It’s that wonderful time of the year when we collect backpacks and school supplies for local children in the foster-care system! This year’s shopping list has an emphasis on providing some of the most requested items from classroom teachers (see pre-sharpened Ticonderoga pencils!)

Grief is an isolating yet common experience. To speak to this and to find some sense of healing, we’re holding three grief circles during the month of May, co-hosted by Rev. Julia and various members of our parish. At this time, all sessions will be held at the church and in-person.

December can be a difficult month for those who have faced the loss of a loved one or who have experienced hardship associated with this time of year. For some, the Christmas season is one of sadness or loneliness; for others, it is hectic and stressful. If you need an escape from the cheery Christmas tunes and busy atmosphere of the season, you are invited to come to our Longest Night service (also known as Blue Christmas) on Tuesday, December 21 at 7:00 pm.

Who knew back in the spring that the scourge of COVID-19 would still be with us as we head in to the holidays? Portland is suffering along with the rest of the country. Many members of our parish have been impacted by the loss of jobs or having had their work hours reduced.

In the spring, many St. Michael’s parishioners and friends offered to donate money to help those less fortunate, include some who lost most or all of their income and/or were not eligible for federal funds. At the beginning, volunteers bought and delivered actual groceries to two to four families. Then, as the number of families needing help grew to around 15, the team switched to giving grocery gift cards.