The Archangel February 2018

the The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

February 2018

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Unveiling of Via Crucis

The Journey of Lent

the

Vestry Meeting

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WOSM Mardi Gras Party

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Parish Meeting

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Shrove Tuesday Pancake and Gumbo Supper

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Ash Wednesday Services at 7, 10, 12, 5, and 7

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Church Offices Closed Presidents’ Day

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Lenten Quiet Day

Volume 30 No. 2

This month, we begin the journey of Lent, a season that calls to mind sinfulness, discipline, and selfdenial — all the fun stuff!

Lent is designed to make us more mindful of God’s great love story. Lent is the chance to pause and rest and listen for God’s voice in the midst of a very loud, hectic world. Lent is meant to bring us closer to God. But if you’re like me, the solemnity of Lent doesn’t always seem to work. Sometimes, the quiet, the peace, the contemplation can become cumbersome instead.

I think it’s necessary for us to be honest about the way we experience God. For some, Lent is their favorite season of the year. There is something deeply fulfilling about the solemnity of the season that invites them to go deep and to meet God in the depth. For those who find Lent to be their favorite season, know that I’m a little jealous. In my head, I want to be the kind of person who responds well to the serious nature of Lent, to the contemplative spirit of the season, but I struggle to pay attention and to stay engaged. Chalk it up to my age or my personality, but if you know me at all, you know that “quiet” and “contemplative” aren’t words most people would use to describe me.

And yet, Lent does seem to work in mysterious ways. Perhaps Lent works because it makes us hungry and we know that the Easter banquet is weeks away. When I was a child, I loved to eat (some things never change). Just like my own children, I always wanted snacks in-between continued on page 19

Saint Michael to Host Severino Stations of the Cross Everyone working at a church gets calls about donations to the church. Typically the items folks wish to drop off are unwanted, unloved, and more than a little worn. When Richard Finlay called me to talk about art he wanted to share with the church, I was willing but hesitant. I liked Richard and was complimented that he thought of me as a fellow art lover but I was worried what this art might be. Little did I know that his daughter, Laura Finlay Smith, was a curator for the Tia Collection. The collector prefers to remain anonymous but has been gathering art to create a world class portfolio named in honor of his daughter, Tia. Richard brought to me and to Saint Michael and All Angels the extraordinary opportunity to partner with the Tia Collection to display the Federico Severino Stations of the Cross. If you have not heard of this work, do not worry. They are relatively new. Severino was continued on page 7

Lent Lenten Quiet Day Saturday, February 24 12:00 p.m.

Coke Activities Room

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9:00 a.m. to $10

Brother David Vryhof leads

The Grace of Humility

Humility as a virtue and a way of life has been highly-prized and much soughtafter in Christianity. Both the Old and New Testaments praise it; Jesus models it, teaches it, and urges his disciples to seek it; and St. Paul frequently commends it to the early Christian communities.

Humility has been especially valued in the Christian monastic tradition. Monastic writers have seen it as a necessary condition for a right relationship with God and with others.

David Vryhof

But the virtue of humility has gotten “bad press” in the modern era. Too often it has been associated with passivity, complacency, and unquestioning submission to those in authority. But true humility, as Jesus taught and modeled it, is something other than the distorted image of humility that has been scorned in modern times. In this workshop, weíll explore the virtue of humility, especially through the writings of monastics, and try to learn what it means to be truly humble.

RSVP saintmichael.org/retreats or contact Julia Giles at jgiles@ saintmichael.org for more information.

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LentenWorship Stations of the Cross Fridays at 6:00 p.m.

Church

Holy Eucharist Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Saint Michael Chapel

Leon Farmer to Retire After Easter this year, an amazing man will retire from ministry at Saint Michael after more than 55 years. Leon Farmer, one of the cornerstones of this wonderful parish, has decided to begin a new chapter in his life. There are no words worthy enough to celebrate a man who embodies the heart and soul of Saint Michael, so instead, I want to say thank you. Thank you, Leon, for a life of service in love for all of us at Saint Michael. Thank you for manifesting the light of Christ each and every day. Your time, your presence, and your sweet spirit have helped to make Saint Michael the church it is today, and we will all be forever indebted to you.

— Chris Girata Leon has been present to witness more at Saint Michael than he’d like to admit, and to capture some of his amazing spirit in his own words, our vicar, Bill Murray, sat down with Leon for a conversation and his life here and his hopes for the future.

Perhaps the greatest link to the earliest generation of Saint Michael and All Angels is calling it a day. After 55 and a half years of faithful service, Leon Farmer has decided to retire on Easter of this year, April 1. I sat down with Leon to learn more about his decision.

Bill: This is a big moment in the life of this church. Why retire now Leon?

Leon: My body is slowing down a bit. My back went out on me. It has happened before but this time it made me take notice. I haven’t been able to recover as quickly and do what I like to do. The marble floors are tough on me too. I’m used to moving but my feet, my knees, and my back are telling me to slow down. My wife has been asking me to retire for a while too.

Bill:

Who hired you and when exactly was that?

Leon: August 1, 1962. That was when I started. A.B. Fisher, the business administrator hired me. Father Taliaferro was the priest. I didn’t get to know him too much. He left after I had been here three or four months.

Bill:

Did you plan on staying here for the next 50 years?

Leon: No. My dad was running a lawn business and I was helping out. Those are long hours. I wanted to get away from those long days and maybe have some regular hours.

I figured I’d stay for two or three paychecks and then figure something else out. 55 years is a whole lot more paychecks than I thought.

Bill:

What are some of the memories you have?

Leon: Too many to name. I remember the 20th anniversary celebration of my hire. I remember the 40th and 50th too but the 20th was not expected. I had no idea what to look for or expect. I remember Bob Massad gave me a Ford Station Wagon for that one. I have met a lot of folks. A lot of good folks have been here.

Bill: years?

What will you miss about Saint Michael after 55

Leon: I’ll miss waking up at 4:00 a.m. to come to work. I imagine I will keep waking up at that time though. It is pretty much a habit by now.

Bill: Leon, I have only been here 4 years, but I cannot image this place without you. I know there are families who have known you all 55 years that feel this even more deeply. It is the passing of a major moment in the life of Saint Michael.

What would you like to say to everyone.

Leon: Well, I am thankful for 55 years plus. I am thankful for all the families who have trusted me. I have enjoyed seeing all the different generations come and go. It’s been a good ride.

Leon will retire after services on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018.

You are invited to celebrate his life and ministry at a festive celebration following our Pentecost services on Sunday, May 20. When you see Leon in the next few months, please thank him for all he has done for us. If you would like to contribute to a gift from the parish, please send your check to the church with “Leon Farmer gift” in the memo line. Well done, faithful servant!

Bill Murray, Vicar 3

Women of Saint Michael What do you get when you invite a Priest, a Rabbi and an Imam to have a conversation about their faiths?…a packed house!

This time the house was packed full of members of Saint Michael’s, Temple Emanu-El, and Valley Ranch Islamic Center—all interested in hearing their faith leaders engage in discussion about commonalities in each tradition, ways in which we’re all different, and common misconceptions— from which we all benefited from the learning!

The event, adeptly hosted by the Women of Saint Michael, was moderated by The Rev. Amy Heller and featured our rector, Fr. Chris Girata, Rabbi David Stern, and Imam Omar Suleiman sharing thoughts, stories, ideas, and funny observations for all in attendance. Saint Michael parishioners provided a warm and welcoming environment for our many guests from the other congregations. —It was a momentous occasion for Saint Michael!

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So many comments were made following the event of how welcome everyone felt and about how much they had learned—meeting our goal to dispel misconceptions and stereotypes about each of our faiths. Fr. Girata, Rabbi Stern and Imam Suleiman spoke with sincerity, honesty and wit to do just that. We took questions from the audience and had more than we could possibly answer.

Afterwards parishioners and guests lingered for a reception in the garden, making new friends, sharing contact information, and making plans to get together. We left more educated, with mutual respect, and without fear. Clearly, this is a conversation to be continued. Stay tuned!

Watch the full event on YouTube and Facebook: @SMAADALLAS

Interfaith Panel Comments received following the event: “One of my favorite nights at Saint Michael in a long time!”

“I heard the most amazing stories last night. One a little boy I took to show the rest room who asked if this was my church. When I said yes, he told him how beautiful it was, including the outside space. I told him how happy we were that he was with us last night, he responded how very happy he was. Another younger Muslim man asked a lot of questions including wanting to know when our services were held as he might bring his children one Sunday.”

“It was truly a night of miracles.”

“It was an amazing and inspiring night. I am still on a high from the energy in the church and the conversations/ friendships that were made. I honestly was near tears as I took in all of the attendees feeling comfortable and learning about how much we truly have in common. As always, I am proud to call Saint Michael my home, but especially today.”

“I felt so so proud to be a Saint Michaelite last night and to be with such an amazing group of women. I could go on with the stories. So many told me it was the most incredible night of their lives, and I believed them.”

“It was an honor to be a greeter for Saint Michael and witness such an engaged group.”

“What a remarkable evening - so special for Saint Michael and so important for the wider community!”

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Sr. Warden’s Corner Welcome to the Warden’s Corner for February 2018. The Warden’s Corner is a monthly column where parishioners can find out more about their Vestry’s activities and focus.

About The Vestry For those of you who may be new to the idea of a Vestry, it is similar to the governing body of a nonprofit company.

Margaret Spellings Sr. Warden According to the website of the national Episcopal Church, the vestry is, the “legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property.”

The Vestry is meant to help define the mission of the congregation, supports the church’s mission “by word and deed,” selects the rector of the Church, ensures effective organization, and manages the Church’s resources and finances. The term “Vestry” derives from the room in which parishioners in England used to gather to elect their “churchwardens” each year.

About Wardens What is a Warden? Each Vestry has a junior and senior warden. The junior warden is elected by the Vestry, while the rector appoints the senior warden. The national Church website explains that the junior warden is usually responsible for Church property and buildings. At Saint Michael, we are fortunate enough to have sextons and a professional operations staff, so our junior warden has a wider role on the Vestry. The senior warden is “a support person for the rector” and leads the parish if there is no rector.

Your next question may be, “What is our Vestry working on now?” As I look ahead to 2018, there are a few things that stand out. First, we will continue to implement the strategic goals described by our Imperatives: Feed the Spirit, Find your +1, Build the Future. We need to support the stewardship team to make sure that we have funds to pay for the good work that we have included in the Church’s budget. As we do our work, we plan to be mindful of the spiritual needs of our parish and each other.

If you have any questions or concerns about our parish life, we would love to hear from you! You can email me at vestry@ saintmichael.org.

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The Member Portal: A Resource for Success During the Fall of 2017, Saint Michael introduced the member portal to all parishioners. This portal, which is available to all, enables you to do the following: •

Update your contact information

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View your financial contributions

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Manage your preferred method of contribution payment (bank draft or credit card)

•

Manage your payment frequency

•

Print and view your statement at any time

If you have elected to have your 2018 pledge fulfilled via bank or credit card draft, the member portal is how your payments have to be processed. Contrary to how these payments have been handled in the past, Saint Michael and All Angels does not keep your bank or credit card information on campus or on file.

If you have any questions regarding how to access your portal, please e-mail helpdesk@saintmichael.org and reference the Member Portal User Manual online under the ‘Give’ tab.

saintmichaelweb.myshelby.org

Severino Stations of the Cross continued from page 1

commissioned to create 14 bronze bas relief sculptures depicting Christ’s road to Calvary. Versions of the Stations of the Cross exist in countless churches around the worlds to invite a prayerful consideration of those last hours of Jesus’ life. Severino’s stations were commissioned to be hung in the

want to thank God for the invitation to walk the way of the cross through these beautiful gifts of art to our community.

If you cannot make the reception, then please plan to come and walk the stations as a practice of personal piety during the Lenten season.

Pantheon in Rome on the 1400th anniversary of its conversion to a Christian church. Two copies of the stations were made.

One set was to be hung in the Pantheon permanently. The second set was bought by the Tia Collection. Richard and his daughter Laura were curious if Saint Michael would be willing to host these works of art. After conversations with the Rector, the Vestry, and several others, the answer to their question was and is a resounding “YES!” Since that initial conversation, Richard Finlay has died. His generous invitation to Saint Michael will live on for some time. The Tia Collection has agreed to allow Saint Michael to host the Severino Stations of the Cross for the next 30 years at no fee. We will unveil these works in the main sanctuary of the church during a reception on Tuesday, February 6 from 5:00-7:00. Come and see these amazing works of art.

We want to thank Richard and Laura for not only arranging this opportunity but covering the installation of the works.

We want to thank the Tia Collection for allowing Saint Michael to be the first non-museum to host their art. We also

Bill Murray, Vicar

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Stewardship

We grow because of YOU! Saint Michael and All Angels is a strong community with grand visions and high aspirations for the impact that our ministries can have on the communities we serve.

Ministries grow with the help of lay leaders, volunteers, added staff and enhanced programming. Yet, with those visions come the need for participation of funding and service. Our growth at Saint Michael happens because of your trust in the purpose, priority and directions that we want our ministries to take, your participation in the yearly Stewardship campaigns and your participation in the active work of these ministries.

The yearly Stewardship campaigns set the annual budgets for all ministries to accomplish the new and exciting things that will be a part of propelling the growth our parish. The 2018 campaign is seeing both successes and challenges. There has been a tremendous response to the call of increasing investments by 50% of campaign participants. The average dollar pledge has currently risen by 10% - which is GREAT! This year the greatest challenge is that there have been thus far 100 fewer families

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participating, which directly affects the total amount. Your financial participation is paramount to the work that we collectively want to do.

Many associate that the word “Stewardship” with money. If we had to give it a name, I guess that is what it is yet being a steward of the goodness that God has bestowed on your life also involves the giving of your time and participation (that word has come up quite a bit in this article) of your talents. Ministries are what we make them. Without you, they are nothing. Without you, meeting rooms and service sites would be empty. Being “church” – God’s hands in this world – happens when your hands dig into your faith.

You are here at Saint Michael for a reason. Walk with us in being the reason why we grow and prosper! .

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Overview PT Cruisers Join us on Thursday, February 15 at 9:30, as we hop on our bus and travel to Temple Emanu-El for a wonderful tour of their remodeled facility. Lunch after will be at one of our favorites Celebration. Cost for our morning of fellowship is $14. Contact Bonita Frederick at 214-728-6440 to make your reservation. The deadline is Sunday, February 11. ..............

Jubilee Mother-Daughter Tea The Jubilee Mother-Daughter Tea will be held on Saturday, March 3 from 1:00-3:00 at Jubilee. This is an event given for the residents of Jubilee, and hosted by the Women of Saint Michael. Volunteers are needed to provide food and/ or to serve as a host. We will have activities, crafts, food, and a raffle.

Volunteers are needed to: • • • • •

Provide food items Help with games and a raffle Make sandwiches Volunteer during the event and help with crafts Set up and clean up

To volunteer, check the sign up genius - or contact Ovidia Amaya at oamaya@jubileecenter.org or Christi Morrow at ccmorrow@swbell.net.

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Par Parish Calendar

ish C

February

North Dallas Shared Ministry Collection Month

Fill a grocery bag with canned goods and return it to the South Lanai

Faith and Grief Luncheon

Noon - 1:00 p.m. | Coke Activities Room

February 13

Shrove Tuesday Pancake and Gumbo Supper

Share a meal and hear a guest speaker talk about how faith and grief have intersected in their life. Reservations with Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org

5:30-7:30 | Parish Hall see ad page 11

The Discovery Class serves as Confirmation preparation see ad on page 9

February 9

Services at 7:00. 10:00, Noon, and 7:00 p.m.

Family Service at 5:00 see page 2

February 6

6:30-10:30 p.m. | Four Corners Brewing See ad below

5:00-7:00 p.m. | Church see article on page 1

February 10

February 6

9:00 - 10:30 | Church

5:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Parish Hall

Contact Tony Briggle at (214) 505-7422 or tonybriggle@sbcglobal.net

February 7

February 11

Vestry Meeting

Spring Parish Meeting

4:30 p.m. | Theater

10:00 a.m. | Church see ad page 6

February 4

Discovery Class

12:15 - 1:30 p.m. | Coke Activities Room

Via Crucis Unveiling

Austin Street Shelter Cooking

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February 8

Women of Saint Michael Mardi Gras Party

Acolyte Training

February 14

Ash Wednesday

February 15

PT Cruisers to Temple Emanu-El

9:30 a.m. Lunch at Celebration afterwards see page 9 February 16

Stations of the Cross 6:00 p.m. | Church February 17

Acolyte Training

9:00 - 10:30 | Church Contact Tony Briggle at (214) 505-7422 or tonybriggle@sbcglobal.net

CalFebruary 18

February 23

February 26

10:00 | South Lanai

4:00-5:30 p.m. | Coke Activities Room Receiving God’s Guidance led by Brother David Vryhof, Society of St. John the Evangelist Joan Faubion, joan.faubion@sbcglobal.net

March 3

Parish Nurse Sunday

Stop by the South Lanai where the Parish Nurse will be at her stationed to take blood pressures and provide material regarding a Healthy Heart. Contact: Dianne Boyd, R.N., dboyd@saintmichael.org.

February 18

Project Moses Lenten Series - Rebekah Charleston 10:00 a.m. | Coke Activities Room February 18

Youth Ministry Serving at The Gathering 12:00-2:30 p.m. see ad page 18 February 19

Presidents’ Day

Church Offices Closed

Prayer Ministry Retreat

February 24

Lenten Quiet Day

9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. $10 See article on page 2 RSVP saintmichael.org/retreats February 25

Project Moses Lenten Series

Men of Saint Michael Breakfast

Women of Saint Michael Mother-Daughter Tea at Jubilee March 4 Project Moses Lenten Series 10:00 a.m. | Coke Activities Room Vanessa Bouche’ Ph.D. and TCU Professor will discuss her extensive research on human trafficking.

10:00 a.m. | Coke Activities Room

The Dallas Police Department will provide insight into the trafficking issues in our community and how we, as a church community, can respond.

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Overview Honduras Threads Mission Trip June 24-29, 2018 A new day is dawning for the women of Honduras Threads and you can be a part of it!

Since the women have mastered embroidery and sewing, they are anxious to learn business skills. Thanks to a grant from SMAA Mission & Outreach, volunteers from Saint Michael will travel to the capital city Tegucigalpa to continue teaching the Entrepreneurial Operating System that was introduced last year. Working with a veteran facilitator, we will teach the women simple concepts and practical tools to manage their new social enterprise, an important step toward sustainability.

We need men and women to make presentations and participate in large and small group activities (training will be provided), as well as individuals to conduct interviews with photography and videography. We provide translators, so Spanish is not required.

Women of Saint Michael Officer Slate for 2018-2019 The Women of Saint Michael Nominating Committee has announced the officer slate for 2018-2019. A vote to confirm the slate will take place at the Spring Luncheon on Wednesday, May 9.

President: Christine Paddock* President-Elect: Allison Bovard Vice President: Lydia Addy Communications: Bitsy Hudnall Newsletter: Melissa Hensarling Recording Secretary: Jenny Litchy Treasurer: Holly Pena* Assistant Treasurer: Sylvia Hood Parliamentarian: Tricia Stewart* * – Please note that the President, Treasurer and Parliamentarian were previously slated and elected for 2018-2019 by virtue of their respective offices for the 2017-2018 year.

Please consider making this your +1! For more information, contact M’Lou Bancroft at mlou@HondurasThreads.org and stay tuned for upcoming Q&A meeting dates.

The Exchange

Missioner Fred Jackson teaching last summer 12

60 Never Looked So Good! Since 1958, The Exchange has held court at #5 Highland Park Village, offering beautiful gifts and gift wrapping to Dallas shoppers and in turn distributing its proceeds to worthy agencies in our community. The Exchange may look like other gift stores in Dallas, where shoppers purchase home décor items, select beautifully smocked toddler clothes, or order the perfect wedding invitation. However, how many of the other stores have given their $9 million in profits to help those in need?! There will be a year-long birthday party at the St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange…but the store will be giving the gift. Celebrate 60 by purchasing something lovely!

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Ann Mills Retires On Sunday, January 21, we honored Ann Mills for her 40 years of ministry at Saint Michael and All Angels.

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Pastoral Care The World’s Most Powerful Wireless Commununication System: Prayer.

On Friday, February 23, the Prayer Ministry will host a special Retreat, 4:00-5:30 p.m., in the Coke Activities Room. Led by Brother David Vryhof, Society of Saint John the Evangelist, the session is titled, “Receiving God’s Guidance.” All are invited to participate in this Lenten practice of making sacred time and space for prayer: to “be still and hear.” Contact: Joan Faubion, joan.faubion@ sbcglobal.net

Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous meets on the first and third Sundays at 7:00 p.m. in the Coke Activities Room. Contact The Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org.

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Faith and Grief Ministry

Parishioner Jean Coleman will be our guest speaker at the monthly luncheon scheduled for Thursday, February 8, Noon until 1:00 p.m. Share a meal at a facilitated table and hear Jean’s and others’ stories of how faith and grief have intersected in their lives following the loss of a loved one. There is no fee but your donation is greatly appreciated. Kindly make a reservation with Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org. The clergy contact is The Rev. Greg Pickens, gpickens@saintmichael.org.

Parish Nurse Sunday: February 18 Stop by the South Lanai where the Parish Nurse will be at her station to take blood pressures and provide material regarding Healthy Heart Month. Contact: Dianne Boyd, R.N., dboyd@saintmichael.org.

Project Moses

Project Moses A Ministry at Saint Michael and All Angels to Fight Human Trafficking The Project Moses Ministry spent 2017 getting organized and educated about the evils of human trafficking in our community. 2018 will be a year of action by our ministry to educate and involve our parishioners in the fight to eliminate trafficking and share the Light of Christ with its survivors.

To help fulfill our mission of supporting trafficking survivors, Project Moses kicked off 2018 by cooking and serving a meal to 50 survivors in our community. Through a partnership with New Friends New Life, this activity provided Project Moses with a rewarding experience to serve those in need. A total of 13 Project Moses volunteers participated in this, the first of 5 such events we will sponsor in 2018.

Lenten Speaker Series The other primary focus of the Project Moses mission is “To highlight the truths of human trafficking.” To aid in these educational efforts, Project Moses will provide a series of speakers at the Sunday Forum this Lenten season. The scheduled series will take place at 10:00am in the Coke Activities Room on the following dates: • •

•

February 18 – Rebekah Charleston, a Dallas area trafficking survivor, will share her story.

February 25 – The Dallas Police Department will provide insight into the trafficking issues in our community and how we, as a church community, can respond.

March 4 – Vanessa Bouche’ Ph.D. and TCU Professor will discuss her extensive research on human trafficking.

Project Moses invites you to join our fight against human trafficking. All interested parties are welcome to join us in our monthly meetings or any volunteer activities we have planned. For more information go to www.saintmichael.org/ projectmoses or contact Terry Demler at tsdemler@gmail. com.

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The Journey A great course for beginning and deepening one’s foundation of faith began on January 17th: The Journey!

The course has been met with great excitement and is fully subscribed with about 50 guests attending. It starts at the ground floor of the Christian faith taking on such topics as the following: What evidence do we have that Jesus existed and what were His claims?

Why did Jesus die?

The course is based on the Alpha course. The Alpha course started at Holy Trinity Brompton, a large church in London, and is run by many denominations and churches

How do we have faith?

How do we read the Bible?

How

do

we

pray?

Each night involves dinner, humor, a talk, and group discussion. In the group discussion, guests are encouraged to ask questions and have a thorough discussion of the topics. No question is considered out of bounds.

Chris Girata and Bob Johnston are teaching the course. Both have previously run similar courses in other churches with great success. As our culture continues to change, Chris and Bob think it is important that we offer an easy entry point for people to learn about faith as well as a convenient opportunity for those who have inherited their faith to go back and get a solid foundation.

across the world. It currently is run in 169 countries, 112 languages, and over 27 million people have attend an Alpha course. To quote Bob Johnston, “We are building on the successful program of the Alpha course but making some adjustments to make it more effective and appropriate for our situation as well as shortening it, and that is why we chose to go with a different name.”

Building on the momentum of this course, another one will be offered either in the fall or again in January next year. If you are interested in attending a future course, please contact the course administrator, Anne Schmidt, ~ 3” in width; 55 point type Director of Membership, at aschmidt@saintmichael.org.

JOURNEY

200% enlargement

~3” width

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50% reduction

200% enlargement

50% reduction ~3” width

Youth Ministry Youth Ministry Winter Retreat The 2018 Winter Retreat at Lakeview and Retreat Center in Waxahachie was a fantastic opportunity to grow closer not only to God but to the other children in the youth program. The theme of the retreat was the Pursuit of Happiness, and no, I don’t mean like in the Declaration. The idea was that, through

had many exciting group activities, like climbing up a very difficult rock wall, glow in the dark dodgeball, and paintball.

Sixth grader William Haney says “I had so much fun at paintball!

That was probably my favorite part.”

However, my favorite activity had to be what we did on the last night. After dinner, everyone went down near a beautiful lake and we cooked s’mores. I was wrapped

help from God, we can all find true joy and happiness in our lives. During the retreat, we were split into small groups to go over various lessons. I had the privilege of leading discussions in my group over interpreting several passages from the Bible such as the Beatitudes, as well as discussing if money truly leads to long term happiness. Victoria Billings, a sophomore and another group leader, states that the retreat “gave me the opportunity to practice my leadership skills while also creating an environment to continue my spiritual journey.” We also

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Youth Ministry

in a blanket and wearing a borderline ridiculous amount of layers to fight off the cold air. But sitting by the fire and laughing with my friends, I wasn’t concerned about the weather or how sticky my fingers were or even how ridiculous I looked. All that mattered was how happy I felt under the beautiful stars, surrounded by fellow followers in Christ. All in all, this year’s Winter Retreat was an absolute success and a unique experience, which I’m thrilled to attend again in the future.

— Holly Haney, 11th grade

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Rector’s Corner continued from page 1

Grant Them Eternal Rest

meals. Whenever it was close to dinner time and I wanted a snack, my father would always tell me that waiting would make dinner taste even better. Naturally, I would protest.

That logic didn’t make any sense to someone who was hungry.

But true enough, after spending an hour or two “starving,” I would finally get the food I was desperate for, and it always tasted better than I had imagined.

May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Maybe that’s why I don’t consider Lent my favorite season.

I’m like so many of us — I simply don’t like to wait for what I want. But as we receive the ashes that mark us as dust and remind us that we will return to the dust once more, perhaps we can live in that quiet place long enough to appreciate that through Christ, God has conquered death forever.

Death no longer has authority over us because God’s love has triumphed! I may not be terribly patient, but I bet a little quiet and some true contemplation will make the great joy of the resurrection, that festival of Easter, that much better.

Jean Lewis Price Coors, January 3, 2018 Rita Crocker Clements, January 6, 2018 Elizabeth Gray Baldwin Luhn, January 9, 2018 Peter Pauls Stewart, January 10, 2018 Cherrie Perkins Wells, January 22, 2018 Richard Kent Walker, Sr., January 24, 2018 Frances Phillips Jones Barboglio, January 25, 2018 Carol Ann Graham Hairston, January 27, 2018

Births We warmly welcome our newest members recently born into our parish family: Laureline Anne-Elise Hill January 1, 2018 Lauren and Justin Hill Evelyn Margaret Louise Hattemer January 18, 2018 Caroline and Nathan Hattemer Beau Edward Morelock January 26, 2018 John and Whittney and John Morelock, Jr.

Great Expectations We pray for members of our parish family who are expecting: Meghan and Ben Biddle Sarah and Austin Conway Caroline and Trey Marak

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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 Schedule Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 7:00 a.m. – Morning Prayer – BMC Tuesday, and Thursday 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 – SMC Sunday 7:30 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I – SMC 9:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite II – Church 9:00 a.m. – Joy – Saint Michael Chapel 9:00 a.m. - Discovery - Parish Hall 10:00 a.m. – Sunday School 11:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I - Church 11:00 a.m. – The Celebration - Parish Hall 5:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer

and Eucharist Rite I - SMC 8:00 p.m. – Compline Service Canterbury House SMU

Parish Clergy The Reverend Dr. Christopher Girata Parish Rector The Reverend Dr. Bill Murray Parish Vicar The Reverend Lisa Flores Musser Associate for Worship and Liturgy The Reverend Greg Pickens Associate for Pastoral Care The Reverend Dr. Eric Liles Associate for Formation The Reverend Mary Lessmann Associate for Spiritual Growth The Reverend Bob Johnston Associate for Modern Worship

Parish Vestry Margaret Spellings, Sr. Warden Sally Schupp, Jr. Warden Warren Houser, Warden at-Large Kathy Kelley, Treasurer Jim Skochdopole, Chancellor Margaret Cervin, Clerk Bonner Allen, Marla Jacks Briggle, John Ellerman, Jane Greene, Whitney Grogan, Ben 2 Leal, Jay Lipscomb, Kyle Moore, Anna Paccone, Christine Paddock, Elizabeth L. Selzer, and Chris Wiley.

The Reverend Rich Towers Associate for Student Ministries at SMU The Reverend Michael Harmuth Priest Associate for Worship The Reverend Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer Priest Associate for Pastoral Care

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