The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

April 2016Living the Resurrection

Okay, first things first. It really happened. The

tomb really was empty. Jesus really appeared to

his disciples. The man who was totally unjustly

executed was raised from

the dead and appears to

those who will accept him

and be transformed by him.

It’s nearly as if he’s saying,

“All I did was tell you how

much my Father loves you

and how to live into that

life. For my efforts you killed me. But violence and

evil cannot overcome peace and love. My Father has

raised me. I’m still with you and I still love you.

Now what are you going to do? I hope you’ll accept

me into your hearts and be resurrected with me.”

As a rule when we think of justice we think of

retributive justice – an eye for an eye and a tooth

for a tooth – despite Jesus’ expressly telling us to

do otherwise. (Cf., Matthew 5:43-48) What Jesus

extols instead is restorative justice, a justice filled

with mercy, more concerned with restoring the

sinner to his or her God-given potential than with

extracting a price for evil deeds done.

The power of such love is demonstrated precisely in

the love the witnesses to the resurrection exhibited

after having known the Risen One. The human

response to pain inflicted is to seek revenge, yet we

have not one single account of any of the witnesses

to the resurrection striking back. And, so far as

Volume 28 No. 4 cont. on page 19

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Saint Michael 101 Dinner

Distinguished Lecture Series

Walter Brueggeman

Farmers Market

Vestry Meeting

Disciples Retreat

Acolyte Training

Barnyard Bash

Saint Michael’s Farmers Market Opens Saturday, April 16 – Volunteer NowSaturday, April16 will be the opening day for Saint Michael’s Farmers Market. Our long-time vendors will be joined by several new ones with delicious, healthy produce, fresh eggs, no-hormone meats, and a lot more. The market will be open from 8:00 to Noon.

The market has been recognized by D Magazine and The Dallas Morning News as one of the best farmers markets in the Dallas area. Last year nearly 400 shoppers visited our market every Saturday.

Now is the time to volunteer as a Farmers Market Greeter. Register online at www.saintmichael.org/smfmvolunteers or with gusseeberger@gmail.com.

Easter baskets were loaded Saturday morning. See the hunts on page 7

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Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday Marks Day of Celebration on the Lenten Journey

Palm Sunday symbolically celebrated the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The ceremony, Liturgy of the Palms, preceding both the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services was followed by the parade by parishioners.

Between services parishioners enjoyed a church-wide breakfast in the Parish Hall.

Palm Sunday

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Mission Outreach

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Building the Fire: Discovering the Gifts of the Spirit

On the first day of May, Mission and Outreach will be hosting a workshop focused on identifying the gifts present in our congregation and the ministries that we can accomplish using those gifts. In a little over an hour, we will uncover the many gifts of the Spirit that are present at Saint

Michael and All Angels, and through those gifts, we will create new ideas for ministries that will serve our parish and Dallas. Like

the disciples, our ministry begins with our own community, Saint Michael, and flows out to the inviting people to join us in our celebration of the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. Join us on May 1, from 11:00-12:30 and help us build a community of ministries that celebrates the gifts of the Spirit and that practices resurrection each and every day!

We need people of all ages to help us discover the gifts within Saint Michael and each of us that can shape our church’s outreach into the community, both locally, nationally, and around the world. Sign up now! Go to www.saintmichael.org/buildingthefire

How is this related to the Easter story and to the ongoing ministry of the Church?

Through the Lenten season, we have made the journey with Jesus to Jerusalem, and to the foot of the cross. We have walked a troubled road with our Savior, and we find ourselves in the same position as the disciples - mourning the death of Christ and then being surprised by the fact that he has triumphed over death. The community that surrounded Jesus, although being told of what would come at the end of his ministry on earth, is the first community to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through the power of the Spirit, it continues to build community around the Good News of Jesus Christ, despite their persecutions as told in the Acts of the Apostles. The community found strength in its own giftedness and continued to practice resurrection as they worked to expand the work that Christ began during his earthly pilgrimage.

In our own time, we are called to practice resurrection just as the first community of apostles did. We are called to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and to recognize our own giftedness in order to build up the Easter community of Christ’s disciples on earth. The Easter season invites us to celebrate the truth that Christ has died, is risen, and will come again. The season is a season of celebration that calls us to recognize the gifts that we are granted through the power of the Holy Spirit and to build a community of faithful disciples around the work that we are able to accomplish through faith in the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.

Hunter RuffinAssociate for Mission and Outreach

Sign up now! Go to www.saintmichael.org/buildingthefire

Mission Outreach

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What is the purpose of the workshop on May 1?

The purpose of the workshop is to gather our own community in order to recognize the gifts that we have through the power of the Spirit and to generate new ideas for ministries in our effort to serve others as we reflect the love of God that we receive each and every day.

Why is it important to do this in a workshop environment?

A major benefit of gathering together in a workshop is that we are able to build off of each others’ gifts as we dream up new ministries and new ways to support on-going ministries at Saint Michael and All Angels. The other benefit is that we enter into our work through community - just like the Apostles did after Jesus’ death and resurrection!

I only volunteer sporadically with Mission and Outreach. Is this meeting only for ministry leaders?

No! The more voices we have in the room, the more we can build off of each other’s energy. From the volunteer leaders to the newest member of the parish, we all have something to offer in ministry. When we gather together, we can use each other’s gifts in surprising ways that create new visions for what our outreach ministry can become.

What if I am not deeply involved in Mission and Outreach? Should I still attend?

YES! Our hope is to gather as many voices as possible for the workshop. Whether you are deeply involved in a ministry at Saint Michael or you are new to the parish, the workshop is suited for everyone that is looking for a way to get involved in ministry at Saint Michael.

What ages can attend the workshop?

Anyone age 11 or older can attend the workshop and participate in the activities! The workshop will help all of us to identify our gifts and help us dream about how we can put those gifts into action!

Will childcare be available for younger children?

Yes. If you need childcare, RSVP for childcare by sending an email to Jacynda Griego at jgreigo@saintmichael.org or by indicating that you need childcare when you register for the workshop.

Do you have additional questions about the workshop? Contact The Rev. Hunter Ruffin by sending an email to hruffin@saintmichael.org or by calling 214-363-5471.

May 1, Coke Activities Room Session I 11:00 - 12:15 Session II 12:30 - 1:45

Easter Egg Hunts

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Easter Egg Hunts Fill the BasketsEaster Eggs took a beating on the Saturday before Easter. Saint Michael staged two hunts; one for the smallest children up to age two, and one for children from 3rd grade to 5th grade.

Just collecting eggs was the biggest event for the little ones. But, it didn’t take long to get the hang of it.

The older bunch had move diversions; egg races, hot dogs, and roasted marshmellows.

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For Your Information

Women of Saint Michael Spring Luncheon Features Courtney Ferrell, Honors Peggy Carr

The Women of Saint Michael, will culminate the 2015 - 2016 year with its Annual Spring Luncheon Wednesday May 11, featuring former parishioner and nationally recognized change-agent Courtney Ferrell. The luncheon, starting at 11:00, will be held at 7000 Park Lane.

Oprah called Ms. Ferrell an inspired change-agent in the world of imagination, creativity, and innovation. She has worked as a creative consultant to the top executives of Mattel, Disney, Colgate-Palmolive, NBC, Nike, General Electric and many others. Her witty sense of humor, energy, and anything goes change-methods have made her a subject of publications ranging from INC Magazine to Style.

Join co-chairs Mason Custard and Melinda Knowles and Women of Saint Michael President Margaret Cervin, along with honorary chair Peggy Carr for this special event. A $100 Patron Ticket, which includes a private reception with Ms. Ferrell at the home of Ann and Lee Hobson, on May 10, at 6:00, plus special recognition, is available but space is limited. The cost of the luncheon is included for WOSM Luncheon Series Season Subscribers, but a reservation must be made. Regular luncheon tickets are $40. Reservations can be made online at www.saintmichael.org/springluncheon or with Kristin Lambeth at wosmreservations@saintmichael.org. RSVP by April 20th.

Brotherhood of St. Andrew Hosts Passover Dinner

The Saint Michael chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew hosted a Passover Dinner on the evening of February 25 for chapter members, their wives, and guests. The dinner, in the Coke Activities Room, was preceded by a ceremony led

by The Rev. Neal Hern, which closely followed biblical versions of Jesus’ Last Supper with his apostles.

Some of the dishes brought by Brotherhood members were based on traditional recipes that existed in biblical times, including the main course of lamb.

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew chapter at Saint Michael meets on the first and third Saturdays of the month. It currently has 23 active members, which makes it one of the largest in the Diocese of Dallas. The chapter maintains a prayer list from which daily prayers are made. The group also is involved in Bible study and community services projects. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Brotherhood should contact Barry Crossman at 214-357-4939 or at

bcrossman2@earthlink.net.

Courtney Ferrell

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Rector Search and Transition

What is the Rector Search and Transition Committee Doing?

We are deep in the process of mutual discernment with candidates. In essence, we are working hard to determine whether and how each candidate would fit with our parish, while they work to discern if God may be calling them to join us. As you know, your input in listening sessions and on survey questions were invaluable in helping us produce a Parish Profile, to describe Saint Michael to prospective candidates. Parishioners and friends of our parish suggested over 100 names of priests we should try to meet, and we invited each one to consider entering discernment with us.

Many formally became candidates by submitting applications on an Episcopal Church form that includes information on their backgrounds and a dozen probing essay questions. We required five additional essay questions specific to our church. Once they entered the process, the committee members reviewed websites of their current and former churches and ministries they are involved in, looked at books and articles they have authored, and watched untold hours of online videos of their preaching and teaching. Most candidates have had questions about our church as they committed to enter mutual discernment with us, and every member of the committee has enjoyed phone conversations as a shepherd to individual candidates.

As we focus on a smaller group of candidates and continue to get to know them, and help them to know Saint Michael, we will have teleconference conversations with each of them. Later, as the discernment discussions continue with a handful of candidates, we will host them and their spouses in Dallas, and small teams of us will discreetly visit them at their current churches.

How Does the Committee Discuss Candidates?

The vestry appointed a committee reflecting the diversity of our congregation, not only in obvious things such as age, gender and involvement in varied parish ministries, but also in characteristics such as personality and learning style. This provides potential for a more robust understanding of the candidates, as we each bring our unique perspective to the discussions. Paul addressed this in 1 Corinthians 12:4, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit….” The body of Christ depends on the diverse contributions of every member; each is indispensable.

When the Rector Search and Transition Committee was formed none of us knew everyone else around the table, but we have come to appreciate and depend on each other’s diverse gifts. We have benefitted particularly from starting every committee meeting with a Eucharist together or a devotional or Bible Study, and from prayers – ours and those of the congregation.

On the committee’s retreat last fall, former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold introduced us to a method of group discernment developed by Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the Jesuits in 1541. This is a powerful process for ensuring a discussion is comprehensive and that every member of the group contributes completely, and we use it to help us understand the Rector candidates as well as possible, and to reach consensus as we work through the discernment process.

How Do We Feel the Discernment Is Going?

We are excited about the future of our parish as we feel your hope and expectation in the halls of the church, and as we pray the Rector Search and Transition Prayer in our worship services. This is expressed in a video made for the candidates, There is a place for YOU at Saint Michael. We are confident about The Episcopal Church’s future, and especially about our future, as we meet wonderful clergy throughout the Church, and learn about their backgrounds and gifts, their families, even their dreams for their ministries. We feel grateful.

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Overview

Walter Brueggemann Headlines April 10 Distinguished Lecture Series

Dr. Walter Brueggemann  is widely considered one of the

most influential Old Testament scholars of the last several

decades and he will be Saint Michael’s Distinguished

Lecturer on Sunday, April 10.

At 10:00 in Parish Hall, Dr.

Brueggemann will speak on

“Covenant as an Alternative to

Pharaoh.” And, at a reservations-

only luncheon in the Coke

Activities Room at 12:30, he will

address “Covenantal Economics:

How God Wants us to Treat The Other.” Make luncheon

reservations with Julia at jgiles@saintmichael.org. Cost is

$15. Childcare with lunch is available upon request.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PT Cruisers Take Time to Smell the FlowersThe Bluebonnet Trail and Ennis, Texas await the PT Cruisers. On Thursday, April 21 the Cruisers hop on the bus at 9:30 leaving the church. First stop is the Wildflower Cafe for lunch and then a guided tour on the Bluebonnet Trail. The cost for this glorious day is $20. Make your reservations with Mary Davis at 214-363-7761. The deadline is Sunday, April 17.

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Saint Michael to Host Diocesan Strategic Planning Meeting April 23

The Diocese of Dallas is preparing a Strategic Plan under the leadership of Bishop George Sumner and Saint Michael and All Angels will host one of three meetings to gather input from members. The Saint Michael meeting will be held Saturday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m.

The Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by The Rev. Betsy Randall, Associate Rector of Epiphany Church in Richardson, will conduct the meeting to share priorities and “to listen to the voice of all of those across our Diocese,” Bishop Sumner said. The goal is to have a strategic plan for review at the Diocesan Convention this fall. “I have asked the Committee not only for strategic goals but also for action items to ensure the plan is subject to implementation with measurable accountability,” the Bishop said.

Two other meetings will be held by the Committee in the Diocese: April 16 in Greenville, and April 23 in McKinney.

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Overview

Bill Murray Taking a Writing Leave- April 25-June 25

For the past four years, The Rev. Bill Murray has been working on his Doctor of Ministry degree at The University of the South – Sewanee. He is required to now write his thesis. To provide time for him to read, study, prepare, and write the thesis, Bill will be on a writing leave

beginning Monday, April 25 through Saturday, June 25.  He will complete his current obligations, including Youth Confirmation as well as two weddings in May.

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Saint Michael Book Shop is the Place for Confirmation GiftsStop by the Saint Michael Book Shop for its great selection of rosaries, cards, and jewelry. There is also a nice variety of the Book of Common Prayer that can be imprinted, which takes about 2 weeks. Don’t let the moment pass on one of these wonderful gifts.

Courtyard Columbarium Tours Scheduled April 17Take a stroll and experience the beauty of Saint Michael’s Nave Courtyard and Columbarium after the 11:00 services on Sunday, April 17. The Columbarium Committee and clergy will provide tours of this wonderful space where the combination of wind, water, and sky are blended to enhance the serenity of our entire campus.

Grant Them Eternal RestMay the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace:

Evonne Edwards Morgan, February 2016, mother of Cindy Carter, mother-in-law of Jay Carter

Martha Jayne Little Pace, February 7, mother of Janis Wells, mother-in-law of Dennis Wells

Charles Scott Rowley, February 29, brother of Chris Rowley, brother-in-law of Mandy Drake, grandson of Alice Stubblefield

Gladys “Sis” Weatherby Carr, March 2, mother of Plack Carr and Cathy Carr, mother-in-law of Peggy Carr and Cissy Carr, grandmother of Catherine Carr and Sarah Roberts, great grandmother of Brooks and Max Roberts

Myron “Buddy” Garfield Herring, Jr., March 2, father of Heather Stanton, father-in-law of Sam Stanton, grandfather of Gracie

Robert “Bob” Beamon, March 4, father of Carolyn Tilley, grandfather of Matt

Wallace Legette Hall, March 4, father of Wallace Hall and Sydney Hall, father-in-law of Kristi Hall, grandfather of Getty, Avery, Kellam and William Hall, Sydney and Jakesy Jordaan

Caroline Reid Lyne Oliver, March 7, mother of Ann Lyne

James Patrick Nettle, March 7, brother of Ruthie Garrett

Ruth (Roo) Gidley Somerville, March 15, mother of John Somerville

The Rev. Dr. Herbert Benjamin Wren III, March 15, uncle of Mary Kardell, uncle-in-law of Steve Kardell

Albert G. “Bert” Beresford Quelch, March 20, husband of Betty Quelch

Virgil Dwayne Lang, March 23, husband of Mary Jane Lang

Lorraine Elizabeth West, March 23

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Pastoral Care

Last Minute Details— Marillyn Burton Seeberger

I have found one of my hardest jobs is the preparation for

being gone.

When we go on a trip, I usually am washing clothes up

until two hours before I close my suitcase. I don’t want to

leave any dirty clothes behind.

One might compare leaving this world to just such

preparation. One certainly doesn’t want to leave any tasks

undone for family members to play detective and muddle

through documents and decisions.

Let’s face it. We are all going to go sometime and we might

as well anticipate it. So, why not do it now? When it is not

an immediate need.

Not so many years ago,

Gus and I decided to

deal with this idea head

on. We took it as a

challenge. A task to be

checked off our to-do

list, just like cleaning out

the file cabinets, so that

we could go on living

without fear that we

had might have left our

children with a big job to

do at the time of our deaths (or incapacity).

Saint Michael was a big help along the way. From our many

ministries’ trainings and seminars, we had learned how to

recognize if one of us was showing signs of failing memory

and what to expect. We learned about emergency response

in case one of us had a stroke or heart attack. We learned

that we should keep a priest-on-call fob for our key chains

on the refrigerator, or close by. It would be invaluable in

case we were ever hospitalized.

There were three other things we knew we wanted to take

care of:

1) Our wills needed to be updated.

2) We wanted to secure our final resting places and,

3) We wanted to participate in planning our memorial

services.

We were assisted as we purchased our columbarium niches

and we were able to pick just the spots we wanted.

Our Associate for Pastoral Care then guided us to tastefully

plan every minute of our respective services in keeping

with the tradition of the Episcopal Church. We were

able to designate the readings we wanted and the music

we wanted and discussed many other practical things.

We were comforted that our families would be able to

celebrate our lives without a lot of stress, at a time when

they will be wanting to remember us instead of making

big decisions. And we know that the Funeral Guild will

prepare a modest reception for all present. Saint Michael

has so many caring niceties available for parishioners, we

know that our families will be well taken care of by our

Saint Michael Family.

We were given the names of a good cross-section of

crematorium facilities within the area that offered a variety

of price ranges. This may seem like a strange thing to

‘shop’ for, but we are not spendthrifts in this life and again,

we didn’t want to leave such an important decision as a

responsibility to our children.

Working with an attorney, we updated our wills and

bequests and made certain that we had the right documents

filled out and where to keep them. What a relief. Everything

is on file at Saint Michael. We think our children will be

grateful that we took care of these details for them.

Marillyn and Gus Seeberger

Pastoral Care

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Now that we have those things checked off our list, we can

continue our lively participation in life at Saint Michael

and All Angels Episcopal Church.

You, too, can get on with what could appear to be a

daunting job.

Beginning in April, there will be a 3-week series on End of

Life issues, from 10:00-11:00, during the Sunday school

hour. We will meet in the ESD Library. This is an excellent

opportunity to explore how you can complete the same

kinds of arrangements that we did.

April 17, Parish Nurse, Kathy Rose will be presenting on

Hospice Care. Kathy works for Community Hospice of

Texas and will be exploring some of these questions: What

is Hospice? How is it helpful? How do I know it is time

for hospice? Etc.

April 24, Bennett Cullum will present “The Legal Side

of End of Life”: What documents must all people have

filled out? The ramifications of not having these legal

documents? Are there cost effective ways to get this

paperwork completed? Who needs to be involved? Where

should I keep my documents? Etc.

May 1, The Rev. Lisa Flores Musser, Associate for Pastoral

Care, will be talking about “How to Plan Your Funeral”

here at SMAA, and Kimberly Robinson, will be here to talk

about Columbarium Options.

If you have any questions, please contact The Rev. Lisa

Flores Musser, lflores@saintmichael.org, or call 214-363-

5471, ext.229.

April 17

Parish Nurse, Kathy Rose will be presenting on Hospice Care.

Kathy works for Community Hospice of Texas and will be exploring some of these questions: What is Hospice? How is it helpful? How do I know it is time for hospice?

April 24

Bennett Cullum will present “The Legal Side of End of Life.”

What documents must all people have filled out? The ramifications of not having these legal documents? Are there cost effective ways to get this paperwork completed? Who needs to be involved? Where should I keep my documents?

May 1

The. Rev. Lisa Flores Musser Associate for Pastoral Care, “How to Plan Your Funeral” here at Saint Michael

Kimberly Robinson, will be there to talk about Columbarium Options.

Join Us in the ESD Library

End of Life Issues a 3 week series

April 17, 24, and May 1Sundays at 10

Pastoral Care

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April Calendar of Events

Care Givers Support Group: Meets on the first and third Mondays at 11:00 in the parlor. We provide support for those who have the responsibility of caring for a loved one.

Contact: Sandra Klingeman, jsklingeman@sbcglobal.net.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors and Friends in Christ will meet together on Thursday, April 7 at 6:00 in the Coke Activities Room. After a light dinner, Katie Dickenson from the Senior Source will give a presentation, Living To Be 100. Everyone is invited. Please reply by noon on Monday, April 4 to Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org.

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Noonday Stress Reliever – Music and Prayer on Wednesday, April 13. The lunch-hour is a great time to relieve a little stress and reboot your day. On Wednesday, April 13 meet at the Saint Michael Chapel at 11:45. Music director James Diaz will play the music of Bach, and The Rev. Lisa Flores Musser will lead Noonday Prayers. You’ll be on your way before 1:00. Treat yourself to a refreshing break in the midst of the day.

.

Faith and Grief Luncheon. The April Faith and Grief Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, April 14, 12 noon to 1:00, in the Coke Activities Room. Our guest speaker will be Regina Hunt.Anyone who has ever suffered the death of a loved one is invited to attend. There is no fee, but donations are happily accepted. Contact: Katherine Bowen for reservations. kbowen@saintmichael.org.

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Recovery Advocates is a group dedicated to enhancing the spiritual, physical, emotional and social well-being of communicants in the matter of substance abuse and other addictions. The Recovery Advocates are individuals who have knowledge and experience in the area of addiction recovery and are willing to serve as a resource to discuss issues and concerns, share experiences, or take someone to an AA or Alanon meeting. The Rev. Neal Hern (nealhern@aol.com) is the clergy contact. Communication is confidential.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alcoholics Anonymous. This group, open to both men and women meets on the first and third Sundays of each month at 7:30, in the Coke Activities Room. Contact: The Rev. Neal Hern, nealhern@aol.com.

A Stephen Minister Can Help You Now is a good time to begin again with a new you. Do you have a burden that you cannot handle alone? Saint Michael and All Angels offers a dedicated group of men and women who have received specialized training to walk with you, confidentially, on this journey. Consider asking for a Stephen Minister. If you know someone who might benefit from having a Stephen Minister or you could use one yourself, please contact The Rev. Lisa Flores Musser, lflores@saintmichael.org. or lay leader, Jean Coleman, jwcoleman@sbcglobal.net.

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Pastoral Care

Mondays:

Women’s Cancer Support Group. Meets regularly on Mondays at 1:45 in the Parlor to offer support to those who have or who are recovering from the disease. To learn more, Contact: Sue Patton, pattons@sbcglobal.net, or Charlie Stobaugh, charliestobaugh@gmail.com.

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The Christian Yoga Class. Yoga classes meet every week. Plan to be with us on Mondays at 5:30 in the Youth Center. Take this opportunity to care for your body and soul in the Christian Yoga classes offered by Licensed Yoga Instructor, Annette Lentz. There is no fee. Questions? Contact: Annette Lentz, Annette.lentz@sbcglobal.net

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Tuesdays:

Centering Prayer Group. You are invited to join us on Tuesdays at 10:00, in the Clergy Conference Room, to engage in Centering Prayer. Start each day positively. Learn how to be still, pray, and get your mind centered on those things most important to you and those you love.Contact: Mary Ann Webster, maryannwebster@gmail.com.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Knitting Ministry You are invited to join us weekly as we gather on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 – 3:00 in the Coke Activities Room where we knit together in community. If you don’t know how to knit and would like to learn, please come. You can learn from other knitters. Consider joining the knitting ministry, either in person or from home. Contact: Byrd Teague, byrd.teague@gmail.com.

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Calling All With A Volunteer Heart! Congregational Care Ministry Invites you to volunteer:

Extended Care Cooks needs volunteers who are willing to cook only one or two times during the year for someone in need. Share your gift of cooking. If you are interested and have questions, please contact Ann Mills, Congregational Care Ministries, amills@saintmichael.org.

Good Shepherd Ministry welcomes anyone who would like to be a Good Shepherd in their neighborhood. You can be the person to be provide a neighbor with that needed connection to Saint Michael. If this is you, please contact Judy Cole, judycole2012@gmail.com or Ann Mills, amills@saintmichael.org.

Funeral Receptions. We welcome any volunteers who would like to bring cookies for Funeral Receptions. If cookie baking is something you love, contact Ann Mills, amills@saintmichael.org. These homemade gifts of love mean so much to the families whose loved one has died.

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Looking Forward to May: Put this on your calendar. On Thursday evening, May 12, the Prayer Ministry will hold its annual Crawfish and Shrimp Boil in the Coke Activities Room and Garden Cloister. This is a fun event you won’t want to miss. All are invited. Kindly make your reservation with Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org.

15

Grandparents Day

Grandparents and “Grandfriends” Light Up Saint Michael Episcopal School

There were a lot of happy faces and proud grandparents at Saint Michael Episcopal School’s first ever Grandfriends Day on Friday, March 24.

Grandparents, some from as far away as Hilton Head, South Carolina, came to see, be with, and see their “favorite” offspring in action. They attended the morning chapel service led by the Vicar, Bill Murray, filling the church.

The best part, however, was getting the kids to show where they go to school and what they’ve learned. The story is in the pictures.

16

Saint Michael Episcopal School

25th Annual Barnyard Bash

This fantastic family event is coming up on April 24th from 4:00-7:00. Barnyard Bash is online this year so please visit this link for three very important components of the event. www.smesdallas.org/barnyardbash. We will also accept your donations and reservations via the form you received.

• Underwriting - Without the generosity of our Saint Michael Episcopal School and church parents, grandparents and friends, this event would not be possible each year. Thank you for your support!

• Reservations – Sign your family up soon for an afternoon you won’t want to miss. What could be better than Burger House, an Eddie Coker concert and a field full of activities with all of your friends from Saint Michael?

• Volunteers – We ask that every Saint Michael Family, please consider signing up for one 30-minute shift. It’s fun, easy, and a great way to ensure this event runs smoothly and is enjoyed by all.

And Barnyard Bash will be held rain or shine, so it’s going to be fun no matter what!

Cradle Roll

We warmly welcome our newest members born into our parish family:

Annie Katherine Erwin

February 14, 2016Daughter of Kristin and Hunter Erwin

Help us to welcome our newest parishioners by emailing Ellen Talley at ETalley@saintmichael.org your baby’s arrival information.

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Children and Family Ministry

Catechesis and Edge Move ClassroomsWe are growing. That is the great news and the ultimate take-away. Saint Michael Episcopal School is adding a kindergarten class, their first, next fall. The only place to put the classroom on the first floor hallway is the Catechesis Room, located next to the Coke Activities Room. The Edge Class, our 4th and 5th graders, is growing, too. We have an average of 35-40 youth and multiple teachers in a room designed for 20 to 30. The growth in those two programs has led us to evaluate and move spaces to help each program grow. Beginning April 3, the Edge Class will move to the large room in the Youth Center, giving it more room to grow and thrive. Equally important, in schools like Highland Park and Episcopal School of Dallas, middle school starts at 5th Grade. So the move helps introduce our young middle schoolers to the larger youth group space. The Catechesis Room will move into the slightly larger and recently renovated Edge Room on the second floor. This move will actually be back to an area where Catechesis originally had classes, and will give them a dedicated space for their materials. Saint Michael Episcopal School will then spend the Spring and Summer doing the work necessary to convert the room into a kindergarten for the Fall. Change can be confusing but the great news is that we are growing. Help us celebrate the growth and please spread the news that things are going well even in transition!

Edge Dinner ChurchDinner Church is  for all 4th and 5th graders. Edgers are encouraged to join us on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month  from  5:00-7:00 in the Kitchen to prepare a meal, eat, and worship together. This will be kid-planned, kid-prepared, and kid-led. Questions? Need more information? Contact Erika Bower at ebower@saintmichael.org.

Vacation Bible School/Jr. VBSRegistration is underway at   www.saintmichael.org/vbs/. Birthday guidelines for JR VBS are age 2 by September 1,

through age 4 by August 31. Birthday guidelines for VBS are age 4 by September 1 through rising Grade 5. Adult and youth volunteers

are needed. Service hours are available for students. For more information, please contact Emily Given – egiven@saintmichael.org or 214-692-3030

Lego My BibleRegister your Kindergarten through 3rd grade child for Lego My Bible which begins Wednesday, April 6. The children will explore the wonders of the Bible one Lego creation at a time. Emily Given will lead a four-week kid’s Bible study based on her book Building Faith Brick by Brick. Each week will include prayer, interactive Bible study, story themed snacks, and reflection using Legos.

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Youth Ministry

A Word from the Vicar: Youth Search UpdateThe Youth Search is going very well. Pressley Peters and her all-star search team are doing amazing work. We are interviewing

candidates and bringing some to see Saint Michael and visit our program. We have found that the spring is truly the season when candidates for youth ministry positions begin to look. This makes perfect sense since the school year ends in May and many youth ministers interested in making a move wait until this time.

The candidate pool has increased in quality and depth. We have shifted our focus as a result of feedback from candidates and Ministry Architects. We originally listed a search for a High School Director and Middle School Director. The best and most qualified candidates expressed an interest in being the Director of Youth Ministry and building a team to do that work. In response, we have shifted our focus to hire a Director and then an Associate Director. I feel very good about the process and where we are headed. Please keep the search team and our youth in your prayers. We know those prayers are making all the difference!

Bill Murray

Vicar

Middle School Mission Trip Heading to Corpus Christi in JuneSaint Michael’s middle school student (grades 6 and 7) will

have a  week of service and beach fun in Corpus Christi June 26 – 30. They will stay right on the beach at the Mustang

Island Conference Center and the Episcopal Diocese of Texas will be our hosts.

We will volunteer with local outreach organizations that are serving a number of groups of people in need in Corpus Christi and the surrounding area. Fun activities include a beach trip, evening campfires, and a Corpus Christi Hooks baseball game.

For more information and registration go to: www.saintmichael.org/youth/mission-trips.

High School Youth Plan Mission Trip to CubaThe Rev. Hunter Ruffin and The Rev. Oliver Butler will lead the church’s high school students on a mission trip to Cuba June 7 – 15 this summer.

The students will work with the San Bernabe Episcopal Church and participate in the consecration of the new parish building Saint Michael has helped fund and build. In addition, our youth will have cultural exchange opportunities with other youth from the church and the surrounding community. They also have planned a beach day in Trinidad.

Space for this trip is, unfortunately, limited. The first step to registration will be to fill out an interest form.  For information contact Fr. Butler.

Bill Murray

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For Your Information

we can discern from the historical records, 10 of the 11

surviving disciples died martyrs’ deaths.

Which is significant. The Greek word from which we get

our word “martyr” actually simply means “witness”, but so

many early Christians chose to die for their faith rather

than inflict violence that the word came to expressly be

applied to those who died rather than deny their Lord.

Which raises a very stark question: How can you and I

as disciples of the Risen One so open our hearts to His

Presence that we can live with such confidence in God’s

love that we’d rather die than do violence of any kind?

I think we may find a clue in the Gospel of John.

“[T]he disciples rejoiced when they saw the [Risen]

Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the

Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this,

he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy

Spirit.” (John 20:20-22)

The resurrection of Jesus is not simply a historical event that

happened 2000 years ago! It is the very breath of our God

– God’s very life – flowing through our veins, breathing in

our hearts, right now. The Holy Spirit is the Holy Breath

of God (literally, in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin), and in the

power of the resurrection that Breath is ours! If . . . we

choose to live it now. This is what all the great saints and

mystics throughout history have known and demonstrated.

Here’s the thing: While I absolutely believe in the

“historicity” of the resurrection – I really believe with all

my heart that it happened – there’s no particular merit in

that unless my cognitive belief opens my heart to profound

transformation, the transformation which Jesus died to

issue into our hearts and into the world. As the Apostle

Paul put it, “I have been crucified with Christ;  and it is

no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.”

(Galatians 2:19-20) The resurrection of Jesus matters only

as I allow the Risen Lord to dwell in me through the power

of the Holy Spirit. As surely as the Resurrection of Jesus is

not mere metaphor or mere symbol, so is the Risen Life not

mere metaphor or symbol. For me the question regarding

Easter has ceased to be: Did it happen? I’m confident it did.

For me the question of Easter has become, have I opened

my eyes, my ears, and my heart to perceive and discern the

Risen Lord living within and through me for His purposes

in the world? I hope that’s what Easter means for you as

well.

Doug Travis

Interim Rector

Continued from page 1

Acolyte Training - April 16 and 23The Saint Michael and All Angels’ Acolyte Corps is recognized

as one the best in the Episcopal Church. Join this acclaimed

group and help enhance our worship. Acolyte training will be

held on either Saturday, April 16 or 23 from 9:00 – 10:30. Only

one training session is required. Information: Tony Briggle at

tonybriggle@sbcglobal.net.

PERIODICAL

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DALLAS, TX

Saint Michael and All Angels

8011 Douglas Avenue

Dallas, Texas 75225-0385

The Archangel Newsletter (USPS 015-033) is published monthly by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church POSTMASTER: Send Address changes to The Archangel, Saint Michael and All Angels Church, P.O. Box 12385, Dallas,TX 75225-0385

www.saintmichael.org Phone: 214-363-5471 Fax: 214-363-4388

Monday – Friday

7:00 a.m. – Eucharist – BMCWednesday

10:00 a.m. – Healing Service – BMCSaturday

8:30 a.m. – Eucharist – BMC5:30 p.m. – Candlelight MassSunday

7:30 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I – SMC9:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite II - Church 9:00 a.m. – Joy Mass - Parish Hall 9:00 a.m. – Discovery Mass - SMC10:00 a.m. – Sunday School Classes (Children and Adult)11:00 a.m. – Eucharist Rite I –Church11:11 a.m. – The Celebration - Parish Hall5:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer and Eucharist Rite I – SMC

The Very Reverend Doug Travis, Interim RectorThe Reverend Bill Murray, VicarThe Reverend Lisa Flores Musser, Associate for

Pastoral CareThe Reverend Greg Pickens, Associate for

Operations and Pastoral CareThe Reverend Oliver Butler, Associate for Youth

and Young AdultsThe Reverend Hunter Ruffin, Associate for

Mission and OutreachThe Reverend Bob Johnston, Associate for

EvangelismThe Reverend Michael Harmuth, Sunday

AssociateThe Reverend Rich Towers, Weekend AssociateThe Reverend Mary Lessmann, Sunday

Associate

Parish Clergy Parish Vestry

Matt Waller, Sr. WardenKay Whelan, Jr. WardenGrady Schleier, TreasurerCharlie Sartain, ChancellorMargaret Spellings, Clerk

Peter Beck, Eric Conner, Mark Demler, Whitney Grogan, Beth Hise, Kathy Kelley, Rachel Morgan, Tom Rhodus, Elizabeth L. Selzer, J.C. Snead, Arnold Spencer, and Chris Wiley.

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A monthly publication of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church