November is National Native American Heritage Month. You can access a bounty of fascinating Native American information, resources, exhibits, collections and more at nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov. We strongly commend it to you. For example, after just a few moments of searching the site, my eye caught the name Sarah Winnemucca in the “Today in History” links.

On Sunday, October 8, members of the Advocacy Action Committee will be in the Gallery between services with letters to Representatives Blumenauer and Bonamici asking them to support HR 3103, the Defending the Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act. This would prevent any U.S. funds from supporting the detention of children.

At St. Michael & All Angels, we are joining with Christians around the world to celebrate the Season of Creation. “Let Justice and Peace Flow” is the theme for this year’s ecumenical celebration, which is being held this year at St. Michael’s from September 10 through October 11.

Interfaith Power and Light is sponsoring a webinar entitled “Inflation Reduction Act Resources to Electrify your Home” at 4:00 pm on Thursday, September 7.

We’ve been collecting new backpacks and school supplies for a month or so, and the community has responded very generously. We have over 50 backpacks, and this Sunday, August 20, we’ll be packing them with supplies after the 10:00 am service.

As we have for many years, St. Michael’s is collecting new backpacks, school supplies and gift cards for local children in the foster-care system. Please bring items to the church on Sunday, July 23, through Sunday, August 20.

The Portland Pride Parade is almost here! It is being held this coming Sunday, July 16, and St. Michael’s is pulling out all the stops. We have two brand-new banners to display! They are beautiful and will show the world that St. Michael’s cares about and celebrates all people everywhere. We hope that lots of you will come out to walk with us.

A social-justice forum is being offered on Sunday, June 18, from 11:10-11:55 in the Nativity Hall. This forum is sponsored by the St. Michael’s Immigrant Welcoming Congregation (IWC) and Outreach & Justice teams.

Wendell Berry says, “The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy and, after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our  only legitimate hope.”