Summer 2026: The Construction Issue
The Official Magazine for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
HONOR GRADUATING SENIORS
Pray for and celebrate our graduating seniors on page 29.
SEE A MAP OF OUR NEW CAMPUS STAY CONNECTED THIS SUMMER!
Get a sneak peek of what our new campus will offer on page 10.
See Sunday classes, serving opportunities, and the parish calendar on pages 23–36.
Pentecost is often considered the “birthday of the Church” and marks the end of the Great Fifty Days of Easter. On this day, we remember how God’s Holy Spirit was given to the disciples after Jesus’s ascension, empowering them to begin the work of making disciples of all nations.
THE FIRST FOUR MONDAYS IN JUNE DOORS OPEN AT 6 | PRESENTATIONS BEGIN AT 7 VECTOR BREWING, 9850 WALNUT HILL LN. SUITE 405, DALLAS SAINTMICHAEL.ORG/PUBTHEOLOGY
Pub Theology is a speaker series designed for outreach to the surrounding community. Theological, challenging, and thought-provoking topics are presented in a welcoming pub environment equally comfortable for the parishioner, an invited friend, or curious listener.
JUNE 1
JUNE 8
JUNE 15
JUNE 22
How Social Media and a 24-hour News Cycle Shape Identity
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata Rector Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
Who Are We Becoming? AI and the Future of the Human Person
The Rev. Dr. Christopher Benek Pastor at First Miami Presbyterian Church and CEO of the CoCreators Network
At Home in the Universe: Cosmology and the Search for Meaning
The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso Senior Associate for Discipleship
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
You Are Not Your Brain: Neuroscience, Addiction, and Identity
The Rev. Robin Hinkle Associate for Pastoral Care Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
Jazmin Agustince
Dr. Robert August
Rob Baber
The Rev. Nate Bostian
Katherine Bowen
Dianne Boyd
The Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon
Melisa Bray
Justin Brooks
Carter Bruey
Juan Cantera
BJ Clark
Lindsay Coker
Susan Dixon
The Rev. David M. Faulkner
Sarah Fairweather
Bonita Frederick
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso
Tom Hammond-Davies
Maliska Haba
Logan Herod
The Rev. Robin H. Hinkle
Meghan Houk
Angelia Hunter
Beth Igoe
Kahla Jackson
Cydni Joubert
Karen Krasovec
The Rev. Dr. Sally Lombardo
Harvey L. Marshall
Bhavnita Masih
Susan Mills
Samuel Moore
Allison Nors
The Rev. Greg Pickens
Colleen O’Hara
Marilu Ohl
Darla Osterhout
Jenna Pitman
Edgar Porras
Marco Reyes
Elsa SanJuan
Catherine Seveney
Dr. Timothy M. Smith
Rob Springer-Kyle
Celise Stephenson
Samuel Sweet
Brian Turner
Meredith Turner
Alma Vega-Rouse
Tish Visinsky
The Rt. Rev. Dean E. Wolfe
Mary Worthington
Assistant to Advancement
Associate Director of Music and Organist
Director of Finance
Sunday Assistant
Coordinator for Pastoral Care
Coordinator for Worship Media
Vice Rector
Special Projects Manager
Director of Contemporary Music
Graphic Designer I Sexton
Assistant to Operations / Receptionist
Executive Assistant to the Vice Rector
Revenue Processing Specialist
Associate for Worship & Liturgy
Digital Marketing Manager
Receptionist
Rector
Senior Associate for Discipleship
Director of Music
Advancement Manager
Director of Early Childhood Music
Associate for Pastoral Care
Director of Children's Ministries
Accountant
Coordinator for Formation Ministries
Assistant Director of Youth Ministries
Assistant Director of Children's Ministries
Assistant to Worship & Liturgy
Assistant Priest and SMES Chaplain
Director of Facilities
Executive Assistant to the Rector
Operations Manager
Director of Youth Ministries
Coordinator for Mission & Outreach
Sunday Assistant
Director of Operations
Senior Accountant
Accountant
Assistant Director of Communications
Sexton
Sexton
Sexton
Coordinator for Music & Choristers
Director of Adult Ministries
Director of Mission & Outreach
Database Manager & Parish Records
Assistant Director of Music
Manager of Audio, Video, & Lighting (AVL)
Director of Communications
Director of Advancement
Director of Parish Life
Bishop in Residence
Major Gifts Officer
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata , Rector
The Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon , Vice Rector
The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso , Senior Associate for Discipleship
The Rev. David M. Faulkner, Associate for Worship & Liturgy
The Rev. Robin H. Hinkle , Associate for Pastoral Care
The Rev. Dr. Sally Lombardo, Assistant Priest and SMES Chaplain
The Rt. Rev. Dean E. Wolfe, Bishop in Residence
The Rev. Greg Pickens , Sunday Assistant
The Rev. Nate Bostian, Sunday Assistant
SUNDAYS 7:30 AM: Holy Eucharist Rite I, Traditional 9 AM: Holy Eucharist Rite II, Traditional 9 AM: JOY! A Children’s Service
10 AM: Education Classes for All Ages
11 AM: Holy Eucharist Rite I, Traditional
11 AM: Holy Eucharist Rite II, Contemporary
5:30 PM: Holy Eucharist Rite II, Traditional
Every effort is made to avoid error, misspellings, and omissions. If an error comes to your attention, please accept our apologies and notify us. The Archangel Newsletter (USPS 015-033) is
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Meredith Turner
CHIEF DESIGNER
Jenna Pitman
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER
Carter Bruey
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Ken Brannon
David Faulkner
Chris Girata
Robin Hinkle
Bhavnita Masih
Tish Visinsky
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Carolyn Barta
David Faulkner
Kathryn Francis
Chris Girata
Tom Hammond-Davies
Bitsy Hudnall
Pressley Peters
Jenny Sanders
Meredith Turner
PHOTOGRAPHERS
A&A Creative
Carter Bruey
Sarah Fairweather
Jenna Pitman
Meredith Turner
PRINTER Publication Printers 2001 S. Platte River Drive Denver, CO 80223
No part of this publication may be used without written permission.
Each week, altar flowers grace our sanctuary and lift our worship.
Perfect for: in memory of a loved one in thanksgiving for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and baptisms
"We support the Altar Flower Fund because it’s a gift of love — to the church, to the congregation, to those in the community who receive any repurposed flowers, and to the memory of those who came before us."
- Diane and Hervey Priddy
Scan the QR code or visit saintmichael.org/altarflowers to learn more.
For questions, contact 214-365-3503 or giving@saintmichael.org.
10 – 11 am | colgate patio
Join us for Saint Michael's Annual Pie for the 4th of July celebration. We'll be serving over 50 pies baked by our parishioners along with vanilla ice cream and popcorn. Volunteer to bake a pie or help serve! Invite your friends and neighbors and join us for fellowship and patriotic fun!
Susan Barnicoat, Monique Black, Mark Cannata, James Carry, Jim Chambers, Terry Demler, Tom Fenton, Elizabeth Gambrell, Amanda Harris, Kathy Hayes, Jack Marshallsea, Stephen Miller
Exp 2026 David Hopson, Chris McClung
Exp 2027 Michael Cosby, Ryan Kneipper, Paul Talbot Exp 2028 Lauren Parker, Kim Snyder, Kathleen Wallace Alternates:
2026 Amanda Harris (1) Exp 2027 Joe Bumpas (1), Jack Sears (2) Exp 2028 Matt Bomberger (1), Jack Rubarth (2)
There are so many directions to take this summer article, but one seems glaringly obvious: We’re about to open our new building! This summer marks my 10th anniversary at Saint Michael, and from the first days of my arrival, the dream of a new campus has been at the front of my mind. To imagine what we’ve done together and what we are planning to celebrate in August feels like a dream come true.
From the earliest days of our community, Saint Michaelites have had big vision. On August 2, 1945, a small group of thirty-two prospective members gathered in Goar Park next to University Park Town Hall, to sign a petition asking the Bishop to organize a North Dallas mission. That mission soon shifted to meeting at SMU’s Fondren Library before purchasing a piece of property at the corner of Colgate and Douglas. By 1948, that small group had grown to be a few hundred and held their first service as a parish in the unfinished church that we now know as Saint Michael Chapel.
That part of our history is important to remember because it’s easy to think that Saint Michael has been around for a very long time. In reality, we still have living members who were part of the group that met on SMU’s campus and helped build the
first worship space on our property. The history of Saint Michael is still living history, and that history is handed to us.
Saint Michael may still be a couple of decades from our centennial, but we’ve taken the baton in our great relay race and done the work that sets us up for a second century. The amount of development on our campus over the last few years is stunning. From the office and apartment buildings to the new core of our church building, we have redefined what we can be and refocused who we are becoming.
On August 2, the new building will open to everyone. The Sunday experience—not to mention every other day of the week—will be vastly improved. We will shift the main entrance of our campus to Douglas Avenue, using the shared drive between the church and office buildings. The majority of our parking will now be in the structured garage, with a beautiful entry underground and on ground level into our Atrium. Now, when you come and go on campus, you’ll use the same path as almost everyone else, giving us an opportunity to stop and visit, deepening our relationships in the process.
This process has been a remarkable experience in the life of our church family. It’s a rare privilege to witness and support such a radical change in the physical experience of the church we love. What has happened to our community and our campus over the last five years has been extraordinary. From the incredibly generous spirit of the parishioners who supported the capital project, to those who have overseen construction, and to those who will help realize the potential of the new space, I overflow with gratitude.
In this special issue of The Archangel , we will highlight just a few of the incredibly gifted people who have helped make this dream a reality. You will see stories about the builders who have poured themselves into this passion project. You will read about
an artist in our parish who is crafting beautiful pieces to bless many new spaces. And you’ll also see maps of where you can find key spaces in the new building. We are only a few short months away from opening the whole space to everyone in August, so let’s say “thank you” to those who have done so much on our behalf, and then let’s get ready together.
The building will be transformative, but you’ve likely heard me say all our efforts are not ultimately about the building, and it’s true. We’ve invested ourselves in a new physical campus that will support community growth in exciting new ways, and we can seize the moment. Let’s remember why we do all of this in the first place.
God is love, and we know that God’s greatest hope is for love to define all of creation. Because God is love, God does not coerce us into loving Him back. God loves us freely and completely, and God hopes that we will respond in love. That freedom to reciprocate love is how we know that God’s love is true. We can say no to his gift of love, but we are made to say yes.
We will celebrate a physical renewal of our community in a few short weeks, so I invite you to begin preparing for the spiritual renewal that can happen for each one of us. God has renewed his gift of love for each of us, and God hopes that we will reciprocate that love more deeply and more completely this year. Our renewed life together will draw new friends and old friends to our community, and it will be up to us to help them find a strong spiritual home with us.
Life is a gift, and life with God is eternal. Let us each embrace a renewed sense of hope for the future of our world. Hope is never lost when we truly believe that the best is yet to come—and here at Saint Michael, we definitely know just how true that is!
GATHERING
EDUCATION RESTROOMS
ELEVATOR
MINISTRY SUPPORT
EDUCATION LOBBY
YOUTH CENTER
EDUCATION BUILDING
By the Rev. David M. Faulkner, Associate for Worship & Liturgy
Excitement is in the air as we move towards the opening of the revitalized Saint Michael campus on Sunday, August 2! The most exciting aspect of this amazing project goes beyond the buildings themselves—it goes to the worship and ministry that they will enable. I am delighted to offer a few practical notes on our Sunday worship schedule in the new spaces. Our new campus will position our worship services for growth and the deepening of our discipleship for years to come while maintaining continuity with our history and Saint Michael identity.
7:30 AM AND 5:30 PM
Intimate Bookends in Saint Michael Chapel
Both the 7:30 a.m. Rite I and the 5:30 p.m. Rite II services will continue in Saint Michael Chapel. While different rites, both services offer a contemplative start to the week that can feel unhurried and a welcome space. The 7:30 a.m. service will continue to be a quiet Rite I service. The 5:30 p.m. will continue to be a Rite II service that is being celebrated in a contemplative and accessible manner with traditional hymnody and service music supported by acoustic guitar. These are the bookends to our Sunday worship schedule at Saint Michael and are beloved by those who prefer more intimate and meditative services.
Our 9 a.m. Rite II service in the Church will be unchanged and remain our family-friendly service with music that is uplifting and accessible. Children will still be invited to process out to join Joy! A Children’s Service for singing and a Bible story before returning for Communion. The beloved pageantry and music of the 9 a.m. service will continue as we raise up the next generation to enjoy this service.
Joy! A Children’s Service in the New Parish Hall Joy! A Children’s Service will be moving upstairs to the new Parish Hall. This beloved service for our youngest Saint Michaelites is busting at the seams in Saint Michael Chapel, which is a wonderful problem to have! Moving to the Parish Hall will allow us to expand the liturgical roles for children and families, utilize multimedia in fresh and accessible ways, and provide space for this service to continue to grow for years to come. As a bonus, when children finish worshipping in the Parish Hall, it will be a short walk on the second floor across the connector to the Education Building for Sunday classes. We cannot wait to explore the possibilities for this service in the new Parish Hall!
As Rite I moves back into the Church when the revitalized campus opens on August 2, we will enjoy an elevated liturgical and musical experience, supported by the staff singers and main organ. We are excited to be able to provide this service space to grow and to dream together about the very best expressions of the Rite I language liturgical tradition. We aspire to offer the very best Rite I musical and liturgical experience in the area for those who find deep meaning in this expression of the Church’s worship.
As the Contemporary service moves into the new Parish Hall, we will enjoy staging and a sound system built to suit this service, in addition to having chairs that can be moved and setup as needed as we grow into the space and learn what works best for this service. Having a distinctive space for contemporary worship will improve the experience of all parishioners by giving this service a place of stability that nurtures a sense of communal identity. This change will also support the corps of volunteers that so generously work to make Sunday mornings wonderful for everyone. We will also learn how the multimedia setup in the Parish Hall can best support this service.
Our new campus will enable us to offer the very best of a variety of worship experiences for newcomers and long-time members, young and old, and traditional and contemporary folks alike. Our Rector, Chris Girata, is fond of saying, “The best is yet to come.” When I survey the possibilities for beautiful and joyful worship in these new spaces, I truly believe the result of these past years of giving and labor will enable us to offer the widest variety and best quality of worship Saint Michael has seen in her storied history. Indeed, by God’s grace and provision in this new chapter, the best is yet to come!
Written
Two years ago, Saint Michael and All Angels embarked on an unprecedented construction project to update our campus. For St. Mary’s Guild, we didn’t know what to expect or where we would end up on the project’s other side. Now, with the project completion and a clear plan for our future, we can say, “We not only survived, we thrived.”
St. Mary’s Guild (SMG) has provided parishioners with Sunday morning bake sale goodies for more than 50 years. As church spaces were closed off, we went from our old Lanai greeting space to the outdoor patio on specific Sundays. The Colgate patio has been a wonderful gathering spot under our tent with benches nearby. We have befriended bugs, embraced the wind, soaked up sunshine, covered up in rain, and huddled together in the cold … and you have joined us!
Our bi-monthly savory and sweet sales have been strong, with our biggest sale day of the year as temperatures plummeted and hot apple cider accompanied our treats. One parishioner recalled: “Couldn’t believe they were out there! The ladies who provide homemade goodies were not fazed by the weather. They just kept smiling. Warmed my heart and soul. Love their hospitality.”
Our members have stepped up to provide a welcoming environment. Tables continue to be festively decorated by LaRee Stein, who finds SMG “a great way to meet parishioners and give back.” She says, “The patio has been nice, but St. Mary's will be thrilled to return inside to a climate-controlled environment. We thank everyone for buying outside!”
Supplies have been stocked and sometimes even stored during the construction period by Cissy Humphrey, a Guild stalwart since 1985 and unofficial historian. St. Mary’s started as an evening organization for working women and evolved into a bake sales guild with proceeds going to charity. Cissy recalls that SMG made donations to the Stewpot shortly after it was founded, which is why the black kettle sits on the table. While today the group supports smaller, often overlooked nonprofits, Genesis Women’s Shelter and Austin Street Shelter have also been recipients.
In 2025, our SMG donation was to Hopeful Solutions. Our gift was received during a fundraising window for
matching funds from Communities Foundation. We were just doing our thing, but God had a bigger plan, in that way multiplying our gift—your gift—to the community.
The construction has not been SMG’s first challenge. During the Covid pandemic, we provided baked goods for local hospital personnel, under the leadership of Paula Calise, who “loves sharing her baking passion with fellow parishioners and community members.” Paula states, “Every time we warm our ovens for St. Mary’s, we are participating in something bigger.”
Our membership has also grown during this period, as old and new bakers and sellers have been unable to pass up the joy and camaraderie on the patio. Still, Shannon Callewart says she can’t wait to incorporate the café vibe of the new space and relishes being “more in the middle of our church community again.” She noted that one thing hasn’t changed with being relocated with the construction: “It’s so fun to see children’s happy faces and realize we are part of a family’s church ritual!”
While St. Mary’s Guild has embraced the construction, we eagerly anticipate serving from our new church home! We will be centrally located in the Café, the hub of hospitality, where we will warm your heart between services with our savory, sweets, and smiles. We will be there every second and fourth Sunday from August through November, so stop by the bake table and feed your soul.
Tuesday, February 17
Shrove Tuesday, hosted by the Men of Saint Michael, was a fun-filled night of pancakes, gumbo, beads, masks, and so much more. At this event, parishioners of all ages kicked off the season of Lent that begins with Ash Wednesday.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, February 18
Ash Wednesday reminds us of our mortality—but also invites us to return to God with open hearts. Thank you to everyone who joined us for Ash Wednesday services, including Ashes-To-Go in Preston Center. It was a joy to see familiar faces, meet new neighbors, and offer ashes and prayers to those who work and gather in the surrounding shops and restaurants.
By Meredith Turner, Director of Communications
On any given day over the past two and a half years, you could stand on Douglas Ave. in front of Saint Michael’s campus and watch something remarkable unfold. Not just steel rising or stone being set—but a quiet, steady collaboration between dozens of hands and minds, all working toward something far bigger than a building.
For the team from The Beck Group, this project has never been just about construction. It’s been about creating a place that feels, from the moment you step inside, like it has always belonged. “It’s a lot like designing a home,” says Project Architect Louis Sierra, “but it’s a home for several thousand people.”
Each of the three leaders on this project—Graham Comstock, Integrated Project Leader; Louis Sierra, Project Architect; and Mickey Luttrell, Senior Superintendent—brings a different lens to the work. Graham oversees the integration of design and construction, guiding the project from early planning through completion. Louis serves as the “design guardian,” working in tandem with Jay Chung, Project Manager; Francisco Ibarra, Project Designer; and John Paul DeFrank, Principal in Charge; ensuring that every detail reflects the original vision. Mickey is constantly looking months ahead, coordinating the moving pieces of a complex job site.
But for all three, this project carries a weight that goes beyond logistics and timelines. Churches, as Louis describes, are among the most personal spaces to build. They hold history, memory, and meaning—not just for today’s congregation, but for generations. “You’re not just thinking about Sundays,” he explains. “You’re thinking about how people gather throughout the week, how they connect, how they experience community.”
For Graham, the connection is even more personal. His family’s history is intertwined with Saint Michael—his parents were married here, both of his grandparents’ funerals were held in its sacred spaces, and his daughter currently attends Saint Michael Episcopal School on this campus. Originally assigned to a different project, Graham jumped at the opportunity to join this project when the need arose, and he was presented with the opportunity.
Constructing a new building is one thing. Constructing it in the heart of an active church campus is another entirely. “This site is tight,” Mickey says plainly. “There’s really one main entry point for construction, and once materials start coming in, you have to choreograph everything.” From navigating confined spaces to coordinating deliveries and crews, the logistics alone have been a constant puzzle. Some of the most challenging work has taken place in the narrow corridors
and interior courtyards that connect the old and new parts of campus.
And then there were the challenges no one could fully predict. As the project was taking shape, the construction industry was emerging from the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Material costs were volatile, and supply chains were unreliable. “We were trying to give firm estimates at probably the worst time in recent history,” Graham recalls. The solution required creativity—and a bit of boldness. The team ordered key materials like steel and glass years in advance, storing them locally to protect the project from dramatic price increases. “It’s not something you’d normally do,” he says. “But it was the best way to manage the risk.”
While much of the work has focused on building something new, an equally important goal has been preserving what already exists. Saint Michael’s original sanctuary, designed in 1959 by architect Harwood K. Smith, set the tone for everything that followed. The team chose to honor that identity in the design of the new campus. “We were very intentional,” Louis explains. “The limestone, the brick, the columns—even the rooflines—we borrowed those elements from the original design.”
In fact, the brick used in the new construction comes from the very same company as the original. The result, as Mickey describes it, is something seamless. “It doesn’t feel like an addition,” he says. “It feels like it was always meant to be there.”
For Graham, that continuity is part of what makes the project so special. “That mid-century design— it’s clean, it’s timeless,” he says. “There’s no need to change it. It’s something to build on.”
Nearly half of the new building is dedicated to open, circulation areas—places for people to gather and connect. And at the center of it all is the Atrium, a light-filled space that serves as the new front door to Saint Michael. “It’s the convergence point,” Graham says. “It ties together the Church, the Parish Hall, the classrooms, and even the park-
ing below. Everything flows through there.” Louis describes the Atrium as a place where community happens naturally.
And then there is the Parish Hall—what many on the team describe as the “heart” of the building. Flexible, expansive, and equipped with state-ofthe-art technology, it can transform from a worship space to a large gathering space to a performance venue. “It’s going to surprise people,” Louis says with a smile. “There’s definitely a ‘wow’ factor.”
While the three leaders helped guide the vision, they are quick to point out that this project has always been a team effort. Over the course of construction, nearly a thousand craftspeople have worked on site. Hundreds of thousands of labor hours have gone into shaping the building. At times, as many as 125 truckloads of rock were removed in a single day to make way for the foundation. “It takes a village,” Graham says. “We’re proud of what we’ve done— but it belongs to a lot of people.”
Louis agrees. After spending years immersed in the details—walking the site, reviewing every element, working closely with church leadership—he feels a deep personal connection to the finished space.
Soon, the construction trailers will be gone. The dust will settle. And the spaces that have been carefully imagined and built will begin to fill with life. For the Beck team, that is the true measure of success—not just what they have built, but what will happen here in the years to come.
Because in the end, this was never just about constructing a building. It’s about building a vibrant and welcoming community where people from all walks of life come together to pursue Christ and support one another.
The
Meredith Turner, Director of Communications
When Saint Michael began discerning the future of our campus, one guiding conviction quickly emerged: whatever the church builds next must prioritize community. Saint Michael knew it wanted to rebuild the heart of its campus and make the entire facility smarter, more functional, and more welcoming.
Because the full master plan is a significant undertaking, the work was intentionally divided into phases. Phase One represented roughly 20% of the overall project and focused on the Education Building on the west side of our property. This building serves two vital purposes. It’s the home of Saint Michael Episcopal School (SMES) and supports Sunday classes and other educational gatherings throughout the week.
When Saint Michael’s Rector, Chris Girata, arrived in 2016, the school had roughly half the number of students it does today. The ages served have remained the same, but enrollment has grown dramatically. That growth is a blessing—but it also meant the church needed more space, better space, and a learning environment that truly reflected the excellence already present in the school’s curriculum and community.
Beginning in December 2023, the building underwent a complete transformation. Much of the interior was gut-
ted—hallways were reconfigured, walls were moved, and asbestos was safely removed. Perhaps most importantly, we invested heavily in the infrastructure—the systems that make a building truly work. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems were all replaced. In many ways, the building received an entirely new life.
By the fall of 2024, construction of the Education Building was complete. When school opened in September, students and teachers stepped into a renewed space designed to support their learning and formation. Just a few weeks later, the second floor opened for Sunday school classes and other church gatherings.
It was an investment in education overall—but especially in the ministry of SMES.
Today, SMES is one of the most meaningful entry points into the life of the church.
Life has changed in many ways over the past generation. People’s schedules are fuller, priorities are shifting, and many families no longer begin their spiritual journey by walking into a church. But when children enter the picture, parents often begin asking deeper questions: What kind of character do we want to cultivate in our children? What values will shape their lives?
SMES offers families a beautiful starting point. And with the church right beside it, the spiritual formation children receive during the week naturally connects with the life of faith experienced on Sundays.
“The newly transformed school spaces not only enrich how our students learn and grow, they create a front door invitation into a vibrant, shared community with Saint Michael Church.”
– Netra Fitzgerald, SMES Head of
School
The church is already seeing the fruit of this investment. In the past year alone, participation in the children’s Sunday morning experience has increased by nearly 50%. Young families are discovering Saint Michael in new ways, and they are finding a welcoming community.
This building project reflects another conviction that has shaped Chris’s thinking for many years. While Chris was in seminary, he encountered a book called The Gospel According to Starbucks. The title may sound unusual, but the idea behind it is deeply meaningful. The author explored the concept of a “third space.”
Most of us anchor our lives in two primary places: home and work. But we also need a third environment—a place where community naturally forms. A space where relationships deepen, conversations happen, and shared values are reinforced.
When he arrived at Saint Michael, Chris realized that the campus was designed beautifully for worship and learning. Nearly every interior space was dedicated either to prayer or to classrooms. Those are essential parts of Saint Michael’s identity—but something was missing—the church lacked spaces simply for gathering. If Saint Michael wanted to host a reception or a celebration after worship, it often had to move outside. And when larger groups wanted to gather indoors, it was a struggle to find a room that worked.
As leaders imagined the future of the campus, it became clear that community space needed to be at the center. The
redesigned middle of the campus reflects that vision. A new Parish Hall will provide space for shared meals, guest speakers, concerts, and celebrations. A Café will offer a place where people can meet a friend for coffee, study, or simply spend time together. These spaces may not always feel “churchy”—and that’s exactly the point. They allow the church to become part of everyday life, a place where relationships grow naturally and where faith becomes woven into the rhythms of community.
One final insight shaped the campus redesign. When Chris first arrived, he discovered that the campus had more than 14 different entry points. If you knew exactly where you were going, you could park nearby, slip in through a convenient door, attend your meeting or class, and leave without ever encountering anyone else. It was efficient—but it wasn’t relational. In fact, two close friends could be on campus at the same time and never know the other was there.
Therefore, the new design intentionally encourages connection. While there will still be multiple ways to enter the property, the majority of people—perhaps 85%—will pass through a shared central entrance. Chris likes to call this a “collision space.” It’s a place where paths naturally cross. Where people see one another on the way in and out. Where conversations happen unexpectedly and friendships grow stronger. And that matters more than we sometimes realize. Relationships make the spiritual journey “stickier.” When we know one another, support one another, and share life together, discipleship becomes something that truly shapes us over time.
Every brick placed and every room designed communicates a simple but powerful belief: the future God is calling Saint Michael toward is bright. By investing in education, welcoming spaces, and deeper community, we are building more than structures. We are building the relationships that help us become the people God created us to be—and equipping our parish to share that love with the world for generations to come.
This is the fifth article in a six-part series. The first, second, third, and fourth articles were published in the Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2025, and Spring 2026 issues of The Archangel, respectively.
July 25 – August 3
Please pray for the 14 choristers who are traveling with their families and Saint Michael Music Staff to London to perform at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
WOMEN OF SAINT MICHAEL GALA & FUNDRAISER
Friday, February 6
The Stars and Light Gala was a joyful celebration of fellowship, generosity, and shared purpose — and thanks to the efforts of a tremendously talented team, it was an incredible success!
Friends gathered in style to celebrate the mission and impact WOSM makes. The evening featured a cocktail hour, a Wine and Whiskey Pull, Silent and Live Auctions, a delicious dinner, inspiring remarks, live music, dancing, and the debut of a powerful video highlighting the mission and impact of WOSM grants and why their contributions to the community matter so deeply.
To all who attended, donated, sponsored, or volunteered, we extend our heartfelt thank you!
By Meredith Turner, Director of Communications
As I walked up to his house, which doubles as his workshop, I was welcomed by the smells of sawdust and freshly cut wood. I knocked on the door and was quickly greeted by artist and Saint Michael parishioner Andrew Key. A couple of years ago, Andrew was commissioned by our Rector, Chris Girata, to turn the trees that once shaded our campus into treasures that will adorn our new campus. I had the unique experience of visiting with Andrew at his workshop to get an inside look into what he was working on and his inspiration behind it all.
Andrew. They had a vision—a vision to transform the healthy wood from these trees into something meaningful for our new campus.
Before the crews cranked up their chainsaws, Andrew visited each of the nine trees, carefully examining them for sections that could be salvaged for his masterpieces.
What began as a simple, practical request from Chris slowly unfolded into something much more meaningful. Using wood from the trees that had been removed, Andrew knew he could craft a cross
As I stepped foot into Andrew’s workshop and scanned the room, I instantly noticed an eight-foot cross leaning up against the wall to my left, intricately designed cutting boards lined up along a bookcase, and a wooden feather, approximately five feet in length, lying delicately on a worktable in the center of the room. I ran my fingers along the grain of the feather, admiring the intricate craftsmanship and wondering about his inspiration for each of the commissioned pieces—a cross, a rose, and a feather.
The first piece Andrew completed is the cross that will hang in the new Parish Hall. This cross will anchor the space in the new building in both form and meaning. To create the cross, he sorted through the wood from the pews that once sat in Bishop Moore Chapel, and in doing so, he began to notice drill holes—remnants of screws that had, at one time, held something meaningful in place.
He intentionally chose to keep those marks visible as a way of preserving a piece of Saint Michael’s history. If you get a chance to look closely at the cross, you’ll still see the holes—subtle reminders that this isn’t just newly crafted wood, but material that has already been part of the life of the Church.
The rose may be the most ambitious piece to craft, and one that he has yet to begin crafting. Andrew was quick to admit it is complicated and unlike anything he’s made before. He described that his inspiration comes from the grandeur of traditional rose windows—the large, circular stained-glass features found in Gothic cathedrals that draw in light and tell stories of the bible through color and form. While his version will take shape in wood rather than glass, that same sense of movement and meaning is guiding the design.
The rose will be installed on the second floor, along the south wall of the Parish Hall Reception Area. Originally, Andrew imagined it much larger, but the realities of the space—specifically the metal framework within the wall—required him to scale it back and adapt. Even so, the vision remains the same. Using wood from the Bishop Moore Chapel pews and the trees from the original campus, he is shaping something that echoes the beauty of these historic windows, and where something meaningful begins to take form.
Next, I turned my attention to the feather that will be along a wall in the walkway which connects the parking garage to the church on the basement level. As Andrew began to share the story behind this piece, it took on a deeper meaning. He shared that it was inspired by Psalm 91:4—“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart”—a verse that
has long resonated with him on a personal level. For Andrew, feathers are more than a symbol; they are a quiet reminder of presence and protection. He spoke about the way feathers seem to appear at unexpected moments—once even crossing his path on an unusually windy day—experiences he has come to receive as gentle signs of the love and support from his grandmother.
As he talked about her, it was clear that this piece is as much about legacy as it is about scripture. He described her as a strong, intelligent woman whose life was rooted in service—especially through her work with underprivileged children in Lubbock—and whose faith shaped his own. Summers spent with her left a lasting impression, not only in the time they shared but also in the foundation she quietly built in him. He laughed as he recalled one small but telling memory: she once offered him five dollars to memorize the Lord’s Prayer, a challenge he eagerly accepted as a child.
Standing there in his workshop, with the carved feather resting between us, it felt as though her influence still lingered in the room—woven into the grain, the form, and the meaning of the piece itself.
As we continued talking, I found myself struck by the connection between the stories he was telling and the very material he was shaping. We discussed how fitting it seemed that he now works with wood—these trees that, much like the people who form us, stand firm and endure for generations. There is something steady and foundational about them, something that outlasts us and yet carries our stories forward.
In that moment, it felt clear that this wasn’t just a coincidence of craft. Through these reclaimed trees, he is not only creating something beautiful for Saint Michael, but also continuing a legacy of faith, resilience, and presence—one that, like both wood and memory, is meant to endure.
WORSHIP WITH US!
7:30 AM
9 AM
10 AM
Classes Education Building Resuming on 8/16
11 AM
Church
Parish Hall 5:30 PM
Chapel
OPENING SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
After years of prayer and preparation, we are excited to open the doors to Saint Michael’s newly transformed church home. Join us as we begin this new chapter together in worship and community.
June 7 – July 26
Ages 4 – 7, Room 207
Ages 8 – 11, Room 209
10 a.m. 2nd Floor
Help your child discover the joy of growing in God’s love! In this fun and encouraging class, kids will learn they don’t have to do life on their own—God is with them, helping them become more like Jesus every day. Through engaging, kid-friendly lessons, we’ll explore the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more—and what these look like in real life. Inspired by Jesus’ example, children will begin to see how the Holy Spirit is already at work in their hearts—helping them grow, love others, and live with confidence and freedom in Christ.
6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Youth Center, Classroom A
Join us as we gather over donuts for a Bible study focused on growing in relationship with God and with one another.
HIGH SCHOOL
9th – 12th Grade Youth Center, Classroom B
Each Sunday, our high school students meet to discuss the bible and the ways it applies to our lives. Focusing on navigating the world through a lens of faith, this class is a great place to ask questions and grow in discipleship as we prepare for what’s next.
Room 201
June 7 – 28
EXILE & RETURN
Led by the Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso
When the Hebrew people were conquered by the Babylonian empire, it prompted a complete rethinking of Hebrew faith and practice. The experience of exile in Babylon and eventual return to Israel shaped the development of Jewish belief well into the first century of the Common Era. Understanding the Babylonian captivity thus provides us with a more informed perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus and the experience of the first Christians. It also provides us with helpful insights for thinking about how we can be faithful people in our own day. Attending this series will enable you to recognize the points of contact between the Old Testament, the New Testament, and our own day.
Room 212
June 7 – July 26
Led by Dr. Tim Smith
Parenting is made of thousands of decisions, both great and small. But what are the God-glorifying decisions that really matter as a parent? We actually have the ability to break free from the pitfalls of impulsive decisions and develop positive, godly parenting habits? What if becoming the person and parent you want to be starts now, before you make the next decision? In this series, we’ll look at seven life-defining decisions that will help you overcome the daily temptations, distractions, and influences that constantly bombard us, leading to decision fatigue and debilitating fears and defaulting to the easiest choice. Join us as we learn seven decisions that will prepare you for both your small and big moments and decisions of marriage and parenting tomorrow.
Room 203
June 7 – 14
THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS
Led by the Clergy
The calendar of the church year is a surprisingly rich resource for helping us live faithful lives. Not only does the calendar help us observe the seasonal rhythms of the church year, but it also introduces us to the “great cloud of witnesses” (Heb 12.1) who walk with us on our earthly pilgrimage. This series will introduce us to some of the remarkable individuals who are recognized on the calendar and will explore ways their example and teachings can be of help to us today. If you’ve always wondered what you could possibly have in common with Wulfstan, Thomas Ken, Catherine of Siena, and others like them, this series is an excellent opportunity to find out.
June 21 – 28
WHAT’S YOUR PLAYLIST?
Led by the Rev. Robin Hinkle
There is an old adage that when we sing spiritual hymns, we pray to God twice. Music speaks to our souls in times of praise, grief, trial, and wonder. This short series will explore some major topics in theology as we encounter the poetry and faith as shared by today’s singers and songwriters.
July 12 - 26
THE EUCHARIST: SOURCE AND SUMMIT
Room 201
Led by the Rev. David Faulkner
Every week we gather to celebrate Holy Eucharist, but we don’t often have an opportunity to reflect on how this form of worship shapes us as Christians. This series will examine the liturgical, historical, and spiritual aspects of the Eucharist and thereby enable us to enter more fully into our experience of worship. We’ll look at the structure and meaning of the Eucharistic rite, its historical and theological background, and the ways the celebration of the Eucharist strengthens us as we strive to grow in the life of faith.
JUNE 1 – 5
YOUTH MISSION WEEK 2026: SERVING CAMP ALL ANGELS
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Foster Elementary School
Youth Mission Week is the best way to begin your summer and a tremendous opportunity to serve our neighbors in Dallas. Earn up to 45 service hours as a camp counselor leading VBS lessons, music, crafts, and sports!
JUNE 1 – JULY 15
FILL THE SUMMER PANTRY: NOW-FORWARD SUMMER FOOD DRIVE
We’re collecting shelf-stable food items to support individuals and families facing food insecurity. The most-needed items are canned pineapple, canned fruit cocktail, canned mandarin oranges, canned peaches, canned pears, canned tuna, peanut butter, dry pasta, and cereal. Drop off nonperishable goods in the collection bins outside the Church and Chapel on Sundays and at the West Entrance during the week. Scan the QR code to make a monetary contribution. Contact Allison Nors, anors@saintmichael.org , for questions.
JUNE 8 – 11
VOLUNTEER AT VBS
We still need more adult and youth volunteers and would love to have you join us for just a day or the whole week! Come shepherd our youngest Saint Michael members and learn what makes Jesus the TRUE Light of the World! Youth can earn up to 20 service hours.
AUGUST 1 – 10
BACK-TO-SCHOOL DISTRIBUTIONS WITH NOW-FORWARD
Help DISD students get ready for the school year by distributing school supplies and uniforms to students.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES:
Saturday, August 1
7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday, August 8
7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Acolytes lead processions, assist at the altar, and support the flow of the liturgy by carrying the cross, holding torches, or helping during communion. Children, youth, and adults are invited to participate.
If you are looking to connect at Saint Michael, serving as a greeter is a great way to help welcome, inform, connect people, and build friendships.
Help create a warm, relational culture at Saint Michael by connecting with visitors, guests, and parishioners you may not know. Welcome Liaisons take time for conversation, helping people feel at home and discover ways to grow in faith and community.
Ushers are the friendly faces who welcome worshippers, hand out programs, assist with seating, manage offerings, and guide people during communion. Join the Usher Corps and help make every service warm, welcoming, and orderly. For more information, email Kathy Hayes at khayes@mail.smu.edu.
We offer singing opportunities for all ages from Pre-K through adults. To learn how to get involved, contact Catherine Seveney at cseveney@saintmichael.org.
UNIFORMS:
August 3, 5, & 7
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
August 4, 6, & 10
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Care for parish households in your area. Good Shepherds connect neighbors, respond to needs, and build meaningful relationships—living out the call to be “neighbor helping neighbor.”
Provide a meal to parishioners who are going through a challenging time or celebrating the birth of a child.
CARD MINISTRY
Stay in touch with parishioners by writing cards after the deaths of loved ones, to the homebound, and in celebration of birthdays or holidays.
Provide your friendship and a listening ear to parishioners who are unable to attend church but desire to stay in touch with our parish.
Offer daily prayers from the online prayer requests. Contact Terry Demler, tsdemler@gmail.com.
Become trained on taking the blessed bread from our altar to those in the hospital, ill at home, or in assisted living. Contact Charlie Smith, jsmithcpa@earthlink.net, to join.
SAINT MICHAEL FOOD BANK SUPER TEAM
This team visits different food banks or closets throughout the month to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Upon completion of training, provide emotional and spiritual care for those who are facing life’s challenges. Contact Elizabeth Lang at langelizabeth66@gmail.com.
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Provide one-on-one care to those who are facing life’s challenges. Contact Mary Kardell at mary.kardell@sbcglobal.net and visit stephenministries.org
TOUCH BASE PHONE MINISTRY
Call parishioners who have had a recent death and those who are homebound. Contact Liz Wheelan, LizWico@aol.com.
AUSTIN STREET CENTER
Cook and serve a meal for the homeless community.
COOKING TEAM
Tuesday before the First Wednesday 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Westminster Presbyterian Church SERVING TEAM
First Wednesday of the month 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Austin Street Center
Weekdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Make a difference in the lives of homebound seniors in the Dallas area! Deliver based on your availability—monthly or as a substitute—and you can choose the route that is most convenient for you. Contact Phillip Wylie, pwylie@wylielegalgroup.com
Add your name to the list of on-call volunteers to serve at one of the shelters during inclement weather. You will be contacted during emergency response events and asked to volunteer if available.
FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAYS THE BRIDGE MINISTRY: MEN’S BIBLE STUDY WITH THE HOMELESS
12:30 p.m. | 1818 Corsicana
Join us to help set up and serve coffee and donuts at a Bible study for men in homeless recovery at The Bridge. For more, contact Allison Nors, anors@saintmichael.org.
By participating in a mission trip, there is an opportunity to partner with churches and organizations across the globe, working collectively to extend the Kingdom of God to the ends of the earth.
NOVEMBER 20 – 23, 2026
YOUTH WITH A MISSION: HOMES OF HOPE COSTA RICA MISSION TRIP
In 2026, Saint Michael will offer families the opportunity to join a special Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Homes of Hope trip to Costa Rica. This trip is designed for families with children in middle school and older. Over a long weekend, our team will join other Dallas families in constructing a two-room house from the ground up, working alongside the receiving family and completing the fully furnished home by Sunday evening. We are delighted to offer this transformative experience and look forward to the blessings it will bring to our families and our new friends in Costa Rica. For more information, contact Kathryn Francis at kwf@kewdrilling.com .
MAY 10 – AUGUST 2
THURSDAY, MAY 14
FEAST OF THE ASCENSION
6 p.m. | Saint Michael Chapel Incense will be used at this service
Join us for Holy Eucharist on the Feast of the Ascension, one of the seven Principal Feasts of the Church Year. Ascension takes place on the 40th day of Easter and commemorates the ascension of Christ into heaven in the presence of his disciples after he rose from the dead.
SUNDAY, MAY 17
CHORISTER ADMISSION CEREMONY
9 a.m. | Church
The newly admitted Choristers will be recognized and presented with their surplices and hymnals. To celebrate these accomplishments, the Saint Michael Choir, Choristers, and Cherubs will join their voices to sing Cecilia McDowall's "Jubilate Deo," commissioned for our 75th Anniversary.
SUNDAY, MAY 24
FEAST OF PENTECOST
Regular Worship Schedule
Incense will be used at the 11 a.m. Traditional Service On Pentecost, we remember how God’s Holy Spirit was given to the disciples after Jesus’ ascension, empowering them to begin the work of making disciples of all nations. We celebrate the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, who still animates the Church moving forward in mission in our day.
SUNDAY, MAY 31
TRINITY SUNDAY
Regular Worship Schedule
Incense will be used at the 11 a.m. Traditional Service On Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost, we
celebrate “the one and equal glory” of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, “in Trinity of Persons and in Unity of Being” (BCP, p. 380). More importantly, we celebrate the Divine life of God that we participate in by virtue of our Baptism.
JUNE 1, 8, 15, & 22
PUB THEOLOGY
6 p.m.: Doors Open | 7 p.m.: Presentations Begin Vector Brewing, 9850 Walnut Hill Ln #405
In keeping with Saint Michael’s mission to “Build disciples for a transformed community,” Pub Theology is designed to reach out to the surrounding community with theological, challenging, and thought-provoking topics, in a welcoming environment equally comfortable for the parishioner, an invited friend, or curious listener. See ad on the inside cover.
JULY 5 – JULY 26
JULY SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
9 a.m. – Holy Eucharist II, Church
9 a.m. – Joy, Saint Michael Chapel
11 a.m. – Contemporary, Church
5:30 p.m. – Holy Eucharist II, Saint Michael Chapel
SUNDAY, JULY 5
PIE FOR THE 4TH OF JULY
10 – 11 a.m. | Patio off Colgate Ave
See the ad on page 7.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
CHORAL EVENSONG
4 p.m. | Church
Join us for an Evensong, featuring the Saint Michael choristers performing for the last time before they travel to London to sing at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Evensong offers a moment of peace and beauty in the midst of our busy lives while celebrating the gifts and dedication of these young singers.
JULY 25 – AUGUST 3
The Saint Michael Choristers will travel to London to serve as the resident choir at St. Paul’s Cathedral. During their residency, the Choristers will sing daily services, sharing their music and representing Saint Michael with the Anglican choral tradition at one of the world’s most renowned sacred spaces. Please keep these 14 choristers, their families, and Saint Michael Music Staff in your prayers.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION
6 p.m. | Saint Michael Chapel
Incense will be used at this service
Join us for Holy Eucharist on the Feast of the Transfiguration. One of the major observances of the Christian year, the feast of the Transfiguration commemorates the revealing of Jesus as the Son of God and the fulfillment of the law (represented by the figure of Moses) and the prophets (represented by the figure of Elijah). The Transfiguration thus invites us into deeper reflection on ways God is revealed in the world and the role we play in the showing forth of his glory.
Meghan Houk, Director of Children's Ministries mhouk@saintmichael.org
Cydni Joubert, Assistant Director of Children's Ministries, cjoubert@saintmichael.org
Beth Igoe, Coordinator for Formation Ministries, bigoe@saintmichael.org
SUNDAYS
SUNDAY EDUCATION CLASSES
Read all our offerings on page 32.
SUNDAYS
CHILDREN’S CHAPEL
9 a.m. | Traditional Service | Church Children ages 3–8 are invited to join us on Sunday mornings during the 9 a.m. Traditional Service. Children will visit Joy! A Children’s Service for the Bible story and sing songs before returning to their families during the Peace/ Announcements. No registration is required.
SUNDAYS
EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRY: NURSERY
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Room 19: 0-23 months old
Room 20: 2-3 years old
Our early childhood offerings help build your child’s faith foundation from the ground up. Children play enriching
games, sing spiritual songs, and hear age-appropriate Bible stories. Children can be picked up at any time. Be sure you have the Saint Michael app to check in your children!
Samuel Moore, Director of Youth Ministries smoore@saintmichael.org
Kahla Jackson, Assistant Director of Youth Ministries kjackson@saintmichael.org
Beth Igoe, Coordinator for Formation Ministries, bigoe@saintmichael.org
SUNDAYS
SUNDAY EDUCATION CLASSES
Read all our offerings on page 32.
WEDNESDAYS
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE! YOUTH GROUP
6:30 – 8 p.m. | Youth Center
Join other students to share a meal, gather for a time of worship, play games, and talk about what it means to live out our faith in every-day ways, both in large group and grade-specific settings. This is the best place where your students can learn, grow, and connect with their friends throughout the school year.
The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso, Senior Associate for Discipleship, agrosso@saintmichael.org
Dr. Tim M. Smith, Director of Adult Ministries tsmith@saintmichael.org
Beth Igoe, Coordinator for Formation Ministries, bigoe@saintmichael.org
SUNDAYS
SUNDAY EDUCATION CLASSES
Read all our offerings on page 32.
SUNDAYS, JUNE 7 – AUGUST 16
SUMMER CHOIR
8 a.m. | Room 216 and Church
Share the gift of music by singing with the Adult Choir this summer. This is a great opportunity to come when you are available with no long-term commitment. Meet in Room 216 at 8 a.m. to receive your robe, then head to the Choir Loft in the Church to rehearse for the 9 a.m. Traditional Service. Each week we will rehearse and sing simple anthems during the service.
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Regular worship schedule
MONDAYS, JUNE 1, 8, 15, & 22
6 – 9 p.m. | Vector Brewing
AUGUST 2026 – MAY 2027
DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY
Led by Dr. Tim Smith
Meeting Weekly | Time and Room TBD
“Disciple” is a life-changing journey through the Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—helping you grow in your understanding of God and your walk with Christ. Read over 80% of Scripture, engage in meaningful discussion, and deepen your faith. Daily readings take approximately 30 minutes. Strong commitment encouraged, and the cost is $45 for the manual. Sign up by August 17. Contact Beth Igoe, bigoe@saintmichael.org , for details.
FRIDAY, MAY 29
BLOOD DRIVE
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Coke Room 201
The Parish Nurse Ministry, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will sponsor a blood drive. To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code and scroll down to find the Saint Michael blood drive dates. On the day of your donation, please bring your driver’s license, your Red Cross card, or use the Red Cross app.
MONDAYS
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Led by Gayl Braymer
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Room 206
Providing care for a loved one can be isolating and overwhelming. Our group provides confidential and loving support to those involved in caregiving. We seek to give emotional support and resource suggestions to those in need. Contact Gayl Braymer, gaylbraymer@gmail.com, to participate or ask questions.
JUNE 8 – 12
9 a.m. – Noon | Youth Center
FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, RESUMES OCT 6 PRAYER SHAWL KNITTING MINISTRY
Led by Peggy Carr
1 – 3 p.m. | Power Room 204
To date, Prayer Shawl Ministry volunteers have knitted and distributed 2,986 shawls, extending love to parishioners who are hurting or ill. Each of these shawls is tagged with a label that identifies it as being knit with love at Saint Michael, and a healing prayer is added. Every shawl is blessed by the clergy and congregation prior to distribution. During the summer, knitters may knit at home and bring shawls to the Pastoral Care office. Please contact Peggy Carr, peggy.carr@ sbcglobal.net, with questions. During the week, contact Katherine Bowen, kbowen@saintmichael.org , to arrange a time to pick up a prayer shawl. On the weekends, prayer shawls may be picked up from Bonita Frederick, Weekend Receptionist.
TUESDAYS, BEGINS SEPTEMBER 8 EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY
Led by Dr. Elizabeth Lang Classic: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Wide Angle: 2 – 4 p.m. Room 200
Choose between the one-year “Wide Angle” overview of Scripture and Christianity, or the four-year “Classic” course for deeper faith exploration. Classes meet Tuesdays, cost is $377 per year (scholarships available), and are offered through the University of the South’s School of Theology. Registration required. For details or to sign up, contact Elizabeth Lang, langelizabeth66@gmail.com, or 682-429-3360.
THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH WRITER’S RETREAT
Led by Cynthia C. Sample and Carol Roehrig
10 a.m. – Noon
At the home of Cynthia Sample
Writing for publication, spiritual work, therapeutic journaling, or even just for the fun of it can be enhanced by community. Our meetings begin with a short introduction, then one of our facilitators will offer a few writing prompts. After an hour, writers will have the opportunity to share their work and solicit comments. This pressure-free environment is designed for all skill levels and all genres. For more info or the address, contact Cynthia, cynthia@cynthiacsample. com, or Carol Roehrig, 214-437-3855.
FIRST AND THIRD SATURDAYS OF THE MONTH BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW
Led by Kyle Moore
8:30 – 10 a.m. | Room 203
The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew is a welcoming group of men from all stages of adult life. Each gathering centers around fellowship, prayer for those in need, and meaningful conversations about faith. On May 16, the Brotherhood will begin a new book, Fly into the Wind: How to Harness Faith and Fearlessness on Your Ascent to Greatness by Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney. For more information, please contact Kyle Moore, 214-675-9264 or kyle_moore@yahoo.com, or Mark Demler, 214-912-9331 or mdemler51@gmail.com
saintmichael.org/men
Dr. Tim M. Smith, Director of Adult Ministries tsmith@saintmichael.org
Beth Igoe, Coordinator for Formation Ministries bigoe@saintmichael.org
WEDNESDAYS THE SEEKERS
Led by Dr. Tim Smith and others 7 – 8 a.m. | Room 203
In Fathered by God: Learning What Your Dad Could Never Teach You, John Eldredge calls men back to a simple and reassuring truth: God wants to show us what it really means to be a man. The path leading to authentic manhood, cut by generation after generation of men, has perils along the trail, even disasters—all the more reason to rely on the guidance of Jesus, the one who has gone before us. In all of life’s trials and triumphs, God is initiating boys and men through the stages of manhood toward maturity. Come discover the
truth about masculinity and become the man that God sees in you. Coffee and breakfast tacos are served. For more information, contact Tim Smith, tsmith@saintmichael.org
THURSDAYS
MEN’S LECTIONARY BIBLE STUDY
Led by various members 7 – 8 a.m. | Zoom
This group meets to discuss the Lectionary’s Scripture lessons for the current week, exploring ways in which the passages speak to everyday life and our own spiritual journey. Lessons and commentary are emailed early each week to enable participants to familiarize themselves with the material. You’ll be challenged and encouraged in your faith! For questions or the Zoom link, contact Bill McGannon, bill@mcgs.com, or David Cowling, davidcowling0100@ gmail.com
THURSDAYS
A MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Led by Phil Ritter 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Room 203
This Bible study is based on the Lectionary readings for the coming Sunday and meets throughout the year. Advance preparation is not required. There are no attendance expectations other than to come when you can and as often as you are able. The group is led by lay members of the group and occasionally clergy. For more information, contact Phil Ritter, pjritter@mac.com.
The Prime Timers is for Seniors (60+) who are looking to connect with friends, new and old, and to grow spiritually and intellectually. Their gatherings include a monthly luncheon ($18) with speakers on topics ranging from art, history, literature, and the spiritual. The Prime Timers also meet once a month on the third Thursday of the month in the Youth Center for a Game Day, with games including Mahjong, bridge, chess, and many others. It is a time to have fun and socialize as well as build friendships. Learn more and sign up for events at saintmichael.org/primetimers or contact Shelly Mathis at smathis25a@gmail.com
By Tom Hammond-Davies, Director of Music
Over the past months, many of you will have heard conversations about the future of the organ in the main Sanctuary at Saint Michael. Because the organ plays such an important role in our worship life, I wanted to share a little of the story behind the decision we are now taking together.
At Saint Michael, music is not an accessory to worship. It is one of the primary ways we pray and learn together as a community. The organ supports congregational singing, accompanies the Choir, and helps shape the great musical moments of the Church year. When it works well, it becomes almost invisible, enabling the whole congregation to sing with confidence and joy.
For many years, the current instrument has served us well. However, it is increasingly showing its age. The organ we have today is a hybrid instrument, combining elements from a Möller organ built in 1961 and a Schudi instrument installed in 1985. While it can still produce some thrilling sounds, its underlying condition has become increasingly fragile.
Over time, components have deteriorated, pipes have failed, and internal mechanisms have become unreliable. More than two dozen pipes are currently unusable, and some parts of the instrument no longer behave predictably from week to week. In 2025, we even experienced a complete failure during Holy Week. These kinds of incidents remind us that the instrument is reaching the end of its practical life in its current form.
Alongside these mechanical issues, there are also challenges relating to the way the organ sits in the building. Much of the instrument speaks sideways into the choir loft rather than directly into the Church, which means it must play very loudly for the congregation to hear it clearly. Sound levels in the loft can reach uncomfortable levels for the Choir, while the congregation in the nave still experiences an uneven sound.
These problems have been studied carefully over several years. Reports from the Organ Committee, our acoustical consultants, and organ experts have all reached the same conclusion: the current instrument cannot continue indefinitely as it is.
At the same time, Saint Michael is entering an exciting period of development as our campus expands and our long-term plans for the Sanctuary take shape. That wider vision includes the possibility of a new pipe organ in the future—one designed properly for the building and capable of serving the parish for generations.
However, building a major pipe organ is a large undertaking that requires careful planning, architectural coordination, and significant fundraising. In the meantime, we need a reliable instrument that allows worship to continue at the high musical standard that Saint Michael has always valued.
For that reason, we are installing a digital organ as an interim step.
Modern digital organs are very different from the electronic instruments many people may remember from decades ago. Today’s instruments use sophisticated sampling technology, capturing the sound of real pipe organs in extraordinary detail. The system we are installing is based on a platform called Hauptwerk, widely used by professional musicians and institutions around the world.
What this means in practice is that the organist will be playing a beautifully crafted console that controls a highly realistic digital instrument, chosen specifically for our Sanctuary through a carefully designed speaker system, voiced by our sound consultants Salas O’Brien. The aim is to provide a dependable instrument that supports congregational singing, accompanies the Choir with warmth and clarity, and allows the full life of the Music Ministry to continue without interruption.
Importantly, this digital instrument is not the final destination, but a strategic step forward.
One of the advantages of this approach is flexibility. When the time comes to install a new pipe organ, the digital instrument will not become obsolete. Instead, it can be relocated to the front of the Church and used for chancel services, such as Evensong and Lessons and Carols, and occasions when it is helpful for the organist to be visible to the congregation, such as organ recitals and concerts. In other words, it will continue to serve the parish long after the pipe organ project is complete.
In the life of the Church, instruments and buildings evolve over time. Very few great church organs appear fully formed in a single moment. More often, they develop across generations, as congregations grow, spaces change, and musical needs become clearer. This step allows us to care well for the present while preparing wisely for the future.
Above all, our goal remains the same: to support worship that is prayerful, joyful, and deeply rooted in the Anglican musical tradition. Saint Michael is a church that treasures the sound of a real pipe organ, and we look forward to the day when a new instrument can once again fill this space with its living breath.
Until that day comes, this digital organ will help ensure that our worship continues with confidence, beauty, and strength.
The installation will take place after Easter, and I look forward to sharing this next chapter with you!
Assistant Priest, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
Chaplain, Saint Michael Episcopal School
We are thrilled to welcome the Rev. Dr. Sally Lombardo to both Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church and Saint Michael Episcopal School as Assistant Priest and Chaplain on July 14, 2026. Sally is from Houston, where she attended St. John’s School and later, Baylor University in Waco. Majoring in English and History, Sally began a career of teaching college English while raising five children with her husband Randy in Beaumont, Texas.
At St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Beaumont, Sally began a journey of teaching the Bible and mentoring young women in biblical living and parenthood. She also spent time as a childbirth doula, offering class education and birth companioning. Sally later attended George W. Truett Theological Seminary, earning her Doctorate in Spiritual Formation and Ministry. After a season of seminary teaching and work as a Spiritual Director, Sally spent a year at Virginia Theological Seminary, where she received a Diploma in Anglican Studies, and was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Texas in February 2026.
Sally has been serving a bilingual church in Austin, teaching Bible stories to young preschoolers and leading chapel services. She is very excited to be on a campus with lots of energy each day, especially from the buzz of our little ones. We look forward to having her join our team this summer.
Executive Assistant to the Vice Rector
We were delighted to welcome Lindsay Coker as Executive Assistant to the Vice Rector in January of this year to coordinate all administrative aspects of the Vice Rector’s office.
Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Oklahoma. She brings 15 years of experience in private equity, where she developed a strong foundation in organization, discretion, and attention to detail. Lindsay married her husband Kyle in 2019, and they have two children, Collins and Myer. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her kids and dogs, traveling, making wreaths, and watching football.
Lindsay is excited to support the mission of Saint Michael and enjoys working closely with others to serve the church community. She values strong relationships, clear communication, and helping others stay organized and focused on what matters most.
Saint Michael is thrilled to welcome Juan Cantera as its newest Sexton. He is an experienced professional with over 27 years of expertise in team leadership and contributing to accomplishing team goals.
Juan’s professional journey has been deeply rooted in his tenure at Park Cities Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Janitorial Assistant and later as a Supervisor. As a Janitorial Assistant, he ensured compliance with safety guidelines, maintained cleanliness standards, and managed inventory of cleaning supplies. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident in his ability to efficiently respond to requests and secure the facility during off hours.
Juan is married and has a son. He enjoys attending Classic Car events. Juan is passionate about assisting at his home church, and when asked by his pastor, he teaches Bible study classes.
Saint Michael is delighted to announce our very own Rob Springer-Kyle as our new Director of Mission and Outreach. Three years ago, Rob was first drawn to Saint Michael for its strong commitment to partnering with nonprofits across Dallas and cultivating meaningful local, national, and international missional relationships. He has served as the Director of Engagement since 2022, successfully growing the Welcome-Greeter, Good Shepherd, and Young Adult ministries. He will support engagement ministries until new leadership is identified for these areas. In his new role, Rob will continue engaging with people and helping them discover how God is calling them to serve—connecting parishioners with one another, with the wider community, and with the organizations Saint Michael faithfully partners with and supports locally, nationally, and internationally.
With more than 20 years of diverse experience—including service in the U.S. Marine Corps during Desert Storm, ministry work across several states, missionary service in Hungary, and leadership roles in education, city government, and as an ordained minister—Rob has seen firsthand how service brings people together and strengthens communities. Because of his dedication to this parish and commitment to Saint Michael’s mission of building Christian disciples for a transformed community, we are grateful that Rob has answered the call to become the next Director of Mission and Outreach.
We are pleased to share that Katherine has been promoted to Coordinator for Pastoral Care. In this expanded role, Katherine will help steward the growing needs of our visitation ministries by coordinating and supporting our dedicated volunteers, including Lay Chaplains, Stephen Ministers, and Friends in Christ. Working closely with the Associate for Pastoral Care, she will oversee volunteer recruitment, training, and communication, while also managing the logistics and tracking of parishioner care. Katherine’s organization, care, and commitment will help ensure that our pastoral ministries continue to serve our community with compassion and excellence.
We are delighted to share that Beth Igoe has been promoted to Coordinator for Formation Ministries. Beth first joined the Saint Michael team in Children & Family Ministries and has since expanded her support to include Youth and Adult Formation. Her dedication, effectiveness, and cheerful willingness to serve, combined with the growth of our Formation ministries, have made her a natural fit for this role. Beth will support the development, implementation, and evaluation of Formation programs across all ages, while also strengthening communications and coordinating the day-to-day operations that help these ministries thrive.
GREG PICKENS , Sunday Assistant
On Sunday, June 14, we will say goodbye to the Rev. Greg Pickens and his wife, Noralyn. Most recently, Greg retired from full-time ministry and has been serving as a Sunday Assistant at Saint Michael, with particular emphasis on leading our Joy! Service. Earlier this year, Noralyn accepted a wonderful new position as Dean of Health Sciences at Aurora University outside Chicago. This move to the Midwest is really a move home for them, bringing them closer to immediate and extended family. We will say a special prayer of blessing and thanksgiving over Greg during our morning services in the Church on Sunday, June 7, and members of his beloved Joy! Service community will be able to celebrate him on June 14. We are grateful for Greg’s wonderful ministry at Saint Michael, and please send him and Noralyn lots of love as they begin the next chapter of their life.
SHANNON BLAKE , Executive Assistant to the Vice Rector, moved to Arizona in January with her husband Justin to be closer to family. We are grateful for Shannon’s support of the Vice Rector’s work, especially bringing structure and momentum to the Standing Committees of the Vestry. Her fun-loving, collaborative spirit, which energized those around her, will be missed, and we are grateful for the time Shannon devoted to Saint Michael.
JEREMY POLK , Facilities Manager, is no longer employed at Saint Michael. We wish Jeremy well in his future endeavors.
When eight-year-old Tavie Zpevak stepped up to the microphone in front of more than 100 volunteers in San José, Costa Rica, her parents expected she might say a few shy words. Instead, she eagerly raised her hand and said, “I want to share first!”
Moments earlier, the volunteers had finished celebrating the completion of six homes built over a single weekend through Homes of Hope, a ministry of Youth With a Mission (YWAM)–San José. Now gathered for a final dinner, they were reflecting on the experience. Many of those volunteers were families from Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (Saint Michael) who had traveled together to Costa Rica to serve.
Tavie spoke about why she wanted to help, how the dream of building a home had become real, and how she had made a new friend even though they did not speak the same language. Smiles spread around the room. A few tears appeared among the audience.
By Kathryn Francis and Jenny Sanders
For Tavie’s parents, Cassie and Chris, it was a moment that captured everything they had hoped the trip might become—and more.
For more than a decade, Saint Michael families have traveled to Costa Rica each November to partner with YWAM–San José through its Homes of Hope program. Led by longtime parishioner Kathryn Francis and her family, the annual mission brings together volunteers from across the church community to build homes for families living in extreme poverty.
Alongside her husband Jim and their three children, Kathryn has helped coordinate trips that have resulted in the construction of 55 homes. The experience often begins the same way: one family shares their story, and another family decides to say yes.
That was the case for Saint Michael parishioner Clayton Main and his family, who joined the trip for the first
time this year after hearing about it from another family at church. “We were invited by a family who had previously participated and spoke very highly of the experience,” Main said. “Hearing how meaningful and transformational it had been for them ultimately encouraged us to say yes.”
For many families, the opportunity to serve together across generations is what makes the trip so special.
The Zpevaks had long believed that people who help others tend to live happier, fuller lives. As parents, they wanted Tavie to experience the joy of serving not only within their community in Dallas, but also in the wider world. “We want her to understand that her impact can be greater than just the people she sees every day,” they said.
Preparation for the trip begins months before volunteers ever step onto a build site. Families gather for meetings led by Kathryn Francis, who walks them through what to expect, from the building process to the families they will serve. “We were incredibly fortunate to have such a fantastic leader in Kathryn,” Main said. “She provided thoughtful guidance about the process, the families we would be serving, and even a suggested packing list.”
For first-time participants, much of the experience remains unknown until they arrive. “We went into it with very little firsthand knowledge,” Main said. “Once we got there, the mindset quickly became: whatever it takes to get this done.”
For the Zpevak family, preparation also included conversations at home about how people live in other parts of the world. Tavie learned that some of the children she would meet might not have things she took for granted—no television, no internet, and perhaps most shocking of all: no Alexa.
Those conversations helped shape the family’s hopes for the trip: that Tavie would gain a deeper appreciation for what she has, develop empathy for others, and create memories that would bring their family closer together.
Over the weekend of November 21–23, 2025, 114 adults and nine children—many of them Saint Michael parishioners—traveled to Costa Rica to participate in the Homes of Hope build. Working alongside YWAM vol-
unteers and the families who would receive the homes, the teams constructed six houses in just two days.
For Chris, who is an engineer by education, the pace of the work was astonishing. “How is it possible to build an entire home in just two days?” he joked. “Come and find out for yourself. I promise, you’ll be amazed.”
First-time volunteers often arrive at the build site to find nothing more than a concrete pad and stacks of lumber. By the end of the first day, the transformation is dramatic. “The entire house was framed, drywall installed, and windows and shingles were already going up,” Main said. “Leaving that first evening and seeing how much had been accomplished was incredibly fulfilling.”
The process is designed so that anyone can participate, regardless of construction experience. “The YWAM team is an extraordinary group of people,” Main said. “They’re energetic, patient, and deeply committed to serving others. The process is thoughtfully designed so people of all ages and skill levels can contribute.”
But while the homes come together quickly, it is often the relationships that leave the deepest impression. During the build, Tavie formed a fast friendship with a young boy named David from the family receiving one of the homes. Even without a shared language, the two spent much of the weekend playing together. “Laughter really is a universal language,” Chris said.
The most emotional moment of the weekend comes during the final “key ceremony,” when volunteers and the receiving family gather together to celebrate the completion of the home. Participants form a large circle, and the key to the house is passed from person to person as individuals share reflections from the experience.
Watching the family walk into their new home is deeply moving. “It’s an unforgettable moment,” Main said. Each home is furnished and stocked with food and supplies so the family can begin their new chapter immediately.
For one recipient, an elderly woman named Marlene, the home represented a life-changing turning point. Originally from Nicaragua, Marlene had endured years of hardship before receiving a small piece of land where she could begin again. During the build, despite difficulty walking, she worked alongside volunteers—helping level the ground, painting walls, and preparing breakfast for the team. For the first time in her life, she would sleep in her own room—and in a bed.
Moments like these are why so many Saint Michael families return year after year.
For many participants, the trip becomes a powerful spiritual experience as well. “From the start, we saw God at work—even in something as simple as the weather,” Main said. “Looking back, it’s hard to identify a place where we didn’t see His presence.”
Bringing together volunteers with little construction experience and watching them unite around a shared mission can feel remarkable. “There was a real sense of purpose and collective commitment to seeing the project through,” Main said.
For the Zpevak family, one quiet moment captured that feeling. After visiting the build site, they walked behind the homes to a cliff overlooking a river valley. As the clouds parted, sunlight revealed a waterfall cascading through the landscape. “It was a reminder that God is present everywhere,” Chris said.
While the homes themselves can be built in just two days, the impact often lasts much longer. Many of the young people who first traveled to Costa Rica with their families remain deeply connected to the mission. As col-
lege students, Jimmy Francis and Will Searcy now serve as Advisory Board Members of a nonprofit founded by participating families to support the annual build.
Through board meetings, committee work, and new initiatives like a Youth Leadership Council, they are helping guide the future of the mission while sharing their experiences with other students. Their journeys reflect a larger tradition within the Saint Michael community— one where service grows into leadership, lifelong friendships, and enduring faith.
Back home in Dallas, Tavie still talks about the weekend she helped build a house. At the Christmas Eve service at Saint Michael, she waited eagerly for Kathryn Francis to arrive so she could invite her to sit with the family during the service. The bond formed through service had extended far beyond the mission field.
For families like the Zpevaks and the Mains, that lasting connection is part of what makes the experience so meaningful. “It makes you far more appreciative of the blessings you have,” Main said. “It shifts your focus away from what you lack and toward gratitude for the everyday things we often overlook.”
For Tavie, the journey began with a simple question about how she would communicate with children who spoke another language. Now she knows the answer. Sometimes a shared laugh—and a willingness to serve— is all the language you need.
Journey through the Bible from genesis to revelation and grow in your understanding of God in your walk with Christ. This study includes daily scripture readings, and meaningful discussions of the major themes the scripture. Participation includes a commitment to miss no more than six classes. For more info, contact Tim Smith, TSmith@saintmichael.org AUGUST 2026 – MAY 2027
–
at cseveney@saintmichael.org to learn more about this special opportunity.
By Pressley Peters
On a recent Meals on Wheels delivery in Cockrell Hill, I dropped off two hot bags and two cold bags to a couple who has been on our route for some time. The woman answered the door warmly and said, “It’s very good to see you again, and may God bless you every single day.” She had a genuine smile and her gratitude was sincere.
This kind of meaningful connection happens often when we deliver Meals on Wheels, a program of the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA). I hope she and her husband enjoyed their meal, but I know they appreciated something more than the food.
A study by Meals on Wheels America, in partnership with Brown and Johns Hopkins Universities, found that home-delivered meals not only reduce hunger and malnutrition among older adults, but also provide significant health, social, and financial benefits to recipients and their caregivers. The study, in which VNA participated, compared seniors who do or do not receive meals and found that delivery clients experience healthcare cost savings, a significant reduction in loneliness, fewer hospitalizations, and fewer heart attacks and strokes.
Delivering is fun—especially with a partner. Doing monthly Meals on Wheels with my friend, Suzanne Booth, allows us to keep in touch when our lives get busy.
We talk about books and movies, vacations, and family members. Plus, we tag-team each stop—one of us goes to the door while the other sets directions to the next house. We encounter colorful yard art, American flags, Dallas Cowboys fans, and many cats and dogs. Mostly, we cher-
ish the brief but meaningful connections with the people we serve. Some are chatty; some are not. One thing is certain: We look forward to seeing Hazel waiting by her front door wearing her favorite shade of red lipstick.
Visiting Nurse Association Texas (VNA) was established in 1934 to provide home health during the Great Depression and its active Hospice Care program continues to focus on helping patients live with dignity, care, and respect. VNA added Meals on Wheels in 1973. Today, VNA regularly serves 5,000 homebound seniors and disabled adults with freshly prepared meals and friendly visits. These men and women, due to illness, advanced age, or disability, are unable to obtain or prepare their own meals.
Hot and cold meals are prepared five days a week early each morning at VNA’s Haggerty Kitchen on West Mockingbird. They are placed in coolers, trucked to distribution sites across the city, and delivered by nearly 4,000 volunteers and paid drivers before 1 p.m. each weekday. Volunteers are the lifeblood of Meals on Wheels.
Our church volunteers help fill a large gap in the ongoing need for drivers. However, VNA needs more volunteers, so fewer paid drivers are required. Volunteer impact helps VNA serve more seniors—for every route delivered by a volunteer, VNA can feed a senior for a week.
Scan the QR code to sign up as a either a regular or fill-in driver through the Saint Michael volunteer group.
Training is minimal, and the process is simple. VNA provides an easy-to-use app with route details, notes about clients (including birthdays and pets), and a way to report delivery updates.
Most routes take just a couple of hours. Occasionally, weather or road construction adds a challenge—but homebound seniors face so many challenges every day. They rely on us to show up on their behalf.
VNA also offers group volunteer events for corporations and school groups. My children have delivered meals and helped with VNA’s monthly pet food delivery, too. We have found the gratitude from the men and women we visit—and the knowledge that we are delivering both nourishment and connection—to be deeply meaningful.
Our Church’s People Make a Difference — And You Can Too In 2025:
Saint Michael volunteers delivered 1,053 routes and 12,835 meals to 10,805 homebound senior clients
181 volunteers participated in regular meal deliveries and completed 13 weekly routes
45 volunteers participated in special holiday deliveries with their families, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and MLK Day
We provided three gift baskets and four gift cards for the 2025 Volunteer Appreciation event
Our church sponsored VNA’s Power of Pie project at Thanksgiving with a $10,000 donation, and many of us bought pies and volunteered to hand out orders
Over $5,000 of our Heart of Giving proceeds were designated to VNA
Katherine’s House, VNA’s new Hospice House for housingchallenged adults, is an Easter offering beneficiary
In addition to delivering friendship and food door to door, VNA provides end-of-life care for homeless individuals in our community at its new Hospice House.
Saint Michael Is an Early Supporter of Katherine's House
Dying is a natural part of life. Its difficulty—or peace— can be shaped by a person’s surroundings, caregiver support, and quality of healthcare.
VNA is Texas’s oldest hospice provider, with more than four decades of experience caring for the terminally ill. Recognizing a critical need among homeless individuals
and those living in unsafe environments, VNA has created a safe, nurturing home for them to spend their final days. The result is Katherine’s House, named after VNA’s most recent CEO, Katherine Krause. This five-bedroom home, scheduled to open in Dallas in early 2027, will be the first and only Assisted Living Facility in North Texas specifically serving seriously ill individuals with no safe place to turn at their most dire time of life. Katherine’s House will provide 24-hour care and hospice benefits in a warm, compassionate environment.
Our parishioners supported Katherine’s House through our Easter offering, but continued donations are crucial for its future operations.
Use the QR code to make a one-time or recurring gift, or if you are interested in volunteering with VNA Hospice Care.
On our monthly route, Suzanne and I always look forward to what we call the “Happy House.” The small ranch home at the end of a cul-de-sac near a public park is painted bright yellow and filled with joyful yard art— multi-colored glass statues, lighted metal trees, wind chimes, birdfeeders, and Buddha statues adorned with plastic beads.
For a long time, we delivered two meals there. Recently, we delivered just one. We believe the husband passed away. Now the wife manages the Happy House—and their yappy dog, Baby—on her own.
This is why VNA exists—to meet vulnerable people when they are most vulnerable.
Our neighbors need us, which is why our church members show up. The VNA ministry is worthy of more angels—volunteers and donors alike.
Would you please join us?
INGREDIENTS
• 6 large eggs
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 to 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
INSTRUCTIONS
Hard boil the eggs. Peel and chop.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and several grinds of pepper.
Mix in the onions, then fold in the eggs, chives, and dill.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Stir, then season to taste and serve.
Recipe from Love and Lemons (loveandlemons.com).
Strawberry Puree
• 1 ½ cups strawberries (amount for 4 margaritas)
Margarita
• Sea salt for the glass rim, optional
• Handfuls of ice
• 2 ounces silver tequila
• 1 ounce orange liqueur, like Cointreau or triple sec
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice, plus wedges for the glass to garnish
• ½ ounce Simple Syrup with basil
• 2 ounces strawberry puree
• Fresh strawberries and fresh basil leaves, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Make the strawberry puree: Puree the strawberries in a blender. Strain to remove the seeds and any foam.
Make the margarita: Optional step: Salt the rim of a glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping the glass into a small plate of salt. Fill the glass with ice.
Place the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, and 2 ounces of the strawberry puree in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into the glass with the salted rim. Garnish with a lime wedge, fresh strawberries, and basil. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the eggs are set. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Recipe from Love and Lemons (loveandlemons.com).
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium white onion, chopped into big pieces
• 2 pounds pork shoulder
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon Spanish paprika (or, you can use regular paprika or chipotle powder)
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large skillet, put the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the chopped onion and turn the heat to medium. Let cook until the onions begin to become translucent, about 5-10 minutes. Then, add the pork and sear on all sides. Remove the pork and onions and put into the slow cooker.
Add the rest of the ingredients, including a generous bit (around 2 tablespoons) of salt. Stir everything together, and add enough water to cover 2/3 of the pork. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. Let cool, and refrigerate until ready to eat.
When ready to eat carnitas, first preheat the oven to broil and move the top rack to the middle of the oven. Shred the pork and put the pieces of shredded pork and some of the juices in a baking dish, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pork gets crispy.
Serve with warm tortillas, chopped jalapeños, lime, cilantro, and pico de gallo.
Note: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can do this on top of the stove in a big, heavy pot and cook on low heat.
• 6 small beets
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 small carrots
• 1 cup watercress or arugula
• Tahini Dressing
• 4 avocados, sliced
• ¼ cup toasted pepitas
• Microgreens
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Roast the beets. Note: I like to do this step up to a few days in advance so that the beets can chill before layering into the salad. Place each beet on a piece of foil and drizzle generously with olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Wrap the beets in the foil and roast on a baking sheet for 35 to 60 minutes, or until soft and fork-tender. The time will depend on the size and freshness of the beets. Remove the beets from the oven, remove the foil, and set aside to cool. When they are cool to the touch, peel the skins. I like to hold them under running water and slide the skins off with my hands. Chill until ready to use, then slice into halves or quarters.
Roast the carrots. Raise the oven temperature to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle the carrots with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and spread evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender. Remove from the oven and slice in half.
Assemble the salad with the watercress, roasted beets, and roasted carrots. Drizzle with half the dressing, and top with the avocado, pepitas, and microgreens. Drizzle with more dressing and serve extra dressing on the side. Season to taste with salt and pepper, if desired.
Serve with maple syrup and/or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Recipe from Love and Lemons (loveandlemons.com).
In the Book of Genesis, God created the sun, moon, stars, and planets. He made the animals, the fish in the sea, and all of that was wonderful. God looked at it and said, “You know, this is pretty good, but somebody needs to cut the grass and water the plants.” So, he reached down, got some clay, and formed a doll. God blew his breath into that doll, and it came to life! God said, “I’m going to call you Adam, because that means you came from the earth.”
Then, he showed Adam a marvelous, magic garden. Everything in it was beautiful. He told Adam, “Your job, Adam, is to take care of this garden.” God thought a little bit and said to himself, “You know, it’s not good for Adam to be alone.” So, he put Adam to sleep (so he wouldn’t feel anything), took a rib from his side, and formed another doll. He called it “woman” and named her Eve, the mother of all living things. God said to them, “Do you see that tree over there on the left side with a lot of fruit on it? My only commandment is that you don’t eat the fruit of that tree. All the other stuff you can have, but leave that tree alone. If you eat of it, you will die.” They understood and said, “Oh yeah, we’ll watch that. We won’t eat from it.”
All of a sudden, into this garden comes a talking snake! The snake looked around and said, “Hello, Eve.” She said, “Hi, where’d you come from?” He said, “Oh, I’ve just been around. This is a wonderful garden. How about having some fruit from that tree over there?” “No, no!” shouted Eve. “God said we are not allowed to eat from it, because we will die.” The talking
snake laughed and said, “The reason God told you that is because if you eat that fruit, you will be just like God, knowing everything—you won’t die!”
Eve reached out, took some fruit from that tree, and ate some of it. She called Adam, “Come over here, Adam, I’ve got something for you! Here’s the fruit from that tree. That talking snake told me that we wouldn’t die if we ate it. Look, I’m still alive! He said we’ll know everything!” So, Adam ate some, too. Immediately after they ate it, they felt guilty and hid in some bushes.
Later on towards evening, they heard footsteps coming. Yep, it was God. He said, “Adam, are you here?” “Yeah, here I am, Lord,” said Adam as he came out. God saw guilt in Adam’s eyes and asked him if he had eaten the fruit of the special tree. Adam said, “That woman you gave me made me eat it!” God turned to Eve and said, “Did you eat it?” She replied, “That talking snake you let into the garden made me eat it!” God said to them, “Because you ate from the forbidden tree, you will have to leave the magic garden. You must go out into the world and work and labor to live.”
God banished them from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which they had been taken. Yet, God still loved Adam and Eve. He promised to watch over them, and that is what God did.
Amen. May God bless you.
This story comes from Stories From
John Winston Ferguson
November 24, Sherry Ferguson (wife)
Kenneth Morgan Post Lindh
December 29, Elaine Lindh (wife), Arthur and Ogden (sons)
Catherine Ann Carr
January 2, Christy Nichols (daughter), David Nichols (son), Kelly (daughter-in-law), Plack Carr (brother), Cissy (sister-in-law), Sarah (niece) and Peggy Carr (sister-in-law)
Lyndis Ann Lundberg "Lyn" Webb
January 3, Brenda Sheets (daughter) and Van (son-in-law)
Judith Ann Bates "Judy" Lee
January 4,Susan Lee Mills (daughter) and The Rev. Michael Mills (son-in-law)
Constance Kihneman "Connie" Grage
January 7, Alison Fleming (daughter) and Jason (son-in-law)
Charles "Vance" Campbell Jr.
January 15, Susan Campbell (wife) and Carolyn Swann (sister)
William "Croft" Jennings Jr.
January 20, Gwendolyn Chestnut (daughter), Bobby (son-in-law), Croft and Will (grandsons)
Carole Ann Brown
January 22, Dick Brown (husband)
Linda Pitts Custard
January 22, Allen Custard (son), Mason (daughter-in-law), Isabella, William, and Franklin (grandchildren)
Robert Wirt "Bob" Paddock
January 25, Stacey Paddock Malcolmson (daughter) and Ken (son-in-law)
Branson Kelsey "Ban" Bywaters
February 3, Kathleen Bywaters (wife), Bill Bywaters (brother) and Kay (sister-in-law)
James "Marshall" Jones, III
February 4, Whitney Harmon (cousin), Jon (cousin-in-law), Vivian, Amie, and John
Betty Sue Bartlett Thurston McGowan
February 5, Kelley Salewske (granddaughter), Rick (grandson-inlaw), Owen, Henry, and Meg (great-grandchildren)
May the souls of these faithful departed rest in peace
Beverly Faye Watts Morrison
February 15
Charles Conklin "Peck" Unsworth February 16, Lee Logan (sister)
Sarah Colanthia "Cansie" Carignan
February 17, Sarah Weinberg (daughter), Russell (son-in-law), Sloane, Shea, and John (grandchildren)
Susan Miles "Susie" Yeckel
February 23, Carl Yeckel (husband)
Henry S. Miller, III
February 28, Jackie Stewart (sister) and Peter (brother-in-law)
Elizabeth Mayer Boeckman
March 3, Dan Boeckman (son), Laura (daughter-in-law), Berry, Calla, and Emma (granddaughters)
Nancy Johnson Armour
March 14, John Armour (son) and Emily (daughter-in-law), Rowan (granddaughter)
Ashley Virginia Bolen
March 15, McKinley Wier (sister), Brandon (brother-in-law), Matthew, Warren, Eloise, Alexander (nephews and niece)
Patricia Owan Ginsbach
March 18, Monica Huggins (niece) and Michael (nephew-in-law), Foster, Libby, and Eli (great-nephews and great-niece)
Clarence Roger “Buddy” Bloodgood
March 21, Kristi Wilson (daughter) and Scott (son-in-law), Charlotte and Brynn (granddaughters)
Ruth Roosevelt Lindsley
March 21, Dr. Chandler Lindsley (sister), Hays Boyd (nephew) and Swiler Boyd (niece)
Dorothy Mae Hundley Marshall
April 7, Harvey Marshall (son) and Rhonda (daughter-in-law)
Eva Park Riley
April 7, Elizabeth Riley Selzer (daughter), Doug (son-in-law), Alan and Riley (grandchildren)
John Bettis Morelock, Sr.
April 12, Carolyn Morelock (wife)
Celine Louise Ashenfelter
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Parents: Eileen and Jay Ashenfelter
Grandparents: Cliff and Elizabeth Hutchinson
William Henry Law
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Parents: Victoria and George Law
Grandparents: Caroline and Doug Moore
Diana Nicole Lawson
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Parents: Alicia and John Lawson
Big Sister: Evelyn (2)
Grandparents: Robert and Carrie Nicoud
Georgia Ann Campbell van Tilburg
Friday, January 16, 2026
Parents: Cornelia and Scott van Tilburg
Grandparents: John and Kittie Buchanan
Max Joseph Graffy
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Parents: Evie and Andrew Graffy
Grandparents: Carlos and Holly Pena
Oliver Wallace Petersen
Monday, February 23, 2026
Parents: Callie and Malcolm Petersen
Grandparents: Chuck and Julie Butterworth
Great Grandmother: Nancy Wilson
Sebastian Ezra Turner
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Parents: Allison and Brian Turner
Blake Randolph Hopson
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Parents: Jana and Stuart Hopson
Grandparents: David and Mary Louise Hopson
William Read Carter
Friday, March 13, 2026
Parents: Caroline and Kip Carter
Grandparents: Bob and Katherine Penn
Mary Alexandra Collins
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Parents: Alexander and Courtney Collins
Grandparents: Michael and Autumn Collins
Aunt and Uncle: Valentina and Daniel Doyon
Cousin: Bond Doyon
*Births and Deaths as of: 4/12/2026
A pledge allows Saint Michael to set a budget which in turn…
OUR MINISTRIES WELCOMES NEW PARISHIONERS AND FAMILIES EXPANDS OUR MISSION REACH of members pledge
A pledge is a promise of a gift. As we grow, pledging allows us to plan for what we can accomplish and support as a parish.
Callie and Malcolm Petersen know how important it is for young adults to find real community in the church. At Saint Michael, they found more than a place to attend. They found friendships with other young couples, opportunities to grow in faith, and the sense that they were building something meaningful alongside others in the same season of life, supported by a parish that chooses to invest in welcoming and forming the next generation.
Introduced through mutual friends, Callie and Malcolm spent three weeks texting before their first date, and from the beginning, their connection came easily. As their relationship grew, so did their connection to Saint Michael. Through the young adults community, they found friendships with other couples they could rely on, learn from, and grow with over time. In a city where it is easy to stay within familiar circles, Saint Michael gave them space to form new relationships rooted in faith and genuine belonging, relationships strengthened by a church that makes room for young adults to gather, connect, and grow.
Now, as they welcome their son, Oliver, who was born in February, that community feels even more meaningful. What began as a place to connect with other young adults has become a church home where they can imagine raising a child surrounded by faith, friendship, and support.
For Callie and Malcolm, this is also why giving matters. A thriving young adult community does not happen by accident. It is sustained when parishioners commit their resources to the life of the church so that young adults can find connection, deepen faith, and build healthy relationships that last. Through generosity, Saint Michael continues to be a place where people can put down roots, grow together, and step into the future with hope.
It’s really been about growing together in our relationship, building new friendships with other couples, and investing in the community that makes that possible.
— Callie Petersen
Dwell in the sacred breath of God, who comes to us like wind and flame—unseen yet deeply felt. This service is a rich mosaic of diverse choral music, beautifully weaving together the spirit of community and the power of connection.
Following the service, guests are warmly invited to a reception to learn more about the vision, impact, and future of the Music Ministry at Saint Michael, and how sacred music continues to shape the spiritual life of our parish. Join us for an evening that celebrates the beauty of music and invites its future!