FROM THE RECTOR
If I’ve learned anything these past few years, it’s the value of being together. We’ve been on a rollercoaster in many ways, and now we are poised to reform our church for the future with more clarity and commitment than I imagined even six years ago. I want us—all of us—to be a big part of that transformation.
Far too often, we are forced into categories and stereotypes, defined by how we look or where we live or what we do. The truth is that God made us and being made in God’s image means that we have a beautiful, divine nugget inside us that can guide us toward God and one another. Although we are beautifully unique, our unity is rooted in God. No matter where we are on our journey, we can move closer to one another because of the One who loves us completely.
"Here, we follow the God of love, revealed to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Here, we commit to the choices that call us to be better and to live more fully into who we are created to be."
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
Rector
80+ average times per month Saint Michael volunteers served neighbors in our community
AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE
As society emerges from a time that has been more than challenging and looks forward to returning to a more normal rhythm of life, we are presented with a great opportunity. The opportunity to reconsider our priorities, take inventory of our blessings, and think about how we want to re-engage with our faith community more broadly.
In contemplating this next chapter for either yourself or you and your family, think about how you can take a deeper walk of discipleship with our Saint Michael community. When you share your time and talents in ministry work within and outside of our walls, you may think that your impact is small but indeed it is significant. Discipleship – or doing a new thing – looks different for everyone. For some, it may be the start of something small. For others, God’s call may be so loud that they may make no other decision than to shift their lives in a big way. Whatever that call may be, I challenge you all to listen for it.
"When you share your time and talents in ministry work within and outside of our walls, you may think that your impact is small but indeed it is significant."
Ryan Moss
Stewardship Chair
5,003 moments of caring, praying, and serving that Saint Michael volunteers extended to those experiencing challenges or grief in our parish
VITAL PARTS OF THE SAME BODY
In these initial months at Saint Michael, I have been pleased to get to know many of you and many of our ministry partners in Dallas and beyond. It is becoming very clear to me that Saint Michael is in the midst of a call to step out in its work in a big way in this post-pandemic world. I am therefore grateful for this season of focus on stewardship, as we all prayerfully reflect upon our individual and joint calling to be a part of God’s work through the giving of our time, treasure and talents.
We differ from one another in appearance, function, social standing, economics, culture, and education. Yet each of us is called by God to contribute in our own special and distinctive way for the common good. When we look to God, he gives us the clarity to see our gifts and those of each other. When we look to God, he will give us, as fellow citizens in his kingdom, the direction as to where he wants us to go, and he will let us know what he wants us to do. I, therefore, invite you during this time of discernment to seek the guidance of our Lord as to your tithe and to your call, both of which He will use to bless you and those around you.
The Rev. Robin Hinkle
Associate for Mission & Outreach
PURPOSE
Senior leadership at Saint Michael has given a great deal of thought to our common purpose. That purpose is now reflected in our core focus: “Build Christian disciples for a transformed community.” Clarity of purpose sharpens our attention, guides our allocation of resources, and helps us know how to measure success. Your financial gift to Saint Michael puts our purpose into action. Thank you for investing in disciple-building and community transformation; I can’t think of a higher purpose.
The Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon
Vice Rector
86 volunteers who have committed to our newly relaunched Welcome Ministry
FAQs
A pledge to SMAA means that you have stated your intention to fulfill a defined, annual monetary gift that supports the operational budget of the Church.
The operational budget supports all ministry needs of the Church, including Pastoral Care, Worship & Liturgy, Formation, Mission & Outreach, and Administration. The Saint Michael Episcopal School has been previously supported by the Operational budget, yet while still receiving a small amount of support from the Church, they are becoming financially independent.
Ninety percent (90%) of the Church’s annual budget is supported by pledges.
To make a pledge, you can fill out a pledge card while at church, go online to saintmichael.org/give, or email Caroline Marak, Director of Stewardship, at [email protected].
A pledge can be fulfilled at a frequency of your choosing (weekly, monthly, or annually) by check, credit card, cash in requested pledge envelopes, appreciated stock or tax free IRA distribution if 70.5 or older. If you have any payment questions, call Caroline Marak, Director of Stewardship, at 214.692.3015 or Cheryl Kaschak, Accountant, at 214.365.3558.
If the state of your finances changes during the year and you are unable to fulfill your pledge, know that we are grateful for your intentions of supporting our ministries. Life happens when we least expect it and as your church we are here for you. Please let us know what you are able to fulfill by calling Caroline Marak or Cheryl Kaschak so we can adjust our budget accordingly. All conversations are confidential and pastoral support is available if you need it.
Putting money in the offering plate is a wonderful spiritual discipline that does not take the place of a pledge. Plate offerings are contributions that we can’t financially plan for in support of our budget. During special Sundays throughout the year, plate offerings support outside Mission & Outreach ministry efforts.
What does a pledge to Saint Michael and All Angels (SMAA) mean?
What does the operational budget of the church support?
What percent of the Church’s annual budget is supported by pledges?
How can I make a pledge?
How do I pay my pledge?
What happens if the state of my finances changes during the year and I am unable to fulfill my pledge?
What if I put money in the offering plate – doesn’t that take the place of a pledge?
Thank You
Thank you for your pledge of support to Saint Michael and All Angels for the 2023 year.
Your support empowers the ministry we are able to provide and will enrich the faith lives of many that you may never know. If you have any questions about your pledge, contact:
Caroline Moore
Director of Advancement
[email protected]
