Weekly eNews

March 21, 2025

This Week & Weekend at St. Michael's

The Bethlehem Project

During the season of Lent you may have noticed we are using unique chalices that have a powerful story. Gifted by parishioners, all four chalices were made by displaced women potters in Bethlehem's West Bank. The Bethlehem Project is a collaboration between Love Welcomes, Becca Steven's Thistle Farms, and the Active Mind Center in Bethlehem. The artists and owners of these pieces hold them as a remnant of peace and they pray that love remains a powerful force for change. Click below for more information on the project and how to purchase the pottery.

Bethlehem Project Information/Store

"Faith and Resilience"

Sunday Forum

A Conversation with Palestinian Christians - Sunday at 9:15 AM

Join us this Sunday, March 23, at 9:15 AM for an eye-opening conversation with two Palestinian Christians who fled Bethlehem, and their life-giving work through Love Welcomes, a creative social enterprise that helps displaced women begin to stitch their lives back together. This recently recorded conversation will not be livestreamed for the safety and security of our guests. In-person only.

Lenten Soup Suppers

This Wednesday

March 26, 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Here we go again! Join us for food, fellowship, and formation on Wednesday evenings during Lent. Enjoy dinner and fellowship from 5:30 - 6:00 PM and then formation from 6:00 - 7:00 focused on, "To Gather Together; Living into our Baptismal Covenant." Bring soup or just your appetite. The Saint John’s Bible docents will be on hand after each supper to answer questions or assist with viewing an illumination.

Lenten Soup Suppers Sign Up

Also Happening this Weekend...

Men's Fellowship - This Saturday, March 22, 8:00 - 9:30 AM in the Chapel.

Creating Space - This Saturday, March 22, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM in the Chapel.

Salvation Army Dinner - This Sunday, March 23, at the Salvation Army Hope Center. Volunteers are needed from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. Contact Diane Verlinde for more information: 719-329-8771.

On the Calendar

This Sunday, March 23

Third Sunday in Lent

Volunteer to Help with Worship this Sunday

Join an Usher Team

Join a Coffee Team

Worship Volunteers Needed

Can you be a greeter, lay reader, nursery helper, or assist with coffee hour? Want to join an Usher Team? Click above to sign up today - thank you in advance!

Worship with Us

8:00 AM Holy Eucharist

10:30 AM Eucharist with Choir

- Watch on YouTube

- Watch on Facebook

- Worship Bulletin

Education & More!

9:15 AM Education for All

9:15 AM Sunday Forum Faith and Resilience

- Watch on YouTube

- Watch on Facebook

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

Join us for Coffee Hour and Fellowship after the service.

View Weekly Church Calendar

Additional Lent Offerings

We have numerous opportunities for you to explore, grow, and deepen your faith during the season of Lent.

40 Days of Giving

Support our Outreach Partners with 40 Days of Giving during this Lenten season. Bags and lists are available in the Gathering Space or click on the event title to download flyer. Every donation will make a difference. Drop off during Holy Week (April 13-20).

Lent Rite of Reconciliation

This rite is for those who wish to repent or confess their sins to God in the presence of a priest and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution (BCP, p. 861). It is also called penance and confession. Make a private appointment with Rev. Matt: matt@stmikeschurch.com or Rev. Vicki: vicki@stmikeschurch.com.

Prayers & Blessings After Communion in Lent

This Sunday, March 23, during both services. The clergy will offer healing prayers and blessings immediately following Communion in the Prayer Room downstairs.

Lent Events & Information

Parish Announcements

New Staff Announcement

Nancy Benzmiller

Connect Coordinator and Receptionist

We are excited to welcome Nancy Benzmiller to the staff as our new Connect Coordinator & Afternoon Receptionist. Nancy will be working beside Linda Kean to help newcomers get connected and engaged in our spiritual home. Nancy will also serve as our afternoon receptionist Monday - Thursday from 1:00 - 5:00 PM. We are excited to welcome Nancy to the staff. Send a welcome note to Nancy at nancy@stmikeschurch.com.

Calling All High School Seniors

Congratulations to our graduating high school seniors! We will be celebrating you on May 4 during the 10:30 AM service. Prior to April 29, Seniors are invited to schedule a meeting with Bailey - via email - to learn more about Sendoff Sunday, as well as the St. Michael's Senior Scholarship that is awarded to each graduating senior from St. Mike's!

Donate Easter Brass and Flowers

Help us fill the church on Easter with beautiful flowers and glorious brass music for our Easter services by donating in thanksgiving for or in memory of loved ones. Names will be printed in the Easter Day Bulletin. Deadline is Sunday, April 6. Click below to donate.

Donate Easter Brass/Flowers - Deadline April 6

Additional Giving & Engagement Opportunities

Show Your Support by Spreading Joy

There are many ways to give back at St. Michael's and we invite you to explore the options below. Thank you in advance for supporting our ministries and sharing your blessings with others!

40 Days of Giving

Help families in need this Lenten season by donating or purchasing from the list on the flyer. Drop items off during Holy Week - April 13-20. CLICK HERE to download the 40 Days of Giving List.

Palm Sunday Brunch Donations & Volunteers

Donate a needed brunch item by April 10 or your time through service during the brunch on Sunday, April 13. CLICK HERE to help with the Palm Sunday Brunch.

Easter Egg Candy Donations Help us sweeten up Easter by donating candy for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Drop of donations anytime before April 15.

KAIROS Weekend Snacks

Packaged chips and cookies are needed for prisoners and volunteers for KAIROS Weekend. Drop of donations in the Gathering Space by Sunday, April 6.

St. Michael's Senior Scholarship Fund

Support our youth as they head off to college. Scroll down to the "Youth" option on the dropdown menu and put "Senior Scholarship" in the note. CLICK HERE to support the High School Senior Fund.

Gather (Young Adults)

Murder Mystery Party

Tuesday, March 25, 7:00 PM

Gather Pikes Peak invites all young adults to a St. Patrick's Murder Mystery Party on Tuesday, March 25 at 7:00 pm at the Peel House. Guests are invited to bring their favorite St. Patrick's Day treat. No RSVP required.

Widow's Group Lunch

Saturday, March 29

Widows are invited to join us on Saturday, March 29, at 12:00 PM at Biaggi's Ristorante (1805 Briargate Parkway) for the March get-together. RSVP by emailing MaryDee Weigel: jmandmdweigel@aol.com.

YES Middle/High School Pilgrimage 2025

July 20-26, Duncan Park, Cost $500

Deadline April 1

YES Trips invites Episcopalian youth to experience another great outdoor adventure and pilgrimage. We will journey into the national forest lands to experience creation, community, and God in new ways. The cost is offset by scholarships and fundraising.

Apply for YES Pilgrimage - Deadline April 1

Youth Retreats

Estes Park Middle School Retreat: April 4-6, Cost $175

Middle Schoolers...Spend two nights in a cabin, and enjoy a wide variety of activities like video games, bonfires, hiking, and indoor rock climbing. Register at the link below by March 28.

Sand Dunes/Royal Gorge/Mt. Princeton High School Retreat: April 11-12, Cost $150

High Schoolers...Join us for an epic outdoor adventure in Colorado iconic wonders to camp under the stars, sand sled, and relax at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. Register at the link below by April 4.

Snack Donations for KAIROS Weekend

Deadline April 6

One way to be part of the first Kairos Prison Ministry Four-Day Weekend hosted after six years (April 10-13), is by donating commercially packaged chips (spicy chips preferred by inmates) and family-size bags of cookies. The chips and cookies are served throughout the weekend as a way of building community with the participating inmates and volunteers. All weekend participants are fed spiritually and physically. Drop off your donations in the collection bin in the Gathering Space by Sunday, April 6.

Palm Sunday Brunch

Food Donations Welcomed - Deadline April 10

Join us for our annual Palm Sunday Brunch on Sunday, April 13, after both the 8:00 and 10:30 services at St. Michael's—no RSVP required! Volunteers are needed to bring ingredients for egg casseroles and to help with cooking, setup, serving, and cleanup. You can also sign up to bring fruit, muffins, pastries, or breakfast meats. Sign up below, then bring your donations to the upstairs kitchen by Thursday, April 10. Thank you for helping make this event special—we can't wait to celebrate with you!

Palm Sunday Brunch Volunteer/Donate

Easter Egg Hunt Candy Donations

Done by Tuesday, April 15

Help us sweeten up Easter by donating candy for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Please bring your peanut-free candy to the church on Sunday mornings or to the church office from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Monday through Thursday. We are accepting donations through Tuesday, April 15. We appreciate your support in helping us fill hundreds of eggs!

Meet a Friend, Greet a Friend at St. Michael’s

We’re all about building meaningful connections, and we believe a warm welcome can make all the difference! Whether you're new to our church or a longtime member, we encourage you to take a moment in the weeks ahead to “Meet a Friend, Greet a Friend.” Introduce yourself, share a friendly smile, and extend a warm greeting. Let's make each Sunday an opportunity to grow in friendship and faith!

Creation Care e-Tip

Spring Planting

Spring is right around the corner. As you think about your spring plantings, consider xeriscaping. Replacing thirsty lawns with native, drought-tolerant plants reduces water usage, minimizes the need for fertilizers, and creates habitat for local pollinators. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and group plants with similar water needs. Even small changes can make a big difference in our arid landscape. Resources: Colorado State University Extension + PlantSelect