The Winter 2023 Archangel explores angels — from our patron saint Michael to Uriel, Raphael and Gabriel to the angels that touch us a little closer to home. Click on the image below to view the online version.
Congratulations Vestry Class of 2025
We’re excited to announce our new Vestry class of 2025: Phil Lambe, Jeff McLamb, Sally Norton, Mike Penick and Ruth Scott. We thank all our nominees and for all who attended our Annual Meeting.
And we thank Katherine Poole, our senior warden; Matt Marchione, junior warden; Liz Driscoll, clerk; and Melissa Raley — Class of 2022. Well done, good and faithful servants!
Read the Fall 2022 Archangel
Our Fall issue tells the story of the Duff family, who helped plant the seed that grew into St. Michael's. We celebrate the 20th anniversary of Gifts of Grace, our signature Outreach fundraising event, by looking back at its origins. And our curate, the Rev. David Nichols, shares his path from son of a preacher to becoming a priest. We take a look at Sacred Ground, a series on race founded in faith, and we say farewell to our beloved computer guru, Bob Spaziano, whose "retiring" from a decades-long lay ministry keeping all our tech needs in order.
No Fuss Directory 2022
These days, nobody wants to corral the kids, dress them up, find a slot when no one has other plans and show up for a church directory photograph you’ll never buy. But with a growing church like ours, it’s important to have a secure way to browse “who’s who” in our parish. Our last directory, created in 2017, was out of date before it was printed. So this year, we are hoping you’ll take a few seconds to browse your phone for a picture of your family that you love and send it to us. We’ll upload it to your family information in our database and make it available to all of our parishioners through our member portal. So help everyone in our parish get to know each other by sending your photo to us! Deadline: Sunday, Oct. 23.
Susan Rountree is also available to take a quick photo of you or your family on Sunday mornings. She will be available at the Parish Picnic, on Sunday, Oct. 9. Questions? Contact Susan Rountree.
Small Groups Continue this Fall!
Reflection Circles
St Michael’s Reflection Circles continue to meet. Each “circle” has 7 to 10 people and is facilitated by trained St. Michael’s small group leaders. We read and reflect on the Gospel for the coming Sunday, talk about life today, engage each other, and pray— all in a weekly 45-minute Zoom call. Five groups are operating now, and most could welcome one or two more participants. We will also add more groups as there is interest.
Day and Time Options
Mondays at 9 a.m.
Mondays at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesdays at 10 a.m
Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
Wednesdays at 10 a.m
To join, click “Email Sam Taylor” below, and let him know which group interests you. Don't see a time that works for you? Please let us know what DOES work. If there is enough interest, we will form a new group
If you have additional questions, contact Sam Taylor (908-399-5566)
Centering Prayer | Tuesdays at 9 a.m.
We have 20 minutes of centering prayer followed by a book discussion. All are welcome to join. No experience is necessary. For more information about Centering Prayer, please contact Leon Woodruff below.
The Youth Ministry Needs Your Help this Fall!
We will need volunteers to help kick off our 2022-23 program year which runs September-May.
Contact: Abby Van Noppen (vannoppen@holymichael.org)
Archangel Summer 2022
Children's Ministry–Planning for Fall
It takes a village to run our vibrant Children's Ministry. There is something for everyone! Please consider volunteering one Sunday morning a month during our program year, which runs September-May.
ERD: Ukranian Crisis Response
Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is supporting Action by Churches Together (ACT Alliance) as it provides critical assistance to support people affected by violence in Ukraine. Working through ACT member Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) and other local organizations, ACT Alliance is providing emergency assistance such as food, shelter, water and basic supplies to refugees and people displaced within Ukraine.
Duff/Capps Higher Education Scholarship
Each year we offer the opportunity for high school and post-high school students pursuing higher education experiences a chance to apply for the Duff/Capps Scholarship. The scholarship was created by Claire Duff Capps as a school project, and it was renamed for her late father, Bill Duff.
Deadline: Sunday April 10
Diocesan Lenten Book Study: The Color of Compromise
The Color of Compromise Book and Video Study
The Diocese of North Carolina is offering a video and book study of The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby on Monday, March 7, 14, 21 and 28 and April 4 and 11, 12-1 p.m. During the weekly meeting via Zoom, participants will watch the video series together and engage in conversation. The Color of Compromise is a timely study of how people of faith have historically—up to the present day—worked against racial justice. It is also a call for urgent action by all Christians today in response. The Color of Compromise is both enlightening and compelling, telling history we either ignore or just don't know. Equal parts insightful and inspirational, it details how the American church has helped create and maintain racist ideas and practices. We will be guided in thinking through concrete solutions for improved race relations and a racially inclusive church. There is no cost to attend this event, but registration is required. Register.
Social Justice Ministry
Better Together 4NC
Presenter: Chief Estella D. Patterson Raleigh Police Department
Estella D. Patterson was appointed Chief of the Raleigh Police Department on August 1, 2021. As Raleigh’s senior law enforcement official, Chief Patterson leads the capital city’s police department of over 900 sworn and civilian employees. With a goal of making Raleigh the safest city in the nation, Chief Patterson’s priorities are to reduce violent crime, increase community engagement, and increase efficiency and morale throughout the Department. Before joining the Raleigh Police Department, Chief Patterson served with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department from 1996-2021 in numerous capacities including patrol officer, instructor, recruitment director, Internal Affairs commander, and Patrol Services Deputy Chief.
Aside from serving her community as a public safety professional, Chief Patterson served her country as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve from 1996-2005. Her service included combat tours to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian and to Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Chief Patterson currently serves as an executive board member and second vice-president of the N.C. Police Executives Association. She is also a Commissioner on the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission which regulates the training, certification, and policy making for all police officers in the state of North Carolina. Additionally, she is a member of the Eastern NC chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). Chief Patterson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master of Science in criminal justice from the University of Oklahoma. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and attended the 56th Session of the Senior Management Institute for Police. As a law enforcement professional and dedicated public servant, Chief Patterson’s passions lie in building collaborative partnerships in the community and engaging the youth through positive mentoring initiatives.
Women's Bible Study
Take Courage, A Study of Haggai
by Jennifer Rothschild
Friday Mornings, March 11— April 29 | 9:30– 11:30 a.m.
Adult Ed. Room
Do you ever feel like the happy ending of your story is a million miles away? Then you may know how the Jewish people felt when they returned to their wrecked land after exile and began rebuilding the temple. They were distracted and discouraged, ready to give up. But the prophet Haggai reminded them they could find courage in the God who had never left them.
Sometimes the landscapes of our lives feel wrecked, with our hope and purpose in shambles. We too get distracted and discouraged. However, God’s presence and promises give us the courage to press on and trust Him with our story
In this 7-session study on the Book of Haggai, we will learn to walk confidently in our calling, stay motivated despite opposition, and courageously invest our lives in God’s purposes, trusting Him for results even if we may never see them in this lifetime.
Workbooks can be ordered from Lifeway or Amazon.
Contact Frances Penick below to ask questions or to register.
Winter 2022 Archangel: The Awe of God
What is awe and what does the Bible say about it? Join us as we explore this complex emotion, with a beloved theologian and a scientist who studies it. And see where some of us have found it in our everyday lives.
If you’d like to see more of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s thoughts on awe, watch our YouTube video!
Owls Events for March
Lecture: Thursday, March 3 | 2 p.m.
Catherine Lawrence, Art Hostorian presents: “Christian Art: The Human and the Divine”
From the catacombs beneath Rome to the grandeur of the Renaissance, the spirit of Christianity is written in its sacred art. Artists have created images of Jesus Christ, his disciples, the Virgin Mary, saints and martyrs for over 2,000 years. How did they express Christian theology in creating human representations of the Divine? Christian art reflects the history of our faith and delivers the message of hope to present and future generations. This spirit is summed up in the words of the Psalmist: “O worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness.”
Parish Day School Has a Few Openings
St. Michael's Parish Day School registration period has ended, there are a few spaces available. For more information about our half-day preschool program, please see our viewbook. If you would like to schedule a tour or learn more about available space, please contact Mandy Annunziata, Parish Day School Director at 919-782-6430.
Communion Curriculum Begins Sunday, Feb. 27
We are excited to offer a new Holy Communion Curriculum for our First & Second-grade students this Spring! Third grade students are more than welcome to participate as well.
Beginning on Sunday, February 27, the 6-week curriculum will take place during the Sunday School hour. We will have an at-home option available for families who would like to participate from home.
We'll have a special Communion Celebration Service for all participants, at the completion of the curriculum, on May 1 during the 10 a.m. service.
Please contact Abby Van Noppen with any questions.
St. Michael's Children's Ministry presents, "The Christmas Story."
The children of St. Michael's present: The Christmas Story
We hope you enjoy this year's Christmas program! A big thank you to all of the
children and families that participated in sharing the greatest story ever told.
Merry Christmas from the Children's Ministry!
Digging Deep: What Was Here Before St. Michael's?
Have you ever wondered what was on the site before Saint Michael's was built? Greg Jones has wondered for a long time. On Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m., he will share what he's uncovered about the history of our land and the neighboring area, including Oberlin Village, the once prosperous black community right next to us. This will be a survey of the history of Raleigh since before 1792, with a focus on the vicinity around Saint Michael's. Interesting, unexpected, and also painful historical realities will be discussed.
Join Greg in the Nave for this fascinating history. The talk will be live-streamed on Facebook Live.
Adult Forum
Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m., in the NaveWhat was here before St. Michael’s
with the Rev. Samuel Gregory Jones
Congrats to Susan Little!
Our own Susan Little, financial administrator, celebrates 30 years of service at St. Michael’s this week! In those years, she has served with all four of our rectors, expertly managing our finances through three decades — through two recessions, recovery and now a pandemic. She continues to be a crucial and valued member of our team. We thank Susan for her steadfast commitment to and love for our parish and her people. Here what our rector has to say:
The great Susan Little, exemplifies this kind of steadfast love in a way that humbles me as a colleague. This week she marks her thirtieth year on the staff of St. Michael’s. She is without question a central pillar of this entire household of God. I cannot overstate how much our fiscal health and core-strength good stewardship of God’s resources is thanks to Susan’s diligence, commitment, and three decades of long hours. Susan’s ministry has been and is simply essential to the health of this church, and honestly, we can never thank her enough. All we can do is pray she stays another thirty years.
Steadfast love builds God's house, and so does Susan Little.
If you see Susan, tell her thank you for her continued love and service.
