Blog & Newsroom

Since my arrival at Saint Michael and All Angels, I have had the delightful task of learning about and visiting with many of our established partner ministries that serve children and their families, in Dallas and beyond...

North Dallas Shared Ministries sponsored their annual school supply and school uniform distribution at the beginning of August. Forty-eight Saint Michael parishioners volunteered, including youth, adults, clergy, and staff members, to set up, shop with clients, restock, and take inventory. NDSM provided 3,527 students with school supplies and 2,638 students with school uniforms, equipping them with the items needed to thrive in school. The students began school with the resources they need to be successful!

Many of you know me well enough to know that I love what I do, and I spend a lot of time doing it. Being a priest in the Church, specifically sharing ministry with you at Saint Michael, is a gift in my life.

The Winter 2022 Archangel is out now! Read the Archangel on mobile or desktop computers by flipping through the pages above, or clicking the link through to our online newsstand, issuu.com. There you can flip through the pages or even download your own PDF copy of this issue of the Archangel!

The Director of Youth Ministries oversees a ministry that seeks to help all 6th–12th grade students on the church youth roster make steps toward deeper maturity in Christ, by building a youth ministry that reaches new people for Christ and makes a difference in the world.

At the beginning of June, the Children and Family Ministry team hosted its annual Vacation Bible School program. Over 100 children got to travel back in time to explore Jerusalem Marketplace and discover what Jesus’ final week in the city was like.

Often during Sunday morning services, communicants stop at a small credence table on their way to communion to place a hand on a knitted or crocheted prayer shawl, joining with clergy to bless the handmade shawls that will be distributed to people who are ill, confined or grieving.

After much anticipation, I am delighted to finally be working with you as your new Associate for Mission and Outreach. These first couple of months have been a whirlwind of introductions, both with you here at Saint Michael and with our partners in ministry in the Dallas community and beyond.

Who exactly are the Women of Saint Michael and what do you have to do to join? It could not be simpler: all women who are members of our parish are automatically members of the Women of Saint Michael (WOSM).

Full-Time, Weekdays

The Advancement Manager will support the advancement of Saint Michael and All Angels’ (SMAA) mission and related fundraising efforts, with initial focus centered primarily on the current capital campaign.

Before Saint Michael and All Angel’s 85-year-old parishioner Marillyn Seeberger started taking college level classes, she volunteered at Saint Michael in outreach for a number of ministries. Spanning more than a decade, Marillyn spear-headed writing materials for the Pastoral Care Ministries and for the communications department.

For the second year in a row our youth ministry here at Saint Michael spent a week of their summer serving around Dallas with various ministry partners. Thirty-one youth signed up for the opportunity to serve our city while also building friendships with each other along the way.

Did you miss the bus? If you weren’t able to make the 75th Anniversary bus tour last February to view some of Saint Michael’s outreach projects, you missed the opportunity to visit St. Philip’s School and Community Center.

In what amounted to a re-start of a long standing strategy of the Men of Saint Michael, 125 of the group’s members and their guests gathered at the Park City Club for an inspiring conversation with Clark Hunt, Chairman of the Hunt Sports Group and CEO of FC Dallas and the Kansas City Chiefs, with Sunwest Communications owner and CEO Crayton Webb, facilitating. Mr. Hunt began his presentation with this powerful central theme, "My Christian faith is the most important thing to me. In terms of priorities, it is faith, family, and football—in that order."

Fresh starts are good for us. When we have the opportunity to renew ourselves—who we are and how we act—the results can be very exciting. I think we have that kind of moment at Saint Michael this year.

Full-Time, Weekends

Saint Michael and All Angels Church is seeking a leader and committed follower of Jesus Christ to provide adaptive leadership and oversight to the Children’s Ministry (birth–5th Grade) to build faith, form disciples of Jesus Christ, and equip parents to disciple their children. If you would like to be a part of a dynamic church with a vision and heart to grow, be located in one of America’s fastest-growing and culturally rich cities, work in an environment of a commitment to reaching younger families with children and be resourced to expand the children’s ministry, contribute to designing the children’s ministry space to facilitate your vision and finally, make a great Kingdom impact, then Saint Michael Children and Family Ministry may be the place for you!

This past year has been a pleasure and privilege as we look back. Now, it’s time we pivot forward as we become the church we are called to be in the future. Our journey forward will take courage, conviction, and commitment, but we have everything we need. We know that Jesus is with us, giving us strength for all that we hope to do and who we hope to become. Together, we can move confidently into a future that is bright and hopeful, and as we do, spread the Good News to all we meet.

For those that may not be aware of this significant ministry, Saint Michael is an active partner in the Meals on Wheels (MOW) delivery program here in Dallas which is operated by VNA, the Visiting Nurses Association. I’d like to share a bit about MOW, and what it can do for those in need—but also what it can do for you.

We are people who live very busy lives. And while we might sigh heavily as we tell people how busy we are, we often wear our busyness like a badge of honor. We determine how well we’re ‘doing’ life by the fullness of our calendar; by the number of experiences we’ve lined up; by the number of nights we’re not home without plans. And the world around us seems determined to affirm that value system. We are regularly reminded of the need to check in with others on social media, of the new hobbies and skills we should be developing, of baseline acquisitions necessary for a happier life.

Our trip is primarily a Christian pilgrimage, tracing the footsteps of Christ. However, we occasionally step off that Christian path to have a little fun. On day seven, we stepped off the path and took a quick trip to Jordan to visit Petra. Jordan is directly east of Israel and has had a cooperative, diplomatic relationship for more than fifty years.

Dear Friends,

I’m excited to bring you the news that we have called the Rev. Robin H. Hinkle as our next Associate for Mission and Outreach; her start date is June 1, 2022.

Day five began with a visit to Christ Anglican School in Nazareth. This school is part of the Diocese of Jerusalem, the same diocese at St. George’s, the church we attended on Sunday morning.

Today we departed Jerusalem on our way to Galilee. The trip to Galilee included stops in Caesarea (Maritima) and Haifa.

Day three began with a walk to the Temple Mount. One of the holiest sites for Jews and Muslims, the Temple Mount is perhaps the most contested property on the planet. Today, this holy site features the iconic Dome of the Rock and the more simple Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Before we get to the official tour, I want to make a quick and important note: The Christian sites we visit are ones that have—on the whole—been identified for around 1600 years. All you math sleuths will see that there is a 400ish-year gap between Jesus’s life and these sites.

Our 2022 Saint Michael Family Holy Land Pilgrimage is off! Thirty-nine pilgrims safely arrived in Israel and settled in for a night of jet-lagged rest. This pilgrimage is the second family pilgrimage for Saint Michael, the first taking place in 2019. Originally scheduled to be March 2021, these pilgrims registered for this trip two weeks before the mass quarantine of 2020, so they have anticipated this trip for two years. I know it will be worth the wait!

In this issue of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church's magazine, we progress from Advent to Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, and then the resurrection of our Lord on Easter Day.

Take a look at who's been nominated to serve as parish leaders beginning in 2022.

Winter is coming! Check out our latest issue of the Archangel magazine and get ready for Advent 2021.

What makes you happy? Conventional wisdom holds that what makes most people happy are things or achievements, such as a getting a raise at work or having a nicer place to live. That must be the case or why would people work so hard and seek to accumulate so much unless it made them happy?

Earlier this week, Facebook and its most popular apps, like Instagram and WhatsApp, went dark for nearly six hours. It seemed to throw people for a loop all afternoon, albeit for a small window of time. For me, I see it as a wonderful gift that I wish people would take advantage of. Social media, for all its gifts and advantages, has been far more harmful than helpful and I think it’s time we recognize its troubling impact...

“Two strangers, divided by their beliefs, meet for the first time. Each knows nothing about the other or what this experiment involves.” This is how a recent ad for Heineken begins. In the ad, unlikely pairs of people are brought together: a feminist with a member of the “new right,” an environmental activist with one who denies climate change and a transgender woman with one who opposes transgender identity...

The crew spent one final day enjoying Santiago after the end of their long journey. Read about their adventures from Anne Crawford and Debbie Jenevein. Buen Camino!

Today, our pilgrims arrived at their destination! Read more from Paula Calise and Nancy Wilbur.

Much of today's hike was spent reflecting on those who have walked the Camino before, and the everyday saint and travelers that our pilgrims meet along the way. Read more from Suzanne Lipscomb and Judy Conner.

Today's walk, through a variety of environments, was a reminder of the change and unpredictability of life. Read more from Leslie DeCillis.

Today's 19km walk was highlighted by Eucharist behind the church of San Xulian. Read more from Monique Black and Kathy Yeaman.

Read more about today's adventures while hiking 12 miles from Portomarín to Lestedo from Margaret Spellings.

Today the ladies began their journey, hiking 14 miles from Sarria to Portomarín. Read more from Susan Barnicoat and Missy Barras.

The crew traveled by bus to Sarria, where they'll begin the hike. Read more from Sissy Massad.

The group spent the day exploring Madrid. Read more from Mary Lessmann.

As you might imagine, I like the Bible. I read it regularly, and sometimes I’m reminded of just how incredible some of the stories are. I came across one story last week of a miraculous healing. As the story goes, Jesus encounters a deaf man who had a speech impediment...

“I think most parents could burst into tears at any moment,” said a friend of mine who has three kids in grade school. It might not be quite that bad for you, but with renewed pandemic restrictions as a hot topic, most of us raising kids right now (including me) are left without the clarity we’d like to have. I’m tired of the constant uncertainty, and I bet you are, too...

I’m a big Olympics fan. Certainly, there are imperfections in the Olympic experiment, but when I hear the theme music and watch the images of incredible athletes flash across the screen, I get chills...

Just a few weeks ago, on May 16, my church gathered for the first time under the new guidelines provided by the CDC. It was the first Sunday since March 2020 when we no longer required physical distancing or masks for those who were fully vaccinated, and I wasn’t sure what would happen...

I met a friend for coffee a few weeks ago, in-person, sitting in a café, just like normal people (I’m still excited about these little pleasures given how much we missed during quarantine). As we sat and talked, I was keenly aware of his frustration at his job...

I recently watched a fascinating film titled “The Year Earth Changed.” This film, narrated by David Attenborough, features surprising stories of hope from around the world during the pandemic lockdown. For all of us, the pandemic experience changed the way we lived...

My children once asked me what I do at work every day. They know I’m a priest, so that answer didn’t satisfy them. They pressed a bit more and asked how I actually spend my time...

As we lean into April, more than a year into this pandemic, I’m glad to see more activity all around. The reopening of Texas has been such a good thing for so many, especially for small businesses...

“I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could.” This quote has amused me since I arrived in Dallas years ago. As a Floridian, I didn’t grow up wishing to live in Texas. I was a very happy child in the weirdness of the Sunshine State. However, as an adult who has lived all over the South, I gradually felt myself pulled to Texas...

The most recent winter storms to hit north Texas struck us all very hard. So many of us lost power, lost water, or worse, lost our homes to significant damage...

See all of Saint Michael's Lenten offerings in the latest edition of the Archangel magazine.

Join the clergy for a new season of the Saint Michael Podcast series on weekdays during Lent. We'll explore the idea of covenant, our commitments to God.

Now Available for On-Demand Viewing

On October 18, Rector Chris Girata held a virtual conversation with Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry about his inspiring new book, Love is the Way.

This fall at Saint Michael and All Angels, we're reflecting on the theme of Discipleship. Join us as we strive to become better disciples of Jesus Christ!

The Easter edition of our bi-monthly magazine is available now! Read about online worship during COVID-19, get a sneak peek of our 75th anniversary celebration, and more!

I hope this note finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Today there are several updates from SMAA that I want to share.

Free Saint Michael yard signs are available for pickup or home delivery now! Click for details..

Following the Bishop's pastoral directive this morning, the Bishop has now made the decision to cancel all public gatherings in Episcopal Diocese of Dallas churches and facilities for the next two weeks. This includes....

A new pastoral directive has been received from the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas: All clergy-led worship services on Sunday and throughout the week will continue as scheduled, with the following understandings...

COVID-19 UPDATE 3/12/20 1:30 PM CDT

Your Saint Michael leaders are serious about our responsibility to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We are staying connected to current news and are taking proactive steps to make our community as safe as we can. Here are just a few of the specific ways we are addressing safety...

COVID-19 UPDATE 3/4/20 4 PM CDT

As we continue to hear news of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), I wish to reach out to you with a word of thoughtfulness and calm...

Check out everything happening during Lent 2020 at Saint Michael and All Angels in the Lenten edition of the Archangel.

Instead of giving something up as our Lenten discipline, Rector Chris Girata offers a few ideas for how we can put into practice our call to discipleship during this Lent.

Rector Chris Girata and Senior Warden Jay Lipscomb recount their recent trip to England to attend the Compass Rose Society annual meeting.

The Rev. Mary Lessmann explains the uniqueness and importance of the Women of the Passion service that will be offered Monday in Holy Week.

Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners, Saint Michael was able to provide significant aid to our community in the aftermath of last October's devastating tornadoes.

Children's Minister Madelyn Ivy outlines the significant impact of last fall's prayer bear drive benefitting Dallas CASA.

Check out the latest from an eventful fall at Saint Michael and All Angels in the November/December Archangel.

We have a lot to be grateful for this holiday season, even if we've recently suffered hardship. Rector Chris Girata hopes that you find this holiday season deeply renewing.

SEPTEMBER 2019
PILGRIMAGE: CAMINO DE SANTIGO (Spain)

Rev. Mary Lessmann and pilgrimage participants recap a very special experience walking the 72 miles of the Camino de Santiago.

Rector Chris Girata and Refresh campaign chair Peggy Carr offer an update now that all of the work for this project has been completed.

Stephen Ministry Lay Leader Marillyn Seeberger shares details on this impactful 1:1 ministry and when someone might need a Stephen Minister.

An update on the Jubilee Housing Task Force and how they are improving the lives of elderly Jubilee Park residents.

Wondering what it's like to be in our Cherub Choir? We followed Elsie Ross as she and the other children enjoyed rehearsals and performances this fall.

Bill Power reflects on the ministry and legacy of the fourth rector of Saint Michael and All Angels after his recent passing.

Join us in the 9 and 11 a.m. Traditional services between September 8 and October 27 to celebrate the love God freely gives us through grace.

Ministry Leader and parishioner Bill Bancroft shares his experience on the most recent trip from Dallas to Tegucigalpa to work with the women of Honduras Threads.

Board Member, SMAA Ministry Leader, and parishioner Mark Demler gives a brief history of Amistad, an international mission partner of Saint Michael.

Associate Director of Music and Organist Dr. Meg Harper recaps a fun, music-filled weekend at Saint Michael's first-ever Chorister Camp.

Parishioner Allison Sandlin Liles shares the heartwarming story of her family's volunteer experience with Operation Kindness.

Investment Advisor Ashley Parks says that once we fully explore why we're giving, our gifts are much more meaningful. Plus, a few tips from a pro.

Director of Music and Organist Jonathan Ryan shares what makes this year's All Saints' Day service music so special.

Ever wondered where All Souls and All Saints' Days came from? The Rev. Greg Pickens gives a quick summary of the nearly 1,700-year history.

This fall, we'll be taking some time to focus on Grace.

Read articles from the latest edition of The Archangel, our bi-monthly magazine.

Stewardship Manager Caroline Marak introduces a new series of reflections from the Stewardship Committee. This month's reflection, "Do You Love Me," is offered by Ralph Cousins.

New Vice Rector Ken Brannon says hello to the parish and describes his first steps of ministry at Saint Michael.

Rev. Lisa Musser bids farewell to Saint Michael after 7 years of ministry.

Rev. Greg Pickens shares some details of his upcoming sabbatical.

As you rest and search for renewal this summer, Rector Chris Girata encourages you to dream big about what God wants you to do next.

After meeting Jennifer Perez on a SMAA mission trip to Tela, Honduras, parishioners Grady and Elizabeth Schleier opened their home and their lives to her as she became a student at SMU.

This year's recipients join a long list of beneficiaries of the Women of Saint Michael's philanthropy, totaling more than $9.7 million over 60 years.

Read articles from the latest edition of The Archangel, our bi-monthly magazine.

Director of Legacy Planning Lowell Duncan offers some tips to plan wisely with your financial assets to incur less federal taxes.

The studies show rising numbers of atheists, agnostics, and "nones," and Rector Chris Girata says that everyone, including atheists and agnostics, should be very concerned. Here's why.

In his bi-monthly column, Music Director and Organist Jonathan Ryan shares updates on all things traditional music at Saint Michael

Nominating Chair and vestry member Christine Paddock defines a few key terms and outlines the nomination process as Saint Michael gears up for a new election cycle.

Youth Task Force member Christi Houser explains why it's important to get your kids involved with volunteer work while they're still young.

A transcript of The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry's Easter Day sermon.

Choir member Eleanor Wroath shares a story of finding comfort and healing in music after a personal tragedy.

Syndicated from the March-April 2019 Archangel