January and February will be “St. Michael’s History Months.” In a series of Sunday forums, beginning January 8 at 10:15 am in the Nativity Hall, we will explore the roots of the attributes that make this such a special place. This series will be presented by parishioner and historian The Rev. Dr. Caroline Litzenberger.
Dear Friends, as I mentioned last week, we have renegotiated the Interim Rector Covenant of Ministry, which will increase my time commitment starting January 1st. I will continue to take Mondays off, and normally plan to be in the office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I’m adding Friday but will work from home that day or use it for pastoral visits.
Our Outreach & Justice team are leaving the Advent Giving Tree up in the Gallery until January 8, so there’s still time to donate to the three groups represented there. These groups are Outside In, Community Transitional School and a large Syrian refugee family new to the Portland area.
Giant storms, world-wide drought, record floods, extraordinary temperatures, and massive wildfires, are but a few of the devastating effects of Climate Change that are already happening on our planet. All of this has been predicted since the 1980s. But the necessary changes in our human way of living have been ignored. Today the Episcopal Church is determined to make a difference.
The Winter Solstice on December 21st is the longest and darkest night of the year. It can be uncomfortable being in the dark, and we feel that discomfort living in these dark times of uncertainty, confusion, chaos and change in our own lives, the life of our community and in our world. The darkness may seem more intense as we live in the midst of what, for many, is a joyous festive season. We wait for and long for light, healing and renewed hope in our hearts. On Tuesday, December 20, at 7:00 pm we will come together to celebrate the Longest Night Service and pause to honor the fullness of the darkness in our lives at this time and our dream of returning light.
All youth in middle and high school are invited next Sunday, December 18, for the Annual Youth Group Christmas Party. It will be happening in St. Michael’s House from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. There will be a gingerbread decorating contest and, back by popular demand, a White Elephant gift exchange.
Advent has much wisdom to share with us as we journey through this season of darkness, seeking light and hope. Thomas Merton is known for his prayer which begins, “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end.” This uncertainty is familiar to us. But, this uncertainty about our vocation, our path, about our life and the future life of our community is comforted in the hope we find in Advent. Merton trusted that though he didn’t have all the answers, God would not leave him to face his life journey alone. This is the meaning of Advent. We are not alone.
All members of St. Michael’s are invited to a special Misa on Sunday, December 11, at 1:00 pm to celebrate The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A potluck convivio, or special meal, will be held immediately following the Misa. Please meet in the Gallery where the procession will begin.
One thing I learned writing a grant for the Lake Oswego Public Library for an Everybody Reads program: one hour of a volunteer’s time was valued at $17.65 – in 2007! Given the hundreds of volunteer hours donated by the St Michael’s community—including but not limited to choir members, bathroom remodelers, Vestry and Search/Profile Committee members, Wednesday volunteers, liturgical ministers, community meals—we are able to accomplish far more than what our budget alone can support.
The Advent Giving Tree is back! Thank you to all of you who have already brought in items from the tree. The Advent Giving Tree is in the Gallery; please take a tag or two to lend a hand. The Outreach & Justice Council has chosen three ways we can help others in this season of expectation.
Sunday Worship Schedule
7:30 – Spoken Traditional language (Rite 2 with no music)
9:00 – Traditional Service with Choir
11:00 – Inclusive Language with Choir
1:00 pm – Misa en Español
© 2025 St. Michael & All Angels
