the The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
May 2016
Thinking about the Holy Breath of God
the
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Building the Fire - Mission and Outreach Workshop
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Mother’s Day Sr. Recognition
“When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week . . . Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when
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Women of Saint Michael Spring Luncheon
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Prayer Ministry Crawfish Boil
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Pentecost Community Breakfast
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Vestry Meeting
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said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20:19-23) On Pentecost Sunday we will hear read Acts 2:121, the more common story describing the gift
The Annual Spring Luncheon of the Women of Saint Michael, culminating a year highlighted by charity grants, a luncheon speaker series, and a Mardi Gras Party, will be Wednesday, May 11 at 7000 Park Lane. The program features former Saint Michael parishioner, Courtney Ferrell, a nationally recognized corporate change-agent. Check-in is at 10:30 and the program begins at 11:00. At the luncheon, the Women will announce the charities receiving grants recommended by the Women of Saint Michael’s Gifts Committee, get a report on the St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange and its new store in the Highland Park Village, and install the group’s 2016 – 2017 officers. cont. on page 11
of the Holy Spirit to the early church. You know the story. Tongues of fire. People suddenly able to speak in languages other than their own. In effect,
Edge Bake Sale
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Summer Worship Schedule Begins
30
they saw the Lord. Jesus
Women of Saint Michael Spring Luncheon Wednesday, May 11
Memorial Day: Church Offices Closed
that story is a reversal of the famous story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). It’s a powerful and meaning-filled story, and one I love. But there’s another, less well known, telling of the story of the disciples receiving the Holy Spirit, the one I’ve quoted at length above. I’ve come to love this telling of the tale even more because, to my mind, it so beautifully describes what happens to us when we first experience the presence of God, when we’re converted, when we know we’ve come near holy things.
Volume 28 No. 5
cont. on page 19
See the Summer Worship and Sunday School Schedule on page 10
Rector Search and Transition expect to take over two years, but like any important project, it does take some time to do it well. Some of the time is eaten up by the challenges of coordinating schedules of busy, successful priests who are candidates with our equally busy search committee, but other, bigger, factors are at work. The prayerful, faithful work of discerning God’s will with candidates takes hundreds of hours of research, internal discussion, and multi-day visits with several of them, at their churches and in Dallas.
Three Key Questions
Second, is the search tiring?
There are three questions that the Rector Search and Transition Committee has been hearing lately, whether whispered in the halls or heard directly. While it’s frustrating sometimes, we know you understand the need to be completely confidential at this point in the search. To a local parish, knowledge that its priest is in discernment to become the Rector of Saint Michael and All Angels could, and probably would, damage his or her relationship with the parish. However, we feel it is important to address the three key questions we hear most often.
Somewhat surprisingly, if you ask any member of the RSTC, he or she will tell you that the search is in fact deeply energizing. We are getting to know such impressive priests, it fills us with hope not only for Saint Michael and All Angels, but also for the whole Church. Each of them has a remarkable personal story and exceptional gifts in ministry. In conversations with them we feel their excitement about our parish, and are imagining together how our potential and each candidate’s gifts could combine to build on our ministries within our parish and in the world.
First, why is this search taking so long?
Third, what changes should I expect once the next Rector arrives?
Some wonder why we have not yet called our 8th Rector, given that it has been seven months since Bob Dannals’ last Sunday with us, and 11 months since the Rector Search and Transition Committee first met. As you know, we devoted our early months to going as quickly as we could on the tasks we could control: administer and analyze a Parish Survey, hold over 20 large and small listening sessions and prepare the Parish Profile. In Advent, we began inviting priests to enter discernment with us, and since January, we have been in contact with scores of priests by phone, email and meetings at a national church conference. Every phone call or conversation takes at least one hour, because in discernment, priests are expecting to be able to go deeply into conversation with us. More recently, we have enjoyed “meeting” some of them via video teleconferences. We have been told that typical large parish Rector transitions commonly take over two years. Don’t worry! We neither think Saint Michael and All Angels is typical, nor do we
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We’ve heard loudly and clearly in the Parish Survey and countless other comments from parishioners that all of us have big dreams for Saint Michael and All Angels. This suggests we generally are open to change. We can’t predict specific changes, but it is exciting to hear the Rector candidates’ ideas and questions, and learn of ministries they have led in other places. Looking to our future with a new Rector, adapting to change will be important. We all have memories or ideas of how Saint Michael was or how we think it should be. We need to appreciate out past, but resist temptations to reclaim parts of it. One clergy advisor told us, “No Parish Profile was ever written dishonestly, but the biggest challenge a new Rector and his or her new congregation face is the natural inclination of all humans to retrench and to resist change.” Based on your survey comments, we are actively searching for someone who will inspire and engage us in Christ in new
Rector Search and Transition ways, AND who will grow the youth, young adult and young family demographics of our parish. This will necessitate change, and we will all have to work together with our new Rector to embrace the changes that will enable us to achieve that which we clearly have stated we want for Saint Michael and All Angels.
The Rector Search and Transition Committee continues to appreciate the support of parishioners, both in our conversations and when we see candles burning at the Rector transition prayer station in Bishop Moore Chapel.
Thank you, The Rector Search and Transition Committee
Allison Bovard
Joseph Cahoon
Margaret Cervin
Richard D’Antoni
Lee Hobson
Kathy Jenevein
Ben Leal
Diana Newton Co-Chair
Christine Paddock
Bob Penn
Jeff Rice
Van Sheets Co-Chair
Tricia Stewart
Matt Waller, Senior Warden
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Faith and Literature Faith and Literature Adult Summer Series Starts June 5 Interim Rector Doug Travis will lead the adult formation series, Faith and Literature, which will meet at 10:00 Sunday mornings in the Saint Michael Chapel. Saint Michael clergy will review some of their favorite books. All of the books to be reviewed will be available in the Saint Michael Book Shop.
June 19
June 5
June 26 Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife
(To Be Announced)
Reviewer: Hunter Ruffin
Celebrate America: Pie and the 4th of July
by Eben Alexander Reviewer: Doug Travis
June 12 AHA! The God Moment that Changes Everything by Kyle Idleman Reviewer: Greg Pickens
Other Books in this Summer Series include:
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For Your Information Bill Murray Begins Writing Leave Saint Michael’s Vicar, The Rev. Bill Murray, is on a two-month writing leave during which he will read, study, and write the thesis for his Doctor of Ministry degree at the University of the South – Sewanee. He will return June 25. Before leaving, the Vicar wrote an article published by the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas focusing on the Ten Commandments.
Commandments 4, 5 and 6 My younger son is a joy and a challenge. From his earliest moments on this earth, he has been a willful child. Said differently, my son loves to break the rules. We discovered very quickly that the best and only way to get him to do something was to enjoy full-press reverse psychology on everything. “Son, you are not allowed to pick up your dirty clothes and put them in the hamper!” With a chuckle and delighted glee, he would gather up each piece and sprint to the laundry room. “You cannot eat your peas.” Like clockwork, the pile of green English peas would be consumed. Even his older brother learned quickly that telling him not to do something was the quickest way to getting what you want. Of course, there were and are rules that we make clear. Certain commands are not negotiable and are to keep him safe. We just have to craft them in such a way that we avoid words like “no”, “not” and “never.”
A clear reminder that we are not the center of the universe Imagine my delight when I was assigned the fourth, fifth, and sixth commandments. God handed down ten rules, among many others, to Moses. Of those instructions for better living, eight begin with “no” in Hebrew. Four and five are reminders of how to live a better life through positive requests. In case you do not have them 6
memorized, number four is, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8) The fifth commandment comes shortly after, “Honor your father and your mother.” (Exodus 20:12) In many ways, they may be the toughest of the ten to follow. We can avoid a host of problems but being asked to dedicate a day to God and love our families is going a whole lot farther towards ordering our lives. The official reasoning for setting aside a day is that God rested on the seventh day of creation. As a result, many folks will talk about how we must rest from our labors as though that is the sole purpose of the day. Terence Fretheim, a Lutheran professor, notes that true “Sabbathkeeping puts all human striving aside, recognizes the decisive role of God in creation, and provides for a weekly oasis to rest back in the arms of this reality.” In others words, keeping the Sabbath holy is a clear reminder that we are not the center of the universe. God started creation before us and will complete it long after us. Through baptism and a life in Christ, we are beloved sons and daughters of God and participants in God’s kingdom. In the same breath, we rely on God from beginning to end for all of it. Sabbath keeping in this sense is about worshipping God and about reordering our lives weekly to what matters in God’s kingdom, not our personal fiefdoms.
God continues the request that we order our lives The closest we come to understanding that call to a life prioritizing others is family. So, God continues the request that we order our lives differently by instructing us to honor our mothers and fathers. Regardless of our age, our parents are reminders that we did not get to where we are alone. From the beginning we need someone to feed us, clean us, care for us, instruct us, raise us up, and remind us that it is not all about us. We are pulled into relationship from birth through the desperate and
For Your Information basic needs of human life. Our parents are walking, talking, incarnate reminders that we did not do it all alone. Honoring our fathers and mothers is an invitation by God to remember that there are a million ways to be in relationship, most of them modeled by our parents in the first place. God’s command is a deeper reminder of the one who created us in the first place and upon whom we should depend at every age. Whether we have perfect parents, difficult relationships, never knew them, or lost them years ago, the instruction to honor fathers and mothers encourages us to reflect on all who have shaped, molded, and mentored us - and especially on our God who created us out of nothing to be who we are
Grant Them Eternal Rest
today.
Patricia Ann Stiles Moderi, March 29, wife of John Moderi
“Taking time to remember who is in charge makes sense...”
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace: Patricia S. Tarro, February 29, mother of Melissa Hensarling, mother-in-law of Jeb Hensarling, grandmother of Claire and Travis John Stephen Lacy, March 16, father of Rosemary Lacy and Christopher Lacy Justin Kirby Walker, March 19, cousin of Randy and Anne Slaughter Charles Robert Barnett, March 27, husband of Ann Barnett
Janine Conley Treaster, mother of Justin Treaster, mother-in-law of Ali Treaster, grandmother of Parker and Maisy Guy Taylor Marcus, April 3, husband of Ann Marcus
The movement from keeping the Sabbath to honoring our parents is positive in command and breathtaking in simplicity. Taking time to remember who is in charge makes sense and flows into a gentle reminder that many others brought us to this day. To argue from lesser to greater, the work and ministry of being a parent has made me even more appreciative of all that my mom and dad did to raise me. And yes, I marvel even more at how much God engages us as our divine Father despite the fact that we are all a willful, crazy, sinful, broken humanity. In the end, it makes perfect sense that God starts again with the “do not’s” in commandment six. God may well be reminding himself as a loving parent as much as instructing us when we struggle with relationships large and small, “Do not kill.” (Exodus 20:13) Of course, if we are doing the hard work of keeping the Sabbath and honoring our parents, human and divine, then avoiding that one should be easy.
Cradle Roll We welcome to our parish family: Ella Joan Greenwood March 16, 2016 Laura and Paul Greenwood Jewel Carolee Foreman April 4, 2016 daughter of Katherine and Russel Foreman granddaughter of Jenne and J. C. Snead
Francis Pfaefflin Harris, April 4, mother of David Harris, mother-in-law of Gaye Harris Kenneth “Ken” Wayne McGowan, April 7, grandfather of Kelley Salewske, grandfather-in-law of Rick Salewske, great grandfather of Owen, Henry and Meg Irene Elwood, April 10, mother of Bryan Elwood Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Smith, Sr., April 13, father of Kent Smith, father-in-law of Cary Smith, grandfather of Weller and Paxton Eleanor Harris Morris, April 18, mother of Susan Russell, mother-in-law of Rick Russel, grandmother of Elizabeth Brannian William Scott Shdeed, April 22, brother of Christi Morrow, brother-in-law of Cory Morrow, uncle of Rachel, Sarah, and William Herman Wille, April 22, grandfather of The Rev. Lisa Flores Musser, grandfather-in-law of David Musser Robert E. Rain, April 23, great uncle of Michael Blachly, great uncle-in-law of Katherine Blachly Lee Jackson, April 25, brother of Sally Jackson, uncle of Jackson Galbraith Jo Alice Guerin, mother of Mark Guerin, mother-in-law of Lee Guerin, grandmother of Shay, Alex, and Julienne, aunt of Diane and Stuart Bumpas Lois Harris Otey, April 26 7
Mission and Outreach
Mission and Outreach Unveils New and Expanded Ministries Pentecost Sunday On Pentecost Sunday the parish will learn about possible new and expanded outreach ministries that Saint Michael will undertake in the coming year. The new look at our outreach efforts comes following workshops held May 1st by the Mission and Outreach ministries. “There are so many gifts in our church that we can use to ignite new ways for our parish to reach out and serve in the name of Christ,” said The Rev. Hunter Ruffin, Associate for
Cook and Serve at the Austin Street Shelter The Austin Street Center provides emergency shelter and expert services to homeless men and women in Dallas. One night each month, Saint Michael serves a prepared meal to those at the shelter. We need volunteers for the following: •
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Cooking: May 3, 5:30-8:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall Kitchen - We will begin our time together with prayer and then cook a hot meal for the residents of Austin Street Shelter. Please email Randy Rekerdres, randyrek@sbcglobal.net to volunteer as a cook
•
Transporting the food: One person needed the morning of May 4. Please email Rita Davis to volunteer to drive the food to Austin Street Center.
•
Serving food at Austin Street: Our service begins at 5:30 on May 4 with Evening Prayer in the Austin Street chapel. After Evening Prayer, we adjourn to the shelter to dish out a hot meal to our neighbors at Austin Street. Please email Rita Davis, rrdavis14@ aol.com to volunteer to serve food at Austin Street Center.
Mission and Outreach. “Our ministry begins with our own community, Saint Michael and All Angels, and then flows out to the surrounding neighborhoods, our city and eventually to the world, inviting people to join us in our celebration of the resurrection,” he said. The workshop results will be presented at the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services.
Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels provides food and drivers to deliver meals to the elderly and other shut-ins. Currently, Saint Michael has four routes to cover. Driving a route takes just a few hours, and you are providing much needed food to some of Dallas’ most vulnerable residents. To volunteer for a regular route, please contact Mary Bartholow by calling 214-528-5651 or via email at mary. bar@sbcglobal.net.
Youth Soccer Coaches Needed at Jubilee Park Jubilee Park is in need of coaches for the soccer program this Spring on Fridays from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Practices run April 22nd to May 20th. We need high school students through adults. A Sports Mentorship program is also available that will train high school students to be coaches or referees. To learn more about these opportunities, please contact Allison Johnson via email at volunteer@jubileecenter.org.
Overview Fresh Farm Products Open the Saint Michael’s Farmers Market Season The fresh farm products were the big hit of the Saint Michael’s Farmers Market, which opened it 5th season April 16. The market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, in the church’s north parking lot from 8:00 to 12:00 Noon. More than two dozen vendors were on hand for the opening market, with several more committed to future markets when their crops come in. The market’s stand-by vendors, like Baugh Farms, La Esperanza Farm, and Becerra’s TexMex Tamales, were joined by newcomers, Tagr Foods, Highway 19 Produce, and many others with a variety of produce and homemade products.
The Mussers are Expecting The Rev. Lisa Flores Musser, Associate for Pastoral Care, and her husband David are proud to announce that they are expecting their first child. They have decided not to learn the baby’s gender until it is born in mid-September. David will graduate this month from Virginia Theological Seminary and has accepted a position in Baylor Hospital’s Chaplaincy Residency Program. Pray for the Musser’s safe and health pregnancy and for David’s new ministry at Baylor Hospital. ..............
Safe Church Training Scheduled for Tuesday, May 17
The market this year is collecting items for local charities, The Shoe Bank which provides shoes to the homeless, and One Man’s Treasure, which provides men recently released from prison with clothing and opportunities for networking. The market can use Saturday morning volunteers to greet customers and help vendors. Sign up online at www. saintmichael.org/smfmvolunteers.
Safe Church Training is essential to Saint Michael’s dedication to provide a caring environment for every parishioner and is required for anyone working with youth or children. The training will be Tuesday, May 17 at 9:30 in the Youth Center. RSVP to Kimberly Robinson at krobinson@saintmichael.org. ..............
Easter Giving Tops $40,000 The offerings made at the Easter worship services totaled $40,097. The money will be divided equally between Dallas’ Gateway of Grace, the largest refugee outreach program in North Texas; Dallas’ Our Friends Place, providing transitional resources to women facing neglect, abuse, poverty, or homelessness; and The Princess Basma Centre for Children in Jerusalem. Thank you for your generosity.
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Overview Want something more? Consider EfM (Education for Ministry—lay ministry) EfM is a program for adult Christian education that combines study of scriptures, Christian history, and theology with a focus on ordinary experience in order to discern God’s presence in one’s life. The program comes from the Episcopal seminary at Sewanee and has become famous for educating adults to see God acting through their lives as well as developing knowledge of scripture and theology.
EfM offers * * * * *
Ways to discern the presence of God An experience of Christian community In-depth study: Bible, church history, theology, ethics Spiritual growth Discussion informed by knowledge and theological reflection * Practical applications of faith
EfM does NOT * * * *
Give quizzes, tests, term papers, or grades Provide easy answers Tell participants what to think Confine itself to the Bible
EfM costs * * * *
Time in study and weekly seminars for 9 months Tuition ($350) scholarship aid is available Four years to complete Enrollment for one year at a time
EfM is not for everyone since it challenges people to think and to examine their lives. For adults who want to grow in faithfulness and spirituality, it is priceless. ..............
Large Print Book of Common Prayer Available Several copies of the Book of Common Prayer with large print are available for use during worship services. They can be borrowed from the South Lanai receptionist and returned following the service. 10
Summer Sunday Schedule Begins May 29 7:30 a.m.
Rite I Saint Michael Chapel
9:00 a.m. Rite II Church 9:00 a.m. Discovery and Joy Mass (combined) Saint Michael Chapel 10:00 a.m. Sunday School (beginning June 5) Faith and Literature Saint Michael Chapel Family Summer Sunday School (elementary age) Coke Activities Room Youth (middle and high school) Youth Center 11:00 a.m. Rite I Saint Michael Chapel 11:11 a.m. Celebration Parish Hall 5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer and Communion Saint Michael Chapel
Overview Continued from Page 1
Women of Saint Michael Spring Luncheon The Speaker, Courtney Ferrell, has built a successful career provoking organizations and individuals to think and behave differently. Oprah described her as an inspired change-agent exhibiting imagination, creativity and innovation in every business with which she works. Courtney has worked as a creative consultant and thinking partner to top executives and Fortune 500 companies as well as visiting college professor. She has recently moved from Dallas to Richmond, Virginia, where she is writing a book for young women on the secrets to being extraordinary. The luncheon is co-chaired by Mason Custard and Melinda Knowles. Peggy Carr is the Honorary Chair of the event. Luncheon reservations can be made online at www.saintmichael.org/springluncheon.
M E E T D A L L A S A R T I S T S G R AY M A L I N & TAY L O R M I L L E R at
S T. M I C H A E L’ S W O M A N ’ S E X C H A N G E 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
M E E T D A L L A S A R T I S T S G R AY M A L I N & TAY L O R M I L L E R at
S T. M I C H A E L’ S W O M A N ’ S E X C H A N G E 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Gray Malin, Dallas native and ESD graduate, will sign his new book Beaches at St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange. His awe-inspiring aerial photographs of beaches around the world create playful and stunning celebrations of light, shape, and perspective. Meet the artist and explore the fine art in his first book, Beaches. As Gray says, “Every day is a getaway.” Gray Malin, Dallas native and ESD graduate, will sign his new book Beaches at St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange. His awe-inspiring aerial photographs of beaches around the world create playful and stunning
Taylor Miller, SMU graduate and creator of Hazen Jewelry, will meet guests and present her latest designs at the St. Michael Woman’s Exchange. Ms. Miller’s handcrafted and feminine jewelry embodies timeless elegance and modern sensibility. Worn with jeans or a little black dress, Miller’s Hazen Jewelry finishes every outfit with ease of wear and fashionable presence. Taylor Miller, SMU graduate and creator of 5 Highland Park Village Hazen Jewelry, will meet guests and present Dallas, Texas 75205 214-521-3862 her latest designs at the St. Michael Woman’s Open Monday – Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Exchange. Ms. Miller’s handcrafted and feminine jewelry embodies timeless elegance and modern sensibility. Worn with jeans or Saint Michael’s Woman’s Exchange
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Pastoral Care Saint Michael’s Parish Nurse Ministry Helps Our Parishioners Stay Well by Marillyn Burton Seeberger Perhaps when you think of the Parish Nurse Ministry, you are reminded of the times when you had your blood pressure checked by a Parish Nurse. It was reassuring to see that you were doing okay and to know that a professional had taken the reading. Maybe you didn’t trust your own skills, even with a machine at your home. Or, if the Parish Nurse noticed something erratic, it was good to know to
praying for the parishioner while hospitalized and will continue to do so during the recovery period. Parishioners are always appreciative of the prayers and of the visits received from the clergy while they or a family member were hospitalized.“ Other services of the Parish Nurse Ministry: We sponsor a Blood drive through the American Red Cross, once or twice a year. The next blood drive is scheduled for October. Be sure to put that on your fall calendar. We have also been involved with several Bone Marrow donation drives as well.
contact your physician. It is always comforting to know
We are currently in need of Parish Nurses and invite anyone
that someone else is aware of your condition. This is one
who is a Registered Nurse and not currently involved in the
of the many things that the Parish Nurse Ministry does for
ministry at Saint Michael to consider joining this caring
our parishioners, and you don’t have to be in fragile health
ministry. To find out more, contact Dianne Boyd, dboyd@
to take advantage of it. If you haven’t already, consider it
saintmichael.org or The Rev. Lisa Flores Musser, lflores@
in the future.
saintmichael.org.
The third Sunday of each month, has been designated Parish Nurse Sunday, on which there is a monthly health focus. Dianne Boyd, RN and head of the Parish Nurse Ministry tells us, “Usually, several parishioners will seek counsel regarding the specific monthly health focus, but more often than not, whatever current health issue the parishioner may need is addressed, including taking of their blood pressure.” The monthly health focus is Dianne Boyd, RN
announced
in
the
monthly
Archangel and Sunday News so
that you can plan on stopping by the Parish Nurse station in the South Lanai between services. Dianne further told us, “making phone calls to parishioners following a hospitalization to see if there are any posthospitalization needs that the church may assist with has been and will continue to be a focus of the ministry. During the post-hospitalization call, I share with the parishioners that the Parish Nurse ministry has been 12
Congregational Care Ministry Invites you to Volunteer Extended Care Cooks needs volunteers who are willing to cook only one or two times during the year for someone in need. If you are interested and have questions, please contact Ann Mills, Congregational Care Ministries, amills@saintmichael.org. Good Shepherd Ministry welcomes anyone who would like to be a Good Shepherd in their neighborhood. You can be the person to provide a neighbor with that needed connection to Saint Michael. Contact Judy Cole, judycole2012@gmail. com or Ann Mills, amills@saintmichael.org. Funeral Receptions. We welcome any volunteers who would like to bring cookies for Funeral Receptions. These homemade gifts of love mean so much to the families whose loved one has died. Contact Ann Mills, amills@saintmichael.org.
Pastoral Care - Calendar Alcoholics Anonymous. This group, open to both men and women, meets on the first and third Sundays of each month at 7:30 in the Coke Activities Room. Contact: The Rev. Neal Hern, nealhern@aol.com. Care Givers Support Group: Meets on the first and third Mondays at 11:00 in the parlor, providing support for those who have the responsibility of caring for a loved one. Contact: Sandra Klingeman, jsklingeman@sbcglobal.net. Faith and Grief Luncheon, On May 12, 12:00 Noon -1:00, the Faith and Grief Ministry will meet in the Coke Activities Room, where we will welcome our own Terry Demler as our guest speaker. Don’t miss this opportunity to listen to how one person’s faith intersected with her grief. The lunch is free but your donation would be welcome. Kindly make your reservation for lunch with Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org. Parish Nurse Ministry. Sunday, May 15 is Parish Nurse Sunday. Visit the South Lanai between services and consult with the Parish Nurse. This service is a part of our dedication to keeping our parishioners well. The focus for this month is Senior Health. Questions? Contact Dianne Boyd, RN, dboyd@saintmichael.org. Recovery Advocates is a group dedicated to enhancing the spiritual, physical, emotional and social well-being of communicants impacted by substance abuse and other addictions. The Recovery Advocates are individuals who have knowledge and experience in addiction recovery and are willing to serve as a resource to discuss issues and concerns, share experiences, or take someone to an AA or Alanon meeting. The Rev. Neal Hern is the clergy contact. nealhern@aol.com. All communications remain confidential.
A Stephen Minister Can Help You Do you have a burden that you cannot handle alone? Saint Michael and All Angels offers a dedicated group of men and women who have received specialized training to walk with you, confidentially, on this journey. Consider asking for a Stephen Minister. If you know someone who might benefit from having a Stephen Minister or you could use one yourself, please contact the Rev. Lisa Flores Musser, lflores@ saintmichael.org. or lay leader, Jean Coleman, jwcoleman@ sbcglobal.net.
Weekly Meetings Women’s Cancer Support Group. Meets 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. The Christian Yoga Class. 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. Contact: Annette Lentz, Annette.lentz@sbcglobal.net Centering Prayer Group. You are invited to join us on Tuesdays at 10:00 in the Clergy Conference Room to engage in Centering Prayer. Come and sit with us in silence and simply wait on God who remains always with us but is often not sensed or heard because we are so noisy and so busy. Learn how to rest in God. As with everything about us, God is paying attention and the practice will transform you. Contact: Mary Ann Webster, maryannwebster@gmail. com. Knitting 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. Consider joining the knitting ministry, either in person or from home. Contact: Byrd Teague, byrd.teague@ gmail.com.
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Youth Ministry Getting to Know Lauren Wainwright Our New Youth Director Lauren Wainwright has been called to be the Director of Youth Ministry at Saint Michael and All Angels and will begin on June 1. She will oversee the middle school and high school programs. Ms. Wainwright brings over nine years of youth ministry experience to Saint Michael, most recently as Director of Youth Ministries at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra, Florida. To get to know her better, we asked her:
Where did you grow up? Tell us about your family. LW: I am from the great state of Mississippi. I grew up mainly along the gulf coast and in Hattiesburg. My mother still lives in Hattiesburg. (Random Fact of the Day: Hunter Ruffin and I are from the same hometown). I have a twin brother who also works for the church. He is a priest in Starkville, Mississippi working as the chaplain for Mississippi State University. He finished seminary in 2014 at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin.
Have you ever been to Texas or Dallas? What are the first fun things you want to see/ do when you get here? LW: I’ve only been to Texas a few times; Houston and Dallas, I think. At first, I’m not going to have much time to do much because I am heading to Cuba with the youth on June 7th.
What do you do for fun? LW: Fun??? – My life is literally my youth. I also love outreach opportunities. I went on 4 mission trips with youth last summer. In my free time I enjoy reading (I’m a pretty big Harry Potter fan), and going to the movies. I love watching college football during the Fall.
Do you have pets? LW: I have one small dog named Sophie. She is a Japanese Chin.
What is your favorite food/ meal? LW: My favorite food changes on a daily basis. Right now I am obsessed with fish tacos. I’m going to be very disappointed if I can’t find good ones in Texas.
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Youth Ministry You have two degrees (Bachelor and Masters) in Political Science. How did you get from Political Science to Youth Ministry? LW: This is a long one. I finished my master’s in 2007 and I had no clue what to do with my life. That summer I participated in a program in Mississippi for young adults called the Bishop’s Mission Corps. I spent the summer with 4 other young adults working with local teenagers that were in trouble with the law. We spent the summer helping to keep them from getting into more trouble and teaching them basic math and reading skills. That was when I realized my home was in the church. I went back to Hattiesburg and got a job as a Christian Education and Youth Director. I fell in love with it and really do feel like it is a lifelong calling for me.
Disciples Class to Get Youth Ministry Introduction May 8 The recently confirmed Disciples Class meets next Sunday, May 8 in the Youth Center for an introduction to the Youth Ministry. They will learn about events including LiveWIRE and mission trips and other program in which they will participate beginning in the next school year. Current 7th – 12th grade students are urged to greet their new members. It will be the last Sunday School gathering of the school year.
Describe one or two of your best experiences as a Youth Minister. LW: The past 2 summers I have taken youth to Bolivia with Amistad (I know Saint Michael is involved with Bolivia as well!) I have fallen in love with the children there. During the week we had the chance to visit Aramasi which is high in the Andes Mountains; the night sky is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Every year, the group I travel with becomes like a second family to me. Every time I go on trips with kids I find myself falling in love more and more with what I do. The youth make me laugh and just accept me for who I am. Some of my favorite moments in youth ministry have come from the hysterical laughter and family that develops on trips. Welcome Lauren Wainwright and look forward to June 1. 15
Children and Family Ministry Edgers learn about Hunger on Mission Outing The Edge, 4th and 5th graders, spent the April 8th weekend at the World Hunger Relief Farm in Waco for their annual mission trip. World Hunger Relief Farm is a Christian mission-based program focusing on education in sustainable agriculture and livestock with the goal of eradicating hunger throughout the world. The Edgers were able to participate in feeding and caring for livestock including goats, chickens, and pigs. They weeded and cleared gardens, mucked goat stables, and cooked their own dinner over rocket stoves. Each night, the group took part in a late-night worship and reflection.
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Children and Family Ministry Edge Bake Sale Come by and grab some sweet treats on May 22 in the South Lanai! The Edge Ministry’s goal this year is to raise enough money to restock our 4 Little Free Libraries we installed last year and to buy one book for each student at O.M. Roberts Elementary School in Jubilee Park!
Adult Teachers and Leaders Needed for Vacation Bible School We are very excited that Vacation Bible School is right around the corner (June 13-16 from 9: 00 -12:00 Noon! Adult leaders are still needed. We Need Leaders for the following: • • • • • •
PreK 4/5 – Three Kindergarten – Five Grade 1 – Three Grade 2- One Grade 3 – One Grade 4/5 - Two
Your chief role will be to help lead the group to their rotations as well as help lead short classroom discussions, and activity time. No experience needed… just a love for kids, desire to share God’s love, and to help VBS be a great experience! For more information, contact Emily Given or sign up directly at www.saintmichael.org/vbs.
4th & 5th graders How can you help? You can bake and/ or buy! Sign up to bring at least 3 dozen baked goods. We also need Edgers to staff the table and sell our goodies from 9:30-11:00 on May 22. Questions? Contact Erika at ebower@saintmichael.org.
Family Sunday School – Beginning June 5 Have you ever wondered what a vestry is and what it does? What is “By Our Love”and who is involved? Join Children & Family Ministry in “Coloring for a Cause” our Family Summer Sunday School in the Coke Activities Room. Learn about the different ministries inside and outside of our parish. We will create thank-you cards and other creative expressions of gratitude for these ministries while enjoying time with each other in a new way. Questions? Contact Erika at ebower@saintmichael.org.
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Saint Michael Episcopal School Kids Coin Drive Success May 4th & 5th The students of Saint Michael Episcopal School have created artwork for a spectacular art show celebration. Every student has their own masterpiece framed and on display… and they are for sale! What a great gift for grandparents or Mom’s or Dad’s office. Need more than one copy? Prints are available!
During Lent, the children at Saint Michael Episcopal School were challenged to fill a jar in their rooms with quarters. The money they collected would be used to buy farm animals for families in third-world countries. Our kids raised $330, enough to buy a pig, a goat, and a flock of chickens. Way to go!
Barnyard Bash Attracts More than 800
Muffins for Moms will also be part of the morning festivities.
Learning Garden Is Sprouting The pre-kindergarten classes at Saint Michael Episcopal School managed to get their hands dirty even though they were wearing gloves. The kids and their teachers planted a learning garden on the east end of the play area just outside the classrooms. They are growing green beans, zucchini, kale, tomatoes and more. Each class will spend time in the garden learning about the soil, the plants, the insects, and just what makes a garden grow. The knowledge and learning this space provides is endless.
Yee-haw! Our 25th annual Barnyard Bash April 24 was another smashing hit! More than 800 buckaroos enjoyed fellowship and fun with a snow cone truck, petting zoo, bungee jump, bounce houses, pony rides, train rides, food from Burger House and a concert by Eddie Coker. Special thanks to our underwriter families, event vendors, volunteers, and for the hard work and dedication of the Barnyard Bash Committee; Ali Treaster (chair), Ainslie Barnard, Lindsey Colter, Kristin Erwin, Molly Hardy, and Jourdy Wallace.
Saint Michael Episcopal School May Highlights May 12 11:00 PreK End of Year Music Program – Sanctuary May 13 Last day of School May 18 10:00 a.m. School Uniform Resale 11:00 a.m. Popsicle Party for new families – Playground 18
For Your Information Continued from page 1
The Holy Breath, the Holy Wind, the Holy Spirit of God
Jesus breathed on them and said “Receive the Holy Spirit.” In Hebrew, Latin, and Greek the word for breath is the same as the word for wind and the word for spirit. This matters precisely because the imagery is so very, very simple. And it occurs throughout the New Testament, especially in John: “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit (or wind or breath).” (John 3:5) “If
you
love
me,
you
is what sustains everything in existence, gives it its meaning and purpose, and calls us home. The breath of God which raised Jesus from the dead is shared with us and is what, if we allow it, cleanses us and prepares us for our own encounter with our Creator and Maker. We can’t make ourselves experience the gift of the Holy Spirit, but we can open ourselves to its reality, and we can acknowledge that to receive this gift is to begin living now the life to which God calls us, a life that perdures to
will
keep
my
commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth . . . . [T]he Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.” (John 14:15-17, 26) Note that it is the Risen Christ who breathes His Holy Spirit into the disciples. The breath he breathes into the disciples is not the breath one receives upon emerging from one’s mother’s womb. It’s immensely more! This is the breath of eternal life, the breath of the Risen One. And it
eternity. As we acknowledge the gift, we begin to notice the gift. We begin to see things we hadn’t seen before, to note the Presence of God where before we thought Him absent. “Coincidences” become more common. We let go of things and people that we clung to before, and we discover value in things and people that before did not matter to us. We acquire a “new mind” (which is what the word “convert” actually means in Greek). There is actually only one “proof ” of everything I’m here describing, and that is to actually walk the path which is Christianity and give God free reign to transform our souls.
does for us something our ordinary breath can never do for
And Jesus makes us a very specific promise if we’re willing
us. It gives us the selfsame life that now animates the Risen
to truly walk this path:
Lord, if we’re willing to receive the gift.
“[T]he Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father
Episcopalians tend to be wary of such language and such
will send in my name, will teach you everything,
experiences, and yet the New Testament is very clear that
and remind you of all that I have said to you.” (John
this is the breath that carries us to eternity. The Risen Jesus
14:26)
was not simply a resuscitated corpse. He was and is living a new life with new breath, and He shares that life and that breath with you and me. We Christians love to argue about whether what’s described in the Bible actually happened, but to my mind a much more potent and essential question is, is what is described in the Bible still happening? 19
Archangel PERIODICAL
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Saint Michael and All Angels
the
8011 Douglas Avenue Dallas, Texas 75225-0385
www.saintmichael.org Phone: 214-363-5471 Fax: 214-363-4388 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
Worship Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – Eucharist – BMC Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – Healing Service – BMC Saturday 8:30 a.m. – Eucharist – BMC 5:30 p.m. – Candlelight Mass Sunday 7:30 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I – SMC 9:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite II - Church 9:00 a.m. – Joy Mass - Parish Hall 9:00 a.m. – Discovery Mass - SMC 10:00 a.m. – Sunday School Classes
(Children and Adult)
11:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I –Church 11:11 a.m. – The Celebration - Parish Hall
Parish Clergy
Parish Vestry
The Very Reverend Doug Travis, Interim Rector The Reverend Bill Murray, Vicar The Reverend Lisa Flores Musser, Associate for Pastoral Care The Reverend Greg Pickens, Associate for Operations and Pastoral Care The Reverend Oliver Butler, Associate for Youth and Young Adults The Reverend Hunter Ruffin, Associate for Mission and Outreach The Reverend Bob Johnston, Associate for Evangelism The Reverend Michael Harmuth, Sunday Associate The Reverend Rich Towers, Weekend Associate The Reverend Mary Lessmann, Sunday Associate
Matt Waller, Sr. Warden
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Kay Whelan, Jr. Warden Grady Schleier, Treasurer Charlie Sartain, Chancellor Margaret 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.
5:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer
and Eucharist Rite I – SMC