Announcements for Christmas Week 2013

√ The Christmas issue of The Messenger is now available!  In this issue we hear from two more clergy from the parish's early years, info on a training opportunity for pastoral care and more! Click here to download your copy.

√ 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 in your contribution box.

√ Don’t forget your “Angel Food” for a different and delicious Christmas gift in an attractive gift-ready box. This is an affordable means of sharing the fund raising effort by your parishioner volunteers. Just stop by the church office for your Angel Food.

√ Please note ~ your 2014 contribution envelope boxes are available in the back of church today! Please take your envelope boxes to help defray the cost of having to mail them to people who have not retrieved them. Thank you ever so much for your cooperation in this important matter.

√ A “Big Heartfelt” THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the “Angel Tree” Project. It is always a joy to wrap and deliver these Christmas gifts. It simply makes my Christmas and I am always overwhelmed at the generosity of our parishioners and families of St. Michael’s Day School. God Bless You, Ancelyn!

√ “WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON NEW YEAR’S EVE?” Why not attend Mass at 5:30 pm and “Jump into the New Year” with a simple “Soup and hors d’oeuvres” supper with a champagne toast in the Parish Center. Two kinds of soup will

More Announcements Through December 21

Christmas Services 2013

 

Tuesday, December 24

7:30 am Morning Prayer

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Eve

5:00 PM  - Family Service ~ with setting up of the Crèche

10:00 PM  - Lessons and Carols ~ For Choir, Soloists and Organ

10:45 PM - Solemn Procession and High Mass

Wednesday, December 25

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day

7:45 AM  - High Mass

10:15 AM - Solemn Procession and High Mass

(No 5 PM Mass on Christmas Day)

Announcements

Miss that special item at the Bazaar? Our in-house Bazaar “spillover” Sale takes place this Sunday, December 15, featuring Parish groups at coffee hours. Expect Ten Thousand Villages, a few children’s books, glorious art by Bob Bennett, Mary Uhrig’s one-of-a-kind hand crafted egg decorations, the remnants of the Recycled Gifts and Trinket table, and possibly a “sampler” of Guatemala Project goods. Something for everyone!

 

√ 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 in your contribution box. 

√ Don't forget your "Angel Food" for a different and delicious gift in an attractive gift-ready box.  This is an affordable means of sharing the fund rainsing effort by your parishioner volunteers.  Just stop by the church office for you ANGEL FOOD.  SHARE THE GOODNESS AND SWEETNESS OF ST MICHAEL'S.

 

Annoucements Through December 21, 2013

Social Concerns special collection today will benefit TIHAN’S POZ CAFÉ. St. Michael's commits to provide a meal every March. This year’s meal will be held on March 21st. Your generous donation TODAY will cover the cost of the meal as well as personal supply gifts to those in attendance at the meal. WE ARE IN GREAT NEED OF 3 OR 4 MORE VOLUNTEERS TO HELP SERVE THE MEAL. There are volunteer sheets to sign in the back of church.

St. Michael's is sponsoring “Poz Café” on the 21^st of March. We are collecting toiletries to be handed out at the end of the meal. We are looking for 80 donations of Shampoo, 80 donations of Conditioner and 80 donations of deodorant. Regular or large sizes are preferred. If you are able to help, there is the gold “treasure chest” in the back of church where you may place your gifts. Donations may also be brought to the parish office. We thank you for your generosity. Call Tish Newell for more information.

Lenten Soup Suppers begin on Wednesday, February 20 at 6:30 PM at the House of Prayer. We will be viewing the movie “The Passion of Christ” by Mel Gibson. You are invited for a simple soup supper and then watch segments of the film discussing Jesus response to the violence done to him. The sessions are preceded by Evening Prayer at 6 PM.

Did you know? St. Michael's now has Godly Play, a Sunday School program for our children. The facilitators are: Rachael Poe, and Violet and Alec Kennedy. The class begins at 10:10 am in the Parish Center. All of our children and their friends are invited to participate and experience this exciting program.

A new shipment of “JUST COFFEE” has arrived. It is available at Coffee Hours in the Parish Center after the morning Masses.

Announcements for Week Ending December 8th, 2013

√ 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 in your contribution box.

√ Don’t forget your “Angel Food” for a different and delicious Christmas gift in an attractive gift-ready box. This is an affordable means of sharing the fund raising effort by your parishioner volunteers. Just stop by the church office for your Angel Food. Share the goodness and sweetness of St. Michael and All Angels Church!

√ Just a reminder – it is not too late to return your 2014 Giving Card. If you have not received one or have misplaced it, there are extras available in the back of church.

√ Taize Service of prayer this Tuesday, December 3rd. Taize is offered the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at 6:45 pm. in church. All are invited to attend this beautiful Service of Prayer.

√ THREE FINAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEXT WEEKEND’S ADVENT INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR:
1. BRING A FRIEND
2. BRING MONEY
3. INVITE SOMEONE ELSE!

Opportunities for Giving 

√ Angel Tree tags are available for pick-up from the Christmas tree at the back of church. Please be sure to sign the sheet on the usher’s table so that we will know what children’s names have been taken. This year we have approximately 38 children. You have been so generous with your gifts for the children. It is a real blessing for me to be involved. As usual, each child will receive a clothing gift and a toy … book ….game…etc. This year I need your gift, unwrapped, and returned to the office or brought to church no later than Sunday, December 15. Please remember to include the tags for return if any of the items are the wrong size or color. Most stores will give these when the gift is purchased. For any of you who would like to participate but are unable to shop, let me know and I will be glad to take care of it for you. May God Bless all of you during this wonderful time of the year. Please call me if you have any questions or have any problems with your gifts. Thanking you in advance for your generosity. -- Ancelyn Smith

√ Fr. Smith’s 15th Annual Pantano Rotary Shoebox Project is underway bringing joy to children in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. These children live in makeshift houses on hillsides around Nogales. Many of these households have no one employed. This is a THREE-NATION effort for 600-800 or more filled shoeboxes – infants through 12 years and 500 blankets. Warm mittens, caps, toys, etc can fill the wrapped shoe box with top lid NOT attached to the bottom (border inspection). Blankets may be new or used and if used must be dry cleaned (leave cleaning tag attached). Shoeboxes need to be returned to the Parish Office no later than Sunday, December 15. Blankets need to rolled like a bedroll and tied with twine or ribbon. More information in back of church.

Advent INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR 2013

* Gifts * Food * Music

Buy direct from Tucson’s favorite fair trade and socially-committed non-profit groups.

 featured – TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES ~ selections from 30 countries

Sat. Dec. 7, 4 – 7 PM. Sale opens, reception & music.

• Yoeme (Yaqui) Deer Dance – 4:15 PM, with Deer Singer Felipe Molina
• Mzekala Choral Ensemble – Balkan Traditional Songs, 5:30 PM.

Sun. Dec. 8, 9 AM – 3 PM. Sale continues.

• Food – Coffee Hour for early birds. Mexican Fiesta meal and other treats, on sale from 11 AM.
• Performance – noon to closing, featuring Rebeca Cartes, Latin American song, 1 PM, and a finale with Ted Warmbrand, banjo and guitar – social protest and folk, 2:15 PM until closing.
• Gifts and goods. Deep discounts at the popular recycled gifts & trinkets table, with special discounts for children.

St. Michael and All Angels

602 N. Wilmot (at 5th Street), in the Parish Center and Labyrinth Patio

Holiday shopping with a conscience!

FREE Information: 886-7292 (church)

Announcements through November 30

* SATURDAY: 10:00 AM ~ Funeral Mass and Reception for Peggy Speese.

* SUNDAY: The Feast of Christ the King and the Last Sunday of the Church year. It is also the day we have asked everyone to return your "Estimate Of Giving" card for the "Stewardship ~ A Way Of Living" Campaign.

* MONDAY: 9 AM ~ We need your help to stock the Food Pantry with the items from St. Michael's School "Canned Food" Drive.

* THANKSGIVING HOLY EUCHARIST on Thursday at 10:30 am followed by Thanksgiving dinner in the Parish Center. Just bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Casa Maria Reminder - Friday Nov. 15th

Join us Friday November 15th, 5:30 PM at St. Michael's Parish Center,  602 N. Wilmot, for Casa Maria sandwich making!

St. Michael's Parish Center,  602 N. Wilmot. BRING FRIENDS!!  COME join the fun! Kitchen opens at 5 PM; come anytime after that. Please bring 1 OR 2 dozen peeled eggs. School is Back! St. Michael's students will be helping and bringing eggs!

We need medium sized boxes for transporting the lunches. Fruit boxes from Costco or banana boxes are ideal.

Thanks! See you there!        

Announcements for the Week Ending October 17

√ All Altar Guild members will meet on Saturday, November 16 at 10 AM near St. Mary’s Altar. 

  

√ CASA MARIA VOLUNTEERS WILL MEET FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 at 5:00 PM, in the Parish Center to prepare sack lunches. Your help is needed - the volunteers can always use a few extra hands and two dozen SHELLED hard-boiled eggs. Join them for fellowship and to help with this good work.

  

√ The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will meet on Wednesday, November 20^th at 10:30 AM in the Parish Center. All ladies of the parish are considered members and are invited to attend.

 

√ Items needed for the popular “Recycled Gifts and Trinkets” table to help cover costs for St. Michael’s Advent International Bazaar (Dec. 7 and 8 this year) – collectibles, costume jewelry, that impulse buy you find you can’t use, that really lovely gift Aunt Agatha sent that just doesn’t suit your style. Bring items to the Church office throughout November. Sundays only, you may leave them in a marked box in the Church. The Bazaar is one of St. Michael’s many gifts to the larger community, and to the small nonprofit groups that need this sales venue.

 

√ United Thank Offering Boxes and envelopes are distributed this week end. Just fill your boxes with coins each day, and then in Lent the envelopes will be collected with a check for your total daily offerings collected. “UTO Everyday to “Expand the circle of thankful people. “Ampliar el circulo de gente agradecia.”  The United Thank Offering is a personal and family devotional program of The Episcopal Church. It is a practice in our life in Christ that begins with daily prayers and gifts of thanksgiving. These gifts of thanksgiving – coins and bills dropped in the UTO Blue Box – from each individual (man, woman and child) are combined with others at parish and diocesan celebrations and finally within all of The Episcopal Church. The Offerings totaling nearly $3 million each year (January through December 31) are given away in the form of grants. These grants continue to support and strengthen the mission and ministry of the Church throughout the world. Every penny of the Offerings is allocated each year for granting.

√ Join us in celebrating Thanksgiving Day! It begins with the Holy Eucharist at 10:30 AM followed by Thanksgiving Dinner at noon. Turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, hot rolls and beverage provided. Just bring a dish or dessert to share. 

Activities This Weekend!

Something for everyone this weekend!

Saturday ~ * 8:15 AM Morning Prayer and Mass
                  *Annual Pilgrimage to San Xavier Mission. 
                    meet at St. John's Church by 9 AM.
                  *Holy Resurrection Fall Festival - Sat. and Sunday
                    on Fifth Street
                  *Contemplative Prayer - 9:30 am - House of Prayer
Sunday ~    *9 AM Family Mass with 3 baptisms
                  *10:15 AM Solemn Sung High Mass ~ Celebrate All Saints
                 *12:30 PM Misa en Espanol

--Nancy.

Details on the pilgrimage follow, courtesy of Ila:

Sat. Nov. 2-- Annual Pilgrimage to San Xavier Mission with crosses remembering those who have died along the Arizona border. St. Michael’s has had a small team of walkers almost every year for the 13-year history of the event.
Two ways to participate:

1) Assemble by 9 a.m., St. John’s Church, 12th Ave. and Ajo Rd., for the walk [about 8 miles, with rest stops and a support vehicle if you don’t want to walk all the way]. A great chance to meditate, just be outdoors in city and desert, or pray with your feet.
2) Meet us at San Xavier Mission around 1 p.m. for a brief ceremony with Franciscan friars and W:aak O’odham traditional singers. Offer walkers a ride back to their vehicles.
Just come, or sign up at the back of the church. Join us! The official start time is 8:30, but you should be fine if you arrive any time before 9 a.m., when we should depart.

Some Pictures - Feast of St. Francis 2013

"The Lord said to Noah..."

Family Mass

Blessing of the Animals

One cool cat!

October 15, 1953...

More Announcements through October 20

ECW ladies will meet Wednesday, October 16th at 10:30 AM in the Parish Center. All women of the parish are considered members of ECW and are invited to attend.

Taize Service of Meditation will take place this Tuesday, October 15 at 6:45 PM in church. It is a wonderful way to take “time out” from our busy lives and enjoy this time for meditation. All are Invited to attend. Be careful, Taize could become a habit. What better way to spend 45 minutes on a Tuesday evening.

CASA MARIA VOLUNTEERS WILL MEET THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18TH at 5:00 PM, in the Parish Center to prepare sack lunches. Your help is needed - the volunteers can always use a few extra hands and two dozen SHELLED hard-boiled eggs. Join us for fellowship and to help with this good work.

“ECW~BAKED GOODS / CASSEROLE SALE”
Join us next Sunday after each Mass for our delicious sale in the Parish Center. It’s always a pleasure to take home a treat made by the best cooks at St. Michaels.
(ECW members, please bring your delicious donations to the Parish Center next Sunday. We’re counting on you to help make this bake sale a success.)

You are invited to join us for Bible Study each Wednesday morning at 10 am in the Womble Library. Peter Schmidt is the facilitator. The Bible Study will be centered on the Old Testament. Join us and bring a friend.

The need is great and our Food Pantry is low. We need: tuna, mac&cheese, canned vegetables (do not need green beans or canned tomatoes) canned spaghetti products , soup, fruit, cereal, evaporated milk, cereal, various canned beans. We especially need canned fruit and soup. Once again we thank you for your continued generosity. Please be as generous only as your circumstances will allow.

Announcements through October 20

Join us Sunday, October 20 and celebrate Episcopal School Sunday. St. Michael’s students will be serving at Mass and offering musical additions to the Mass. Following the morning Masses, there will be a delicious Pancake Breakfast ~ cooked and served by our Boy Scouts under the direction of Byron Brandon and John Madsen.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 ~ 7PM ~ ST. MICHAELS ~Brahms, Schumann, and Faure
Performers from the Tucson Symphony Orchestra ~
Anna Gendler, Alexander Tentser,
Theodore Buchholz and Melissa Hamilton
Present an evening dedicated to the 60th Anniversary of the founding of St. Michael and All Angels.
Repertoire:
Johannes Brahms Sonata Op. 78
Robert Schumann Märchenerzählungen Op. 132
Gabriel Faure Piano Quartet in c minor Op. 15

Knitters and Crocheters will meet Saturday, October 12 at 10am. in the School Art Room. Bring your craft and a sack lunch and join us for lively conversation and fellowship while enjoying your knitting, crocheting or your own craft.

St. Michael's at Diocesan Convention
The annual Episcopal Diocese of Arizona Convention is at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel in Phoenix October 18-19. Former Presiding Bishop the Most Reverend Frank Griswold is the keynote speaker and calls his address "Listening with the Ear of the Heart." He will also conduct workshops on "Spiritual Practice: the narrow door to discovery and growth." St. Michael's delegates are Proscovia King, Pat Meyers, Paulette O'Malley, Terri Smith and Joyce Tracy. Attending clergy are Fr. Smith, Mother Clare, Fr. Jorge, Fr. Reed and Deacon Michael. Guatemala Project will have a display / sale table in the Exhibition Hall. Selected textiles for purchase and information about the Guatemala Project available.

Announcements through October 13

Join us Sunday, October 20 and celebrate Episcopal School Sunday. St. Michael’s students will be serving at Mass and offering musical additions to the Mass. Following the morning Masses, there will be a delicious Pancake Breakfast ~ cooked and served by our Boy Scouts under the direction of Byron Brandon and John Madsen.


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 ~ 7 PM ~ ST. MICHAEL'S ~
Brahms, Schumann, and Faure
Performers from the Tucson Symphony Orchestra ~
Anna Gendler, Alexander Tentser,
Theodore Buchholz and Melissa Hamilton
Present an evening dedicated to the 60th Anniversary of the founding of St. Michael and All Angels.

Repertoire:
Johannes Brahms Sonata Op. 78
Robert Schumann Märchenerzählungen Op. 132
Gabriel Faure Piano Quartet in C Minor Op. 15


Knitters and Crocheters will meet Saturday, October 12 at 10am. in the School Art Room. Bring your craft and a sack lunch and join us for lively conversation and fellowship while enjoying your knitting, crocheting or your own craft.


St. Michael's at Diocesan Convention
The annual Episcopal Diocese of Arizona Convention is at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel in Phoenix October 18-19. Former Presiding Bishop the Most Reverend Frank Griswold is the keynote speaker and calls his address "Listening with the Ear of the Heart." He will also conduct workshops on "Spiritual Practice: the narrow door to discovery and growth."

St. Michael's delegates are Proscovia King, Pat Meyers, Paulette O'Malley, Terri Smith and Joyce Tracy. Attending clergy are Fr. Smith, Mother Clare, Fr. Jorge, Fr. Reed and Deacon Michael.

Guatemala Project will have a display / sale table in the Exhibition Hall. Selected textiles for purchase and information about the Guatemala Project available.


“HOW ARE WE CALLED? WHAT ARE WE CALLED TO DO?”
 WORKSHOP – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 ~ PARISH CENTER FROM 9AM TO 1PM
 An exuberant romp through scripture as we begin to look at our own callings, as individuals and as a parish.
 STAY TUNED!

Blessing of the Animals 2013 - This Sunday at St. Michael's!

The Blessing of the Animals will take place this Sunday, October 6th, during all Masses, and is open to furry, feathery, and scaly pets in all shapes and sizes. Animals are to be on leashes or in carriers. The Blessing of the Animals is celebrated each year in conjunction with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. All are invited to bring either their pet, or a stuffed animal representing their pet, for a special blessing.





 

Happy Michaelmas!

The big weekend is here! Bishop Guerra is visiting us from Guatemala, the big, free Arizona Baroque concert is tonight at 7 PM, and the actual Mass of Michaelmas is going to be an extravaganza!

Rehearsing the procession.

Our best dragon ever is waiting in the wings, and soon may have to give up his candy to St. Michael's children!

 Puff waits patiently.

The church website has been updated with current info on the Music page, an expanded History page and a detailed listing (with more to come) of church groups and activities on the Ministries page.

And we have new publications! The Michaelmas issue of The Messenger is ready, all 12 pages of it, with articles by Fr. Joel Ireland, Michael Leeming and others, looking back across the history of St. Michael's and also forward into the future. There is also a new brochure of church ministries and activities, a two page history of St. Michael's to match the History web page, and a print only, full color pamphlet on the Art of St. Michael's!

So as you can see, we've been busy, getting ready for the Big Weekend, and now it's here! All we need now is YOU! Sign up on Facebook to let us know you're coming to tonight's concert, or just show up, and bring someone with you! And don't forget to attend our Michaelmas procession and High Mass. There will be a Family Mass session at 9 AM, and the main mass will start at 9:30. Mision San Miguel will be art of this mass, with two Bishops participating, special music and a Confirmation. Be there!

Through September 28th, 2013

 Women's Bible Study is held each Wedensday at 6:30 in the evening. This year we will study one of the most courageous women in the Bible: Esther. We will explore the history and see how this can apply to us today. All women are invited to attend; there is always room for one more.

 

You are invited to join us for Bible Study each Wednesday mornings at 10 am in the Womble Library. Peter Schmidt is the facilitator. The Bible Study will be centered on the Old Testament. Join us and bring a friend.

The need is great and our Food Pantry is low. We need: tuna, mac&cheese, canned vegetables (no green beans or canned tomatoes) canned spaghetti products , soup, fruit, cereal, evaporated milk, cereal, various canned beans. Once again we thank you for continued generosity.

 

Celebrate Michaelmas weekend!

YOU ARE INVITED TO:

“ARIZONA Baroque Concert”

 

Reception to follow in parish center

solemn high eucharist

9:30 am

September 29, 2013

Followed by a festive brunch ~

parish Center

ONE MASS ONLY THAT DAY

60 Years Ago Today: September 20th, 1953

Here are two more blasts from the past from the church archives. Enjoy!

Announcements through September 22, 2013

St. Michael’s ECW Women will meet on Wednesday, September 18th at 10:30 am in the Parish Center. We invite you to join us for a business meeting, a speaker and a Potluck Lunch.  Deacon Michael Meyers will give us presentation about the good work being accomplished at St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic in Nogales.  If you have shoes ready to leave your closet please bring them to donate to Deacon Meyer’s Shoebox.  Bring a salad or a dessert to share.  ECW will provide the beverage.  It feels good to get back to business…you are invited join us!  The annual ECW State Convention is on October 5, in Phoenix. Sign-up sheets are in the back of the church. More information will be available at the meeting.

Women’s Bible Study is held each Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the Parish Center.  This year we will study one of the most courageous women in the Bible: Esther. We will explore the history and see how this can apply to us today. All women are invited to attend; there is always room for one more.

You are invited to join us for Bible Study each Wednesday morning at 10 am in the Womble Library. Peter Schmidt is the facilitator. The Bible Study will be centered on the Old Testament. Join us and bring a friend.

Taize Service of Prayer is this Tuesday, September 17th at 6:45 pm. at the Mary Altar in church. All are invited to attend and bring a friend.

Were you here in the early days of St. Michael’s or even in the middle years as the church was expanded and the current organ was first purchased? Karen Blocher would love to include your St. Michael's memories in our special 60th Anniversary issue of The Messenger, coming out later this month. If you have a special memory to share, write it out (a single paragraph is fine) and either email it to Karen at mavarin2@gmail.com or drop it off in the church office. Or if you have one to share and don't want to write it yourself, tell your story to Karen at Coffee Hour today after the 10:15 AM Mass. Let's make this 60th Anniversary Michaelmas a great celebration of this wonderful place! Old photos and other documents from the early days are also welcome, to add to the church archive.
Also needed: we are updating the church website and putting together a booklet with all the different ministries here at St. Michael's, from Altar Guild and Godly Play to Deacon's Shoebox, Volunteers and the Meals program, from Taize to POZ Cafe. If you are involved in any of these groups, please note that we need a brief description of each, when it meets and what you do. Thank You!



_______________________________________________

Arizona Baroque on Michaelmas Eve!

Arizona Baroque, the University of Arizona's baroque ensemble, will perform a concert at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Saturday, September 28. The free-admission event begins at 7:00 p.m.

Collaborating with St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church as part of the 2013 Michaelmas Patronal Feast, Arizona Baroque will present a beautiful program of Latin American vocal and instrumental music from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The concert will be followed by a reception with the Rt. Reverend Armando Guerra Soria, Episcopal Bishop of Guatemala and Primate (Presiding Bishop) of the Anglican Region of Central America. The reception features Latin American foods from Mision San Miguel and Tucson’s Guatemalan community, as well as "Baroque" light fare from concert organizers.

St. Michael and all Angels parishioners sponsor the concert as part of Michaelmas (Feast of St. Michael) events celebrating sixty years of prayer, service, and advocacy since the founding of the church in 1953.

Bishop Guerra Comes To Tucson - Details

EPISCOPAL BISHOP OF GUATEMALA VISITS ARIZONA TO CELEBRATE
WITH ST. MICHAEL'S AND OFFER NEW PERSPECTIVES ON MIGRATION

His Grace the Rt. Reverend Armando Guerra Soria, Episcopal Bishop of Guatemala and Primate (Presiding Bishop) of the Anglican Region of Central America, visits Arizona from September 23 to 30 for a series of public and private meetings at the invitation of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (Tucson), St. Michael’s Guatemala Project, and the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. The Presiding Bishop will offer fresh perspectives on migrants and migration and participate in Michaelmas (St. Michael’s Feast) 60th anniversary activities, as St. Michael’s celebrates the church’s founding in 1953 and Guatemala Project’s 20 years of advocacy with Maya in rural Guatemala.

Guerra has served as Episcopal Bishop of Guatemala for 31 years, including some of the fiercest years of Guatemala’s 36-year civil war. He holds divinity degrees from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, and is President of Guatemala’s Ecumenical Council.

Principal public programs with Bishop Guerra, in English or Spanish depending upon audience, are the following:

• Monday Sept. 23, 5 p.m., Phoenix: Welcome and light meal with Guatemalans and others. Iglesia Santa Maria, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 6501 N. 39th Avenue (N. of Bethany Home).
• Wednesday Sept. 25, 3:30 p.m., Green Valley: "Migrants, Migration, and Faith – A Guatemalan Perspective." Program and discussion. St. Francis-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, 600 S. Canada Drive [from I-19, Esperanza Blvd. exit, then south on La Canada to the church].
• Saturday Sept. 28, 7 p.m., St. Michael’s: Michaelmas Eve concert, followed by a reception with Bishop Guerra. Arizona Baroque performs Latin American Baroque music of the 17th and 18th centuries. The reception features Latin American foods from Mision San Miguel and Tucson’s Guatemalan community, as well as "Baroque" light fare from concert organizers.
• Sunday Sept 29, 9:30 a.m., St. Michael’s: Festal High Mass, the Rt. Rev. Kirk Smith, Episcopal Bishop of Arizona, celebrating. Brunch with both bishops follows in the Parish Center.

Additionally, Bishop Guerra will tour border areas with Samaritans, visit Operation Streamline at the Federal Courthouse, interact with the Guatemalan community and Guatemala Project teams, and meet with Roman Catholic Bishop of Tucson Gerald Kicanas, Episcopal Bishop of Arizona Kirk Smith, the Guatemalan Consul General, and others. Planners have also requested meetings with members of Arizona’s Congressional delegation.

All activities are free. Donations in any amount welcomed.

Bishops on the Border: Pastoral Responses to the Immigration Crisis, a new book edited by Bishop Smith, and information about St. Michael’s Guatemala Project will be available at events.

The Episcopal Parish of St. Michael and All Angels Church and School
602 North Wilmot Road
Tucson, Arizona 85711
(520) 886-7292
FAX (520) 886-8636
John R. Smith, Priest and Rector

60 Years Ago Today!

Tucked away in the Womble Library is the St. Michael's Archive, a collection of old photos, histories, press clippings and other documents that help to tell the story of the 60-year history of St. Michael and All Angels Church. Recently, several parishioners got together and pulled out a selection of these documents, hoping to digitize and share some of them with the rest of the parish (and the world). Late this afternoon I started going through one of those notebooks, scanning and photocopying the most interesting items. Toward the front were these two photos, dated on the back as 9-14-53, exactly 60 years ago today!

 

This is the interior of the church, with a man looking up at the eastern wall. The walls had not yet been plastered, and the floor had not yet been laid. But the place was already rather beautiful.

This appears to be a view from near the back of the then-unfinished church interior, looking north to where the sanctuary would be. Note the catwalk with a worker crouched on it. The white cross seen here was an opening in the original north wall, into which the stained glass cross would be added. The northern end of the church has since been expanded twice, once in 1964 to add the transept (the size sections in front) and apse (a place for the high altar), and again in 1998 to add the organ chamber behind the sanctuary. The glass cross is now in the western wall, near where the choir sits.

A third photo is only dated as September, 1953, but may have been from the 14th:

Help us celebrate 60 years of St. Michael and All Angels this Michaelmas! Details on upcoming events can be found on this blog, with more to come. And we're still looking for your input for our special 60th Anniversary issue of The Messenger, coming out later this month!

Karen

Announcements through September 14

Doug Leightenheimer’s organ recital at the U of A last April will be broadcast on 90.5 classical radio on this Sunday, September 8 at 3 PM and Thursday, September 12, at 9 PM (not AM as previously posted). If you missed the recital, here is a chance to hear Doug at his best.

Women’s Bible Study begins on Wednesday, September 11th at 6:30 PM in the Parish Center. This year we will study one of the most courageous women in the Bible: Esther. We will explore the history and see how this can apply to us today. Books can be purchased ahead of time in the Parish Office at a cost of $15. If you cannot afford the book, but still want to come, please do. The cost will be covered. Sign-up Sheets are located in the back of church.

You are invited to join us for Bible Study each Wednesday morning, beginning September 4th at 10 am in the Womble Library. The Bible Study will be facilitated by Peter Schmidt. Come with your ideas, suggestions and what you would like to learn so we can tailor-make this informal class best suited to everyone. Join us and bring a friend. All are welcome.

Were you here in the early days of St. Michael's, or even in the middle years as the church was expanded and the current organ was first purchased? Karen Blocher would love to include your St. Michael's memories in our special 60th Anniversary issue of The Messenger, coming out later this month. If you have a special memory to share, write it out (a single paragraph is fine) and either email it to Karen at mavarin2@gmail.com or drop it off in the church office. Or if you have one to share and don't want to write it yourself, tell your story to Karen at Coffee Hour today after the 10:15 AM Mass. Let's make this 60th Anniversary Michaelmas a great celebration of this wonderful place! Old photos and other documents from the early days are also welcome, to add to the church archive.

We are updating the church website and putting together a booklet with all the different ministries here at St. Michael's, from Altar Guild and Godly Play to Deacon's Shoebox and the Meals program, from Taize to POZ Cafe. If you are involved in any of these groups, please note that we need a brief description of each, when it meets and what you do. THANK YOU!

Announcements through September 7th

Thanks to the members of the St. Michael’s Choir who have continued to provide musical leadership through the summer months! Weeknight rehearsals resumed on Thursday, August 29, and we hope many new faces (and voices) will join us! The weekly rehearsal schedule is Thursday evening from 7 - 8:30 pm in the church, and Sunday mornings at 9:30 in the Parish Center. If you are interested in joining this important ministry of the church, please speak with our Music Director, Doug Leightenheimer.

You are invited to join us for Bible Study each Wednesday morning, beginning September 4th at 10 am in the Womble Library. The Bible Study will be facilitated by Peter Schmidt.  Come with your ideas, suggestions and what you would like to learn so we can tailor-make this informal class best suited to everyone.  Join us and bring a friend.  All are welcome!

Women’s Bible Study begins on Wednesday, September 11th at 6:30 PM in the Parish Center.  This year we will study one of the most courageous women in the Bible: Esther. We will explore the history and see how this can apply to us today.  Books can be purchased ahead of time in the Parish Office at a cost of $15. If you cannot afford the book, but still want to come, please do so. The cost will be covered. Sign-up Sheets are located in the back of church.

You are invited to join us for Taizé meditation service of prayer in the Church, 6:45 PM this Tuesday, September 3rd. All are welcome!

Choir Rehearsal Time!

St. Michael’s Choir rehearsal begins tomorrow, Thursday evening at 7:00 PM in church! We invite you to join us in this special ministry here at St. Michael’s.

I’m sure you already know that “He who sings……..prays twice!” Hope to see you!

Thanks to the members of the St. Michael’s Choir who have continued to provide musical leadership through the summer months!  Weeknight rehearsals resumed on Thursday, August 29, and we hope many new faces (and voices) will join us!

The weekly rehearsal schedule is Thursday evening from 7 -  8:30 PM in the church, and Sunday mornings at 9:30 in the Parish Center. If you are interested in joining this important ministry of the church, please speak with our Music Director, Doug Leightenheimer.

Photo: Alan Schultz and the "summer choir" gather at the piano at a mass this past June. Photo by KFB.

Michaelmas 2013 - Our 60th Anniversary!

Michaelmas Patronal Feast 2013

St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

602 N. Wilmot Rd (at 5th Street)

Please help us celebrate

• 60 years of prayer, service, and advocacy –  from the dedication of the Church on Michaelmas, 1953 (when Wilmot was still a dirt road on the outskirts of Tucson), to the future.

• 20 years in solidarity with Mayan Indigenous in rural Guatemala.

 And welcome honored guests –

The Rt. Rev. Armando Guerra Soria, Episcopal Bishop of Guatemala and Primate (Presiding Bishop) of the Anglican Province of Central America, representing 6 countries. 

The Rt. Rev. Kirk Smith, Episcopal Bishop of Arizona.

Sat. September 28, 7 PM 

Michaelmas Eve Concert – Arizona Baroque:  a new  University of Arizona ensemble, performs baroque music and song of 17th and 18th century Latin America, using early instruments.

Reception with Presiding Bishop Guerra of Guatemala follows the concert.  Bishop Guerra visits Arizona to

• celebrate St. Michael’s Guatemala Project work   
• explore Arizona border realities 
• talk about migration from the perspective of conditions in sending countries.

The first Guatemala-born Episcopal Bishop and the first to ordain women in Guatemala, on August 11 Bishop Guerra was host to the Archbishop of Canterbury, symbolic head of almost 82-million faithful of the worldwide Anglican Communion, at Guatemala City’s modest Episcopal Cathedral.

Sun. September 29, 9:30 AM

Festal High Mass with confirmations and special music.

Brunch follows.

All activities FREE. Donations accepted.

For more information:

886-7292  (Church office) 

623-3063  (Bp. Guerra’s schedule)

http://www.smallangelstucson.org 

Photo: Bishop Guerra with Ila Abernathy, Coordinator of St. Michael's Guatemala Project.

Announcements through August 31st

Thanks to the members of the St. Michael’s Choir who have continued to provide musical leadership through the summer months! Weeknight rehearsals resume on Thursday, August 29, and we hope many new faces (and voices) will join us! The weekly rehearsal schedule is Thursday evening from 7 - 8:30 pm in the church, and Sunday mornings at 9:30 in the Parish Center. If you are interested in joining this important ministry of the church, please speak with our Music Director, Doug Leightenheimer.

Parish Life is Growing! We invite you to meet us at the Nimbus Bistro on Tanque Verde at 6:30 pm on Thursday, August 29th. Join us for good food and lively conversation. It’s just another way to get to know friends from St. Michael’s. Who knows, you just might make a new friend or meet someone you haven’t seen in a long time. Join us…..we’ll be waiting. Sign-up sheets are in the back of church.

The Arizona Diamondbacks invite all members of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona along with family and friends to an exciting game of baseball as the D-backs take on the Nationals on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 6:30 pm. A portion of every ticket purchased is donated to support the outreach ministry project “Clean Water Springs Hope” (water filters for the South Sundanese). Seating is limited. Purchase tickets on line at: www.azdiocese.org/baseball.html or complete and mail order blanks found in the back of church. Car pooling may be available.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE!
The Funeral Mass for Rick Noble will take place at 9AM, Saturday, August 31. A reception will follow in the Parish Center. †

St. Michael and All Angels on the Web!

Our 60-year-old church is here, there and everywhere on the web, but we need you to join in to really be effective.

• Review St. Michael's on Yelp! Yelp! is a website and smart phone app for reviewing businesses - including churches! It is one of the main ways that people look for churches when they arrive in Tucson. The more honest, positive reviews we get, the higher our visibility will be to help grow and revitalize our parish.
• Help update the St. Michael and All Angels website! We are currently updating and expanding each page, especially the music, history and ministries pages. Additions, updates and corrections welcome! We especially need input on church history as our 60th anniversary celebration approaches.
• Join us on Facebook! On our main Facebook page you’ll find news and pictures of St. Michael’s people, places and events. Also check out our special page for Family Mass news, and join our Facebook group.
• Read the blogs! http://smaa.blogspot.com is our news page. We also need contributions for our currently-dormant arts page.
• Have a blast! Are you on our email list? If not, email Nancy at nvernon@stmichael.net  to receive email “blasts” of late-breaking news.

That's all in addition to our Twitter and Facebook accounts, of course! So get connected, and help us reach out to the next generation of St. Michael's parishioners - and to each other!

Women's Bible Study and Casa Maria Reminder

Women’s Bible Study starts Sept. 11th at 6:30 in the Parish Center. It is that time of year again to start thinking about our next women’s bible study. This year we are going to study one of the most courageous women in the bible: Esther. If you ever felt inadequate or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering, this study is for you. It was tough being a woman in Esther’s day. We will explore the history and see how this can apply to us today. Books can be purchased ahead of time in the church office at a cost of $15. If you cannot afford the book, but still want to come, please do. The cost will be covered. There is always room for one more!

Because He lives,
Terri, Charlena and Carolyn

(Painting of Esther by Edwin Long, 1878. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.)
*****

Casa Maria reminder from Sue Peyron: 

The Last Gasp of Summer!!!!

YOU ALL have been so FAITHFUL since April!
THANKS ARE NOT ENOUGH!
In Sept we'll have student help!

Friday Aug 23rd!  ~5:30pm
Casa Maria sandwich making!

St Michael's Parish Center   602 N. Wilmot
 
BRING FRIENDS!!  COME join the fun!

Kitchen opens at 5 pm, come anytime after that!

Please bring 2 OR 3 dozen peeled eggs  We NEED extra eggs!!
                   
We need medium sized boxes for transporting the lunches.  Fruit boxes from Costco or banana boxes are ideal.

KARL will deliver the sandwiches**  (Thanks to STEVE for July!)                                                                                                                                                                                                                
NEXT CASA MARIA:  FRIDAY SEPT 20TH!
                                                                                                                                                                    Mark your calendars for 2013!
Casa Maria is every 4 weeks...                  
                                                         
  June 28th
  July 26
  Aug 23
  Sept 20
  Oct 18th
  Nov 15th
  Dec 13th

Announcements through August 24

Parish Life is Growing! We invite you to meet us at the Nimbus Bistro on Tanque Verde at 6:30 pm on Thursday, August 29th. Join us for good food and lively conversation. It’s just another way to get to know friends from St. Michael’s. Who knows, you just might make a new friend or meet someone you haven’t seen in a long time. Join us…..we’ll be waiting. Sign-up sheets are in the back of church.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE!  The Funeral Mass for Rick Noble will take place at 9AM, Saturday, August 31. A reception will follow in the Parish Center.

CASA MARIA VOLUNTEERS WILL MEET NEXT FRIDAY, August 23 at 5:00 PM, in the Parish Center to prepare sack lunches. Your help is needed - the volunteers can always use a few extra hands and NEED EXTRA dozens of SHELLED hard-boiled eggs. Join us for fellowship and to help with this good work. We also need boxes to transport the sandwiches. The flats from Costco that fruit comes in are always welcome.

The Arizona Diamondbacks invite all members of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona along with family and friends to an exciting game of baseball as the D-backs take on the Nationals on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 6:30 pm. A portion of every ticket purchased is donated to support the outreach ministry project “Clean Water Springs Hope” (water filters for the South Sundanese). Seating is limited. Purchase tickets on line at: http://www.azdiocese.org/baseball.html or complete and mail order blanks found in the back of church. Car pooling may be available.

Announcements through August 18th

Parish Life presents a “Family Night Out for Bowling”. You are invited to join us on Friday, August 16 at 6:30 pm at the Lucky Strike Lanes. (4015 East Speedway)  You, your family, your friends are invited to join us. It won’t be as much fun without YOU!  Sign-up sheets in the back of church!

FEAST OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN AUGUST 15 ~ MASS 6:30 PM
POT LUCK DINNER TO FOLLOW-INVITE A FRIEND!
COME EARLY AND HELP SET THE PARISH CENTER FOR DINNER

You are invited to join with the Society of Mary for the Recitation of the Rosary Saturday morning in Church at 7:45 AM on Saturday, August 17. If you do not have a rosary, one will be provided.

Parish Life is Growing! We invite you to meet us at the Nimbus Bistro on Tanque Verde at 6:30 pm on Thursday, August 29th. Join us for good food and lively conversation. It’s just another way to get to know friends from St. Michael’s. Who knows, you just might make a new friend or meet someone you haven’t seen in a long time. Join us…..we’ll be waiting. Sign-up sheets are in the back of church.

The Arizona Diamondbacks invite all members of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona along with family and friends to an exciting game of baseball as the D-backs take on the Nationals on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 6:30 pm. A portion of every ticket purchased is donated to support the outreach ministry project “Clean Water Springs Hope” (water filters for the South Sundanese). Seating is limited. Purchase tickets on line at: www.azdiocese.org/baseball.html or complete and mail order blanks found in the back of church. Car pooling may be available.

Food Pantry

The need is great this summer and the Food Pantry is running low.  There is not another campus wide food drive until Thanksgiving.

We can use almost everything, especially: fruit, soup, canned spaghetti and pasta products, cereal, evaporated milk, canned vegetables, assorted canned beans,tuna and snacks, etc.

Please be as generous only as your circumstances will allow. We thank you,

for your generosity is helping the poor and homeless of our city.

Peace,
Nancy

Sad Information

Rick Noble, another one of our beloved parishioners, has died.

Rick died in his sleep sometime Sunday night. Services are pending.  [Update: the service at the end of August.]

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

May Rick’s soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy
of God rest in peace.      AMEN †

--Nancy

Update From Guatemala

Subject: alive and well, out of the mud, and really tired

Hello folks.

We have made it back to Nebaj, after yesterdays most difficult walk, over the mountain and through the mud for 7 plus hours that ended with no bus to catch in Chel, due to a landslide on the one dirt road.

Pedro and I took "posada" with one of the former CPR leaders in Chel and left, weary, at 2 a.m. this morning for the bone chilling ride in the back of a pickup truck to Nebaj.

EVERYONE greets Sarah.

I am now internally thawed, having had my morning coffee, but hugely frustrated because I wrote a 7 community update to almost all former team members and others that the server (Google) refused to send or save, and gave me no option to edit or keep as a draft.

Will not tarry, except to say that all is more or less well, and there is much to do and more to report.
Ila

Cabal family (photo by Ila A. from a previous trip)

Announcements through July 27, 2013

You are invited to join us for Taize Meditation Service of Prayer each first and third Tuesday of each month at the Mary Altar in church.

Contemplative Prayer Group meets each Saturday at “Our Lady of the Desert House of Prayer at 9:30 am. (The House of Prayer is just north of the church parking lot.)
You are invited to explore the teachings of Contemplative Prayer and learn some simple ways to begin a meditation practice in the Christian tradition. The morning begins at 9:30 am and concludes at 11 am. The gathering includes social/coffee time. All are invited to attend. For more information contact Jim Reiter at 749-7950 or sjtucson@aol.com.

REMAINING CASA MARIA DATES FOR 2013
FRIDAYS AT 5 PM IN THE COOL PARISH CENTER
→JULY 26 ~ this Friday !
AUGUST 23
SEPTEMBER 20
OCTOBER 18
NOVEMBER 15
DECEMBER 13

Announcements for Week Ending July 21, 2013

–You are invited to join us for Taize Meditation Service of Prayer this Tuesday, July 16th at 6:45 pm at the Mary Altar in church.

–Contemplative Prayer Group meets each Saturday at “Our Lady of the Desert House of Prayer at 9:30 am. (The House of Prayer is just north of the church parking lot.)  You are invited to explore the teachings of Contemplative Prayer and learn some simple ways to begin a meditation practice in the Christian tradition. The morning begins at 9:30 ~ 11:00 am and includes social/coffee time. For more information contact Jim Reiter at 749-7950 or sjtucson@aol.com

–REMAINING CASA MARIA DATES FOR 2013
FRIDAYS AT 5 PM IN THE COOL PARISH CENTER
→JULY 26
AUGUST 23
SEPTEMBER 20
OCTOBER 18
NOVEMBER 15
DECEMBER 13

–And don't forget: the local memorial service for Fr. C.E. B. ("Father Ed") Harnsberger is Saturday, July 20th at 8:30 AM at St. Michael and All Angels, followed by a reception in the Parish Center.

Casa Maria and Fun and Games!

CASA MARIA – FRIDAY, JUNE 28 – 5 PM IN THE COOL PARISH CENTER

Today's menu consists of one ham and cheese with relish sandwich, one egg salad sandwich, two cookies, and a piece of fruit such as an apple, orange, or a banana. Volunteers from the parish are asked to donate two-dozen hard-boiled (shelled) eggs to make up the egg salad sandwiches. When school is in session, students are asked to bring hard-boiled eggs which they are still generously doing except in the summer months.

Church volunteers who have either a truck or van deliver the 500 lunches, with about 100 or more extra sandwiches and soup, to the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen located on East 26th. The lunches are served the next morning for lunch.

St. Michael's has streamlined the system whereby delivery is ready in just two hours. Although we call for volunteers for 5:00 PM, we must always be ready to start work at 6:00 PM. Approximately 30 dozen eggs are needed to make a suitable sandwich. About 30 volunteers are needed at each session to have a smooth and effective operation.

It costs the meals program approximately $350 each month to supply the needs such as meat, cheese, mustard, relish, sandwich bags, brown bags, bread, cookies, and fruit. All monies are contributions to the meals program and not from church funds.

And then...

FAMILY GAME NIGHT this Friday after Casa Maria. Bring $ for pizza (we'll order from Domino's when we get a head count) and a favorite board game you've been dying to play. Spread the word!

REMAINING CASA MARIA DATES FOR 2013

JUNE 28
JULY 26
AUGUST 23
SEPTEMBER 20
OCTOBER 18
NOVEMBER 15
DECEMBER 13