March 2020 Chronicles of Canterbury by St. Michael's Episcopal Church

Chronicles of Canterbury

the

Chronicles of Canterbury march 2020

From the Rector

The Lord’s Call to Humility

esus said,“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them.” He said, “Do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others.” He said we should practice our works of discipleship and mission quietly and without expectation of being seen, except by our “Father who sees in secret.”

What a simultaneously comforting and unsettling notion: God is watching us always. Our fear of God — our awe and respect for God - is in large part based on the realization that we are always living before the open eyes of God. We believe that we are always seen, always known, always held close to the ground of all being — God. We are beheld. And the Lord God is our beholder. On Ash Wednesday, we impose ashes on lots of heads at St. Michael’s. It is a rite, grounded in Genesis 3.19 — which says, “You are dust, and to dust you

will return.” Interestingly, in Hebrew the word “Adam” derives from the Hebrew word adamah which means “ground.” Similarly in Latin, “human” and “humus” derive from the root for the earth. So does “humility.” Isn’t it fabulous poetry that humus, human, and humble sound so much alike? They sound alike, because they are alike. When we talk about humility we are referring to our very human nature. We are beings made of dust. We are dust people, earth people, human beings wrought by a loving God from the very ground upon which we trod. And yet in His divine image. Amazing stuff. I think it’s one of God’s great metaphors in which He says, “I am the Ground upon which the Cosmos stands, I am the context in which it dwells, and from my holy stuff the universe is made.” God says, “You — human beings — you stand upon the ground of Earth, and from Earth that you are made, atom by atom. Your bodies are See RECTOR on page 12

From the New Senior Warden

what’s inside 2 The Gift Found in Faith 3 Rise Against Hunger 4 HMF Grants 5 Hannah, Mother of Samuel 6 ECW Spring Event 8 Belize Mission 2020 9 Coffeehouse of Grace 10 Briefly 11 Lifelong Disciple

St. Michael’s Moves Toward Solar Energy

am honored and humbled to serve as this year’s Senior Warden. Not to mention a bit confused. John Constance and Valerie Jackson served in that capacity during my first two years on the Vestry and they did so with just the sort of leadership that you would expect from two such remarkable people. So when Greg asked me to follow in their footsteps I was terribly flattered and even more surprised. But confident that Greg knows what he’s doing and that the Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways, I accepted.

Adding to my confidence is the company I keep. My fellow Vestry members are an exceptional group whose talents are considerable and whose devotion to the mission of St. Michael’s has been demonstrated in countless ways already. Their presence on the Vestry

reflects the wisdom and sound judgment of our fellow parishioners. I am excited about working with Ashleigh Black, this year’s Junior Warden, and Marty Munt, Vestry Clerk, both important and time consuming jobs. I would be remiss if I failed to mention my fellow 2020 classmate, Karen Wagoner, Children’s Ministry Liaison, for the tireless and forwardthinking work that she has invested in unison with staff and Jamie Pahl, to our children’s Sunday School program and to build on the considerable success it has enjoyed over the years. At the Vestry retreat at Mid Pines on the weekend of January 25, we welcomed our five newest members as we gathered along with Greg, Holly, See SENIOR WARDEN on page3

Chronicles of Canterbury The People of St. Michael’s Church Phone: (919) 782-0731

All area codes are 919 unless otherwise noted. The Rev. Samuel Gregory Jones, Rector ext. 117 • jones@holymichael.org (c) 559-2004 The Rev. Dr. James Pahl Jr., Vicar ext. 105 •fpahl@holymichael.org (c) 475-0082 The Rev. Holly Gloff, Associate Rector ext. 127 • gloff@holymichael.org (c) 612-7228 Anna Page, Cleric page@holymichael.org The Rev. Vinent Kopp, Priest Associate kopp@holymichael.org • (c)593-2704 Marion B. “Chip” Chase, Verger (h) 851-9576 VESTRY

Kristen Lingo, Recording Secretary John Connell, Sr. Warden Ashleigh Black, Jr. Warden Marti Munt, Clerk Class of 2020 Ashleigh Black •789-8284 John Connell • 336-407-891 | Rob Griffin• 510-9982 Marty Munt • 847-6780 | Karen Wagoner• 601-2881 Class of 2021 Liz Driscoll • 886-3424 | Matt Marchione • 426-8504 Katherine Poole • 623-3498 Logan Price • 270-3700 Melissa Raley • 219-2746 Class of 2022 Amanda Carson • 961-4952 Claren Englebreth • 252-205-4126 Robert Marshall • 260-4363 Sam Taylor • 908-339-5566 Rose Vaughn Williams • 922-0386 STAFF Stella Attaway, Director of Early Childhood Christian Education attaway@holymichael.org • ext. 106 Ann Garey, Publications garey@holymichael.org • ext. 103 Charlotte Griffin, Director of Development griffin@holymichael.org • ext. 121 Lee Hayden, Director of Operations & Newcomer Ministry hayden@holymichael.org • ext.108 A bby Van Noppen, Director of Youth Ministry vannoppen@holymichael.org • ext. 115 Kevin Kerstetter, Director of Music kerstetter@holymichael.org • ext. 101 Susan Little, Financial Administrator little@holymichael.org • ext. 113 Carolyn L’Italien, Director of Primary Christian Education & Assit. to Operations litalien@holymichael.org Jean Olson, Parish Secretary olson@holymichael.org • ext. 112 Susan Rountree, Director of Communications rountree@holymichael.org • ext.122 FACILITIES STAFF Jesús Epigmenio, Groundskeeper Marcela de la Cruz, Housekeeper PARISH DAY SCHOOL 782-6430 Mandy Annunziata, Director annunziata@holymichael.org • ext. 110 Cason Maddison, Assistant Director • ext.114 CANTERBURY SHOP HOURS Monday - Friday 10 am -1 pm Sundays 9 am – 9:30 am & 10:30 am-noon

Lifelong Disciple

The Gift Found in Faith

ust recently, a parishioner asked me the question, “What is blame?” Immediately, my mind went to a description I once heard — when we point our index figure in a blaming sort of way, we must remember there are three other fingers pointing back at us! It is so easy to blame the other and forget about our own faults. In other words, the legalistic nature we like to impart has a way of indicting and corrupting us as well; and so often we don’t even know it. But, there is good news! In the Letter to the church in Galatia, the Apostle Paul refers to “Law and Faith.” Galatians 2:16 says, “…we know that a person is justified not by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” Paul goes on to say in Galatians 3:2 the following: “The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard?” We struggle to live under the law. We can take a look at our own lives and see what we are bound to. And the Law makes it so easy for us to blame others for things that go wrong — or to blame others for simply being different from us; perhaps not righteous enough … as though we are. However, when we live by faith, we essentially receive three Godly gifts which are grace-filled, and they set us free: We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, filled by the Holy Spirit, and given eternal life. All of these gifts lead to freedom, and it is a freedom of the heart from that which binds us. Therefore, freedom is what God does in and through us. We who work under the Law of God seek to accomplish something — to have some sort of control of our life and those aspects that surround us — maybe even control of another. Living under the Law is constraining, and often we feel as though the world is upon our shoulders; we are overwhelmed with responsibilities such as work, family, church, etc. What Paul is telling us is that yes we have responsibilities, but freedom lies only in one place: Jesus Christ. When we live by faith alone, we no longer are bound to the law, and we receive innumerable benefits from God, and the best of all is that they are free. Because in the end our endeavors are only accomplished by God’s grace, and therefore, success depends on God, not us. The season of Lent is here, and there will be a number of opportunities at St. Michael’s to learn more about this faith that frees us. Sunday morning Forums in March will be focused on a book called Love Wins by Rob Bell. At the heart of this study, we will come into a better understanding of heaven, hell, the law, grace, who Jesus is and who we are to be. In addition, Tuesday nights in March from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., we will have our Lenten dinners and program. Here, we will offer ways to go deeper in table discussions centered around the previous Sunday’s topic. And, on Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m., we will have the Rev. Lisa Saunders here to speak to us about her book, Even at the Grave. Continued on the next page

Chronicles of Canterbury

SR. WARDEN

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Jamie and Anna. It seems strange that at this time last year neither Jamie nor Anna were at St. Michael’s, given the impact they have already made and the ease with which they have become integral to the life of the church. The retreat was a wonderful chance to celebrate the strong health of St. Michael’s and to reflect on its expanding mission to our community and the larger world. That engagement begins at home through our stewardship of the church’s physical plant and finances.

To that end the Vestry is close to approving plans for the installation of a 100 Kw solar panel system on the south side of the church. The proposed project is the result of inspired thinking and extensive work on the part of Locke Raper and David Knight of the Environmental Committee. Because of a large grant from Duke Power toward installation, and on-going savings in energy costs of 33 percent, the project should pay for itself in less than a decade. It will continue to return significant savings every year for decades to come. This initiative is green in every sense of the word. While we are still waiting for all the pieces to fall into place, if approved, the project should be completed before the end of this year. At the start of every meeting Greg prays for the Lord to “guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it”. I ask for your prayers as we strive to do what is right for St. Michael’s in the year to come. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns and suggestions that you have regarding the church we hold so dear. My email address is connell1536@att.net. Thank you and God bless.

— John Connell, Senior Warden

Rise Against Hunger: 10 Years Packing Meals at St. Michael’s On Sunday, March 22, for the 10th year, St. Michael’s is joining with Rise Against Hunger to package more than 20,000 meals to be delivered overseas to people in need. Rise Against Hunger meals are distributed through global partners that administer school feeding programs, orphanages, health clinics, and vocational training. At just $.34 per meal, Rise Against Hunger is an effective way to respond to extreme poverty. In recent years, St. Michael’s meals have gone to Haiti, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Ukraine and Zambia. This is a fast-paced event for all members of our parish, especially families. Donations We have committed to packaging 20,000 meals. These require money! 100 meals cost $34; 200 meals cost $68; 400 meals cost $116. You get the idea. The total will be about $6,800. We suggest a minimum donation of $34 for 100 meals. Of course, any donation is greatly appreciated. Volunteers

VICAR

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The season of Lent is a gift… a gift of freedom that we should seize for our own self-examination and spiritual growth. For many, Lent is simply filled with more things to do at church in an already busy time of the year. Yet, despite this, the Prayer Book offers us this gift: “I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial, and by reading and meditating on God’s Holy Word” (pg. 265). As we enter Lent, we should tell ourselves, “What I achieve is what God is doing” in and through me. AMEN!

— The Rev. Dr. James L. Pahl Jr.

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Noon - 1 p.m. — Cover the Parish Hall floor with landscape plastic. (Five people)

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1 - 2 p.m. —Set up stations to package meals. We need strong backs to lift bags of rice, beans, etc. (10 people)

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2 - 4 p.m. —Packaging meals for all ages

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4- 4:30 p.m. — Cleanup for EYC event starting at 5 p.m. (10 people)

How to Register and Donate You can register to volunteer and donate at this link: http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/HolyMichael or on the day of the event (check or cash only). Donating ahead of time at the link makes everything run much more smoothly.

— David Smyth, St. Michael’s Coordinator

Chronicles of Canterbury

Holy Michael Foundation Awards First Grants

ifteen years ago, St. Michael’s established an endowment, the Holy Michael Foundation, from the generous bequest of parishioner Bob Slaughter who died in 2004. Bob’s quiet service and generosity impacted our parish.

St. Michael’s has a long-established relationship with StepUp. Once employed, the next step in StepUp’s program for success is participating in their Life Skills class. The class helps adults and children with budgeting, goal-setting, mock interviews, managing emotions, and developing strong relationships, among other skills. Our grant will fund a year-long Life Skills class for one family.

With deep gratitude to many generous parishioners and sound investment practices, what began with less than half a million dollars is now worth just under $1.2 million (before grant disbursement). Upon fulfillment of grant requirements, the Holy Michael Foundation is pleased to announce it has awarded its first grants!

The Holy Michael Foundation is now a working endowment, one that will continue to provide grants with your support. This is a huge milestone for St. Michael’s and one we will celebrate.

The Holy Michael Foundation unanimously approved grants to the following ministries: •

$15,000 to the Refugee Circle of Welcome Ministry

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$12,500 to The Green Chair

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$10,000 to The Women’s Center

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$5,000 to StepUp Ministry

For more information about the Foundation, please contact DoD Charlotte Griffin, griffin@ holymichael.org, or any Holy Michael Foundation board member. For more information about the grant recipients, visit Lscarolinas.net, the greenchair.org, www. wcwc.org, and stepupministry.org. Board members: The Rev. Greg Jones, ex-officio

These ministries dovetail with St. Michael’s mission and Holy Michael Foundation’s focus on Hunger, Housing and Health.

Walter Rogers, President

Nancy Bromhal, Vice President

The Circle of Welcome ministry is the type of ministry Greg and the HMF board have wanted to seed. St. Michael’s participation with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service’s Circle of Welcome initiative began in January 2019. The program partners faith and community organizations with refugees to assist in their successful resettlement in the United States.

Joe Dye, Treasurer

Dedicated parishioners and volunteers have devoted resources and countless hours to helping our first family. This grant will focus on providing housing assistance as we transition our current refugee family to independence, and welcoming a new refugee family in their transition to the US.

Karen Ryden

Sandy Page, Secretary Bryan Bickley Hunt Choi

Jim Fontaine

Rick Rountree Rose Williams

Charlotte Griffin, Development Officer

In Wake County, approximately 5,000 children sleep on the floor or in crowded beds. This makes the prospect of a good night’s sleep unlikely, thus affecting their ability to learn. Green Chair’s Sweeter Dreams Bed Program’s goal is to provide beds to these children. Our grant includes the cost of the bed frame, mattress, box spring and bedding for 50 beds.

— Charlotte Griffin, Director of Development The Holy Michael Foundation’s largest grant will support the Refugee Circle of Welcome allowing more refugees like Dusabe Nyirazana and her family to find new homes within North Carolina.

The number of women served by the Women’s Center increased 49 percent in one year’s time. In their last fiscal year, they served 742 women who needed a place to stay that is safe and free from violence. The Women’s Center provides meals, clothing, hygiene items, case management and counseling services, and medical care to these women. Our grant will provide one day of services to 200 women.

Chronicles of Canterbury Women in Faith:

Hannah, Mother of Samuel and the Earnest Petitioner

annah, mother of Samuel, is mentioned in only about 20 verses in the entire Bible — in Samuel 1 and 2. She was one of two wives of Elkanah. The other wife, Peninnah, who, even though the lesser of the wives, managed to have children.

But God did give Hannah three more sons and two daughters, so she could hold her head up in public, and know that she would be taken care of in her old age. Whether or not Hannah had a child, the reason we regard her as a woman of faith was not because of the birth of her son, but because her first response to her plight was to turn to God, in earnest. She knew that only God could answer her questions, and because God could give her a purpose in life.

Hannah, the primary and most beloved of the two wives, had none. In ancient times, being a wife without any children made you pretty worthless in the eyes of society, so Hannah’s life was miserable. This story may bring to mind an earlier account found in Genesis about Sarah and Rebecca. Perhaps Elkanah knew the story well, and decided to follow suit and take on a second wife since Hannah was not producing children.

What is our first response to distressing situations? God is more than willing to meet us at the point of our needs to give us grace and comfort. No one – families friends or neighbors

Hannah was in Hannah, presenting Samuel to Eli, the priest, by Jan Victors, 1645 the temple praying one day and Eli, the Priest, overheard her praying — or muttering; he wasn’t sure if are able to give us as much comfort as can God. Hannah’s she was drunk, so he asked her. No, she was praying, she told anguished prayer, filled with hope and trust in God, is a golden him, promising God that if he gave her a son she would give example to me of how trusting in God brings comfort to us. him back after he was weaned so he could be a Nazarite. Her — The Rev. Holly M. Gloff desperation in having a male heir had driven her to promise to give him back to God.

OWLS for March: Jamie Pahl and Howling Cow

Eli blessed her and sent her home. Hannah conceived and bore a son, whom she named Samuel, which means, heard by God (since she had asked the Lord for him).

We hope you’ll mark your calendars for a special appearance by the Rev. Jamie Pahl on Thursday, March 12. Jamie will bring his guitar and entertain us with his stellar talent! Join us at 2 p.m. in the Convocation Room.

This story reminds us of the early days of Moses, who as a small child, was put into a basket by his mother, and sent down the Nile as if putting him into God’s own hands. Hannah gave little Samuel to Eli, as if to God. There are quite a number of barren women in the Bible. The anguish of not having children, especially sons during Biblical times, must have been enormous. It is excruciating for many women today who cannot have children, but back then, it meant you had no “social security” when your husband died. Women needed a male to protect them. Women could not own property, so often ended up begging and were homeless. It was a terrible plight!

On Thursday, March 19, we’ll take a tour of one of Raleigh’s sweetest places: Howling Cow Ice Cream. Our tour begins at 1 p.m., and we’ll grab a bit to eat beforehand. Watch Canterbury Tales for more information on this special outing. It promises to be delicious! Sign up at the front desk. 5

Chronicles of Canterbury

St. Michael’s ECW: New Year Brings New Focus To Ministry

St. Michael’s ECW Ministries:

hen describing St. Michael’s to people, I always say that I grew up here, but that I would choose it again today.

ECW Spring Event: Each spring, the St. Michael’s ECW designates a fundraising recipient and hosts a party to raise money for the recipient. In the past seven years, we have raised more than $300,000 for Backpck Buddies, Neighbor 2Neighbor, the Camden Street Learning Garden, Habitat for Humanity, StepUp Ministries, and the Holy Michael Foundation. Save the date for Friday, May 1, at 6 p.m. to help us raise money for Healing Transitions (see inset box for more details).

I was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s. I sang in the choir (God bless all ears that had listen to that!), participated in Sunday School and EYC and generally spent a LOT of time at church. It was like a second home then, and it still is. I didn’t choose St. Michael’s as my church at that time in my life, but I chose to spend a LOT of time at church, and I adored it.

Backpack Buddies: There are many children struggling with hunger in Wake County, especially on weekends when school meals are not provided. St. Michael’s funds, packs and delivers bags of weekend food for 30 children at Wiley and Washington Elementary schools each week.

When I moved back to Raleigh and was newly married, St. Michael’s still felt like home, but finding my new place within it took a bit of navigation and time. Ultimately, I ended up helping with both EYC and high school Sunday School, loving both, especially serving as a leader on a REACH mission trip in the summer of 2006. As I began having children, I found myself searching again. I stepped back from a lot of things at church in those early days as a new mother, but then I began to look for what might feel comfortable next. Not long after, someone asked me to get involved in ECW by helping with the spring event. And, just like that, I found another place within our church that felt like home. Through the ECW, I’ve met so many women who see life through different lenses: mothers of young children, stay-athome moms, working moms, retired women with more time on their hands, empty nesters, single women and more. Each may be part of ECW for different reasons, but all have something to add and a unique perspective. The ECW and its chapters are friendly, welcoming places to get to know people within our parish. Join us for a meeting, to help us with the spring event, or sign up to get involved with any of the activities listed here! The ECW may feel like a second home to you, too. Who are the Episcopal Church Women? And what do they do at St. Michael’s?

The ECW Spring Event raises thousands of dollars each year to support non-profits in our area.

Helen Wright Center: The Helen Wright Center provides housing and services for homeless women. Over 55 women from St. Michael’s cook and serve dinner to 60 women at the Helen Wright Center 12 or more times every year. We will prepare and serve over 700 meals in 2020!

If you are a woman at St. Michael’s, you have already met all of the necessary qualifications to be a member of our church’s Episcopal Church Women (“ECW”) organization! Please come join us in one of the many activities we have going on within the church. If you haven’t been involved before, we would love to have you…and we NEED your help!

Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels serves hot lunches every weekday to homebound older adults and persons with disabilities in Wake County. On the first Thursday of every month, the volunteers of St. Michael’s deliver many of these meals via multiple routes from the Meals on Wheels center located on NC State’s Centennial Campus.

You may be wondering what exactly our ECW does. If you see something in the list below that interests you, please email me at emerritt@cherokeefund.com or call me at (919) 810-9700, and we will connect you with the right people to get you involved!

Gifts of Grace: The various chapters of the ECW each have a specialty sold at Gifts of Grace. These delicious items serve as a meaningful supplement to the non-profit giving each year. This year, our goods resulted in sales of nearly $4,000! Guild of the Christ Child: Have you had a new baby and had someone from the ECW bring a gift and a meal to your home? This group brought it to you!

— Elizabeth Merritt, ECW President

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Chronicles of Canterbury Friends of St. Michael’s: Volunteers prepare food and serve at receptions in our Parish Hall for the families of those among us have passed away. Cheshire House: ECW members provide dinner several times a year to the students at N.C. State’s Episcopal Campus Ministry. UTO: Through semi-annual offering collections from our parish, our ECW collects and contributes funds for the Episcopal Church’s United Thank Offering. The UTO makes grants annually to a select group of applicants. In 2019, 33 groups received grants for a variety of non-profit causes. Through your generous giving, we contributed over $1,500 in 2019. Other: The ECW pitches in with both time and treasure for a variety of other needs as they arise within the church or in the broader community. St. Michael’s ECW Chapters (small groups): The ECW also has four “chapters” or small groups that meet regularly to foster fellowship, study specific interests of the group — often with guest speakers — and participate in chapter-designated service projects. To volunteer in the ministries above, you don’t have to be in a chapter. And to be in a chapter, you don’t have to be active in one of the ministries above. Some people enjoy doing both, but do what feels right for you. These chapters each meet at different times and have different focus areas. Reach out to us, and we will tell you more!

The Spring Event has raised more than $300,000 for area groups in the past few years. It’s a fun and lively social event for the parish.

Save the Date for the ECW Spring Event Benefitting Healing Transitions of Wake County Friday, May 1st 6 pm – 9 pm Healing Transitions believes that all people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction — especially the homeless, uninsured and underserved — deserve services on demand, as many times as it takes, to find recovery. Their policy is never to turn away anyone who is seeking help. As addiction grows within Wake County, the demand for the innovative peer-based, recovery-oriented services provided has grown dramatically. Healing Transitions is embarking on a bold initiative to dramatically increase the capacity of both the women’s and men’s campuses.

We are lucky to be blessed with a growing population of amazing women at St. Michael’s. If you have a ministry in mind that isn’t listed above or a creative idea you ‘d like to share, reach out and join us! We are always looking to grow and evolve, and your ideas might be just the thing the ECW should focus on next!

This means more space for beds, increased kitchen and bath capacity, more room for meeting and counseling spaces and many other needs. At the women’s campus alone, they plan to expand their current capacity for serving 120 women to 210, all living on campus. Please join us to support this worthy cause! St. Elizabeth’s ECW Chapter makes yeast rolls to sell each year at Gifts of Grace.

Chronicles of Canterbury Belize Mission 2020:

Vision for Church Plant Taking Shape at Holy Cross

s we prepare for two weeks of mission (April 4-18), it’s clear that the contribution St. Michael’s continues to make at Holy Cross Anglican School in Belize is hard to over estimate. Last year our mission teams, supported by significant financial contributions from our parish, enabled construction of House of Grace to get off to an amazing beginning. The struction is almost ready for occupancy, needing only modest additional funding to complete interior trim, smooth the access road, and install interior appliances and furnishings. This year, our mission teams will focus much of our effort on meeting these needs.

For missionary founders Francis and Vernon Wilson, development at Holy Cross was always to have included a partner parish. Yet the educational space needed quickly outpaced the dream and vision of also providing for a Chapel and worshiping community. Nevertheless, in the last couple of Holy Cross Vice Principal Lizette James (left) with Principal Olivia Tasher (right). years — and with the endorsement and involvement of Bishop Philip Wright 5. Programs are offered to meet one’s spiritual, of Belize — this vision is now the primary component of the three-year emotional, and physical needs through services such as development. counseling and spiritual guidance. In late January, I was honored to be present as a facilitator for the first 6. There’s partnership with families to impact future meeting of a small committee assembled by Miss Olivia Tasher, the generations for Christ by creating fun, engaging Holly Cross principal. The committee includes faculty as well as the Vice environments where God’s Word is taught, Principal, Miss Lizette James (pictured above). Two of our own North relationships are built, and spiritual foundations are Carolina Diocesan officials also contributed to the design of the meeting: established. The Rev. Jan Lamb, Archdeacon, and Catherine Massey, Canon for Transition and Pastoral Ministries. The parish formation committee 7. Every member is empowered to find their place of is charged with developing a profile of the school along with a draft ministry, where they can discover, develop and use priestly job description. At the meeting, the committee offered personal their God given gifts and talents. reflections on their own spiritual journeys and wrote down thoughts on how the presence of a full-time priest and parish would impact the 8. Leaders are not rigid but welcoming. school. They then spent two more weeks reflecting and refining their 9. There’s a warm and welcoming congregation that hopes and dreams into the following vision for what will become “Holy strives to engage believers of all ages and different Cross Anglican School and Parish,” shared by Miss Tasher on behalf of her backgrounds in worship, fellowship and service. committee: What we envision for Holy Cross three years from now? A place where: 1. Every visitor is treated as a guest in a friend’s home. 2. Worship means focusing on Jesus Christ through praise and action. 3. People connect with transparent and authentic community, through Bible study groups, youth groups, women’s groups and ministry teams who care for each other. 4. There’s freedom to participate in worship, sacraments, choir and Sunday school.

10. Those searching for answers will find truth, those hurting will find love, and those longing for direction will find purpose. Miss Tasher wants everyone at St. Michael’s — and all of the churches that send mission teams — to know how our continuing presence and friendship provides the hope and confidence that such a blessed-vision as theirs will become reality. continued on the next page

Chronicles of Canterbury

Coffeehouse of Grace for Belize March 21 The annual Coffee House to benefit our mission to Holy Cross Anglican School in Belize is taking on a unique flavor this year. Re-named “CoffeeHouse-of-Grace,” this year’s event will focus on supporting mission team expenses and raising funds to enable the newly constructed “House-of-Grace” to be occupancy ready (see accompanying article). We are thrilled that our own Vicar, the Rev. Dr. Jamie Pahl, will be the featured performer, and we are overjoyed that again this year, the Praise Choir from our sister AME church, St. Matthew, will also bless us with their presence. We will also offer our annual silent auction during intermission at the event, where you can bid on a variety of items. We are open to all styles of music and talent, and if you would like to perform — or help with the planning — please contact John McHenry at john. mchenry@baronams.com, (919) 306-3659; or Paula Bickley at PBickley@biologicsinc.com. BELIZE Team

Coffeehouse of Grace Saturday, March 21 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets: $15 Adults; $10 youth/ children In the Parish Hall

BELIZE

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Indeed, the new parish will become the first-ever Anglican house of worship on the entire island of Ambergris Caye. If you would like to help through prayer, financial support, team preparation, or in any other way please watch for opportunities to assist including our annual Coffeehouse on March 21.

— John McHenry, with Olivia Tasher

The Praise Choir from St. Matthew AME will perform once again at the Belize “Coffee House of Grace” on March 21.

2020 DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, March 1 Commitment Deadline Sunday, March 1 11:35 a.m. Coffeehouse Planning Meeting Sunday, March 8 11:35 a.m. Team Orientation Meeting Saturday, March 21 7 p.m. Coffeehouse Sunday, March 29 11:35 a.m. Final Preparation Meeting/Forms Due Saturday, April 4 Team 1 Departure Saturday, April 11 Team 1 Return Week of April 13 Team 2 Departure and Return: Details TBD

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Chronicles of Canterbury

Words & Wisdom Book Group Hogin To Speak at Men’s Retreat March 11 • 6:30 p.m. This month, the Words & Wisdom Book Group will read The Radium Girls, by Kate Moore. Discussion will be Wednesday, March 11, at the home of Monica & Rolf Noetzli (3813 Essex Garden Lane, Raleigh 27612). Facilitator: Pat Matusiak; RSVP to Monica (monica.noetzli@gmail.com) All are welcome! If you’re new to our parish, joining the book group is a terrific way to get to know a small number of people and engage in lively discussion about a variety of topics.

Young Adults Meet in March Our Young Adult Ministry continues to ramp up this winter. If you’re in the post-college to 35 age group, join us for our bi-weekly Bible Study, Wednesday, March 4 and 18, at 7 p.m. at the church. Anna will host a monthly service of Evening Prayer and dinner on Sunday, March 15 at the home of Maria Reynolds. Dinners will rotate between homes each month.

Words & Wisdom March 11 “The Radium Girls” 3813 Essex Garden Lane

Men’s Retreat Friday & Saturday, March 27 &28 Speaker: The Rev. Christopher Hogin

If you are in your 20s or 30s, single or married, with kids or without, contact Anna to learn more about our offerings for Young Adults, at page@holymichael.org.

Lisa Saunders, Author of Even at the Grave Lisa Sanders, a priest at Christ Church, Charlotte, will visit St. Michael’s on Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m. She will discuss and sign her book, Even from the Grave. Described as “one funeral at a time,” in Even from the Grave she offers compelling stories of being a priest, wife and mother. A few copies of the book are available in the Canterbury Shop, at Quail Ridge or on Amazon.com

Join The Episcopal Build 2020

St. Michael’s will once again participate in Habitat for Humanity’ Episcopal Build 2020. St. Michael’s Build Date will be Saturday, March 28 – We need 11-15 volunteers.

Our own former associate rector, the Rev. Christopher Hogin, will lead the annual Men’s Retreat, Friday & Saturday, March 27 & 28, Country Club of Whispering Pines. He will speak on “Finding Faith When Things Fall Apart.” Our life can change in the briefest of moments. Our identity and sense of stability can evaporate without any warning. What happens when confronted with massive changes, either from an illness, a change in a relationship, or a tragedy in general? How do we cope? How do we navigate the uncertainties of desperate situations through faith? What does it really mean to rely on God and a faith community? Christopher will examine these questions through personal reflection, Scripture, and the work of young adult novelist Gary Paulsen, author of The Hatchet, aimed at offering a spiritual survival guide for when things do fall apart.. Registration: $180 for food and lodging. Please visit holymichael.org to save your spot!

Women’s Bible Study: Kings 1 & 2 The Women’s Bible Study group will begin a study of Kings 1 & 2 on March 10 called “TRUSTWORTHY: Overcoming Our Greatest Struggles To Trust God” The Lysa TerKeurst study will explore the deeply personal and applicable Scriptures that will teach us how to truly trust God. Tuesdays: March 10 - April 21 • 6:30 - 8 p.m. Fridays: March 13 - April 24 • 9:30 - 11 a.m. When hard times come and it feels like God is deviating from our created plan, we tend to want to tame God, not trust Him. It is exhausting trying to keep everything under control when we fear God won’t come through. Workbook Cost: $17. Contact: Frances Penick: fhpenick@nc.rr.com

SM Hosts Family Promise

Save the Dates! Mark you calendars because Family Promise returns to St. Michael’s July 12 - 26.

Details & sign up at holymichael.org Contact: Ben Ipock (bvipock@gmail.com)

Look for sign-up information coming soon. Questions? Contact Barbara Barron or Sally Norton.

Chronicles of Canterbury

march lifelong disciple Beloved Community Series During Lent, we’ll be reading the book Love Wins by Rob Bell. Each week, we’ll discuss several chapters on Sunday mornings and again on Tuesday evenings. You do not have to read the book to participate in either discussion. Some copies are available in the Canterbury Shop. March 1 Love Wins: Salvation & Heaven with the Rev. Dr. James L. Pahl Jr. Chapters 1 & 2

lifelong disciple

March 8 Love Wins: Hell & God’s Desire with with Jeff Hensley Chapters 3 & 4 March 15 Love Wins: Dying To Love and The Rock with the Rev. Samuel Gregory Jones Chapters 5&6 March 22 Love Wins: The Good News is Better with Jeff Hensley Chapter 7 March 29 Love Wins: The End Is Here with Anna Page Chapter 8 April 5 Love Wins: The End Is Here, Continued

Lenten Book Study:

Love Wins by Rob Bell Tuesdays, March 3 - 31 6 - 7:30 p.m. Sign up at the front desk each week. $15 per person Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived, by Rob Bell. Tuesdays: March 3 - 31 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. | $15 per person Sign-up deadline is the Sunday prior. Child care available with registration. Please order this book and join us on Sunday mornings/Tuesday evenings. Book available in the Canterbury Shop or on amazon.com There are a growing number of us who have become acutely aware that Jesus’s story has been hijacked by a number of other stories, stories Jesus isn’t interested in telling, because they have nothing to do with what he came to do. The plot has been lost, and it’s time to reclaim it. As Rob Bell says, “I’ve written this book because the kind of faith Jesus invites us into doesn’t skirt the big questions about topics like God and Jesus and salvation and judgment and heaven and hell, but takes us deep into the heart of them.” Children ages 3 and older will participate in “Godly Play” activities led by Carolyn L’Italien. Sign up weekly on the sheet at the front desk or at holymichael.org

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church 1520 Canterbury Rd. Raleigh NC 27608-1106 Phone: 919-782-0731 Fax: 919-782-5085 www.holymichael.org

Chronicles of Canterbury is a publication of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Editor: Susan B. Rountree Phone: 919-782-0731, ext. 122 Email: rountree@holymichael.org

Questions? Story Ideas? Susan Rountree, Director of Communications rountree@holymichael.org • 919-782-0731, ext. 122 www.holymichael.org, Chronicles of Canterbury, ThisWeek@St. Michael’s & Rector’s Weekly Epistle & Archangel Susan Rountree, Editor rountree@holymichael.org Canterbury Tales/brochures/bulletins: Ann Garey, Publications Coordinator garey@holymichael.org

Deadlines: • Canterbury Tales: noon Wednesday before Sunday publication Winter Archangel will be published in February April Chronicles of Canterbury MONDAY, MARCH 16

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formed from the dust upon which you walk, made special by my love for you alone.” This is what human beings are; we were made to be humble. To be humble is not to adopt airs, or to act righteous. Indeed, it is little more than peeling away the residue of pride, attitude and self-construction, to reveal the basic person that God intended for us to become. To be humble is the greatest thing we can do as humans — and yet it involves adding nothing we do not already possess. It is instead the prayerful work of shedding the clothes of slavery which we so readily adopt in this world of powers and principalities, and revealing the shining skin of who we were meant to be in the eyes of God. We seek to be humble, because that is the glorious “we” that God sees, the God who sees the secret we, the hidden we, the we that we really are beneath all the pride and foolishness, the we that God wants us to discover for ourselves. In that humility we will no longer pretend to be what we are not, and we will shed the scales from our eyes, and see beneath to the hearts of others.

In the paradoxically blinding light of God’s love — we can finally see each other, as God sees us. And then we will understand why God loves us so much. We will finally understand why Jesus died on the cross for us. We will finally be free from that which keeps us bound. We will finally know — in the fullness of humility — why we have been given the kingdom of God as sons and daughters of the One God. Have a blessed Lenten season. — The Rev. Samuel Gregory Jones