can be the person to be provide a neighbor with that needed connection to Saint Michael.

If this is you, please contact Ann Mills, amills@saintmichael.org.

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Altar Guild Honors Angie Howell and Welcomes Frances TompkinsAngie Howell praised the Saint Michael Altar Guild for their tireless efforts on behalf of Saint Michael and All Angels at the annual Altar Guild dinner Friday evening, May 20.

As she retired as Altar Guild Directress, Angie talked about how many services the Guild prepared for worship, how many communion wafers were consumed, and how many linens were washed and ironed. But, she said, it was all done for the love of the church, its clergy, and its parishioners. The five Altar Guild captains, Chris Anderson, Pam Busbee, Pattie Flowers, Carol Hill, and Debbie Shuey received accolades for their coordination of the people, places, and the things it took to make Saint Michael’s worship services meaningful.

Interim Rector, Doug Travis presented Angie with the Altar Guild Directress Cross and introduced the 2016 – 2017 Directress, Frances Tompkins. She told the group that it would be an exciting year with the anticipated arrival of a new Rector, stating that the goal is to create an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm throughout the year. “Our theme,” she said, “is Serving God and Each Other.” Frances introduced her captains and co-captains for the year: Susan Boldrick and Sue Sibley, Gail Clark and Chris Anderson, Nancy Duncan and Terese Finitzo, Diane Grant and Molla Ladd, Laura Noe and Kathleen Wallace.

The evening concluded with the announcement that Carol Hill would be Altar Guild Directress in 2017 – 2018.

Altar Guild

7

Doug Travis presenting Angie Howell with the Directress Cross

The 2015-2016 Altar Guild captains, Pam Busbee, Carol Hill, Pattie Flowers, and Debbie Shuey not shown Chris Anderson,

2016 – 2017 Directress, Frances Tompkins

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Youth Ministry

Youth to Welcome Lauren Wainwright on Thursday, June 2

Saint Michael’s youth will welcome Lauren Wainwright at a special reception party-get-together on Thursday evening, June 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 in the Youth Center. Lauren started her ministry as Youth Director at Saint Michael on June 1. One of her first jobs will be joining Hunter Ruffin and Oliver Butler on the youth mission trip to Cuba. Youth should RSVP at www.saintmichael.org/youth.

Youth Director’s Pantry is Full!Saint Michael’s new Youth Director, Lauren Wainwright, is on the job as of June 1, but before she started she had to find room in her apartment for baskets and baskets filled with items for her pantry(ies).

Wanting to give Lauren a Texas-sized welcome, several moms from the Youth Ministry organized a “Stock the Pantry” campaign and parishioners from throughout the church rallied to the cause. Within a couple of weeks the list had grown to nearly 40 items ranging from grocery store gift cards, to canned goods, to baking supplies, to spices and staples, to paper towels and candles, and, of course peanut butter and jelly.

This is Lauren’s first foray into Texas, coming from Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra, Florida.

WELCOME!

Christopher Peters loads items for the Youth Director’s pantry

Lauren’s pantry

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Children and Family Ministry

Edge Bake Sale a Sweet SuccessThe 4th and 5th graders in the Edge Ministry accomplished their goal in less than an hour, raising $1,027 for their Little Free Library Project.

Last year during Vacation Bible School, the Edgers built, decorated, installed and filled 4 Little Free Libraries in the Jubilee Park neighborhood. Two of the libraries are now in the lobby of O.M. Roberts Elementary School and are available for students as they wait for school to begin. The goal this year was to raise awareness and to raise enough money to restock the libraries and to buy one book for each child at the school. They needed at least $693.

On Sunday, May 22 during the Sunday School hour (there was no Sunday School), the Edgers held a Bake Sale in the south lanai. The success was overwhelming. They raised $334 more than their goal. During Vacation Bible School this year, the students will put Little Free Library stickers on the books in preparation to deliver them this fall when school begins. Great job, Edgers!

Family Summer Sunday SchoolJoin Children & Family ministry as we celebrate just a few of our wonderful ministries here at Saint Michael and All Angels this summer! 

Starting June 5th, we will meet in the Coke Activities Room at 10:00 and we will be joined by a representative of a different ministry each week. In June our programs are:

June 5: The Rev. Hunter Ruffin, The Cuba Mission Trip

June 12: Kay Whelan, Junior Warden, The Vestry

June 19: Lane Clark, The Gathering (downtown church for the homeless)

Every Sunday we will learn, enjoy fellowship with our families, eat together, and color thank you cards, banners, and pictures for the ministry of the week.

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Children and Family Ministry

At Saint Michael’s Vacation Bible School, Deep Sea Discovery, every day will start at the bottom of the sea! Our kids will be swept to faraway places where they will learn God is with them—wherever they go! They will sing, laugh, and learn with upbeat worship music, engaging skits, and fun group challenges.

Bible Stories

Dive into God’s Word with hands-on Bible activities that help kids explore God’s presence!

Crafts & Science

We explore the mysteries of sea science which will allow our kids to expand their minds.

Service Projects

Through service projects our kids will be challenged to be Christ’s hands and feet in our community and around the world!

Volunteer Opportunities

Both adult and youth volunteer opportunities are available. Contact Emily Given at egiven@ saintmichael.org.

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For Your Information

Grant Them Eternal RestBarbara Lill Murphy, March 10 mother of Kate Rose Marquez, grandmother of Olivia, James and Nicholas

Marietta Laing Biddle, March 23, mother of Charles “Randy” Biddle and John “Jack” Biddle, mother-in-law of Barbara Biddle

Adrian Robert Wright, March 28, grandson of Elaine Vail

Robert J. “Bob” Phillips

Dr. Larry Davis, father of Brad Davis, father-in-law of Tiffany Davis, grandfather of Bennett, Ford and Chandler

Donald “Don” Davis Cole, Jr., April 30, husband of Judy Cole

Janis “Jan” Kay Brooks Moncrief, May 1, wife of Chris Moncrief

William Henry Hoffman, Jr., May 1, father of Tom Hoffman, father-in-law of carrie Hoffman, grandfather of Sam and Maggie

Rosemary Pedrick Hively Briggs, May 4

Eugene “Gene” Whitney Campbell, May 5, husband of Bobby Campbell

Amber Huffman Watt, May 7, daughter-in-law of Betsy and Ron Pedersen

Linda Louise Blackmon, May 11, aunt of Michael Davis and Richard Kelly

John Cleveland Moreau, May 12, uncle of Celise Stephenson

Margaret May, May 13, grandmother of Phil Bower, grandmother-in-law of Erika Bower, great-grandmother of Philip and Liliana

Mary Prather McFarlin Beckham, May 17, wife of Steve Beckham

Congregational Care and Welcome Ministry Volunteers Feted at GalleryIt was a beautiful and relaxing way to say “Thank You.”

Volunteers from the Regional Good Shepherds, the Funeral Reception Guild, Extended Care Cooks, and the Welcome Steering Committee gathered at the Valley House Gal-lery Thursday, May 5 to be praised and thanked by Saint Michael’s clergy and staff. The group, literally, donates thousands of hours and a lot of effort each year to serve parishioners of the church.

In addition to traditional Cinco de Mayo fare arranged by Ann Mills and Tish Visinsky, the volunteers were able to stroll through the gallery’s sculpture garden and peruse its fine art displays, including paintings by parishioner Bart Forbes.

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For Your Information

“[T]o all who received [Jesus Christ], who believed in his

name, he gave power to become children of God; who were

born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will

of man, but of God.” (1:12-13)

It’s this being born of God, this receiving “power to become

children of God”, which finally comprises true belief. This

being so, when I say “credo” - whether in Latin, Greek,

Spanish, or English - I should, in that act, avail myself of

a certain ability, a certain power which otherwise I would

not have. I should be able to do something that otherwise

I would and could not do.

This need surprise nobody. The power which comes

through belief is that power which enables the alcoholic

to quit drinking, the drug addict to kick the habit. This

is the power that enables the saint to tread his path even

in the fear of death or worse suffering. This is the power

that finally enabled Jesus to say, “Not my will, but thine

be done.” This selfsame power led to victory - but only by

way of the cross.

This is a power premised, finally, upon ultimate humility

- that willing and joyful recognition that all is God’s, and

that my role as an individual Christian is but to be part of

the dance, part of the whole, to perceive and do God’s will.

But - obviously - in the recitation of the creed most of us

do not know such power. There are many reasons for this,

not the least of which is that we shouldn’t expect something

extraordinary to happen every time we worship. But I

suspect that we also fail to recognize the “power” of belief

by confusing Christian belief with the acknowledgement

that certain statements are true. It is true that Jesus Christ

rose from the dead. It is also true that the sun rises in

the east and that Dallas is a city in Texas. The power, the

transformation, that accompanies genuine belief presumes

the rational recognition that what we say when we recite

the creed is true - but it presumes much more. It presumes

the heart as well as the head, it presumes the giving over of

our whole selves - spirit, soul, mind, and body - to God.

And this is invariably a lifelong process - of which we are

capable only because God wishes to share with us his power

to become like him - through the gift of belief.

Believe it or not, all of this lies behind the simple words “I

believe.”

Doug Travis, Interim Rector

Continued from page 1

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 Mass - SMCSunday

7:30 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I – SMC9:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite II - Church 9:00 a.m. – Joy Mass and Discovery Mass

- SMC10:00 a.m. – Summer Sunday School

(Children and Adult)11:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I - SMC11:11 a.m. – The Celebration - Parish Hall5:30 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. WardenKay Whelan, Jr. WardenGrady Schleier, TreasurerCharlie Sartain, ChancellorMargaret Spellings, Clerk

Peter Beck, Eric Conner, Mark Demler, Whitney Grogan, Beth Hise, Kathy Kelley, Rachel Morgan, Tom Rhodus, Elizabeth L. Selzer, J. C. Snead, Arnold Spencer, and Chris Wiley.

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A monthly publication of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church