Members of St. Michael's have many opportunities to put
their faith into practice through ministries both within and
outside the parish. Our time and talents can be given to a
variety of vital and rewarding activities. There are also
numerous groups and organizations for every age and interest
that allow us to share fellowship within our parish family.
Following is a list of the ways that we worship, work, and
play together.
Click on the links below to learn more about the
ministries at St. Michael's.
Adult Christian Formation
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
Adult Christian Formation
Fall 2007
Monday
– Prayer Shawl Ministry
Day, Time, Duration:
First & Third Mondays 7–8:30 p.m; (This is another group that meets on Thursday mornings.)
Leader: The Rev. Holly Gloff
Location: Holly Gloff’s home
Description:
In our prayer shawl ministry, a group of people gather to knit, share,
and support each other as we knit shawls for people who are in need of
healing, love, support, or are experiencing a new birth, marriage, etc. While at home knitting the prayer shawl, we pray for the person who will receive the shawl. But when we gather together and knit - we laugh and share stories! You are welcome to come if you knit or crochet, or if you would like to learn to knit or crochet.
– Education for Ministry
Day, Time, Duration: Monday, 6:30– 9 p.m. September 13—May 2008
Leader & Contact Information: Paul Elliot: (420-7616 or paulelliott@earthlink.net)
Location: Adult Education Room.
Description: EFM (Education for Ministry) is "theological education at a distance". EfM was developed and is administered by the School of Theology at the University of the South (Sewanee). This
four-year program includes two years of Bible study, a year of church
history, and a year of theology and contemporary issues. Participants also learn how to see God in their every-day lives through a process known as Theological Reflection. Students commit to the program one year at a time beginning in the fall.
Tuesday
Men’s Breakfast
Day, Time, Duration: Second Tuesday of the Month, 7– 8a.m., School year
Leader & Contact Information: Lennie Jernigan (782-1852)
Location: Convocation Room
Description: Join us for fellowship and a full breakfast with guest speakers each month.
Centering Prayer
Day, Time, Duration: Tuesday, 2–3 p.m., Ongoing starting September 18
Leader: The Rev. Holly Gloff
Location: Convocation Room
Description: We
will begin this very practical and accessible class on meditation with
an introduction on Saturday, September 15, from 10- 11:30 a.m.. This session will provide background on meditation followed by an introductory practice. The group will continue weekly on Tuesday afternoons from 2-3 p.m. During
these meetings, we will spend 20 minutes checking in with each other,
20 minutes discussing a chapter of Thomas Keating's book Open Mind, Open Heart, and the final 20 minutes meditating silently.
Women’s Bible Study
Day, Time, Duration:
Tuesday, 7-9 p.m., September 4–November 20 (This class is also offered on Friday mornings.)
Leader & Contact Information: Frances Penick (676-2757 or fhpenick@nc.rr.com)
Location: Adult Education Room
Description: Daniel…Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophesy
This unique Beth Moore study on the Book of Daniel falls in two parts.
The first part deals with Daniel’s life as he faced the kind of
pressure and temptations Christians encounter today. Daniel models how
to develop enduring integrity in an enticing world. The second portion
explores thrilling prophesies from the time of Daniel through the
second coming of Christ.
Wednesday
Intercessory Prayer Group
Day, Time, Duration: 2nd through 5th Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m., Year round
Leader & Contact Information: Virginia Reed (782-1373)
Location: Wall Conference Room
Description: This
group meets to offer prayers on behalf of anyone who requests it.
Prayer requests are confidential and can be placed in the wooden box
located on the outside front of the church. Alternatively, call Jean
Olson, Clergy Secretary, at 782-0731.
Cornerstone Bible Study
Day, Time, Duration: Wednesday, 10–11:30 a.m., Dates to be announced
Leaders & Contact Information:
The Rev. Dr. Gil Greggs, Ph.D. in Old Testament, Yale University, Kitty Kenny (782-2262)
Location: Convocation Room
Description: Topic to be announced
–Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Day, Time, Duration: Wednesday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Ongoing
Leaders: The Rev. Greg Jones, The Rev. Dr. John K. Gibson, The Rev. Holly Gloff
Location: Parlor
Description: At
the center of our life as Christians is the story of our faith as found
in the Bible. Each week the preacher at the 12:15 Wednesday Eucharist
leads a discussion of the scripture readings appointed for that day.
All are invited to this opportunity to make God’s story your own!
Wednesday Evening Classes
Introduction to St. Michael’s
Day, Time, Duration: Wednesday, 6:15–7:30 p.m., September 12–October 3
Leader: Jean White
Location: Convocation Room
Description: What makes St. Michael’s such a special community? This
four-session class examines the vision, identity, history, and
ministries of this parish within the context of the Christian faith. St. Michael’s leaders and clergy are intimately involved in this class, which gives you an opportunity to meet them. The
class is also a great way to meet other people who are new to St.
Michael’s. Childcare is available. All people who are new to St.
Michael’s are asked to take this class. Members who want to learn more about our Parish are also invited.
Episcopal Beliefs and Practices
Day, Time, Duration: Wednesday, 6:15–7:30 p.m., October 10–November 14
Leader: Jean White
Location: Convocation Room
Description: This six-session class examines the history, theology, worship, structure and customs of the Episcopal Church. In the best Episcopal tradition, questions and discussion are encouraged. The class is also a great way to meet other people who are new to the Episcopal Church. Childcare is available. All people who are new to the Episcopal Church are asked to take this class. Members who want to learn more about the Episcopal Church are also invited.
Transforming Bible Study
Day, Time, Duration: Wednesday, 7–8:15 p.m., September 19– November 14
Leader: The Rev. Samuel Gregory Jones
Location: Adult Education Room
Description: The
Rector will explore biblical themes like justice, salvation,
resurrection, righteousness, economics in thirty minute lectures, to be
followed by small group bible study. The bible studies will be facilitated according to methods and ideas outlined in the Rector's new book, Transforming Bible Study. That short fifty page book is required reading in the first week -- and costs $3.50 each. The small group bible studies will use portions of the upcoming Sunday readings. The lectures aim to be informative, while the small group portion aims to be transformative.
– The Sermon on the Mount
Day, Time, Duration: Wednesday, 7– 8:15 p.m., December 5 & 12
Leader: The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry
Location: Adult Education Room
Description: This
two-session class examines the challenging and powerful teaching that
Jesus gave to his disciples on the mountain top according to Matthew’s
Gospel. Bishop Curry spent part of his sabbatical studying this text. This class will be some of the fruit of his efforts.
Thursday
– Men’s Bible Study
Day, Time, Duration: Thursday, 7–8 a.m., Ongoing
Leader & Contact Information: Jerry Ernst (781-6617)
Location: Wall Conference Room
Description: This study includes a discussion on the Gospel reading for the coming Sunday. All men are invited and welcome.
Spiritual Book Club: Whose Promised Land? The Continuing Crisis over Israel and Palestine
Day, Time, Duration: Thursday, 10–11 a.m. & 7– 8 p.m., September 20, 27, October 4
Leaders: Pat Faellaci, The Rev. Holly Gloff
Location: Mornings–Convocation Room; Evenings– Crowley’s
Description: Does the land of Israel belong to the Jews or to the Palestinian Arabs? We
will discuss this issue with the aid of this well researched, and
well-written book by Colin Chapman, a lecturer in Islamic studies in
Beirut Lebanon. In our three meetings, we will
develop an appreciation of the current issues by considering the
history of the Promised Land from the Jewish and Arab viewpoint and the
interpretation of the Bible.
– Spiritual Book Club: Landscapes of the Soul: A Spirituality of Place
Day, Time, Duration: Thursday, 10–11 a.m. & 7–8 p.m., October 25, November 1 & 8
Leaders: Pat Faellaci and The Rev. Dr. John K. Gibson
Location: Mornings–Convocation Room; Evenings– Crowley’s
Description: This book looks at an off neglected topic in Christianity: the spirituality of place. Robert Hamma looks at place from a personal and biblical point of view. He
uses the insights of writers John Updike, Thornton Wilder, Barry Lopez,
Anthony De Mello, and Sallie McFague to sharpen our sense of the sacred
in the ordinary places of our lives. This class concludes with a tour of the NC Museum of Art exhibit “Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism.”
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Day, Time, Duration:
Thursday, 10–11:30 a.m., Ongoing (There is another group that meets on 1st & 3rd Monday evenings.)
Facilitator: The Rev. Holly Gloff
Location: Parlor
Description: See page one for details.
Friday
–Women’s Bible Study
Day, Time, Duration:
Friday, 9:30–11:30 a.m., September 7 – November 30
(This class is also offered on Tuesday evenings.)
Leader & Contact Information: Frances Penick (676-2757 or fhpenick@nc.rr.com)
Location: Adult Education Room
SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES
10:50 -11:30 a.m.
– Biblical Responses to the Problem of Evil
Sundays, September 9– 30
Leader: Dr. James Crenshaw, Professor of Old Testament, Duke
Location: Adult Education Room
Description: Tsunamis,
hurricanes, earthquakes, cancer....The list is endless. How can one
reconcile these realities with belief in a God who is both powerful and
good? People in biblical times wrestled with this difficult question
and came up with some helpful ideas, and some not so helpful. Nearly
twenty-five hundred years later, we are no nearer to a solution. Why?
The class will study this vexing problem and its consequences for faith. Participants are asked to read Defending God: Biblical Responses to the Problem of Evil.
Sacred Music
Sundays, September 9– 30
Leader: Kevin Kerstetter
Location: Parish Hall
Description:
This class will explore Christian sacred music, beginning with its
roots in Jewish temple worship and continuing to Twentieth Century
sacred music. We will discuss choral music,
keyboard music, hymnody, psalmody, and most specifically Anglican music
for the Eucharist and Daily Office. We'll listen to and sing examples of various styles of sacred music. One of the classes will feature guest speaker Dr. Al Sturgis, conductor of the North Carolina Master Chorale. Richard Banks, Professor of Music at NCCU, will, also, discuss the African-American Spiritual as sacred music.
St. Michael’s and the Fight Against Hunger
Sundays, September 9– 30
Leader: The Rev. Dr. John Gibson
Location: Convocation Room
Description: In this class, we will examine how St. Michael’s is involved in the fight against hunger. You
will learn about hunger, hear stories about individual’s struggles with
hunger and how this challenge is being addressed from representatives
of various agencies such as Meals on Wheels, Stop Hunger Now, and Wake
Relief. These agencies are supported by St. Michael’s and its members.
Writing in Response to Scripture
Sundays, September 9–30, October 14– November 4
Leader: Susan Rountree
Location: Wall Conference Room
Description: In
our fourth year of offering this writing class, students will take a
close look at the season's lectionary, engaging with the Scriptures by
writing personal reflections. We will read the story of John the
Baptist in Matthew, look for wisdom from the Prophet Isaiah, and
reflect on Paul's letter to the Roman's. Our personal reflections will
form the nucleus of an Advent Meditations booklet to be published and
distributed to the congregation in late November. Facilitator Susan
Rountree and participants will offer suggestions on expanding and
editing each piece in a safe, encouraging environment. Participants
need not be "writers" but should be willing to give it a try and to
offer gentle and helpful critique to others.
– Raising Children in Christ
Sunday, September 16 & 23
Leader: The Rev. Holly Gloff
Location: Library
Description: When a child is baptized, parents and godparents promise to raise their child in the faith. Parents
and godparents are asked to take this two-session class that explores
the meaning of the baptismal covenant and what it means to raise a
child in the Christian faith and life. This two-session class is offered once this fall. Parents and godparents of children who will be baptized this fall or early winter are asked to attend.
– Christian Bioethics
Sundays, October 14– November 4
Leader: Sarah Sours, Ethics and Theology Duke Ph.D. student
Location: Parish Hall
Description: Embryonic stem cell research. Removal of feeding tubes. Universal health insurance. Human cloning. Medical technologies and policies are hot-button issues now, and have been for decades. Is there such a thing as a Christian bioethics? This
class will explore how the biblical and theological traditions speak of
health and illness, so that we might think through how to approach the
bioethics issues of the day (whatever they happen to be) as followers
of Christ.
Raising Mission-Minded Children
Sundays, October 14–November 4
Leaders: Linda Dohme and Greer Beaty
Location: Convocation Room
Description: "Feed
my lambs" Christ said to his disciples. "Feed my lambs" Christ says to
us. Teaching our children to live this directive is not as hard as you
might think. Join us for a four-week class that examines God's call to
us to care for our brothers and sisters in the world and offers real
ways to instill a love of mission in our children.
– 1 Corinthians
Sundays, October 14–November 4
Leader: Dr. Mike Palmer
Location: Adult Education Room
Description: Cultural
conflict, misunderstanding, anger, and love are all part of the mix in
First Corinthians, a biblical book combining parts of at least two
letters the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. Paul's
experience with this contentious church can teach us a great deal about
our own multicultural world. Join us for the fun and the challenge.
Fifth Annual Gifts of Grace
Sunday, November 11
Leader: Scottie Steele
Location: Parish Hall
Description: What do you give for Christmas to the person who has everything? On
this Sunday you will have an opportunity to purchase, in honor of that
special person on your list, gifts that make a difference in God’s
world. An Outreach breakfast, “Grits of Grace,” will be served from 9
a.m.-12 p.m.
Meet the Vestry Candidates
Sunday, November 18
Leader: Bob Orr
Location: Parish Hall
Description: This event is your opportunity to meet the people who are running for the vestry.
– New Orleans Mission Report
Sunday, November 18
Leaders: Vaughn Wagoner and the New Orleans Mission Team
Location: Parish Hall
Description: This discussion follows immediately after the introduction of the vestry candidates. Our New Orleans mission team will talk about their experience on their October mission. Find out first hand what is happening in New Orleans and where God is working there today.
A Spirituality of Aging
Sunday, December 9
Leader: The Rev. Jane Sigloh
Location: Adult Education Room
Description: Jane
Sigloh will lead a discussion of the spiritual journey into the second
half of life based on research and ruminations of her new book entitled
Like Trees Walking.
The book is a series of meditations in which the author interweaves the
insights of scripture, poetry, fiction, and philosophy into her
thoughts on aging. According to the Foreword, "these witty, wise, often
profound meditations are a gift for those who cluster around seventy or
beyond. But they are also a gift to those who feel even in their youth
the coming of age."
– Holy Grounds
Sunday, December 9
Leader: Susan Rountree
Location: Parish Hall
Description: Join
us in the Parish Hall for a special St. Michael's Coffee House Advent
Event, when the writers of St. Michael's will share essays, prayers and
observations published in the 2007 Advent Meditations Booklet.
Introduced by parishioner and writer Susan Rountree, the members of the
Writing in Response to Scripture class and others will share in their
own voices how they engaged the lectionary for Advent and came out
writing.
Report from Jerusalem
Sunday, December 16
Leaders: The Rev. Holly Gloff and Chip Chase
Location: Parish Hall
Description: Chip
Chase and Holly Gloff will share what they learned while attending a
two-week course entitled "Jesus in Palestine" held at St. George's
Anglican College, Jerusalem. New insights, a slide presentation, and stories will be shared with all - perhaps YOU may wish to attend St. George’s next year!
Preparing for the Birth of the Messiah
Sunday, December 16
Leader: The Rev. Dr. John Gibson
Location: Adult Education Room
Description: Advent
is a liturgical time of preparation for our celebration of Christmas.
The birth of Jesus culminated years of preparation in the life of
Israel and in the lives of Mary and Joseph. As
part of our preparation for the celebration of Christmas, we will
examine the first chapter of Matthew and Luke so that with our
ancestors in faith we too will answer affirmatively God’s invitation to
new life in Christ.
SPECIAL EVENTS
–Spirituality and Contemporary Art
Day, Time, Duration: Saturday, 10:45 a.m.– 12:00 p.m., October 6
Leader: Chris Carson
Location: NC Museum of Art
Description: In
recent decades, widely publicized controversies have given the
impression that contemporary art and spirituality are adversaries.
However, increasingly in the past two decades, contemporary artists
have openly addressed religion and spirituality. Leading painters and
media artists are exploring beliefs; inspiring meditations on the
profound themes of life and death. Art about
spiritual and religious beliefs has unexpectedly become part of the
avant-garde. Come explore how artists have visually addressed spiritual
expression in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Discover
how spiritual themes have offered fresh and vivid perspectives on
topics such as the visionary, the sacred, and the heavenly. Consider the questions provoked by paintings from the permanent collection of the North Carolina Museum of Art.
Signs and Symbols of Christian Art at the NCMA
Day, Time, Duration: Friday, 10:45 a.m.– 12 p.m., October 26
Leader: Scotty Steele
Location: NC Museum of Art
Description: Artists
of the Renaissance, under the patronage of the Church, defined
Christian symbolism as it had been known and experienced through the
entire Christian era. The Church borrowed from every available source
including paganism and the Old Testament to give meaning to words,
actions and things. Join in exploring these universal symbols as we gather in the lobby at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism
Day, Time, Duration: Thursday, 11:30 a.m.– 12:45 p.m., November 15
Leader: The Rev. Dr. John Gibson
Location: NC Museum of Art
Description: The
NC Museum of Art is hosting a special exhibit of forty paintings that
includes many of the finest examples of mid- and late-
nineteenth-century French and American landscapes in the Brooklyn
Museum's collection. We will tour this exhibit as the culmination of the Spiritual Book Club’s reading of Landscapes of the Soul: A Spirituality of Place. Please note: The Museum charges for this tour.
Watching and Waiting
Day, Time, Duration: Saturday, 9 a.m.– 12:30 p.m, December 8
Leaders: The Rev. Jane Sigloh and the Rev. Dr. John Gibson
Location: St. Mary’s School
Description: Amid
the busyness of the season, the Rev. Jane Sigloh, guest priest
and teacher from Charlottesville, Virginia, offers us a morning of silent prayer and reflection to renew our souls and focus our hearts on the true meaning of the season of Advent. She will explore the incarnational themes of the season in a series of meditations entitled "An Expected Surprise," "The Great Absence," "A Ball of Yarn," "Lost and Found," and "The Star of Life."
Altar Guild
At every service at Saint Michael's --- Sundays, mid-week, funerals,
weddings, special services---the altar guild takes part. The purpose of
the Altar Guild is to support the clergy and prepare the church for
worship. With more than 250 services a year, we are busy! This is a
rewarding, behind the scenes ministry, with many opportunities to
serve. Altar Guild work brings a person close to the meaningful nature
of our worship, and provides an opportunity to learn more about our
rich liturgy. We are divided into many groups. Sunday groups, made up
of 4 - 5 persons, prepare the church on Saturday for the following day.
There are people who set up our Wednesday services, those who iron
linen, water chapel greenery, and represent St. Michael's at weddings
and funerals. Another important group are those men and women who
deliver flowers to our parishioners after church on Sunday. The Flower
Guild is also an important part of our ministry. Dedicated women and
men are available to our parishioners for arranging memorial flowers
for the altar on Sunday. With so many responsibilities, we are always
seeking new members. The time commitments vary. Some duties are once a
month, some quarterly, some are "as needed". This is a hands on
ministry, with no meetings! If you have limited time, if you're a
newcomer and want to become involved, if you would like to work in
small groups in a very large church, if you're retired and have a
little extra time, we can use you. In fact, we are in need of 4 more
people to deliver flowers, once every 3 months. For most people, Altar
Guild is a life long activity. This is because the work is different
from any other, and the spiritual aspect of what we do is something we
don't want to leave. Please call if you can find time for either Altar
Guild or Flower Guild.Altar Guild
Flower Guild - Ann Hall 787-6943 /
Harriet Hill 782-0072
Archives
The archives serve as the permanent repository for official parish records and materials relating to the history and development of our church. The committee maintains and preserves the archives and makes them available to those who have a need or interest in using them. The committee meets the 4th Wed. of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Blessings Ministry
When a St. Michael's parishioner is experiencing grief, illness, or stress, the Blessings Group delivers a casserole. The casserole is a tangible symbol of the prayerful support shared by parishioners for each other. At the time of the delivery, the visit of a Blessings Ministry team member brings the thoughts and prayers of a concerned parish family to the receiving family or individual. The Blessings Group works in teams to share the responsibilities of cooking, freezing, and delivering casseroles. New team members are welcome at any time. Requests for delivery of casseroles can be made through the church secretary, who calls the Blessings Ministry coordinator with the request. Requests can also be made directly to the coordinator. Canterbury Shop
Items in stock include Prayer Books, Bibles, Hymnals, and daily devotional guides, along with many fiction and non-fiction selections for adults and children. There are crosses and other religious jewelry, a variety of greeting cards and items for special occasions such as Baptism, Confirmation, Christmas and Easter. Anything not currently in stock may be ordered and special requests are welcomed. Shopping in the Canterbury Shop is a wonderful way to support ECW's outreach projects. College Student Ministry
An ECW service that keeps our young adult members in touch with our parish as they continue their education. We want to reach all of our college students. Episcopal Housing Ministry
Episcopal Housing Ministry, Inc. is a non-profit corporation established in 1991, initially supported primarily by St. Michael's and the Diocese. The Board of Directors is currently made up of representatives from ten Episcopal congregations in the Raleigh convocation, as well as three individuals from the community being served. The dual purposes of the ministry are: (1) to develop affordable housing for people whose incomes are below 60% of the area median, and (2) to provide supportive services to the residents and others to help empower them to enter fully into the mainstream of our community. Volunteers are needed to work with resident families in various capacities, including workshop leaders, tutors, recreational leaders and occasional child care, transportation providers, budget counselors and providers of simple washer and dryer repair. Our newest program, begun in the fall of 1995, is an after school center for latch-key children. The center will provide all resident children at East Haven Apartments a safe place to come to get a snack, to find homework assistance and to be with their neighbors. We especially welcome high school student tutors but financial support and volunteer involvement in all areas are needed. Friends of St. Michael's
The purpose of this churchwide ministry is to assist fellow parishioners and their families at the time of a death by offering to provide a reception in the parish hall either before or after the funeral or memorial service. Participants in this ministry serve on a monthly team, rotating twice a year. They prepare, serve, and clean up following these occasions. Guild of the Christ Child
This ECW sponsored ministry celebrates a child's birth. A Guild member, representing St. Michael's, visits the new parents and gives the family a special "Welcome Baby" packet. The Guild personally welcomes the new baby into the church, and it lends Christian support and encouragement to the parents. Health Ministry Committee
This committee is a component of the Pastoral Care Ministry at St. Michael's. Having been formed slightly over 2 years ago, some of their projects include a medical equipment loan closet, a CPR course for parishioners, and a collection of medical supplies for the Open Door Clinic. Kitchen Ministry
The Kitchen Ministry is a volunteer-based program area which occupies a central place in the life of the parish. Volunteers, with the assistance and direction of a Food Service Director prepare and serve Wednesday lunches, Wednesday Family Night Supper, Tuesday Parish Suppers, the Men's Breakfast, and various other meals throughout the year. Most volunteers work one 2-3 hour shift per month. This ministry offers a wide array of opportunities for service and is a great way to meet and get to know your fellow parishioners. Lectors
Lectors read the Lessons and lead the Prayers of the People in the worship services. Library
St. Michael's has an excellent library with a special room for children. Self-service procedures are explained in the library. Videos are also available and can be checked out on Sundays and Wednesdays. Memorials and Gifts
The giving of memorials and gifts is an especially meaningful way to honor someone you love. Gifts may be visible as the stained glass windows, the processional cross or plaques on the pews. Memorial funds, however, may be used for less tangible gifts such as preaching missions, retreats or other such events. What happens to your money when you give to the Memorial Fund? The money is recorded and acknowledgment of your gift is given to you and to the person being honored, or to the family in case of death. If the money is undesignated, it goes into the General Memorial Fund. All funds are channeled through the Memorials and Endowment Funds. Anyone can add to these funds, which currently include the Altar Guild, the Memorial Burial Garden, the Manly Memorial Garden, the General Endowment Fund, the Brownlee "Outreach" Trust, the Walker Memorial Library and the Margaret and Arthur Moss Endowment Fund (for the maintenance of the Burial Garden. Men's Breakfast
The Men's Breakfast is held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 a.m. (except June, July and August) at St. Michael's. Everyone is encouraged to attend for an opportunity for small group fellowship, good speakers on a variety of subjects, as well as a good, hot breakfast. Breakfast and programs are finished by 8:00 with time for questions afterwards. Men's Morning Bible Study
We meet every Thursday in the conference room at 7:00 am. We are out by 8:00. Breakfast biscuits and coffee are provided. We study the gospel lesson for the following Sunday. A rotating list of leaders prepares and leads the discussion. Men may participate without volunteering to lead. Newcomers
The first phrase of St. Michael’s Mission Statement proclaims
“Welcome the New”—and we take this mission to heart. We hope that upon visiting
our church on Sunday morning you’ll feel warmly welcomed by our friendly parishioners
and spiritually moved by our traditional worship service. Please fill out a
Visitor’s Card, available in the pew racks, and place in the offering plate so
we may know who you are and add you to our mailing list to receive St.
Michael’s monthly newsletter. Also stop by the Welcome Table outside the
narthex where greeters are posted before and after the 9:30 a.m. service (10
a.m. summer service) and prior to the 11:15 a.m. service (no 11:15 a.m. service
in the summer) to answer any questions and share a red visitor’s bag with you,
full of information about St. Michael’s programs and ministries. Plan to attend
an upcoming Newcomer Orientation (every other month on Sunday mornings) or a
spring or fall Newcomers’ Dinner to meet others new to St. Michael’s and learn
more about our vibrant church. Feel free to contact Jean White, Director of
Newcomer Ministry, at 783-7644 or jeanw16@nc.rr.com
if you have any newcomer-related questions or need help along the way as you
become a part of our parish. Welcome—we’re glad you’re here!
Newsletter Mailing Group
Once a month, a group of dedicated parishioners gather to prepare our monthly newsletter for mailing. The hour and a half that we spend together is a special time for fun and fellowship.We affix address labels to the newsletters, and occasionally insert a flyer or two. We can always use extra hands. Call Ann Garey (782-0731) if interested. Outreach
Vision of the Outreach Committee - Build a solid and visible tradition of Outreach within the congregation- Encourage greater involvement of the entire St. Michael's family- Outreach will be seen as an important mission of St. Michael's- More of the St. Michael's family will be active participants in Outreach Actions to be taken - Begin to spend our limited dollars where our members are interested and involved - Develop new avenues for Outreach participation and action The committee meets the fourth Wednesday each month. Chuck Fyfe (charles.fyfe@pgnmail.com) is the chair of this committee Sound System
Members of the Sound System Committee are responsible for operating the Church sound system during the worship services at 9:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and at other special services. They are responsible for insuring that the microphones are working, taping the service and making volume adjustments for the best acoustics during the service. Members are normally responsible for one service every two months. Stewardship
Increasing stewardship at St. Michael's makes our expanding program possible. Percentage giving as part of your church life expresses gratitude to God for your many blessings. Technology
This group supports the computer systems for the church - for email, text and publishing programs. We use the Automated Church System, a program used for the business and pastoral needs of the church We support the church staff when they have computer or network problems and train the staff on new applications. During our recent building expansion program, we planned and coordinated the installation of all computer and voice wiring in the new offices and meeting rooms. We also upgraded the Phone Switch for more efficient voice mail and switching capabilities. We have given classes to Michael's Majority folks to help them use email and access the Web. We helped the Library folks in upgrading their old library computer program. The new program automates the creation of an electronic card catalog system and book inventory list and creates bar codes for each book, much like you would see in the public libraries.
We recently upgraded and replaced our network server with newer hardware and Linux software for a cost efficient operation.
So, if you have any PC experience or an interest in helping out with the Technology Committee, please contact us. We do not spend a lot of times in meetings. We meet electronically and work on projects, as required. Please contact the church, if you would like to join our technology team. Twenties and Thirties
The 20's and 30's group is comprised of post-college age singles and
couples. The group meets monthly for a social event which include
activities such as covered dish suppers and cookouts at members' homes,
dining out, and various community outings. The focus is fun and
fellowship.
Ushers
Ushers greet parishioners and visitors, distribute church bulletins, receive the offering and provide other assistance which may be needed during the worship service. Vestry
The Vestry functions as a legislative and administrative board of the Church and actively supports the various programs, projects and continuing Church activities. Vestry meetings, held monthly on the third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., are open to the entire congregation. If you have comments or suggestions and cannot attend a meeting, please call the appropriate Vestry person. The membership is made up of fifteen representatives of the parish, five elected each year for a three-year term. Elections are held in late Fall. Volunteer Receptionists
Seated at a desk in the reception area, these volunteers greet visitors and receive all incoming telephone calls-transferring them to the appropraite clergy or support staff member. They may be asked to record telephone reservations for scheduled meal events, and on occasion help the communications staff by assisting with outgoing mailings.
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