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Weekly eNews

December 6, 2024

This Weekend & The Week Ahead

Second Sunday of Advent

Worship 8:00 & 10:30 AM

Sandwich Sunday, 9:15 AM


"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

During the second week of Advent, the PEACE Candle, also known as the Bethlehem Candle, is lit. This candle symbolizes Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem and the peace that Jesus brings to the world and to our hearts. For our intergenerational "Sandwich Sunday" activity, we'll be learning more about our food insecure neighbors in Colorado Springs and sharing God's love beyond our walls by making sandwiches for those in need.

Christmas Light Festival

Opening Weekend! 

This Friday & Saturday, 6:00 - 8:00 PM 


OUR LARGEST OUTREACH INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR kicks off TONIGHT! Make plans to join us for another unforgettable Light Festival, featuring exciting new displays and experiences! Invite your family and neighbors and volunteer on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, or 21 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Your time will help others enjoy a joyful and blessed experience—and we’re certain you’ll be blessed in return!

Volunteer for Light Festival

Advent Retreat

Tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 7)

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM


There are still a few spaces available for this Saturday's Advent Retreat exploring spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer, history, and music. Click below to learn more and to register. 

Sign Up for Advent Retreat

40s & 50s Trivia Night

Next Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6:30 PM


Those in their 40s & 50s (give or take) are encouraged to join for pre-holiday fun and fellowship at a Trivia/Game Night at Red Leg Brewing! There will also be a White Elephant gift exchange, so bring an amusing gift under $10 to be exchanged during the friendly Trivia competition. Please RSVP to save your seat at the tables.

Sign Up for 40s & 50s Outing

International Partners

Interest Meeting 

Next Wednesday, Dec. 11

 

Jesus said, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations." Matthew 28:19 

St. Michael's has begun the process of forming a group that will be a part of the outreach committee focused on missions and international partnerships. If you have an interest in international ministries, you are invited to the next meeting which will be held next Wednesday, December 11 at 2:00 PM at the church. Reach out to Doug Wilson at dwilson2332@gmail.com for more information or if you have any questions.

LGBTQIA+ "Meet & Mingle"

Next Wednesday, Dec. 11


Next Wednesday, all are welcome to join Rev. Vicki at a "Meet & Mingle" for LGBTQIA+ and Allies at Goat Patch Brewery's private "Event Room" on December 11. Drop in any time between 6:30 and 8:30 PM for fellowship and conversation. Purchase your beverage at the bar and food at the nearby food trucks. We will provide some simple snacks for munching! For more information, contact Rev. Vicki at vicki@stmikeschurch.com 

Christmas Poinsettias & Brass Donations

Due Next Friday, December 13


Each year our staff and volunteers work hard to fill the church with beautiful poinsettias and glorious brass music (at 4:00 & 7:00 PM) for our Christmas Eve services. You are encouraged to help by making a donation in thanksgiving for or in memory of a loved one. Names will be printed in the Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Bulletins.

Donate to Poinsettias & Brass

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal

12:00 PM in the Sanctuary


The final preparations are underway for this year's Christmas Pageant being held next Sunday during the 10:30 AM service! Rehearsals continue this Sunday from 12:00 - 12:30 PM, and there will be a final dress rehearsal next Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 PM. Contact Bailey or Amalia with any questions.

On the Calendar

This Sunday, December 8

Second Sunday of Advent

Handbells at both services

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 in advance!

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 No Education for All

Sunday Forum - Sandwich Sunday

- Watch on YouTube 

- Watch on Facebook

12:00 PM Pageant Rehearsal

Nursery Care is available for Children 5 and under 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM.

Join for Coffee Hour and Fellowship after each service.

View Weekly Church Calendar

Upcoming Events & Parish Life

Young Adult 

Theology on Tap

December 13, 6:30 - 8:00 PM


Young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to Goat Patch Brewing next Friday evening with other young adults from around the Springs for sharing, learning and fellowship. Rev. Amy Strader from First United Methodist Church will lead the group's discussion and imagine the nativity in a new way.

Creating Space

December 14, 9:00 - Noon


Creating Space will gather on a special day, Saturday, December 14, for festive Sweets & Treats holiday fellowship. Bring your favorite treat to share with the group! In January, Creating Space will resume its regular meetings on the 4th Saturday of the month, with Hooks and Needles—a time for learning crochet and knitting.

Blue Christmas

December 17, 7:00 PM


This gentle but powerful service supports those whose grief and hopelessness may resurface or be felt more keenly over the Christmas season. If you are feeling lost 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.

Free Christmas Concert

Featuring J. Chang-Tablada

December 21, 5:30 PM


This solo holiday show by world-class pianist and vocalist, J. Chang-Tablada, features heart-warming holiday classics with a twist of spice that invites audiences to reminisce, hold loved ones close, and sing along. All are invited to the Parish Hall to enjoy this free holiday treat! Come see the Christmas Light Festival after the concert!

Living Church Magazine Features St. Michael's


How wonderful and exciting! The Living Church Magazine, a national Episcopal Church publication, highlighted St. Michael's with a featured article, "In Search of Growth: Creativity Deepens Connection in Colorado Springs." Article available here: The Living Church Magazine, December 2024.

Livestream Improvements



Over the past week we have been working toward a new solution to enhance our livestream experience, and that new system was installed and tested this week. Many thanks to our AV team for their continued patience and support as we make these improvements. Please send livestream feedback to support@stmikeschurch.com.

Additional Parish Announcements....


Christmas Gift Ideas at St. Bede's Bookstore

Are you familiar with the St. Bede's Bookstore located in the hallway outside of the church office? Stop by to find Thistle Farm products (50% off), Saint John's Bible coffee table books, St. Mike's swag, and more....all perfect for holiday gifting!


Archangel Deadline - Next Friday!

The deadline for articles for the January - February Archangel is next Friday, December 13. Please send all articles to comm@stmikeschurch.com.

End of Year Donations & Stock Transfers

Final call for 2024 stock donations! Please contact our Finance Manager, Jan McLaughlin, to obtain our new DTC and account numbers and to let her know to expect a forthcoming donation. As a reminder for year-end giving, please submit all online contributions by December 27 to ensure delivery by December 31. All checks must be dated no later than December 31 and be received by the first week in January 2025. Please contact Jan at finance@stmikeschurch.com with any questions about giving. 

Creation Justice

December E-Tip

Reduce & Reuse


This is an excellent time of year to reflect on the “Reduce and Reuse” elements of good Creation Care. Let us all consider ways we can reduce our consumption this holiday season for the good of God's Creation. Do we really need to make all those holiday purchases of new goods? Can we repurpose or repair an item rather than replace it? Can we shop second hand and give new life to something discarded? Can we donate rather than dispose? Any of these actions will help reduce the manufacturing, transportation, and landfill consequences of over-consumption (which are all significant).

Quick Links & Key Dates


Birthdays This Week:


December 8 - Jane Adair

December 9 - Benjamin McElyea

December 9 - Kim Newberry

December 10 - Isaac DeJoia

December 10 - Betty Graham

December 10 - David Newberry

December 11 - Aria Quinn Bélanger

December 11 - Keith Ketelsen

December 11 - Bev Raider

December 12 - Sharon Dak

December 12 - Ky Goodman

December 12 - Karen Houser

December 12 - Marna McLain

December 12 - Janice Thorpe

December 13 - Sue Bessette

December 13 - Kate Davenport

December 13 - Ruth Willey Cohenour

December 14 - John Paul


Anniversaries This Week:


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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