the The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
June 2015
The ‘So What?’ of Callings and Pilgrimages
the Summer Worship Schedule Begins
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Columbarium Tours Rector Transition Conversation
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Vacation Bible School
14
Columbarium Tours
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Rector Transition Conversation Celebrate America
Chaim Potok, the intensely religious Jewish novelist, in a lecture at Johns Hopkins University addressed what some theologians call the “so what?” of religious pilgrimage: that is, God acts on our behalf and now the ball is in our court. Potok recounted a conversation with his mother as he prepared for college. “Chaim,” his mother exclaimed, “I know you want to be a writer, but I have a better idea. Why don’t you be a brain surgeon. You’ll keep a lot of people from dying and you’ll make a lot of money.” “Mama,” Chaim retorted, “I don’t want to keep people from dying; I want to show them how to live.” During this season of transitions, graduations, and elections, when people receive diplomas, trot up center aisles, consider episcopal elections, recite vows, and make promises; there are advisors, mentors, strategists, counselors – even moms and dads -- all urging us to make a difference, to help people, to be successful. Within the variegated smorgasbord of voices and best wishes, I ask, can we hear the central question: What does it mean to represent Christ and to be good stewards of our lives? Several weeks ago one parishioner wanted to know my opinion on the election of a bishop for the Diocese of Dallas (The Rev. Canon George Sumner was elected on Saturday, May 16). “I would love to know the opinion of an older rector about the election,” she said. “For whom should we vote?”
Volume 25, No. 11 Volume 27, No. 6
cont. on page 19
Convention Chooses The Rev. Canon George Sumner Bishop-Elect The Rev. Canon George Sumner was chosen bishopelect of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas during a Special Electing Convention Saturday, May 16, held at the Episcopal School of Dallas. He was elected on the fourth ballot of the convention. Sumner, age 60, is currently the Principal of Wycliffe College in Toronto, Canada, and was one of four nominees on the ballot. “I am humbled and grateful to God for my election,” Sumner said. “It will be a great privilege to share in the ministry Christ has given us all together in the Diocese of Dallas.” cont. on page 3
Summer Worship Schedule Begins First Sunday in June 10:00 a.m. Worship in the Church will be Livestreamed at www.saintmichael.org. On Sunday, June 7 the Summer Worship Schedule will begin. It is as follows: 10:00 a.m. Rite II Discovery/Joy/ Celebration 11:00 a.m. Rite I Faith and Literature (Adult Class)
Church Saint Michael Chapel
Saint Michael Chapel Coke Activities Room
The Sunday 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 5:30 p.m. services are unchanged.