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  8011 Douglas Ave, Dallas  ·   (214) 363-5471  ·   Contact Us  ·        

Saint Michael and All Angels
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The Why of Giving

by Ashley Parks, CFP

As we get closer to the end of the year, charitable gifting is often a topic of discussion. In years past, there have been many interested in the purely charitable aspects of giving while others were more set on tax benefits of giving to charity (I’d rather give it to them than the government).

The new tax law changes did have some effect on charitable contributions. Some individuals stopped or reduced giving when they no longer could deduct contributions if they were now using the Standard Deduction instead of Itemizing on their tax return.

Age 70.5 or older? Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts can go directly to charity, called qualified charitable distributions. These charitable distributions come out of your traditional IRA to the charity tax-free (meaning you won’t be taxed on the distribution whereas a normal IRA distribution is taxed as ordinary income). There is a $100,000 limit on total qualified charitable distributions for any one year per person and the charity must be an eligible charity that you would normally have been able to deduct charitable contributions.

At the heart of the issue is: Why are you giving? Is it for the tax benefits or to further God’s work?

What does the Bible say about what we should do? Here are a few verses that are my favorites on this subject:

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
  • Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.”
  • Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Growing up I was quite confused on this issue. Some say give 10% and no less and others just give what you can. The verses above have conviction in that we should be cheerful in giving, give our firstfruits (so why wait until year end?), and in secret (don’t do it to get our names on a plaque). In working with charitable organizations and seeing the impact they truly have on the world, spreading God’s word and work, why would I not give when my needs are taken care of.

My recommendation is to take a good look at where money is being spent in your household and find out if you can find dollars to give to others that might be in much more need than we are. If that budget determines that you can do $20 per month, then get that set up to automatically be contributed monthly. If that dollar figure is higher as you’ve been blessed with much, consider when meeting with your tax advisor or financial professional to incorporate giving into your financial picture. Luke 12:48 “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted even more will be demanded.”

Those contributions could help your taxes depending on your situation, but regardless they are for God’s people to further His Kingdom.

Ashley is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative, Securian Financial Services, Inc., Securities Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. A Registered Investment Advisor. Martin Financial Group is independently owned and operated. #2663118 DOFU 08-2019


Tags: Blog & Newsroom

The Archangel September/October 2019

AA cover Sept/Oct 2019

A Message from the Rector - "Grace & The Color Purple"

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

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All Saints' Day: A Concise History

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.

Read More »

From The Loft: The Worship Of All Souls Day

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

Read More »

The Why of Giving

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.

Read More »

Baptism Blessings at the Animal Shelter

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

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Chorister Camp is So Awesome!

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

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Amistad: The Friendship Mission

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

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Honduras Threads: Using Business Skills to Aid A Country

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.

Read More »

Read the full issue

Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
8011 Douglas Ave
Dallas, TX 75225
(214) 363-5471

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Sunday Services:

7:30 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite I)
9 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite II)
9 a.m. Joy: A Children’s Service
11 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite I)
11 a.m. Contemporary Rite II Service in the Parish Hall
5:30 p.m. Traditional Service (Rite II)
8 p.m. Compline

In-Person Worship Information

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Saint Michael also offers weekday services every Tuesday-Thursday.

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Saint Michael's Farmers Market
Jubilee Park Community Center
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Saint Michael and All Angels is a member parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. We practice The Way of Love as members of The Episcopal Church.

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Service Times

IN-PERSONLIVE STREAMS

We are currently offering worship in-person. Several of our Sunday services are also streamed live.

Sunday Services:
7:30 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite I)
9 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite II)
9 a.m. Joy: A Children's Service
11 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite I)
11 a.m. Contemporary Service (Rite II)
5:30 p.m. Traditional Service (Rite II)
8 p.m. Compline
Weekday Services:
Tuesdays, 7 a.m. Morning Prayer
Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. Eucharist Service
Thursdays, 7 a.m. Morning Prayer

More about services at Saint Michael and All Angels here.

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Saint Michael and All Angels
8011 Douglas Ave
Dallas, TX 75225

Contact Us
(214) 363-5471

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Welcome Children Service Times Getting Here & Campus Map Membership

Welcome! | Saint Michael and All Angels is a community of passionate people seeking to follow Jesus in a meaningful way that impacts both our own lives and that of the community around us. We are blessed with our parish home and so glad to share it with you. If you find yourself in Dallas, we would love to have you join us for worship!

- The Reverend Dr. Chris Girata, Rector

Welcome to Children and Family Ministry!

Our team in Children and Family Ministry provides children, ages 0 – 5th grade, and their parents with the tools they need to become faithful disciples of Christ. We achieve this through fun and interactive programming that allows children and families to explore their faith together.

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Sunday Services:
7:30 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite I) in Saint Michael Chapel
9 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite II) in the Church
9 a.m. Joy: A Children’s Service in Saint Michael Chapel
11 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite I) in the Church
11 a.m. Contemporary Rite II Service in the Parish Hall
5:30 p.m. Traditional Service (Rite II) in Saint Michael Chapel
8 p.m. Compline in the Church

Helpful Links

Service descriptions and more info
In-person worship information
Watch services live and on-demand

We are located just south of Northwest Highway off of Douglas Ave. at Colgate Ave. Via Northbound Tollroad: Exit Lovers Ln, continue straight on Lomo Alto a few blocks to Colgate. Church is on your right. Via Southbound Tollroad: Exit Northwest Hwy, turn left to Douglas Ave. Turn R on Douglas and church is a few blocks down on your right. Via US 75: Exit Northwest Hwy and go west to Douglas Ave. Turn R on Douglas and church is a few blocks down on your right.

Maps & Directions

If you are new to Saint Michael, curious about the path to membership, or simply want to learn more about life at our parish community, we invite you to join us for two different class events we have throughout the year: "Saint Michael 101" is an introduction to life here at SMAA, and "Episcopal Christians", where we explore what it means to walk as a Christian in the Episcopal tradition, discussing topics like our Anglican heritage, worship, the Bible and formation etc.

Saint Michael 101 Episcopal Christians
Give Now Flower Memorials The Foundation Legacy Planning Stewardship 2021

Thank you for supporting the mission and ministry of Saint Michael and All Angels!

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Give Now

Flowers in our holy worship spaces are a beautiful gift to God and those who attend services at Saint Michael as well as those being honored or remembered. A contribution to the Flower Fund is a meaningful way to honor or remember a loved one for special life events such as birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms, confirmations, thanksgivings, or in memory of a loved one.

Flower Memorials

The Foundation of Saint Michael and All Angels is essential to the vitality, growth, stability and success of our parish. Its grants support the mission of the Parish, consistent with priorities established by the Vestry and the Rector.

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As God’s stewards, we build on the foundation left by those who came before us. We, in turn, have the opportunity, with a bequest to Saint Michael, to sustain and enhance our parish ministries and programs for the benefit of future generations.

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Building the Kingdom

Saint Michael and All Angels Annual Giving

Join us as we commit ourselves to the 2021 Stewardship Campaign.

Building the Kingdom