Parish Newsletter
December
Paula Ponders
December 21, 2024
Emmanuel means God is with us and with us now. God did not wait for a perfect time to come, God did not wait for a perfect place to come; God did not wait for a perfect people to come; but God came when the need was the greatest. When we are full of confusion and doubt and betrayal.
When we remember that Christmas is already here, then we no longer need to wait for Christmas to come--instead it is we who need to come to Christmas.
I'll see you in church,
Paula+
December Deacon’s Corner
To my St. Michaels family,
The lead up to the ordination is over. Now that I have a couple services under my belt along with my first sermon as your deacon, I've had some time to reflect on all that has happened, and so I would like to share some of my thoughts and feelings with you. I am deeply honored and humbled to be able to serve as your Deacon. I feel I have come full circle in this wonderful church, starting out attending Sunday School, serving as an acolyte, then a lay reader, serving as senior warden on the vestry and now as an ordained deacon. Who would of thunk it? Not me. But as I started my discernment class four years ago, then EYSJ (exploring your spiritual journey), I realized this is where God was leading me to be. I am willing and committed, and my primary goal will be as a servant to each of you, to support the church's mission through acts of service and outreach and to proudly represent St. Michaels. I will be dedicated with active listening to the
needs of this congregation, each of you and the needs of our community of Lincoln Park. We know and love each other and so I encourage you to reach out to me or Paula for any reason, whether it's guidance, assistance or simply to bend an ear. I believe that being a deacon is a call to be a living example of Christ's love and compassion, and I will strive to embody that in all my interactions. I ask that you continue to pray for one another, for Kitty and I for Paula for St. Michael’s and the world and for God’s wisdom in all we do. We can't do it alone. We need Gods' help to do God's work.
Many blessings to you, Deacon Rob
Good news December 21, 2024
Memorial Lamps - The experience of the pandemic is highlighting what is truly important to our community. It is apparent that the need for fresh flowers on the altar each week is not a burning desire. With that in mind, we will halt the regular purchase of flowers but continue to accept memorial donations for lamps. These donations support our worship supplies such as bread, wine, linens, candles, and oils. Please contact Tracey on reserving a date. Lamps are $7 each. Dates available 12/29 (two)
Let us pray for peace: Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP pg 815)
Sunday Schedule
Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m. in the church!
and livestreamed.
Livestream and Recorded
click here to view
HELP US HELP OTHERS
Take a tag and give to our outreach efforts. Each tag should cost around $5-$10 depending on where you shop. And if you shop at Kroger, using your Community Rewards card will be a win-win for St. Michael's.
Doing Shopping This Week?
Please pick up something for our pantry
So Many Are Hungry
The need is great! Thank you!
The Mitten Tree
Matt Werling, flanked by Police Chief Scott Lavis and Community Police Sgt. Sean Niklas, picks up our donations for the Goodfellows. Then Linda transforms the tree into a classic beauty!
Christmas is Getting Near
We are preparing the way for Christmas. The choir is practicing and we have a new digital piano. The decorations are hung.
Spread the word, invite your family and friends to - Christmas Eve Mass 8:00 p.m.
Feast of the Birth of Our Savior
Christmas Eve at 8:00 p.m.
Our church will be aglow with candles, and we join our choir and band in singing tidings of comfort and joy.
Spreading Joy in Song
Caroling with Kids from the Theater Group at
Rivergate Terrace Nursing
An impromptu mini SMADG at Mi Lindo San Blas following the Caroling
Secret Santa Visits
The Lincoln Park Police escorted Elf #32A and #32B to gift St. Michael's with $400. There is an article appearing in Tuesday's Free Press giving us and our Coat Give Away a shout out! You can read about it here:
2 ANONYMOUS DONORS CONTINUE TO SPREAD JOY
BLUE CHRISTMAS
This candlelight service brought hope for all who are struggling at this time of year. We experienced special music, prayers, and an inspiring message of encouragement.
December 21 Plarning for Homeless 2pm to 4pm
We depend on your open hand to help us continue our mission to a needy world:
Our Blessing Box is emptied several times each week as we care for those in need of food. Rob has started a Go Fund Me page to help us keep the Box filled. Click on that link to make a contribution directly to the food drive.
We rely on your generosity in a special way during the Lenten season to reach out in ways we could never do alone. You can conveniently give online by clicking on the button above and choosing St. Michaels Lincoln Park. Thank you so much for anything you can do to help us reach others!
If you have benefited from any of our ministries this year
If you want the blessings of this community to benefit the lives of others
If you dream of a thriving world where St. Michael's brings greater belonging, well-being, and peace to all.
Doing Some Shopping?. - Every time you shop at Kroger, you can raise funds for St. Michael. All you have to do is swipe your Plus Card. To enroll your card or create a new account follow these simple instructions. Here's how.
It all adds up - Current 2023 year to date totals that St Michael’s has received through the Kroger program is: Kroger $95.86
We now have an Amazon Wish List that can be shopped from and will ship directly to the church
FOOD PANTRY / Blessings Box - St. Michaels is now providing for the needs of our neighbors through our Blessing Box as well as the local women’s shelter. We appreciate your donations to keep it filled. Whenever pop top cans are available they are preferred by people who don’t have kitchen facilities available. Items needed include household necessities, but are not limited to the following: Paper towels, Napkins, Toilet paper, Bath soap, Health & beauty, Toothpaste Related items, Diapers, Wipes, Feminine hygiene supplies, Dish soap, disinfectant & cleaning supplies, Shampoo & Conditioner, Laundry soap, Food items include but are not limited to: Canned Soup, Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetable, Canned Tuna, Granola Bars, Instant Potatoes, Baked Beans, Mac N Cheese, Canned Pasta, Canned Meat, Cereal, Oatmeal, Box of Crackers, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Ketchup, Jar of Applesauce, Puddings, Pasta Sauce, Spaghetti Sauce
Blessings Box Specific Items - Pull top: ready to eat soups, canned pastas, canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned tuna or in single serving pouch, granola bars, cereal bars, single serving cereals, juice boxes, single serve shelf stable milk, single serve pudding cups, jell-o cups, single serve water bottles (20oz or smaller),
If you are unsure what to get, please make a monetary donation
Or visit our Amazon Wish List for items
Thank you for your help in this meaningful ministry for those in need!
Click here for downloadable shopping list