A Young People’s Lessons & Carols will be presented on Saturday, December 18, at 4:30 pm. We are grateful for parishioner and associate clergy the Rev. Bob Macauley, who will preside at the service; for organist Hannah Brewer who will play Advent and Christmas hymns for all to sing; and for the children and youth who will read the appointed lessons foretelling the coming of the Christ Child.
During this time of transition, we are very fortunate to have the Rev. Karen Tiegs serving on Sundays as presider and preacher. The St. Michael’s Vestry and staff, aided by some very capable volunteers, have taken steps to be sure the parish’s needs are covered.
On Sunday, November 14, the Advocacy Action Committee will be in the courtyard, (or on the porch in front of the Nativity Hall if it rains), with letters asking our members of Congress to support the Keeping Girls in School Act (H.R. 4134/S.2276) . This bipartisan bill calls on our government to continue investments in quality and equitable education, and promotes girls’ empowerment and economic security around the world.
The Bishop of Oregon, the Rt. Rev. Diana Akiyama presided at the 9:00 am service on Sunday and then stayed to answer questions.
Our rector of 12 years, The Rev. Christopher Craun, announced last week that she was offered—and accepted—a position as Missioner for Thriving Congregations with the Diocese of Oregon.
Looking for a way to celebrate Halloween this year that doesn’t involve handing out candy? Tune in at 7:00 pm on Sunday, October 31, as our Halloween Harpsichord & Organ Spooktacular is live-streamed through our channels. Or come watch it in person – with a mask, of course, and a costume if you wish! There will be scary poems by Edgar Allen Poe, Louise Erdrich, and others read aloud between creepy and “spooktacular” organ and harpsichord pieces, played by Hannah Brewer. It’ll be a frightful night to remember!
Several of my recent sermons here in the transition from summer to fall have revolved around the theme of prayer – sometimes concrete practices, sometimes more general reflections. I sometimes wonder if it’s wise to preach about prayer, because inevitably the topic will bring up many questions and conversations, and it can feel more nurturing to address these in small groups or other settings tailored specifically for new learning and growth. I’m reminded of this when someone remarks after a sermon, “Oh, I’ve been praying all wrong!” or “I’ve never had an experience like that!”
Since September 2020, on the last Saturday of each month, Burrito Love has been on a mission to provide a nutritional sack lunch to our community neighbors. As you walk in the neighborhood, you may notice Burrito Love flyers posted for the event on telephone poles. Included with each sack are cookies and a chilled bottle of water. The Super Torta restaurant on Woodstock provides the burritos at a significantly reduced cost.
I feel like we are frayed around the edges because of COVID. We are still knit together but have lost some cohesion over the past 18 months. Even our strongest pieces have thinned and struggled to hold everything and everyone together. It’s the nature of collective trauma, surely, to feel forever exhausted and on edge in unstable times.
Still, a golden thread has emerged in our beloved music program in the form of a return to in-person choir rehearsals. Even while we cannot sing to full capacity on Sunday mornings until restrictions are lifted, the St. Michael’s Singers has started gathering again in the open sanctuary on Wednesday nights to learn psalms and anthems together for both personal enrichment and communal worship.
St. Francis Day is on October 4, and we’re celebrating it on Sunday, October 3. All are invited to attend our annual Blessing of the Animals at 12:00 noon in the courtyard. The clergy will offer blessings and treats for each pet, and you can have your photo snapped with St. Francis (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) or in front of the red doors. It’s a chance to chat and catch up with your friends and fellow parishioners and introduce them to your beloved pet.
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
