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Weekly eNews

December 1, 2023

This Weekend at St. Michael's

Advent Festival

First Sunday in Advent

This Sunday, Dec. 3, 9:15 AM


I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5

This Sunday we begin a new Christian year and light the first candle in our Advent wreath representing HOPE. Come kickoff this season of expectation at 9:15 AM in the Parish Hall with Advent Wreath making, ornament creation, crafts, and fellowship. This is an intergenerational offering open to all. Bring your wreath holder from last year or purchase one from us. ($5 for a wreath holder and $5 for Advent candles).

Christmas Light Festival 

Build Volunteers Needed

Today, Friday, 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Saturday, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM


We are down to the final weekend of our Light Build, and the grounds are looking spectacular, but we still need your help! The final push to get all the lights hung happens this weekend December 1 & 2.

Volunteer for Light Build

Christmas Light Festival

Opening Weekend

December 8 & 9

6:00 - 8:00 PM 


Last year we welcomed over 3,000 people, and we collected thousands of canned goods and hundreds of toys for those in need. Make plans now to join us for another spectacular Light Festival with new displays and experiences. Invite your family, neighbors, and the cashier in the checkout line. Volunteer on December 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, or 23 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM and help others have a joyful, blessed experience. You'll undoubtedly be blessed as well!

*Please note there will be a Volunteer Dinner and Walk-through next Thursday, December 7 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Important instructions will be given for all positions, so please plan to attend.

Volunteer for Light Festival

Christmas Pageant

December 17, 10:30 AM

Rehearsals Begin Sunday!


Calling all children of the parish! Rehearsals for the Christmas pageant begin THIS Sunday from 12:00 - 2:00 PM. Come drop in even if you have not signed up. Rehearsals will include lunch and interactive crafts and activities, adding to the true Christmas experience!


Pageant Schedule:

Rehearsal #1 – Sunday, December 3, 12:00 – 2:00 PM

Rehearsal #2 – Sunday, December 10, 12:00 – 2:00 PM

Dress Rehearsal – Saturday, December 16, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Pageant Day – Arrive at 9:00 AM, Pageant during 10:30 Service

Sign Up for Pageant

Current Stewardship Update


Pledges have continued to roll in over the past week, and we are pleased to report we are now up to 211 homes that have pledged a total of $778,022 in support of our mission and ministries in 2024. We are edging closer to our goal of $850,000. If you have not yet pledged, please pray about supporting all the wonderful things happening at your spiritual home. Every pledge makes a difference!

I'm ready to make a 2024 Pledge

This Sunday, December 3

First Sunday of Advent

Volunteer to help with Worship this Sunday

Worship Volunteers Needed

Can you be an usher, greeter, lay reader, nursery helper, or assist with coffee hour?

Click above to sign up today & thank you!

Worship with Us

8:00 AM Holy Eucharist

10:30 AM Holy Eucharist with Choir

- Watch on YouTube

- Watch on Facebook

- Worship Bulletin

Education & More!

9:15 AM Advent Festival

This event will take place in the Parish Hall and will not be livestreamed. The next livestreamed Sunday Forum will be Jan. 7.

Nursery Care Available for Children 5 and under 7:45 - 12:00 PM.

Join for Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall after each service.

Upcoming Events & Parish Life

Youth Christmas Party

THIS Wednesday, Dec. 6

6:00 - 8:00 PM


Middle & High Schoolers are invited to join this week for the Youth Group Christmas Party. They will munch on some table nachos (!), drink hot chocolate, listen to Christmas music, decorate gingerbread houses, and ring in the holiday season together! For planning purposes, please sign up below. Don't forget to wear your favorite Christmas sweater!

Sign Up for Christmas Party

Young Adult Theology on Tap

Friday, Dec. 8, 6:30 - 8:00 PM


Young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to join at Goat Patch Brewing with other young adults from around the Springs for sharing, learning and fellowship. Mason Mennenga from United Theological Seminary in the Twin Cities will be leading a conversation about "process theology"...the theology you most likely believe even if you didn't know it. No RSVP needed.

Advent Retreat

December 9, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM


There are still spaces available to join the Well on an imaginary, contemplative, and metaphorical journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. Along the way, you will pray, meditate, journal, and walk the labyrinth. There is a $20 registration fee, and lunch will be provided. Email Margie Arms at margaretarms@gmail.com with any questions.

Sign Up for the 2023 Advent Retreat

Habitat Apostle Build Home Dedication

Saturday, Dec. 9, 10:30 AM


As one of Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity's partner churches, all members of St. Mike's are invited and encouraged to attend a home dedication ceremony on Saturday, December 9 at 10:30 AM at 5303 Beauport Drive in the Ridge at Sand Creek neighborhood. During this special ceremony, attendees will hear from the homeowners, pray for them, and listen to the United States Air Force Academy Gospel Choir perform. Following the event, there will be snacks and a tour the completed home. We hope our St Mike's family can come out in a show of support for this significant and exciting milestone!

Sense-ational Journey to Bethlehem

Sunday, Dec. 10, 9:15 AM


Journey to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph using all five of your senses. Come see, taste, smell, touch, and hear something new along the way. All are welcome for this intergenerational event.

Christmas Brass & Poinsettias

Donations Due Dec. 13


Help us fill the church for our Christmas celebration with beautiful poinsettias and glorious brass music (for 4:00 & 7:00 PM Christmas Eve services) by making a donation in thanksgiving for or in memory of a loved one.

Donate to Christmas Poinsettias & Brass 

Blue Christmas Service

Thursday, Dec. 14, 7:00 PM


Christmas can be a difficult season for many. If you are feeling loss or hurt, or are estranged from the general feelings of joy and happiness during this time of year, you are invited to join us in-person or online for our Blue Christmas Service with music and Holy Eucharist. 

Interfaith Habitat Build

Saturday, Dec. 16, AM & PM Shifts


This Interfaith Build brings together volunteers from a variety of different backgrounds, beliefs, and faiths to work together in unity to build affordable homes. St. Mike's volunteers will be paired with a team from a different belief tradition to work, share lunch, and enjoy time together. No experience is necessary, and there are two shifts available from which to choose: 8:30 -12:00 and 12:45 - 4:30. To learn more about this event and the future homeowner or to sign up, click below. Lunch will be provided!

Sign Up for Habitat Build

Nursery Volunteers Needed

During 10:30 AM Services


Are you missing your grandchildren or days gone by when your children were younger? We have an opportunity for you! Due to the wonderful growth in young families attending St. Mike's, we are needing additional help in the nursery with our children 5 and under during the 10:30 services. You don't need to make a long-term commitment...simply sign up for a Sunday here and there as your schedule permits.

Sign Up as Nursery Volunteer

January - February Archangel 

Article Deadline, December 15


While it's a bit difficult to be thinking about Epiphany and beyond when we're just beginning Advent, the deadline for our January - February Archangel is coming up. Please send any submissions to comm@stmikeschurch.com by December 15.

Alternative Gift Giving


Last Friday, we encouraged you to skip the Black Friday lines and consider giving to causes connected with St. Michael's. If you missed this last week, here are some partner organizations and ministries you may wish to donate to during this holiday season.

  • St. Michael's Mental Health Fund
  • St. Michael's Outreach Partners
  • Episcopal Relief & Development
  • St. George's Bazaar, Jerusalem
  • Thistle Farms
  • Community of St. Mary's
Alternative Giving Information & Resources

Church Calendar Access


Did you know that the full church calendar is accessible via the St. Mike's website under the "Resources" tab on the homepage? As the daily activity has increased at St. Mike's and therefore the space required to detail it in the eNews, we are inclined to simply provide a link to the calendar each Friday versus the full calendar detail. Please email Communications Coordinator, Ama Couch, at comm@stmikeschurch.com with any feedback on this change.

View Church Calendar

Birthdays This Week:


December 5 - Lorrie Pettis

December 7 - Ann Couch

December 7 - Dorothy Scott

December 8 - Jane Adair

December 9 - Benjamin McElyea

December 9 - Kim Newberry


Anniversaries This Week:


December 5 - Daniel & Sarah Tucker

December 9 - Debbie & Doug Swanson

St. Michael's Episcopal Church

7400 Tudor Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80919


www.stmikeschurch.com

Office Telephone: 719-598-3244

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

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