Parish Newsletter
February
Paula Ponders
February 22, 2025
This Sunday we hear a continuation of Jesus' sermon on the plain. It sounds to me like his advice is given in plain talk - easy to say but tough to carry out. Love my enemies; forgive everyone; do not judge? These are attributes of God and not me! Yet Jesus is saying, if I want to overcome evil I must not be trapped into responding to violence with violence. When I do, the evil powers have won by adding me to their ranks. By responding with non-judgmental love and forgiveness I will actually do good to myself and come to know God who is love.
I'll see you in church,
Paula+
February Deacon’s Corner
Dear St. Michaels family,
February is upon us already. We will be starting the St. Michaels Brown Bag Lunch Program on February 1st partnered with the Lincoln Park Police Department. We will be handing out bag lunches on a first come first serve basis at the church and the L.P. Police Department will take some of the lunches and distribute them to people they encounter on the street that might need something to eat. We will begin with 50 lunches on the 1st and if the need is great, we will continue the lunch program monthly, with the goal of getting other churches involved to help fill the need. Thank you to all who contribute to the lunches with items, your time and with monetary donations. WE NEED YOU. My prayer for all of you is to stay safe and healthy throughout this year and don’t forget to pray for each other.
Peace to you, Deacon Rob
Good news February 22, 2025
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.
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.
Amazon Wish List QR Code
Doing Shopping This Week?
Please pick up something for our pantry
So Many Are Hungry
This Week’s Wish List Item
The need is great! Thank you!
SMALL CHURCHES, BIG IMPACT
Paula presented the latest news on the Lincoln Park Social Development Coalition and the outreach happening at our church to the delegates from each of the churches in our Deanery. We gathered here at St. Michael's to hear this important way in which small churches can bring about a big impact despite limited financial and human resources. A podcast is available for those who wish to hear more.
Chocolate Walk
We welcomed nearly 50 of our neighbors with a sweet treat! Rick made brownies, Kathy brought the Bushway pretzel and chocolate goodies, and Chris had cookies. Adam and Don organized the afternoon. We are grateful for all the smiling faces that greeted folks to the event.
We are embarking on a Capital Campaign!
Kick-Off with a Champagne Brunch
Sunday March 2 after our 10:30 a.m. service
We are raising funds to improve our church's infrastructure - a new stove, an electric outdoor sign, and new flooring for the sanctuary. These improvements will enhance our ability to serve the community, hold events, and present a welcoming environment. Come to hear more about our efforts while enjoying a delicious brunch and bubbly!
The Snow Came
But We Still Carried On!
By Mass time on Sunday there were ten households on Livestream and at the end of the day the number grew to 24. This ability for those to worship with us, despite the weather is due to Charles and Hope Parker. They provide the service with the addition of prayers and lyrics on the screen, to give a full experience. No other church in the diocese has this offering. Please give a huge sign of thanks to the Parkers!
February 26th Choir Practice 5:30pm
March 1st Plarning for Homeless 2pm - 4pm
March 2nd Champagne Brunch after Mass
March 5th Ashes to Go
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