Thanksgiving to God

Dear Friends:

Terri and I send you love, prayers, and congratulations as you gather with your new Rector and his family this Sunday!  For us it is an answer to our daily prayers for all of you.  I know Br. Hedges and his loved ones will receive the same loving support you gave my family during our happy years at St. Michael and All Angels Church and School.  You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

Things are very well for Terri and I in Antigua and this beautiful country of Guatemala.  Remember that you are welcome to visit us anytime.  We would love to see you!  Please include in your plans to stay over a Sunday so you can join in the Holy Eucharist at St. Alban's.

Again, Congratulations, and Peace, Love, and Joy in Jesus,

John+ and Terri too

Help Us Welcome Our New Rector!

With great joy, we announce that the Rev. David Hedges, the current Rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Sycamore, IL, has accepted the call from our Bishop Kirk Smith, as requested by our Vestry, to be the next Rector of our spiritual home, St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. On 14 August, Father Dave will begin his first Sunday at St. Michael’s by officiating the Morning Prayer at 9:00 AM and celebrating the sung Solemn High Mass at 9:30 AM.  His wife, Carly Flagg, and their daughter, Zoe, will arrive later, in time for Zoe to begin class at our parish day school on 18 August.

Fr. Dave received his Bachelor of Arts in History from San Francisco State University in 2002 and his Master of Divinity from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in 2005. He was ordained Deacon at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, in 2005, and priested at St. James Cathedral, Chicago, six months later. He was Curate at St. Mary’s, Crystal Lake, IL (2005-2007), then Rector of St. Peter’s (2007-present). He is passionate about the liturgy, sacramental pastoral care, and about the work of inviting into the church those who are not yet its members. He is excited by St. Michael's because of its balanced blend of catholic liturgy and social action, as well as the presence of the parochial school community.

Fr. Dave is a member of the Brotherhood of Saint Gregory, a religious community of men in the Episcopal Church, whose members, lay and ordained, follow a common rule of life and serve the church on parochial, diocesan, and national levels. Their Rule includes prayer, service, stewardship, and individual renewal among other matters. Brothers may be married, partnered, or single, and aim to follow St. Gregory the Great as "servants of the servants of God" whether in church or in society. Dave was thrilled to discover the sign at the back of St. Michael's saying Soli Deo Gloria, the very motto of the Brotherhood! Shortly before coming to St. Michael's, Dave will become a Novice Brother, and will be properly addressed as Brother Dave for short.

Dave's wife, Carly, will be serving the Tucson community as an American Sign Language Interpreter. She has an MA in ASL-English Interpretation from Gallaudet University, and a BA in Early Childhood Education from Smith College, and taught ASL-English Interpretation at the university level for sixteen years. Other graduate work includes study in Counseling and Developmental Psychology. Carly enjoys yoga, running, gardening, and cooking. She shares with Dave a common interest in letter-writing and postal ephemera. Dave enjoys bowling, photography, and long road trips.
Their daughter Zoe (12) will be enrolled at St. Michael's School. She has been a Girl Scout for six years and has earned her Bronze Award for efforts in increasing community literacy. She also enjoys horseback riding, drawing, and theatre.

As we joyfully welcome our new Rector and his family, we must wholeheartedly acknowledge our congregations’ enthusiastic participation in our self-study, our Nominating Committee’s wisdom and perseverance, our Vestry’s prayerful discernment, our Interim Rector Fr. Richard Mallory’s loving care, Canon Russ Smith’s consultation, the Rev. Canon Megan Traquair’s guidance, and our Bishop’s blessing throughout the challenging process. Alleluia!

Respectfully yours,
Howard Creswell, Junior Warden, and Ke Chiang (John) Hsieh, Senior Warden
3 July 2016

An Invitation - Sendoff for Fr. Richard Mallory!

All are invited to attend Mass on July 31, 2016 at 9:30 am.

(One Mass only that day!)

The Rev. Dr. Richard Mallory

Presiding

_________________

“SEND OFF” CEREMONY AND “FESTIVE LUNCHEON” ~

SMITH PARISH CENTER FOLLOWING THE EUCHARIST

(Reservation sheets in back of church)

(suggested brunch donation $10.00)

Hello, Goodbye

Greetings! The new Rector, Fr. Dave, will have his first Mass at St. Michael's on Sunday, August 14. There will be one mass that day at 9:30 AM, followed by a Festive Brunch in the Smith Parish Center.















As we say goodbye to Fr. Richard, his  last mass  at St. Michael's will be held on Sunday, July 31. There will be one mass that day at 9:30 AM, followed by a Luncheon in his honor in the Smith Parish Center.

May God richly bless everyone!  Amen!

Nancy

We Have a New Rector!

With great joy, we announce that the Rev. David Hedges, the current Rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Sycamore, IL, has accepted the call from our Bishop Kirk Smith, as requested by our Vestry, to be the next Rector of our spiritual home, St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. On 14 August, Father Dave will begin his first Sunday at St. Michael’s by officiating the Morning Prayer at 9:00 AM and celebrating the sung Solemn High Mass at 9:30 AM.  His wife, Carly Flagg, and their daughter, Zoe, will arrive later, in time for Zoe to begin class at our parish day school on 18 August.


Fr. Dave received his Bachelor of Arts in History from San Francisco State University in 2002 and his Master of Divinity from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in 2005. He was ordained Deacon at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, in 2005, and priested at St. James Cathedral, Chicago, six months later. He was Curate at St. Mary’s, Crystal Lake, IL (2005-2007), then Rector of St. Peter’s (2007-present). He is passionate about the liturgy, sacramental pastoral care, and about the work of inviting into the church those who are not yet its members. He is excited by St. Michael's because of its balanced blend of Catholic liturgy and social action, as well as the presence of the parochial school community.

Fr. Dave is a member of the Brotherhood of Saint Gregory, a religious community of men in the Episcopal Church, whose members, lay and ordained, follow a common rule of life and serve the church on parochial, diocesan, and national levels. Their Rule includes prayer, service, stewardship, and individual renewal among other matters. Brothers may be married, partnered, or single, and aim to follow St. Gregory the Great as "servants of the servants of God" whether in church or in society. Dave was thrilled to discover the sign at the back of St. Michael's saying Soli Deo Gloria, the very motto of the Brotherhood! Shortly before coming to St. Michael's, Dave will become a Novice Brother, and will be properly addressed as Brother Dave for short.

Dave's wife, Carly, will be serving the Tucson community as an American Sign Language Interpreter. She has an MA in ASL-English Interpretation from Gallaudet University, and a BA in Early Childhood Education from Smith College, and taught ASL-English Interpretation at the university level for sixteen years. Other graduate work includes study in Counseling and Developmental Psychology. Carly enjoys yoga, running, gardening, and cooking. She shares with Dave a common interest in letter-writing and postal ephemera. Dave enjoys bowling, photography, and long road trips.
Their daughter Zoe (12) will be enrolled at St. Michael's School. She has been a Girl Scout for six years and has earned her Bronze Award for efforts in increasing community literacy. She also enjoys horseback riding, drawing, and theatre.

As we joyfully welcome our new Rector and his family, we must wholeheartedly acknowledge our congregations’ enthusiastic participation in our self-study, our Nominating Committee’s wisdom and perseverance, our Vestry’s prayerful discernment, our Interim Rector Fr. Richard Mallory’s loving care, Canon Russ Smith’s consultation, the Rev. Canon Megan Traquair’s guidance, and our Bishop’s blessing throughout the challenging process. Alleluia!

Respectfully yours,

Howard Creswell, Junior Warden, and Ke Chiang (John) Hsieh, Senior Warden
3 July 2016

Announcements for Week Ending 6/4/2016

Search Update: 
On Saturday, May 22, the Nominating Committee completed the second round of Skype interviews. After careful discernment, they submitted their recommendation to the Vestry. Please hold the Vestry in your prayers so that God's will may be done. Keep on praying! --Senior Warden John Hsieh

A Reminder: As part of the routine maintenance of our graveyard, faded or oversized decorations (exceeding 5" x 5" x 5") will be removed this week, beginning on Monday, May 30th. we appreciate your cooperation.

This Sunday (May 29) is Border Sunday! After worship, please join us in the Parish Center to prepare migrant food packs for Tucson Samaritans, enjoy the usual coffee hour treats and conversation, and after the 10:15 AM Mass, savor a pupusa prepared by a Guatemalan family seeking asylum. Sponsored by your Social Action Committee.

Sign up to visit Operation Streamline with the Social Action Committee on June 28th! Every weekday at the Federal District Court in Tucson, up to 70 immigrants receive prison sentences after being charged with the felony of "re-entry after deportation." This is your chance to witness en masse legal proceedings.

Putt-ing Kids First event June 10th! 

Please join the Blair Charity Group for a fun-filled family evening at Golf & Stuff on June 10 from 6 PM to 10 PM. The all-inclusive price covers all attractions, food and beverages, and supports the mission of the Blair Charity Group, and Arizona Basketball Academy, and its summer camps and monthly clinics. Their two camps this summer will serve over 200 Tucson-area kids in a program that combines basketball skills taught by current and former University of Arizona Basketball team members as well as current and former NBA players, with a unique approach to incorporating life skills training. They offer these camps and clinics to kids at no cost and their fundraising efforts support that mission. Please see Peg Van Norman for tickets of purchase online at http://blaircharitygroup.org.

Guatemala Project Sendoff fiesta is here on Sunday, June 18th at 5 PM, including the blessing of a Jeep Cherokee donated by a Tucson Samaritan who attends Southside Presbyterian, greetings from indigenous friends, and welcome to Domingo Alvarez Ajanel, health leader and president of the 22 associated rural communities with whom we work.Thanks to parishioner Robert MacArthur, who donated frequent flyer miles to make Domingo's trip from Guatemala possible.

Nominating Committee Report - May 2016

Rector Search Update

submitted by Ke Chiang (John) Hsieh, Senior Warden

On 11 May, our Nominating Committee, led by Co-chair Debbie d’Amore – our condolences go to Chair Ohia Hodges on her grandmother’s death – met with Canon Russ Smith, the Diocesan Consultant, who brought a list of applicants, whom the Bishop has vetted. After studying the accompanying documents, our NC began interviewing the applicants on 14 May, using a set of probing questions based on your inputs to the two Discoveries and Dreams sessions and the extended written survey. We thank math teacher, Mr. Matt Santucci, for providing technical support needed for the online interviews. For confidentiality, nothing concerning the applicants, numbers or names, will be released. Based on the interviews, the NC will nominate two to three finalists for the Bishop and the Vestry to discern and choose. Your continuing patience, trust and prayers are greatly appreciated. Let us hope that at the end of this arduous process, our new Rector may emerge with God’s blessings.

Questionnaires for This Sunday!

Did you get your questionnaire? Have you filled it out?
-- A questionnaire from the nominating committee has been mailed to the entire congregation. If per chance you have not received a questionnaire in your postal mail​,​ there will be questionnaires available in the back of church, this Sunday before the 9:00 AM Mass, to complete and turn in. Or simply contact the parish office ~ 520/886-7292

​Thank you for your consideration in this important matter.​

Peace,
Nancy

Remember, there is only ONE mass this Sunday! It's at 9:00 AM on Sunday, 21 February.  Following it will be an all-parish meeting in the Smith Parish Center to share your wishes on the new Rector. The Nominating Committee will conduct the session with coffee and refreshments – an extended coffee hour.   Bring your wishes prayerfully and help shape our future together. Please do not miss this opportunity!

Parish Summit - One Service on February 21

Hear ye!  Hear ye!

There will be only one Mass at 9:00 AM on Sunday, 21 February.  Following it will be an all-parish meeting in the Smith Parish Center to share your wishes on the new Rector. The Nominating Committee will conduct the session with coffee and refreshments – an extended coffee hour.   Bring your wishes prayerfully and help shape our future together. Please do not miss this opportunity!

Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and More

You are invited to join us for Shrove Tuesday ~ Pancake Supper.  Tuesday ~ February 9 from 5:30 ~ 7:00 PM.  Pancakes are provided, however, please bring “side dishes to share” bacon, sausage, fruit, juice and anything else you would like to share! (Sign-up sheets in back of church.)

Ash Wednesday Services

9:40 AM  - Upper School Mass (transposed from Thursday)

12:10 PM -  Mass with Distribution of Ashes

7:00 PM - Mass with Distribution of Ashes

Parish Life is going Italian!
Join us on Thursday, February 25th at 6:30pm
At Dolce Vita
7895 E. Broadway (NW corner of Pantano and Broadway)
Buon Appetito!    (sign up sheets in back of church)

March 17th ~ POZ Café Luncheon.
St. Michael’s is once again participating with 2 other churches and TIHAN in putting on the March 17th POZ Café luncheon.We have been asked to donate 40 rolls of paper towels, 80 boxes of Kleenex,and 320 disposable razors. These items will be put in the care packages that are given out at the luncheon. The razors and Kleenex can be purchased at the Dollar Tree for a dollar. Please help us fill up the chest in the back of the church. Cash donations to buy these items are also welcome.
 We need 6 volunteers to help the day of the luncheon, March 17-time is 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.  See Dianne Gundersen or Diane Tyron for details.

Important!

A questionnaire from the nominating committee has been mailed to the entire congregation. If per chance you have not received a questionnaire in your postal mail please contact the church office by phone, 886-7292 or get in touch with Nancy Vernon by email: nvernon@stmichael.net. Thank you for your cooperation in this important matter.

Reminders!

Only a single Mass ~ 9 AM Mass  ~ this Sunday.

11:00 AM ~ 2:00 PM: Parish Summit Meeting ~  gathering together to find out about ourselves as a parish.  Discovery and Dream!  This is a very important meeting! Lunch will be served.

1:00 PM Funeral Mass for Bob Howe, this Saturday, December 19.

Just a note.....If you have any plastic bags that you would like to recycle......the food pantry could use them.  Just drop them off at church or the office.

Photos: First High Mass with Father Richard Mallory

Introducing Our New Interim Rector: Fr. Richard Mallory!

In anticipation of the arrival of our Interim Rector on 16 August...
Sunday, 2 August 2015

Dear parishioners of St. Michael and All Angels,

On Sunday, 16 August 2015, Fr. Richard Mallory, our Interim Rector, shall celebrate his first Sunday masses at 7:45, 10:15 AM and 5:00 PM at St. Michael & All Angels.  I take this opportunity to introduce him to you in advance, using his own words, so it would be easier for you to get acquainted with him when you welcome him. 

“I first became an interim rector in 1999 almost as a fluke. I had been working full time as a psychotherapist in private practice, a director of a satellite counseling site of a multi-professional counseling center in New York City for 29 years. I had been a senior faculty member in the pastoral counseling department of the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health/Hebrew Union College doctoral program for over 20 years. I lived in Stamford, CT, and the Diocese of CT asked if I could be the interim in a nearby town where an interim rector had abruptly resigned. 

“I had never imagined that I would work in a congregation when I went to Union Theological Seminary in New York in 1965. My intention was to specialize in Old Testament studies and be a teacher. After my first year, a dynamic and life changing experience in Clinical Pastoral Education at an Atlanta general hospital reoriented me to the world of the psyche. I sought out individual psychotherapy and benefited from exploring my own inner world with the help of a solid professional. I knew that I too wanted to enter that field. That I did by going through the most rigorous training program in pastoral counseling and psychotherapy at the Blanton Peale Institute after graduating from Union. I spent three years in full time work in the alcoholism and drug rehabilitation units of the Roosevelt Hospital in New York and developed a specialty in my practice of working with recovering people in twelve step programs. The other two specialties in my practice became working with couples and traumatized people. 

“I accepted that first interim ministry opportunity five years after my wife died of recurrent breast cancer. In looking back on that decision/calling, I was ready for something different. I had always loved the Bible, having grown up in a Southern Baptist context in Alabama, and came to find even more power released in the Scriptures through critical scholarship I first encountered as an undergraduate at Wake Forest. In this interim work, I knew that I liked preaching, teaching, pastoring and began to discover that I was a leader. Upon leaving this parish, it was unmistakable that I had made a difference to an anxious congregation when I first arrived. I could no longer deny that besides making a difference to individuals, groups, couples and students in the world of psychotherapy, I also made a difference in a wider and larger context of a parish. I realized in my own life the difference a primary leader can make for a group. 

“My second interim work was in a Greenwich, CT parish where the retiring rector had been for 29 years. He was a good man and also set a controlling and anxious style of leadership. I later learned that he did not attend coffee hours, did not want an ECW group in the parish and wanted first to read every communication from any staff that went out on the letterhead. After being there for a few months, I’ll never forget one parishioner who exclaimed, “We are free to get to know one another.” My leadership style is relaxed just as I am with counselees, providing a safe place and a welcoming presence to all. The essential message is and must be, “You are welcome here, wherever you are in your life’s journey. “ After all, our goal is the imitation of Christ. Did he not welcome anyone who was seeking healing? 

“I worked in two more CT parishes before moving to Arizona in 2008. I moved to work in a counseling center in Scottsdale. It has since closed its doors. I knew after several months I had landed in a counseling center with vastly different standards of professionalism than I expected. I knew that staying was intolerable. I had begun to attend the cathedral and began to make connections at the Diocese. An opportunity was offered to be a part time vicar at St. Thomas in Clarkdale. This parish had been battered by prior leadership. My job was to stabilize and pastor a shaken community. After three years, I pursued the associate’s position at All Saints of the Desert in Sun City where I have been serving for almost two years. Here and throughout my ministry, I have concentrated on preaching, teaching, leading small groups both in matters of loss and grief and in men’s work of deeper sharing and communication. 

“I am interested in being your interim rector at this time. I had a delightful conversation with your senior warden John Hsieh. I learned about your sign prophesying the sin of nuclear weapons and how that sign survived a truck’s attempt to pull it out of the ground resulting in the sign pulling off a part of the truck. I learned that St. Michael’s in strongly committed in outreach to hungry people. I sense that St. Michael’s encompasses these two poles active ministry and witness undergirded by worship, prayer and openness to Holy Spirit.” 

Let us get ready to welcome Fr. Richard.

With gratitude and joy,

Your Senior Warden,

John Hsieh

Update from Guatemala... and One from the Vestry (#5)

From Ila, July 27:

Hola, teams.

Just a quick thanks, which I'm also sending to a few others.

This will be brief, as I'm still working on the grant application, now from the comfy digs of Fr. and Terri Smith in Antigua Guatemala.  Tomorrow I head for Pedro's Union Victoria.

Petrona Chavez has her jaw bone-graft small surgery this morning, and I've confirmed that she is at the hospital.  This got a bit more expensive than expected, Q6000 [$800] plus the preliminaries we did when Team 2 was here.  Family is paying half, and Elizabeth's Legacy is paying half, including the $200 Fowler Fund donation Fr. Smith was holding, and $200 of the Legacy money I am holding.  I think this will just about finish the orthodontic followup to her cleft lip and palate surgery done many years ago, at least I hope so, as orthodontic expenses already were high this year.  But the work is proceeding well.

 Nicolas Sanchez, the 10-year-old from Caba whose father has been resistant to permitting him to leave for correction of severe cleft lip and palate, did the preliminaries with a jornada in Chajul July 7 and is now scheduled for surgery in Antigua September 7.  It's with a jornada that seems responsible (15-day stay), his adult brother will accompany, and we will pay only for transportation for both, other essentials, required clothing, and incidentals.  Probably less that $200.  Thanks to a very generous donation for parishioners, we will have enough to cover this, with a balance for other uses.

Miguel Anjel, the boy from Xecoyeu who almost lost his life and leg (severe bleeding wound and complete femur fracture last fall in Xecoyeu), horrendous pickup truck ride and then hospital for 2 months, is due for followup August 10.  We will need to pay for transportation and possibly some tests.  Elizabeth's Legacy last year contributed more or less Q1400 for emergency travel and the expensive metal plate that is holding his femur together, and the family and another group paid the rest (over Q6000 total, if I recall).

Tomas Choc of Mirador is still expected to accompany Gustavo Cuyuch of the Equipo de Salud to Guatemala City next week for followup for the tumor removed from inside the major vein inside his nose, when Gustavo comes for our final meeting August 6.  More "medical travel" expense, and perhaps a bit more!

The 8-months pregnant woman with diabetes we sent to the hospital from El Triunfo is now back in the community, I understand on medication.  I'm urging (well, scolding) Pedro Marcos to go get strips for their in-country glucomenter NOW.

Otoscopes and glucometers -- I should finish the grant proposal today, have been checking with Sarah, Linda P., and Enid over various possibilities.   Sarah, Fr. Smith and Terri will be making a trip to the US to visit relatives in early October and could courier otoscopes back.  Just let me know which you think is the better deal.  Enid, if you have done anything ab out contacting Roche (hope you got the earlier e-mail), please let me know today.

I will try to get the info above and below out to our complete lists when I return to Tucson August 7, late.  Meanwhile, please feel free to forward.

TEAMS 1 AND 2 -- what your in-country donations accomplished.

Linda Paul did a little tally for me before she left.  In addition to all the other donations you made, of time, personal expenses, and expertise, your application fees and in-country donations totaled Q3,902 (over $500), of which we have used all but Q6.  They enabled us to do the following:

Donations for in-country orientation to other "on-the-ground" in country groups:   Q600

Fluoride and related for application during the giras                                                 Q648

"Bestias" to move cargo during the walking giras                                                     Q470

Patient medical travel outside the communities - replacing money used                  Q560  (a big help to protect Project general funds, which are low)

Patient medical travel for Tomas Choc, who walked out with us to Nebaj               Q140

Additional medicines for the giras (another Q5450 was paid from Project funds)   Q330

Miscellaneous, copying documents, etc.                                                                    Q398

Gas for the one CPR vehicle when it transported us                                                  Q600

One-time "premios" for health promotores who worked with us as volunteers        Q150

Hope it adds up!  I'm not re-checking the figures, which did correspond when Linda finished the document.

Again, thanks to all.

***

Vestry’s Report on Transition: #5
26 July 2015
Greetings from your Vestry!

Since its commissioning on 14 June, the Nominating Committee has selected its officers: Chair Ohia Hodges, Co-chair Debbie D’Amore, Scribe Bonnie Edwards, and Treasurer Jim Steinman. It has begun preparing for its first task of gathering formation from all parishioners to form a parish profile before the search. It will meet with the diocese-appointed Transition Consultant, Canon Russ Smith, on 19 August to set schedule and strategy for reaching the goal of recommending three candidates for our next Rector to the Vestry at the end of the search.

On 12 July, we reported that our Interim Rector, the Rev. Dr. Richard Mallory, will join us in person on Sunday, 16 August. A fuller introduction of Fr. Mallory and his work with us will be presented to you on Sunday, 2 August.

Having completed the most urgent tasks mentioned above, we are re-focusing on the overall life of this parish during transition by examining existing projects and needed efforts; for example:

• Adult education: Vestry persons Joel Williams and Linda Morrison will join Peter Schmidt and Paulette O’Malley to work with Fr. Richard Mallory on topics to be offered. If you have any desired topics or can conduct a topic of study, please contact any of the above named.

• Sunday school: Due to increased workload at Literacy Connects, Violet resigned from Director of the Godly Play for the younger children, but her husband, Vestryman Alec Kennedy will continue the Sunday school for the older children. There will be no child-care until further notice. Mo. Clare is working with Alec and others to re-organize the Sunday school and childcare. If you would like to help in anyway our children’s Sunday program, please contact Alec.

• Welcoming visitors: Jim Steinman and Vestryman Todd Vicks will work with Lynette Emory to help the ushers in welcoming visitors with follow-ups. Secretary Nancy Vernon will provide an insert in the Sunday bulletin for visitors, so contacts can be made within the week of the visit.

• Representation on the School Board of Trustees: Reed Karaim will represent the Vestry on that Board. We thank Margie King for her past work and wish her well. Note: Parishioner Lori Lewis is the new President of the Board. The other parishioners on the Board are: Fr. Peter Cheney, Debbie D’Amore, Catherine Gioannetti, John Hsieh, John Meyer, and Paulette O’Malley.

• Air-conditioning the church: The adobe walls, the wooden windows and doors, the organ pipes, the electrical wiring, environmental impact and health implications need to be addressed by all. Before the best solution is determined, our Building Committee, which consists Byron Brandon, Howard Creswell, Grahame Davis, Andy Harris, Alec Kennedy, Proscovia King, and Chris Lewis, will work with Junior Warden, Lisa Sharp, to gather information necessary for a productive discussion to reach an optimal solution. Currently, we have $21,240 in this account.

• Renumbering pledge envelopes: The number on your pledge envelopes has not changed for years, due to keeping inactive numbers! Thus, we have been wasting trees and paying for useless envelopes and boxes. Yes, you might have a new number next year; but no action is required of you. If you want to unsubscribe pledge envelopes or if you want to have your name added to receive pledge envelopes, then please notify the Parish Office as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience, concern, trust and support, all rooted in your prayers! Please call our attention to any of the things that need to be done in, for or by this parish for our living in God’s kingdom. We look forward to working with Fr. Mallory. Together, with God’s help, we can all do our best to live our Baptismal Covenant at St. Michael’s. Keep on praying!

An Announcement - 12 July 2015

The Vestry is happy to announce that we have an Interim Rector!

He is the Rev. Dr. Richard Mallory, who has resigned from his associate position at All Saints of the Desert in Sun City in time to be our Interim Rector. After meeting with the Vestry, the Staff and the Head Master, the Vestry unanimously endorsed the call. Through the hard work of Treasurer Jo Leeming and Bookkeeper Karen Blocher, and the assistance of Canon of Finance Vicki Hohnbaum, a letter of agreement was signed by Treasurer Jo, your Senior Warden and by Fr. Mallory on 6 July. Bishop Kirk Smith, after returning from the General Convention, kindly approved the call on Friday, 10 July. On the same day, Fr. Mallory found a one-bedroom apartment in an area of Tucson of his choice.

Fr. Mallory plans to start on Sunday, 16 August, in time for the start of the school year on 19 August. A more detailed introduction of Fr. Mallory and his roles as Interim Rector will be presented to you on 2 August.

The Vestry thanks you for your patience, support and trust throughout the process. Let’s keep on praying as we journey on.

Also...

Father Smith and Terri are happily settling in at their new home in Antigua, Guatemala. On Monday they welcomed Ila Abernathy and others from the Guatemala Project for a short visit. Terri Smith writes: "So good to see and spend time with the team from St. Michael's Guatemala project with Petrona and her mother." Petrona is a little girl who had cleft palate surgery several years ago with the help of the Project. Terri posted the following photo on Facebook:

Ila will return to Tucson on August 7.

Transition Report 4 and Other Announcements

Casa Maria sandwich-making is Friday, June 26. WE NEED YOUR HELP! No school students to help until September! Bring family & friends!

Kitchen opens at 5pm. Please bring 1 OR 2 dozen hard boiled, peeled eggs. You will be glad you helped with this good service to others. Join us in the COOL Parish Center.
___________________________________________


Adult Education continues each Wednesday at 10:00 am in the Womble library. We are studying Great Courses - “The New Jerusalem Revisited”, with lively discussion and facilitated by Peter Schmidt.  All are invited to attend and we are looking forward to meeting you.

__________________________

Contemplative Prayer Group Summer Schedule ~ Saturday, June 27 ~ 9:30 am ~ House of Prayer ~ Our group has been meeting now for close to 3 years.     You are invited to join us; all are welcome!
           We continue to practice meditation, trying to grow in living our lives in a more contemplative manner.  We normally meet weekly, but we've altered the schedule for the summer. Meetings will be the 2nd & 4th Saturdays June through August, with dates of June 27,  July 11 & 25, August 8 & 22.  As usual, the group meets at 9:30 AM in the House of Prayer.  We meditate for 25 minutes, then have a brief program on a particular spiritual theme.  Over the summer we'll look at the practice of mindfulness, Quaker style of worship, and teachings by Richard Rohr and John O'Donohue among others.

         For a complete summer schedule, see the group's flyer at the back of the church and take one home.  For more information contact Jim Reiter at 749-7950 or sjtucson@aol.com

__________________________

Vestry’s Report on Transition: #4 ~ 21 June 2015

First and foremost, please attend mass at 9:30 next Sunday, 28 June, when Rector, Fr. John will celebrate his last Eucharist with us. It is also your chance to thank him in person for his 20 years of tireless and caring service for us.

Last Sunday, our Nominating Committee was commissioned to fulfill its responsibility in 1) conduct a parish-wide self-study, 2) produce a parish profile and portfolio based on the self-study, 3) send the parish profile and portfolio to our Bishop’s Office for opening up the search for the new rector, and 4) process all applications, including interviews, to recommend 3 candidates to the Vestry for its final selection and Bishop’s approval.  This committee has 8 members selected by the Vestry from 18 dedicated parishioners either volunteered or nominated for consideration, plus 2 from the Vestry.

They are:
Debbi D’Amore  ~  Grahame Davis ~ Bonnie Edwards ~ Ohia Hodges
Mike Leeming ~ Lori Lewis ~ Jeanette Renouf ~ Jim Steinman ~
and from the Vestry: Alec Kennedy and Katrina Noble

Please keep them in your prayers as they carry out their duties. A bishop-appointed Transition Consultant will assist them throughout the process.

Finally, the Vestry is preparing the Letter of Agreement to the appointed Transition Consultant and the Letter of Agreement to the candidate for our Interim Rector. Nothing is final, however, until the letters are signed and with Bishop’s approval. Please keep on praying and trust God.

All will happen in God’s good time.

Announcements Through June 20th 2015

• Please remember there is just ONE MASS on Sunday, June 14th. It is at 9:30 AM. During this mass, the Senior Warden and Vestry will introduce the newly-formed Nominating Commitee, which will assist the parish in the search for our next Rector. Please plan to attend.


• WM/ECW will be meeting on Wednesday, June 17th at 10:30am in the Parish Center. This will be our last meeting until September. Come and help us plan next year's events and speakers.  Let's share some ideas. Also, Women of the parish, please join us for our “Traditional June Potluck." Bring your favorite dish to share.


• You are invited to join us for Taizé Service, this Tuesday, June 16, 2015 in church.  What a wonderful way to end the day, in quiet, reading, meditation, and music.  The service begins at 6:45 pm.


• ADULT BIBLE STUDY continues each Wednesday at 10:00 am in the Womble library. We are studying Great Courses - “The New Jersalem Revisited”, with lively discussion and facilitated by Peter Schmidt.  All are invited to attend and we are looking forward to meeting you.


• BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR “GIFTS OF LOVE” PROGRAM: We need your help! Interfaith Community Services is collecting school supplies through Monday, July 20 to help children go back to school with the supplies they need. Our families are struggling to provide the basics of food and shelter for their children; paying for school supplies can be a challenge. Place items in the green box in the back of church. As always, your generosity is greatly appreciated.


• Please join us for a Mexican Brunch after the service-donations please-and fellowship in the Parish Center!

Transition Update #3

Transition Updates from the Vestry of St. Michael and All Angels    Vestry’s Report on Transition #3 from the Vestry of St. Michael and All Angels 1 June 2015 On 14 June, there will be only ONE Sunday service, a Low Mass with hymns, starting at 9:30 AM. This will be the unique moment for the timely presentation and commissioning of the Nominating Committee in YOUR presence, i.e. that of St. Michael’s entire congregation. The Nominating Committee will be composed of 8 parishioners selected by the Vestry from 18 nominees (after 9 declined their nomination), plus two Vestry members. The Senior Warden will be an ex officio without vote. This body, with its own chairperson, will be charged with the responsibility to 1) conduct a parish-wide self-study, 2) produce a parish profile and portfolio based on the self-study, 3) send the parish profile and portfolio to our Bishop’s Office for opening up the search for the new rector, and 4) process all applications, including interviews, to recommend 3 candidates to the Vestry for its final selection and Bishop’s approval. Even with the help of a paid Search Consultant from the Bishop’s Office, this is a daunting challenge to the chosen ten. YOUR presence on 14 June, YOUR participation in the self-study, and YOUR prayers throughout the search process are essential for the future of St. Michael’s, OUR spiritual family and home in Tucson. After the Eucharist, our Misión San Miguel will provide a special Mexican lunch with entertainment to raise funds to help one of our parishioners with her mortgage payments after the prolonged illness of a loved one. Please join us to enjoy the company and to share what God has given us. Come one, come all! Your Vestry John Hsieh, Senior Warden Lisa Sharp, Junior Warden Jo Leeming, Treasurer Carolyn Schlager, Clerk Andy Harris Reed Karaim Alec Kennedy Marjorie King Chris Lewis Linda Morrison Katrina Noble Todd Vick Joel Williams

Transition Update #2 and Pentecost Announcements 2015

Sunday, May 24th is Pentecost Sunday. You are invited to join us in the cool Parish Center after the morning Masses for refreshment and a piece of cake in CELEBRATION ~ DAY OF PENTECOST!

Parish Life Invites you to join us at Old Pueblo Grille, 60 N. Alvernon Way, just north of Broadway, Thursday, May 28th at 6:30 pm.  Join us for good food and fellowship! Entrees start at $10. Sign-up sheets in back of church.

BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR “GIFTS OF LOVE” PROGRAM:  We need your help! ICS is collecting school supplies through Monday, July 20, to help children go back to school with the supplies they need. Our families are struggling to provide the basics of food and shelter for their children; paying for school supplies can be a challenge. 

Transition Updates from the Vestry of St. Michael and All Angels   Vestry’s Report on Transition #2 from the Vestry of St. Michael and All Angels 26 May 2015 Bishop Kirk Smith urged the Vestry to inform the entire parish on the state of our transition process as we move forward to provide calm and build trust.      Our transition begins with thanking Fr. John Smith for his faithful service in the past twenty years. The preparation for the send-off on 28 June, led by Mo. Clare Yarborough, is well underway. If you have not received the information on the send-off, please notify the Parish Office immediately.       Nomination for the Nominating Committee closed on 10 May. Of the 27 nominees, 19 accepted their nomination. The Vestry has started interviewing them in the hope of selecting 8 plus 2 Vestry members to form the 10-member committee by 14 June. The Nominating Committee’s first task is to listen to your opinions and views on the future of this Parish.      The Vestry has also met with one candidate for the Interim Rector, and it is in discernment before further actions.      As the Vestry prayerfully discerns, please say your prayers so not be led into temptation to figure out who the nominees are, and to second-guess the Vestry’s decisions. Succumbing to any temptation is to be delivered to evil, which breaks trust, degrades love and shatters hope.  Keep on praying and let God be our guide.Thank you for your trust. John Hsieh, Senior Warden Lisa Sharp, Junior Warden Jo Leeming, Treasurer Carolyn Schlager, Clerk Andy Harris Reed Karaim Alec Kennedy Marjorie King Chris Lewis Linda Morrison Katrina Noble Todd Vick Joel Williams

Casa Maria - and Picture Time!

Casa Maria Sandwich making is this Friday, May 1st. 
WE NEED YOUR HELP. COME JOIN US!
St Michael's Parish Center,  602 N. Wilmot Rd.
Kitchen opens at 5 PM. Come anytime after that!

Please bring one or two dozen hard cooked, peeled eggs. Also please bring medium sized boxes for transporting the lunches. Fruit boxes from Costco or banana boxes are ideal.

MAURICE will deliver the sandwiches. (Thanks to KARL for March!)

NEXT CASA MARIA: FRIDAY MAY 29th.

Casa Maria is every 4 weeks...
May 1st
May 29th
June 26th
July 24th
Aug 21st
Sept 18th
Oct 16th
Nov 13th
Dec 11th

If you can deliver sandwiches once or twice a year please let us know!

Driving Schedule:
May 1st   Maurice
May 29th  Byron
June 26th  Karl
July 24th   Jill
Aug 21st  Maurice
Sept 18th   Byron
Oct 16th   Karl
Nov 13th   Jill
Dec 11th   Maurice

Casa Maria Team:
Georgiana and Colby Maye, Karl Macomber…  Food Coordinators and purchasing
Robin Donaldson… purchases and delivers the cookies
Carolyn Schlager… purchases and delivers the ham
Pat Miller, Sue Peyron, Robin Donaldson, Jo Leeming… Kitchen Coordinators
Karl Macomber, Jill Coulter, Maruice Wilde, Byron Brandon…Transportation
Pam Stalkfleet…   Lower school Coordinator for Friday afternoon prep (when school is in session).



Parish Directory Update!

Hi, folks!  The time has come to take fresh pictures and update contact info for the Parish Directory.
You can get the current outdated directory at: http://directory.instantchurchdirectory.com/73907083/churchdirectory.pdf.

The password to open it is AngelMike602.

Karen Blocher will be available to take your photo in the Parish Center after all morning masses this Sunday, May 3rd, and on Sunday, May 10th, and after the 12:30 PM and 5 PM Masses on May 10th only. You may submit your own digital photo if you prefer. Please let us know if you wish to opt out of the photos or the directory.

The updating our directory is is an essential part of our transition process.  Without one, we would be unable to gain everyone's input in our self-study, and sending potential applicants away.

Please plan on taking a few minutes on one of these Sundays to help us with this task. Thanks!