The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

March 2016Do What I Do! Not What I Say!

Richard Rohr is fond of observing that we focus so much on the work of Jesus – dying on the cross,

being raised from the dead – that we tend to neglect his actual teachings. This of course makes no sense because had it not been for his teachings we’d not have known who and what he was and is, nor would we

have any real guidance toward living our lives as his disciples or, the term I prefer, his apprentices.

But there may be a reason we tend to avoid at least some of Jesus’ teachings. They’re challenging! I don’t think I’ve ever been so conscious of this as I was the first week of Lent. That week I ended up celebrating Eucharist four days – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The custom at Saint Michael is that the priest celebrating a weekday Mass also preaches extemporaneously on the Gospel of the day. That first week of Lent I found myself faced with lessons that, to be honest, made me squirm!

Let me give you an idea of why we were so uncomfortable.

Monday the Gospel lesson was the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46). You know the lesson: “Then [the king – i.e., the Messiah] will say to those at his left hand [i.e., the “goats], ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food . . . .’ Then they

Volume 28 No. 3cont. on page 19

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Palm SundayAll Parish Breakfast

Liturgy of the Nails

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

Holy Saturday

Easter

Sunday

Easter Monday: Church

Offices Closed

Holy Week to Easter Sunday

God became Incarnate in Jesus, the Christ. He came, not as a conquering hero, but as a suffer-ing servant. Holy Week recreates and celebrates the mysterious, terrible, and wonderful last week of Jesus’ life, culminating in His Resurrection on Easter. In Holy Week we have the opportunity to say thank you to God for Easter! Join us in say-ing “Thank You” for the most precious gift and promise ever given.

See Holy Week and complete Easter Schedule on pages 3-4

March 20 Palm SundayMarch 24 Maundy ThursdayMarch 25 Good Friday

Easter SundayMarch 27

6, 7:30, 9, 11, 11:11, 5:30

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Lent to Holy Week

A Wednesday Night Experience

Eat. Pray. Create.

March 2

5:30 Eat: Soup Supper Coke Activities Room

6:15 Pray: Luke: Stories on the Road with Frank Runyeon in the Church

March 9

5:30 Eat: Soup Supper Coke Activities Room

6:00 Pray: Anglican Chants and Prayers in the Church6:30 Create: Prayer Beads in the Ambulatory

March 16

5:30 Eat: Soup Supper Coke Activities Room

6:00 Pray: Beating the Drums for God with Ana Hernandez in the Saint Michael Chapel6:30 Create: Clay Holding Crosses in the South Lanai

Lent Meditation Booklet Available

The Daily Lent Meditation booklet is available at several locations throughout the church. The meditations are written by Saint Michael clergy and parishioners. The mediations also is available online at www.saintmichael.org.

Home Communions

Thursday, March 3 Terry and Mark Demler 8302 Ridgelea Street 214-300-1651

Thursday, March 10 Nell Anne Hunt 3704 Hidalgo, Irving 972-650-1820

Tuesday, March 15 Kalita Blessing 9023 Devonshire Dr. 214-351-5050

Stations of the CrossFridays at 6:00 in the church.

Making

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Holy Week at Saint Michael

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Palm Sunday, March 20

7:30 a.m. Communion Rite I Service, Saint Michael Chapel 9:00 a.m. Communion Rite II Service, Church Family Discovery Mass, Saint Michael Chapel Children’s Joy Mass, Theater 9:30 - 11 a.m. FREE Church Breakfast, Parish Hall

11:00 a.m. Communion Rite I Service, Church 11:11 a.m. Contemporary Celebration Mass, Theater 5:30 p.m. Communion Rite I Service, Saint Michael Chapel

No Sunday School Classes on Palm Sunday

Monday, March 21

7:00 a.m. Communion, Bishop Moore Chapel 6:00 p.m. Communion, Saint Michael Chapel

Tuesday, March 22

7:00 a.m. Communion, Bishop Moore Chapel 6:00 p.m. Communion, Saint Michael Chapel

Wednesday, March 23

7:00 a.m. Communion, Bishop Moore Chapel 10:00 a.m. Healing Service, Bishop Moore Chapel 6:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Nails & Communion, Saint Michael Chapel

Maundy Thursday, March 24

7:00 a.m. Communion, Bishop Moore Chapel 5:30 p.m. Communion & Family Foot Washing, Theater 7:00 p.m. Communion, Foot Washing & Stripping of the Altar, Church

Good Friday, March 25

7:00 a.m. Communion, Bishop Moore Chapel 11:00 a.m. Choral Stations of the Cross, Church 12:00 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy, Church 5:30 p.m. Family Good Friday Liturgy, Theater 6:00 p.m. Choral Good Friday Liturgy, Church

Holy Saturday, March 26

8:30 a.m. Holy Saturday Liturgy, Bishop Moore Chapel 10:00 a.m. Fun-in-the-Sun Egg Hunt for 2nd Grade & Under, SMES Playground 5:00 p.m. Candlelight Vigil & Baptism, Church 7:30 p.m. Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt for 3rd - 5th Grade Kids, ESD Playground 8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil Service with Incense, Church

Easter Sunday, March 27

6:00 a.m. Sunrise Service, Garden Cloister

7:30 a.m. Communion Rite I, Saint Michael Chapel

9:00 a.m. Communion Rite II with Incense, Church

Family Discovery Mass, Saint Michael Chapel

Children’s Joy Mass, Parish Hall

11:00 a.m. Communion Rite I with Incense, Church

Communion Rite II, Saint Michael Chapel

11:11 a.m. Celebration Mass, Contemporary Parish Hall

5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer & Communion, Saint Michael Chapel

Easter Plate to Benefit Women and Their Families

Three ministries serving women and families will benefit from the Easter offerings this year. The inspiration comes from Luke 24:5-10: The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. (NRSV)

The Easter offerings will go to:

• Princess Basma Centre for Children with Disabilities - The Centre in Jerusalem, a charitable institution of the Anglican Episcopal church is in urgent need to renovate its kitchen to comply with regulations. The kitchen pro-vides more than 2,500 meals a month to children, moth-ers, and students and persons with disabilities that are training at the Centre’s workshop. 

• Gateway of Grace – Dallas aids refugees with donated furniture, groceries, job assistance, language lessons, and more. It also trains volunteers and churches on adopting refugee families.

• Our Friends Place – Dallas provides transitional living resources for young women, ages 18-24 without children, who are facing neglect, abuse, poverty, or homelessness. Residents are required to work and attend school, con-tribute to their upkeep, and attend classes on financial management and professional skills.

Remember Your Loved Ones with an Easter Memorial GiftIf you would like to remember a loved one this Easter, fill out one of the Flower Memorial envelopes enclosed in the worship bulletin with the names of those you want to honor either in Memory or Thanksgiving and return it with your check by Sunday, March 21. Flower Memorial envelopes are also available at the reception desk. The names of those you are honoring will be published in the Easter Flower Memorial booklet which will be available beginning Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday

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Annual Parish Meeting

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New Vestry Members and Convention Delegates Elected at Annual Meeting

Five new members of the Vestry were elected at the church’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 28. At its organizational meeting, the new Vestry Meeting re-elected Matthew Waller as Senior Warden, and elected Kay Whelan as Junior Warden;  Grady Schleier, Treasurer; Margaret Spellings, clerk; and Charles Sartain, Chancellor.The new Vestry members, who will serve a three year term, are:

Whitney Grogan

Whitney is a past president of the Women of Saint Michael and served on its gifts committee, as well as the church stewardship committee. 

Elizabeth L. Selzer

Currently, Elizabeth is the program chair for the Women of Saint Michael and was the church’s liaison for National Night Out in Jubilee Park in 2014.

Arnold Spencer

Arnold has served as an Assistant Chancellor since 2014 and an usher since 2009, currently serving as Captain of an usher team. 

Matthew Waller

Matt currently serves as the Senior Warden of Saint Michael and All Angels.  Prior to his election to the Vestry he served as Treasurer and a member of the Finance Committee.

Chris Wiley

Chris has served on the Building and Grounds Committee and the Compensation Committee, and is a 20 member of the Choir.

Senior Warden Recounts Highlights of Year, Challenges the Parish for the Future

Senior Warden Matthew Waller called 2015 a “year of new beginnings” for Saint Michael and All Angels as he addressed parishioners at the church’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 28. And, he challenged the parish to “dare more boldly” as it looks to the future with a new Rector.

In highlighting the past year, Waller cited the retirement of our Rector, Bob Dannals and the church’s 70th Anniversary, the addition of several new clergy staff members, the election

of George Sumner as the Bishop for the Diocese of Dallas, and installation of Michael Curry as the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

The Senior Warden said the church made progress on its Campus Master Plan and, with Vestry approval, has identified a partner to help develop a portion of its property on the

northern campus. He promised that any development would be sensitive to area neighbors and the report of the City of Dallas’ Northwest Highway/Preston Center Task Force.

In challenging the parish to look to the future, Waller said, “…let us individually and as a community, prepare ourselves to be receptive to the leadership of a new Rector, to let go of what is comfortable and usual, and accept new ideas and ways that challenge us to ‘dare more boldly”…in 2016, let us open ourselves to change, rebirth, and new ideas!”

Annual Parish Meeting

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Treasurer: Church Finances are Just OK

Treasurer Grady Schleier told the parish that Saint Michael and All Angel’s financial condition is good, but should be better. At the Annual Meeting, he said, “Our finances are sound and our cash reserves are adequate. In 2015, we effectively achieved breakeven operations with a small surplus of $3.070 achieved partially by drawing on certain reserves.”

In reporting on the status of the church’s finances, Schleier said the revenue of nearly $5.8 million dollars fell short of expectations by more than $313,152, primarily from lower than expected payment of pledges. He noted that operating expenses were $315,222 below expectations “thus ending the year effectively at breakeven.” He cited major expenses were incurred with a waterline failure in the West Parking Lot, a required elevator upgrade, and replacement of a grease trap serving the Parish Hall kitchen, which caused use of $65,000 from the capital maintenance fund, reducing the fund to about $130,000, “a seriously inadequate balance.”

The Treasurer reported that pledges to support the 2016 programs in the church decreased 2.7% from last year, breaking a string of five consecutive years of pledging growth. Schleier noted that the number of pledges decreased by 6.1%, but that the average pledge increased 6.7% to $4,273. “With a decrease in 2016 Stewardship,” he said, “ministry expenses will be constrained.”

In concluding his report, the Treasurer said, “We are grateful to every person who pledges to Saint Michel at every giving level. This year, I am particularly thankful for the increased pledges responding to a request from our Senior Warden in late January.”

(A complete look at the church finances is available in the 2015 Annual Report which is available online at www.saintmichael.org.)

Election results continued

Annual Diocesan Convention Delegates: (Three year term)

Thalia (Liz) OliphantSallie PlummerDarrel Rice

Alternate DelegatesSusie Ryan (1)Richard Frazar (2)John Glass (3)

Five Elected to Positions on the Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation

Parishioners at the church’s Annual Meeting unanimously elected the following to serve six year terms on the Michael and All Angels Foundation Board of Trustees. They are:

Peggy Carr – Former Junior Warden, former Women of Saint Michael President

Dare Gillette – All Angels Society, Meals on Wheels Volunteer

David Martin – Former Senior Warden, Jubilee Park Steering Committee

Tamara O’Connor – Children & Family Ministry Volunteer, Rosebud Mission Trip, New Orleans Mission Trip

Stewart Thomas – Former Senior Warden, Master Plan and Campus Planning Committees

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Annual Parish Meeting

Rector Search Challenging, Inspiring, Rewarding

Diana Newton, co-chair of the Rector Search and Transition Committee, told the Annual Meeting that the search for a new Rector for Saint Michael and All Angels has been a lot of work that has inspired every member on the committee, and will reap great rewards for our parish.

Describing the number and qualifications of priests interested in becoming our next Rector as “amazing and awesome,” Newton said the candidates must submit written responses to 16 essay questions that “provide a sense of them and their approach to ministry.” After receiving the materials the committee will have interviews and visit their parishes in efforts to know them better. She said the committee hopes to call a new Rector sometime in 2016.

The biggest challenge for the Parish, Newton said, is preparing for the change a new Rector will bring to Saint Michael. Citing the all-parish survey and the church profile, she said, “…we want to be newly inspired and engaged in Christ, that we want better ministry for our youth, young adults and young families, and that we want to remain the big tent we pride ourselves on being…

As parishioners, we need to be willing to embrace the new and in some cases let go of the old, as we move forward towards becoming the dynamic, Jesus-centered parish we hope to be.”

Boston Brass Entertain at Saint Michael Presents

The Boston Brass “wowed” an audience of more than 400 that filled the church on Sunday evening, February 21 for its community concert Saint Michael Presents.

The five entertainers played everything from classical favorites to Latin jazz. The music from the second half of the program was chosen by the audience during the intermission. The performance was interspersed with shouts and applause during their numbers. The appreciative crowd gave the Boston Brass a standing ovation and demanded an encore.

The Fall/ Winter Saint Michael Presents will be a Christmas concert in early December.

Diana Newton talks about the process of selecting a new Rector for Saint Michael

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Mardi Gras - WOSM Parish Party

Parishioners Revel at Mardi Gras Party

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! It means, “Let the Good Times Roll,” and they did at the February 6 Mardi Gras Party at the Park City Club. Parishioners gathered for one last fling before Lent.

Chairs Ginger Sager and Dixey Arterburn had the club decorated like a New Orleans parade, and the dinner included all the Cajun favorites. A rockin’ band kept the party going well into the night.

The party, held every other year, is sponsored by the Women of Saint Michael. All proceeds go to the

Women’s Gift Committee for distribution to Dallas area charities.

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Shrove Tuesday Parish Dinner

and Shrove Tuesday DinnerThe Parish Hall was filled Tuesday night, February 9, as families enjoyed the traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake supper. As an extra treat this year, the menu included New Orleans-style gumbo and rice. However, the bacon and sausage were not ignored.

The Men of Saint Michael gathered mid-afternoon and began preparation for the meal, which included a couple of beers to ease the anticipation.

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Overview

Princeton Theologian to be Distinguished Lecturer March 13

Dr. Clifton Black, renown preacher and Professor of Biblical Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary will talk about “The Lord’s Prayer” at Saint Michael’s Distinguished Lecture Series on Sunday March 13. At 10:00 in Parish Hall, Dr. Black will use the Lord’s Prayer to examine “Who is God for Us,” and at the 12:30 reservations only luncheon he will address “Who are We Before God.” Make reservations for the luncheon at www.saintmichael.org/dls-reservation.

Brueggemann to Lead Distinguish Lecture Series in Early AprilDr. Walter Brueggemann , widely considered one of the most influential Old Testament scholars of modern times, will be Saint Michael’s Distinguished Lecturer on Sunday, April 10.

Dr. Brueggemann, Professor Emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary, urges Christians to employ “prophetic imagination” to think creatively of building a world for ourselves and our children…a world based on neighborhood, solidarity with others, sharing resources and reaching out to others.

There will be two lectures on Sunday, April 10.

10:00 in the Parish Hall, Dr. Brueggemann will address “Covenant as an Alternative to Pharoah”

12:30 in the Coke Activities Room “Covenantal Economics: How God Wants us To Treat The Other” with lunch at $15 per person. Reservations required. Child care and pizza available with reservations: contact jgiles@saintmichael.org.

Confirmation Preparation for Adults - Starts March 30th!Interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church and the way of life it offers? Whether you’re considering joining Saint Michael or simply need a refresher course, come join us as we learn more about the faith, worship, practices and essence of the Episcopal Church. For those who are new to Saint Michael, this course will serve as preparation for adults seeking confirmation or reception into the Episcopal Church. Classes will be led by The Rev. Greg Pickens on Wednesday evenings (March 30 - April 27) from 6:30- 8:00 in the Coke Activities Room with free dinner and childcare (for ages 3 & under) provided. Kindly RSVP online or contact Tish Visinsky (tvisinsky@saintmichael.org) or Ann Mills (amills@saintmichael.org) for more information.

Adult Confirmation, Reception & Reaffirmation - Sunday, May 1The sacramental rite of Confirmation is for those who wish to make an adult, public affirmation of their faith. Those who have been “Received” or “Confirmed” in the Episcopal Church may Reaffirm their baptismal covenant, and the rite of Reception is for those who have been confirmed in another denomination (e.g., Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.) but who now want to become an Episcopalian by joining the Episcopal Church. These sacramental rites will be performed on Sunday, May 1st at the 11:00 o’clock service with Bishop George R. Sumner presiding. RSVP online or contact Ann Mills or Tish Visinsky if you would like to participate – amills@saintmichael.org or tvisinsky@saintmichael.org or 214-363-5422.

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Overview

PT Cruisers Get a City ViewEast side, west side, all around the town - PT Cruisers will take a fun tour of Dallas on Thursday, March 17. The bus will leave the church at 9:30. After the tour they will lunch at the trendy Bridge Bistro. Cost for the tour and lunch is $25. Reservations can be made by calling Mary Davis at 214-363-7761. The deadline is Sunday, March 13.

Saint Michael 101 Dinner Sunday, April 3 - NEW!Do you want to know more about becoming a member of Saint Michael and All Angels?  Join us for a lively, fast-paced and fun dinner on Sunday, April 3rd from 6:00 to 8:00.

If you are ready to join Saint Michael or just want to learn more about membership, then this dinner is for you!  Come meet members of our Clergy and other church leaders and learn who we are, where we are going, and what membership involves. 

Free childcare (up to age 5) including dinner is provided.  Kindly RSVP online or send an email to adult@saintmichael.org if you plan to attend!

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

Graham Robinson Ellworth Koch, January 29, father-in-law of Jim Jones, grandfather of Mallory Jones, brother-in-law of Anne Koch

Gerard “Gerry” Leon Regard, February 5, father of Tania Hardage, father-in-law of Kevin Hardage, grandfather of Margaret, Will and Jack

June Elizabeth James Magee, February 5, 2016

Martha Jayne Pace, February 7, mother of Janis Wells, mother-in-law of Dennis Wells

The Rev. David Pierson Comegys, February 8, 2016 former associate at Saint Michael

Geraldine Patty Henry, February 9, Step mother of Tuck Henry, Step-mother-in-law of Rue Henry

Paul Teas, February 18, father of Kelly Reddell, father-in-law of Michael Reddell, grandfather of Nick and Catherine Lovitt

C. E. Groves, February 19, father of Charles Groves

Florene Jackson, February 22, sister of Marvin Thereford, aunt of Mary and Clay Ramsey, Tommy Thereford Emily Thomas, Katherine and Michael Blachly, great-aunt of Robert and William

Stephen Louis Moore, Sr. February 24, brother of Mike Moore, brother-in-law of Chris Moore

Cradle Roll

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

Laurel Ann LeeJanuary 12, 2016Traci and Hamilton (Ham) Lee

Chloe Elizabeth MussoJanuary 22, 2016Catie and Chris Musso

George Thomas LongFebruary 7, 2016Margaret and Richard Long

Men of Saint Michael

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Brewery Tour Gets High Marks from the Men

The Men of Saint Michael gave high marks to their outing at the Four Corners Brewery in early February.

The Men met at the Trinity Groves location of Four Corners, got a tour of the facilities, learned how the different styles of beer are brewed, and got to sample the products. They then got to enjoy some time together over the beer and tacos.

The vote was for a repeat performance in the near future.

(photography by David Bolderick)

Brewery excursion yielded dinner as well as brew

Men of Saint Michael learn about brewing at Four Corners Brewery

Enjoying the outpour of the Four Corners Brewery

Saint Michael Missionaries Complete 12th Year of Service in Honduras

For 12 consecutive years missionaries from Saint Michael and All Angels have traveled to Tela, Honduras to work alongside its residents. When our 18 missionaries arrived in San Pedro Sula, they were greeted by the senior class from the school at Espiritu Santo which included kids that were in kindergarten when Saint Michael first began partnering with the community.

While in Tela this year, our people provided fluoride treatments to kids, distributed reading glasses to adults, and taught Bible stories and crafts in the surrounding barrios, We also helped pay for a new school building in San Martine, one of the barrios outside of Tela.  At the end of the week, the missioners were exhausted but glowed from their experience of seeing the love of God through the eyes of the children and adults that welcomed us so openly into

their lives and their community.  The love between Saint Michael and All Angels and Tela, Honduras continues to grow and continues to uncover the great depths of God’s love.

Caring and Sharing - Mission Outreach

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Teaching dental hygiene is part of the mission trip’s purpose

Refurbishing and painting the school and classrooms

Seniors from the high school greeted Saint Michael missionaries when they arrived

Songs and games are among the children’s favorite activities

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Caring and Sharing - Mission Outreach

Bingo at Jubilee: The Real PrizeEvery second Wednesday of the month, Jubilee Seniors (55 years and older) gather for fun and games: Bingo…with prizes, lots of humor and fellowship, followed by lunch.

Several volunteers from Saint Michael join with energetic volunteers from Blue Cross Blue Shield to spend a fun morning with Jubilee neighborhood seniors. Scott, a Jubilee resident and volunteer, gets there early to set up the 50+ Bingo cards (both in English and Spanish), and enter on the white board the many configurations of Bingo we’ll play that day—such as “L” for Love, “Picture Frame” and “T for Texas” to name a few; three of the games are played on Spanish Bingo cards. The grand finale is “Blackout.”

Karen Pardoe, Gayle Kesinger, and Jean Coleman call out the numbers, sort out the prizes, and make sure the lucky winner draws for his or her prize. Often the prizes are items that cannot be purchased with food stamps: paper products, soap,

cleaning supplies, work gloves, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and sometimes seasonal items: blankets, home or apparel

accessories, or small pots of flowers, donated by Saint Michael parishioners, Blue Cross Blue Shield employees and friends.

The volunteers receive the biggest prize: the joy of learning a little Spanish (and being smilingly corrected by our Hispanic Seniors) as we call out the picture Bingo items, a quick hug as they enter the room, the satisfaction of developing friendships among the players, and the thrill of sharing a winner’s excitement. The Real Prize: a joy-filled morning for all. Come join us!

Jubilee Park’s Mother-Daughter Tea Planned for March 5Celebrate Women’s History Month at the annual Mother-Daughter Tea at the Jubilee Park Community Center Saturday, March 5. The tea, with lunch, craft stations, and a photo booth, will be from 12:00 – 2:00. Volunteers are needed from 10:30 – 2:30 to provide food and supplies and help with set-up and serving. Volunteer online at,  http://bit.ly/jubilee_tea or contact Allison Johnson at volunteer@jubileecenter.org.

Learn About Honduras Threads Summer Mission Trip at Information Sessions in MarchThe women of Honduras Threads are skilled artisans and Saint Michael missioners are teaching them business skills enabling them to move from informal co-ops to an association recognized by the Honduran government. You can be a part of this transforming ministry. Come and learn about Honduras Threads and the June 12 -17 Mission trip at 10:00 on Sundays, March 6 and March 13 in the Parlor. For more information contact Melanie McGill, Melanie.mcgill@gmail.com, or M’Lou Bancroft, mlou@hondurasthreads.org.

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Caring and Sharing - Pastoral Care

Help Deliver Easter Flowers to the Homebound — Marillyn Burton Seeberger

On Easter morning our Church Altar will be a joyful testimony to our parishioners’ faith in our Risen Lord as it is filled with colorful flowers, in thanksgiving for the living and in memory of the deceased members of our Church family.

Each year the Altar Guild accepts donations from parishioners who wish to honor their loved ones in this way, and takes the responsibility of ordering the traditional Easter flowers: Lilies, Tulips, Lilacs, and other beautiful Spring Flowers, then lovingly placing them on the altar. When one enters the Church on Easter Day, they are greeted with a breathtaking visual! You can feel pleased as your contributions helped to create this wonderful celebratory tribute. Not only does the whole church enjoy these flowers, but their beauty and joy is extended even more, when volunteers take the flowers to our Parish homebound to be enjoyed.

A cadre of volunteers takes each plant to a member of our parish who is unable to attend the service in person. The recipients are homebound or live in a nursing home or assisted living facility in Dallas. After the 11:00 service, the team of volunteers fan out across the city on their delivery mission. Those receiving the flowers are always so pleased to be remembered on this special day and their faces reflect smiles of joy when they see the Saint Michael floral offerings that are delivered directly from the church.

You can be a part of this, as well. In fact, you may want to make the delivery of these Easter Flowers a part of your on-going family tradition at Easter.

Mark and Terry Demler told us about their experiences:

“We have delivered Easter flowers ever since we joined Saint

Michael and find this to be a very fulfilling experience. Delivering a piece of beauty is a wonderful way to help share with those unable to get to Saint Michael. Seeing the joy and thankfulness when you bring a little bit of the church to them is an Easter gift that we look forward to each year.”

Kay and Leo Whelan have made this a tradition. “We love sharing the joy and beauty that we are so blessed to have at

Saint Michael by delivering Easter flowers to the homebound. I have done this for close to 10 years.” Kay says, “Some years I have delivered by myself, some with Leo, and in other other years, with my grandchildren. Seeing the recipients’ eyes light up always gives me a feeling of being close to God.”

Gwendolyn and Bobby Chestnut and their sons, Croft and Will, have made delivery of the Easter Flowers a tradition for their family: “We are usually not with our families at Easter as they live in another state. The fact that we are able to take flowers to someone who is alone and often without family nearby, makes it a family event for all of us.”

To volunteer for flower delivery, contact Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org, by March 22, and make arrangements to join in this beautiful and joyful tradition at Easter.

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Congregational Care Ministry Needs You

Extended Care Cooks needs volunteers who are willing to cook only one or two times during the year for someone in need. Share your gift of cooking. If you are interested and have questions, contact Ann Mills, Congregational Care Ministry, amills@saintmichael.org.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recovery Advocates is a group dedicated to enhancing the spiritual, physical, emotional and social well-being of communicants in the matter of substance abuse and other addictions. The Recovery Advocates are individuals who have knowledge and experience in the area of addiction recovery and are willing to serve as a resource to parishioners, 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.

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

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Prayer Ministry. On March 17, the Prayer Ministry hosts an evening meeting 5:30-7:00 in the Coke Activities Room. Beginning at 5:30 we will gather and enjoy refreshments and community. At 5:45 we will listen to sacred guitar music by Jackie Doss. Our meeting starts at 5:50. Our Interim Rector, The Rev. Doug Travis, is our guest speaker.

Enjoy this opportunity to be in community with others interested in learning more about prayer. We will end with prayer by 7:00. You are invited to join us and bring a friend from work or your neighborhood. For information, contact Joan Faubion, joan.faubion@sbcglobal.net or Dana Juett, danajuett@bigplanet.com.

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

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Faith and Grief Luncheon. The March Faith and Grief Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, March 10, 12 noon to 1:00, in the Coke Activities Room. Our guest speaker will be Wayne Nelson. Anyone who has ever suffered the death of a loved one is invited to attend. There is no fee, but donations are happily accepted. Contact: Katherine Bowen for reservations. kbowen@saintmichael.org.

Caring and Sharing - Pastoral Care

Caring and Sharing - Pastoral Care

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Parish Nurse Ministry. Parish Nurse Sunday March 20, when the focus will be Diabetes Awareness. Visit the South Lanai between services and let a Parish Nurse provide you with materials on Diabetes. Contact, Dianne Boyd, R.N., dboyd@saintmichael.org

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

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The Christian Yoga Class. Yoga classes meet every week. Plan to be with us on Mondays at 5:30 in the Youth Center. Take this opportunity to care for your body and soul in the Christian Yoga classes offered by Licensed Yoga Instructor, Annette Lentz. There is no fee. Questions? Contact: Annette Lentz, Annette.lentz@sbcglobal.net

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Centering Prayer Group. You are invited to join us on Tuesdays at 10:00, in the Clergy Conference Room, to engage in Centering Prayer. Start each day positively. 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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Knitting Ministry You are invited to join us weekly as we gather on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 in the Coke Activities Room where we knit together in community. If you don’t know how to knit and would like to learn, please come. You can learn from other knitters. Consider joining the knitting ministry, either in person or from home. Contact: Byrd Teague, byrd.teague@gmail.com.

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A Stephen Minister Can Help You Over The Rough SpotsNow is a good time to begin again with a new you. Do you have a burden that you cannot handle alone? Saint Michael and All Angels offers a dedicated group of men and women who have received specialized training to walk with you, confidentially, on this journey. Consider asking for a Stephen Minister. If you know someone who might benefit from having a Stephen Minister or you could use one yourself, please contact the Rev. Lisa Flores Musser, lflores@saintmichael.org. or lay leader, Jean Coleman, jwcoleman@sbcglobal.net.

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Children and Family Ministry

Vacation Bible School to Probe the Depths of the Sea Saint Michael’s Vacation Bible School,” Deep Sea Discovery,” is getting ready for a launch June 13 – 16 and is looking for volunteers to help man the ship.

At year’s program, the kids dive into God’s world to see how He has been with His people every step of the way. Hands-on service projects and sea science will give kids a VBS experience like no other.

Again there will be Jr. VBS for ages 2 to 4, as well as the standard VBS for ages 4 through 4th grade. Registration begins April 1 with the cost at $50 per child. After May 1 the price will be $65 per child. Scholarships are available. Alison Malone and Hallie Lawrence are chairing VBS along with Jr. VBS chairs Jessica Rugg and Lili Luth.

For more information or to volunteer go to www.saintmichael.org/vbs.

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For Your Information

will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you,

just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did

not do it to me.’” The lesson? We mostly meet Jesus in the “least of these!” There’s little room for passing off somebody’s poverty as somehow being their fault or for thinking that the prisoner or the stranger doesn’t matter! Jesus is telling us in no uncertain terms that it is in such people that we’re most likely to meet Him and that we have a profound obligation to precisely such people!

Then on Tuesday we got the Lord’s Prayer. Simple enough, right? But listen to the verses which immediately follow the prayer: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15) Remember that grudge you’re nursing, that wound you just can’t get over? Yes, I have them, too, but if we hope for God to forgive us then it is precisely these wounds that we must release. I can’t speak for you, but for me that’s a tall order!

Then comesWednesday. (It’s got to get better, right?) Well, listen to Jesus again. “This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” (Luke 11:29) We all remember Jonah as the prophet who got swallowed by the fish. His particular challenge was that he really did not want to preach repentance to the Ninehvites, who were Assyrians, because he couldn’t stomach the idea that God would reach out and offer the opportunity of salvation to anybody but the Jews. The sign of Jonah? There is nobody to whom God does not reach out. As Bishop Charles Henry Brent’s famous prayer puts it, “Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace . . . .” (BCP, p. 101) Wouldn’t life be simpler if Jesus had died and been raised only for people like you and me? But Jesus himself goes to great lengths to reach out again and again to people who were not Jewish – e.g., the Samaritan woman at the well in

the Gospel of John (cf., John 4:6 ff). By implication through us he expects to continue to reach out to people who are not like us! (Remember what he said above in Matthew 25 about reaching out to the stranger!)

And on Saturday we got what was for me the coup de grace: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) And, lest we think there’s any way out, Jesus charges us to “be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect!” (v. 48) Not a lot of wiggle room in that!

It would be enough to dishearten a soul were I not conscious that this selfsame teacher, out of love for you and for me, died for you and for me, and then sent His Holy Spirit to enable us to fulfill His commands, to do what we could not do without His grace, presence, and action within. Without God’s grace Jesus’ teachings might be well on nigh impossible to fulfill, and yet with His gracious help I know we can live, however slowly, into these commandments, and so enjoy with Him life in the reign of God.

Thank God for Jesus! And thank God for Jesus’ Resurrection!

Doug TravisInterim Rector

Continued from page 1

PERIODICAL

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PAID

DALLAS, TX

Saint Michael and All Angels

8011 Douglas Avenue

Dallas, Texas 75225-0385

The Archangel Newsletter (USPS 015-033) is published monthly by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church POSTMASTER: Send Address changes to The Archangel, Saint Michael and All Angels Church, P.O. Box 12385, Dallas,TX 75225-0385

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

Monday – Friday

7:00 a.m. – Eucharist – BMCWednesday

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

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

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

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

Pastoral CareThe Reverend Greg Pickens, Associate for

Operations and Pastoral CareThe Reverend Oliver Butler, Associate for Youth

and Young AdultsThe Reverend Hunter Ruffin, Associate for

Mission and OutreachThe Reverend Bob Johnston, Associate for

EvangelismThe Reverend Michael Harmuth, Sunday

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

Associate

Parish Clergy Parish Vestry

Matt Waller, Sr. 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