Connecting
St. Michael’s is a community of Christians, connected to each other through the waters of Baptism and the faith that we share. The connections we have with each other nourish our individual and corporate faith, strengthen the life we share together and help us care for each other. Spiritual friendship is a holy ministry for us; it binds us together as we work, fellowship, serve and pray together. Friendships and the times of fellowship that we share help transcend any differences that may exist between us concerning matters of theology and biblical interpretation. We are a comparatively large church; therefore, it is sometimes difficult for us to put a name with a face. Thus, it is important that we have many opportunities for parishioners to come together in both small and large gatherings—and we do enjoy coming together and being connected with each other! Newcomers often comment that St. Michael’s is a welcoming community and we encourage new members to become involved in parish life.
Below are listed some ways that we try to stay connected.
Web site
Our web site provides information about our ministries and parish life. Our webmaster, Alexander Clark, keeps our site current, thus providing important information to our membership, as well as introduce St. Michael’s to others.
The Archangel
The Archangel, our newsletter, is mailed on a monthly basis and is also available online.
Sunday Morning Coffee and Fellowship Hour
Coffee, tea, punch and cookies are served in the Gathering Area after each Sunday service. Coffee hour is a time to connect with friends, and greet new people.
Newcomers
Newcomers are asked to sign the guest register and/or fill out a card, located in the pew. Submitting your name in this way ensures that you will receive our monthly newsletter. New member classes, conducted by the Rector, take place in the Fall and Spring each year. These classes are designed to help newcomers become familiar with St. Michael’s and the Episcopal Church.
Women’s Silent Retreat – April 20-22. 2012.
The deadline to register has been extended to March 15. Click here for a flier.
Every Spring, Women gather for a weekend away of peace and serenity. The program is always excellent and enriching.
Men’s Saturday Morning Fellowship
Meets for breakfast and worship during the school year.
Men’s Tuesday Morning Fellowship
Meets for breakfast, prayer and study.
Women’s Tuesday Morning Fellowship
Meets for prayer and book study.
Saturday Suppers
These are sponsored several times during the course of the year. Parishioners gather in homes to share a meal and enjoy the evening together.
The Mixers
Social events for the parish. Some such events have included progressive dinners, Fall tailgate parties, chili cook-offs, and Octoberfests.
SMASH (St. Michael’s Active Senior Happenings)
SMASH sponsors fellowship events such as Bunco, field trips to museums, lunches in local restaurants for seniors, as well as other interested adults.
ECW
The Episcopal Church Women meet quarterly for fellowship and outreach work.
LEMs
Lay Eucharistic Ministers take Holy Communion to homebound persons on Sunday morning after the Eucharist.
Thrift House
Thrift House, an Episcopal resale shop, is staffed by our retired women, and even a few men, who find opportunities for fellowship by volunteering there.
St. Michael’s Day
Celebrated on the last Sunday of September. Following a festive Eucharist at 10:30, we celebrate our namesake with games, activities and a covered dish meal.
The Rector’s Rib Roast
A summer event hosted by the Rector for the men of the church.
The connecting ministry team is charged with helping us care for each other and providing opportunities to come together and celebrate the life we share together as members of the congregation. Leaders of the various hospitality ministries form the core of the team, but other members are encouraged to join the team. If you have any questions about this ministry or would like to serve as a member of the team, please contact Catherine Gollan or Linda Kean, who are the current connecting team co-leaders.