The Archangel - Winter 2021

The Official Magazine for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

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POLLY BOND AWARDS

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Photo taken by Ray Hand Photography.

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Michael and Amy McMahan with their kids Maddie and Lewis at Journey to Christmas 2020.

Volume XXXIII Issue V | 75th Anniversary Year

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W inter 2021

A L PA R I S H

A D V E N T AT S A I N T M I C H A E L | N O V. 2 8 - D E C . 2 4

NOVEMBER 28 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Advent Festival

Church & Garden Cloister

DECEMBER 4 9 – Noon

Advent Retreat

7 PM

Advent Lessons & Carols

1 PM

Jazz Mass, Church

3 PM

Traditional, Church

LIVESTREAM!

Contemporary, Parish Hall

5 PM

Traditional, Church

LIVESTREAM!

Saint Michael Presents: New York Polyphony

Traditional, SMC

Nativity Pageant Church

DECEMBER 19 Christmas Lessons & Carols Church

SaintMichael.org/Advent SaintMichael.org/Christmas

LIVESTREAM!

Traditional, SMC

Contemporary, Parish Hall

DECEMBER 12

5:30 PM

Joy, Church

Church

Church

11 AM

11 AM

Prepare the Way with Dr. Tim Smith Saint Michael Chapel

DECEMBER 5 11 AM

CHRISTMAS EVE

10:30 PM

Traditional, Church

LIVESTREAM!

CHRISTMAS DAY 10 AM

Traditional, SMC

DECEMBER 26 9 AM 11 AM

Traditional, Church

Contemporary, Church

JANUARY 5, 2022 5:30 PM

LIVESTREAM!

Epiphany, Church The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray

LIVESTREAM!

Alpha Course Tuesdays, January 18 – March 8

Did you grow up in the Christian faith but still search for the right words to articulate it? Are you exploring the Christian faith? This course will explore the basic tenets of the Christian faith and provide the opportunity for asking the tough questions. Topics will include:

How do we know Jesus lived and who was He? Why did He die?

How can we have faith?

How do we pray?

How do we read the Bible?

Join the conversation. #TryAlpha Dinner is provided with registration, although we suggest a $10 donation to help cover costs. Childcare is available at no cost with pre-registration. We ask that attendees make a commitment to attend most classes because the lessons build on each other and attending the whole course offers the richest experience.

SaintMichael.org/Alpha

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years

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ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SERVICE SCHEDULE MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR

HISTORY OF SAINT MICHAEL

75TH ANNIVERSARY CALENDAR LIMINAL SPACES STAFF NEWS [PHOTOS] AROUND THE PARISH

RESOURCE GUIDE ADVENT CALENDAR OF GIVING

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42 37 38 40 42 46 48 49 50 51

SMAA BOOKSHOP [PHOTOS] AROUND THE PARISH

CARE GIVERS SUPPORT GROUP A CASE FOR LOVE

PROJECT MOSES: FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM SMAA KIDS

[PHOTOS] AROUND THE PARISH BIRTH AND DEATH ANNOUNCEMENTS

STEWARDSHIP 2022

SAINT MICHAEL STAFF Monica Awbrey Rob Baber Ross Badgett The Rev. Christian Basel The Rev. Nate Bostian Katherine Bowen Dianne Boyd Melisa Bray The Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon Justin Brooks Kristen Burk Robert Butler Nozar Daryapayma Philip Fillion Hannah Fisher Bonita Frederick The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso Steven Haal The Rev. Canon Michael Harmuth Dr. Margaret (Meg) Harper Travis Harvey Diane Hollie Jenna Howard Angelia Hunter Beth Igoe Madelyn Ivy Rachel Jones The Rev. Robert (Bob) Johnston, III Cheryl Kaschak The Rev. Tim Kennedy Elizabeth Keogh Tiffany LaMotte The Rev. Mary Lessmann Chris Love Caroline Marak Bhavnita Masih Christi Morrow The Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer Colleen O’Hara Darla Osterhaut Cassie Pericak The Rev. Greg Pickens Edgar Porras Marco Reyes Jonathan Ryan Elsa SanJuan Dr. Timothy M. Smith The Rev. Canon René Somodevilla Celise Stephenson Tish Visinsky Regan Wallace

Assistant Choirmaster Director of Finance Mgr. of Electronic Communication Curate Sunday Assistant Asst. to Pastoral Care Asst. to Worship & Liturgy Assistant to Operations Vice Rector Director of Contemporary Music Executive Assistant to the Vice Rector Assistant Director of Facilities Director of Facilities Assistant Dir. of Music & Organist Assistant to Adult Formation Weekend Receptionist Rector Associate for Worship & Liturgy Director of Communications Sunday Assistant Associate Director of Music & Organist Graphic Designer Receptionist Graphic Designer Accountant Administrative Assistant for CFM and Youth Asst. Dir. of Children & Family Ministry Assistant for Music Associate for Contemporary Worship Accountant Sunday Assistant SMES Admissions & Comm. Relations Coord.

Director of Youth Ministry Associate for Spiritual Growth Bookshop Manager Director of Stewardship Executive Assistant to the Rector Mission & Outreach Coordinator Assistant Priest for Pastoral Care Director of Operations Accountant Campaign Consultant Associate for Pastoral Care Sexton Sexton Director of Music & Organist Sexton Director of Formation Sunday Assistant Database Manager, Parish Records Director of Parish Life Director of Children & Family Ministry (CFM)

SUNDAY SERVICES 7:30 AM: Holy Eucharist Rite I, Traditional 9 AM: Holy Eucharist Rite II, Traditional 9 AM: JOY: A Children’s Service 10 AM: Formation Classs 11 AM: Holy Eucharist Rite I, Traditional 11 AM: Holy Eucharist Rite II, Contemporary 5:30 PM: Holy Eucharist Rite II, Traditional 8 PM: Choral Compline

saintmichael.org/live

CONTACTS EMERGENCY PRIEST ON CALL (214) 232-7512 Main Parish Number (214) 363-5471 Jubilee Park & Community Center (214) 887-1364 907 Bank Street Dallas, TX 75223 St. Michael’s Woman's Exchange (214) 521-3862 SMWE FAX (214) 522-1933 5 Highland Park Village Dallas, TX 75205 Episcopal Diocese of Dallas (214) 826-8310 Episcopal Diocese FAX (214) 826-5968 1630 N. Garrett Avenue Dallas, TX 75206

CLERGY

The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata Rector The Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon Vice Rector

ASSISTING CLERGY

The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso Associate for Worship & Liturgy

The Rev. Nate Bostian Sunday Assistant

The Rev. Bob Johnston Associate for Contemporary Worship

The Rev. Canon Michael Harmuth Sunday Assistant

The Rev. Mary Lessmann Associate for Spiritual Growth

The Rev. Tim Kennedy Sunday Assistant

The Rev. Greg Pickens Associate for Pastoral Care

The Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer Pastoral Care Assistant

The Rev. Christian Basel Curate

The Rev. Canon René Somodevilla Sunday Assistant

THE ARCHANGEL | 75TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

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the

FROM the EDITOR

the The Archangel Newsletter (USPS 015-033) is published liturgically seasonally by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to the Archangel, Saint Michael And All Angels Church, P.O. Box 12385, Dallas TX 75225-0385

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Steve Haal

the

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Ross Badgett Ken Brannon Tish Visinsky CHIEF DESIGNER

Jenna Howard CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

Travis Harvey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carolyn Barta Allison Bovard Justin Brooks Peggy Carr Mark Demler Terry Demler Chris Girata Steve Haal Brian Ide Mary Malouf Mary Waller PHOTOGRAPHERS

Steve Haal Jenna Howard Ray Hand PRINTER

Annette Dominguez Finishing and Mailing Center 2151 W Commerce St Dallas, Texas 75212

No part of this publication may be used without written permission.

Every effort is made to avoid error, misspellings, and omissions. If an error comes to your attention, please accept our apologies and notify us.

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If you care about someone, and you got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through together.

-Ted Lasso If you read the above attribution and smiled, then you might be one of the millions of folks who have succumbed to the indefatigable character and Apple TV hit, Ted Lasso.

While a hysterical show about soccer may not be your cup of tea, Ted’s outlook in the midst of turmoil and difficulty is enviable. I think perhaps one of the simplest chestnuts in his repertoire of wisdom quips is, You know what the happiest animal on earth is? It’s a goldfish. You know why? It’s got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish.

Goldfish qualities aside, the pandemic has been replete with experiences, some I’d like to forget—but some I definitely want to remember, not the least of which is the sacrificial behavior of so many parishioners, caring for others, such as the St. Mary’s Guild, selflessly week after week baking goods for front-line workers, and delivering them to neighboring hospital EDs. Also the overwhelming response to Mission & Outreach with the “Help them Home” campaign for Austin Street Center providing housewarming baskets for those moving in to new homes.

It wasn’t just sacrificial behavior, but also sacramental as well, with scores of families taking part in our “At-Home Lenten Altars” campaign, creating holy space in our homes, while siloed for Covid, to have a worship experience we could share even though separated at the time.

I’m not a goldfish, so what’s your point?

As Rector Chris Girata aptly mentions on, Dreaming Forward, We’ve been on quite the global rollercoaster for nearly two years. Ups and downs aside... our ability to make wise decisions for ourselves has connection to the hope we have in Christ (pg. 8). I don’t know if being a goldfish is exactly what’s needed—but I’m fairly certain that from both spiritual and pandemic-psychological perspectives it’s important to look ahead. To hope. To join in community and band together, sharing the hope of Christ with each other and those in need.

That’s the point!

In 1945 a small group of people banded together with the Rt. Rev. Harry Tunis Moore, Bishop of Dallas, to write the first chapter of our Saint Michael parish. They stood their ground firm while the world was in chaos, reeling from WWII and all that went in to it’s resolution: taking Okinawa, naval vessels sunk, the demise of Hitler and VE Day, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and of course VJ Day, ending the war.

As we approach and enter in to the season of Advent, let us renew our hearts with the hope of the birth of Christ, sharing with all those around us. What better time to refocus our intent with the Way of Love and our pursuit of Christ—banding together in the face of global chaos? Don’t worry about forgetting. Instead, revel in the joy we have now. Like William Shatner, who at 90 recently became the oldest person to go to space via Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin New Shephard rocket, when asked, spoke of the joy—not just of the aerial adventure—but of the people. He then added “we’re just at the beginning, but how miraculous that beginning is, how extraordinary it to be a part of that beginning!”

75 years has passed since our forebears took up the mantle of Jesus, starting Saint Michael. But that is indeed, just the beginning!

THE ARCHANGEL | Winter 2021

2021 VESTRY Blair Oden Stacey Malcolmson Richard D’Antoni Janice Bywaters Scott Wilson Nancy Wilbur

Senior Warden Junior Warden Warden-at-Large Treasurer Chancellor Clerk

George Baldwin, Louise Griffeth, Hallie Lawrence, John McFarland, Jr., Steve McKenney, Holly Peña, Darrel Rice, Carol Roehrig, Jack Rubarth, Ginger Sager, Erica Sartain, Arnold Spencer

2021 DIOCESAN DELEGATES

thursday i november 11

Exp 2021 Exp 2022 Exp 2023

Terry Demler, J.C. Snead, Scott Wilson Michael Blachly, Mary Henderson, Kelly Reddell Jane Greene, Bill McGannon, Steve McKenney

Exp 2021 Exp 2022 Exp 2023

alternates: Heather Lorch (1), Jack Rubarth (2), Blair Oden (3) Michael Reddell (1), David Henderson (2), Eric Gilmour(3) Keller Webster (1), Judy Mercer (2), Suzanne Lipscomb (3)

2021 FOUNDATION

5:30 p.m. Service | Church 6:30 p.m. Reception | Garden Cloister featuring the Heritage Brass Band!

Open to ALL! Invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers to join us for this annual event.

Unable to join us in person? watch the livestream: saintmichael.org/veteransday

officers class Stewart Thomas 2021 President Larry Galvin 2023 Treasurer Peggy Carr 2021 Secretary ex officio The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, Rector Blair Oden, Senior Warden Janice Bywaters, Saint Michael Treasurer Arnold Spencer, Vestry Representative Rob Baber, Comptroller trustees Dare Gillette David Martin Tamara O'Connor Mary Abrams Harriet Cousins Allen Lassiter Matt Waller Katherine Blachly Tony Briggle Nita Clark Joe Colonnetta Eric Conner

class 2021 2021 2021 2023 2023 2023 2023 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025

SaintMichael.org | (214) 363-5471 @smaadallas

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THE POWER OF GOD'S LOVE A Message from the Rector, Chris Girata

F

or many, Christmas signifies the end of the year. But in the Christian calendar, the new year begins with Advent and Christmas. One might say that we Christians begin at the beginning. We begin our year preparing for and celebrating the birth of Jesus—the Word made flesh. The moment when God broke into the world in a new, complete way changed history forever, and we are invited to be part of that transformation.

Preparation is a common theme in Advent. This year, we are seizing on that theme in multiple ways.

First and foremost, we are preparing our hearts and minds—indeed our church community—to once again welcome Christ into our midst. Although we are all very familiar with the beautiful trappings of Christmas, the profound moment we celebrate cannot be taken for granted. The incarnation of God in the person of Jesus of Nazareth shows us the profound love God has for each one of us.

None of us experiences love in a more complete and profound way as the love we receive from God. In every way, through every high and every low, God loves us unconditionally. God’s love for us is beautiful, but if we’re honest, it’s hard

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to make sense of it. We rarely experience unconditional love from others, so the idea of unconditional love from God seems almost like a fantasy. Humans often wish to create rules or boundaries around love. We can’t help it. Yet God, in complete omnipotence, showers us with love that cannot be contained or bounded or limited. God’s love covers us, and we see that love made complete in Jesus Christ.

Life beyond COVID sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? We have been on quite the global rollercoaster for nearly two years. The ups and downs aside, life has certainly changed forever. Some of the changes are good, such as the technological fluency now shared by so many. Who knew video calls and meetings could be so productive and maintain connection so well over time? Another good change

We receive that amazing love, and we can share it if we choose to.

Receiving and reciprocating God’s beautiful love takes intentionality and practice. The preparation typically associated with Advent is the church’s attempt to give us time to prepare to receive and reciprocate God’s love once again. One pesky detail remains: The profound nature of God’s love cannot be understood in a lifetime, let alone in the four weeks of Advent. And so, the preparation we undertake in Advent extends beyond the theological. One way to consider the preparation this year is the metaphorical preparation for life beyond COVID.

is the consideration of others and their inherent vulnerabilities.

For most of us, wearing masks in public and cleaning our hands more often is a benefit for others more than for ourselves. I am very hopeful that the physical expression of our care and concern for our neighbors will have a lasting impact on us all.

Yet not all COVID changes will be good. We are certainly aware of the social divisions COVID has exacerbated. What once were small cracks have now become great chasms of differences that seem almost too hard to cross. The days of regular, civil dialogue regarding

our differences were waning before the pandemic, and now seem to be far behind us. It’s daunting to think of the effort it will take to get to a place where differences are celebrated as opportunities to understand one another, rather than ways to separate us.

However daunting as it may seem, there is hope to be found in the promise of Christ. That might sound fluffy, but just consider the hope Jesus brought into the world. The world into which Jesus was born was a world on the brink. Rome was flexing its power everywhere, the Jewish people were frustrated with being under their control, and the poor and sick in every corner were treated as trash. Jesus stepped into that space with a powerful love that challenged the status quo and expanded the tent so that everyone had a place. Our world needs another powerful expansion now, which is why who we are is so important.

I have been more keenly aware of Saint Michael’s unique place in the world over the last few years than ever before. Every Sunday, people from every place along the political and social spectrum worship together.

We sit to learn, kneel to pray, and stand to praise right next to each other, even though we disagree on so many worldly issues. And we do that because we know that God is so much bigger than we can ever know.

Very few large communities hold political and social differences in a balanced tension like we do. Before I joined this church, Saint Michael was described to me as a big tent. Over these last years together, I see just how powerful that witness can be. Our world needs us to witness to the awesome power of God’s love now more than ever.

save THE

Holy Land Pilgrimage March 11-23, 2023 Join the Rev. Mary Lessmann and members of your Saint Michael family in a trip to the Holy Land. Together we’ll walk in the footsteps of Christ!

Informational Meeting

March 20, 2022 12:15 p.m. | Coke Room Make plans to join us!

Please contact Mary Lessmann with any questions, mlessmann@saintmichael.org.

We are approaching the beginning of a new year—a new year in which we once again root ourselves to the amazing moment when God’s complete love for us poured out through the person of Jesus. More than 2,000 years ago, God captured the attention of the world and set humanity on a new, better path. Today, we need that renewal as much as we ever have. This year, this Advent, we are invited to Prepare the Way of Christ, to anticipate the promise of hope in the coming birth of the Messiah, our Savior, the one who shows us the way of love. Join us in this holy season as we prepare our hearts and minds to welcome Christ once again, and in doing so, prepare to extend God’s arms of love to one another and to everyone we meet.

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THE HISTORY OF SAINT MICHAEL

By Peggy Carr & Mary Malouf

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ver the course of our celebration year, we will walk through our history as a church. We will learn of the people who came before us and paved the way for the church's current standing. This text records public events in our parish history: ground breakings, dedications of buildings, musical presentations, parish meetings, and so on.

For those who have been in our parish for many years, it will trigger personal memories. For those who have recently joined our parish, it is a chance to understand how we have become a flourishing community. Over the next 75 years, we hope to continue to be "an embracing and engaging community of faith living our Baptismal Covenant". To see a digital version of this timeline, visit saintmichael.org/history75.

1959 The feast of Saint Michael and All Angels was an imaginative tour de force of fundraising with the goal of dramatizing the effort needed to complete the church. Over 1,300 communicants participated in the day's special Eucharist, held in the bare, blue steel structure that was already built. The concrete floor was cleaned and cleared, an altar was constructed, white canvas walled the church, a sound system was installed and all five choirs sang. After each morning service, the congregation was invited on a guided tour of their imaginary church building, following the printed signs hung from the rafters to indicate where the church loft, the nave, and everything else would be one day. Because of severe overcrowding in the old church, the move into the new building took place even before the pews were installed. The move was covered by the Dallas Morning News, with photographs of the women of Saint Michael carrying ironing boards and polishing silver.

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Historical

1960 Paul Lindsley Thomas is hired by Fr. Taliaferro as church organist and choir director for Saint Michael and All Angels and director of music for Saint Michael School.

In February, the first full-scale Parish Show, by Doug Perry, (who would write them for more than twenty years), is titled “The Second Best Year Of Our Lives”.

On Christmas Eve, the first services are held in the brand-new church. The reredos is still a brick wall featuring a cross borrowed from Christ the King, since the gold-leaf cross is not yet in place.

1961 March 10, 1961 is moving day. On March 12, the first regular Sunday services are held in the new church, furnished with folding chairs and very temporary appointments.

The Reverend Henry Cornick Coke, III joins the clergy as an assistant priest.

September 29 is the sixteenth birthday of the parish church of Saint Michael. As part of the three day celebration, the organ, made by M.P. Moller, is dedicated.

1962

1963

There are 207 people confirmed at Saint Michael, possibly the largest yearly total of confirmations in the history of the diocese to date. Miss May Walker, Master of Sacred Music from SMU and Perkins School of Theology, is hired as assistant organist. In August, Fr. Westapher joins the clergy. In September, Saint Mary’s Country Kitchen sells baked goods after the services, the beginnings of a tasty tradition.

The Reverend George French Kempsell becomes rector.

On September 9, Fr. Taliaferro announces his resignation as rector; he preaches his last sermon November 1. Fr. Westapher becomes priest-in-charge with Fr. Coke.

Saint Michael and All Angels is numbered among the “top ten most beautifully and competently functional contemporary churches in the United States” by the Annual Conference of Church Architecture.

The Saint Luke’s Prayer Guild is formed, as well as the Friday Club for seniors. The Reverend Charles Brooks and the Reverend Sam Byron Hulsey join the clergy staff.

1964

The Saint Michael Bookstore is founded by Cora Yrisarri.

All text adapted from "Our First 50 years".

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1965

1966

1968

On October 8, Fr. Kempsell resigns. Noye’s Fludde, Benjamin Britten’s sacred opera, is presented for the first time in December by the Music and Drama Guild.

On February 1, the Reverend Donald C. Henning becomes the third rector of Saint Michael and All Angels. He faithfully serves our parish for the next 8 years.

In October, the popular Dr. Henning is named Diocesan Priest of the Year by Bishop C. Avery Mason. Elsie Monette succeeds Mrs. Niles as Director of The Saint Michael School.

1969 The First Westapher Invitational Golf Classic is held on September 30 at the Prestonwood Country Club; the proceeds benefit the Philippine Independent Church.

1971 The Reverend Stephen B. Swann joins the staff as chaplain of The Saint Michael School.

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1972

1975

1978

In September, Dr. Henning holds a service for the burning of the church mortgage, which was paid off in February. At the same time, he announces a building campaign for a new Education Building.

In June, a retirement service is held for Dr. Henning. Again, Fr. Westapher steps in as priest-incharge of the parish, with the assistance of his good friend, Fr. Coke.

In September, the vestry votes to name the new education building “Henning Hall”, but Dr. Henning asks that this not be done because so many had shared in the project.

After serving Saint Michael for 17 years, Fr. Westapher leaves to join the clergy staff at Church of the Incarnation in Dallas. The Rev. John W. Drake, Jr. joins the clergy.

On October 8, Dr. William J.A. Power is ordained by Bishop Davies at Saint Michael; he joins the staff as a part-time clergy member.

1974

1976

On September 29, the date of the church’s patronal festival, the three-story education and recreation center is completed.

In September, Fr. Coke resigns to devote his full time to marriage and family counseling. The next month, the institution service of the Reverend Robert W. Estill is held in the church.

In October, the Reverend Robert W. Estill becomes the fourth rector of Saint Michael and All Angels.

1979 At the General Convention in Denver in September, the proposed Prayer Book becomes the Standard Book of Common Prayer.

Paul Thomas is awarded his doctorate from NTSU in May. In November, Fr. Estill announces his election as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of North Carolina.

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Celebrating our The Rev. Dr. Bob S. Dannals All Saints’ Day Guest Preacher

The Rev. Dr. Mark S. Anschutz Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels Guest Preacher

fall

kickoff!

Feast of Saint Michael

08.15.2021

11.07 2021

09.26 2021

09.13 2021

10.03 2021

Advent & Christmas

WOSM Evening Panel “Women In Ministry”

The Rev. Amy Meaux

The Rev. Patty Willett Rhyne

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The Rev. Tamara Newell

12.25 2022

The Rev. Don Spafford Blessing of the Animals

The Rev. Jemonde Taylor Ash Wednesday Guest Preacher

The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray Feast of the Epiphany Guest Preacher

The Rev. Mike Wallens

Epiphany

03.02 2022

01.05 2022

02.09 2022

LENTEN

SPEAKER

03.16 2022

03.09 2022

SERIES

The Rev. Canon Dr. Kevin Huddleston

The Rev. Canon Michael Harmuth WOSM Luncheon Guest Preacher

August

2021

- June 2022

THE ARCHANGEL | 75TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

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75 The Rev. Chuck Treadwell

The Rev. Tom Blackmon

03.23 2022

03.

18-20 2022

easter sunday 04.17.2022

04.06

2022

03.30 2022

04.10 04.10 2022

Lenten Retreat Guest Preacher

The Rev. Christie Olsen

Br. Curtis Almquist, SSJE Lenten Retreat Guest Preacher

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The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry Presiding Bishop The Episcopal Church Palm Sunday Guest Preacher

The Rt. Rev. Dean E. Wolfe Guest Preacher

The Rev. Dr. Chris Girata Pentecost 75th Anniversary Final Celebration

PE NT E C O S T

05.01 2022

06.05 2022

05.08 2022

04.22 2022

MICHAEL the Musical Sponsored by the WOSM

The Rev. Chip Edens

The Rev. Brenda Sol

Guest Preacher

Guest Celebrant

Sain t mi cha e l .o r g/ 75t h e v e n t s THE ARCHANGEL | 75TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

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Contemporary Music

LIMINAL SPACES Learning to Wait with the Songs of Advent

By Justin Brooks

L

iminal spaces fascinate me.

The strange combination of mystery, eeriness, and peace that they bring are completely unique. Whether exiting a movie theater into a closed and dimly lit mall, standing alone on a subway platform, or an empty waiting room, they have a sense of anticipation. Something has happened in this space, and something will. I often think of these spaces during seasons like Advent. My church musician friends and I like to joke that Advent is our favorite time of the church year because it encourages us to brood and self-reflect, per usual, and no one will notice.

But in all seriousness, in our current times, we are rarely given the luxury to wait.

Waiting goes against everything within us, as we’ve been trained that everything we could possibly need or want is usually just a click or swipe away. Even in times when we are given a time of silence or waiting, it’s almost too much to bear and we reach for our phone. By contrast, Advent is something that simply cannot be done fast. It invites us into a

“liminal space” of anticipation.

Something will happen; you can feel it in the air. Of course, that “something” is the celebration of the coming of our Savior.

Upon further reflection of this season, it reminds me of a time when my friend and fellow songwriter David Gentiles and I sat down in his loft in downtown Huntsville, Texas to write new songs of worship. Searching for inspiration, we turned our attention to the upcoming Advent season and the various ‘songs’ sung by the influential characters integral to the narrative of Christ coming to earth. We decided to examine the Song of Mary, also called Magnificat and the Song of Zechariah, also called the Benedictus.

Picking up our guitars, we began strumming chords and singing over them. The melodies seemed to compose themselves, which, I believe, is a testament to the Holy Spirit dwelling in these ancient passages and what they must teach us about worship in and of itself.

These songs will be shared with our Contemporary congregation

this Advent season and we will examine them more closely here.

(The song texts are provided at the end of this article for reference, as given in the Book of Common Prayer, Morning Prayer, Rite II.) ZECHARIAH’S SONG: BENEDICTUS The Gospel of Luke, chapter one, tells us that Zechariah was a priest, married to Elizabeth and both were righteous before God, but could not have children due to their old age. While in the temple burning an offering of incense, Gabriel appears to Zechariah and tells him, he and Elizabeth will have a son named John that will “turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God...and make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” (ESV) Zechariah asks how he can be sure about this because he is an old man and so is his wife. For his unbelief, he is rendered mute, unable to speak until John is born.

I often think about these months leading up to John’s birth. I think of how maddening it must have been for Zechariah, imprisoned

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by his silence, unable to verbally worship his God or lead the people he was entrusted to lead. When John is born, the passage tells us that when Zechariah writes on a tablet that the child’s name is to be John, his mouth is immediately opened and begins to praise God. A recurring theme of being free to worship without fear and the faithfulness of God runs through this prophecy. A man, once shackled by his inability to verbally praise his Lord, in some ways effectively unable to worship and lead, now is filled with the Holy Spirit, praising ceaselessly.

MARY’S SONG: MAGNIFICAT Mary’s song comes to us also from the Gospel of Luke in the first chapter when she goes to stay with Zechariah and Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist upon learning from the angel Gabriel that she is to bear the Son of God. As Mary enters the house, Luke tells us the baby leaps inside Elizabeth’s womb as she exclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (ESV) Elizabeth’s position of humility with Mary is almost one of inadequacy. How astonishing that Mary’s response to this, through her song, is also one of lowliness. It is the same essence she brought to

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her questions of Gabriel; not being able to wrap her mind around the fact that God would choose her, a young girl living in a tiny village, to bear the Savior of the world.

“My spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed... he has mercy on those who fear him.” She goes on to sing of the ways God has kept his promises and has been faithful to his people.

She certainly was in a position of waiting. Not only to give birth but awaiting what it will mean to bear the Messiah, and to see the Kingdom of God come on earth.

IN WORSHIP David in Psalm 51:17 says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

(ESV) What we can learn from the songs of Zechariah, Mary, and the humility of Elizabeth, is this same broken spirit and contrite heart they took in coming to God. When we come to a similar place where we are fully aware of our need for a Savior—that any work of our own to earn salvation is inadequate and unnecessary next to the grace of God—then he can begin to mold us and shape us into the person he knows we can be.

Sometimes, like Zechariah, our mouths, or the eyes of our heart are opened for the first time or maybe for the first time in a very long time to God’s goodness and faithfulness; to where our only response is to worship and praise him.

So, we wait in anticipation; in these liminal spaces, where something world-changing is about to happen.

THE SONG OF MARY Magnificat | Luke 1:46-55

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.

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THE SONG OF ZECHARIAH Benedictus Dominus Deus | Luke 1: 68-79

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

Visit the 11 AM Contemporary service on Sundays in December to hear this music!

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STAFF NEWS

Arrivals Dear Friends,

I’m very pleased to announce that Bhavnita Masih has joined our staff as my Executive Assistant. Her first day was Tuesday, September 7. Please help me welcome her to the team!

Blessings, MORE ABOUT BHAV Bhavnita Masih is best described as an includer and encourager with a true servant’s heart. Bhav—which she will tell you “rhymes with love”—is passionate about connecting people, building bridges and bringing out the gifts in others.

Bhav considers herself a Texan through and through despite an early upbringing in England and Canada. Her family moved to west Texas in 1981 where she finished her early education. After high school, she moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas, earning her Bachelor’s in Speech Communication in 1995. Austin is also where she met her future husband, Neelesh. Neel and Bhav will be married 25 years this coming January and have been blessed with three children, Joshua (23), Rebekah (20), and Daniel (12).

Bhav is a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) with deep experience as an Executive Assistant, most recently working with executives at Interstate Batteries.

In addition, she brings with her many years of ministry experience working with family and children’s ministry. In her downtime, her hobbies include painting, reading, organizing, and watching movies with her family.

Departures As happens from time to time, people choose to continue their professional journey elsewhere, engaging new possibilities.

During this time I'd like to offer a word of thanks to Adam Jones, our AV supervisor, for his work here At Saint Michael. Adam has taken a new position elsewhere, and we wish him the very best for the future!

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Being hired by Saint Michael as a part-time audio engineer changed my life.

I'll never forget my second week here when Mary's sermon set me straight. I was ready to give up on church because I'd spent my life in the wrong kind of churches. I could tell Saint Michael was the right kind of church.

We are happy to announce the addition of Beth Igoe to our formation staff as our Administrative Assistant to CFM and Youth. Beth brings lots of great administrative skills as well as previous work with families and students at other schools in our area.

Please join us in welcoming Beth to Saint Michael!

I am so happy to be a part of the Saint Michael family. I look forward to getting to know everybody and getting involved in the community. I was born and raised here in Dallas. My daughter and son are my pride and joy.

Prior to joining the staff here, my background has involved working with children for the last twenty years. I taught preschool for some years and then went on to work in a pediatric occupational/physical therapy clinic for twelve years.

Joining the Children, Family and Youth Ministries team feels like the perfect fit for me. In my spare time my priority is family and staying as active as possible.

TOP The Colgate trees have returned! Construction began mid-October to remove the Colgate sidewalk and replant new live oak trees. These are replacing the trees that died during the winter storm in February 2021.

Bottom (Left) SMAA staff donating blood at our August blood drive.

Bottom (Right) Nicole and Annemarie Girata serving bundtinis at the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels.

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RESOURCE GUIDE CFM

To Contact Children & Family Ministry: Regan Wallace, Director, rwallace@saintmichael.org Madelyn Ivy, Asst. Director, mivy@saintmichael.org SUNDAY CHILDCARE EVERY SUNDAY 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Room 14: 0 – 11 months old Room 16: 1 year old Room 15: 2 years old Room 13: 3 years old Our new nursery offerings will assist you in beginning to build your child's faith foundation from the ground up.

During their stay, children will play enriching games, sing spiritual songs, and, during the formation hour at 10 a.m., hear an age-appropriate Bible story. Children can be picked up at any time. Contact Regan Wallace with any questions.

WEDNESDAY & SPECIAL EVENT CHILDCARE Hours of availability: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 5 – 9 p.m.

Reservation by group leader required Room 102 (by Theater) Saint Michael's Early Childhood Ministry and CFM are now offering childcare services during the day on Wednesdays, in addition to continuing to offer childcare for afterhours special events. Please note that hours of availability are not sectioned off portions of time, but available slots that your groups can reserve. Contact Regan with any questions.

WEDNESDAYS, NOW – MAY 18 CHERUB CHOIR Rooms 210 and 212 3 – 4:15 p.m. | SMES and PreK3 – 5 5 – 6:15 p.m. | Kindergarten – 2nd grade Register at saintmichael.org/choristers Children in PreK – 2nd grade are invited to get their feet wet with singing basics in this first level of the SMAA Chorister program. Children will hear Bible stories and participate in faith-based activities in a fun and high energy environment.

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SUNDAY FORMATION CLASSES It’s not too late to sign up for CFM Sunday Formation!

Registration for our Sunday Formation classes can be found at saintmichael.org/cfm. Formation will not meet November 21, December 12, 19, and 26, and January 2, 2022.

Classes will resume on January 9, 2022.

GODLY PLAY 10 a.m.

Rooms 203, 205, 206 – Godly Play Level I (Ages 3 – 6) Rooms 210, 212 – Godly Play Level II (Ages 6 – 9) Godly Play is a Montessori-style curriculum that helps children create personal meaning through story, wonder, and play. Children will explore various stories of the Bible and the wonder of the mystery of God. Our Level I class builds a faith foundation for children as they move through Godly Play, while our Level II class expands on this foundation with Bible story extensions. Contact Regan with questions.

WEAVING GOD'S PROMISES CLASS IS FULL! WHAT’S IN THE BIBLE? With Buck Denver 10 a.m.

Room 213 4th – 5th grade (Ages 9 – 11) From the creator of Veggie Tales, Phil Vischer’s What’s in the Bible? is a two year curriculum that looks at the entire Bible, from cover to cover. In this class, students will dig into God’s Word and discover what is in the Bible and what it all means. Participants can expect to think about their biggest Bible questions and learn about what they do and don’t know about God’s Word. Contact Regan with any questions.

OCTOBER 24 — LAST DAY! NATIVITY PAGEANT SIGN UPS 12 – 2:30 p.m.

Theater Registration: saintmichael.org/cfm Calling all 3rd – 8th graders*! Sign up to audition for this year’s Nativity pageant and be a part of a wonderful SMAA

tradition. Best of all, we will be back live in the church to share the story of Jesus’ birth with everyone! *Children ages 3 – 2nd grade will be able to sign up to participate in December and will be assigned a role based on their age or grade.

OCTOBER 30 FAMILY DAY AT THE FARMERS MARKET AND TENT-OR-TREAT 10 a.m. – Noon West Parking Lot CFM and the Parent’s Ministry are once again teaming up with the Farmers Market for their fall market! Take your Halloween costumes for a test drive and bring your whole family Tent-or-Treating at the tents sponsored by Saint Michael ministries. Get your caricature and a fun balloon animal made before sampling all the fall fruits and vegetables from the market’s wonderful vendors. Costumes are highly encouraged, but please no weapons or scary costumes. For more info, contact Regan or Madelyn.

PARISH FAVORITE! NOVEMBER 28 ADVENT FESTIVAL 5:30 – 6 p.m. Worship in the Church 6 – 7:30 p.m. Activities in the Garden Cloister

Join us this year as Formation, Parish Life, and Mission and Outreach collaborate for this FREE community-wide Advent Festival. We will begin with a worship moment led by the terrific Justin Brooks, followed by wreath making and outreach, a visit from St. Nick, and tons of milk and cookies. Help us kick off the Advent season in community!

We invite you to visit SMES where we help develop confident and compassionate students through a foundation in Service, Education, Love, and Faith.

For more information or to apply and tour SMES, please visit smesdallas.org/apply or contact Elizabeth Keogh at ekeogh@smesdallas.org.

DECEMBER 12 NATIVITY PAGEANT 11 a.m. Worship Service Church Join us in person as our youngest parishioners tell the story of the birth of Jesus. The pageant will also be live-streamed at saintmichael.org/nativity. If you or your child would like to be a part of the pageant, email Regan.

JANUARY 14–17 FAMILY MISSION TRIP — SAVE THE DATE! Join CFM over MLK weekend for a family mission trip.

Entering service as a family can be an extremely formative experience, as a family, but also for your children. Be on the lookout for more details to come! If you are interested, please email Regan.

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MISSION & OUTREACH

To Contact Mission & Outreach: Christi Morrow, Coordinator, cmorrow@saintmichael.org NOVEMBER 28 – JANUARY 5 NDSM ADVENT FOOD DRIVE Grocery bags with the Advent calendar will be available at church entrances on November 28. Please participate in the 24-day advent journey and return food to the South entrance the first week of January. Parishioners will have the opportunity to learn about food insecurity, pray for the people impacted by hunger, and serve North Dallas Shared Ministries while counting down the days until Christmas.

AUSTIN STREET COOKS! saintmichael.org/austinstreet Each month parishioners prepare and serve food for residents experiencing housing insecurity. Parishioners gather for fellowship to cook dinner which is delivered and served the following day.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 JUBILEE PARK AND COMMUNITY CENTER CHRISTMAS SENIOR LUNCHEON 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. saintmichael.org/jubilee Join Jubilee Park and celebrate Christmas with the senior residents. Volunteers are asked to donate desserts, fill gift bags, and assist with the drive through distribution. Come spread the joy of Christmas with our Jubilee seniors!

NOVEMBER 7 – DECEMBER 19 HEART OF GIVING saintmichael.org/heartofgiving

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 | SERVING 5 – 7 p.m.

Austin Street Center | 2929 Hickory Street, Dallas

As a meaningful complement to Christmas gifts, Heart of Giving offers a thoughtful way to spread the spirit of the season by purchasing tax-deductible cards (5 cards for $25) for family and friends. Each card describes how your gift provides tangible benefits for Mission and Outreach initiatives. Participate online or by visiting our tables in the church hallways on Sundays. The 2021 beneficiaries are Austin Street Center, Tela, Honduras Mission, and VNA Meals on Wheels.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 | COOKING 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Parish Hall Kitchen

NOVEMBER 7 – DECEMBER 18 I BELIEVE IN ANGELS saintmichael.org/IBIA

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | COOKING 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Parish Hall Kitchen

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 | SERVING 5 – 7 p.m.

Austin Street Center | 2929 Hickory Street, Dallas THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 JUBILEE PARK AND COMMUNITY CENTER THANKSGIVING SENIOR LUNCHEON 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. saintmichael.org/jubilee Join Jubilee Park and celebrate Thanksgiving with the senior residents. Volunteers are asked to donate Thanksgiving meal bags on Sunday, November 14 to assist with our drive through event. Join Jubilee for this heart-warming tradition in a season of gratitude.

I Believe in Angels is a partnership between Saint Michael and Jubilee Park and Community Center. Parishioners sponsor angels (children ages 0–18) and donate Christmas gifts which will be wrapped and distributed to families.

Participate online or by visiting our tables in the church hallways on Sundays.

DECEMBER 20 – 25 CHRISTMAS PLATE OFFERING Visit saintmichael.org/Christmas to learn more about this year's Christmas Plate Offering opportunities. Your donations will benefit the following organizations: Local: Gateway of Grace National: Rio Grande Borderland Ministries International: Episcopal Migration Ministries

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YOUTH

To Contact Youth Ministry: Tiffany LaMotte, Director, tlamotte@saintmichael.org SUNDAY MORNING MIDDLE SCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOL 10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

Green Room Join us as we explore different lessons from the Bible and how they can apply to our lives today.

SUNDAY MORNING HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOL 10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

Orange Room Join us as we explore different questions about our faith, how faith can impact our daily work lives and other relevant issues for our high school students.

SUNDAY NIGHT HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP Led by Tiffany LaMotte 9th – 12th Grade 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Youth Center Café We will meet each week for dinner together followed by a lesson and time for fellowship. This is a great time to bring friends and make new friends at SMAA! SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 YOUTH CHRISTMAS PROGRESSIVE DINNER 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

We will meet at the church to load a bus for appetizers, dinner and dessert along the way. We will do a gift exchange at the last house. Bring a friend, wear your Christmas best and join us as we celebrate a great first semester!

ADULT FORMATION

To Contact Adult Formation: Dr. Tim M. Smith, Dir. of Formation, tsmith@saintmichael.org Hannah Fisher, Assistant, hfisher@saintmichael.org

Registration is now open SUNDAY MORNING saintmichael.org/youthconfirmation CONFIRMATION CLASS Led by Tiffany LaMotte 10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

Blue Room

Our class for 8th graders to learn more about the Episcopal Church and prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP Led by Tiffany LaMotte 6th – 8th Grade 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Youth Center Café Join us for fun, fellowship and a lesson each Sunday night.

This is a great time to bring your friends to learn more from each other and more about our faith.

SUNDAY MORNING MATURING IN CHRIST Led by clergy and formation leaders 10 a.m.

Saint Michael Chapel Join us as we study and reflect upon scripture, prayer and spirituality, theology, stewardship, worship, ministry, and our shared history as the people of God. Each week, adults of all ages & stages will be led by one of our clergy or lay teachers in thoughtful teaching and conversation about how we can continue to mature in our relationship with Christ.

SUNDAY MORNING CLASS FOR PARENTS 10 a.m.

Theater Parents of children of all ages are invited to join us at our Class for Parents. This year, our curriculum is focused around Rob Bell's Nooma program with weekly faith-based, clergyled discussions on topics pertinent to parenting and family life. In conjunction with our Class for Parents, the Parent Ministry will be hosting social events throughout the year to provide fellowship and fun for our parent community.

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75TH ANNIVERSARY

COFFEE TABLE BOOK AVA I L A B L E F O R P R E S A L E I N T H E B O O K S H O P S O O N !

This book will make an excellent christmas gift and is a great way to commemorate our historic 75th anniversary. saintmichael.org/bookshop

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SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH YOUNG PROFESSIONALS DINNER Led by the Rev. Christian Basel and Tiffany LaMotte November 9 & December 14 6:30 – 8:30 pm Taco Joint in Preston Center Join us for dinner once a month! This will be a great time for fellowship and thinking about theology as it relates to the world around us.

WEDNESDAYS, NOVEMBER 3, 10, & 17 ENNEAGRAM & WORK Led by Mary Lessmann Enneagram Intensive Course 7 p.m.

Theater For many of us, work or service is the arena in which we spend much of our lives. We are called to reflect on how we are or are not "loving God and neighbor" in this setting.

How are our interactions with others bringing out the best in them, in ourselves, and in the organization? In Enneagram & Work we will explore these questions and discuss how each Enneagram number tends to show up for work, the synergies and challenges they have with other numbers, and what they desire from their vocation. Having completed The Enneagram Journey is a prerequisite for this class. RSVP to Mary, mlessmann@saintmichael.org, to register for the class. Registration is required.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 FAMILY AND PARENTING SESSION With Kathleen Fischer 7 – 8:30 pm Parlor To register: saintmichael.org/parents Join Family and Parenting Coach Kathleen Fischer for her discussion on "Lay Readers at St. Mattress: Why Family is the Most Important Church They'll Ever Attend". She will discuss basic spiritual practices (charity, hospitality, quiet time and prayer, confession, and forgiveness) and apply those themes within the context of family life. The parent of three lively adults, Kathleen M. Fischer is also a registered nurse with a master’s degree in education. Her area of expertise is adolescent social, emotional, sexual, and relational development. She combines her passion for adolescent development with observation and research on families and kids, and has written two books, Bringing Our Boys Through the Second

Decade and Simple But NOT Easy: Regaining Balance in Our Family Life. Childcare will be provided with registration.

For questions, please contact Hannah.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 WRITERS’ RETREAT Led by Cynthia Sample 10 am – 12:30 pm Parlor Writing for publication, spiritual work, therapeutic journaling, or even just for the fun of it can be lonely work.

Our meetings begin with a short introduction of each other, then one of our facilitators will offer a few writing prompts should that be of use to anyone. After about an hour of writing, writers will have the opportunity to share their work and solicit comments if they choose.

This group is open to all genres, all experience levels and even to all sorts of writing dreams. Come join us! For more information, contact Cynthia at cynthia@cynthiacsample. com or Carol Roehrig at croehrig@outlook.com.

WEDNESDAYS, DECEMBER 1, 8, & 15 ADVENT STUDY Led by Dr. Tim Smith 6:30 – 7:30 pm Room 103 The birth of Christ is a vibrant, dynamic and history changing story. Replete with very familiar vivid images, but familiarity with the Christmas story can often lead us to oversee the true meaning of the signs surrounding Jesus’ birth and its context. Join us this Advent as we discover, “Bethlehem and Beyond: The Story Behind Christmas.”

Tim will also be giving the same lessons during the 10 a.m.

Formation hour on November 28, December 5, 12, and 19 in Saint Michael Chapel. For questions and to register, please contact Tim. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 ADVENT RETREAT “Prepare the Way" Led by Dr. Tim Smith 9 – 12 p.m.

Saint Michael Chapel $10 Registration Fee saintmichael.org/adventretreat In Advent, we anticipate the hope of the coming birth of the Messiah, but that is often clouded with the noise and pace of the season: secular Christmas songs, shopping in THE ARCHANGEL | 75TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

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packed malls, Christmas parties, and preparing for family to arrive. The fact is, “Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life.” And hurry may be the most defining characteristic of the Christmas season. Does Jesus really want us to live at the pace of the world around us? Or does he call us to something different?

This season of Advent provides just the opportunity to reassess what God wants our lives to become and at what pace God wants us to live. Want more peace, less stress, a deeper relationship with Christ and greater awareness of His presence throughout your day? Join us for the Advent Retreat as we consider how to prepare our lives to welcome the Christ child and head into the New Year with the practices and rhythms God wants us to have. For questions, please contact Hannah.

PASTORAL CARE

To Contact Pastoral Care: The Rev. Greg Pickens, Assoc. for PC, gpickens@saintmichael.org Katherine Bowen, Assistant, kbowen@saintmichael.org ANGEL FOOD COOKS Angel Food Cooks is a ministry made up of volunteers who are available to provide a delicious meal to parishioners in need. Those receiving the meals are individuals and families of Saint Michael who may be going through a challenging time due to a recent hospitalization, ongoing illness, or the birth of a child. If you are interested in being an Angel Food Cook, please contact Katherine or Gay Rekerdres, gayrek@sbcglobal.net, with questions.

CARD MINISTRY The Card Ministry, working with the Pastoral Care office, stays in touch with parishioners by sending cards of sympathy, celebration of birthdays and holidays to homebound parishionrs, and congratulations to the precious new arrivals of our SMAA families. Questions? Contact Stephanie Ritter, smritter@mac.com, Pat Moore, dwpjmoore@yahoo.com, or Sandra Hughes, sjhughes411@gmail.com.

FRIENDS IN CHRIST The Friends in Christ Ministry re-establishes ties with parishioners who are unable to attend church but wish to stay in touch with the life of our parish. A cadre of visitor Friends in Christ has been formed and makes visits offering friendship and a listening ear to those they visit. Contact Gus Seeberger, gusseeberger@gmail.com, with questions.

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GOOD SHEPHERDS The Good Shepherd Ministry consists of volunteers in each of the 102 neighborhoods into which our congregation is divided. Shepherds serve as liaison to the church for their neighborhood parishioners in times of need or celebration and reach out to new neighbors with a warm welcome. If you are interested in being a Good Shepherd, please contact Shannon Callewart, scallewart@tx.rr.com, or Anne Leary, anneleary@sbcglobal.net, with questions.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY (DAILY) The Daily Intercessory Prayer Ministry offers daily prayers from online requests (SaintMichael.org/prayer-requests) or through the Pastoral Care Ministries office. All prayer requests are kept in strict confidence. Intercessors pray at home or in the Bishop Moore Chapel. Contact Terry Demler, tsdemler@gmail.com, with questions.

LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS Lay Eucharistic Visitors are teams of trained parishioners who take the bread and wine, directly from the church altar to parishioners who cannot be in church. They are served in the hospital, at home, or in assisted living facilities. This is a fulfilling ministry for people of all ages—single or married, and a bonding experience for families serving together. Contact Charlie Smith, jsmithcpa@earthlink.net, with questions.

RECOVERY ADVOCATES Recovery Advocates is made up of volunteers who work to provide the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of those who experience substance abuse or other addictions.

Contact this ministry for any help in navigating the recovery community. Please contact Greg with questions.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION With Dr. Elizabeth Lang or the Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer Spiritual direction provides guidance and companionship for one who is on a journey seeking to deepen faith. Essential is safe space that opens a way to receive God’s love and to enhance awareness of one’s relationship with God. For one-on-one Spiritual direction, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Lang, langelizabeth66@gmail.com or the Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer, hnussertelfer@saintmichael.org.

STEPHEN MINISTRY A Stephen Minister is someone who will be with you while you are hurting. They will listen to you on a consistent basis, support you with prayer, and encourage you as you work

through whatever trials you are facing. The Stephen Ministry is a dedicated group of men and women who have received specialized training to accompany you, confidentially, on this journey. If you have hit a ‘bump in the road’ and could use the comfort of a confidential, listening friend, contact Greg or Mary Kardell, Mary@kardellfamily.com.

TOUCH BASE PHONE MINISTRY Touch Base Phone Ministry is a voice at the other end of the telephone representing the parish of Saint Michael, its clergy and staff. This caring voice checks on those who have had a recent death; and checks on those who are homebound.

Contact Liz Wheelan, LizWico@aol.com, with questions.

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT GROUP The Women’s Cancer Support Group is a long-term support system for information, referrals, feedback, and a feeling of safety, shared by other women who have experienced cancer and from those who are in the fight right now. Please contact Sue Patton, pattons@sbcglobal.net, or Charlie Stobaugh, charlie@stobaugh.net, with questions.

THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH PARISH NURSE MINISTRY Nov. 21 & Dec. 19 Led by Dianne Boyd, RN 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Nurse’s Station, Outside the Parlor The Parish Nurse Ministry is made up of professional Registered Nurses from our parish. Among other services, the Parish Nurses maintain a station outside the Parlor on the third Sunday of each month, taking blood pressures and providing information regarding the focus of health awareness for the month. Contact Dianne Boyd, RN, with questions.

November 21 – Men’s Health Month December 19 – Mental Health/Stress/Grief Awareness SUNDAYS: JAN 9, 16, 23, & 30 PRE-MARRIAGE COUNSELING 10 a.m.

Chapel Conference Room Pre-marriage Counseling series is offered to prepare couples for marriage and their life together. To register, contact Assistant for Liturgy and Worship, Dianne Boyd, to go over the details of scheduling a wedding at Saint Michael.

MEETS EVERY MONDAY CARE GIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Led by Gayl Braymer 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Parlor Caregiving a loved one can be isolating and overwhelming.

Our group provides confidential, loving support to those involved in caregiving. We seek to give emotional support and resource suggestions to those in need. For enrollment and questions, contact Gayl Braymer, gaylbraymer@gmail.com.

THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH PRAYING OUR GOODBYES Led by the Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer Nov. 17 & Dec. 15 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Parlor Praying our Goodbyes is a mourning and grief support ministry that addresses grief of any kind—such as a death, a job loss, a business, a home, or divorce. Utilizing readings from the book, Praying Our Goodbyes by Joyce Rupp, Hiltrude, helps those in attendance examine their grief and recognize it. All are losses that we grieve and we must grieve in order to recognize that loss. The Rev. Dr. Nusser-Telfer tells us “that for humans to shorten or circumvent the grieving process is to invite illness and even severe depression.” To RSVP and for questions, contact Hiltrude, hnussertelfer@saintmichael.org.

FIRST & THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH PRAYER SHAWL KNITTING MINISTRY Led by Peggy Carr 1 – 3 p.m.

Room 103 To date, 2,629 shawls have been knitted and distributed by the Saint Michael Prayer Shawl Knitting Ministry, extending the love of our parish to those who are hurting or ill.

Each of these shawls is tagged with a label that identifies it as being knit with love at Saint Michael and a healing prayer is added. Each shawl is blessed by the clergy and by the entire congregation prior to distribution. Join us for camaraderie, prayers, and the joy of knitting a message of love. Contact Peggy Carr, peggy.carr@sbcglobal.net, with questions.

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WORSHIP & LITURGY

To Contact Worship & Liturgy The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso, Associate for Worship & Liturgy, agrosso@saintmichael.org The Rev. Bob Johnston, Associate for Contemporary Worship, bjohnston@saintmichael.org Jonathan Ryan, Director of Music & Organist, jryan@saintmichael.org Justin Brooks, Director of Contemporary Music, jbrooks@saintmichael.org Dianne Boyd, Assistant to Worship & Liturgy, dboyd@saintmichael.org EVERY SUNDAY CHORAL COMPLINE 8 p.m. saintmichael.org/compline This entirely chanted liturgy, with choral music from the Renaissance and modern day, is streamed on our website and Facebook page. Regardless of where you may be, you are invited to make this meditative service part of your routine.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7 ALL SOULS EVENSONG 5:30 p.m.

Church The Saint Michael Choir sings choral music by Lehman, Harris, and the Howells Gloucester Service with the reading of the necrology. This service will also be streamed live at saintmichael.org/live.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS 11 a.m.

Church Choral music by Wood, Ireland, Marlow, Pärt, Caracciolo, and Dumphy.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 SAINT MICHAEL PRESENTS: NEW YORK POLYPHONY 7 p.m.

Church Grammy-nominated a cappella male vocal ensemble New York Polyphony has been praised as a “spacious, radiant

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retreat” by the New York Times and a “rich, natural sound that’s larger and more complex than the sum of its parts” by National Public Radio. They will offer a program of sacred and secular holiday selections that you will not want to miss!

To view this event or learn more, visit saintmichael.org/SMP. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 CHRISTMAS LESSONS AND CAROLS 5:30 p.m.

Church Premiere of 75th anniversary commission There Is No Rose of Such Virtue by Samuel Sweet, choral selections

by Howells, Rachmaninoff, Leighton, Tavener and contemporary composers Cecilia MacDowell, Philip Stopford, Will Todd, and Rosephanye Powell, alongside classic Christmas carols sung by all.

JANUARY 9 CHORAL MASS 11 a.m. Traditional Service Church We will have special music by Hassler and the Ives Missa Brevis for Baptism of the Lord.

JANUARY 30 JONATHAN RYAN: ORGAN RECITAL 4 p.m.

Church Director of Music, Jonathan Ryan, performs his first solo organ recital at Saint Michael with a program of varied works.

Free will offering will benefit upcoming chorister tours.

Christmas Flower Memorials BEGINNING NOVEMBER 28!

C

SUNDAY CHILDCARE

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C A

L D

Every Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Room 14: 0 – 11 months old Room 16: 1 year old Room 15: 2 years old Room 13: 3 years old

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WEDNESDAY & SPECIAL EVENT CHILDCARE Hours of availability: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 5 – 9 p.m.

Reservation by group leader required Room 102

E

Please contact Regan Wallace, rwallace@saintmichael.org, with questions.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! We need lots of volunteers to make the show a success. There are ongoing opportunities this fall as well as opportunities the night of the Dress Rehearsal and the night of the show.

If you’d like to help, please visit our Signup Genius to get involved or learn more on our website.

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Use this Advent calendar each day! Fill your bag with a requested item, pray, or reflect on a hunger fact. Bring your filled bag to the South entrance the first week of January.

1

CAN OF SOUP

2

3

BAR OF SOAP

HUNGER FACT

4

BAG OF DRY BEANS

BOX OF MAC & CHEESE

CAN OF SOUP

BAG OF RICE

CAN OF SOUP

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CAN OF VEGETABLES

HUNGER FACT

14

CAN OF FRUIT

PRAYER

18

CAN OF TUNA

22

JAR OF PEANUT BUTTER

13 17

CAN OF VEGETABLES

10

TOOTHPASTE

TOOTHBRUSH

16

15

20

HUNGER FACT

9

12

11

CAN OF VEGETABLES

PRAYER

8

7

6

5

19

HUNGER FACT

23

CAN OF TUNA

PRAYER

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BOX OF JELLO

HUNGER FACTS DAY 3 Many people facing hunger have full-time jobs.

pandemic most impacted families already DAY 18 The facing hunger or close to facing hunger.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program DAY 8 The (SNAP) does not include essential hygiene items. DAY 22 1 in 5 people in Dallas County are facing hunger.

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Mission & Outreach

ADVENT CALENDAR OF GIVING

By Allison Bovard and Mary Waller

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magine you were struggling to meet day to day living expenses.

Who would you call for help? In 1983, a group of 50 Dallas congregations pooled resources to provide emergency assistance to a vulnerable population of parishioners and others who were struggling with basic needs—meeting rent and mortgage payments, providing food and clothing to family members, paying utility bills and unexpected car repairs, accessing medical, dental, and mental health care, translation assistance, and many other services.

This group went on to become North Dallas Shared Ministries.

The coordinated efforts of these congregations have resulted in over 65,000 individuals annually receiving the help they need, in crisis as well as long term situations where individuals receive ESL classes, job counseling, tax preparation assistance, and help accessing social programs that will assure families and individuals achieve wellness and financial independence.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION In August, 40 Saint Michael volunteers helped distribute school supplies and uniforms to over 2,000 DISD students from preK–12th grade from 1,498 families.

Many were youth volunteers who enthusiastically gave of their time and talent, accumulating service

hours over 11 days. Some of the high school students had so much fun volunteering they signed up for extra shifts, with several serving four or five days over two weeks. The NDSM volunteer experience gave our youth the opportunity to volunteer, develop new friends, and work as a team.

They enjoyed collaborating, felt a sense of purpose, and became agents of positive change.

Judy Rorrie, NDSM Executive Director, commented, “That brings us to the volunteers who distributed school supplies—longtime NDSM volunteers, first-time volunteers and family members, Saint Michael's rector and his entire family, and the volunteers who staffed uniform distribution for two weeks—especially the wonderful, wonderful, polite, respectful, great teenagers. We love them all.”

A NOTE FROM DANE HARDY In 2012, Dane Hardy, a SMAA parishioner and currently an NDSM board member, began volunteering at NDSM. The experience has given him the opportunity to meet interesting people with a wide range of backgrounds from all over the country and world. As he commented, “These are hard-working people, who are going through a rough patch, and who would rather not be asking for help. They are grateful to have a place to go for emergency assistance delivered in a respectful manner.”

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Dane added, “I really enjoyed working with other volunteers while we stacked boxes, filled bags of food or stocked shelves.

There is a lightness of heart and comradery when working with other volunteers for a good cause. And, of course, it feels good when you can play a part in helping people with something they really need.

Clients come in every day in need of food, rent or another service NDSM provides, and they quite literally have nowhere else to go.

So, to be a part of helping a family in a situation like that can be a pretty powerful experience."

Dane offered this advice to others considering volunteering at NDSM: “I recommend they try it out for a short period of time and see if they like it. It doesn’t have to take a huge time commitment.

There are volunteers who come several times a week, and there are volunteers who are working professionals and come less frequently. Show up for a few hours once a week or twice a month and try

PRAYER

out different volunteer positions.

Do you like working with people?

Try interviewing or helping with rent assistance.

Do you prefer to be behind the scenes? Work in the food pantry or help in the clothes closet.

Are you a medical or dental professional? NDSM has a medical and dental clinic. It’s a great place with wonderful people. You really can’t go wrong helping others in an environment like NDSM.”

array of volunteer opportunities at North Dallas Shared Ministries. If you would like to learn more about NDSM, contact Christi Morrow, cmorrow@saintmichael.org.

A NOTE FROM THE REV. GREG PICKENS I met with a person from our neighborhood who was struggling financially. They were really at wit’s end. I passed along the contact information for our friends at North Dallas Shared Ministries and let the organization know this person would be calling. Three weeks had passed with no word. Then I met this person again in our church— the relief was visible.

NDSM VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Check out ndsm.org to find a wide

For the Poor and the Neglected, The Book of Common Prayer:

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them.

Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

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Shopping

Featured Items from the

BOOK SHOP HOURS

Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sundays: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Bonton Farms Local Honey Butter $20

Honduras Threads Handmade Angel Ornaments $18 2021 SMAA Christmas Ornament Designed by Tricia Stewart and Jenna Howard $29

Honduras Threads Handmade Angel Cards $11.50

75th SMAA Yeti Tumbler $39

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LEFT We celebrated The Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels by inviting our 6th Rector, the Rev. Dr. Mark S. Anschutz, to come back as a guest preacher during our Sunday services. This was also a monumental day for our musicians and singers. The entirety of music performed during the 11 AM service were newly-commissioned works premiered in honor of our 75th anniversary.

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RIGHT (TOP) As a part of our 75th anniversary, we invited the Rev. Don Spafford, former SMAA priest, to help bless parishioner's pets at the Blessing of the Animals.

RIGHT (BOTTOM) SMES is building a new playground, for our youngest SMES learners, in the West lot! This adorable house is one of many features being installed.

TOP We had a fantastic turnout for our 75th Anniversary event, "Women in Ministry" panel moderated by the Rev. Mary Lessmann and featuring former SMAA clergy the Very Rev. Amy Meaux, the Rev. Tamara Newell, and the Rev. Patty Willett Rhyne (pre-recorded)! We're so grateful for these women, and so many others, who have worked so hard to further the mission and ministry of God's kingdom in the world and at Saint Michael!

BOTTOM The Women of Saint Michael hosted another successful luncheon on October 6. Our own Tricia Stewart, Director of the Saint Michael's Farmers Market, gave a powerful message about the impact the market over the past 10 years, we learned more about Michael, A Musical, and so much more!

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Pastoral Care

CARE GIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12b

By Carolyn Barta

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ormer NFL head coach and two-time Super Bowl winner Tom Coughlin recently revealed in a New York Times opinion piece that his wife was battling an incurable brain disease. While he had spent his life preparing for big games, nothing, he said, could prepare him “to be a caregiver who has to watch a loved one slip away.”

The op-ed piece produced a flood of letters from others in similar situations. Many of us—should I say most of us?—have been or currently serve as caregivers for a loved one. Maybe more than one loved one. It’s become a normal part of life today.

Professionals will tell you that caregiving can be draining—emotionally, physically and financially; it can take the joy out of life. But it can also be a deeply meaningful experience if caregivers get the support they need. That includes finding a safe place to express their

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emotions and release stress. This safe place exists at Saint Michael.

The Care Givers Support Group meets every Monday 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the parlor. Those in care situations discuss their problems, frustrations, challenges, and yes, their sorrow, but they also talk about their happy moments and share knowledge they pick up on their individual journeys. Parishioner Nancy Wilbur, who lost her husband Bob during the lockdown after a long illness, found comfort in the group. "Being able to attend a caregiver’s support group like the one at Saint Michael is a blessing. I think when one is caring for someone, we are often in denial about the fact that we need this kind of support. We tend to hide our feelings to look strong for the person we are helping."

The Saint Michael group started about 15 years ago when parishioner Sandra Klingeman, who was

taking care of her mother, felt she needed some help, guidance and emotional support. Gayl Braymer, a longtime member who has been the facilitator for the last four years, joined the group while caring for her parents and then transitioned into caring for her husband. As she said: “We’ve quietly been serving the needs of people who are caring for parents, a spouse, child, or other loved one. Everybody shares. It is a no-holds-barred, completely confidential conversation in the most lovely, supporting environment.”

Nancy Wilbur can attest to that.

“The first time I attended a meeting, I just cried. All of a sudden, there was a place where I could unload all of my pent-up emotions, sadness, and trials and tribulations, and everyone in the room silently nodded their heads in understanding. It was a God thing, in that even though I have many loved ones who were compassionate about my husband’s illness, none

of them completely understood what it meant to care for the one you love and watch them disappear before your eyes over an extended period of time.”

At the SMAA Care Givers Support Group, she found that “everyone in the room was going through the same thing or had been through the same experience at some point. At last, a safe haven to say how you really feel, and you know it isn’t going to leave the room, and no one there thinks you are nuts. What a blessing!”

Gayl opens each meeting with a prayer, as prayer can be a powerful source of strength and consolation.

St. Paul told the Romans: “With hope, rejoice; while suffering, be patient; pray perseveringly.” At a recent gathering, she prayed that God would provide patience and peace of mind for the caregivers and help in not letting anger take over.

Participants at the meeting shared experiences and talked about issues such as whether to have hospice care at home or in a facility, how to travel with a spouse who is physically impaired, the tendency for the one in pain to lash out at the caretaker, and the guilt associated with putting a loved one in a care facility.

They also exchanged information, such as how to disguise an alcohol-free cocktail for a patient whose alcohol intake has been restricted or where to find out-patient activities. Gayl told about taking her husband three days a week to an activity center where he gets socialization and mental stimulation, which delights him and frees her up to sell real estate.

“This group is so good because it’s very lonely being a caregiver,” one participant said. Friends don’t want to listen to it, because they’re not going through it. This group has saved my sanity. They understand and will say, ‘It’s OK to feel that way.’”

The group also shares joyful experiences, taking advantage of every opportunity to laugh. As Gayl said, “Almost every single time there is more laughter than tears.”

There’s also a wealth of specific knowledge, as they’re able to address questions such as: Does anybody know an independent caregiver available? A good agency?

The best hospice? Or the cost of a particular kind of care. “It’s a good resource for folks,” she said.

one-third of American households, and it’s a job that lasts an average of five years.

What has the group meant to some of its current participants? Below are some of their responses.

The best thing about this group is being able to share with others in the same situations. It seems like we learn something new every week, regardless of where we are in this journey. It’s a wonderful way to receive support and also give support. Also, I have met some new friends at church whom I now see in the halls.

During the covid-imposed lockdown, the ministry met on Zoom, and participation declined. They are glad now to be reactivated in person. A clergy person doesn’t attend the meetings but the Rev. Greg Pickens considers the Care Givers Support Group an important part of the church’s pastoral care ministry. And for good reason.

This has been the most outstanding support group I’ve ever been connected with. It has helped me immeasurably in coping with my wife’s dying process, with her actual death and with the recovery process I’m presently experiencing.

I wouldn’t miss a meeting.

A 2020 report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, revealed that some 53 million adult Americans—more than one in five adults—now serve as unpaid family caregivers. The number of caregivers climbed from 18 percent of adults in 2015 to more than 21 percent in 2020, an increase of 9.5 million adults who provide assistance on everything from meal planning to medication management. Other statistics show that someone is serving as an unpaid family caregiver in almost

Our group is very special to me. It is a wonderful thing to be able to have a Christian support group that cares about you. I have learned so much from my friends and I look forward to our meetings. I need them so much and they are always there for me.

You don’t have to be a member of Saint Michael to attend the group.

Just show up at 11 a.m. on a Monday in the parlor. For more information about the group, contact gaylbraymer@gmail.com.

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A CASE FOR LOVE A behind the scenes look at the filming of the Bishop Michael Curry documentary, A Case For Love.

By Brian Ide, Grace Based Films Founder & Documentary Director

F

ilm has the unique ability to reach beyond the walls of a church building, engaging twenty-first century audiences exactly where they are, meeting them in the messiness of life, emboldening them by bringing Jesus' message alive, and reminding them that they are not alone.

Grace-Based Films was founded by Brian Ide to harness that unique ability as a Kingdom-serving alternative to the typical film industry design, scope, and purpose. Arising from the the teams’ first undertaking in 2015, a short film called “Reconcile”, GraceBased Films aims to tell stories that reveal the complexity of living in hope and faith. The business model borrows from that of Newman’s Own, the food company of actor Paul Newman, where 100% of its profits are donated to various charitable organizations. In a similar fashion, Grace-Based Films funds films through donors, with profits funneled towards future stories and philanthropy, rather than investors and filmmakers.

It is the first self-sustaining film ministry of its kind. To learn more about Grace Based Films, visit gracebasedfilms.org.

“Reconcile”, a short-film about the difficult calling to “love the other,” has been seen and used in

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Parishes and faith communities in forty-three countries around the world. Due to generous support, Grace-Based Films was able to provide free access to the film for these communities.

In 2017, Grace-Based Films tackled its first feature-film, “This Day Forward”. The movie follows the true story of the Jensen family, as the mother of three struggles to keep her faith and family intact after her husband is diagnosed with a stage three brain tumor. Filming and post-production was made possible by the generous gifts of donors (and a few small miracles); this allowed a portion of the proceeds of the film to be directed to the real Jensen family in Waverly, Iowa.

Brian Ide toured “This Day Forward” in fifty-three cities across the United States, playing in churches, schools, seminaries, and community centers. The tour went international in August 2019, when the film was shared in a month-long tour across South Australia. In each city, state, and country, the story of the Jensen family was met with open arms, laughter, tears, and thoughtful dialogue, proving the theory that people are hungry for intelligent and honest faith-centric films. This led Grace-Based Films to its current project: a documentary named “A Case for Love”.

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In late 2019, the Grace-Based Film team was approached about creating a film inspired by Bishop Michael Curry. “A Case for Love” will feature Bishop Michael Curry’s message of universal, unsentimental, sacrificial love, interwoven with conversations involving familiar figures and everyday people to explore how this message is lived out in the greater world. It will connect that powerful message with the global audience that Hollywood reaches.

The Grace-Based team began filming this project in May 2021.

A crew of eight, led by director Brian Ide, have thus far travelled over six-thousand miles through California, Minnesota, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, DC, and New York, gathering conversations that prove love is present and thriving in even the most challenging of times.

The team has collected roughly three hundred “person on the street” interviews, thirteen deep dive stories, and appearances by popular figures like Al Roker,

Pete Buttigieg, Congressman John Clyburn, Kelly Brown Douglas, muslim leader Dr. Elsanousi, Rabbis Yeheil Poupko and Shoshanah Conover and Becca Stevens, of the Thistle Farms organization. That initial filming tour ended with two days spent with Bishop Curry and the beloved woman who helped raise him, Josie Robbins, in Buffalo, New York. There is still more footage to shoot and a great deal of post-production in front of the Grace-Based Films team; however, it is already so clear that “A Case for Love” is the next step in building a legacy of storytelling and philanthropy.

In the early days of development for “A Case for Love”, the Grace-Based Films’ team was introduced to Tony Briggle, SMAA parishioner.

His excitement for the organization’s ministry and for the project itself, opened up a wonderful new partnership with The Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation and the wider Saint Michael and All Angels parish. That financial, spiritual, and logistical support has allowed the project to take bold swings at telling an honest story that breaks out of the walls of the church and into viewers’ homes. It has also allowed Grace-Based Films and their documentary to step into uncharted waters and explore new opportunities for evangelism and ultimately remind others that the church is ready to welcome them.

The film is slated to be finished in the first quarter of 2022 and Brian Ide is working directly with the Saint Michael and All Angels team to coordinate a special event that honors their special relationship. The Grace-Based Films’ team looks forward to exploring additional ways to partner with SMAA in utilizing the power of film to share God’s word.

Join Saint Michael on Palm Sunday for a visit from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry!

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THIS FALL AT THE FARMERS MARKET

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18

Holiday Market The market is open 8 a.m. – Noon Family festivities begin at 10 a.m.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Klyde Warren Park 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy

Saint Michael’s Farmers Market is partnering with Klyde Warren Park to hold a Pop-Up Holiday Market.

Come support your favorite farmers, ranchers, and food artisans and enjoy this beautiful oasis in the heart of downtown Dallas. Pick up edible delights for your holiday table, friends, and neighbors.

SAINTMICHAELSMARKET.COM

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Project Moses Presents

Fighting For Freedom: Understanding Sex Trafficking January 11, 2022 6 p.m. | Church

Event registration at SaintMichael.org/ProjectMoses If you are asking yourself “Why Should I Attend?”, we ask you to consider the statistics below.

2

Texas ranks #2 in the nation for human trafficking. Dallas ranks #2 in Texas.

15

is the average age a girl is trafficked in the US.

January is national Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human trafficking is often thought of as an issue that is predominantly somewhere else. The fact is that 77% of victims worldwide are trafficked in their home country.

These staggering statistics remind us this issue is in our community—potentially with high exposure to our very own families and friends!

Project Moses has assembled an outstanding group of human trafficking experts to help us understand the current view of this issue in our country, state, and community.

Through moderated questions, you will find a better understanding of the causes of the is-

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teens are trafficked on the street each night in Dallas

hours is all it takes for a runaway teen to be approached by traffickers.

sue, a view of the trafficker, the impact on victims, and the long road of rehabilitation for the survivors of this crime. The role of corporate responsibility in this fight will be discussed.

Everyone can play a role in the fight against human trafficking. Come learn what is currently being done in our state and how you can play a role in this fight!

The discussion will be followed by a reception in the parlor with food provided by Ruthies!

For more information, please contact projectmosesht@gmail.com.

MODERATED BY

Brendan Miniter, VP Editorial Page Editor and General Manager, ePaper, at the Dallas Morning News. He oversees the paper's opinion content and leads the paper's digital strategy for the ePaper, a digital replica of the daily printed newspaper.

Rebeccca Bender

Dr. Vanessa Bouché

Victor Boutros

Chris Kleinert

• Human trafficking survivor

• Social entrepreneur

• CEO & co-founder of the Human Trafficking Institute

• CEO & president of Hunt Investment Holdings, LLC; co-CEO of its holding company Hunt Consolidated, Inc

• Advocate and founder of The Rebecca Bender Initiative

• Creator of humantraffickingdata.org • Founder of Savhera, a natural wellness company providing jobs to human trafficking survivors

• Former Federal prosecutor on human trafficking cases.

• Co-founder of The Kleinert Foundation

Project Moses is supporting national Human Trafficking Awareness Month with these events: January 11, 2022 Fighting For Freedom: Understanding Sex Trafficking

January 11-31 SMAA collecting needed clothing, snack, and beverage items for trafficking survivors

January 11, 2022 Artifacts of Human Trafficking A compelling art exhibit featuring works by survivors

January 27, 2022 A bus excursion for SMAA parishioners showing the unexpected areas where trafficking exists in our community, seating limited.

Register at projectmosesht@gmail.com.

Fighting For Freedom is funded by The Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation.

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smaa kids

STEWARDSHIP 2022 The Journey to Jesus Scavenger Hunt is something that children and adults of all ages have enjoyed! The rush to get the clue of where Jesus is hiding to then finding him is energizing for everyone.

Pictures are snapped as the little ones hold Jesus's

hands and as he puts his arms around the big kids. Jesus taught us about the spiritual gifts that we have within ourselves and how we can put them into action in our Saint Michael community!

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GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST* May the souls of these faithful departed rest in peace Frederick Cecil "Fritz" Arko May 12, Nancy Somodevilla (sister) and The Rev. Canon René Somodevilla (brother-in-law) Robert Samuel "Bob" Ekblad June 8 Capt. Robert "Bob" Wilson July 25, Stephanie Mueller (daughter), Justin and Alison (grandchildren) Betty Sanford Crawford July 30, John Crawford (husband), Courtney Slater (daughter), Edward (son-in-law) and Paige Williams (granddaughter)

Mona Cranfill Campbell Munson September 24, David Munson (husband), Charles Munson (son), Keli (daughter-in-law), Campbell and Linley (grandchildren), John Munson (son), Eleanor (daughter-in-law), Luke and Ellie (grandchildren) Fred Manget September 28, Patsy Gulledge Manget (wife) Michael Edwin “Mike” Posey-Schwartz September 29, Steve Black (father-in-law) and Pat Ma DeJesus Reyes October 7, Marco Reyes (brother) Robert Joseph Scholtz October 9, Dick Scholtz (brother) and Nita (sister-in-law)

Paulyne Brewer August 2, Herb Brewer (husband)

Jose Felipe Mata Ordonez October 10, Anna Paccone (daughter) and Jim (son-in-law)

James Wilson "Jim" Klingeman August 16, Sandra Klingeman

Dr. Paul Lindsley Thomas October 10

Robert Alonzo "Bob" Briggs August 17, Hester Briggs (wife)

Ina "Jean" Pickens October 12, The Rev. Greg Pickens (son), Noralyn (daughter-inlaw) and Annie (granddaughter)

Barbara Cain Bratton August 26, Geoff Bratton (son), Amy (daughter-in-law), Benjamin and Stephen (grandsons) Patricia Margaret "Pat" Bywaters-Waller August 26, David Bywaters (brother), Ban Bywaters (brother) and Kathleen (sister-in-law), Bill Bywaters (brother) and Kay (sisterin-law) Mary Wood August 26, Janice Bywaters (daughter) and Ashburn (son-in-law) Susan Vaughan Burns August 28, The Rev. Christian Basel (grandson) Harold Kenneth "Ken" Williams, Jr. August 28, Diane Williams (wife), Elizabeth, Alex, Amanda and Hallie (daughters) Ann Gardner Bellamy Smith September 7, Bob Smith (husband) Pamela “Diane” Moragas Lindgren September 16 Blanche Legete Jackson September 18, Layne Jackson (daughter), Chris Jackson (son), Cheryl (daughter-in-law) and Clair (granddaughter) Samuel Stephen “Steve” McKenney III September 23, Mary Ruth McKenney (wife)

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Celebrating the arrivals of our newest family Miller James Young & Bishop Bowen Young Saturday, July 17, 2021 Brett and Ryan Young Grandparent: Lana Miller Elizabeth Kardell Delaney Friday, July 23, 2021 Amanda and Peter Delaney Grandparents: Mary and Steve Kardell Clayton David Cousins Wednesday, August 4, 2021 David Cousins and Megan Capozzi Grandparents: Harrient and Ralph Cousins Alice Frances Hodgins Tuesday, August 17, 2021 Amanda and Scott Hodgins Georgiana Katherine Decker Wednesday,September 1, 2021 Joanne and Matthew Decker Grandparents: Debra and Matthew Decker *As of: 10/15/2021

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STEWARDSHIP 2022

Exploring Our Giftedness Together I am so honored to have the opportunity to explore our giftedness both individually and as a community with my church family as the Chair of the 2022 Stewardship Campaign. As I consider specific gifts that I have to offer (and I invite you all to do the same!), I find myself having to first take a step back and contemplate the gifts that I have received throughout my life.

Our Lord is lavish with his gift-giving. There are things in my life that I enjoy personally and thank God for: the love of my wife, the infectious laugh of my oldest son, and the fact that my younger son is a generous hugger. More generally, I join with Christians through the ages in marveling at the gifts that God bestows on His creation. Inexhaustible grace, love that knows no boundaries, and a hope built on the reality that every human is made in the image of God—worthy of love, acceptance, and eternal life.

When I reflect on the gifts I have received, I think an often overlooked one is God’s gift of participation.

How wonderful that God invites me, invites all of us, to engage in the continual repair and renewal of this world. Our Father demonstrated his utter commitment to this very repair through the incarnation. Jesus reveals to each of us that God is not removed from our joy or suffering, in fact He descends directly into it. He still does this—and delights in our commitment to join Him in His work.

Saint Michael is a parish where we want to not only consider and take stock of what we have been given, but we long to respond as a church body by offering our unique gifts to God’s work of love, mercy, and grace in our community and the world at large.

We want to equip members of the church to give effectively and to give joyfully, because in a very real sense our faith lives will be missing a significant opportunity for knowing Jesus if we don’t.

QUESTIONS?

The needs in our world are great. And the truth is that God sees each of us as wealthy when it comes to our ability to aid in the repair and redemption of this world. Our gifts can come in the form of time, talent, or treasure—and all three are crucial. Treasure can fund so many of the initiatives our church feels the Lord calling us to participate in.

Time spent with those in need clarifies for each of us how little time we have to waste.

Talent is our unique offering, and we look more like the church Jesus intended when we bring our individual abilities to the table.

The beauty and pain present in our world are inextricably intertwined. Where there is pain; however, there is also redemption. There is no doubt that the needs are great, but our God is greater, and He is eager for us to join Him in His mission. We’ve got exciting work to do.

I’m thankful I get to do it with each of you.

Ross Taylor Stewardship Chair

Contact Caroline Marak, Director of Stewardship at 214-692-3015 or cmarak@saintmichael.org or visit saintmichael.org/Stewardship2022.

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the The liturgically seasonal publication of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 8011 Douglas Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75225- 0385

the

the

the the

the

GELS AT S A I N T M I C H A E L A N D A LL AN SaintMichael.org/Christmas

PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX