Filed under: Announcements
There is still 2 more opportunities to come to the stewardship gatherings. One will beheld after the 9 am service on Sunday and the other will be held at the Heller’s at 4 pm on Sunday.
If you are unable to attend either gathering and you will not be in church on Sunday, November 15th please call the office at 639-2507 or email the office and we will send you a pleadge card. All we ask it that you return your pledge card to the office by November 15th. Thank you.
Filed under: Announcements
In case you missed the Pumpkin Carving here are the pictures.
Filed under: Messenger
I had to laugh at myself for taking pictures of homes built in the late 1700s – after all, every city in Europe has places older than that. In this country, we are obsessed with all things new, the latest version of everything. We are so busy keeping in touch with the present, that we sometimes forget to value the past and so repeat its mistakes. We forget to be thankful for those who fought to protect our freedoms. We get caught up in the “what have you done for me lately” attitude and forget that life is a gift to be treasured.
When we were in the butterfly exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, I remarked to one of the guides that God did beautiful work when He created so many varieties of butterflies. She looked startled and mumbled something noncommittal as she turned away. How could anyone work with butterflies and not believe in a Creator? How can people watch the progress of the seasons and not be thankful for God’s plan for our lives? Recently I heard someone say they weren’t interested in reading the Bible because it was written so long ago that it had no relevance for today. No wonder the world is in such a mess!
It is fall again, and God is busy with His big box of crayons making the world a more colorful place for a little while until it is time for the winter hibernation. I am thankful that He is a much better artist than any of us can hope to be – have you noticed how many shades of red, yellow and brown He uses? I took a lot of pictures, but not one of them really captured the glory of His reality.
Lord, thank You for the blessing of living in a free country and for all those who were willing to fight to keep it free. Thank You for the beauty of Your fall art work and the crisp autumn days. Thank You for the gifts of life and Christian fellowship and especially for the 100 years you have given to Phyllis LaFleur. Most of all, thank You for the promise of eternal life with You which is ours when we accept Your Son as our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Filed under: Messenger
I hope you have all noticed a change in our Stewardship Campaign this year. We are not taking up important time on Sunday morning bombarding you with information about budgets and tithing. This year we are asking you to attend a “Stewardship Gathering” so you can join the conversation about the future of St. Michael’s Church and how your time, talent and treasure are instrumental in making the future come true.
You will also find something new about the pledge card we will be using on November 15th, “Stewardship Sunday”. On the card you will find a place to put your name. We are asking our members to sign their pledge cards. Why? Because it enables the church to be good stewards of what you give to the church. Your signed pledge card confirms your commitment to the support of the ministry and life of St. Michael’s Church and it also allows the church to streamline it’s accounting and tracking procedures. Rest assured that your pledge is confidential information known only to the treasurer and church administrator.
Another benefit for our members is that Stewardship Sunday will not have those confusing color coded envelopes and multiple pieces of paper. On November 15th, you will just have one item, “A pledge Card” fill it out and then place it on the altar as an offering of thanksgiving. Oh, and remember “Name, Please!”
Thank you.
Fr. Terry McGugan
Filed under: Announcements
“Join the conversation about St. Michael’s Future”
Pick a time and place that fits your schedule
October 29, Thursday 7:00pm to 8:30pm:
The Home of Bernadette and Tim Longden
5211 Alexander Dr.
November 8, Sunday 10:15am to 11:45am:
The Library at St. Michael’s
November 8, Sunday 4:00pm to 5:30pm:
The Home of Jill and Dave Heller
1 Redwood Ct.
To RSVP click on the person’s name who sent you the letter and indicate which date you will be able to attend:
Filed under: Announcements
When: Sunday, October 25th at 4:00pm
Where: At St. Michael’s
Why: For Fun, fellowship and so you don’t have to mess up your house.
Join us on Sunday, October 25th for pumpkin carving, great chili, a warm fire and real homemade hot chocolate.
What to bring: bring your own pumpkin to carve and a family size batch of your favorite chili.
What will be provided: All the tools you need to carve your pumpkin, all the chili fixins, smores, and real hot chocolate.
We will also be having a fire pit on the patio to enjoy the beautiful fall evening.
Prizes will be awarded for the best carved pumpkin.
Please sign up by October 21st. You may sign up on the bulletin board across from the Rector’s office or click here and let us know that you will be coming. If we do not have enough interest this event will be cancelled.
A $2 per person/$5 per family
suggested donation will be collected.
Filed under: Messenger
By Sandra Archer
As Father Terry stated on Sunday in his sermon St. Michael’s church is filled with saints. From my perspective being the Pastoral Care Coordinator I have to agree. I have witnessed first hand the compassion shown to fellow members of our congregation in need, and we all have needs sometime in our lives. In my role I am able to oversee the Pastoral Care process to ensure those in need receive it and I am blessed to work with so many caring individuals – why don’t you join us?
Do you know we have a team of members who meet regularly to prepare Manna meals?
Salvation Suppers caters for those with special dietary needs and supplements Manna Ministry. We have provided up to 3 meals a week depending on the situation.
We come visit those in hospital, shut in or ill, sometimes with very little notice.
Need prayers? We have many individuals ready to lift your concerns up to the Lord.
Another group works diligently making prayer shawls which are on display. These are not just for the congregation at St. Michaels but for anyone that you know where one would be welcome – just indicate you have taken a shawl so we can monitor distribution.
If you are having trouble getting to a medical appointment volunteers are willing to drive you there or how about the elderly or infirm coming to church we will try to assist you.
Can’t leave your home but would like to receive communion? No problem we have dedicated members who will bring communion to you.
Needs can be so varied such as accidents, illness, loosing a loved one, having a baby, being separated/divorced, financial problems, addiction, coping with being on your own and its constraints, family members being deployed, to name a few.
Many of our congregation at St. Michael’s have already received care as I have mentioned above, in their time of need. Our committee meets about once a month and we are trying to expand on what has previously been available so we can reach out to more of our church family. We keep all requests confidential. If you are approached by us to offer a kindness for someone please prayerfully consider it, as your need may be just around the corner. If you have a need please contact the church office or myself at sandraarcher33@gmail.com
Filed under: Messenger
By Linda Barber
We had a great vacation. The fishing was better than ever despite cool and windy weather, we had time for reading and watching the ducks, loons and eagles, and we didn’t feel guilty when we just sat quietly and enjoyed the silence. We didn’t spend any more time watching television, but it was nice to see programs we actually enjoy (but no PBS). I had a chance to work on organizing my family history notes, but a week wasn’t nearly long enough for that task.
Last week we met for the first time a 60+ year old cousin of mine whose family was in the military and never lived in this area. We spent two days sharing family stories and comparing genealogy notes while getting to know each other. We were regretting that we had never made the effort to “listen with both ears” and write down the stories our parents and older relatives told because now the details are fuzzy and the stories are in danger of being lost forever. We are trying to include as many stories as we can in our family records because we think it is important to understand history from a personal perspective as well as from a history book that is all about the facts and not much about the people. I have some letters written 60+ years ago telling about important happenings in our family – our descendants won’t have that kind of thing because no one keeps copies of their e-mail forever.
We as Christians are so fortunate to have a written history of our family. The Bible provides so much knowledge about the lives and times of our religious ancestors. It helps us to better understand the political problems of today to see that the enmity between Muslims and Jews (and the Christians) began with Abraham. If you have had trouble keeping the “story line” straight in the Old Testament, you might try a chronological Bible. We recently purchased one that Jim is using to read thru the Bible in a year. He says it is helping him a lot, especially as it fits Kings and Chronicles together and puts the prophets “in order”. It doesn’t help you remember the “address” of a particular passage, but it is an interesting new perspective.
It is hard to believe that school is about to start. The grandchildren suddenly seem much older and more grown up. I am feeling a little older myself – but just a little. I took communion to Phyllis LaFleur yesterday – she will be a hundred years old in October and has so many great stories to share. Is there someone in your family who is the keeper of the stories? Perhaps you could find time to write them down for the next generation as our ancestors did when they recorded the Bible stories for us. Even more important than sharing family stories, however, is sharing our faith stories with those we know and love.
Thank You, Lord, for these last days of summer. Help us remember to take time to enjoy them. Thank You for inspiring our ancestors to record our religious history so that we can understand our heritage and grow in faith as we see how Your hand has led and protected us through all these years. We trust that You will continue to do so until Your will is accomplished on earth, and that then Jesus will come again to the new and perfect kingdom. Help us to grow more like Him and to reach out in love to those who do not yet know Him as Lord and Savior. Amen.
Filed under: Messenger
Your Feedback is Needed
By Kate Powers, RN
Wellness Program
This fall, The Parish Nurse Ministry is planning to offer a wellness program. This series of wellness topics is called “Turn Over a New Leaf” We are looking for parishioners who can head up and teach the following four topics:
- Stress management
- Nutrition
- Physical Activity
- Sleep
Please call me if you are able to give your time and knowledge for one of these topics (two-three 30-45 minute sessions). My phone number is 262 909 8403.
Blood Pressure Clinic
When the monthly Blood Pressure Clinic ministry started three years ago, there were over seventy people who took advantage of this important screening. Unfortunately, attendance has been in decline and the average attendance is now down to seven – a drastic reduction. Since this program requires a fair amount of time for bookkeeping, counseling and ‘set-up’ and ‘take-down’, we are considering three options. They are:
1. Eliminate the program entirely
2. Take blood pressures only on request on Sunday mornings
3. Continue the program but on a quarterly program.
Your feed back would be very helpful in making this decision. Again, please call me at 262 909 8403 and offer your opinion. Your help is needed on both issues and I encourage you to ‘get involved”!
The results of the feedback I receive will be included in a future e-newsletter and posted at church.
Blessings!
Kate.
Filed under: Messenger
By Kate Powers, RN
Wellness Program
This fall, The Parish Nurse Ministry is planning to offer a wellness program. This series of wellness topics is called “Turn Over a New Leaf” We are looking for parishioners who can head up and teach the following four topics:
- Stress management
- Nutrition
- Physical Activity
- Sleep
Please call me if you are able to give your time and knowledge for one of these topics (two-three 30-45 minute sessions). My phone number is 262 909 8403.
Blood Pressure Clinic
When the monthly Blood Pressure Clinic ministry started three years ago, there were over seventy people who took advantage of this important screening. Unfortunately, attendance has been in decline and the average attendance is now down to seven – a drastic reduction. Since this program requires a fair amount of time for bookkeeping, counseling and ‘set-up’ and ‘take-down’, we are considering three options. They are:
1. Eliminate the program entirely
2. Take blood pressures only on request on Sunday mornings
3. Continue the program but on a quarterly program.
Your feed back would be very helpful in making this decision. Again, please call me at 262 909 8403 and offer your opinion. Your help is needed on both issues and I encourage you to ‘get involved”!
The results of the feedback I receive will be included in a future Messenger.
Blessings!
Kate.
