Christmas Photos

Pictures from the 10 AM Christmas Day Mass will be posted momentarily on the St. Michael's Arts blog. Here are a few of the leftovers.







Have you pictures of St. Michael's you'd like to share online? If so, please email me at mavarin @ aol.com. And remember, I'm always looking for your literary / spiritual submissions as well.

Karen
(church webmaster)

Announcements for Week Ending January 2nd, 2005

New Year's Eve
Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer at regular times
Candlelight Mass with Homily at 8:00 PM.

The Clergy and Staff of Saint Michael and All Angels Church and School
wish to one and all a very Happy New Year!

A special thank you to all the individuals who worked to prepare the church for Advent and Christmas. This was greatly appreciated by St. Michael's community and visitors. A heartfelt thanks to all of St. Michael's "angels" who participated in the Angel Tree Project. The gifts that were brought in for the tags were collected, wrapped, and distributed to these wonderful children. Thanks to everyone for helping make the 9th Advent International Bazaar a success. During this event, around $8,000 changed hands. As part of St. Michael's community outreach, a percentage of sales was not required from the sociallycommitted non profit groups who will in turn keep all the money raised.

Parish Office closed Thursday and Friday, December 30th and December 31st.

Social Concerns special collection of 12/26 will help cover $600 in Fry's food coupons distributed to Traveler's Aid, the Episcopal / Lutheran refugee program, Hopi foundation / Shubitz Clinic refugee services, and the Yoeme (Yaqui) community in Marana. Thanks to all as we share our plenty with our bothers and sisters.

The Epiphany service, Thursday January 6th will be held at 6:30 PM. Pot Luck, with Epiphany Cake, following the Mass in the Parish Center. Plan on attending this significant service; bring your favorite delicious dish to share with all!

Announcements for Week Ending December 26th, 2004

Vestry meeting this Tuesday starting at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. Parishioners are invited to attend.

Mass for Church Unity - now available in the Parish Library (key in church office) is the entire Windsor Report responding to Anglican Communion disunity resulting from General Convention 2003. Read it and pray with us at Mass for Church Unity every Friday at 5:30 PM.

Altar Guild to decorate church with greens this Tuesday starting at 9:30 AM and will join again for placement of flowers this Thursday starting at 9:30 AM. All are invited to participate in this creative endeavor. Please bring a snack for all to share; coffee will be provided.

*****
PLEASE NOTE:
The First Sunday After Christmas, December 26,
will have one service: Mass with Homily at 9:00 AM.
Please join the communal farewell to Daniel and Joy
immediately following the Mass in the Parish Center.

*****

Christmas Services

CHRISTMAS EVE

5:00 PM - Family Mass
with Christmas Story for Children
& Setting Up of the Crèche

*********
10:00 PM - Concert & Carols
10:45 PM - Solemn Procession and High Mass
Music for Christmas Eve
Mass in C ("Coronation')
by Mozart
for Choir, Soloists, Organ, and Orchestra

*********
CHRISTMAS DAY

7:30 AM - Morning Prayer

8:00 AM - Mass

10:00 AM - High Mass & Procession

Announcements for Week Ending December 19th, 2004

Angel Tree Ministry is now in progress with a tree in the back of the Church. This project is for those children of prisoners and Native American children. Gifts should be turned in now. Please do not giftwrap the gifts but do include the tag when bringing the gift to the church. Donations may be made in place of gifts. For more information, call Ancelyn Smith.

ECW special mass and luncheon Wednesday, December 15th at 10:30 AM - luncheon will include a cookie exchange (please bring 36 of your one favorite cookie recipe to share) and a lunch served by Joy Miller of EnJoy cooking (cost 95 per person). Sign-up sheet located on ushers' cabinet. For questions, please contact ECW chair Dolores Braren.

Social Concerns meeting next Sunday following the 10:00 AM mass. Please participate in the meeting in the Parish Center.

Red Cross blood drive next Sunday, December 19th from 9:00 AM to noon. Please sign up at the ushers' cabinet to help with this life saving cause.

Cathedral Health services will be back on Monday, December 20th to do heart screenings ($60) and other tests ($30 each, or all 6 tests for $150). Reservations required. For more info or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-770-0240.

Cookie Brigade + servers for St. Michael’s school posadas lunch needed Friday, December 17. Cookies are for BorderLinks Nogales, Sonora, Christmas party for more than 1,000 children. Sign up in back of church or call Ila.

Casa Maria will not be held in December - everyone will be going to the Christmas dinners provided for the needy on December 25. Casa Maria will resume Friday, January 21, 2005. The 2005 schedule is located on the ushers' cabinet

Vestry Consideration - anyone who would like to put a name forward for consideration for the Vestry may do so by contacting Karl MacOmber or Fr. Smith.

Web update - a new posting has been added to the St. Michael's Arts page. We're still waiting for YOU to contribute to this blog. Please contact Karen at mavarin @ aol.com.

Follow the Star

A Powerful Reenactment of the

Christmas Story through

Music, Drama & Dance.


Presented by

Saturday, December 11th, 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 12th, 4:00 p.m.


Sahuaro High School Auditorium

545 N. Camino Seco

Tucson AZ 85710

______



Dr. Joan Ashcraft, Conductor

James Mitchell Gooden, Artistic Direction

with Kimberly & Michael Chaffin

as Mary & Joseph


and Featuring Delores Maddox

______


Tickets available at

Gospel Supplies
5611 E. Speedway
or
6032 N. Oracle Road
or
arts-express.org


To order tickets by phone,

Call Arts Express at
(520) 319 0400


Adults $10.00

Students $5.00

Your generous contribution will defray production costs and
will support the Arts Express Fine Arts Youth Academy.


For Additional Information, please call Arts Express at 319-0400
or visit us at arts-express.org

Announcements for Week Ending December 12th, 2004

Christmas flowers - the special beauty of St. Michael's Christmas worship is the work of many people. Not all can be directly involved, but all can contribute to the Christmas Flowers and Decorations. Please use the Christmas Flowers envelope for floral donations.

Angel Tree Ministry is now in progress with a tree in the back of the Church. This project is for those children of prisoners and Native American children. This year we need over 80 gifts for the children. Join in by choosing an angel or Indian tag from the tree at the back of the church, and place your name and the code for your gift on the list on the ushers' cabinet. Please do not gift wrap the gifts but do include the tag when bringing the gift to the church. Donations may be made in place of gifts. Gifts are needed by next Sunday, December 12. For more information, call Ancelyn Smith.

2005 Ordo Kalendars are available on the ushers' cabinet. A donation of $3.00 per calendar is requested to cover handling charges.Pledge / Stewardship envelopes are available at the back of the church. Please pick up your envelopes - this will help defray the cost of mailing them to you. Thank you!

Vestry Consideration - anyone who would like to put a name forward for consideration for the Vestry may do so by contacting Karl MacOmber or Fr. Smith.

ECW Mass and Luncheon, Wednesday, December 15th at 10:30 AM - luncheon will include a cookie exchange (please bring 36 of your one favorite cookie recipe to share) and a lunch served by Joy Miller of EnJoy Cooking (cost $5 per person). Sign up sheet located on ushers' cabinet. For questions, please contact ECW Chair Dolores Braren.

Contributions made to the Arizona Episcopal Schools Foundation by December 31, 2004, will be credited dollar for dollar against your Arizona income tax up to $500 for individuals and $625 for couples filing jointly. These contributions are also tax deductible on federal tax returns. For more information, please call Erika Weitzel at 722-8478.

Angel Food Candy is still available - just come to the church office to directly purchase this wonderful candy made by our very own parishioners. A great package for $10. There is still time to purchase candy for the holidays!

Web Update - a new sermon by Father Douglas (from the Second Sunday of Advent) has now been posted on the sermons page. Also, a short story about St. Nicholas has been posted on the smaarts blog in honor of the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6th. Check them out!

Web Update - Sermons and Stuff

The Sermons page has been updated. It now has both Father Smith's sermon for the First Sunday of Advent and Father Douglas's sermon from October 31st. Several of Father Richards' somewhat older sermon-poems are also available.

The St. Michael & All Angels Arts page is open for contributions. Please email your poetry, photos, prayers, reflections, etc. to me at mavarin @ aol.com. You can also put something in my hands after any 10 AM Sunday mass. I will do any scanning or retyping and give you back the original the following week.

Karen (webmaster)

Social Concerns Updates for Week Ending December 4th, 2004

ST. MICHAEL'S PARISHIONERS - YOU'RE NEEDED!

Please help spread holiday cheer by signing up for and / or
helping with one or more of the following.

Bazaar - Sat. Dec. 4th

*Refreshments - bring goodies by 4:45 PM, help serve.
*Setup - help muscle tables around Sat. morning.
*Tables - help sell our stuff - Guatemala, Haiti, candies, etc.
*Cleanup - straighten for Sunday's big day.

Bazaar - Sun. Dec. 5th

*Sit "our" sales tables in 2-hour increments.
*Be a "floater" to help visitors and vendors.
*Cleanup - beginning 3 PM

School Las Posadas lunch, Dec. 17th

Help serve for this festive occasion.
Arrive around 11 AM; be done in less than 2 hours.
The school contracts with our friend Maria Garcia for the meal,
so her projects with indigenous in Mexico benefit.

Cookies for BorderLinks' Christmas party

Bake cookies for children in Nogales, Sonora -
Deliver to St. Michael's by 3 PM on Dec. 17th.
Party is Dec.18th. You're welcome to attend.
Last year almost 1000 children attended.
For details, BorderLinks' Pat Brandenburg, 792-3312.

***********************************

* Gifts * Food * Music

Purchase from more than 20 of Tucson's socially-committed non-profit groups.

Fair-trade items from Azure Skies Global Gifts.

*************************

Sat. Dec. 4th, 5 PM to 8 PM:

Opening Reception & Sale

Mzekala - Balkan Traditional Songs, 6:30 PM

********************************
Sun. Dec. 5th, 9 AM to 3 PM

African art, calendars, children's books, regional authors,
Haitian crafts, Mayan weavings, jewelry,
fair-trade handicrafts from more than 30 cultures,
Just Coffee, Just Cashews, holiday goods and goodies,
boxed gift candies, and more.

* Holiday tamales & foods - Maria Garcia, La Indita

* Informal Music

St. Michael & All Angels

602 N. Wilmot (at 5th Street), Parish Center

HOLIDAY SHOPPING WITH A CONSCIENCE!

Information: 886-7292 (church), 623-3063 (coordinator)

LOOK FOR YOUR FAVORITE GROUP!

***************************

COMMUNITY WORK THIS WEEK

Greet Burmese refugee when he arrives Dec. 1.

If possible, also help with hot meals for his first full day in the U.S. Refugee Program staff will be at the airport. Your task would be just to make him feel welcome as he begins a new life. He is 43 years old, Christian, and will arrive from Thailand. To help, call Janell Mousseau, new director of the Refugee Program, 721-4444.

ANDEAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT [AFTA] TALKS IN TUCSON

this week, with more than 1500 delegates from Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and the U.S.. NAFTA has proven problematic environmentally and for the poor of southern Mexico, increasing both suffering and undocumented migration to the U.S. Unfortunately, when trading "partners" are unequal, a seemingly good idea results in exploitation, reduction of public services, cultural and environmental degradations, and increasing gaps between the rich and poor. Major public protest events:

Tuesday, November 30th:

* Press Conference, 10 AM, Southside Presbyterian Church, 817 W. 23rd Street.
* Community Rally, 11 AM - 1 PM, Tucson Convention Center.
* AFTA teach-in, UA College of Law, Room 146, 7 PM - 9 PM.

Friday, December 3rd:

* Anti-AFTA March, Old Main (UA) to Marriott Hotel Park. Assemble 3 p.m.

Information, details - rboren@igc.org, www.noafta.org, 520-312-2988.

Announcements for Week Ending December 4th, 2004

Attention high schoolers - Youth Minister Kaytee Needham is out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday, and the youth group meeting will not be held this week.

Angel Tree ministry is now in progress with a tree in the back of the Church. This project is for children of prisoners and Native American children. This year we need over 80 gifts for the children. Join in by choosing an angel or Indian tag from the tree at the back of the church, and place your name and the code # for your gift on the list on the ushers' cabinet. Please do not giftwrap the gifts, but do include the tag when bringing the gift to the church. Donations may be made in place of gifts. Gifts are needed by December 20. For more information, call Ancelyn Smith.

2005 Ordo Kalendars available on the ushers' cabinet. A donation of $3.00 per calendar is requested to cover handling charges.

Advent International Bazaar - holiday shopping with a conscience, Saturday, December 5th, 5:00 - 7:00 PM, and Sunday, December 6th, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Food, music, gifts and goods.

Contributions made to the Arizona Episcopal Schools Foundation by December 31, 2004, will be credited dollar for dollar against your Arizona income tax up to $500 for individuals and $625 for couples filing jointly. These contributions are also tax deductible on federal tax returns. For more information, please call Erika Weitzel at 722-8478.

Angel Food Candy is still available - just come to the church office to directly purchase this wonderful candy made by our very own parishioners. A great package for $10. There is still time to purchase candy for the holidays!

Christmas Flowers - the special beauty of St. Michael's Christmas worship is the work of many people. Not all can be directly involved, but all can contribute to the Christmas flowers and decorations. Please use the Christmas Flowers envelope for floral donations.

Announcements for Week Ending November 28th, 2004

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25 - there will be a Mass at 9:00 AM. Come and join in worshiping Almighty God and giving thanks for his mercy and our blessings. All parishioners are invited to bring fresh flowers for the altar as a symbol of our gratefulness.

Parish Office closed Thanksgiving and Friday, November 25 and 26. The clergy and staff wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving!

Casa Maria volunteers will meet this Friday at 6:30 PM, in the Parish Center to prepare sack lunches. Your help is needed the volunteers can always use a few extra hands and shelled hard boiled eggs. Join them for fellowship and to help with this good work.

Godly Play Group and Family Mass next Sunday. All are welcome to attend the next family mass and picnic. Please bring a Mexican themed dish or casserole to share (turkey leftovers are fine). Beverages will be provided. See you in the park!

There are lots of boxes of Angel Food candy available. At $10 a pound, in an attractive gift ready box, this is an affordable means of sharing this fund raising effort by St. Michael's parishioner volunteers. Just stop by the church office for your Angel Food. Also available are 1 pound bags of toasted coconut and roasted macadamia nuts at $1 each. Use this tasty combination on ice cream, in recipes, etc.

Next ECW Meeting Wednesday, December 15 - this meeting will include a cookie exchange (please bring 36 of your one favorite cookie to share) and a lunch served by Joy Miller of EnJoy Cooking (cost $5 per person) Sign up sheet located on ushers' cabinet. For questions, please contact ECW Chair Dolores Braren.

It's Angel Tree time again - starting the first Sunday in Advent, a Christmas tree in the back of the church will have angels hanging on its branches. This year, we have 30 children from Angel Tree and 50 children from the Indian reservation. We have requests for new shoes from several of the families and will ask for gift cards from Payless Shoes or a similar store, There are also requests for gift cards from local stores so that children can choose something they want. If you buy clothing, please include the gift receipt so that exchanges can be made. Please sign the list on the table at the back of the church so that I know who has taken each child. We are asking you bring your gifts unwrapped to the church office or to the tree on Sundays before or after Mass. The Angel Tree program is an important part of St. Michael's ministry for children of prisoners and Indian children in need. For additional information, please call Ancelyn Smith.

8,400 canned and dry goods were collected by our Parish Day School students for both the church food pantry and the Community Food Bank. This is the most that has ever been collected! Thank you, students and faculty!

Announcements for Week Ending November 21st, 2004

Vestry Meeting this Tuesday starting at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. Parishioners are invited to attend.

St. Michael's Episcopal Church Women (ECW) meeting this Wednesday in the Parish Center starting at 10:00 AM. All women of the parish are invited to attend this meeting.

Social Concerns Meeting next Sunday following the 10:00 AM Mass in the Parish Center.

Thanks to your extraordinary generosity of purse and spirit, the October Social Concerns special collection for Sudan and Haiti totaled $1,711. With the added $500 match from existing Social Concerns funds, that's $2,200 to send through Episcopal sources to relieve suffering and help rebuild in the two countries.

St. Michael's 9th Advent International Bazaar – December 4 and 5. Parish artist and service groups, if you would like a table to sell holiday goods, please contact coordinator Ila Abernathy now. Typically, 25 to 30 parish and socially committed community non-profit groups participate. Want to help plan, publicize, and make the event special? Contact Ila!

Annual trash pickup along migrant routes with Samaritans and friends Saturday, November 20 (morning). This group will go over the dry creek bed and into the mesquite bosque to complete the cleanup begun in October for a grandmotherly Arivaca resident. Meet at 7:00 AM at Southside Presbyterian, 327 W. 23rd Street, to car pool. Bring gloves, desert attire, common sense, hat, water, etc. Optional lunch / debriefing / coffee in fascinating Arivaca ($3 - $6). Half day event. Call St. Michael's coordinator Ila for details, especially if you can bring a pickup.

Can you help with the annual Thanksgiving meal with refugees from all Tucson's refugee programs Saturday, November 20 (evening)? St. Michael's wants to prepare a meal for 12 more if lots of us plan to attend. Meal to take place at Grace St. Paul's, 2331 E. Adams Street, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Call the Holts to find out what's needed.

10th Annual Thanksgiving Family Retreat at Chapel Rock (the Arizona Church Conference Center) in Prescott Thursday, November 25 through Saturday, November 27. All are invited. Varying costs and information listed on the bulletin board.

Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who spent many hours making St. Michael's Angel Food Candy. Approximately 1,200 pounds of candy was made. Orders are filled and are ready to be picked up. Please stop by the church office to claim your order. Again, thank you for supporting this "fun" raising event!

Angel Food Candy is still available. Stop in the church office to purchase. We also have 1 pound bags of topping (toasted coconut and roasted macadamia nuts) at $1 each great for baking or on ice cream.

*****************************************************************

Alan Schultz in Concert

The Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra will play a concert at Saddlebrook Mountain View Clubhouse at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, November 14. Included in the program are the Wagner Siegfried Funeral Music, the Beethoven Eroica Symphony, and the premier of Alan Schultz's New Concerto for Violin and Orchestra with Sam Kreiling, violinist. Tickets are $10.

This concert will be repeated 3:00 P.M, Sunday, November 21, at Sahuarita High School Auditorium, a hall with extremely fine acoustics. Located at Sahuarita / Helmet Peak Road, 1/2 mile east of I-19 at Exit 75. Present this announcement at Sahuarita High School on November 21 and receive as many free tickets as you need,

You are my guests. I am honored with your presence at either of these performances.

Thank you,

Alan Schultz

Announcements for Week Ending November 14th, 2004

Volunteers needed to sort and stack food following school food drive Monday, November 15. Volunteers are needed at 9:00 AM. Interested volunteers just need to come to the church. Lynette and Shigeko will help coordinate this project.

Advent Reflective Morning and Diocesan Assembly, sponsored by the Order of the Daughters of the King in the Diocese of Arizona, is open to all members and guests of St. Michael and All Angels on Saturday, December 4, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Registration will begin at 9:30 AM; meditation at 10:00 AM), At Church of the Apostles in Oro Valley, 12111 N. La Cholla Boulevard north of Tangerine Road. Sign up deadline is Sunday, November 21. A sign up sheet is located on the ushers' cabinet.

St. Michael's Parish Day School needs a day care worker/coordinator, minimum of 3 hours per day from 2:30 PM to 5:50 PM; maximum 6 hours per day from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM (includes lunch monitor and clerical work). Start at $7.50 then go to $8.00 after 60 days. For more information this immediate opportunity, please contact Judy Engstrand at the School office, 722-8478.

Altar Guild Meeting this Saturday immediately following the 8:30 AM Mass in the Church.

Angel Food Candy - This wonderful English Toffee dipped in chocolate, rolled in toasted Macadamia nuts and macaroon coconut, then boxed in a beautiful red and gold metallic printed gift box is still available. Orders are still being taken. For your convenience, order forms are available on the ushers' cabinet. Share the goodness and sweetness of St. Michael and All Angels Church!

St. Michael's ECW (Episcopal Church Women) Raffle - drawing for a new Panasonic 27" flat screen stereo TV/DVD/VCR combo (valued at $500). Tickets are $1 each; drawing to be held Sunday, December 19. Proceeds to benefit ECW's programs.

Announcements for Week Ending Novermber 7th, 2004

Please Welcome the Rev. John Denaro from the Episcopal Migration Ministries’ Church Relations and Outreach this Wednesday starting at 7:00 PM, in the Parish Hall. Interact with a leader from the national church office, exchange ideas, and learn about the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries nationally and in Tucson. Free - light refreshments.

This is the week for Angel Food candy making - St. Michael’s parishioners will start making our wonderful English Toffee dipped in chocolate, rolled in toasted macadamia nuts and macaroon coconut, then boxed in a beautiful red and gold metallic printed gift box. Monday, November 1, through Saturday, November 6! Volunteers are still needed; just stop in the Parish Center at 9:00 AM Orders are now being taken. For your convenience, order forms are available on the ushers’ cabinet. Share the goodness and sweetness of St. Michael and All Angels Church!

10th Annual Thanksgiving Family Retreat at Chapel Rock (the Arizona Church Conference Center) in Prescott Thursday, November 25 through Saturday, November 27. All are invited. Varying costs and information listed on the bulletin board.

St. Augustine Catholic High School Open House Night Monday, November 9, at 7:00 PM. Recruiting students for the upcoming 2005-06 school year. Here is an opportunity for parents and children to meet the principal, faculty, parents, and students from St. Augustine’s. Applications will be available. For questions, please call 751-8300.

Festival Of The Arts at Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David Saturday and Sunday, November 13 and November 14. See bulletin board for details.

How To’s of Helping the Homeless; Focus on Trauma presented by Tucson Planning Council for the Homeless Friday, November 5, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Call Lynn Ratener at 917-2384 for more information. There is no charge. Beverages and snacks will be served. Announcement is posted on the bulletin board.

Check Out the Ongoing Parishioner Photography and Painting Art Show in the Parish Center. This possibly may be the start of a St. Michael's parish activity where artist may show, demonstrate, educate, and promote their artistic gifts. For more information about this program, please contact Kelli Peacock or Bob Bennet.

Speaking of artistic gifts - St. Michael's has a new blog for parishioners' art, photos, essays, poetry, meditations, prayers, etc. Check it out! Better yet, contribute! The web address is http:/smaaarts.blogspot.com. Please email your contributions to Karen @ mavarin.com or mavarin @ aol.com. Karen will also take contributions in person after each Sunday 10 AM Mass.

A Message from Father Smith

Confessing Christ in a World of Violence

(this is a teaching by a number of theologians that I respect; you might find it helpful- Fr. Smith)

Our world is wracked with violence and war. But Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" (Matt. 5:9). Innocent people, at home and abroad, are increasingly threatened by terrorist attacks. But Jesus said: "Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5:44). These words, which have never been easy, seem all the more difficult today.

Nevertheless, a time comes when silence is betrayal. How many churches have heard sermons on these texts since the terrorist atrocities of September 11? Where is the serious debate about what it means to confess Christ in a world of violence? Does Christian "realism" mean resigning ourselves to an endless future of "pre-emptive wars"? Does it mean turning a blind eye to torture and massive civilian casualties? Does it mean acting out of fear and resentment rather than intelligence and restraint?

Faithfully confessing Christ is the church's task, and never more so than when its confession is co-opted by militarism and nationalism.

- A "theology of war," emanating from the highest circles of American government, is seeping into our churches as well.

- The language of "righteous empire" is employed with growing frequency.

- The roles of God, church, and nation are confused by talk of an American "mission" and "divine appointment" to "rid the world of evil."

The security issues before our nation allow no easy solutions. No one has a monopoly on the truth. But a policy that rejects the wisdom of international consultation should not be baptized by religiosity. The danger today is political idolatry exacerbated by the politics of fear.

In this time of crisis, we need a new confession of Christ.

1. Jesus Christ, as attested in Holy Scripture, knows no national boundaries. Those who confess his name are found throughout the earth. Our allegiance to Christ takes priority over national identity. Whenever Christianity compromises with empire, the gospel of Christ is discredited.

We reject the false teaching that any nation-state can ever be described with the words, "the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." These words, used in scripture, apply only to Christ. No political or religious leader has the right to twist them in the service of war.

2. Christ commits Christians to a strong presumption against war. The wanton destructiveness of modern warfare strengthens this obligation. Standing in the shadow of the Cross, Christians have a responsibility to count the cost, speak out for the victims, and explore every alternative before a nation goes to war. We are committed to international cooperation rather than unilateral policies.

We reject the false teaching that a war on terrorism takes precedence over ethical and legal norms. Some things ought never be done - torture, the deliberate bombing of civilians, the use of indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction - regardless of the consequences.

3. Christ commands us to see not only the splinter in our adversary's eye, but also the beam in our own. The distinction between good and evil does not run between one nation and another, or one group and another. It runs straight through every human heart. We reject the false teaching that America is a "Christian nation," representing only virtue, while its adversaries are nothing but vicious.

We reject the belief that America has nothing to repent of, even as we reject that it represents most of the world's evil. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).

4. Christ shows us that enemy-love is the heart of the gospel. While we were yet enemies, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8, 10). We are to show love to our enemies even as we believe God in Christ has shown love to us and the whole world. Enemy-love does not mean capitulating to hostile agendas or domination. It does mean refusing to demonize any human being created in God's image.

We reject the false teaching that any human being can be defined as outside the law's protection. We reject the demonization of perceived enemies, which only paves the way to abuse; and we reject the mistreatment of prisoners, regardless of supposed benefits to their captors.

5. Christ teaches us that humility is the virtue befitting forgiven sinners. It tempers all political disagreements, and it allows that our own political perceptions, in a complex world, may be wrong.

We reject the false teaching that those who are not for the United States politically are against it or that those who fundamentally question American policies must be with the "evil-doers." Such crude distinctions, especially when used by Christians, are expressions of the Manichaean heresy, in which the world is divided into forces of absolute good and absolute evil.

The Lord Jesus Christ is either authoritative for Christians, or he is not. His Lordship cannot be set aside by any earthly power. His words may not be distorted for propagandistic purposes. No nation-state may usurp the place of God.

We believe that acknowledging these truths is indispensable for followers of Christ. We urge them to remember these principles in making their decisions as citizens. Peacemaking is central to our vocation in a troubled world where Christ is Lord.

Announcements for Week Ending October 31st, 2004

Check Out the Ongoing Parishioner Photography and Painting Art Show in the Parish Center. This possibly may be the start of a St. Michael's parish activity where artist may show, demonstrate, educate, and promote their artistic gifts. For more information about this program, please contact Kelli Peacock or Bob Bennet.

Speaking of artistic gifts - St. Michael's has a new blog for parishioners' art, photos, essays, poetry, meditations, prayers, etc. Check it out! Better yet, contribute! The web address is http:/smaaarts.blogspot.com. Please email your contributions to Karen @ mavarin.com.

"Therese [of Lisieux, also know as the Little Flower] - Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Soul" movie in Tucson, to be shown at the Foothills Cinemas inside the Foothills Mall Friday, October 29, through Thursday, November 4th. Tickets may be purchased by stopping in at the theater's box office or calling the box office at 742-5050. Tickets will be on sale Wednesday, October 27. Show times to be announced. $8.50 for general admission; $5.50 for matinee, $5.25 for seniors/children 3-12 years of age.

Naco Wellness Initiative Clinic is asking for donations of blankets and warm jackets (all sizes) to be distributed to the next two regular clinics November 13 and December 11. Please bring any extra blankets and jackets to the church office during this drive. These will then be transported to Naco, Arizona. For more information on this project, please call Anita Klever.

Casa Maria volunteers will meet this Friday at 6:30 PM, in the Parish Center, to prepare sack lunches. Your help is needed - the volunteers can always use a few extra hands and shelled hard boiled eggs. Join them for fellowship and to help with this good work.

ECW Casserole and Bake Sale next Sunday after the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM services in the Parish Center. For more information, please contact Dolores Braren.

St. Michael's Godly Play Group’s Family Mass and Picnic is next Sunday. Family Mass will be celebrated in the Godly Play room and the BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) will be held in the park immediately following the Mass. Beverages will be provided. All parents and those interested in the Godly Play program are invited to participate. For more information, contact Libby, Karen, or Gigi.

United Thank Offering (UTO) continues year round every day - the mission of United Thank Offering is to invite people to offer daily thanks to God. The discipline starts at home by dropping coins into a special blue box container for each thanksgiving offered. Please pick up your UTO box located at the ushers' cabinet and become a UTO participant.

Announcements for Week Ending October 23rd, 2004

Vestry Meeting this Tuesday starting at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. All parishioners are invited to attend this important parish function.

ECW Meeting this Wednesday - the Episcopal Church Women of St. Michael's will meet in the Parish Center at 10:00 AM. All women are invited to attend and hear the group's plans and activities. Also, ECW will have a casserole and bake sale Sunday, October 31 after the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM services in the Parish Center. For more information, please contact Dolores Braren.

Next Sunday is Campus Christian Ministry Sunday - Fr. Jeffrey Reed, Chaplain of the University of Arizona's Emmaus Collegiate Chapel, will be our guest at the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM services. Come hear about this ministry to undergraduate and graduate students in our community.

Derechos Humanos' annual Perigrinación (Pilgrimage) from St. John's Church to San Xavier Mission Saturday, October 30 (closest Saturday to Dia de los Muertos). We remember our common humanity with those who have died crossing the border, honor indigenous cultures, also cherish "this fragile earth, our island home." We'd like a small St. Michael's contingent. About 8 miles, if you walk all the way. Support vehicles will follow. Assemble at St. John's at Ajo Way and 12' Avenue 8:30 AM. Be a part of St. Michael's contingent, call Ila, or just come.

Habitat For Humanity - construction of the 11 homes continues Wednesday through Saturday of every week starting at 8:00 AM. Site is at Balboa and Laguna (near Glenn Street). Work is still mainly framing, roofing, foam insulating, stucco prep and clean up. Call Byron Brandon for details.

Angel Food candy making 2004: "The heavenly aroma abounds" - We are that point on the calendar where SSt. Michael's parishioners will start making our wonderful English Toffee dipped in chocolate, rolled in toasted macadamia nuts and macaroon coconut, then boxed in a beautiful red and gold metallic printed gift box. Volunteers are needed November 1 through November 6! Volunteer sign up sheets are located on the ushers' cabinet. Please sign up where you can, and bring friends, too. Orders are now being taken. For your convenience, an order form will be on the ushers' cabinet (and reproduced on this page) in the coming weeks. Share the goodness and sweetness of St. Michael and All Angels Church!

Calling all St. Michael's young people - beginning this Sunday, a new High School youth group is starting at St. Michael's. Anyone in High School is invited to attend. Please meet at the back of the church after the 10: 00 AM service where we will decide where to go for lunch! Also, today marks the kick off for the Rite 13 youth group. Anyone age 101/2 to 13 is welcome to come. Class will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Sundays. Come and grow with us in God's presence. Parents of you there will be an informational meeting in the Parish Center at 7:00 PM this Thursday to answer questions you may have about these programs and for you to meet Kaytee first hand. Please attend and bring your children so we can all get to know each other. For more information, please contact Kaytee or the church office.

St. Michael's 9th Advent International Bazaar, December 4th and 5th - parish artist and service groups, if you would like a table to sell holiday goods, please contact coordinator Ila Abernathy now. Typically, 25 to 30 parish and socially committed community non profit groups participate. Want to help plan, publicize, and make the event special? Contact Ila.

St. Michael's Primavera / Five Points meal team needs help - a meal is served on the I" Tuesday of eacch month to 3 0 residents in the Five Points Transitional Program. Volunteers do not have to visit the site unless they choose to help serve the meal. We need volunteers to help supply salad, bread, and dessert. Please call Byron or Lynette to discuss this easy way to reach out to other.

Episcopal School Sunday

The Gospel Dramatized:
"What were you arguing about on the way?"

"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."

The Fifth Grade Choir demonstrates that "You Gotta Sing."

a little artistic license with the ushers

Distributing the Eucharist



Alan Schultz plays the organ

"Have a nice day!"

Ryan Valdez, winner of the 2004
Cynthia Mullvaney Scholarship,
with Patrick Brown, Headmaster

See the Episcopal School Sunday Page
and right-click to download pictures.

Sermon: A Letter from St. Francis

Dear John:

I wanted to write to greet you and all your parishioners at St. Michael’s on the occasion of your blessing of the animals. The animals you bless symbolize all the creatures of God and the deep respect and care we must have for all life: yes, for the animals, but especially for each and every human being.

I did not always have this respect for life and the peace it brings. A change occurred in me after I was captured in war and was a prisoner in Perugia. I found a copy of the Gospel and read Jesus’ teaching: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be children of God; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those cursing you, pray for those who abuse you; Take up your cross and follow me. I had heard the Gospel before, but never taken it in my heart. God’s grace helped me live no longer out of my fear, but, instead, embrace the Gift of Peace. I only had a mustard seed of faith, but that was powerful enough to move the mountains of my fears.

I had found myself in the same situation the prophet Habakkuk was, crying out: O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save? Why do you make me see wrong-doing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise . . . The law becomes slack and justice never prevails. Today you and your people are in the same situation as your country engages in wars on many fronts. I came to the conviction that all war is a failure. Even if you "win" there is tremendous destruction, tremendous cost and tremendous suffering. It’s failure of diplomacy. In a sense it is the failure of civilization. It’s the failure of civilized people to find a way of living with each other, to find a way of resolving our differences and conflicts that minimizes damage and maximizes the value of life.

War brought about my conversion and maybe it will do the same for your country. Only love can cast out the fear which causes us to strike back. The Great Soul Mahatma taught the futility of revenge and asked: Will you find the real courage to open your heart and offer love instead of fear whenever you "feel" attacked? Remember Alexander Solzhenitzyn who wrote from prison: If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?

My dear John, there are two keys to becoming a person of peace and a promoter of world peace. Both keys are discovered only in the strength of true humility. The first key is the willingness. The willingness to be peaceful. As my prayer begins: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. I always repeated this a few times to myself at the first sign of turmoil within me or around me. I breathe into the words and realize Christ is within me and in the situation and even in my enemy. This last realization was always the hardest part for me. I could accept that Christ was trying to act through me, but it was much more difficult to see Christ in my attacker or the creator of the turmoil around me. I remember what the poet Longfellow wrote: If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each person’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility against us.

That is where the second key comes in: Seek not to be understood, but to understand. Seek to understand someone else’s viewpoint or reference. Try to understand their pain, their intent. Christ is present in them and their suffering even if they do not know it. Everyone is potentially a child of God and brother or sister of Jesus.

I’ll close for now, praying for all of you at St. Michael and All Angels. Remember the two keys that open the doors to lasting peace. Learn, as I did, that in order to create peace in our world we have to BE peace.

Your friend in Jesus,

FRANCIS

Blessing of the Animals

Feast of St. Francis 2004 - Blessing of the Animals, 10:00 AM Mass

All of these pictures, and a number of others, can be saved to your hard drive in two sizes. For the smaller, most edited versions (shown here a little smaller than they are), right click the picture and select "save image as...." For the larger, less edited, usually darker versions, go to ftp://www.mavarin.com/smaa/francis/. The titles are the same for both versions of each picture.

More or the smaller, edited pictures can be seen on the community page. and Karen's personal blog, and downloaded from ftp://www.mavarin.com/smaa/stfran/.

I'm sorry the pictures weren't better. The battery was running low, and I should the camera to flash regardless of how much light was available.

Karen

Web Update

The community page now has pictures of York and the Tea Room (but not of the Dirty Duck - yet!). Look for pictures of the Blessing of the Animals after the Feast of St. Francis this Sunday - and don't forget to bring your pet to church!

The music page now has updated info on the organ by Jane Haman, including a stop list. Updated pictures are imminent.

The sermons page now has three more sermon/poems by Fr. Richards, plus two recent sermons by Fr. Smith. Come have a look!

The ministries page still languishes, except for a bit of Guatamala info. If you're involved in ECW, the Vestry, Social Concerns, Rite 13, Godly Play or any other ministry of the church, how about writing something about it for the web site, hmm?

Karen Funk Blocher
Webmaster

Announcements for week ending October 3, 2004

Casa Maria volunteers well meet this Friday at 6:30 PM in the Parish Center to prepare sack lunches. Your help is needed the volunteers can always use a few extra hands and shelled hard boiled eggs. Join them for fellowship and to help with this good work.

Join us for the annual service celebration of Michaelmas, the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, Wednesday, September 29th at 6:30 PM. Child care available during service. Following the service, there will be a communal feast in the Parish Center. Donations requested to cover expenses.

****

Come celebrate with us

St. Michael and All Angels Church's Annual

MICHAELMAS

Wednesday, September 29th
6:30 PM Festival Procession & Solemn High Mass

We Remember Our Past & Celebrate Our Future



The Rev. John R. Smith, presiding

Prelude: Oboe Sonata in A minor
by Georg Philipp Telemann
Kay Trondsen, Oboe

Schubert Mass in C with orchestra
Jane W. Haman, organist / choir director

ALL ARE INVITED TO THE COMMUNAL MEAL
FOLLOWING THE HIGH MASS
IN THE PARISH CENTER

(Almost) Live from the English Faire!

Here come the pipes and drums!



Oxford - books, books, and more books!



ECW cooksbooks and metal collectibles at York



The York courtyard

More later!

Karen

Come to the Faire! - Town Descriptions

Come one,
come all
to the
English Faire!

Saturday, September 25th
9 AM to 6 PM

Towne Descriptions

Oxford

A person of erudition and learning? This is your town. You love to see the dons in their black academic gowns parading around with books in their arms. Visitors come here searching for old tomes that you long since enjoyed, but for them hold new secrets of the world and beyond! The noise of the pub and band clouds the clearness of your thought for you, a new cup of brew in the Tea Room is what you need. The beauty and repose of good book and afternoon High Tea!

Stratford Upon Avon

To be or not to be, that is the question! Great song, performance, and drink what more can you ask? This is the life in Stratford Upon Avon. Does it get any better than this? The Pub is one of the best in Merry Olde England, and the eats are cheap and filling. Thank your lucky stars that you are a visitor to this place. Remember, no town is far from this watering hole, the Dirty Duck Pub! And, oh the English Tea Room a must on this tour!

London Towne

As a visitor to London, affectionately known as "London Towne," you'll be checking out the Jumble (rummage sale). Just take the tube to Notting Hill Gate and ask for directions from there. The Jumble runs along Portobello Road. You can't miss it! One person's junk that, in the eyes of another person, is pure Gold!! What do Londoner's like to snack on? What are their favorite games? Bring on the kids for a visit to Piccadilly Circus, with lots of activities.

Canterbury

The Bells! The Bells! The sound of the pipe organ'. These are familiar sounds you hear daily in Canterbury. A visit to the Cathedral for a tour a quiet respite on your visit to England. The history that is in this place and the stories to be told! When you enter St. Michael's church, listen to the beautiful sounds of the Aeolian Skinner Pipe Organ, feel the spiritual atmosphere, and see the architecture and special touches, while viewing a slide show the five townships represented at this English Faire, Visitors might take away a holy memento of their visit maybe it is here just for you!

York

Oh, the beauty of this northern towne with its green and fountains! Here our visitors find plants, pictures, and rare things even have your handwriting analyzed. Handmade crafts are honored here as in no place else in the realm! Enjoy working around the finer things of life and your taste buds are well tuned. This is the life you enjoy in York: sophisticated and refined! This is a recipe for the good life even a bake sale.

Announcements for Week ending September 26th, 2004

Anglican Cycle of Prayer - let us give thanks for the Church of the Province of Southern Africa, the Most Reverend Njongonkuly W. H. Ndungane, Primate, its people and clergy.

Vestry meeting to be held this Tuesday starting at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. Parishioners are welcome to attend this important parish function.

Habitat For Humanity - construction of the 11 homes continues Wednesday through Saturday of every week starting at 8:00 AM. Site is at Balboa and Laguna (near Glenn Street). Work is still mainly framing, roofing, foam insulating, stucco prep and clean up. Call Byron Brandon for details.

2004 English Faire News

Friday, September 24th
Concert at the 2004 English Faire: Nancy McCallion Band (former singer/songwriter of The Mollys) will perform old Mollys' favorites along with her new material. This will be the band's very first CD release party. Tickets are available in the church office and are $10 per person (free for child under 12). Fish 'n' Chips and beverages and brew will be available at the Dirty Duck Pub starting at 6:00 PM; concert will start at 8:00 PM.

Saturday September 25th
Parishioners will be contacted by the Mayors of Canterbury, London Towne, Stratford Upon Avon, Oxford, and York to seek your help with this year's one day only faire. Start compiling off your donations for the jumble sale (no clothing, please), books for the used book sale, collectibles for the collectible sale, and items for the art and photo sale (a tax deductible form is available for donations) and bring to the church office. There's a lot to plan and a lot to do; join in on the fun! If you have not been contacted and would like to help, please call your mayor or the church office.

DRIVE A NEW CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE – FREE!
Chrysler Crossfire Raffle will take place at the English Faire – tickets have been mailed. Our goal is to sell 1,000 tickets. Please turn in your sold raffle tickets, as soon as you are able, into the Sunday offering or bring to the Church office. If you have not received your raffle tickets in the mail or would like more tickets, call Alicia at 886-7292! This year's raffle is for a free 2 year lease, or the option to lease a different vehicle of equal or lesser value, or $10,000 in lieu of the 2-year lease. Seller of the winning ticket will receive $1,000 (in the event that 1,000 tickets are sold). Tickets are $50 each. All proceeds from this raffle will benefit St. Michael's Pipe Organ Fund. Drawing will be Saturday, September 25th, 1004. Win a new lease on life! Drive a new Chrysler Crossfire free!

English Faire Tea Room - one session at 2:00 PM. Cost is $10 adult, $5 child under 10. Seating limited; reservations needed. Sign up sheet is located on the ushers' cabinet. ECW needs to borrow card tables and teapots for the tea room. Please call Dolores Braren if you can help.

Get your ovens hot! - Bake sale items are needed for the English Faire. All kinds of baked goodies can be brought in to the church office Friday, September 24, or to the Sunken Garden where the sale will be held early Saturday morning, September 25 (the day of the Faire).

Sermon: Stewardship Conquers Evil

Stewardship Conquers Evil

Sermon for The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Sunday, September 19th, 2004
By Father John R. Smith

This morning I’d like to start with a story about a man who collects pearls. One day, while walking through the downtown of his city, he sees in a store window the most beautiful, the largest, most magnificent pearl he has ever seen. Instantly he knows he must have it. So he enters the store and an old guy enters from the door to the rear of the showroom.

The man addresses the storekeeper, "I want that pearl. How much is it?"

The storekeeper says, "How much you got?"

"Well, I have $300 in my pocket."

"Good, I’ll take that. What else you got?"

"Well, I have a Chevy Suburban , low mileage, about two years old, paid off."

"Good, I’ll take that too. What else you got?"

"Well, I have two CDs worth about $18,000."

"Good," says the storekeeper, "I’ll take those too. What else you got?"

This goes on and on. That man gives away his house, his property, even his family. Until finally the storekeeper says, "OK, here. The pearl is yours."

The man turns to leave the store. But as he is walking out the storekeeper stops him and says, "Hey, you know what? That family of yours? I don’t need a family. So I’m going to give them back to you. But remember, they are mine now, not yours. You must take good care of them. And that house in Connecticut, well, I don’t need a house so you can have that back too. Although it does belong to me, I just want you to care for it. And as for the CDs and the stocks and the Suburban and even this $300, you can have it all back too. But remember, it is all mine. Take it. Use it wisely. Care for it for me."

So the man left with everything he had when he walked into the store--plus the great pearl. But there was a big difference. He walked into owning everything he had. He walked out owning nothing. Instead, everything he had before was now a gift.

This story teaches the foundation of Christian stewardship: everything we are and have is a gift to be cared for and used to multiply the love of God the Giver. I like the way St. Vincent of Lerin put it: Do as much good as you can, to as many people as you can, for as long as you can.

Do you think you and I have ever played fast and loose with these gifts? Could we ever be accused, as the Gospel puts it of squandering the rich man’s property? What if an account was made of our stewardship and we heard a Donald-like figure say "You’re fired!"

Quick thinking passion would be put in high gear. Like the fellow did in the Gospel we would sacrifice our own gain (typical 100% mark-up commission) to do everything possible to make our former boss well thought of and endear ourselves to everyone he’s been doing business with. "You owe a hundred jars, quick, make it fifty." "You, a hundred bushels of wheat? Take your bill, make it eighty." The result of this fast action? Everyone realizes the great generosity of the Rich Man and thinks the dishonest steward is a really fine fellow. He’ll never have to dig a ditch or beg for a dime.

When the rich guy returns and sees what’s happened, instead of scolding the former squanderer of his property, he praises him for his shrewd behavior. More people than ever love and respect the Rich Man and so many people in the land have had the burden of their debt lessened dramatically, especially the poor and needy who consistently get trampled on by those having the most.

So the manager is praised for his resourcefulness in dealing with the crisis that came upon him--a crisis like the sudden coming of God’s Kingdom. And the Kingdom is already present, confronting evil on many fronts, so Jesus urges his hearers to action, to do what needs to be done with courage and decisiveness: If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants your coat, give your shirt as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go the second mile.

Now when we hear these words we might think that Jesus is teaching us to be passive in the face of evil, pious doormats trampled upon in silence, and suffering for the "good" of our souls. So we dismiss these words of Jesus as completely impractical, though well-meaning. Deep down they are even dangerous, since they seem to say that evil should be allowed to have the upper hand with no thought of taking any countermeasures for the cause of good. These thoughts and misgivings would be justified if that is what Jesus meant.

Jesus does not teach passivity in the face of evil. On the contrary, Jesus teaches us to respond actively to evil--in courageous and imaginative non-violent ways. These ways have a power in them to stop evil in its tracks when we, the victims, refuse to play by evil’s rules. When you offer the other cheek, and say "Go on, hit me again!" Further insulting slaps have no power to take away dignity and honor. The hitter is shown for what he is- clearly in the wrong. Evil is revealed and disarmed by this creative response. Jesus knew that dignity and honor would be sacrificed when responding to violence with violence.

Same with the giving of the cloak- go ahead expose my nakedness- it is you who have lost and been shamed. Here, Roman soldier, I’ll decide freely to carry your pack a second mile- I’m a human being, not the pack animal you think I am. Jesus knew that actions like these counter evil at its source.

I think Bishop Tutu tells the story of South Africa in the days of apartheid of a black woman walking with her children down a narrow lane and was confronted by a white man going the other way. When she refused to step aside as she was "supposed" to do, the man spit in her face. She looked him in the eye and said, Now, will you please do that for the children, too? The man, ashamed, stepped aside and let them pass. That day the evil of apartheid began to crumble in his heart.

It’s time for us to be shrewd. Let’s put the prophet Amos and the Gospel’s dishonest manager together. The evil that tramples around in our world can best be dealt with by us becoming better stewards, devoting all of our life and everything we have to the Kingdom where God is loved and the lowly are lifted up. Stewardship: personal, corporate, and national is the way to conquer of evil best and make a truly peaceful world. Willingness to give away some of what we think is ours, but is really God’s, makes us, the church, holy and our ministry strong against evil within and without. This is shrewd. This is God’s way. It has to be our way. God will be with us for sure! Amen!

Come to the Faire!

Come one, come all to the
2004 English Faire
Friday, September 24th
Saturday, September 25th
St. Michael & All Angels Church & School
602 N. Wilmot Road (at 5th Street)
886-7292

Proceeds to benefit Tucson Habitat for Humanity

All People of the Tucson countryside are invited to partake of this special fun-filled event for the entire family featuring:

Friday, September 24th
starting at 6 PM with Dirty Duck Pub's
Fish 'n' Chips & English Brew
Concert at 8 PM
featuring Nancy McCallion Band
formerly of the Mollys
CD release party
Concert $10 advance / $12 door

Saturday, September 25th
All day activities
9 AM to 6 PM
FREE ADMISSION

Come visit the English Townes of Oxford, Stratford Upon Avon, London, York Towne & Canterbury:
* Jumble (softly used articles)
* Renaissance Kith
* Traditional English Tea Room
* School Band * Plant Sale
* “All Kinds of Books” Book Sale
* Antiques * Art Gallery
* Photographs * Crafts
* Bake Sale * Graphologists
* 2004 Crossfire raffle 2 Year Lease
* Church Tours with 0rgan Concert .
* Seven Pipers Scottish Society Pipe Band
* Religious Books & Articles
* Dirty Duck Pub with English Brew & Soft Drinks, Fish 'n' Chips, Bangers & Mash, Shepherd's Pie
* Piccadilly Circus for the Kiddies, with Face Painting, Food & Soda, Jumping Castle, Games & Lots of Fun

A Message from St. Philip's in the Hills

Subject: St. Philip's 20's/30's Network Invitation

Greetings all,

The 20's/30's Network at St. Philips is hosting a "Meet and Greet" event at St. Philip's (River and Campbell) on October 1 from 6 - 8 PM for young adults, ages 18-39. We would like to extend an invitation to all young people in the Tucson Episcopal community to join us for fellowship. Food is being catered by P. F. Chang's, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Please let the young adults in your congregation know they are invited and to RSVP to 299-6421.

Peace,

Scott B. Horton, P.E.

Announcements for Week Ending September 19th

Anglican Cycle of Prayer - let us give thanks for the Province of the Anglican Church in South East Asia, The Most Reverend Datuk Young Ping Chung, Primate, its people and clergy.

Need servers and readers for the Sunday 5:00 PM Mass. Please call Carol Brandon or contact the church office for more information.

Altar Guild members - no September general meeting. The next general meeting will take place on Saturday, October 9 following the 8:30 AM Mass.

All church women are invited to ECW's kickoff pot luck luncheon Wednesday, September 15, starting at 11:30 AM, in the Parish Center. Bring your favorite pot luck dish to share. Beverages will be provided. RSVP to Dolores Braren.

All are invited to attend Social Concerns meeting next Sunday following the 10:00 AM Mass in the Parish Center.

Wanted: discarded shoes that are still serviceable. Please contact Joel Williams. Shoes will be collected until the end of September and will then be taken to Haiti by Airline Ambassadors.

Sermon: Good News, Bad News, and Finding What's Lost

Sermon for The Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Sunday, September 12th, 2004
By Father John R. Smith

It's been said that the Gospel is bad news before it is Good News. These past few weeks have been full of bad news: the capture by terrorists of the school in Beslan and the deaths of so many children and teachers; the havoc and loss of life caused by hurricanes Charley and Frances in Florida; continuing loss of life by the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Sudan; so much negative campaigning on the political front; so when you add these things and more to the feeling of our powerlessness, failure, and daily sins of omission and commission it equals a tremendous feeling of disorientation. More than a feeling: we are really lost. What a way to start a sermon! What a downer!

But the Good News of the Gospel has to begin with this feeling of disorientation and lostness or we never quite get it's message of hope and salvation. Henri Nouwen wrote that "one way to express the spiritual crisis of our time is to say that most of us have an address but cannot be found there." We wonder where God is, but we’re never at home. Things are so bad that we don't want to spend time there. We busy ourselves with so many things outside of our home to keep us from admitting how lost we really are and we miss Jesus who has dropped by to visit us. When we hear the Gospel say "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." We don’t realize it’s us. God breaks his own law and the law of the Pharisees to reach out and save the lost. If we let Jesus find us at the address where we are really lost and need God, salvation can begin and love, joy, and freedom can break out all over!

The teaching of the Kingdom of God in the Gospel is that God's whole purpose is finding the lost. The parable of the shepherd who leaves the 99 sheep to fend for themselves and searches for the one lost sheep is absurd. This example seemed absolutely crazy to Jesus' listeners. Would a person in the sheep herding business leave ninety-nine untended to go looking for one? Of course not! Cut your losses and stay with the main flock. Forget the lost one! In the parable the shepherd never goes back to the ninety-nine- the focus remains on the joy of finding the one sheep that was lost. The story of the woman with the ten coins is the same. It might be that the ten coins were part of a stash the woman held for a rainy day. Every so often she would pull it out and check it, but one time a coin rolled away. When she finds a coin missing she lights a lamp, using precious oil, and sweeps and searches the whole house until she finds it. When she does she calls all her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her in on finding her lost coin. There is never any mention of the other nine coins. All the effort is in restoring what is lost against all reasonable considerations-- whatever it takes: seek the lost. The Kingdom of God is made up top to bottom and sideways of the lost who have been found!

If this is the case, then I want to get in touch with my lostness, because its only there I find Jesus. That's why I think Jesus had so little interest in the Pharisees and Scribes, but loved hanging out with tax collectors and sinners. (Everyone's favorite sin is something sexual, and the "sinners" most likely were prostitutes.) Jesus spent a lot of time welcoming those people, eating with them, talking with them, visiting them, and otherwise consorting with them, irking the Pharisees and their righteous ilk in a big way.

To get in touch with lostness listen to Paul: "The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life." It is when we admit our true lostness that mercy can find us. Like the sheep on the shoulders of the shepherd we come home and its wonderful!

Of course admitting that we are lost is no fun. We spend most of our life time trying to make the case to ourselves and others that we're really pretty good: law-abiding citizens and relatively successful at the "game" of life. We stay in constant motion, impatient like Moses’ people at his delay in coming down the mountain. Quick, let's melt all of our gold trinkets down make a calf and worship it. Our impatience means we'll do anything to get away from where we are: our lostness. Even if we become more lost. And what does the Boy Scout handbook say to do when you are lost? It says stay where you are! We, all of us, are the lost one God is seeking. God will find us!

I love St. Michaels because we seem close to our lostness and need for God and the Confession that we'll say in a few minutes appears to contain real contrition most of the time- at least I hope so. But what really governs God's behavior toward us is not our sins. And it's not our problems. It's God's need to find us in our lostness and bring us home. Every Eucharist is a new beginning and a thanksgiving of Joy! Let us live this moment to the fullest, be completely present to it, to taste the Kingdom here and now, and to fully be where we are so God can find us and celebrate through us, with us, and in us, the Spirit's presence in the world. And that, of course, is just the beginning.

Announcements for Week Ending September 6th, 2004

Anglican Cycle of Prayer - let us give thanks for the Church of South India (United), The Most Reverend K. J. Samuel, Primate, its people, and clergy.

New Testament Greek Class continues this Wednesday at 8:45 AM in the Parish Center.
Adult Bible Study and Pot Luck continues this Wednesday at 6:30 PM in. the Parish Center. And
Parents' Bible Study continues this Thursday at 8:00 AM in the Parish Library.

Casa Maria Volunteers will meet this Friday at 6:30 PM, in the Parish Center to prepare sack lunches. Your help is needed the volunteers can always use a few extra hands and shelled hard boiled eggs. Join them for fellowship and to help with this good work.

ECW is requesting the following for the English Faire Tea Room - needs to borrow 10 card tables and needs to borrow or a receive donations of 10 teapots. Please call Dolores Braren if you can help.

Announcements for Week Ending August 29th, 2004

Announcements

St. Michael's Parish Day School’s 46th year begins Monday, August 23. Welcome back, students and faculty!

New Testament Greek Class resumes this Wednesday at 8:45 AM in the Parish Center.

Adult Bible Study and Potluck also resumes this Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the Parish Center.

Choir rehearsal resumes this Thursday starting at 7:00 PM in the Church.

Guatemala Project report next Sunday in the Parish Center following the 10:00 AM Mass. Come hear Ila Abernathy's report on her 8 weeks of visits in rural Mayan communities. All are invited; suggested meal donation is $5 for adults.

Tucson Interfaith HIV / AIDS Network (TIHAN) needs volunteers to work as care teams, front desk office support, and educational presentations. Next training is scheduled for Saturday, August 28, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Orientation date is Thursday, August 26, 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway and Saturday, August 28, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 949 E. Helen Street. Contact Tish, or TIHAN office at 299‑6647 for more information.

2004 English Faire News -

English Faire Meeting for Township Mayors, Towne Criers, and Sheriffs this Tuesday in the Parish Center starting at 6:30 PM.


See below for more English Faire info.

Karen

Announcements for Week Ending August 22nd, 2004

Announcements

Concert at the 2004 English Faire, Friday, September 24 - Nancy McCallion Band (formerly singer / songwriter of The Mollys) will perform old Mollys' favorites along with her new material. This will be the band's very first CD release party. Tickets are available in the church office and are $10 per person. Fish 'n' Chips and beverages and brew will be available at the Dirty Duck Pub starting at 6:00 PM; concert starting at 8:00 PM.

Parishioners are invited to the vestry meeting this Tuesday starting at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center.

Help needed with 5 Points meal, the first Tuesday of each month, feeding 25 residents. Please call Byron Brandon to help.

Wanted: discarded shoes that are still serviceable. Please contact Joel Williams. Shoes will be collected until the end of September and will then be taken to Haiti by Airline Ambassadors.

Announcements for Week Ending August 15th, 2004

Announcements







Calling St. Michael's parishioners to join Grace St. Paul's and St. Philip's In The Hills Episcopal Churches as part of the Episcopal Coalition to build a home for a low income family. Be part of this inter-parochial fellowship to work together to build a home at Habitat for Humanity Tucson's third annual "Building Freedom Day" Saturday, September 11! Parish volunteers are needed for this project all levels of construction and non construction skills needed. Volunteer sign-up sheet is located on the ushers' cabinet. St. Michael's volunteer coordinator is Byron Brandon, who can be contacted for more information.

The Society of Mary invites all to recite the Rosary this Saturday at 7:45 AM, in honor of the Blessed Virgin's Assumption.

Next Sunday's services well be dedicated to Saint Mary the Virgin, Feast of the Assumption. Following the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Mass, a delicious blueberry pancake breakfast will be served in the Parish Center. Donations will be kindly accepted to cover the cost of the meal.Social Concerns meeting this Sunday, August 15th following the 8:00 AM Mass in the Parish Center. All are invited to attend.

Friends Of The Organ (FOTO) meeting this Thursday, August 12, at 6:30 PM, in the Church featuring an organ demonstration. Following the meeting, there will be "heavy" Hors D'oeurves and beverages served. Come listen to what our Aeolian Skinner pipe organ can do! Free. All are invited;, bring friends. A sign up sheet is on the ushers' cabinet.

As always, more announcements can be found on the schedule page. Have a great week!

Karen