The BLESSINGS AND THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU! BY THE REV. MARY HUDAK THE NEWSLETTER OF ST. MICHAEL S EPISCOPAL CHURCH SEPTEMBER 2015 VOL.

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1 The MESSENGER THE NEWSLETTER OF ST. MICHAEL S EPISCOPAL CHURCH SEPTEMBER 2015 VOL. 45 ISSUE MISSION AVE. CARMICHAEL, CA STMICHAELSCARMICHAEL.ORG BLESSINGS AND THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU! BY THE REV. MARY HUDAK I feel a little pretentious opening this letter in such a way but it feels right. It is similar to the apostle Paul s greeting to the newly established church communities. He begins, May God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ bless you and give you peace (1 Cor, 1:3). I too am offering you blessings and giving thanks for the support and time given to St. Michael s three-year plan of Welcoming. In the World Cafés, the Vestry asked the community to discuss what we do well and what we can do better to become more welcoming. To make this work personally transformative, I am asking that we wonder WHY we do what we do at St. Michael s. I believe we will find the essence of Jesus at the core in our answers. When we ask ourselves, What do we do well? We look at our work from a practical (mind/head) perspective. When we ask ourselves, Why so we do what we do? We get to the heart of the matter. We often make choices about how we will spend time and resources based on priorities or habits. We often laugh at ourselves when we recognize that we do what we do because we have always done it that way. Yet, underlying that answer, we are also saying, We do it this way because it is how we learned to live out Jesus call to love God, one another, and ourselves. Our priority as Christians is to serve out of gratitude and love for God s blessings and the healing power of Jesus. When I ask myself, Why am I priest? Why did I choose this path? My answer comes from a very early and transformative experience of God and Jesus. When I was a seven-year old little girl, feeling overwhelmed and a little lost in a family of ten, I felt the calming presence of God. Somehow, in some way, mysteriously, amazingly, comfortably and practically I knew in my bones, in my flesh, in my very being my heart that I was special to God. It was confirmed the first time I received the body of Christ. When I received that host and ate it, something happened that fundamentally changed me. I became first and foremost God s child. This sustains me in so many ways, too many ways to mention. Along my spiritual journey, I felt called to spread this good news to all children. I taught Sunday school for years and taught this as best I could. Later I learned that we are all children of God; always, no matter how old or young we are. Therefore, the call to share this news broadened to include everyone. Do I spread God s love to everyone I meet? No, like everyone else, I am not always courageous enough. Sometimes I don t have the right words, forgetting to invite the Holy Spirit to help me. Sometimes I just plain forget because I get distracted. Yet, sometimes I do live out this call. Sometimes I use words and sometimes I use actions. I give my time to those who are forgotten by the majority of society. I give money to organizations that help those who live on the margins. But mostly, I give my stories to you in sermons, Bible teaching, pastoral counseling, and in casual conversations. I give these stories as inspiration and teaching. It has taken me years to be able to do so; years in ministry both lay and ordained. Years in prayer, Bible study, spiritual direction, and years of living in the world with a spiritual focus. But it all started with me knowing, believing, and living into my own story of Jesus love. What is your story of God s love? When did you meet Jesus for the first time? Where do you see the revealing of Love in your life now? These stories may be at the center of your motivation to serve God, continued on page 2

2 PARISH OFFICE in the church and in the world. I invite you to tell me. Deacon Cindy, Fr. Rod, and Ellen want to hear your stories too. Think about finding your story and telling it to one of us so we can be inspired and in return inspire those around us as well. No names need be repeated, we promise! Evangelism simply means sharing the Good News: the Gospel stories of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the story of Jesus redeeming and sustaining love in the midst of a broken and often frightening world. Everyone gets to determine how, I just ask that we all think about why we do what we do. I believe that somewhere in that story of why, an encounter with something or someone that is like Jesus will emerge. It is an exciting journey we are all on together. I pray that we all open our hearts to the Holy Spirit who will make known the story of Jesus in our lives if we ask for it be known. In the name of Jesus, Rev. Mary ST. MICHAEL S STAFF & OFFICE HOURS The office is open M & T, Th & F 11am-3pm 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 WELCOME BACK! NEW BEGINNINGS EFM Tuesday, September 8 Choir Thursday, September 10 Sunday School Sunday, September 13 ONGOING Centering Prayer Every other Wednesday Bible Study Every Thursday Bell Choir Every other Wednesday page 2

3 DATES TO REMEMBER MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 PARISH OFFICE CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 EFM RESUMES THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 CHOIR REHEARSAL RESUMES SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 MEN S BREAKFAST FLOWER WORKSHOP KAY WILLIAMS FUNERAL & RECEPTION SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES PHOTO DIRECTORY GENERAL CONVENTION FORUM MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 MERCY & SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 MESSENGER DEADLINE LOAVES & FISHES THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 R.O.M.E.O.S SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 HIKING CLUB YOUTH TRIP TO SIX FLAGS! SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 PHOTO DIRECTORY MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 VESTRY MEETING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 FEAST OF ST. MICHAEL S FALL FESTIVAL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 ST. MICHAEL S FEAST DAY ANGEL BAG ASSEMBLY CEYN FALL KICK OFF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 DAUGHTERS OF THE KING SAVE THE DATE TRUNK or TREAT HALLOWEEN PARTY SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, pm for all ages St. Michael s parking lot If you d like to decorate your trunk, please contact Ellen (ellen@stm-ca.net/ ) page 3

4 PARISH LIFE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 FLOWER WORKSHOP BY JANICE BOWDLER When: Saturday, September 12th Time: am Where: St. Michael s Parish Hall Cost: Free We are fortunate to have Heidi Burghardt of Heidi s Floral Design as our invited guest for a floral design workshop. This workshop is being offered to our altar guild members as well as parishioners that would love to help with flowers for special events. No experience necessary. If you are interested in attending this event or have questions, please me, Jan Bowdler at janbowdler@comcast.net, text me at , or let me know at church. WELCOME BACK SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 In addition to returning to regularly scheduled Sunday School for children & young people, during our worship services we will see our new Presiding Bishop- Elect s sermon to General Convention and the Noon Forum will focus on the resolutions and events of General Convention. Hosted by Lisa Sargent and Deacon Cindy. Saint Margaret s Guild St. Margaret s Guild luncheon is on Monday, September 14 at 1pm at Leatherby s, 2333 Arden Way. Open to all women of the parish and guests. Please call Kitty Williamse at for reservations. R.O.M.E.O.s will meet for lunch on Thursday, September 17 at 12pm at Serritella s (6346 Fair Oaks Blvd). Next Hike: Saturday, SEPTEMBER 19 CASCADE FALLS, TAHOE. Hike leader, Jc fisher. Daughters of the King will meet on Monday, September 28 in the Friendship Center. Our guest speaker will be Mary Mussell, our DOK Diocesan Prseident. All women in the Congregation are cordially invited to attend. Any questions, please call Edie Decker at or page 4

5 PARISH LIFE CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICES FOR KAY WILLIAMS & MARY SWARTZ Mary Swartz s Celebration of Life Monday, October 5 at 4pm, with a reception immediately following the service Are you ready for your closeup? Sign up to take your photos for the Pictorial Directory! Photos will be made on Sundays September 13 & 20 page 5

6 PARISH LIFE Fall FESTIVAL SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER PM FOOD FREE 2140 Mission Ave. Carmichael GAMES Fun ALL ARE WELCOME page 6

7 COMMUNITY MISSION AVENUE CONNECTING TO THE COMMUNITY... ONE SHOW AT A TIME SAVE THE DATE FOR UPCOMING PERFORMANCES COMING THIS DECEMBER Holiday Readers Special Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something GREEN? featuring THE GIFT OF THE MAGI by O. Henry Fundraiser for Holiday Food Baskets for those in need COMING MAY 2016 Mitch Albom s TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom based on the book by Mitch Albom 50% of the proceeds go to the ALS Association Greater Sacramento Chapter St. Michael s Episcopal Church, Johnstone Hall 2140 Mission Avenue, Carmichael CA Stay tuned for further information! That s a tease! Proclamation of service to Mission Avenue Players for Marilyn Jones page 7

8 OUTREACH ANGEL BAG ASSEMBLY TIME! BY DANCY DOBRENICK & MARY GROESBECK On Sunday, September 27, we will be assembling Angel Bags in Johnstone Hall following each worship service. We still need travel-size shampoo/conditioner, shaving cream, washcloths, chapstick, and stick deodorant. Please keep bringing all items you can! For more info, please contact Dancy Dobrenick ( ) or Mary Groesbeck ( ). RIVER CITY FOOD BANK HARVEST FOR HUNGER GOD S HELPING HANDS LAUNDRY DAY If you d like more information or to volunteer, please contact Mary Groesbeck: maryg32@sbcglobal.net. page 8

9 THANK YOU FROM ST. MATTHEW S! BY DEACON CINDY LONG The last Community Dinner at St. Matthew s was a great success, thanks to all the hands and hearts who lovingly prepared and served food, fun, and conversation! OUTREACH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE ST MATTHEW S DAY FESTIVAL All are welcome! Please contact Deacon Cindy to volunteer. -Help BBQ Hot Dogs -Help serve food to guests (buffet line) -Supervise a game and hand out prizes (teams of two) -Donate a cake or other baked goods for the Cake Walk BACKPACK BLESSINGS Thank you for your generosity--you brought over 150 backpacks for the students of Starr King! 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. COMMUNITY OF HOPE COMMISSIONING On June 14, our group of 12 people ( 9 from St. Michael s and 3 from St. Matthew s) was commissioned as Community of Hope Pastoral Ministers. This past Spring, the group completed a 14 session training which focuses on spiritual formation and practical lessons in care giving and is based on the Rule of Benedict. Each of these people brings unique gifts for pastoral care and will be a wonderful addition to the ways we care for one another here at St Michael s and in the community. Training will be offered again in 2016 for others interested in this ministry. SAVE THE DATE! There will be an informational gathering about this on Sunday November 8, Please contact Deacon Cindy for more information. 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! Community of Hope Pastoral Ministers: meet every 4th Wed night from 6:30-8:30 pm. Next date: 9/23 Community of Hope, Eucharistic Visitors and Bereavement Team Retreat: Sunday October 4th 12-4pm Quarterly Gathering for Pastoral Partners and Caring Hearts: Sunday November 1, 3pm -4:45pm Watch for news coming soon about the annual all Pastoral Caregivers Retreat Sunday January 24th, 2016 Want to know more about Pastoral Care here at St Michael s? Please speak with one of our team members or Deacon Cindy deaconcindy@stmichaelscarmichael.org. page 10

11 YOUTH & FAMILY GRADES 6-12 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 We're going to Six Flags! Space is limited! Sign up by September 15 by buying your ticket ahead of time online and ing Ellen to let her know! SUNDAY, A Y, SEPTEMBER N OVEMBER R2 27 you re invited to The Capital Episcopal Youth Network s Happy Birthday CJ Lee Carter Benbrook Betsy Tanner Mary Katherine Decker Cassidy Barry fall kickoff snacks + games + fun 4-6pm Grades 6-12 ST. MICHAEL S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2140 MISSION AVE. CARMICHAEL For more info, please contact your priest or youth leader 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 Ellen Coleman, Ministry Program Manager John Cozza, Organist Glenn Croy, Sexton Mari Reddell, Office Manager/Bookkeeper Jim Sargent, Treasurer Utonomy, Accounting Constance Weichert, Music Director Deadline: Submissions for the October issue are due in the office or to ellen@stmichaelscarmichael.org by Wednesday, September 16.