It’s a pleasure to present the 2026 vestry slate: Kristine Devine, Dineen Majcher, Meg Meo, and Alex Richert. A big thank you to all our vestry members past and present, who do such caring work for St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.
KRISTINE DEVINE, her husband Brian, and their children, Clara (14) and Jack (almost 11), joined St. Michael's in the fall of 2023. Kristine is a transactional and regulatory attorney with a DCbased law firm, and has been practicing remotely from Austin since 2017. She currently serves as a lay trustee from the Diocese of Texas on the board of trustees for Sewanee: The University of the South, her alma mater. She enjoys reading, cooking, and attempting to keep her sourdough starter alive.
MEG MEO has been attending St. Michael’s since 1995. She is married to husband Gary, and they have two adult children, Emily and Eric. Meg taught Sunday School for many years, is a member of the Chancel Choir and was previously on the vestry for four and half years, including three years as junior warden. A native
Austinite and UT graduate, Meg is a retired public relations consultant. She enjoys travel, classical music and spending time with friends and family.
DINEEN MAJCHER, along with her husband Larry Smith, joined St. Michael’s early in 2025. Although relative newcomers to this church, they feel as though they have come home to St. Michael’s. Dineen is an attorney, specializing in administrative law. She led a statewide organization supporting public education. Dineen enjoys gardening, birdwatching, music and reading. She is enthusiastic to learn from current vestry and church members and work to support the wonderful culture at St. Michael’s.
ALEX RICHERT, and his wife Blair, along with children Chase (20), and Baird (18), joined St. Michael’s in 2019. Originally from Lufkin, TX, Alex and family moved to Austin in 2012 after stints in Durham, Boston, and Dallas. Upon moving to Austin, Alex founded CleanPlanet Chemical, a climate tech business focused on recycling hazardous waste. When he’s not championing the environment, Alex enjoys golf, skiing, travel, and the outdoors.
Confirmation, Reception, and Joining the Episcopal Church—Bishop’s Visit on April 19
We are excited to welcome Bishop Kai Ryan to St. Michael’s on Sunday, April 19. As part of her visit, she will confirm and receive youth and adults at the 11:00 am service. This step is meaningful for many as the Episcopal Church’s way of formally saying, “This is home.” If you’re interested or simply curious, this short survey takes only a few seconds to complete: stmichaelsaustin.formstack.com/forms/2026_adult_confirmation_survey. You can also reach out to Fr. John at jnewton@st-michaels.org.
Episcopal 101 | Four Sundays in Lent Beginning February 15 | 10:00 - 10:50am New to the Episcopal Church? A cradle Episcopalian that needs a refresher? Wondering if we are Episcopalians or Anglicans or both? Join Fr. Josh on February 15, February 22, March 1, and March 8 from 10:00-10:50am in the church office to explore the basics of The Episcopal Church and the Anglican expression of Christianity. Over these four Sundays we will explore our history, liturgy, theology, and how we approach the Bible. Please bring your curiosity and questions as we explore our great tradition! RSVP here: stmichaelsfamily.churchcenter.com/ registrations/events/3407279. Reach out to Fr. Josh (jkulak@st-michaels.org) with questions.
Iftar Dinner with Dialogue ATX During the month of Ramadan, our Muslim siblings fast from dawn to sunset in order to focus on prayer, charity, and thanksgiving. Each evening they break their fast with an iftar dinner. Our neighbors at Dialogue ATX visit different places of worship every night to celebrate this and have a conversation about our faith traditions. St. Michael's will host Dialogue ATX on Thursday, February 26 at 6:00pm in the Parish Hall for this interfaith fellowship, with dinner starting immediately after sunset. This year we will also have a special time of prayer for all migrants. Kids are more than welcome to attend! For more information please visit www.dialogueatx.org/ramadan/. To RSVP for the event please register here: https:// tinyurl.com/2026-SMEC-Iftar-Dinner.
Calling All St. Michael’s Stephen Ministers! We are excited to announce that we have four new Stephen Ministers in our midst. Racy Haddad, Sonya Spielberg, Deann Trakas, and Emmanuella Ugwu have completed their training and will be commissioned for ministry on February 15 at both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. All previously active and current Stephen Ministers are encouraged to attend and to join us for cake and fellowship in the parish hall between the two services.
Mark Your Calendars! Resting in Grace: 2026 Lenten Speaker Series | Feb 22 - Mar 22 | 5pm Lent invites us to slow down, look inward, and remember that grace lies at the heart of the Christian life. Each Sunday evening, we’ll hear from gifted voices who help us see how grace meets us in surprising places — in joy and in loss, in repentance and renewal, in the ordinary and the extraordinary. Together, we’ll remember that God’s mercy always comes before our effort, as we listen, learn, and rest again in the gift of grace that never runs out.
FAMILY MINISTRY
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR THE LITTLES - 5TH GRADE Sunday School for 5th grade and under meets on the playground as usual, and then proceeds to the education wing. Contact Ms. Karen Liston at children@st-michaels.org with questions.
SMEYC
9:00 & 11:00am Devotionals in Room 8
5:00pm Evening Hangout Room 8
YOUTH HELPER TRAINING Any youth volunteering with St. Michael's for Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, etc. will need to attend a Youth Helper Training, the first of which will be held Sunday, February 1, at 10am in Room 8.
The SMEYC had some spare time recently, so they got the ball rolling, took over a few alleys, and were bowled over by how much fun they had together!
OUTREACH IN ACTION
St. Michael’s is actively engaged in community outreach efforts, supporting a variety of non-profit organizations through hands-on service and financial assistance. Volunteer opportunities with several local organizations are offered throughout the year. If you have a passion for spreading love and grace throughout the community, please connect with Harriett Choffel, Outreach Commission Chair, at harriettchoffel@icloud.com; or Fr. Josh Kulak at jkulak@st-michaels.org.
Nourish Hope Food Collection The Outreach Commission is grateful for all your donations to this ongoing mission. The cart remains in the church lobby for donations of shelf-stable items for our longtime community investment partner, Hope Food Pantry, near the UT campus. At this time, Hope Food Pantry is especially in need of canned fruit and canned tomatoes Please note these exceptions: *No glass containers or opened packages * No expired items *
Volunteers deliver collected items to the pantry on a regular basis. Contact Harriett Choffel harriettchoffel@icloud.com or John Boehm at jboehmjr@utexas.edu to deliver items or with questions.
Volunteer with El Buen Samaritano Looking for a way to serve as Christ’s hands & feet in the world? Here are two ways in which you can serve at El Buen Samaritano in South Austin:
✦ Diaper Distribution Team volunteers each Wednesday morning from 7:45-9:30AM to hand out diapers to families. We currently have two parishioners on this team and would love more—many hands make light work.
✦ El Buen Food Pantry Team volunteers every third Thursday on the early morning shift, which begins at 7:45AM. Contact Father Josh at jkulak@st-michaels.org to join the team! There are many other opportunities to volunteer with El Buen which can be found at elbuen.org/volunteer.
Upcoming Outreach Activities
Convivio at Casa Marianella - On the last Sunday of every month our ministry partner Casa Marianella holds a block party (with Eucharist) from 6-8p. The event is open to friends and neighbors and other Episcopal churches regularly participate. The next party will be January 26 and this is a super easy way for us to be involved with Casa and Go and Do Likewise.
Weekly Migration with Dignity Compline - Every Sunday evening at 8pm folks from the Episcopal Migration Caucus gather via Zoom to pray Compline. You can register here
2026 Community Investment Partners The Outreach Commission is grateful to the parish for its generosity which allows us to partner with four new organizations in 2025 and increase the funding amount to several current partners.
Seminary of the Southwest (theological and pastoral education)
The Texas Pauli Murray Scholarship (scholarship for seminary students of color)
Episcopal Relief and Development (disaster relief & sustainable development)
Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) (interfaith outreach)
Trinity Center (homelessness)
Casa Marianella (displaced immigrants)
Saint Francis Ministries (foster care)
El Buen Samaritano (family services)
One Good Turn (global health in underserved communities)
Go and Do Likewise Initiative (local resettlement for asylum seekers)
Hope Food Pantry (local)
Episcopal Migration Ministries (international)
Warm Heart International (international)
FORMATION & FELLOWSHIP
The Seekers Adult Formation Group | 10:00AM on Sundays in Room 7 (Education wing) & via Zoom Join the Seekers on Sunday mornings at 10:00AM (10:20AM on Taco Sundays) in Room 7 or online. They are currently discussing Richard Rohr’s The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective. Contact Harriett Choffel at harriettchoffel@me.com or Phyllis Blees at phyllis.blees@gmail.com for more info. Zoom link: bit.ly/ SeekersNewZoomLink, Passcode: 663704 One tap mobile +17193594580,,87861553694#,,,,*663704# US
Rector’s Bible Study — The Gospel of John Begins February 1 | Sundays @12:45pm | Zoom only The group meets at 12:45 pm each Sunday; they'll begin an in-depth discussion of the Gospel According to John on February 1. No experience is necessary; everyone is welcome to join.
Zoom Info: bit.ly/BibleStudyZoomLink Meeting ID: 832 6049 2080; passcode: bible. Dial by location: +13462487799, ID 83260492080#; passcode 543331# US (Houston).
Morning Prayer | Tuesdays @9:00AM You’re invited to Morning Prayer each Tuesday at 9:00AM. Please note the Zoom link and passcode: bit.ly/SMECTuesMorningPrayer. Passcode: prayer.
Women’s Bible Study—"Turning the World Upside Down: The Story of the Early Church in Acts" Tuesdays | 6:00PM | Church Office Join us as we journey through a twenty-week study of the Acts of the Apostles, exploring how the Holy Spirit moved through flawed but faithful followers to build the Church from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Come discover the courage, community, and calling of the first believers— because the story isn’t over. Contact Trish Thompson at home.thompson@gmail.com if you’re interested in joining the group or for more information.
Men’s Bible Study: The Book of Acts | Tuesdays | 6:00PM | Room 8 (Education Wing) Join this new group for a 12-week study of the Book of Acts. Luke's record reveals that God places a premium on the spread of the gospel. He blesses our efforts to make disciples of all nations, one person at a time, and sends us His Spirit to guide our words, give us wisdom, and bolster our courage. The study can be purchased on Amazon on this link: https://www.amazon.com/Acts-Birth-Church-Jeremiah-Bible/dp/0310091608. Contact Michael Thompson at home.thompson@gmail.com if you’re interested in joining the group or for more information.
Centering Prayer | In-person and via Zoom | Tuesdays @6:30PM Join the group in-person on the SMEC campus (Gathering Room) or join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84329480646? pwd=mFc7aWxLbbdimboIX5BsCTye6obja9.1 passcode: 454527. Restorative Yoga is being offered from 5:15-6:15pm in the Gathering Room; Julie McConnell is the instructor. Please email Phyllis Blees with questions: phyllis.blees@gmail.com. For more about contemplative prayer, click this link: Heart of Texas Contemplative Outreach
St. Michael’s Book Club This group meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 1:45PM. January’s book is Crocodile on the Sandbank, first book in the Amelia Peabody mystery series, by Elizabeth Peters, and the group meets on the 28th this month. For those wanting to get a head start on February’s book, it is Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt’s Ancient Temples from Destruction, by Lynn Olsen. Please email Rhoda Silverberg at rmorrillsilverberg@icloud.com or Sue Allen at tom@northcoastbrewing.com for more information.
Evening Prayer | Wednesdays @4:30PM All are welcome to join each Wednesday at 4:30PM for prayer and conversation. Use Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88196769453 and passcode 945676.
Men’s Pub Theology | Second Wednesdays @5:00PM | County Line BBQ on Bee Caves Road Join the men of St. Michael’s for Christian fellowship and theological conversation. The next meeting is February 11; the group meets at the County Line BBQ on Bee Caves Road. Contact Andy Hines at ahines@hinespool.com or Rich Noland at richnoland@eversheds-sutherland.com for more information.
Noonday Prayer + BYO Bag Lunch & Discussion | Third Wednesdays | 11:45AM
All are welcome to Noonday Prayer on the third Wednesday of each month. The next one is January 21, at 11:45AM near the sanctuary windows, followed by a bring-your-own-bag-lunch & conversation in the church office. Drinks provided. Contact Christine Havens at chavens@st-michaels.org with any questions. No RSVP necessary.
MINISTRIES
Consider Treating Yourself to a Stephen Minister Want to be listened to, not fixed? Would it help to share your life’s worries in confidence for an hour each week? Perhaps having someone who really knows and prays for you would lighten the weight from your shoulders. Your Stephen Minister is trained and ready to provide free, confidential, one-to-one Christian care. Consider asking for a Stephen Minister by contacting Fr. John Newton (jnewton@st-michaels.org), Julie de Wette (julie@losmadrones.com), or Jeff Robinson jarobinson100@gmail.com
Altar Guild The Altar Guild is always looking for women and men to join this ministry. This group makes sure that the sanctuary is clean and readied for services and other liturgical events that happen at St. Michael’s. If you are interested in serving or for more information, please contact Gail Reid at reid.gail@gmail.com
Daughters of the King The Daughters of the King® is an order for women who are members of the Episcopal Church. The DOK’s mission is the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through prayer, service and evangelism. St. Michael’s chapter was established in 2014 and are going strong. If you’re interested in learning more about the group, they meet in the Gathering Room (next to the sanctuary) the third Saturday of each month at 10:30AM. Contact Jonea Raney at jcsrcch@gmail.com if you have any questions.
DAY SCHOOL PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
The Puppies class spent time with Ms. Monica on the discovery deck this week, playing with tractors and learning to create big bubbles!
THIS WEEK’S PRAYERS
Please email Christine Havens at chavens@st-michaels.org with prayer requests or to receive the weekly Prayer Chain emails.
New Prayers
For all those in harm's way of the winter storm this weekend and beyond. For Barbara Rusling, who is experiencing vertigo issues.
For Claude D'Unger, who died this week; for his family and friends, including Margaret & Sean Connor in their bereavement.
For Lori, who died this week; for her wife, Kate; and for Meg Meo and other family & friends in their bereavement.
For Melissa Stokes, Christine's daughter, who has shingles.
For all parishes, especially St. Michael's, in this season of annual meetings. For Palestinians, Israelis, Iranians, and all victims of violence in the Middle East. For all those impacted by gun violence.
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Resurrection, Austin; San Francisco De Asis, Austin; St. Alban’s (Manchaca), Austin
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Iglesia Anglicana de Chile
ST.
MICHAEL’S
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
STAFF DIRECTORY
Rector
The Rev. John Newton jnewton@st-michaels.org
Associate Rector
The Rev. Dr. Josh Kulak jkulak@st-michaels.org
Assistant for Pastoral Care
The Rev. Elizabeth Turner eturner@st-michaels.org
Senior Warden
Meg Abbott megabbott1@gmail.com
Junior Warden
Kristen LeClair kristen.leclair@994group.com
Youth Coordinator
Bonnie Walton youth@st-michaels.org
Community Engagement
Hilary Bellm hbellm@st-michaels.org
Welcome & Belonging
Allie Peña apena@st-michaels.org
Parish Administrator
Julie Hodges parishadmin@st-michaels.org
Communications
Christine Havens chavens@st-michaels.org
Choir Director
Dr. Suzanne Pence drpence2009@gmail.com
Media Tech & Sexton
Jeremy Aschenbach jaschenbach@st-michaels.org
Children’s Minister
Karen Liston children@st-michaels.org
The altar flowers are given to the glory of God.
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ST. MICHAEL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1500 N. CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 512-327-1474
