St. Michael’s will continue its partnership with the Center for Spiritual Formation from Carlisle, PA to offer a two-year program through our campus in the Ministry of Spiritual Direction. A new class will begin in September of 2021.
Spiritual Direction is companionship given by one Christian to another which enables that person to listen for the direction of the Holy Spirit as a person opens their life to God’s presence; to respond to God’s guidance; to grow in intimacy with God, and to live out the beauty of the relationship. The program is intended to assist those who participate in sharpening listening skills, bring clarity to areas of giftedness, and acquire the tools and practices essential to caring for souls in love.
YEAR ONE: focuses on the history, traditions and models, Biblical roots, and theological foundations of Spiritual Direction. It highlights the differences between psychological counseling and Spiritual Direction and demonstrates a contemplative approach to God.
YEAR TWO: focuses on the actual practice of Spiritual Direction: developing listening and assessment skills; becoming familiar with displacement and projection, transference and counter-transference; acquiring a working knowledge of the life-stages of faith development; cultivating an increased awareness of the power of prayer and healing; and learning the importance of supervision.
The Ministry of Spiritual Direction Program creates space for those participating to:
- Gain or deepen one’s understanding, sensitivity, and insight into the workings of the Holy Spirit.
- Create awareness of the need for an ever-growing connection between the inner life of the Spirit and the outer life of faithfulness to the Spirit’s direction.
- Facilitate a deepening prayer life and greater contentment with silence and solitude.
- Equip those participating to deal with strong emotions and maintain relationships over time.
• select “About Us”
• select “Spiritual Direction”
Or connect with Ashleigh Gonzalez in the Parish Office at ashleigh@stmichaelschurch.com for any clarifying questions you may have about the program itself or the upcoming interest meeting.
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We have "pre-consecrated" bread and wine available for those who will continue to join us in worship through YouTube available for pick-up at the church office.
WHEN TO PICK- UP COMMUNION:
- THURSDAY APRIL 8 & 9
- 9AM to 5PM
- CHURCH OFFICE
* Please note: Gluten-free elements for those with allergies and/or intolerances are available by request. Please email ashleigh@stmichaelschurch.com by end of day Wednesday to ensure the elements will be available for pick-up Thursday and Friday.
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Registration for the Upcoming 2021-2022
School Year
St. Michael’s Preschool provides a cheerful and educational preschool experience for children from toddler age to pre-kindergarten. It is the mission of the Preschool to provide a nurturing, safe and stimulating environment for children where the love of Jesus Christ is reflected in actions of the teachers and children. Our desire is to ensure that our students are receiving quality, early childhood education in a Christian manner. We believe that each child is a gift from God.
We are currently enrolling for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year. We’d love to show you firsthand all the learning that takes place here at St. Michael’s each day. To set up a tour, please contact Melanie Olivier in the Preschool office by phone 407-843-8448 ext. 245 or by email preschool@stmichaelschurch.com.
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ST. MICHAEL'S PRESCHOOL
SUMMER CAMP!
Join us this summer for storybook based summer time fun with a mix of art, crafts, activities, learning and outdoor activities. Our camp is for ages 18 months to those entering Kindergarten in the fall. Camp will be offered Monday through Thursday from 9am until 1pm on the following weeks: June 7-10, June 14-17, June 21-24, July 12-15 and July 19-22. Contact the preschool office for registration.
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ST. MICHAEL'S CHILDREN'S MINISTRY |
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VBS: Unfortunately, we have decided that we will not have VBS this summer at St. Michael’s. Due to the unforeseen future and the time it takes to plan such a big event we feel this is the best decision. There was a survey that was sent out offering an alternative VBS this summer, but the response was not enough to offer that option.
If you chose the option for your 2020 registration fee to be held for 2021 please let me know what you would like us to do with that money. We can do a refund, hold till 2022 or it can be donated to VBS 2022.
We pray for you and the health of your family and we cannot wait until we can be freely together again.
Please call, text, email or facetime with anything you might need or just to say hi! I am here if the kids need to talk! 407-415-4523.
Don't forget to like our Facebook page for more!
For the link to this Sundays lesson. Click Below!
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Every Stitch Holds a Prayer
CALLING ALL CROCHETERS, KNITTERS, AND TEXTILE ARTISTS
St. Michael's invites you to participate in this new care ministry. Prayer shawls are intended to be a reminder of God's ever-present Love. It is an unconditional gift for every season of life- joy and sorrow, when you are weeping or celebrating, in life and in death. The power of the prayer shawl is in its physical properties and source of warmth. They hug, nurture, give solace, shelter, uplift, and affirm those who are in need. The prayer shawl acts as a reminder that we are lovingly held by our God.
THE WORK OF HUMAN HANDS IN PRAYER
A prayer shawl is a labor of love in prayer and work. The maker always begins with prayer and prayerful intentions are continued throughout the creation. When completed, a priest will bless the shawls before they are gifted.
The blessing ripples from person to person, with both the giver and receiver, feeling the almighty embrace of God. The prayer shawl ministry yearns to be a faith-sharing community.
ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SERVE
If you or someone you know would like to provide an act of love by creating prayer shawls or squares, please CLICK HERE to complete this form or contact Pastoral Care Coordinator, Emilie Joudi Vick at pastoralcare@stmichaelschurch.com (407) 801-9926.
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Tails are wagging for a special event!!!
Paws for Peace on April 17!
UPDATE: I know that many of us are still not comfortable participating in events. I would ask you to read the story below and consider making a donation to our team (so far, the Robertsons) that will be walking next week.
Kjerstin, Collin and Silas (Our chief mixing bowl licker!) will have their chef hats on all weekend making treats! Any person contributing $5 or more to our team page will receive a bag of fresh baked, grain free dog treats! (treat bags can be picked up in the office from Mike.)
Please pray for those that Harbor House serves as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
Why we walk:
In honor of animal cruelty awareness month, I wanted to share a quick story of a survivor and her dog whose lives were changed by the Paws for Peace Kennel:
Sarah* and her German Shepherd mix Mia* came to stay at our emergency shelter a few months ago. Sarah’s abuser always kept Mia chained to a tree outside—it was one of the many ways he tried to hurt Sarah in their relationship. Just like any human who experiences abuse, Mia showed signs of both physical and emotional trauma. Mia was aggressive and fearful of sounds and movements. She didn’t let anyone except Sarah to get close to her. When they arrived at shelter, Sarah told our kennel coordinator Jane that she was worried about her dog’s behavior and did not know if she would be able to keep her. Jane called Dr. Mac at the Pet Alliance to give her an annual checkup and vaccines.
Throughout their month stay at Harbor House, Jane and Sarah worked with Mia every day to restore the trust and help them reconnect with each other. Dr. Mac began treating the dog for anxiety, and Sarah would play or read to Mia to help her calm down. Eventually Mia got more comfortable in the kennel and was able interact with Jane while Sarah was at work, even letting Jane take her on a walk. Harbor House helped Sarah find pet-friendly housing and provided her with the dog food, prescriptions, and other supplies that she needed to move on her own. They are now both safe from their abuser and doing well.
For Sarah and Mia, Harbor House and the Paws for Peace Kennel was more than just a place to stay. It was a place to heal—together.
When Sarah left the emergency shelter, she thanked us for saving her dog’s life. Today I wanted to pass that thank you on to you. All these services—the checkup, vaccines, boarding, prescriptions and supplies are only possible because of donations from our Paws for Peace Walk.
Because of your support so far, we have already reached $35,000. Can you help us reach our goal of $65,000 by sharing your donation page to the animal lovers in your life? *names have been changed for confidentiality
Thank you,
Michelle Sperzel
CEO of Harbor House of Central Florida
About Harbor House: Harbor House of Central Florida is the only state-certified domestic violence center serving Orange County. Founded in 1976 and now serving thousands of women, children, men, and pets impacted by domestic violence each year, Harbor House offers emergency shelter, 24/7 hotline, outreach services, court advocacy, childcare, violence prevention education for youth, community training, and an on-site kennel.
The walk benefits the Paws for Peace Kennel at Harbor House. This is important because:
- 48% of survivors delay leaving an abusive situation for fear their pets will be harmed.
- 88% of pets living in domestic violence homes are abused.
- More than 350 pets have been safely housed in the Paws for Peace Kennel since it opened in 2012.
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EYC WILL MEET THIS SUNDAY: APRIL 11
EYC will meet Sunday, APRIL 11 (5:30-7:30PM)
EYC is on this Sunday!! Remember to bring your own food and drink, a chair if you'd like (though we'll have them), and wear a mask please. There is going to be fun, fire, and Jesus.
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“GOODNIGHT WITH MR. ANDREW”
Sunday, April 11, 6:30 PM
“Songs & Prayers Time” - 15-20 mins for our young ones beginning at 6:30.
- The Lord’s Prayer
- A selection from our repertoire of Angel’s Choir songs….
- Individual prayers and thanksgivings
- A sung version of “Good Night Moon” that includes a closing prayer.
APRIL 11: EASTER 2
DOUBTING THOMAS
Apparently the Pope’s response to seeing Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion” was “It is as it was” – it was as if the Pope had been transported back to 1st century AD, and watched the events unfold exactly as seen in this powerful movie.
How about if you had not been there in that upper room with the disciples when Jesus appeared? Would you have believed your companion’s account of Jesus appearing to them? Would you have doubted? When Thomas did finally see the resurrected Christ, how profound for us are Jesus’s words from the Gospel of John:
"Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
SUNDAY
PRELUDE MUSIC AT 10:00 AM
1 At Easter-tide C. V. Stanford (1852-1924)
2 On “Fairest Lord Jesus” D. Johnson (1922-1987)
3 On “I know that my Redeemer liveth” G. F. Handel (1685-1759)
SERVICE
Opening: 693 Just as I am, without one plea
Praise: Canticle 13: Glory to you S-236 Rutter
Gospel: Bless the Lord, my soul (Taizé)
Offertory: Go forth into the world J. Rutter (b.1945)
Go forth into the world in peace; Be of good courage, Hold fast that which is good, Render to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the fainthearted, support the weak, Help the afflicted, Honor all persons. Love and serve the Lord, Rejoicing in the power of the Spirit, And the blessing of God the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
Sanctus: Mass of Mercy / True
Fraction: S-154 Christ our Passover
Closing: 542 Christ is the world’s true light
POSTLUDE
On “My Jesus calls to me” J. Brahms (1833-1897)
CONTACT ANDREW AT ANY TIME – if interested in becoming a part of the Music Ministry at St. Michael’s. Email: andrew@stmichaelschurch.com or call the church 407-843-8448 x.246.
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PRAYER LIST
Ann, Audrey, Barbara, Benny, Bill C., Bill H., Bob, Brayden, Chad, Colonel, Conover, David, Deirdre, Dick, Doug, Edwina, Ellen, Emilie, Gylla, Hazel, Jamie, Jasper, Jeanette G., John, Joy, Katie, Kristina, Krystal, Levi, Lindsey, Lisa, Mal, Mary, Nayim, Nelson, Paul, Renee, Ron, Sara, Stephanie, Tiffany P., Tom, Walter.
BIRTHDAYS
8: Ellen Presnell 9: Allen Arthur 10: Truman Booth, Blair Botts, Quentin Caruso, Kelly Tramell 11: Bob Brightman 12: Spenser Cheek, Barrett Crannick, Betsy Culpepper, Griffin Warlow 14: Wade Botts
ANNIVERSARIES
9: O’Neil & Kelley Cummings, Scott & Kathy Shearer 10: Stephen & Melanie Olivier 12: Greg & Christina Favazza
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St. Michael's Episcopal Church | Website
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