the archangel october 2014

2015 Stewardship Campaign Launched

The 2015 Stewardship Campaign kicked off in October under the leadership of Mary and Rosser Newton. More than 85 parishioners have joined the Stewardship Committee which will be commissioned at the 11:00 worship service in the Church on Sunday, October 5.

In letters sent to parishioners the Rector, Bob Dannals, and the Newton’s said, “Our financial commitment to Saint Michael provides spiritual growth, vision, and strength enabling us to collectively fulfill our Christian mission. With your pledged gifts, the needs of our parish, our community, and the world around us are supported.”

The Newton’s emphasized that a major goal of the campaign is to increase the participation level of the entire church’s membership. “No gift is too small,” they said. “Your pledge will make a difference.” Pledge cards, included in the mailings, can be returned with the enclosed envelope, or pledges can be made online at www.saintmichael.org/stewardship-pledge-form/.

There are many ways to give to Saint Michael to fulfill a pledge: appreciated stock, insurance policies, or real estate to name a few. If you have questions about your pledge contact Mary Kardell, Director of Giving, at [email protected].

Volume 25, No. 11

cont. on page 19

The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

October 2014

Light MastersAs we enter the heart of the “stewardship season” at Saint Michael and All Angels, a central question

about our giving is “who hit the light switch and caused us to be givers, rather than just takers?” Each time we express some iteration of that question, I suspect hundreds think briefly of the person(s) who held that distinction in their life. The

light masters!

A young boy upon entering the Taft School in Connecticut was writing home to his parents. When he came to the paragraph where he described the chapel, he wrote: “The windows are beautiful. They are blue and gold and they have pictures of famous people who were important in God’s time.”

It seems to me that the greater truth of this boy’s writing is not so much that the saints he saw in the stained glass were famous; as it is that they were “important in God’s time.”

A consistent theme during this season is the hope that every child, teenager, and adult crosses paths with at least one exemplar of giving who hits the light switch and transforms one’s life. In my case it was my parents, who expected us to be tithers, plus. They were supported by our church who gave out pledge cards to children in the fall and mite boxes in the spring. Every stewardship season we were invited to consider our blessings, what we had received from God, and to have an answering, concrete response in giving time and money.

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Luther LectureDr. Larry

Rasmussen

Blood Drive

Newcomers Luncheon with The Rector

Blessing of the Animals

Nativity Pageant

Auditions

Women of Saint Michael

Luncheon

Family Instructed Eucharist

Distinguished Lecture SeriesScott Bader-

Saye

Fall Festival Trunk or Treat

and Chili Cook Off

ArchangelArchangel

the

the

Volume 26, No. 10

Rosser Newton Family

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Stewardship

We give to Saint Michael and All Angels because its many services, classes, and activities provide an excellent foundation for both adults and children to understand people, make decisions, and discover how all the pieces of life fit together. It provides a positive spiritual foundation for our daughter.

It is important to support our church and help it continue operating at a high level.

— Kathy, Roger and Katelyn Maxwell

We feel that stewardship is not just about giving money, it’s about giving everything.”

— Lindsay and Sutton Wheeler

“We give to the Church because of what it gives back to us. We have had both children baptized at Saint Michael and are raising our children here. The spiritual gifts (and guidance!) are a benefit and we have gained a great sense of community from the Church. Our kids look forward to Joy Mass, Trunk or Treating, Easter celebrations, Junior VBS and playground play dates to name a few. All of these activities and experiences come at a cost to the Church and we try to do our part to support that.

— Brad, Tiffany, Bennitt and Ford Davis

Saint Michael and All Angels is a place for our family to grow in love

- for Christ, for others, and for ourselves.

Give thanks to the God of Heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:26

— Elizabeth, John, and Graham Selzer

For our family, stewardship is the completion of the circle of faith. We receive so much from Saint Michael’s for the enrichment and strengthening of our faith.

So it is only right to give back to our church community in order for others to be supported in faith as well.

— Mark and Melinda Knowles 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


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17

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Stewardship

When you take stock of what is important in your life, right up there at the top is Saint Michael’s – always has been, always will. I want it to be important in my grandson’s life, too. I give to ensure we can make that happen.

— Pam Barbera

Phil and I are so blessed with gifts from God -- 4 great children, 2 adorable granddaughters, good health, a nice home in a safe community in a free country, a vibrant church parish, and most of all, the gift of His Son. We pledge each year to “give back” and not just “take” God’s gifts for granted. Our church means so much to us and Saint Michael is the recipient of our largest contribution each year.

— Sheryl and Phil Wylie

Stewardship is an opportunity to give back a portion of all that God has given us and to show our children the importance of sharing time and treasure with our church and community.

— Pressley and Jamey Peters

Stewardship is giving back in terms of time, talent and finances. Saint Michael and All Angels offers an abundance of opportunities to give back in many ways. We think about the joys of life we have received, and look for opportunities and ministries to give back to others through our parish family.

— John Bergner and Chuck Stewart

Most living God, whose generosity has given us all that we

have: Grant us grace that we may honor you with our substance and service, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your bounty. We ask you to bless our effort of giving, the recipients of these letters and pledge cards of our parish - which represent out tithes and offerings. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Stewardship PRAYER


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17


has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17

Make your pledge today. You can complete your pledge card and return it to the church, or you can pledge online at www.saintmichael.org/stewardship-pledge-form/.

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Homecoming

Homecoming Kicks Off Fall at Saint Michael and All Angels

It was good food, good fellowship, and the good ole gospel hymns as Saint Michael kicked off the fall on Sunday, September 7.

Grammy Award winner Larry Gatlin led the singing of some of the great old gospel music at church worship services and the Ministry Fair in the north parking lot showcased Saint Michael’s 100-plus ministries to parishioners. Kids had fun climbing the rock wall and dunking priests and youth ministers, while everyone chowed down on a great breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, and biscuits.

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Homecoming

Homecoming Photos by Ray Hand and Smokey Goodrich

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Letter from Presiding Bishop

Presiding Bishop Withdraws From Re-Election Consideration

The following message is from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori:

To all the people of God in The Episcopal Church:

It is a great joy and privilege to serve as your Presiding Bishop. I have been blessed to be able to meet and build relationships with people around the globe – in every diocese in this Church, most of the provinces of the Anglican Communion, our full communion partners (ELCA, Moravian Church, Old Catholics of the Union of Utrecht), as well as civic leaders and leaders of other denominations and faith traditions. That relational work is fundamental to the reconciliation we seek in Christ. As bridges are built, more and more people can begin to cross the divides between us, and God’s dream begins to take flesh in a more just and peaceful world.

Together, we have navigated a season of extraordinary change in recent years. Our Christian values have been challenged and we are becoming clearer and more confident about the faith we share. Today we are far more cognizant of the diversity of this multinational and multicultural Church, and the great blessing of the diverse peoples and cultures we represent. Our life as a Church is enriched by the many gifts God has given us in people and contexts around the world. Together we are striving to live out the Five Marks of Mission, we are exploring new and creative ways of engaging the societies around us with the good news of God in Christ, and we are increasingly willing to spend ourselves and the resources God has given us for the healing of the world. We are more attuned to voices crying in the wilderness, those living at the margins of human communities, and those without a voice, including this fragile earth, our island home.

Together, we are moving into God’s future with courage, boldness, and the humility of knowing there is always more to learn. For all that hope-filled movement, I give thanks in abundance.

I have spent many months in discernment about how I am being called to serve God’s people and God’s creation in this season. I have resisted the assumption by some that presiding bishops can only be elected to serve one term, knowing the depth of relational work and learning that is involved in this ministry. There is a tradeoff between the learning curve and the ability to lead more effectively as a result of developed relationships both within and beyond this Church. At the same time, I recognize that standing for election as Presiding Bishop carries the implicit expectation that one is ready to serve a full term. I do not at present believe I should serve and lead in this ministry for another nine years.

I believe I can best serve this Church by opening the door for other bishops to more freely discern their own vocation to this ministry. I also believe that I can offer this Church stronger and clearer leadership in the coming year as we move toward that election and a whole-hearted engagement with necessary structural reforms. I will continue to engage us in becoming a more fully diverse Church, spreading the gospel among all sorts and conditions of people, and wholeheartedly devoted to God’s vision of a healed and restored Creation.

I will continue in discernment about the ministry I may be called to in the coming years, but my present focus is and will remain on being the vigorous and faithful leader I believe I am called to be. God has called us all to be instruments of shalom, and we have miles to go before we live in that world of justice and peace. We are marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God. Siyahamba!

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori

Presiding Bishop and Primate

The Episcopal Church

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Adult Formation

“Isolation in a Digital World:” Focus of October 19 Distinguished Lecture

The digital world that was supposed to bring us closer together is creating a new form of isolation. That is the issue that will be addressed at the October 19 Distinguished Lecture by Dr. Scott Bader-Saye, Academic Dean at the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin.

In the Parish Hall at 10:00, Dr. Bader-Saye’s topic will be “Bonds of Affection in a Culture of Isolation.” At a luncheon at 12:30 in the Coke Activities Room he will discuss “Alone Together: Technology, Youth Culture and the Church.”

In his presentations Dr. Bader-Saye will cover issues discussed in Sherry Turkle’s book Alone Together, which Mitchel Resnick of the MIT Media Laboratory said was essential for every parent wanting “to understand (and support) your children as they navigate the emotional undercurrents in today’s technological world…”

The Distinguished Lecture is open to the Parish at no fee. The luncheon cost is $15. Make reservations online at www.saintmichael.org/dls or with Abby at [email protected].

Luther Lecture Features Dr. Larry Rasmussen October 2The 4th Annual Luther Lecture will be held at Saint Michael on Thursday, October 2 beginning at 10:00 in the Youth Center. Dr. Larry Rasmussen, a recognized authority on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, will discuss “Luther Then – Bonhoeffer Now.” The event is sponsored by the American Luther Research Center. There is no charge and lunch will be provided. For information contact Shelly at [email protected].

Pipedreams Celebrating the King of the

InstrumentsNovember 18

The nationally broadcast radio program will be recorded live as the first concert of Saint Michael Presents on Tuesday, November 18.

Saint Michael and All Angels’ magnificent organ played by music directors James Diaz and Hyeon Jeong along with other Dallas area organists will be showcased in the performance that is broadcast on more than 150 radio stations in the country, including WRR in Dallas.

Dr. Scott Bader-Saye

Dr. Larry Rasmussen

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Overview

Guest Preacher Dr. Roy Heller9:00 and 11:00 on October 5Dr. Roy Heller is an Associate Professor of Old Testament at Perkins School of Theology, SMU, earning his Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and Old Testament at Yale University Graduate School in 1998. Heller, known for his engaging lectures, was honored with the Golden Mustang Award for Outstanding Faculty Member at SMU during the 2005-2006 school year.

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Newly Married Gathering Scheduled for October 12The gathering of newly married couples is set for Sunday, October 12 in the Coke Activities Room following the 11:00 worship services. Lisbeth and David McNabb will talk about “The Hardest Vow to Keep.” RSVP to Greg Pickens at [email protected].

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Want to reconnect with God? A Cursillo retreat could help take your faith to the next level. Spend October 16-19 at Camp Crucis near Grandbury away from life’s distractions. Through talks given by lay and clergy, small group discussions, worship and the sacraments, participants on the come away with the tools to help them lead a more Christ-centered life. For information contact: Kristi Wilson at [email protected] or Britt McGannon at [email protected].

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Shoppers Donate School SuppliesShoppers at Saint Michael’s Farmers Market in August donated 278 school supplies ranging from pencils, to backpacks, to notebooks and paper to the Community Partners of Dallas. The materials will be given to children who have been abused or neglected and do not have the means to buy the supplies they need for school. Thanks for your generosity and caring. Saint Michael’s Farmers Market will return next April.

Sunday, October 5

5:00 - 6:30Shannon Callewart

6250 Rex Drive

Dr. Roy Heller

Overview

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Rector’s Book Addresses Life’s Major Questions

10Q: Ten Spiritual Essays on Life’s Questions, written by our Rector, Bob Dannals, deals with the serious questions most of us ask about our lives – spiritually, vocationally, morally. “The book is available in the Book Shop for $10.00. All proceeds go to Saint Michael outreach projects.

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October Acolyte Training: Serve with Distinction

Training to be among the biggest and best Acolyte programs in the Episcopal Church will be held on October 18 and 25 in the church from 9:00 to 10:30. For information contact Tony at [email protected].

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Listen! Have you heard it? Mission Amistad is calling.Have you heard that still small voice calling you to mission? Maybe you have heard the voice of our children in Casa Esperanza, Villa Amistad calling you to visit them in Bolivia. This could be –should be –the year. Join us Thursday October 30 at 6:30 in the Coke Activities Room to learn more about Mission Amistad from executive director Chris King. Refreshments will be served. A visit to Villa Amistad is a gift of self and relationship. If you haven’t heard the call, please take a minute to listen with your heart. For information contact: [email protected]

Prime Timers Plan Informative and Fun October

Jim Riggert, a parishioner and member of the Dallas Diocese’s Bishop Search Committee, will brief the Prime Timers at its October 2 meeting on the timeline and progress of finding a new Bishop. The luncheon, in the Coke Activities Room, costs $10.

Then, on Thursday, October 16 the PT Cruisers will celebrate fall at the Dallas Arboretum. As a bonus, they will wander among the pumpkins, all 65,000 of them, in the Pumpkin Village! The bus leaves the church at 9:30. Cost is $10 plus money for lunch “on your own” at the Highland Park Cafeteria.

To make reservations for either event call Mary Davis at 214-363-7761. Deadline for the Arboretum trip is Sunday, October 12th.

In September, the PT Cruisers toured Globe Life Park, home of the Texas Rangers.

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Women of Saint Michael Open Grant Application PeriodThe Women of Saint Michael Gifts Committee is now accepting applications for its 2015 Grants period. Packets are available online at www.saintmicahael.org and are due no later than 4:00 on Monday, November 17. For more information, please contact Jennifer Alexander at [email protected] or Gayle Kesinger at [email protected].

Overview

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Margaret Spellings and Jeanne Phillips Featured at Women of Saint Michael October 8 LuncheonMargaret Spellings, President of the George W. Bush

Presidential Center, will be the speaker at the Woman of Saint Michael’s monthly luncheon on Wednesday, October 8. Ms. Spellings, a former member of the President’s Cabinet, also serves on

the Women’s Initiative at the Bush Institute. Saint Michael parishioner

Jeanne Phillips, a former Ambassador at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in Paris, will participate in the program. For reservations to contact Ashli Clements,

[email protected]

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Past Leaders of Women of Saint Michael Honored at LuncheonTwenty-eight of the past Presidents of the Women of Saint Michael were honored at a luncheon hosted by Karen Pardoe and Whitney Grogan, on Friday, September 26th. The new Women of Saint Michael’s Presidents Plaque, which had been updated, was unveiled. During the luncheon the women shared stories and musings from their years as President. These anecdotes are being compiled into a History of the Women of Saint Michael that will be featured on the Women of Saint Michael website later this year.

Making the Welcome World Class

How to extend a world class welcome: Practice it and mean it. That was the message from two executives from Omni Hotels and Resorts delivered to more than 250 Saint Mi-chael parishioners at a dinner Thursday evening, September 18. The executives were invited to Saint Michael because of Omni’s award-winning hospitality program.

Bob Rowling, CEO of the company that owns Omni, and Jon Hunter, vice president of operations and hotel services, told the group that making every hotel guest feel special and welcome is the heart of their company and can easily translate to the church. They emphasized that providing a welcoming experience comes from understanding their guests’ expectations, having a defined greeting program, and being genuine in every guest interaction.

Bob Dannals told the gathering, “Saint Michael’s has always been known as a warming, open, and welcoming church; but, like baseball, the more we practice it, the better we get.” After their presentations, the group discussed ways to build on Saint Michael’s welcoming culture.

Margaret Spellings

Jeanne Phillips

Bob Rowling, Omni CEO Jon Hunter, Omni Vice Pres.

Parishioners fill the Parish Hall to learn about Welcoming Programs.

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Overview

A Mission Trip to HondurasAlden Conway

I’ll be the first to admit when I decided to accompany my mother on the Honduras mission trip, I hadn’t taken the time to think about why I was going, what I hoped to accomplish, or take away from the experience.

Fast forward a few months with arrangements made, deposits paid; that’s when I started to zone in on what was

really going to happen. I’d like to say that I was thrilled and beginning to count down the days, but the truth is my initial motivations (“This is going to be fun! There’s a beach and a bar there too, right?? Let’s do it!”) quickly dissipated. What

the heck had I signed on for? Why was I giving up precious vacation days to go do volunteer work in a third world country with a bunch of people I didn’t even know? Why didn’t I say no and go on a ski trip with my friends. Plus, I live in Houston so I knew a grand total of 3 people on the mission trip (including my mom!)

I cannot begin to describe how this trip was hands down one of the best, most fulfilling and FUN experiences of my life! I had heard this about the trip from others, but I had to have faith and put myself in this situation to understand how true this statement is.. from working with amazing Hondurans every day, to forming friendships that I will forever carry with me (I’m getting married and a few of the people I met on that mission trip will be at my wedding!). I can’t emphasize enough how this one week is actually the best investment of vacation days I ever made. I came back with the sort of personal satisfaction, spiritual renewal, and lifetime friendships that no other experience could provide. And, it will for you too, I guarantee!

Editor’s Note: Alden Conway is the 28-year old daughter of Carter and Bruce Conway. She and her mother, Carter, went on last year’s mission trip to Honduras. Today, Alden is married and works with a non-profit agency in Houston.

Music and Ministries Celebrated on Feast of Saint Michael Day

A parade touting the more than 100 ministries of Saint Michael and All Angels celebrated the Feast of Saint Michael Sunday, September 28 during worship services in the Church and Saint Michael Chapel. They received a special blessing from the clergy and were sent into the congregation, the community, and the world under the church’s mission to “Spread God’s Love.”

The Feast Day celebration continued with great music provided by the Saint Michael Choir, organ, and orchestra, which featured the compositions of Music Director Emeritus Paul Thomas. Dr. Thomas was in the congregation for the 11:00 service and was recognized for his many contributions to Saint Michael and its music programs.

Alden ConwaySaint Michael Ministries Blessed on Feast Day

Paul Thomas, Music Director Emeritus

Caring and Sharing - Pastoral Care

We May Have What You NeedMarillyn Burton Seeberger

I am a Texan and am used to jumping in my car and driving to wherever I need to be. I was recently scurrying to make an appointment and found that my car had a dead battery, it was an experience that awakened me to the fact that I might not always be as independent as I am now; that I might need to ask someone for help. Fortunately, I was able to be taken to the appointment on time, but needed a taxi ride home. That exercise made me aware that one feels very vulnerable when unable to drive at will, and what a sense of independence a trusted taxi service can give to a person.

I spoke about this with long time parishioner, Katherine Keeling. Katherine told me that she had been using the church’s transportation service for a couple of years, ever since her late husband, Jim, became unable to drive. He had “always driven her everywhere,” she said.

“Both of my daughters are happy to take me whenever they can, but both work and cannot always take me when I want to go to the church. So, I use the vouchers provided by Saint Michael and schedule the taxi service to pick me up and take me to and from different events such as the Prime Timers, or the Wednesday morning healing service or the evening Church service on Sundays. This helps me to go on with my life, without inconveniencing others. If I want to go, I can always go.”

Hank Nichols is another parishioner who was thrilled to find he could use the church’s transportation service. Hank told me, “I don’t drive. I used to catch the bus until another acolyte, Wyatt Rousseau, told me about the transportation service that Saint Michael makes available. Now, I don’t have to wait for a bus and can use the vouchers to get me to the church and back home. Thank you for making it possible for me to be a part of the community at Saint Michael; to go to church.”

When you need Transportation - The transportation to church for homebound parishioners is handled by Executive Taxi Company. If you need help with transportation to Saint Michael, contact Bonita Frederick and she will give you detailed information. [email protected] or 214-363-5471.

Saint Michael Blood Drive Is scheduled for Sunday October 5, 8:00 to 1:00, in the ESD Lobby. Sign up for a donation reservation time online by using this link : http://www.saintmichael.org/event/2014-1 0 - 0 5 - p a r i s h -blood-drive/ or contact Dianne Boyd, [email protected].

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Comfort and Hope for the Journey of Grief

Led by Rev. Fran Shelton, this workshop begins on Tuesday evening October 7 through November 11, in the Coke Activities Room from 6:00-8:00. There is no fee. Please make your reservation with Katherine Bowen, [email protected], 214-363-5471, ext.239.

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October Meetings and Activities:

Alcoholics Anonymous. This group, open to both men and women, meets on the first and third Sunday evenings of the month at 7:30, in the Coke Activities Room. Contact: The Rev. Neal Hern, [email protected].

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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 web site 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. Go to the church website under Caring and Sharing, click Pastoral Care, under Pastoral Care Events, click Care Givers. For more information, contact Sandra Klingeman, [email protected]. 13

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Pastoral Care

The Faith and Grief Luncheon is scheduled for the second Thursday, October 9 from 12:00 to 1:00, in the Coke Activities Room. Make your reservation for lunch by contacting Katherine Bowen, [email protected] or 214-363-5471, ext. 239.

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The Prayer Ministry meets on Thursday, October 16, for a mid-day gathering, at 11:30 -1:00 in the Coke Activities Room. Our Rector, The Rev. Bob Dannals, is the guest speaker. A $10 box lunch is provided and we need your reservation so that we can be prepared. Please make your reservations by Tuesday, October 14, with Katherine Bowen, [email protected], 214-363-5471, ext. 239.

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Parish Nurse Ministry: Mark your calendar Sunday, October 19, when the Parish Nurse Ministry will focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Contact: Dianne Boyd, [email protected].

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Regular Weekly Meetings:

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, [email protected], or Charlie Stobaugh, [email protected].

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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, [email protected].

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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, [email protected].

The Prayer Shawl Knitting Ministry. The knitting ministry meets every Tuesday, 1:00-3:00 in the Coke Activities Room. All who have an interest in knitting and a desire to contribute to those who would appreciate receiving a prayer shawl, consider joining one of the knitting ministries. Contact: Byrd Teague, [email protected].

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Alterknit: The Alterknit Knitting Ministry meets on Tuesday nights, 6:00-8:00, in the Drake Room. Men, women, people of all ages, are invited to participate. Consider this as an opportunity to serve. If you don’t know how to knit, we’ll teach you! Contact: Nancy Cantwell, 972-523-4911.

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A Stephen Minister Can Help You Over The Rough Spots. Do you have a burden that you cannot handle alone? Saint Michael and All Angels offers a very dedicated group of men and women who have 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, [email protected].

Nearly 30 leaders of the Pastoral Care ministry met Sunday evening September 28 at the White Rock Lake Boat Club to catch the sunset, eat barbeque, and toast the blessings of Saint Michael and All Angels.

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Preschool and Early Childhood Ministry

Saint Michael Preschool Taking Applications for School Year 2015 – 2016

Saint Michael Preschool is currently accepting applications for families new to our program. We will re-enroll current families in mid-January and will then begin enrolling those families who have expressed interest through this waitlist application process. The waitlist application can be found and submitted online at www.saintmichael.org/smp

Fall Preview tours are available October 2nd, October 16th, October 23rd, October 30th and November 13th. All tours begin at 10:00 in the Saint Michael Preschool north Lanai. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Keogh, [email protected].

This Fall, We Inaugurate The 1st Annual “Friends-Giving Bowl Game! ”

This is most husbands and dads favorite season so why not have a big flag football game for the kiddos, grill hamburgers, collect some can goods for an amazing cause, and have a lot fun while we’re at it?!

To help the little players (older 2’s/3 - 5; prek - k) before the big game to hone their skills and create some strategy, our new Vicar, Bill Murray and Family, have teamed up with us to sponsor:

Wear your family’s favorite team colors or Jersey’s for each event!

We’ll have a photo booth set up for cute family team pictures.

For little girls not so much into playing flag football, they can sport their cheerleading attire

To Register Contact Elise Davis 214-692-3007 or [email protected]

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Children and Family Ministry

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First Sundays! Family Breakfast!!Bring a healthy appetite and the entire family and enjoy a free breakfast of pancakes with all the toppings, juice, and coffee on the First Sunday of every month. In October, it’s the 5th, November the 2nd, and December the 7th. Get those dates on your calendar.

Breakfast is served from 10:00 to 11:00 in Parish Hall. It’s geared towards families of children up to 5th grade, but open to all in the Parish. We need volunteers to help with cooking, clean up, and greeting other families, so please sign up online at www.saintmichael.org/ or email Ellen Talley at [email protected].

Nativity Pageant Beginning to Take ShapeTryouts for this year’s Nativity Pageant will be held on Sunday afternoon, October 5 in the Theater. There will be two sessions; one from 12-Noon to 2:00, and the second form 4:00 to 6:00.

The following Sunday, October 12, there will be a meeting of the families involved in the pageant beginning at 12-Noon. Families will receive information and rehearsal schedules and get answers to questions.

Then the fun begins. A kick-off party and first rehearsal for the Primary Cast (3rd-9th graders) will follow the meeting from 1:00 – 2:30 in the Edge Room.

This year’s Nativity Pageant will be Saturday evening, December 13 with a family dinner in Parish Hall beginning at 5:00 with the show beginning at 6:15 in the church.

What really happens up there at the altar? What do those motions symbolize? Why do they wear those vestments? What does it all mean? Why should I care? How can I make it more meaningful for my family?The family instructed Eucharist is the place to answer those questions. Join us for a lively and engaging time to explore the meaning and importance of Holy Communion Wednesday, October 15 at 5:30. The evening will include dinner, activities, the opportunity to gather around the altar to get an up close view and ask questions. This gathering is best suited for families with children who are preschool and older. To register, contact Jill Delabano [email protected]. Childcare for younger siblings, by reservation. Participants will have the option to receive Eucharist as part of the instruction.

The Edge Family Day Takes to the Ice at American Airlines Center.The Edge Family Day will see “Stars in the Day” on Sat-urday, November 15. Join us for the Dallas Stars hockey game at the American Airlines Center! We will have “All You Can Eat” tickets which means unlimited hot dogs, pop-corn, nachos, peanuts, soda, and water. We will meet at the American Airlines Center at 12:30. Cost is $35 per person. Tickets are limited. Reserve you family’s spot by contacting Erika Bower at [email protected].

Children and Family Ministry

Lego My Bible Builds Young Christians

Lego My Bible, the mid-week formation “study” for kindergartners through 3rd graders, is so popular the class had to be divided in two and we had to buy more Legos®.

The children use Lego blocks to illustrate the Bible story they have learned. Their

creations on September 17 depicted the plagues.

Looking for a New Way to Engage Your Children with Their Faith? We have the Answer!

Just released: Building Faith Brick by Brick: An Imaginative Way to Explore the Bible with Children,

a relevant, hands-on way to explore faith stories with a broad range of ages. Knowing how much LEGO® bricks continue to be popular with children, Emily Given, Director of Children and Family Ministry, has dug deep into the well of creativity and an enormous bucket of plastic building bricks to create an exciting new way of teaching the stories of God. Building Faith Brick by Brick offers the methodology as well as 30 Old Testament and 24 New Testament stories with lesson plans.

It is available through Cokesbury, a retailer of Christian Resources, at www.Cokesbury.com.

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For Your Information

“How many hours do I get for that?”

This is the constant refrain of high school students today. Whether it’s a morning packing sandwiches or nine days of

construction work in Costa Rica, this question is on the front and back end of almost every outreach related thing any organization does and Saint Michael is no ex-ception. Most schools require at least 50 community service hours in order to graduate and more and more institutions are rejecting hours categorized as teaching or

leading any kind of religious or faith discussion group. So how can the church help?

It may sound too simple an answer but, the church can help by being the church. As Christians and Episcopalians we are called to meet and serve our neighbors, to know and love our community, to restore and renew the brokenness around us. If the only service we expose our students to is inside our walls and looks like our faith and our work, we’re not do-ing our job. Because we know that good learning for young people happens experientially, we must provide them with hands on opportunities to live out their faith while gaining new understandings of the world around them.

But another question remains: How do we change the story? There are all sorts of opinions falling down on either side of the mandatory volunteerism argument. The job here isn’t for us to take up a mantle for either. If we can change the story from one of requirements and checkboxes to one of fulfilling service that also meets a requirement then we can do what the church has always strived to do. We are the via media, we walk the middle way, we meet people where they are and help them with what they need.

Our new high school service organization, Not Just Hours, has a mission to live up to it’s name. When we go out into the larger community of Dallas to serve, we’ll keep our eyes open for what we need in our hearts that day, not just on our school forms. And the church will be the church, continuing to encourage its people to seek and serve Christ in all persons and all things…even a checkbox.

Carolina Armstrong, Senior High Youth Minister

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Carolina Armstrong

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FYI

Jesus often cautioned his disciples to stay alert to that which had been given to them. But when we’re worried about our condition, when our operative trust is focused on ourselves, it’s hard to remain focused on the gifts and blessings which shower over us each and every day. It’s so easy to miss them! How we respond (or not) in “giving back” tells us as much about ourselves as anything we do with our lives. If I have a generous response to God’s gifts and blessings by pledging to our congregation, then I am likely to be generous in other dimensions of my life. Dr. Karl Menninger said, “Show me a generous person and I will show you a well-adjusted person.”

A sacrament is “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.” The ways we use our money have clear sacramental dimensions because they reflect outwardly what is going on within us. If we are generous in supporting God’s work, then we are responding to God’s call to be “light masters” of the ministries of love, compassion, and mercy begun by Jesus, and now the Church’s holy work.

Our annual stewardship effort is being led this year by Mary and Rosser Newton, who chose the scripture from Deuteronomy 16:17, “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you,” as their “light master.”

When you hear from parishioners about pledging and giving, listen to what they are saying from their heart. Secondly, pray -- ask a generous God to guide and direct you in making commitments of talent and treasure. Thirdly, put Saint Michael’s in the top three areas of your giving. We know there are many demands and requests on your time and resources ... consider how your parish meets you with the Gospel week by week throughout your life. Fourthly, consider moving toward a tithe. If you are giving at, say, 2%, make a move to 4%. And consider coupling your financial pledge with an increase in participation. We need each and every one of you for the mission and ministry of this congregation.

So, remember your “Light Masters,” and, by God’s grace, be one for someone else.

cont. from page 1 Cradle RollWe welcome our newest members recently born into our parish family:

Charles Henry — August 29, 2014

son of Valerie & Charlie Omage

Toby Alexander — August 29, 2014

son of Laura and Justin Rose

Lee Wilson — September 3, 2014

son of Evan and Mark Westerburg

Hazel Hannah — September 4, 2014

daughter of Katie and Colin Pierce

Jack Coleman — September 23, 2014

daughter of Meredith & Bryce Dolan

Margaret Ann — September 27, 2014

daughter of Katy & Jared Slade

Grant Them Eternal RestRollin White King, June 26, father of Edward King, father-in-

law of Wendy King, grandfather of Ellie, Prescott, Charlie

Geoffrey Warren Booras, August 16, brother of Katy Rubarth, uncle of Andy, Charlie, Oliver

George Pardoe Wertin, August 28, cousin of Karen and Bill Pardoe

Patricia Murphy Godbold, September 2

William Hyatt Johnson, September 7, father of Gayl Braymer, father-in-law of Bill Braymer, grandfather of Laine and Lance Thayer, great-grandfather of Kate, Maddie, Abigayl, and Caroline

Wanda Thomas, September 11, mother of Kathy Thomas and Marie Agnew

Michael Reagan Shanley, September 18, husband of Sara Shanley, father of Michael and Stephen

Kingdon Rush Hughes, September 18, husband of Mary Hughes, father of Brad, father-in-law of Tricia Hughes, grandfather of King

Estelle McClung Beckham, September 19, mother of Steve Beckham, mother-in-law of Mary Beckham

Judith M. Lidberg, September 23, previous Saint Michael and All Angels Director of Mission/Outreach

Patsy Nan Moss Cole, September 24, mother of John Cole, mother-in-law of Meredyth Cole, and grandmother of Clay and Logan

PERIODICAL

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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 Dr. Kevin Huddleston, Associate for

Mission & OutreachThe 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

the archangel october 2014

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