Thank you from Rev. Angela Emerson (Vermont relief)

From: Angela Emerson [aemerson@dioceseofvermont.org]
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2011 9:58 AM
Subject: Irene flood relief

John,
I just wanted to write and say thank you so much for all the generosity coming from St. Michael’s. I received the check from the Church, a check form social concerns, and gifts cards from ECW and from individuals. People here are just in awe of the outpouring of support! Please give my love to all and a hearty prayer of thanksgiving for all you are doing for us.

Angela

The Rev. E. Angela Emerson
Minister of Stewardship Development
Episcopal Diocese of Vermont
747 Hartford Ave. Suite 1
White River Junction, VT 05001



Hi Ila,

thanks for the note. I did send Fr Smith an email acknowleding all that we have received from the church, individuals, and Social Concerns. Thank you so much.

Fortunately, the local community is so generous with food donations that we are not having to spend so much money on food although we have spent some. Our primary ministry has been to deliver brown bag lunches to each door for everyone on the household. Beginning next week, we are deliveirng hot food three times a week.

People have been desperate for clothes especially for underwear - again the communitiy has been very generous but the need is great - so some money has gone in that direction as well.

As winter approaches - we have another three weeks before cold weather settles in - we are beginning a drive for small electric heaters, wool blankets and electric blankets. A significant amount of the money will be spent on these kind of warminig items. Many people have chosen to convert barns or garages that were on higher ground into living space but obviously there is no furnace. Others are making their second floors into living quarters but again no furnace. So our intermediate goal is to do what ever we need to do to keep people warm.

Rebuilding immediately is not really an option. The rain just won't stop so the houses cannot dry out sufficinelty even with the many box fans and electrical cords that we have supplied.

There have been a few people that we have helped with medications as well.

Episcopal Relief and Development will be in town next week to meet and talk wiith us about how to organize for the transition from "crisis" response to long term recovery efforts. We are looking to them for advice on how to priority our use of the funds that have come to us from you and from others around the country. We could use it to help a few people in a big way but we are so far using to help lots of people in small but critically necessary ways.

The range of needs that pepole have is endless and varies much from family to family and from small business to small business. Our drivers meet people daily and try to respond to gifts of flashlights and batteries, to sleepwear, baby formula, and a hot cup of coffee.

This is probably more information than you wanted but I hope it gives you some idea of how your generosity is helping people in need.

Today I was approached by a woman who wants to go to every church who has helped out and personally say thank you. We are going to invite her to our convention in November and videotape her presentation and put it on our website for all to enjoy.

Ila, I can't thank all of you enough. Please share this with everyone you can.

Angela

Two Reminders

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, IN CELEBRATING OUR PATRONAL FEAST OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL ~ MICHAELMUS. THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE MASS ~ AT 9:30 AM ~ FOLLOWED BY A “FESTIVE BRUNCH” AND THE “SLAYING OF THE DRAGON.”

ALSO JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR GALIT AS SHE BECOMES A CATECHUMEN DURING THE MICHAELMAS SERVICE.

OUR PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES ARE WITH YOU, GALIT! †

*****

The deadline for "on line" donations to the Tucson Aidswalk is Sept 30. To support the St. Michael's team walking on Sunday Oct 16, make donations this week at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jonrinnander/aidswalktucson. As of last week we have two walkers and $100 toward our goal of $250.

If you would prefer, simply drop a donation in the collection, with “Aidswalk” in the memo area.

Margaret J. Modine

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Margaret J. Modine who was a founding member of St. Michael’s Parish, the first Religion teacher at St. Michael’s Parish Day School, and an extremely generous benefactress to both the Parish and School.
May her soul, and the souls of the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen †

There will be a Memorial Mass in celebration of Margaret’s life at 3 P.M. this Saturday, September 24, here at St. Michael’s with a reception immediately following in the Parish Center.

Casa Maria, AIDS Walk and Other Announcements

CASA MARIA THIS FRIDAY

Friday SEPT. 23rd Casa Maria sandwich making. FAMILY FUN with a purpose!!!
Kitchen opens at 5pm, come anytime after that! Please bring 1 OR 2 dozen peeled eggs.

Egg buying tip!! Costco now has cooked and peeled eggs, 2 dozen for $3.99…
…in the deli area coolers, an east facing end cap.

We need medium sized boxes for transporting the lunches. Fruit boxes from Costco or banana boxes are ideal. BYRON will deliver the sandwiches** (Thanks to MAURICE for August!)

COME join us! MEET eighth grade students!

NEXT CASA MARIA: FRIDAY OCT 21st!

****

AIDS Walk 2011 - a Reminder

The St. Michael's team has raised $100. Can you help our walkers reach the goal of $250??

AIDSWALK Tucson
www.firstgiving.com
The mission of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) is to create and sustain a healthier community through a compassionate, comprehensive response to HIV/AIDS.

My participation in AIDSWALK means I will be joining thousands of friends, families, and community members to walk in support of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS or in memory of loved ones lost to HIV/AIDS. AIDSWALK benefits the programs and services of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF). Many thanks for your support and please forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate!
---Jon Rinnander, Walking with St Michael and All Angels

****

Chapel Rock to Host 

“Christmas in the Pines”

Chapel Rock, the Episcopal Camp and Conference Center in Prescott, invites everyone to “Christmas in the Pines,” an Advent retreat for individuals and families scheduled for December 2-4, 2011.

Both adults and children will enjoy learning new ways to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth among the pines and boulders of Chapel Rock. There will also be time devoted to relaxation and fellowship. On Saturday night, we will trek to downtown Prescott to take part in the Courthouse Lighting festivities. From local school children singing carols on the Courthouse steps to the retelling of the Christmas story, it is a scene right out of a Frank Capra movie. The grand finale takes place when all of the lights come on at once, heralding the beginning of the holiday season in “Arizona’s Christmas City!”

Both hotel style and bunk house lodgings are available, and special rates are in effect so that as many folks can come as possible. Registration materials, including descriptions of the lodging options and fees are available on the Chapel Rock website, www.chapelrock.net. All lodging will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Please join us to make this a new holiday tradition in your family! You can call Chapel Rock toll free at 877-445-3499 for more information.

****

Other Announcements

ECW (Episcopal Church Women) will begin their monthly meetings THIS Wednesday, September 21 at 10:30 AM in the Parish Center. A “Pot Luck” luncheon will follow the meeting. All ladies of the parish are considered members of ECW and are urged to attend. Join us for warm fellowship and good food. Sign-up sheets are located in the back of church. All are welcome!

Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS ~ Wednesday, September 21 from 1 to 5PM, Volunteer Orientation (held at Water of Life MCC church), cost $17. See Jon Rinnander for further details about this event or call TIHAN at 299-6647.

All women of the Diocese of Arizona are invited to come celebrate 140 years of Women’s Ministries in the USA at Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix. The celebration will take place Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM. The program: Native Spirituality and Christianity in the 21st Century. Price is $12 and $15 at the door. Register by September 24th. Sign-up sheets in back of church.

The Patronal Feast of Michaelmas will be celebrated with one Mass at 9:30 AM on Sunday, September 25th. A “Festive Brunch” will follow in the Parish Center. All are welcome to join the celebration.

Thank you for remembering St. Michael’s in your will.

Please help the St. Michael's AIDSWALK team

Hello

I’m taking part in the AIDSWALK Tucson to raise money for SOUTHERN ARIZONA AIDS FOUNDATION - please make a donation by visiting my FirstGiving page: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jonrinnander/aidswalktucson?fge=ask

You can donate online with a credit card. All donations are secure and sent directly to SOUTHERN ARIZONA AIDS FOUNDATION by FirstGiving, who will email you a printable record of your donation.

Please send my page on to anyone who might like to donate!

jon rinnander

Food Pantry in Need! And Other Announcements

Dear Friends,
Once again, St. Michael’s Food Pantry is in need. To date we have 3 boxes of Mac and Cheese, 4 cans of green beans, 2 cans of peas, 3 cans of corn, 3 cans of soup and no peanut butter.
The need is great, but only be as generous as your circumstances will allow.
Your generosity is overwhelming!
Nancy

• Taize Prayer Service – this Tuesday, September 6 at 6:45 PM in church. COME JOIN US! - Taize is offered the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. All are welcome!

• Our second Sunday of the month Primavera Team needs a substitute to prepare a pot of chili occasionally. Please contact Joel Williams if you are able to help.

• Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network has two events in September. THIS Sunday, September 4th, “Fiesta” a fundraising event at the Doubletree Hotel, $10 in advance ($15 at the door) and Wednesday, September 21 from 1 to 5PM, Volunteer Orientation (held at Water of Life MCC church), cost $17. See Jon Rinnander for further details about either event of call TIHAN at 299-6647.

• Knitters and Quilters will meet Saturday, September 10 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Will meet in the Womble Library, bring a sack lunch and join us for lively conversation and fellowship. Will be discussing making lap quilts for injured soldiers in the veteran’s hospitals. All are welcome!

• The “Academy of Theology” begins next Sunday, September 11, at 9:00 AM in the Womble Library. Participants should, if possible, purchase a copy of Miroslav Volf – “FREE OF CHARGE” (the title, not the price!) and read chapters 1 and 2 before class. All are invited.

• DO YOU BUY ON AMAZON.COM? St. Michael’s is now an Amazon Affiliate! Just click on an Amazon ad on this church blog or on our website (http://smallangelstucson.org), and St. Michael’s will get a commission on whatever books, music. videos, etc. you buy. It’s an easy way to help support the Church!

• Thank you for remembering St. Michael’s in your will.

• The September issue of The Messenger is now available! In this issue: a personal take on Science and Faith from Dr. Ke Chiang (John) Hsieh, school news from headmaster Barry Bedrick, a report from Guatemala by Ila Abernathy and much more! Click here for your copy!