The LIVING INTO THE BIRTH OF JESUS BY THE VERY REV. MARY HUDAK THE NEWSLETTER OF ST. MICHAEL S EPISCOPAL CHURCH DECEMBER 2015 VOL.

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1 The MESSENGER THE NEWSLETTER OF ST. MICHAEL S EPISCOPAL CHURCH DECEMBER 2015 VOL. 45 ISSUE MISSION AVE. CARMICHAEL, CA STMICHAELSCARMICHAEL.ORG LIVING INTO THE BIRTH OF JESUS BY THE VERY REV. MARY HUDAK With gratitude and joy, I wish you a rich and meaningful Advent. The season of Advent is a time of longing and anticipation of the new promise fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. What does it mean today to celebrate and live into the birth of Jesus, especially when it happened over 2000 years ago, in a place we can hardly relate to and among a culture that still had most of us scratching our heads? Living into the birth of Jesus, means that we live today as if the Kingdom of God is here. We do this because with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are in the midst of the kingdom of God, living in the possibility of justice, mercy and love. It is confusing to live in the dawning of God s kingdom without the full manifestation of it realized. But listen folks! The good news is that it is dawning! It is here, right now, in this time and in this place! We rejoice in the Birth of Jesus Christ, our newborn king! All of us have stories of the divine in our lives. It is in the sunsets we delight in, and the special moments of connections we have with our loved ones. It can surprise us in encounters with strangers that cross our paths ever so swiftly. The gift that Jesus left here on earth we often call Grace. Invite Grace into your hearts and into your lives by participating in those pregnant moments. Welcome Grace and create the space and atmosphere for Her to emerge. Here at St. Michael s, I have been experiencing Grace since the first day I came to know you. Grace has been present in all the ministry and work we do within our walls and with the neighbors beyond our walls. It has also been present behind the scenes, in the work of the Vestry. That is what I want to share with you today. When I came, the Vestry and I went on a retreat to determine the direction that the church was going to head in during my tenure as the Rector. We began by listing the strengths of the congregation, built through many years of loyal and committed members engagement. We also looked at the challenges the church faces due to the changing world around us. We discussed possibilities of ways in which we can change to meet the demands of a constantly evolving world on its terms, while searching for ways that we can better the world, actively making it into the kingdom we so love. We began by asking ourselves: What kind of church do we want to be? We quickly determined that we want to be a church that matters to its members and the neighborhood around us. And what matters most is that Jesus began the new age by bringing the kingdom of God into the world with all its love, grace, forgiveness, mercy and justice. With Jesus, we can accept these things for ourselves and bring them to others as well. That is the why, this is the church s mandate, but the concrete question of practice remains. How and what do we do to make this happen? If you turn to page 6, you will see months of work done by the Vestry, staff, committees, and members. We determined, through the World Cafés, five areas we want to grow in. Five different groups have been meeting to determine goals and objectives that will lead us into a stronger, better defined, and deeper relationship with Jesus. It is a 3-year plan in which all are invited to engage. Look it over and pick one piece that will help fulfill your desire to belong to Jesus in a meaningful way. Please unwrap one of the gifts inside yourself that you have been ignoring, to see which of the opportunities we are offering here in our plan suit you. The best gift you can prepare for is the presence of Jesus in your life and unwrapping gifts that God gave you that have been hidden until now. May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit bless you and give you grace this Advent season. Amen. Faithfully, Rev. Mary

2 PARISH OFFICE ST. MICHAEL S STAFF & OFFICE HOURS The office is open M-F 9am-4pm Rev. Mary M-Th 9am-5pm Father Rod W, F 9am-12pm Deacon Cindy M, W Mari M, T & Th, F 11am-3pm Ellen T-F 9am-5pm Glenn M-F 8am 4pm Treasurer M 9am-12pm WHO ME? VESTRY MEMBER OR DIOCESAN CONVENTION DELEGATE?? NAH. BY LISA SARGENT Yes, you! Think about it..growth opportunities knock on the door in all ways and coming from many directions. The choices you make in your life matter. Has St. Michael s, its people, worship and influence in your life made a difference for you? Do you feel you are a better person for these experiences? Is your faith developing and changing?? Consider giving back and contributing to the future direction of St. Michael s through participating as a Vestry member. We need your gifts and your involvement. The Episcopal Church extends far beyond the walls of St. Michael s. There is a vibrant and energetic Diocesan family consisting of 69 parishes and missions extending over Northern California. As a St. Michael s delegate to Diocesan Convention, you see and hear about how the Episcopal Church is doing God s work in different settings and communities. It is a transformative experience to broaden and grow your perspective about what church is in our part of the world. Go ahead and make the leap. Take a chance and put your name in for Vestry or Delegate to Diocesan Convention. You will be glad you did. Please visit org/about/vestry/ to learn more and download nomination forms. As Advent approaches and with it, the gift of the birth of our savior, I find myself reflecting on how very fortunate and how very thankful I am. For me, Advent is a time of preparation- not just music, but in all aspects of my life. The anticipated birth of a child is perhaps one of, if not the most joyful events of life, and to celebrate the birth of Jesus is to celebrate the birth of love. And so I invite you all to join us Sunday, December 20th, at 5PM, for the beautiful service of FROM THE NORTHWEST CORNER BY CONNIE WEICHERT page 2 Christmas Lessons and Carols. The service of Lessons and Carols originated at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall, England, in It was created at the request of parishioners to take the place of singing carols at their residences. The service became more of a regular tradition in 1918, when Eric Milner introduced it on Christmas Eve at King s College, Cambridge, as a way of providing more imaginative worship for the Church of England, and where the service of Lessons and Carols has been sung every year since. It is a beautiful, warm, and loving service and a wonderful way to start the season of Christmas. Please join us!

3 DATES TO REMEMBER FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 MOLLY S REVENGE WINTERDANCE CONCERT THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 R.O.M.E.O.S SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 DAUGHTERS OF THE KING ST. MATTHEW S COMMUNITY DINNER MERCY & SOCIAL JUSTICE MEETING FRIDAY-SUNDAY, DECEMBER MISSION AVENUE PLAYERS READERS THEATRE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 MEN S BREAKFAST SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT CHRISTMAS CAROLING MONDAY, DECEMBER 14 ST. MARGARET S GUILD SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 GOD S HELPING HANDS LAUNDRY DAY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSAL LESSONS & CAROLS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE! PARISH OFFICE CLOSES AT 12PM 5PM FAMILY SERVICE (CHRISTMAS PAGEANT) 9PM CAROLS 10PM FESTIVE EUCHARIST FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS DAY! 10AM HOLY EUCHARIST DECEMBER 25-JANUARY 3 PARISH OFFICE CLOSED WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 MESSENGER DEADLINE LOAVES & FISHES SAVE THE DATE page 3

4 ADVENT & CHRISTMAS AdventCoffee HourSeries WITH BAKED POTATO SUPPER $5/person, $15 family max We ll gather in the Parish Hall at 6pm for treats and a little practice before we head out into the neighborhood to spread a little Christmas cheer! Bring your friends, a flashlight, and your most festive Christmas sweater. page 4

5 ADVENT & CHRISTMAS ST.MICHAEL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH SCRIPTURE READINGS, REFLECTIONS, & PRAYERS FOR THE SEASONS OF Want to stay connected during the busy seasons of Advent & Christmas? Please visit our website to see everything that s happening at St. Michael s, read our Advent/Christmas blog, and learn how you can be a part of all of our special events! DECEMBER 6 Mission Avenue Players DECEMBER 13 Still Available DECEMBER 20 Still Available DECEMBER 27 Still Available St. Michael s Christmas Pageant will be performed at the 5pm Christmas Eve service Rehearsal is from 11:30am-1:30pm on Sunday, December 20 With Pizza Lunch! Please RSVP to Ellen by Sunday, December 13 in order to participate All are welcome! page 5

6 PARISH LIFE ST. MICHAEL S GOALS & OBJECTIVES AS OUTLINED BY THE VESTRY BY THE VERY REV. MARY HUDAK The Vestry, with many members of St. Michael s, has put together these goals and objectives for our three-year plan. We are asking all members to look these over and pick one area in which to get involved. St. Michael s will succeed as an especially connected community if we all do something to accomplish this three year plan. Member Ministry Goal: Create a new Member Ministry 1. Create a Member Ministry Committee. 2. Develop a process for inviting, welcoming, tracking, follow up, and introducing St. Michael s to visitors 3. Educate and incorporate St. Michael s parishioners of Objective 2 4. Work with information from the neighborhood group to develop an invitation plan according to information they gather. 5. Create foyer groups with space for visitors 6. Conduct at least 3 focus groups 7. Identify at least 2 places where we can consistently have Public Service Announcements 8. Explore the feasibility and practicality of print advertising 9. Create a promotional video for St. Michael s that connects with a campaign that focuses on #choosestmichaels. Neighborhood Goal: To be recognized as an important resource to the neighborhood 1. Gather information regarding the demographics of the people and businesses within a 5 mile radius of St. Michaels (STM). 2. Analyze data from Objective #1. Discern and match STM resources with the perceived needs of the neighborhood. 3. Build at least 2 partnerships based on results from Objective #2. 4. Have at least 4 events on Campus. Spiritual Formation Goal: To offer spiritual opportunities that draw us into a relationship with Jesus no matter where we are on your spiritual journey. 1. Establish a Spiritual Formation Committee to implement the goal and objectives 2. Have established avenues to generate ideas for spiritual study, including, but not limited to: 3. Placing cards in the pews 4. Our website 5. Offer two new small groups in response to objective #1 within the first two years of the goal s implementation. 6. Continue monthly forum after the 10:00 a.m. service. Campus Space Goal: Determine the Best Use of Our Campus Space 1. Convene a Campus Space Committee for long-range planning (not same as Buildings and Grounds) 2. Campus inventory to determine needs of space and any deferred maintenance issues 3. Assess the Worship Space and campus buildings for consistency with Joyful Welcoming and needs to be a Family Church New and Innovative Worship Goal: We will offer a regular casual worship service 1. Create an on-going, intergenerational Worship Vitality Committee 2. Research and document other Episcopal Churches? (26 weeks) 3. Faith Cameron Park, St. Augustine Rocklin, St. Martins, Davis, Children s Sunday and Megan s service at Trinity Cathedral 4. Analyze the data gathered from Objective 2, distribute report, Dream and Plan the service (6 weeks) 5. Have at least Four casual Services a year (52 weeks) page 6...continued on page 7

7 PARISH LIFE...continued from page 6 Outreach Goal 1: Provide focused and balanced outreach in the 4 areas identified within the structure of Mercy and Social Justice: fundraising/check writing, in kind donations, doing to and for, partnerships/doing with. 1. Create a structure to define and review outreach partners (6 months) 2. Build relationships with partners (1 year) 3. Create a plan for charitable giving. (1 year) Identify ministries of St. Michael s that raise funds and Be in relationship with these groups 1. Offer opportunities in each area with careful consideration that there is balance across the 4 areas (3 months) Goal 2: Create an Advocacy Ministry 1. Generate awareness and in doing so, identify areas for possible congregational connection. (1 year) 2. Carefully consider offering at least 2 opportunities to take action and recruit interest. (1 year) 3. Engage in at least one activity that promotes change for a more just society.(1 year) 4. Join with partners who engage in Advocacy, creating connections (3 years) Goal 3: Communicate well with other committees 1. Establish communication avenues. (6 months) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 Saint Margaret s Guild St. Margaret s Guild luncheon is on Monday, December 14 in the Friendship Center. Open to all women of the parish and guests. Please call Barbara Askew for reservations. R.O.M.E.O.s will meet for lunch on Thursday, December 17 at 12pm at Serritella s (6346 Fair Oaks Blvd). Daughters of the King will have their annual Christmas potluck luncheon on Monday, December 7 in the Friendship Center. All women in the congregation are most welcome to join us. Any questions, please call Edie Decker at or page 7

8 COMMUNITY page 8

9 OUTREACH ST MATTHEW S COMMUNITY DINNER AND PRE-CHRISTMAS GATHERING MONDAY DECEMBER 7TH 4-8PM BY DEACON CINDY LONG Thank you to all of you who have been helping to wrap the gifts! There are still opportunities to volunteer for this special night of celebration with the people of St Matthew s and the surrounding neighborhood. We will be cooking and serving an extra special dinner, Christmas Caroling, supervising a craft/activity table for the children to keep them busy while their parents pick out presents, distributing the Angel Bags and more. Hope you can come! For more information please call the office and leave a message for Mary Ellen Ferguson or Deacon Cindy. God s Helping Hands Laundry day is Saturday, December 19! If you d like to volunteer, please contact Mary Groesbeck (maryg32@sbcglobal.net). Please continue to give generously to support food programs in our community: St. Matthew s, River City Food Bank, and Loaves & Fishes page 9

10 PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY UPDATE by Deacon Cindy Long & the Pastoral Care Team: Kate Muris, Bev Reed, Lisa Sargent, & Tina Ferriot Our Vision: Create a culture where the people of St. Michael s Church pastor to one another with open hearts, healthy emotional attitudes, good boundaries, and a sense of God s presence in their work. THE BIG PICTURE: 4 TIERS OF PASTORAL CARE Tier 1- Caring Hearts Volunteers provide meals and rides to appointments/other errands, and Church / Church Events. Please request by ing caringhearts@stmichaelscarmichael.org or by leaving a message on the Caring Hearts extension at the church office ext 12 and we will do our best to help meet your need. Tier 2- Pastoral Partners Offers intentional hospitality and support through regular check ins with members who may be feeling isolated due to illness or other life circumstances. Tier 3- Pastoral Ministers and Bereavement Ministry Offers ongoing spiritually based pastoral care after clergy have attended to initial crisis. Tier 4- Clergy Pastoral Care- Offers pastoral care for those situations that require clergy. (ongoing- please call the church office if you or someone you know are in need) Important Upcoming Dates! Blue Christmas Service Sunday December 14th 4pm at All Saint s Episcopal Church, Sacramento (see below) Community of Hope Pastoral Ministers- Next check in meeting is Wednesday January 27 6:30-8:30pm Watch for news coming soon about the annual all Pastoral Caregivers Retreat in early 2016 BLUE CHRISTMAS? Service at All Saints' DECEMBER 14, 4pm The holidays can be a wonderful time of year. They can also be a very lonely time of year for those of us who are missing loved ones who are no longer with us. This year we have been invited by All Saint s Episcopal Church, Sacramento to join them in a service planned especially for people who are experiencing sadness due to loss during this season. Whether experiencing a recent death or some long term memories that spring up around Christmas, this service is intended to help people find the comfort that we long for and which God intends for us. Interested? Please contact Deacon Cindy deaconcindy@stmichaelscarmichael. org for more information. Carpool available and anyone who wishes is invited to go out for a light dinner afterwards. page 10

11 YOUTH & FAMILY SAVE THE DATE CAPITAL EPISCOPAL YOUTH NETWORK WINTER WEEKEND FEB 26-28, 2016 U grades 7-12 U Happy Birthday Jasmine Lee NuRsery for ages 0-3 is open 9:30am-12pm every Sunday Come meet our new nursery workers! page 11

12 S MICHAEL S 2140 Mission Ave. Carmichael, CA Phone: (916) Fax: (916) The St. Michael s Messenger (USPS ) is published monthly by St. Michael s Episcopal Church at the above address. Postmaster: Please send address changes to St. Michael s Episcopal Church, 2140 Mission Avenue, Carmichael, CA OUR MISSION St. Michael s Episcopal Church, centered in Jesus Christ, welcomes all who desire to grow in their relationship with God. WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Eucharist 8:00 a.m.... Rite II 10:00 a.m.... Rite II 5:00 p.m.. Music, Prayers, and Eucharist PARISH CLERGY The Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Northern California The Very Rev. Mary Hudak, Rector The Rev. Rodney Davis, Associate The Rev. Cindy Long, Deacon Sonya Reichel, Seminarian 2015 VESTRY Tammy Murray, Senior Warden Doug Davy, Junior Warden Mary Ellen Ferguson, Clerk Vestry Members: Bryan Barry, Jim Dodds, Sarah Foley, Susan Johnson, Chris Lee, Kate Muris, Savannah Olivier, Michael Patrick, Huey Tidwell STAFF & VOLUNTEERS Constance Weichert, Music Director Ellen Coleman, Ministry Program Manager John Cozza, Organist Glenn Croy, Sexton Mari Reddell, Office Manager/Bookkeeper Jim Sargent, Treasurer Utonomy, Accounting Deadline: Submissions for the January issue are due in the office or to ellen@stmichaelscarmichael.org by Wednesday, December 15.