Tuesday, October 27, 2015

St. Michael's International Holiday Bazaar - A Call for Participants


Dear new and former Bazaar participants:
We’d like to invite you to participate in the 2015 International Holiday Bazaar at St. Michael’s, Dec. 5 (Saturday evening, 3 - 7 p.m., optional) and Dec. 6 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Please join us. Former participants, note a slight name change.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: Socially-committed, non-violent non-profits, Parish groups, and Parish artists only. Space is free for non-profit groups. Parish artists donate 10% of their gross to the Church’s Social Action Committee.

WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW NOW
[your application]
(return this by e-mail or regular mail, even if you have already talked with us)
Do you plan to participate?
If so, please list the following:
Contact person
– name, e-mail, and phone number(s):
Group name, mailing address
(other address information), what you plan to sell, and who benefits:
Participation dates: Saturday and Sunday? Sunday only?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Saturday setup,
between 1 and 3 p.m., for 3 p.m. start. A morning option will be arranged.
Sunday setup:
between 8 and 9 a.m. preferred. Between 10 and 11 a.m. is possible (we'll save space ONLY if you indicate you are choosing this option).
Food groups:
Sunday only. Plan to start serving around 11:00 a.m. Church coffee hours will provide basic refreshments until then. St. Michael's Social Action Committee does the Saturday free reception. You are responsible for your own Health Department permits.
Loading / unloading:
Drive around the back (N. side) of the church, down a drive that says "Do not enter." There are breeze way doors on the north and east sides of the drive.

SATURDAY EVENING.
ALL GROUPS (except one potential food group) WILL BE INSIDE. SUNDAY ONLY GROUPS WILL BE OUTSIDE, in the adjacent patio.

REMINDERS:
Socially-committed, non-violent non-profits, Parish groups, and Parish artists only. Space is free for non-profit groups. Parish artists donate 10% of their gross to the Church’s Social Action Committee. Refugees sponsored by any of the non-profit refugee groups are very welcome. You can leaflet but MUST have stuff to sell.
You do not have to be a 501 C-3 nonprofit if you are known to us or can demonstrate that you meet the criteria (we love small programs).
Sunday only is an option, but Saturday only is not.
We provide one 6-foot table, and you do the rest. We do our best to allocate space so that each group will have at least 9 feet of space, even inside on Saturday night.
You take all your money home – no percentages to us.
We do ask you to report how much you gross, so we can know the success of the event. If you have a terrific day and want to make a voluntary small contribution to help cover costs, we won’t turn it down.

INDOOR SPACE is at a premium but we fit everyone inside on Saturday evening. Groups coming Sunday only will be outside unless they make special arrangements.
Saturday groups who want to spread out can have more space if they opt to move outside on Sunday (Guatemala Project does this). We can’t control the weather but will make sure outside groups are under sheltered walks if it is rainy.

MUSIC
– Still a work in progress, but Mzekala has confirmed for Saturday, and Ted Warmbrand for Sunday. We think some of our other Sunday favorites will return.

SECURITY –
You are welcome to leave your tables set up indoors over Saturday night. We do not hire special security, but the coordinators will be the last to leave and will make sure the hall and all entrances to the adjacent patios are locked. Most of us like to cover our items with a sheet or cloth.

SAGE ADVICE –
Variety in pricing and in articles for sale seems to help. So does being present for the entire event. If you come late with one product, expect a small return.
Fine arts traditionally have not done well, but someday there will be an exception.
Low-cost items generally sell well, but there have been many "high-end" exceptions.

THE MORE THE MERRIER
(until we reach 30 groups total) – Please encourage your favorite groups that meet the criteria to participate. Variety and enthusiasm help us all.

PAST RETURNS:
Last year, among all groups, around $6200 changed hands. In 2007, before the economic downturn and before alternative shopping events were so common, the total was over $9,000. However, amounts for individual groups have varied considerably.

PLEASE CALL IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE INFORMATION.
ILA ABERNATHY (520) 623-3063, ilaa@mindspring.com
[Note – we have a new committee. Once initial contacts are made, you will be notified of a new contact person.]

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Your End-of-the-Week Reminders

YOUR END-OF-WEEK REMINDERS, followed by the September SAC report.

Thursday 10-22, 7 p.m. Poet Brenda Hillman, Jimmye Hillman's daughter, reads for the UA Poetry Center reading series.  Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen Street.  "One of contemporary poetry's most electic and formally innovative writers."   Free.   www.poetry.arizona.edu.

Friday 10-23 -- TWO matters

3:30 to 4:45 p.m.  "Ayotzinapa and Mexico's Disappeared," A conversation with MD / PhD Carlos Martin Beristain.
UA Environmental and National Resources 2 Building, Room South 107.  The building is on the south edge of the University of Arizona campus, directly west of the 6th St. parking garage. The auditorium is in the southwest corner of the building, ground floor.  Berestain, member of an international delegation investigating impunity in Mexico and particularly the disappearance of 43 students who went missing from Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College in Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico, is widely known for his human rights work in Guatemala and elsewhere.  He is a psychologist as well as MD, brings a broad, culturally-sensitive perspective.  Spanish, with English translation.  Professor Elizabeth Oglesby, who is promoting the event, is hugely respected for her own long-term work in Guatemala.  I've heard Berestain in the past and strongly recommend this presentation.  FREE.  All welcome.

6 p.m. SAC House Mass / Potluck / Quarterly Meeting, home of Marjorie King and Jim Steinman, 3000 E. Linden (just W of Country Club and 8 blocks N. of Speedway), 207-.9114.  Please RSVP to Marjorie,mmarjorieking@gmail.com, so she will have a rough count of how many to expect.  Fr. Mallory celebrates.  Food:  There are several vegetarians and a few "usually no meat on Friday" folk in our midst, but omnivors are welcome to bring meat dishes if they like.  ALSO, please try to be on time, as we open with the Mass.  AGENDA:  limited reports, only necessary decisions.  Possible look at "what are we overlooking?"  (See SAC September report below).

Saturday 10-24.  Frances Hicks Funeral, 1 p.m., St. Michael's. PLEASE NOTE FRANCES' FUNERAL IS AT 1:00 PM THIS SATURDAY

Sunday 10-25.  4th Sunday Special Collection will be for the MEALS PROGRAMS, not SAC, as our designated collection for Fowler Fund was switched to Oct. 11.  Bring your checkbook!  Meals Programs need about $300 per month just to keep Casa Maria sack lunches going.  The new Bazaar Committee is meeting at 9 a.m., the time publicist Katrina can join us.

Ila
ILA ABERNATHY

Thursday, October 15, 2015

The Big Cover-Up: A Photo Essay




The Big Cover-Up

Photos by Our Senior Warden, Dr. Ke Chiang Hsieh
Wednesday, October 14th at noon
through Sunday, October 18th, 2015





We're Under Wraps!

St. Michael and All Angels Church and School is temporarily closed to all staff, students, volunteers and visitors. We officially closed at noon on Wednesday, October 14th, and will reopen Monday morning, October 19th. The reason: termites!



Terminix professionals have come from as far away as California to "tent" the church for fumigation. The area to be fumigated for dry wood termites will be closed off completely, with an additional surrounding area tented as well for safety. 
 
Certain items were removed from the property before fumigation, including foods not in cans, the Blessed Sacrament etc. This was done on Sunday through Wednesday morning. By Wednesday at noon, we were ready to go!



A small team of experts will be on site to monitor the level of chemicals, inside and out.



The fumigation itself will be done by Friday and the exterminators will test the air on Saturday before giving the "all clear" to return. However, in an abundance of caution, our interim rector and wardens have decided to keep the church closed on Sunday as well, before reopening on Monday. So where will you go to church this week? See below!


Termite Sunday
Sunday, October 18th, 2015


Do Not Enter! Closed for Fumigation Oct 14-18

St. Michael’s Church and School will be closed from noon Wednesday, October 14th through Sunday, October 18th, so that the church can be fumigated for dry wood termites. For everyone’s safety, the entire property will be closed off during this time to everyone except the exterminators. The church office will reopen on Monday, October 19th.

We have a special mission for all parishioners should you choose to accept it....

On Sunday, October 18th, we are asking everyone to attend one of our sister Episcopal parishes here in Tucson. For the assignment, each family or person should write down one positive aspect experienced or observed in the church visited on a 3x5 card provided by us this Sunday, October 11.  Please provide the name of the church you attend as the heading on your card.

You will find these 3x5 cards in the pews and at the back of the church. We will have a marked basket at the back of the church designated for the collection of the completed cards on Sunday, October 25.

Your help with this mission will be greatly appreciated!

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Notes from the Office!

Don't forget to attend a different Episcopal Church this weekend, and bring your new ideas for St. Michael's! We will collect your cards next Sunday here at St. Michael's.




The funeral Mass For Frances Hicks will take place, Saturday, October 24th at 1:00 pm (not 2 pm as previously posted).  A reception in Smith Parish Center to follow the interment.

Peace,

As always,

Nancy

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Announcements for Weeks Ending 10/17 and 10/24/2015


EPISCOPAL SCHOOL SUNDAY
Only one mass will be held on Sunday, October 11th so we may all celebrate Episcopal School Sunday together. St. Michael’s students will be serving at Mass and offering musical additions to the Mass.

Following Mass, join us for a delicious pancake breakfast in the Parish Center, prepared by our boy scouts, under the direction of Byron Brandon. Generous donations are gratefully accepted!


TERMITE CLOSURE REMINDERS - AND A MISSION FOR PARISHIONERS

St. Michael’s Church and School will be closed from noon Wednesday, October 14th through Sunday, October 18th , so that the church can be fumigated for dry wood termites. For everyone’s safety, the entire property will be closed off during this time to everyone except the exterminators. St. Michael’s Church and School will re-open Monday, October 19th at the regular time.

Certain items will need to be removed from the property before fumigation, including foods not in cans, the Blessed Sacrament etc. We will be forming a work party after the pancake breakfast on Sunday, October 11th to accomplish this. Volunteers welcome!

Attention Choir Members: Rehearsal scheduled for 7 pm, October 15th will take place at Christ Methodist Church located at 5th and Craycroft.

There will be NO Casa Maria sandwich making this month. Instead a cash donation will be made from our meals program. Cash donations are needed to replenish the meals program account so we may continue to stock the food pantry as well. The pantry is also in need of your non-perishable food donations.


Salutations from your Nominating Committee!
We have a special mission for all parishioners should you choose to accept it....


As you probably already know, there will be no Sunday services on October 18 due to the termite fumigation. So we are asking everyone to attend one of our sister Episcopal parishes here in Tucson.
For the assignment, each family or person should write down one positive aspect experienced or observed in the church visited on a 3x5 card provided by us this Sunday, October 11.  Please provide the name of the church you attend as the heading on your card.

You will find these 3x5 cards in the pews and at the back of the church. We will have a marked basket at the back of the church designated for the collection of the completed cards on Sunday, October 25.

Your help with this mission will be greatly appreciated

ECW/Women's Ministry
The ECW/Wm meeting will be on Wednesday, October 21st.at 10:30 am in the Parish Center. All women of the church are invited to attend. We will be making plans for our  Bake/casserole Sale on Sunday, October 25th after all the Masses. Mark your calendar.

Angel Food Candy Making
Mark your calendars!  We need YOUR help!  We will be making Angel Food Candy beginning Monday, November 1st  through Friday morning, November 6th.  On Monday we will need crews for dipping and patting, and for opening boxes, and setting up the packing stations.  The rest of the week, will need crews for dipping and packing.  Please help if you can, even if only for a few hours one day.  New angel food makers are particularly welcome.  We will teach you what to do!  If you have questions, please see Peter Schmidt, Dorothy Cameron, Pat Miller or Sherry Terrell. Sign-up sheets available in the back of church. Help also needed for set-up on October 30 and 31st .

Just Coffee's "Taste of Chiapas" fundraiser
Friday, October 16, Just Coffee's "Taste of Chiapas" fundraiser with food, entertainment, and a great cause, 6 to 8 p.m. St. Mark's Presbyterian, 3809 E. 3rd (just S. of Alvernon, parking entry from 2nd Street). Tickets on sale TODAY, $20 each, courtesy of Social Action Committee.

One Just Coffee goal:  Get a coffee shop and meeting place up and running in Agua Prieta, "to help combat the drug traders that are recruiting youth in the use and distribution network of illegal drugs in Agua Prieta."  Estimated need: $80,000, which includes one year's salary support for the workers.
No $$ today?  Call or e-mail Ila Abernathy.  Just Coffee wants a count by October 12 if possible.

The Advent International Bazaar - Planning Committee
The International Bazaar Committee will meet October 25 at 9:00 am in the Womble Library.  This is an important planning meeting.

Thursday, October 08, 2015

Parish Directory Update


Next week, while the church is closed for termite fumigation (Wednesday October 14th at noon through Sunday, October 18th), we will be working on updating the online Parish Directory. If you filled out a form this spring and/or had your picture taken, we will be making sure to get your listing updated accordingly. If you missed out on this, are new to the parish or have had a recent change in contact info, it's not too late! Please see Karen in the church office or after the High Mass on Sunday. Alternatively, we will accept your "selfie" or other photo to use in the directory.

Once we get all the updated pictures and info into the system, we will republish the directory. This will be available for download on the sidebar of our news blog at this link: churchdirectory.pdf. The password to open the file is available from the church office. (Hint: nickname of our patron saint followed by the code used to open the gate!)

We will also print a limited number of directories on request - price to be announced once we know the cost. 

Wednesday, October 07, 2015

Prayers Requested

Prayers are requested for our music director, Douglas Leightenheimer, and his family.  Doug's father, David Lewis Leightenheimer, died suddenly on October 3. Doug and his father were getting ready to return to Tucson, when David suddenly passed away. The funeral for David was today, Wednesday, October 7 at 11:00 a.m. May David's soul and the souls of the departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen !

The Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Diana McCormick will take place, Saturday, October 10, at 10 AM. In honor of Diane, colorful attire would be graciously appreciated.

Also remember in your prayers Frances Hicks, who is currently in hospice at Sunrise at the River.

We must not neglect our prayers for those who are also in need of God's help.  Amen!

Nancy

No Casa Maria This Month!

boiled eggCasa Maria ~  St. Michael's volunteers get together every fourth Friday evening in the Parish Center to prepare sack lunches for the homeless and disadvantaged of Tucson. However, due to termite extermination activities at St. Michael's Church, ALL campus facilities will be closed from Wednesday October 14th at noon through Sunday, October 18th, and reopen Monday morning October 19th.  There will be NO Casa Maria sandwich making and NO Sunday Services at the Church. Instead a cash donation will be made from our meals program. Cash donations are needed to replenish the meals program account so we may continue to stock the food pantry as well.

Next Casa Maria: Friday, November 13th

Mark your calendars for 2015-6! Casa Maria is every 4 weeks...

2015:
Nov 13th
Dec 11th

2016:
Jan 8th
Feb 5th
March 4th
April 1st

Sunday, October 04, 2015

October Calendar

October Calendar

Feast of St. Francis
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 4th, 2015


Blessing of the AnimalsThe Blessing of the Animals will take place this Sunday, October 4th, 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.


Episcopal School Sunday
Fowler Fund Sunday
Sunday, October 11th, 2015


 


Episcopal School Sunday


Join us Sunday, October 11 and celebrate Episcopal School Sunday. St. Michael’s students will be serving at Mass and offering musical additions to the Mass. There will be only one Mass today, at 9:30 AM. 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.


Annual Fowler Fund Appeal Sunday

Sunday, October 11, 2015, is also Fowler Fund Sunday. It is the one Sunday each year in which we solicit donations for St. Michael’s Fowler Fund. Your contribution supports mini-grants to help variety of programs and situations in the larger community.

St. Michael's Fowler Fund honors the memory of St. Michael's long-time former rector, Father John Clinton Fowler. It consists of two parts, a permanent endowment and an expendable fund. The expendable fund, along with available interest from the permanent endowment, allows us to provide mini-grants to worthy organizations, primarily in the local Tucson community. Recent grants have provided start-up help to a center for abused women, assisted in the restoration of a fire-damaged church in Phoenix, funded urgent medical care under the auspices of the Guatemala Project, helped make homes handicap accessible for needy elderly individuals, and supported an organization which assists homeless men.

Please plan ahead, and consider making a special donation next week to the Fowler Funds. You will find an insert in next week’s bulletin, which you can place in the white envelope with your contribution, thus directing which portion(s) of the fund you are supporting. Our Fowler Fund Committee thanks all past donors for their significant generosity, and encourages each parishioner to consider providing a contribution to this year’s Fowler Fund appeal.


Termite Sunday
Sunday, October 18th, 2015

St. Michael’s Church and School will be closed from noon Wednesday, October 14th through Sunday, October 18th, so that the church can be fumigated for dry wood termites. For everyone’s safety, the entire property will be closed off during this time to everyone except the exterminators. On Sunday, October 18th, we encourage everyone to attend another church, and to return to us the following week with your insights and suggestions during this time of transition. The church office will reopen on Monday, October 19th.

Certain items will need to be removed from the property before fumigation, including foods not in cans, the Blessed Sacrament etc. We will be forming a work party after the pancake breakfast on Sunday, October 11th to accomplish this. Volunteers welcome!