Celebrations of ChristmasChristmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24 7:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist – Bishop Moore Chapel

11:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist – Saint Michael Chapel – Rite I Christmas liturgy with traditional hymns and carols

1:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist – Church – Rite I Christmas liturgy with traditional hymns and carols

*3:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist – Church – Rite II – Incense

Christmas liturgy with Orchestra, organ and choir

3:00 p.m. – Discovery Mass – Saint Michael Chapel – Rite II

Christmas liturgy with the Discovery Mass Band

3:00 p.m. – Joy Mass – Parish HallChristmas liturgy appropriate for young children

*5:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist – Church Rite II – Incense

Christmas liturgy with Orchestra, organ and choir

5:00 p.m. – Discovery Mass – Saint Michael Chapel – Rite II

Christmas liturgy with the Discovery Mass Band

5:00 p.m. – Joy Mass – Parish HallChristmas liturgy appropriate for young children

7:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist – Church – Rite II Christmas liturgy with traditional hymns and carols. Silent Night sung by candlelight concludes the service.

*10:30 p.m. – Holy Eucharist – Church Rite I – Incense

Festal Eucharist with Orchestra, organ and choir. Silent Night sung by candlelight concludes the service.

*Live streamed at www.saintmichael.org

Christmas Day, Thursday, December 2510:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist – Church – Rite IChristmas liturgy with traditional hymns and carolsVolume 25, No. 11

cont. on page 19

The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

December 2014

This Advent and Christmas: Love People, Not Stuff

It’s an age-old equation: Love God and God’s people, and you and I will be grateful and generous. Love stuff -- material possessions,

pleasure, achievement, and power -- and you and I will be fearful and disappointed.

Jesus knew this about us when he regularly called attention to the benefits of loving people more than stuff: “...Do not worry

about your life, what you will eat or what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing... can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?... But seek first the kingdom of God and all the things you need will be yours as well.”

Well, you might be saying: “Easier said than done,” or, “Tell me something I don’t know!” Instinctively, we DO know this in our heads, our forebears taught us this over and over again; especially this time of year. So why is it that we keep loving things more than people? Could it be that it’s easier? This is my educated guess: Many of the Christmas gifts that will be carefully bought, wrapped, and given to beloved this season will be at some level a substitute for real encounter, significant relationship, deeply expressed love.

This reality is like social media. Today each of us can build a personal fan base, thanks to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and the like. We can broadcast the details of our lives to friends and strangers

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Advent Retreat

Advent Family Fair

Lessonsand Carols

Reindeer Race

Liturgy of Remembrance

Nativity Pageant

Cookie Swap

Christmas EveServices

7, 11, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10:30

Christmas Day10:00 Service

Church Offices Closed

Christmas Holiday Church

Offices Closed

Church Business

Office Open until Noon

ArchangelArchangel

the

the

Volume 26, No. 12

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Advent at Saint Michael

Thoughts from the VicarThe Now and Not Yet of Advent

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs [groans] too deep for words.

- Romans 8: 22-23, 26

Every family observes and maintains certain holiday traditions, a quirk that adds to a long list of already odd

events like kissing under mistletoe or cutting down a perfectly nice tree in order to place lights and small objects on it. Some of those traditions have deep emotional and symbolic meaning like lighting the Advent wreath or the Christmas homecoming. Other times, we have traditions that are maintained

after a lesson has been learned. My wife Jessie’s family chooses to never label their presents. This tradition is not born from some deep egalitarian purpose where all the gifts are the same or a quirky desire to simplify the process with wrapping paper themes. The goal rests in thwarting inquisitive minds and impish hands. As the family story goes, Jessie loved and still loves all of the build up to Christmas. However, she has never received the gift of patience. Many years ago, as Christmas day in Birmingham crept closer and filled a certain little girl with expectations of a hundred fabulous gifts, fascination and day-dreams were overtaken by action. The myriad wrapped boxes under the tree were a target far too tempting to resist. In a moment when parents were sleeping, she carefully opened all of her presents, took inventory of the surprises set for Christmas day, and then wrapped them all back up. She will openly confess that she ruined her own Christmas that year. The building expectation and joyful surprises were replaced with regret and faux elation over gifts already known. I suspect that a combination of Jessie’s bad acting and of gifts not quite perfectly re-wrapped led to the enduring tradition of never labeling Christmas presents. The tradition is meant to preserve expectation, surprise and hope.

Advent rests comfortably at the opening of the Church calendar, filled with longing. Most of us believe the season is an antiquated liturgical method designed to help us count down the days to Christmas. The reality of Advent dwells closer to opening presents and hoping desperately for more. The four-week season exists as a liturgical pun. We are

indeed preparing ourselves for the coming of Christmas, to revel in the wonder and majesty of God in a manger, to recall the gift of incarnation to the world. In the same breath, we are preparing for the return of Jesus in glory, for Christ’s second coming, for a future moment technically named the eschaton. In Romans, Paul theologically connects this time of both the presence of Christ and the future return of Christ to pregnancy. The prophet from Tarsus sees the whole of creation groaning in expectation even as we groan in the hope of a better world as children of God. Even the Spirit of God groans with us in prayer as we recall the gift of the Incarnation and inexorably yearn for Christ’s return to set all things to right. In seminary, professors call this the Now and the Not Yet of our faith.

As Christmas creeps closer and fills us with expectations, we are placed in a wonderful tension. We know one gift that has been opened and enjoyed for two millennia. We will celebrate again the joy of the nativity with family and friends gathered. We must also wait, hope, and pray, with sighs and groaning too deep for words, for a second gift that will come one day soon that has no label but will surprise and redeem us all.

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Advent at Saint Michael

Advent Meditation Booklets AvailableDaily devotions written by parishioners, staff, and clergy are available in the just published Advent Meditation booklet. The booklet is available at several locations in the church and is online at www.saintmichael.org.

#Radvent, daily inspirational images for Advent from our Children, Youth, and Family team  These thoughts for the day are delivered via text, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit www.saintmichael.org/radvent for more information.

Attend one of these wonderful celebrations of our life together which begin at 6:00. Following is the complete list of dates and locations which are also online at www.saintmichael.org. Notify the host that you will attend.

Tuesday, December 2Terry and Mark Demler8302 Ridgelea 75209 214-366-7811

Thursday, December 4Shelly Vescovo3442 Asbury75205 svescovo@saintmichael.org

Monday, December 8Good Shepherd MinistryMary and Zach Dorflinger5527 Farquhar 75209214-350-1582 dbumpas@sbcglobal.net

Tuesday, December 9Nell Ann Hunt3704 Hidalgo Irving, 75062972-650-1820 nellanne@flash.net

Thursday, December 11Singles n SaintsHolly and Phil Huffines4415 S. Versailles 75205214-363-5422 aescobedo@saintmichael.org

Wednesday, December 17Pam Watkins4158 Walnut Meadow 75229214-415-7917

Thursday, December 18Joyce and Blake Hull4112 PurdueDallas, 75225214-369-2204jhull@smu.edu

Christmas Flower and Adornment OfferingRemember a loved one by filling out a Flower Memorial envelope with those you want to honor. Envelopes are available throughout the church. Return it with your check by Sunday, December 14.

Advent Retreat Saturday, December 6, 9:00 Spend a quiet morning focusing on finding your deepest self during Advent. The Rev. Laurie Brock from Lexington, Kentucky will lead us on an exploration of the God of Abundant Reduction. Retreat in the Coke Activities Room. Cost is $10.

Advent Family Fair Sunday, December 7, 10:00 Join us for a fun and lively way to kick off the Advent Season. Full breakfast by Celebration along with a number of engaging activities for families of all ages. $10/person. Children under three are free. Volunteer help needed. For more information, please contact Emily Given - egiven@saintmichael.org. Register online www.saintmichael.org/children-youth-and-families/children-family-ministry/seasonal/.

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Advent at Saint Michael

Lessons and CarolsSunday, December 7, 11:00 The traditional service of Lessons and Carols will be celebrated at Saint Michael on Sunday, December 7 at 11:00 in the Church. The service tells the story of the  fall of humanity, the promise of the  Messiah, and the birth of Jesus in short  Bible  readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of  Christmas Carols, hymns, and choir music. Scripture and music work together to represent Christ’s leading the world from darkness to light

Liturgy of Remembrance and LightWednesday, December 10, 6:00 For some, the holidays are a time of sorrow and hurt; over the loss of a beloved, relationships turned sour, being alone. Through prayers, music, and the lighting of candles, the Ad-vent Liturgy of Remembrance and Light seeks to bring peace, healing, and wholeness in the midst of grief. The service fea-turing special music by Ana Hernandez and Brice Beaird will be held Wednesday, December 10 at 6:00 in Saint Michael Chapel. A reception hosted by the Grief Ministry will be in the Parlor following the service.

Pajama Prayers – Wednesdays, December 3, 10, & 17, 6:00 Children of all ages are urged to hop into their pajamas and head over to the “big church” for storytelling, prayers, songs and a yummy bedtime snack! Open to all yet geared toward preschool and early elementary families. Led by Emily Given.

Nativity Pageant - New Date and TimeSaturday, December 13, 6:00The traditional Nativity Pageant; a gift to the parish from the children and youth of Saint Michael, is on a new day at a new time. The Pageant will be preceded by a family dinner in Parish Hall. following the performance. The program will be livecast at www.saintmichael.org.

Christmas at Saint Michael

Help with the Seniors Christmas Luncheon in Jubilee ParkSaint Michael will prepare and serve a Christmas luncheon for the seniors at Jubilee Park on Thursday, December 18 beginning at 10:00. We need hams and all the trimmings, and people to serve. If you can provide food, or serve, or both contact Rita Davis at rrdavis14@aol.com.

Holiday Cookie Swap Sunday, December 21, 4:00Bring 4 dozen Christmas treats on a disposable tray/plate – 2 dozen for the church and 2 dozen to swap!  We’ll have Christmas music, a hot chocolate bar and goodies galore!  For more information contact Tish Visinsky at 214-363-5422 ext. 524 or tvisinsky@saintmichael.org.

Home for the Holidays Reception Christmas Eve, 2:00 – 5:00Stop by the Parlor between 2:00 and 5:00 on Christmas Eve to share a little holiday cheer with friends old and new!  Please let us know if you would like to be a host or hostess and help us extend a warm greeting to all who attend.  Children are welcome and we will spill out into the Garden Cloister if weather permits.  For more information contact Tish Visinsky at 214-363-5422 ext. 524 or tvisinsky@saintmichael.org or sign up online to help host.

Christmas Closing’The Church offices will be closed on Christmas Day and on Friday, December 26. The offices will also be closed on New Year’s Day and Friday, January 2.

Christmas Offerings Slated for Children’s ProgramsA Saint Michael tradition has been that all of the offerings collected during the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services be designated for mission and outreach programs outside of the parish.

The Mission and Outreach Grants Committee in a continuation of that tradition has recommended that the offerings designated to benefit children’s program be divided equally between international, national, and local outreach efforts. They are:

International: Diocese of Jerusalem – allocated to the children in refugee camps in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.

National: Rosebud Indian Reservation – to support Backpacks for Kids and the Kids’ Café Nourishment programs

Local: St. Simon’s After-School – providing care, nourishment, and tutoring to elementary-aged children from disadvantaged families who have no one at home to care for them.

The Vestry will act on the Grant Committee’s recommendation

at it December 17 meeting.

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Christmas Giving

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Heart of Giving…It Keeps on Giving!The “Heart of Giving” offers a thoughtful way to spread the spirit of the holiday season. It is a great way to recognize friends, family members, and business associates. When you make a donation, you receive Heart of Giving cards to give to the people on your list. All of the proceeds benefit the Mission/Outreach Ministries of Saint Michael. You can use a credit card or you can donate online at www.saintmichael.org.

Heart of Giving donations support the following outreach ministries:

The Good Samaritan Fund: Administered by the clergy, the Good Samaritan Fund provides non-judgmental assistance and hope to non-parishioners in need.

Jubilee Park and Community Center: As a part of its 50th Anniversary celebration, Saint Michael and All Angels initiated an effort to refurbish and revitalize Jubilee Park, a 62 block area with one of the city’s highest poverty and crime rates. Now, 15 years later, there is a community center, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, new affordable housing developments for families and seniors, and educational and recreational facilities for all ages. Great progress has been made, but there is a lot more to do.

Rosebud Indian Reservation: Our brothers and sisters on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation face crushing poverty, unemployment, and hunger. Saint Michael’s outreach seeks to feed the children in the Black Pipe community, and to help residents rebuild and restore educational and worship facilities.

Honduras Mission Project: For more than a decade Saint Michael parishiones have spent a week in Tela, Honduras and

surrounding communities providing Christian education, dental care, and overall hygiene programs to area school children. The teams also repair, restore, or build community projects including classrooms, roof repairs, streets, home cooking ventilation systems, and many others.

Amistad Mission in Bolivia: Saint Michael and All Angels supports Casa Esperanza at the Amistad Mission’s La Villa providing a home and hope to abandoned and abused children of Cochabama, Bolivia. In addition to funds, our parishioners each year travel to Bolivia to work with the children, many of them have completed high school and college as a result of our support.

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I Believe in Angels Benefiting Jubilee Park Kids and SeniorsPlease return the gifts you purchased for your “angels” no later than Sunday, December 7. Make sure you attach the angel card with your name on it to the gift(s).  Gifts can be dropped off anytime during the week between now and December 7th at either of the reception desks.

Saint Michael is sponsoring 200 Jubilee senior adults this Christmas, and boy would we love to have your help by adopting one this holiday season!

If you would like to sponsor a senior angel, please stop by the I Believe in Angels table on Sunday, December 7th to make a donation or you can make a donation online here:

www.saintmichael.org/ibia

Volunteers are still needed to help load and sort gifts on Friday, December 12 and to help with the family “shopping” day on Saturday, December 13.  For more information please contact Phoebe Moore phoebefmoore@gmail.com or Tish Visinsky tvisinsky@saintmichael.org or sign up online www.saintmichael.org/ibia  

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Stewardship

In giving to Saint Michael and All Angels through our annual pledge, our family wants to share some of our gifts with the

church. Our daughters have also come to find it natural that they contribute during the regular offertory.  We hope to set an example for our girls so they see the importance of stewardship as they grow. We also find it rewarding to give of our time. In doing something together at the church, we come together as a family.  In supporting our church in these ways, we know that

we are a small part in helping Saint Michael thrive.

The church is always here for us and we want to be here for the church as well.  We want to show our love for a place that has educated our children and loved our family. It is a special way to show our faithfulness to God. When each family makes their individual contribution, it ends up making a big impact at Saint Michael.

Elizabeth Keogh

Yearend Tax Planning Seminar on December 14

Jim Smith, CPA and Finance Committee member, will lead a year-end charitable giving discussion, Sunday, December 14, in the Parlor at 10:00.   Jim, Managing Director of Smith, Jackson, Boyer & Bovard, PLLC., will explore tax deductions you should not forget. Bring your questions. Receive information on gifts of appreciated stock and other ways to support our church. For more information contact Mary Kardell at mkardell@saintmichael.org.

Why should I give?

Visualize a new welcoming entrance, space for contemporary worship, easy drop off and convenient parking. All of these important dreams can be realized with your gifts.

When people notice God working in their everyday lives, gratitude is present and helps to create a more generous heart.  Those who recognize daily blessings and recognize God as the source are inspired to give back.   Encouraging people to give in thanksgiving for all God has done in their lives results in life’s blessings.

We encourage increased giving by letting parishioners know how their gifts will be used for future ministry. A legacy gift, naming Saint

Michael Foundation as the beneficiary in a life insurance policy, or gift of appreciated stock - all ways ensure the future of our church.

For more information, contact Mary Kardell, Director of Giving, 214-692-3015 or mkardell@saintmichael.org.

The Keogh Family

Every man shall give as he is able, according tothe blessing of the LORD your God which He

has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17

Every man shall give as he is able, according tothe blessing of the LORD your God which He

has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17

Mary Kardell, Director of Giving

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Yearend Stewardship

Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Colossians – 4:2

From the Rector of a small Episcopal Church:

“One ordinary afternoon, he showed up at my house and handed me a money order for $250, made out to Southside Abbey. He doesn’t have a house. He doesn’t have a car. He may not know where his next meal is coming from, but he made a gift of such magnitude ($250 happens to be what we had spent on food that week). I confess now that I tried to stop him. I asked, “Are you sure? Wouldn’t you rather spend this money on . . . Before I could finish, he cut me off: ‘Don’t take this away from me! Don’t rob me of this opportunity to give my gift. I want to buy dinner for all my friends at church.’ Giving with gratitude as Jesus called us to do.”

As we think about the Season….

In the spirit of the season, as the clock ticks down to the end of the year and we turn an eye toward trimming our tax bill, you may be swayed to open your wallet—a sentiment we strongly encourage. You can put your plan into action now or make a New Year’s resolution to put it in place in 2015.

Begin with a simple exercise, involve your spouse and whole family in this discussion, and talk about the impact you want to make. How can you help?

Map your plan now and for 2015. By scheduling your contributions throughout the year, you have more time to plan donations of certain assets such as stock that’s not publicly traded or real estate that need appraisal before transfer. Because so much of the charitable-giving push comes at yearend, brokerages and the charities themselves are working with higher volumes. That means paperwork for appreciated stock transfers can take longer. And if your company offers matching funds, administrators may be too busy to process a request that comes in too close to the end of the year.

Another consideration is to join the Saint Michael Foundation’s All Angels Society. The All Angels Society recognizes parishioners who remember Saint Michael in their wills or estate planning. By letting our wishes be known, we express the faith and values that are important to us and demonstrate leadership to others. If you are ready to make a lasting gift to ensure the legacy of Saint Michael , please contact for more information, Mary Kardell, Director of Giving, direct 214-692-3015, or mkardell@saintmichael.org.

Guidelines for Year-end Contributions

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires that,

in order to be tax deductible for 2014, cash, check,

or credit card contributions to Saint Michael and

All Angels must be received by the Church or

postmarked by midnight Wednesday, December

31; this would include prepayment of your 2015

pledge. The church’s finance staff is required to

check the post office cancellation dates on all

receipts to ensure our legal compliance to this rule.

To better assist you with end-of-year contributions,

the Finance office will be open until noon on

Wednesday, December 31 and have a secure

deposit box outside the Bishop Moore Chapel.

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Overview

Vestry and Diocesan Delegate Nominations Due by December 5Friday is the deadline to submit candidate nominations for next year’s Vestry and Diocesan delegates. Nominations are due by 4:00 p.m. December 5. Five new Vestry members will be elected for three year terms and the delegates will begin their service at the Diocesan Convention in the Fall of 2015. The election will be held at the Parish’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 22. Nomination forms are available from the receptionist and online at www.saintmichael.org.

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Pilgrimage to Italy - May, 2015Hosted by Bob and Valerie DannalsOnce again, we are hosting a parish pilgrimage – this time to Rome and Florence, Italy. We are tentatively planning a trip that will leave on Monday, May 18 and arrive back on or near May 28, roughly a 9-11 day trip. The pilgrimage will include a Sunday in Rome, special time of devotion/teaching and holy sites with Anglican Archbishop David Moxon, the Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, and visits and experiences that will be unique in Rome, Florence and the surrounding countryside, including side trips to places like Assisi.

The trip will be limited to 24 people. Those wishing to travel to other places before or after the pilgrimage will be free to coordinate those plans with this trip. There are no more than 12 places left. Please contact Kay Allred – kallred@saintmichael.org – if you are interested in the pilgrimage. Once a roster of interest is established, Bob and Valerie Dannals will be setting up information meetings in January when the group will meet to receive details, and when deposits will be expected.

30-40s Ministry – Bible Study StarterAfter more conversation than I can count and probably three times as many opinions, I, Bill Murray, plan on re-starting 30-40s Ministry with a test-run Bible study in January. One of the clear and often repeated refrains is a desire for a Sun-day morning class. With the 2014-2015 Sunday School schedule set, we will use this time to start conversations, reconnect with friends, and grow interest in the program that will lead to more offerings in the Fall of 2015. We are working on dates and times for the Bible study and maybe a social event or two for good measure. Keep your eyes peeled for more information, think on folks to invite, and more importantly, keep us all in your prayers for a successful new beginning to this ministry. 

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Two Sessions of Safe Church Training ScheduledSafe Church Training is essential to Saint Michael’s dedica-tion to provide a caring environment for every parishioner, especially our children and youth. The training is required for anyone working with youth or children. The training will be Monday, December 15th and again on Monday, January 12th from 11:00-1:00 in the Coke Activities Room.

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Epiphany Feast of Lights Service & ReceptionThe Feast of Lights Epiphany celebration  is one of most beautiful church evenings of the entire year. Join us for a casual service of lessons and anthems, beginning at 5:30 in the church. Then, it’s off to the Garden Cloister for the Burning of the Greens and a festive dinner buffet & s’mores. An event for all ages! For more information contact Tish Visinsky at 214-363-5422 ext. 524 or tvisinsky@saintmichael.org or sign up online to help host.  Childcare is available during the service and reservations can be made at 214-363-5471 ext. 243 or ksalewske@saintmichael.org.

Overview

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Men of Saint Michael Make Plans over Smoke and Spirits

On Wednesday, November 12, The Men of Saint Michael gathered together for a fun night of planning the future of our group with tacos, scotch, and cigars. Over 50 men gathered to talk, pray, laugh and discuss our common goals. After coming up with about 2 dozen ideas and options, we chose to gather a leadership team that The Rev. Bill Murray and

Jack Rubarth will work with to set dates and plan for the future.

Our hopes are to revive the annual Empty Your Freezer b a r - b - q u e tradition, cook for the Pancake

Supper which now includes gumbo, continue the monthly Friday morning bible study, look towards a possible annual retreat, and a service project or event. Much discussion revolved around a second mixer with the remaining scotch and cigars. Interested in helping lead this group? Contact Bill at bmurray@saintmichael.org.

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Men of Saint Michael – Breakfast7:15-8:00, December 19, Coke Room, $5The Men of Saint Michael host a monthly breakfast with a speaker. Our Rector, Bob Dannals will join us on Friday, December 19. Come and join us. Have two delicious Rusty Breakfast Tacos and all the coffee you can drink while we learn more about faith and gather with the men of the church.

Prime Timers Get into the Holiday Spirit Dr. C. Edward Spann, retired Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Dallas Baptist University, will unveil the stories behind five famous Christmas Carols at the Prime Timers meeting Thursday, December 4. Following the presentation, the group will get holiday entertainment from children at the Saint Michael Preschool. The meeting and luncheon begins at 10:30 in the Coke Activities Room. Make reservations with Mary Davis at 214-363-7761.

In November the Prime Timers were on top of the world, or Dallas at least. The group traveled to the top of Reunion Tower where they got an “Eagle-eye” view of Dallas.

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Veteran’s Day

Veterans Honored at Saint Michael

The Saint Michael Chapel was filled and chairs set up in the Narthex and down the hall as the parish honored its veterans and current members of the military at a special worship service on the evening of Sunday, November 9th.

More than 60 vets and active duty military representing five branches of the armed services were on hand with family members and friends. Their service ranged from World War II to Afghanistan. Congressman Jeb Hensarling, a member of Saint Michael, delivered the message praising the dedication and sacrifices made by those wearing the uniforms of the United States, saying their dedication made possible, among others, our freedom to worship together.

Following the service, our veterans were feted at a reception in the Parlor and reminisced looking at pictures of them and their friends on the Saint Michael Wall of Honor.

Veteran Responds to Letters from Saint MichaelAt its November Family Breakfast, the staff from Children and Family Ministries asked the kids and their parents to take a few minutes and draw a picture or write a letter to a soldier, and the next Sunday children in The Edge class wrote letters, too. On Veterans’ Day all 73 were packaged and sent to our active military troops through anysolider.com. Following is one soldier’s response:

I received your package here in the Middle East and wanted to write and say “thank you” for your kind wishes and thoughtfulness. It’s wonderful that you’re teaching children about the concept of service, and I hope they continue to understand and seek out opportunities to serve and be of use to their fellow man as they grow older.

I’m only the squadron doctor, so I’m bringing the packet of letters to our chaplain to distribute amongst our squadrons.

Being physically, mentally, and emotionally able to serve is a blessing in many ways. If we are able to wake up in a healthy body, with a warm roof over our heads, hot food prepared at the table - clean water and proper schools and the liberty to speak and choose how we live our lives every morning - we are better off than the vast majority of people in the world.

Be of service to your people - whether they are your mom and dad, sisters and brothers, or maybe your friends and teachers at school, or one day - your community, your sig-nificant others, and your country - being of service means that every day, we strive to make the space around us just a little bit better. Right now, as a 10 year old, maybe it’s something as simple as cleaning up after yourself, or study-ing hard in school so your parents don’t have to worry about your grades. Building these habits can mean that one day - no matter if you’re doing brain surgery, driving a truck, teaching students, or carrying a weapon into war - you are always looking for ways to make the world better around you.

Respectfully sent,

Lieutenant Allen Chang

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Saint Michael Presents

Standing Room Only for Saint Michael Presents ConcertThey began arriving more than an hour before show time. Final tuning and last minute practicing was still going on. When the November 18th concert started there were no empty seats and some extra chairs had been set up in the Narthex.

The audience of more than 700 was not disappointed as the great Saint Michael pipe organ, accompanied by the Imperial Brass, tiptoed and bellowed through the classics and modern scores alike.

The opening concert of Saint Michael Presents’ season was recorded for the nationally broadcast radio series Pipedreams. Creator and host of the program, Michael Barone, was emcee of the evening which featured performances by six of the area’s most talented organists, including Saint Michael’s directors of music James Diaz and Hyeon Jeong. The concert was “telecast” from the choir loft, where the organ is located, to large screens in the church enabling the audience to watch the artists work their magic on the keyboards.

Saint Michael Presents is a free community concert series open to the public produced by the church’s music ministry. The winter/spring concert on February 12 will feature a performance by the Cantus Vocal Ensemble, ranked as the premier men’s vocal group in the United States.

(at the organ) Hyeon Jeong, Saint Michael and All AngelsMichael Barone, Creator and Host of Pipedreams Damin Spritzer, Episcopal Cathedral of St. Matthew(Standing) Chris Brunt, Highland Park United Methodist ChurchMichael Shake, Highland Park Presbyterian ChurchJames Diaz, Saint Michael and All AngelsColin Howland, Park Cities Presbyterian Church

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Women of Saint Michael

Saint Michael and All Angels Women’s Retreat: A time for Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, and Friends.

A Note from The Rev. Lisa Flores, Associate for Pastoral Care

Years ago at the first parish I served, I was invited to join a book club.  Almost all the women were church members, but it was not a church group.  The book club was called Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Friends – and that is what everyone was.  We had a number of mother/adult daughter duos.  We had sisters.  And then there were friends like me!  When we began planning the Saint Michael women’s retreat this club came to mind because of the amazing witness and experiences I had with this phenomenal group of women.  At some point in our lives we all fall into these categories.  We are all someone’s daughter.  You can be a mother even if you’ve never given birth.  I grew up with two brothers, but have many “sisters” that have found their way into my life.  And friends; well, friends are what keep us going and remind us who we really are.  Please note that this retreat is for all adult women of Saint Michael, but you are welcome to invite your mother, your sister, or a friend to join you.  See you in February!

The Rev. Becca Stevens of Magdalene and Thistle Farms will lead the retreat: “Love Heals” from Friday, February 13 – Sunday, February 15 at Episcopal Camp Allen in the piney woods of east Texas near Navasota. It will feature:

• Music• Worship• Conversations with Becca Stevens• Workshops on healing• Free time for bonding and reflection

The cost before December 15: $220; after December 15: $250 (Includes transportation, lodging, and meals). Register online at www.saintmichael.org/article/love-heals-womens-retreat/ or contact Abby Escobedo at aescobedo@saintmichael.org.

Books Cook Big at St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange

The St. Michael Woman’s Exchange cooked up a major feast at its book signing last month with Chef Dean Fearing and his book The Texas Food Bible.

The Exchange has sold more than 620 signed copies of Fearing’s cookbook, which he said was more than were sold at a major Dallas bookstore when his book was first published. The Exchange has only 40 more signed copies and expects to be sold out before the holidays. On book signing day, October 1, Chef Fearing spent several hours at the Exchange greeting customers and signing his book. The event was planned and coordinated by Nancy Wilber, Lynne Burkhart, and chair Sheryl Wylie, all volunteers at the Exchange.

Proceeds from the Exchange go to fund grants to area charities from the Women of Saint Michael.

Jubilee Park Housing

Saint Michael’s Christmas Giving Comes Out of the GroundTwo years ago, Saint Michael parishioners and friends put nearly $40,000 in the offering plates at worship services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. All of the money went to provide new affordable homes in Jubilee Park. On Thursday, November 13 those offerings were coming out of the ground in the form of nine new houses along Jubilee Park’s Anne Street.

It was cold and blustery, but the smiles, backslaps, and hugs were real at the ceremonial groundbreaking for the houses, most of which were already in various stages of completion. Mayor Mike Rawlins and Councilman Adam Medrano were there along with members of the Jubilee Park and Community Center Board, officials from PlainsCaptial Bank, Saint Michael and All Angels, and neighbors.

The homes are part of an affordable housing initiative launched about three years ago in conjunction with the City of Dallas Housing/Community Services Department. Saint Michael parishioners Tom Harbison and Bob Axley as chairs of Jubilee’s Housing Task Force, and Ellis Skinner chair of construction worked to scale the political and financial hurdles to bring the project to reality.

When completed in 2016 at least 28 new affordable homes for low-income families will be built in the Jubilee Park community. Two homes on Garland Avenue have been completed and are occupied. The nine new homes on Anne Street, which will be completed in the spring of 2015, are already committed to qualified buyers. The next phase of the project will see construction of four duplexes on nearby Congo Street.

Saint Michael’s Christmas offerings in 2013 served as seed-money for the nearly $4 million initiative. Jubilee Park has committed to raise $500,000 which will be matched by the City of Dallas. The two bedroom, 1,300 square foot homes will sell for approximately $125,000, with the homebuyers qualifying for varying levels of assistance based on income.

In 1997 when Saint Michael and All Angels, as part of its 50th Anniversary celebration, initiated a plan to help residents revitalize their neighborhood, Jubilee Park was one of the poorest communities in Dallas with one of the city’s highest crime rates. In the ensuing 15 years the community’s crime rate has been reduced by more than 70%, a new elementary school, ranking among the district’s best, has been built, there are Head Start and Early Head Start programs, new soccer and basketball facilities are in place, along with educational programs for adults and seniors. There is a lot of work yet to do, but the new homes dedicated last month are tangible examples of the new hope and pride that has infused Jubilee Park.

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Mayor Rawlings and Councilman Medrano lead in the ceremonial groundbreaking for Jubilee Park homes.

Jubilee Park homes under construction will be completed next spring.

(l-r) David Martin, Davids’ Place, Tom Harbison, Bob Axley, housing task force chairs, Richard Kelley, Mike Davis, mission and outreach chairs, Bob Dannals, Rector.

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Caring and Sharing - Pastoral Care

When Christmas Hurts by Marillyn Burton Seeberger

Chris Rote plays bass with the Discovery Mass Band and at the new Banquet service on Sundays at Saint Michael. He hears all of the announcements about events and activities offered for Saint Michael parishioners and actually listens to some of them. Last year, the information about the Advent Liturgy of Remembrance and Light, was one of those that drifted through his awareness, without his thinking it applied to him.

The Rev. Lisa Flores told me the following: “I saw Chris in the hallway of Saint Michael on the day of the service and said, ‘Chris, do you have any plans tonight? If not, you need to come to this service. I think you will enjoy it.’”

Chris’ version: “I was at church for something else, wasn’t planning on attending, and ambled in—to just what I needed. I was surprised. It was a tender and intimate service and just the right thing at the right time. I hadn’t realized that I was dreading the Christmas holidays. After all, this is the time we celebrate Christ’s birth and one filled with music. Music is my profession. I should have been looking forward to the season. Instead I had this heavy feeling.”

“The Advent Liturgy and everything about this service helped me to face the melancholy that was beginning to creep in and acknowledge the losses I felt. I realized, at the service, how those losses were creating a new dissonance in my Christmas experience.”

“This Advent service stands for hope, and it is really clear how touching and how cathartic the introspective, soaking music set the mood as we lighted candles and said personal prayers in honor of our losses. I have discovered a new personal Christmas tradition. The liturgy of the service helped me get through the holidays last year and I’m looking forward to attending again this year…on purpose!”

Chris’ experience is just one story of Remembrance and Light. Anyone, who has experienced a loss of any kind will find comfort in this service. Come alone or bring family and friends Wednesday night, December 10, at 6:00, in the Saint Michael Chapel followed by a holiday reception in the parlor.

New Stephen Ministers to be Commissioned on December 7

Bill Braymer, Bob Campbell, Ellen Muth and Erica Sartain are newly trained Stephen Ministers and Mary Kardell is a newly trained Stephen Leader. These new Stephen Ministers and the new Stephen Leader will be commissioned at the 9:00 service in the Church on December 7. All have taken 50 hours of training to listen, care, encourage and walk with another parishioner in difficult times. Join us as we celebrate this milestone of achievement with the new inductees.

This very important Pastoral Care Ministry is led by Jean Coleman. The current list of Stephen Ministers is: Bill Braymer, Bob Buchanan, Bob Campbell, Mark Demler, Debbie Fosdick, Susan Kourim, Judy Lomax, Steve McKenney, Ellen Muth, Carol Price, Susie Ryan, Erica Sartain, and Bob Smith. Stephen Leaders: Harriet Cousins, Jean Coleman, Bennett Cullum, Jon Davis, Frank Guenther, Dana Juett, Mary Kardell, Elizabeth Lang, Bill McGannon, Katherine Penn and Charlie Smith. We are so grateful for their many hours in training to prepare them, and the hours of confidential Christian ministry that they give to fellow parishioners. Questions? Contact The Rev. Lisa Flores, lflores@saintmichael.org, or Jean Coleman, jwcoleman@sbcglobal.net.

A Stephen Minister Can Help You Over The Rough Spots.

Do you have a burden that you cannot handle alone? A Stephen Minister has received specialized training to walk with you, confidentially, on this journey. If you know someone who might benefit from having a Stephen Minister or you could use one yourself, please contact The Rev. Lisa Flores, lflores@saintmichael.org.

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Alcoholics Anonymous. This group, open to both men and women, meets on the first and third Sunday evenings 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 in the Parlor at 11:00, on the first and third Mondays of each month. Look on the Saint Michael website for an up-to-date listing of community resources, including such information as Care Giver’s Day Out and social programs open to Care Givers and a loved one, with early stages of dementia. Visit the church website under Caring and Sharing, click Pastoral Care; under Pastoral Care Events, click Care Givers. For more information, contact Sandra Klingeman, jsklingman@sbcglobal.net.

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The Faith and Grief Luncheon for December is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, from 12:00 to 1:00, in the Coke Activities Room. This month in particular is one when sharing your loss with others who are also suffering losses is especially comforting. Our guest speaker will be Elizabeth Lang. Make your reservation for lunch by contacting Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org or 214-363-5471, ext. 239. Other questions? Contact Meg Badgett, mmbadgett@gmail.com.

The Prayer Ministry will meet on Thursday, December 18, at Noon, in the Coke Activities Room. James Diaz, Organist and Choir Master is to be our guest speaker, James will reveal how Christmas music enters into “Listening Prayer.” All are invited. For more information, contact Steve McKenney, ssmckenney111@gmail.com. Kindly make your reservation by Tuesday, December 16, for the $10 box lunch, with Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org, 214-363-5471, ext. 239.

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Parish Nurse Ministry. Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 21, when the Parish Nurse Ministry will focus on Mental Health/Stress/Grief Awareness. A member of the Parish Nurse ministry will be present in the South Lanai to take blood pressures and answer questions about the focus for December. Contact: Dianne Boyd, dboyd@saintmichael.org

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Women’s Cancer Support Group. This group meets weekly on Mondays at 1:45 in the Parlor to support each other and share helpful information. Contact: Sue Patton, pattons@sbcglobal.net, or Charlie Stobaugh, Charlie@stobaugh.net.

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Basic Christian Yoga. The popular Christian Yoga classes are held on Monday evenings! Try this healthy way to exercise your mind and body, led by licensed yoga instructor, Annette Lentz. THERE IS NO FEE. Mark your calendar right now for every Monday evening at 5:30-6:45, in the Youth Space. Contact: Annette Lentz, annette.lentz@sbcglobal.net.

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Centering Prayer Group. We invite you to join us on Tuesdays at 10:00, in the Clergy Conference Room. Learn how to be still and pray and get your mind centered on those things most important to you and those you love. Contact: Mary Ann Webster, maryannwebster@gmail.com.

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The Prayer Shawl Knitting Ministry. We are nearing a big milestone for the knitting ministry: soon we will have knitted 2,000 shawls or scarfs that have been donated to those having a need. If you are knitter at home, you can help us meet this goal by December 31. Contact Byrd Teague and she will tell you how. The knitting ministry meets every Tuesday, 1:00-3:00 in the Coke Activities Room where we have community, prayers, and knit together. All who have an interest in knitting and a desire to contribute to those who so appreciate receiving a prayer shawl, consider joining the knitting ministry. Contact: Byrd Teague, byrd.teague@gmail.com.

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Caring and Sharing: Pastoral Care

Youth Ministry

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It’s Time to Give Our College Students a Little CareOur middle school and high school students are assembling “care packages” on Wednesday, December 3 for our college students as they prepare for end of semester tests. What we need is where and to whom the packages should go. Go online at www.saintmichael/youth and give us detailed

contact information on your college student.

Youth Schedule Reindeer RaceSaint Michael Youth, Grades 9 -12, will stage their annual Reindeer Race Sunday, December 7. This year’s event will feature a photo scavenger hunt in downtown Dallas and in-cludes dinner on the town. Cost is $20 and everyone meets in the Youth Center at 4:00. For information contact Caro-lina Armstrong at carmstrong@saintmichael.org.

Bowling Party 2014! Wednesday, December 10 from 5:30-8:00 pm. All 6-12th grades are welcome to join. $20 to sign up! Have questions, contact Andy Sahl asahl@saintmichael.org

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Children, Youth and Family Ministry

Moms, Dads, and Kids Work at North Dallas Shared Ministries More than 60 Moms, Dads and Kids worked at the North Dallas Shared Min-istries warehouse on Sunday, November 16 and learned about helping feed hungry people in Dallas who can’t afford to buy food.

As a part of the Children and Family Ministries’ outreach program, the group met Sunday morning at the church and loaded 173 grocery bags filled with food into their cars and SUVs for the trip

to the ministries’ warehouse. While there, the group stocked the shelves and put together sacks for food for distribution to the needy.

Saint Michael Preschool Makes Holidays a Season for Giving

Children at the Saint Michael Preschool take giving during the holiday season seriously.

At their first ever Family Thanksgiving Service on November 12 Fr. Greg Pickens blessed more than 60 bags of food being donated to North Dallas Shared Ministries and nearly 50 stewardship coin cards worth $10 a piece.

This month the children will be working on their Christmas program which will be held

for parents, grandparents, and family friends on Friday, December 12. The kids will perform a variety of Christmas songs and a mini Nativity Pageant.

The preschool Christmas break will be from Friday, December 19 through January 6.

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FYI

cont. from page 1

in an astonishingly efficient way. That’s good if our goals are speed and information. But what about real depth and meaning? What of personal and significant human encounter? Several national studies are now telling us that most of social media is not bringing people together; in fact, it is creating more distance and helping us fall back to the easier way of “stuff.” This is the irony in our response: looking for relief from this unhappiness, we garnish our life with money and material things.

For decades, theologians, ethicists, and psychologists have been compiling a vast literature on the relationships between different aspirations and well-being. Whether they examine young adults or people of all ages, the bulk of the studies point toward the same important conclusions: People who rate materialistic goals like wealth as top personal priorities are significantly likelier to be more anxious, more depressed, and more frequent abusers of alcohol and other drugs, and even have more physical ailments than those who set their sights and energy on people, service, prayer, simplicity. It’s summed up in the old saw: “Love people, use things.”

Advent and Christmas actually can help this cause. The story itself speaks to this challenge: “Be not afraid,” the angels said to the shepherds ... “for behold I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all people.”

Since then, of course, we have dressed it up and decorated it to the hilt. We have wrapped miles of tinsel around the joy. We have composed and sung countless carols to express the mystery. We have kindled millions of lights to split the darkness. We have given gifts of infinite variety.

At the center of it all, however, there resounds still, for those who listen and respond, the ancient message of the angel: “God loves people!” This message is as alive and life-changing today as it was in the first episode.

“Be not afraid.” Life belongs to God. It is in God’s gracious hand. No matter what the darkness, and how much we’ve covered our real need with “stuff,” the light of God’s love shines through.

“I bring you good news.” Emmanuel, God with us in the ordinariness of human life. In a stable, a child, a winter shelter, in one another. Never to leave us!

“Of great joy.” Joy comes from within the spirit of a person. It springs from the awareness that life is a gift for which to be grateful and shared. Joy is giving and serving.

As we unwrap Christmas this year, may we find a fresh compulsion to love people, and use things. To enact this through the myriad ways of reaching out, of giving to those in need, to gather with friends and family to sing and pray, to count our blessings and then give them away to others.

All of us at Saint Michael and All Angels wish you and those you love a joyful Christmas 2014 and all the joy in the New Year. Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Bob Dannals, Rector

Grant Them Eternal RestCarol McManus Kimberly, November 3, mother of Liz

McManus Estelle McClung Beckham, September 19, mother of Steve

Beckham and mother-in-law of Mary BeckhamJennie Lee Taliaferro, November 7

Mary Jane Wheeler Clingman, November 11, mother of Connie Hannon and Jim Clingman, mother-in-law of Monica Clingman, grandmother of Emily and Callie Hannon

Larry Bruce White Jr., November 13, brother of Kristi Hall, brother-in-law of Wallace Hall, uncle of Getty, Avery, Kellam, and William

Lois Eileen Mullins Odgaard, November 21, mother of Gary Odgaard

Worship Schedule Sunday, December 287:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I – Saint Michael Chapel9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II – Church11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I – Church 5:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer with Eucharist – Chapel

Joy Mass, Discovery Mass, and The Banquet are combined with the services in the Church.

No Sunday school classes will be held.New Years Eve, December 31

7:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist - Bishop Moore Chapel

New Years Day, January 1 and January 2

The church will be closed, no 7:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

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. Discovery Mass – SMC Joy Mass - Parish Hall10:00 a.m. Sunday School Classes (Children and Adult)11:00 a.m. Eucharist Rite I – Church11:11 a.m. The Banquet - Theater5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer and Eucharist Rite I – SMC

The Reverend Dr. Bob Dannals, RectorThe Reverend Bill Murray, VicarThe Reverend Lisa Flores, Associate for Pastoral CareThe Reverend Greg Pickens, Associate for Operations

and Pastoral CareThe Reverend Ariail Gores, DeaconThe Reverend Michael Harmuth, Sunday Associate,

Chaplain Episcopal School of Dallas – lower schoolThe Reverend Pamela Theodore, Sunday AssociateThe Reverend Neal Hern, Sunday Associate

Parish Clergy Parish Vestry

Stewart Thomas, Sr. WardenNancy Skochdopole, Jr. WardenGrady Schleier, TreasurerRobert Wilson, ChancellorMargaret Spellings, Clerk

Christine Ashmore, Peter Beck, John Gorman, Beth Hise, Kathy Jenevein, Rachel Morgan,Sallie Plummer, Randy Rekerdres, Tom Rhodus, Grady Schleier, Tom Stewart, Matt Waller, and Kay Whelan.

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A monthly publication of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church