Update from Father Smith

Subject: Arrived in Sahagun
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 10:50:20

Celebrated St. Mark´s day with the people of Sahagun at the Hermit Chapel of the Virgin of the Bridge. A really neat church and medieval bridge. Yesterday, my back gave out the last 6 k into Terradillos de los Templarios. I was hunched over and fighting for every step--and the rain, wind, and hail didn´t help!! It seems the bed the night before was a real sag and after a while my back just said no more. I limped into town and with the help of some fellow pilgrims made it to the Alberque! Did some exercises and rested on a firmer bed and was able to make it today. I´m learning my limits. I had just finished over 100 k in three days before-- always leading the pack. Not good. Learning to take it step by step. Hope to be in Leon soon, then in a day or so to Astorga. Thank everyone for their prayers--this and the intentions keep me going.

Peace, John+

Announcements for Week Ending May 1st, 2005

Mother's Day outreach: celebrate Mother's Day by donating a bag of groceries in honor or in memory of your mother. Bags and instructions will be available next Sunday, May 1st. Your donation will become a special part of our offering that day.

All are invited to attend ECW’s Mother's Day Tea Saturday, April 30th, starting at 2:00 PM in the Parish Center. Mother's Day Tea flyers are on the ushers' cabinet along with the sign up sheet. Please RSVP by April 20 $10 / adults $5/children (ages 10 and under). Card tables needed for the tea; please bring your card tables to the church office with your name marked on it.

Outreach - celebrate Mother's Day by donating a bag of groceries in honor or in memory of your mother. Bags and instructions will be available Sunday, May 1st. Bring your groceries to church on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8. Your donation will become a special part of our offering that day.

Call for Samaritans: help save lives in the desert this summer! Samaritans training offers an introduction to the group, history of the border, legal aspects of our work, medical preparedness, protocol, supplies and other logistics. At the end of the session, you will be trained to join us if you wish. Training will be held at Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W 23rd St. at 10th Avenue. For reservations call 620-0725 or email samaritanpatrol@aol.com.

Volunteers needed for the 10:00 AM Coffee Hour. Please call Lynette, or talk to any of the coffee hour volunteers to learn how you may get involved.

Chapel Rock Summer Camp 2005 - camp sessions for grades 3 through 12 starts June 19th in beautiful cool Prescott. Information and registration brochures are available and are on the ushers' cabinet.

Father Smith Update: Arrived Fromista

Hi Alicia, Karen, and everyone: Arrrived Fromista this afternoon Friday at 1615 hours. Over 20 miles today. It´s funny, but after my "low" day a couple of days ago, I´ve done more miles each day. Over 20 today. I´m so motivated to do it all. Tomorrow will be the half-way point at "Carrion de los Condes" which I think refers to great Condor birds and their kill. Finishing up to Fromista by a canal I saw this great Condor! He wouldn´t let me get close enough for a good picture. Today went up over another mountain briefly--whew! Beautiful country. Starting a blister under left foot pad, but think I can keep it under control.

Saturday: Carrion de Los Condes
Sunday: Sahagun or close to it!

Closing in on Leon. Everyone´s prayers and support and intentions keep me going. Have truely found my second wind! Need to average 25 to 30k per day to make it to Santiago with time to get to Madrid. Think I can do it.

Love to the whole parish, John+

Update from Father Smith

Received Monday, April 18th.

Good morning! Arrived with fierce headwind in Belorado. Tomorrow a big climb to San Juan de la Ortega, and then on Wednesday to Burgos! Muscles getting acclimated. Toe is getting better, no blisters at all (Rachel's vasoline advice and Alice!). Get in each day at 3-5pm and check into Albergue and get my Credencial stamped. Sometimes eating out, and sometimes eating with the walking community. Everybody makes or brings something. Pretty pooped tonight. Glad to hear that Auction was a success. I guess I didn't win the drawing!!!

Peace for now, carrying and praying over everyone's intentions. Have gone about 210 km so far.

John+



More info, pictures: The Camino to Santiago de Compostela

Announcements for Week Ending April 24th, 2005

Vestry meeting this Tuesday, April 19th, starting at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. All parishioners are invited to attend this important parish function.

Episcopal Church Women (ECW) meeting this Wednesday, April 20th, starting at 10:00 AM, in the Parish Center. All women are invited to attend.

Next Sunday will be celebrating "Naming Sunday" - all are invited to bring name tags with your name on it (name tags will also be available at the church)

Social Concerns presentation Sunday, April 24th: “Environmental Impacts of U.S. Border Policy.” Earth Day coffee hour discussion with Jenny Neeley of Defenders of Wildlife.

Mordechai Vanunu prayers, intentions, and actions needed. Nuclear whistle blower and Anglican convert has served 18 years in an Israeli prison for telling the world that Israel has a nuclear arsenal. April 21st is the first anniversary of his release. Restrictions (no leaving the country, not talking with non Israelis) that were to have been lifted have been extended for another year. Please keep him, and Tucsonan Felice Cohen Joppa, who left for Israel on his behalf April 15, in your prayers, Look for a specific action after the Sunday masses.

Altar Guild will not meet during the month of April. Next meeting will be held Saturday, May 21st, starting at 9:00 AM with potluck lunch and election.

All are invited to attend ECW’s Mother's Day Tea Saturday, April 30th, starting at 2:00 PM in the Parish Center. Mother's Day Tea flyers are on the ushers' cabinet along with the sign up sheet. Please RSVP by April 20. $10 / adults $5 / children (ages 10 and under). Card tables needed for the tea; please bring your card tables to the church office with your name marked on it.

Outreach - celebrate Mother's Day by donating a bag of groceries in honor or in memory of your mother. Bags and instructions will be available Sunday, May 1st. Bring your groceries to church on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8. Your donation will become a special part of our offering that day.

“Why Is It So Hard to Say 'Jesus'?" Weekend Workshop, Friday, April 22nd (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and Saturday April 23rd (8:30 AM to 12:30 PM) at Grace St. Paul's with Bishop Kirk Smith leading the group in exploring the challenges that many Christians face in declaring the Gospels as the Christian story of faith with Jesus as the central figure. Cost is $ 10 for Friday, $25 for Saturday (includes lunch), OR $30 for both Friday evening and Saturday. Call Grace St. Paul's at 327 6857 to register or for more information.

Parishioners are invited to attend an afternoon filled with musical gifts as violin and voice students of Shailagh Merrill perform a richly diverse array of selections. Students, ages 5 to 2 1, have been preparing all year for this annual recital to take place Saturday, April 23rd at 1:00 PM, here in the church.

Volunteers needed for the 10:00 AM Coffee Hour. Please call Lynette, or talk to any of the coffee hour volunteers to learn how you may get involved.

Chapel Rock Summer Camp 2005 - camp sessions for grades 3 through 12 starts June 19th in beautiful cool Prescott. Information and registration brochures are available and are on the ushers' cabinet.

Check out the tracking map of Fr. Smith's pilgrimage on the easel at the back of the church... Fr. Smith is walking El Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain, a 500 mile walk through northern Spain arriving at the burial place of St. James the Apostle he will return to Tucson May 13th.



St. Paul Study and Potluck - Margaret Savage shares her course on St. Paul Wednesday evenings, resuming April 27th. Study starts at 6:30 PM with Pot Luck in the Parish Library. All are invited to attend.

Announcements for Week ending April 17th, 2005

Easter communions to the sick and shut-in can be arranged through the parish office. Easter Communion may be made through Pentecost, May 15.

The Altar Guild invites you to bring your old "blessed palms" to the back of the Church and place them in the marked basket. Bob Howe will burn these palms which will be used for next year's Ash Wednesday.

Please stop in the church for Morning Prayer - the church will be open.

A support group - formed for those who have experienced a loss at sometime - meets monthly. Next meeting next Monday, April 11, at noon, at the City Grill restaurant located at 6464 E. Tanque Verde Road. Please call Peggy Speese for reservations at least three days prior to the meeting.

Social Concerns quarterly meeting this Saturday, April 16th, starting at 5:45 PM with song and house Mass, potluck supper, and reports at 6:30 PM. Home of the Mayes. Special attention for this meeting prayers / action for Mordechai Vanunu (major focus), candidates for Episcopal summer camp, and Guatemala Project updates. This replaces the April monthly meeting. Also: Sunday, April 24th: “Environmental Impacts of U.S. Border Policy.” Earth Day coffee hour discussion with Jenny Neeley of Defenders of Wildlife.

Altar Guild will not meet during the month of April. Next meeting will be held Saturday, May 21st, starting at 9:00 AM with potluck lunch and election.

Card tables needed for ECW's upcoming Mother's Day Tea to be held Saturday, April 30. Please bring your card tables to the church office with your name marked on it. See below for details. RSVP by April 20th. A sign up sheet is located on the ushers' cabinet $10 adults $5 children (ages 10 and under).

Chapel Rock Summer Camp 2005 - camp sessions for grades 3 through 12 starts June 19th in beautiful cool Prescott. Information and registration brochures are available and are on the ushers' cabinet.

Announcements for Week Ending April 10th, 2005

A sincere and special thank you from the parish of St. Michael and All Angels to those many individuals who shared their time, energy, and love preparing our church for Eastertide; to Jane Haman, and the members of the choir for the splendid music program for Holy Week and Easter services, and to all acolytes and readers.

From now through the Feast of Pentecost, May 15, there is no fast or abstinence, even on Fridays, So, we can eat meat, drink, and be merry as we celebrate the Great Fifty Days of the Easter Feast!

Anglican Cycle of Prayer, let us pray and give thanks for the Diocese of Monmouth (Wales), Dominic Edward Walker; David Thomas, bishops, and its people and clergy.

Easter communions to the sick and shut-in can be arranged through the parish office. Easter Communion may be made through Pentecost, May 15.

The Altar Guild invites you to bring your old "blessed palms" to the back of the Church and place them in the marked basket. Bob Howe will burn these palms which will be used for next year's Ash Wednesday.

A support group - formed for those who have experienced a loss at sometime - meets monthly. Next meeting next Monday, April 11, at noon, at the City Grill restaurant located at 6464 E. Tanque Verde Road. Please call Peggy Speese for reservations at least three days prior to the meeting.

Altar Guild will not meet during the month of April. Next meeting will be held Saturday, May 21st, starting at 9:00 AM with potluck lunch and election.

ECW'S Southeastern Regional Meeting Saturday, April 9th, at Church of the Apostles. Make your reservations by Monday, April 4, to Dolores Braren.

Card tables needed for ECW's upcoming Mother's Day Tea to be held Saturday, April 30. Please bring your card tables to the church office with your name marked on it. See the Mother's Day Tea flyer included in today's service bulletin. RSVP by April 20. A sign up sheet is located on the ushers' cabinet $10 adults $5 children (ages 10 and under).

Chapel Rock Summer Camp 2005 - camp sessions for grades 3 through 12 starts June 19 in beautiful cool Prescott. Information and registration brochures are available and are on the ushers' cabinet.

Brainwaves Concert Series presents Jeff Greinke here at St. Michael's Friday, April 8, starting at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $13 for parishioners and are available in the church office. Jeff Greinke is a musician, composer, performer, sound sculptor, and visual artist known worldwide for his rich, ambient soundscapes. Flyers are located on the usher's cabinet.

Fr. John Smith will be away walking the Camino De Santiago De Compostela April 5 through May 13th - a 500 mile walk through northern Spain arriving at the burial place of St. James the Apostle - learning better to trust God in everything while carrying and praying for the intentions submitted during the last few weeks.

New sermons posted - four recent sermons by Father Smith have been posted to the Sermons page over the past several days. Check them out!

Mother's Day Tea Saturday, April 30, 2005 2 p.m. You are invited to enjoy an afternoon of tasty tea, scrumptious traditional tea sandwiches, scones & other delicious treats in a delightful & charming tea room at St. Michael Angels Episcopal Church Parish Center RSVP before April 20 on sign up sheet on usher's cabinet or by calling or emailing the church office $10 Adults - $5 Children (ages 10 & under) Sponsored by St. Michaels Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Proceeds to benefit ECW supported programs