St. Michaels Episcopal Church STM-CA.net

Annual Report

St. Michael's Episcopal Church
Carmichael, California
January 22, 2012

(Download Printable Version)

Table of Contents

Leadership Reports Vestry Nominating Committee page 3 Minutes from January 30, 2011 page 3 Rector page 6 Senior Warden page 8 Junior Warden page 9 Associate for Pastoral Care page 9 Associate for Spiritual Formation page 9 St. Michael's Episcopal Day School page 10 Day School Board Vestry Representative page 11 Standing Committee Reports Buildings & Grounds page 11 Gratitude Committee page 12 Fundraising Committee page 13 Finance Committee page 14 Wagon Tree Endowment Fund Committee page 14

Communication Reports Newsletter: The Messenger page 15 Communications page 16ccc Worship Ministry Reports Acolytes page 16 Altar Guild page 17 Music Ministry page 17 Lay Ministry page 19 Pastoral Ministry Reports Pastoral Care.page 20 Prayer Ministry Teams page 21 Outreach Ministry Reports Mercy & Social Justice Committee page 22 River City Community Services page 23 United Thank Offering page 23 Scholarship Fund.page 24

Children's Christian Education Reports Child, Youth, and Family Ministries.page 24 Youth Group - EYC (Grades 7-12) page 26 Children's Community Chorus.page 26 Baptism, Communion, Confirmation page 27 Adult Formation Reports Christian Education for Adults page 27 Education for Ministry (EfM) page 28 Catechesis: Baptism, Confirmation, New Member Class…page 29 Church Library & Tract Rack page 29

Leadership Reports

Leadership: Vestry & Delegate Nominating Committee

Jim Sargent

I thank the members of the Nominating Committee for their help in selecting the candidates for election to Vestry and Diocesan Convention Delegates. The Nominating Committee members are: Jean Dahl, Mary Groesbeck, Tina Ferriot, and Chuck Schaller. Every year is an important year for the election of Vestry members as they are charged with the oversight of our church, but this year will bring many challenges as we work through our transition process. Please give careful and prayerful thought to your voting process.

Candidates for Vestry:

Three year term: We need to elect four members for a three year term each

Jim Cole

Kassie Donoghue

Sharon Gulliford

Tammy Murray

One year term: We need to elect one member to fill one year term

Chuck Schaller

Candidates for Diocesan Convention Delegates - We need seven Delegates to Convention and at least one alternate.

Donna Arellano

Sue Davis

Doug Davy

Marcie Larkey

Jackie Linn

Elizabeth Reedman

Lisa Sargent

Leadership: Clerk's Minutes January 30, 2011 Annual Meeting

Kati Braak

Opening Prayer: The meeting was opened with prayer at 11:47am by Pastor Hauck+. She offered prayers for a speedy recovery for our Sr. Warden Kay Griffin who recently had foot surgery and could not be with us today. In her place, Mary+ shared that Jr. Warden Bill Hegland would be leading today's meeting.

Meeting: The meeting was called to order by Jr. Warden Bill Hegland at 11:51pam. An election Clerk and Tellers were appointed; they are Bob and Gail McMichael, Doug and Mary Davy, and Pat and Jim Cole.

Nominations for Vestry & Delegates: Jr. Warden Bill Hegland reviewed the canons & bylaws concerning qualifications for election. He then presented the nominees for Vestry and Delegates to Diocesan Convention. He asked for qualified nominations from the floor. There being none, nominations were closed.

Candidates for Vestry are: Jean Dahl & Chuck Schaller, one (1) year terms, Tina Ferriot, two (2) year term, Kathy Hanson, Rick Larkey, Hunter O'Hair and Liz Reedman, three (3) year terms. Candidates for Diocesan Convention are: Mary Ellen Ferguson, Tina Ferriot, Mary Groesbeck, Kathy Hanson, Marcie Larkey, Jackie Linn, Liz Reedman, and Lisa Sargent.

Election: Bill reviewed the canon concerning who can vote. The ballots were distributed and collected. There were no nominations from the floor for Vestry so after a motion by Jim Sargent, (second by Julie Wolff) the nominations for Vestry was closed. The acceptance of the seven candidates to Vestry was approved on a motion by Gail McMichael (second by Julie Wolff).

Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of February 8, 2010: The approval of the minutes of the Annual Meeting of February 8, 2010 was approved on a motion by Kati Braak (second by Tina Ferriot).

Rector's Report: Pastor Mary+ noted that she had presented her report at both services today as a sermon and was submitting it by title. She reminded those present that a copy can be found on page five (5) of the annual report. Mary+ stated that she instead wanted to take this time to remember, welcome and offer thanks. Mary+ reviewed those who had been Baptized, Confirmed, Received into this Parish, Re-Affirmed their Baptism, Ordained into Priesthood and became a Single Consecrated Celibate in this last year. Mary+ asked us to remember with great love and appreciation those who had moved on from this life. She next welcomed to our Parish those who are new members. Mary+ added that now that we've had healthy snacks (from coffee hour) she was going to pass out some boxes of See's Candy to outgoing vestry members. Mary+ then recognized with a box of candy members going off the vestry; Kay Griffin, Bill Hegland, Dave Decker, Donna Arellano, Kati Braak, Jim Wiley and John Gallapaga.

Sr. Warden's Report: Being absent, Bill asked us to please refer to Kay Griffin's report on page 8 of the Annual Report.

2010 Year End Financial Report: Treasurer Harry Hills reviewed the 2010 Operating Statement. Income was $454,696 which exceeded the budget by $26,324. The December Operating Statement reflected a gain of $23,065 for the year on a projected deficit of $3,259. This success was due in large part to pledge offerings and fundraisers. The 2010 Year End Financial Report was approved on a motion by Kati Braak (second by Tina Ferriot).

Presentation of 2011 Budget: Presented by Vestry member and Chair of the Finance Committee, Jim Sargent. Jim recognized we've gone through the last three (3) years of a recession and through it all for the second year in a row St. Michael's has seen a surplus financially. Jim stated that the $50,000 surplus was being reviewed to go into a Certificate of Deposit. Jim reflected that three things had impact on our financial success; 1) the change in diocesan reapportionment, 2) a Rector's philosophy to live within our means and 3) you, the congregation who step up time and again to give so graciously. Jim then took us through the 2011 Budget which reflects a surplus of $4,538. Jim ended with reminding us how blessed we are to be a Healthy Congregation, to Grow in God and call this place our home.

Buildings and Grounds Report: Presented by Jim Cole who reviewed the latest update regarding the phases of construction. We are now in Phase III.

2011 Phase III means a new building for the school and a Labyrinth in our courtyard for the church. While the funds for the labyrinth were set aside from a portion of the sale of Wagon Tree Ranch as a tribute, the money for construction of the new building is coming from the original bond. The bank required St. Michael's School to have $400,000 cash on hand before continuing with Phase III. They raised approximately $280,000 and received a Grant of $120,000 from the Howard Charitable Trust for the remainder. While the plans have been scaled back, the final plans for Phase III include a new iMAST building at a cost of approximately 1.94 million. iMAST stands for Integrated Math Arts Science Technology. Mid June is the construction projected start and completion nine (9) months later, spring 2012. Jim Cole showed 3-Dimentional Plans, including a floor plan for the new building. Its location will be off the Cottage entrance, adjacent to the traffic circle. It will house a 308 person theatre with a flexible stage, a Music Room which can be used as a "Green Room" during performances and a Math/Science Room that focuses on technology such as Robotics. Jim acknowledged we might be asking, "Can we use this facility?" The answer is "Yes, when such use is appropriate and as we work though appropriate channels." Lastly, Pastor Mary+ interjected that the church representatives for the project are Jim Cole and Kay Griffin who have been continuous representatives for all three of the Phases of construction.

Other Reports (filed by title): See Table of Contents from January 30, 2011 Annual Parish Report for a list of each report.

Election Results: Bill Hegland reviewed the election results of the Delegates to Diocesan Convention. Elected delegates are: Mary Ellen Ferguson, Mary Groesbeck, Kathy Hanson, Marcie Larkey, Jackie Linn, Liz Reedman, and Lisa Sargent. Alternate delegate is Tina Ferriot.

Open Topics: A request from the floor to correct the Chair of Indoor Yard Sale to reflect Gail McMichael. This is from pages 13-14 of the Annual Report. Gail was recognized and thanked for the wonderful job she did.

Adjournment: Pastor Mary+ reminded the newly elected Vestry 2011, that there would be a short Vestry meeting following this Annual Meeting to appoint & elect officers. The meeting was adjourned at 12:40pm and Mary+ closed the meeting out with a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer at 12:41pm.

Leadership: Rector of St. Michael's Episcopal Church

The Reverend Canon Mary E. Hauck

A Collect for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

I give thanks to God for the grace I have been given to live out the call of Jesus Christ among a people who stand ready to hear and respond to the Good News: Welcoming others in Jesus' name, making St. Michael's Parish a place where the Gospel is proclaimed in word and action, and working with the Holy Spirit to help people grow and deepen their relationship with God.

This annual meeting marks the beginning of my last year as your Rector, but also the beginning of God's activity in preparing us for a New Day. It will be a year of ministry, a year of gratitude, a year of reflection, growth, and transition for all of us. We will do it in faith and confidence, knowing that God is always calling his people into their future, and will give us everything we need for the successful accomplishment of that journey.

I will let the reports that follow mine testify to the active and spirit-led ministry that has taken place over the past year in the areas of leadership, oversight, communication, worship, music, pastoral care of souls, mission outreach, Christian education and formation, community life, and hospitality to all.

What I want to do in this report, is to offer my perspective on significant areas of growth in both our common life together, and more importantly, in our presence and impact on the neighborhood and community where God has so pointedly placed us… "Mission Avenue"…. Thank you! In each of these areas I want to focus on the present and the future. The past is important, but it is, past.

Building on our Strengths: St. Michael's Parish and St. Michael's Day School share a history, but more importantly, they share a future. Each is a successful vehicle through which God is making a difference in the lives of individuals in our community. The health of each institution is not so much dependent, as intertwined with the other. As we have grown in acknowledging the blessing of each other over the past seven and a half years, it has yielded the physical evidence of a renewed and integrated campus. The cooperation that has gone into the building design of our entrances, the renewal of our courtyard, and our shared parking lot speaks volumes about the health of our relationship.

Widening our Vision: When I became Rector in 2004, the campus, while enjoying a vital and close-knit internal community life, was restricted in its vision in terms of the neighborhood. This was necessarily so, because over the years, as we grew and added buildings, we created almost a walled city. Our Church building, with its back to Mission Avenue, had doors that faced away from the street. Private homes with large backyards and tall trees surrounded us on three sides. We constructed a wall that shielded our parking lot from public view. When visitors managed to enter our small parking lot with limited handicapped spaces, and useless tandem parking spaces, they had to locate through trial and error the front doors of the church vs. the parish hall. What a transformation we have undergone! The bulldozing of the rental house, expansion of the parking lot, construction of the entrance overhead, and the opening onto Cottage Way has changed our view completely. We can see our neighbors and they can see us. Not only has this led to welcoming newcomers almost weekly in significantly higher numbers, but both the Church and the School have engaged in more social contact with our neighborhood. The School has hosted art shows and extensive use of its fine gymnasium for community basketball leagues. The Church has developed outreach programs to both Starr King School and to children from six different schools through our new Children's Community Chorus - now up to twenty children in grades 3 through 8. Our flyer advertising this program states our purpose, "St. Michael's Church, supporting the Arts in our Community."

Making Disciples for Jesus Christ: The mission statement developed almost five years ago says that we welcome all people that God sends our way, that helping people grow in their relationship with God is our goal, and that we do this in the Name of Jesus and for His sake. When I came here, we were unable to live into this mission statement because we had not made the necessary budget and financial decisions to allow us to focus on ministry and mission. When I review issues of The Messenger from the first half of this decade, St. Michael's spent an inordinate amount of effort and energy fundraising for its own operating budget. In essence, we had to raise an additional $40,000 a year, beyond our pledge income, to cover the costs of operations and staffing. This meant two things in my view - and I'm speaking for myself here: 1) I had little time for parish community activities that related to discipleship, mission and outreach, and membership development. 2) Vestry meetings were mostly about finance, and maintenance, and how do we generate more pledging members.

Once we made three critical decisions, we have been better able to live into our new mission statement. The first, and most difficult for me and for many others, was to release our retreat property in Cazadero, saying goodbye to an era by selling the property back to the descendants of the original giver. This gave us the security of the first significant financial cushion St. Michael's has ever had in the form of the Wagon Tree Ranch Endowment Fund.

The second was to "right-size" our budget and staffing for ministry at St. Michael's. We had been living beyond our means for a long, long time. While this has been challenging, because we have several part-time positions, it has also been inspiring for me to see how people have stepped up and taken ownership of our communal life together in ministry.

And the third was to reorient our vision - to stop bemoaning the fact that we have a facility that is expensive to operate and to maintain, and instead rejoice that we have one of the most useful, beautiful, and functional campuses in the region. When we made this shift, we began to identify our buildings as a key part of our mission. Making them available to community and diocesan groups for meetings, theater, conferences, sports, spiritual development, and education is a blessing to us and to a very wide community.

The Call of Andrew to Follow Jesus: The reading for the Sunday of this Annual Meeting is the call of the Andrew to discipleship. It is the Gospel that was read when I was ordained to be a priest in the Episcopal Church on November 30, 1995. It is the story of what we are all called to do by virtue of the first and primary ordination we each received at Baptism:

"Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him." (Mark 1:14-20).

This is what I pray for your future and mine. That we continue, each in our own place and way, to serve the Lord, to minister to those who are attracted to Jesus - always being ready to follow him and share in his mission of peace and reconciliation - wherever that takes us and in whatever form God provides.

 

Love, and Blessings,

Mary+

Leadership: Senior Warden

Jim Sargent

I thank Pastor Mary for asking me to serve as St. Michael's Senior Warden this year. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Mary+ and this congregation. I also thank the Vestry for their support, commitment, and hard work. St. Michael's Vestry has been blessed as our most pressing decisions were those that involve making St. Michael's a better place by improving our campus and supporting our mission priorities.

On occasion, I have mentioned to you that through my Diocesan work, I have had opportunities to look inside other congregations in our Diocese. I always come away from those moments grateful to be a member of St. Michael's Church. We are so blessed with our facilities, our programs and ministries, and most importantly, our people. We are a community that is filled with love and caring for one another as we help each other grow in our relationship with God. I know for fact, we are a model for others within the Diocese of Northern California.

I urge you to not just read through the reports in this document, but as you read, try to find a way that you may serve in a new and different way. Some of you are long time, faithful ministers to St. Michael's, but ask yourself if there is something more, or something else that you might do that will help make St. Michael's an even better place. Some of you are newer members of our community - ask yourself if this is the year you will increase your involvement in the mission and ministry of this parish. As we move through this year of transition, it is more important than ever that we have strong leaders that will help our congregation through this process. Should you be asked to serve on one of the committees, please give your decision prayerful consideration and ask how you might contribute.

Thank you again Pastor Mary for allowing me to be by your side this past year. I have enjoyed being there as a witness to your faithful service to St. Michael's and to God's Church.

Leadership: Junior Warden

Sue Gaston

It has been my pleasure to serve as your Junior Warden this year. I serve along with the Senior Warden and Rector, and we have had a busy year. Between roof repairs, loads of activities around our campus, and the everyday routines, St. Michael's is well positioned for the future. We are fortunate to have terrific clergy, staff, and a Vestry that work well to keep our church healthy.

Please read all of the reports to see what an active parish life we have. If you are not involved in at least one activity, I encourage you to find something that appeals to you and call the leader to learn more and join.

Leadership: Associate for Pastoral Care

The Rev. George Foxworth

Please see page 20 for Fr. George's report

Leadership: Associate for Spiritual Formation

The Rev. Rodney Davis

Please see page 27 for Fr. Rod's report

Leadership: Headmaster's, St. Michael's Episcopal Day School

The Rev. Jesse L. Vaughan

It is the MISSION of St. Michael's Episcopal Day School to provide a learning environment where students are encouraged to seek scholastic, artistic and physical achievement through a curriculum that is both traditional and integrated.

In its programs, St. Michael's seeks to discover and nurture the gifts that each student possesses; to deepen each student's understanding of the complexities of the world; and to inspire each student to realize his or her full potential.  Towards this end, the school is committed to helping students develop --

Self-worth

Passion for Learning

Formation of Character

Individual and Social Responsibility

Ethical Responsibility

Respect for Diversity

Spiritual growth

The school's ultimate aim is to create a learning environment where students, faculty, and parents work together in forming a caring community in which all support and share in each other's growth. The end result is the development of the total child-- spiritually, physically, socially, and academically-- and a lifelong enjoyment of learning.

The school began its forty-eighth year on September 7,  2011 with 224 students enrolled in early childhood (3-day preschool and 5-day pre-kindergarten) through grade 8, and 45 experienced and dedicated teachers and staff who share an enthusiastic commitment to challenging young minds.

Showing care and concern for others is something that is stressed at all age levels and in many different ways at St. Michael's School. Our Service Learning program continues to thrive with the help and support of parents who serve as drivers for off-campus projects and assist with supervision. In addition to individual class service projects that support the overall educational process, all the children participate in the collection of food to support River City Community Services and St. Matthew's Food Closet, and in the collection of toys, school supplies and clothing items to assist families in need at Christmas through River City Community Services. 

As always, my primary goal as Headmaster is to help foster the best possible working relationship between St. Michael's Church and St. Michael's School. The support for the school by the Rector, Wardens, Vestry and Parishioners is an example of the mutual care and concern we share for one another, as we carry out our common mission.

Fr. Jesse Vaughan, Headmaster

Leadership: St. Michael's Day School Board of Trustees

Mary Groesbeck, Vestry Representative

In my second year as the Vestry Representative on the St. Michael's Day School Board of Trustees, I continue to be most impressed with the active and enthusiastic involvement of the Board members in the life and direction of the school.  The twenty-plus members, representing parents, staff, the church, and the wider community, are a dedicated and resourceful group.  Besides Pastor Mary Hauck, who is an ex officio member, parish members have been:  Cathy Fobes, Gail McMichael, Karine Mendenhall, and Mary Groesbeck.

St. Michael's School continues to be one of the most outstanding private schools in Northern California, with goals of helping students develop self-worth, passion for learning, formation of character, individual and social responsibility, ethical responsibility, respect for diversity, and spiritual growth.  The school has strong academic programs for students from preschool through eighth grade.  There are, as well, excellent programs in physical education, the arts, and community service.  There are very involved Parents and Grandparents Clubs.

The culmination of the transformation of the school and church property, is the "iMAST" building, whose groundbreaking took place in January 2012.  Bishop Beisner, Father Vaughan, several school board members and a group of students took part in this exciting event.  iMAST stands for integrated Math, Arts, Science and Technology.  The new building will be constructed on the south side of the campus, across from school office.  Through the hard work of the Board,  the vision is becoming a reality.

It has been a great pleasure for me to serve as the Vestry representative to the Board of Trustees of St. Michael's Episcopal Day School.

Standing Committee Reports

Standing Committee: Buildings & Grounds

Jim Cole

The Buildings & Grounds Committee is responsible for the design and maintenance of St. Michael's Church facilities. We aim to keep our facilities safe, functional and attractive. The committee meets quarterly and is responsible to the vestry. We review maintenance and repair issues, schedule projects to be accomplished on parish workdays, and oversee vestry approved programs for property improvements and use of church facilities. Committee members are Hector Arellano, Doug Burnquist, Jim Cole, Glenn Croy, Kay Griffin, Dick Pryor, Jack Stellman and Jim Weichert. In addition to committee members, we have a fantastic group of volunteers who help out on parish workdays scheduled throughout the year.

Major work was done in 2011 on the roof of the multi-purpose building. This included removing of over 500 solar photovoltaic panels, replacing several dry-rot damaged rafters above Johnstone Hall, re-roofing the entire building, and replacing three heat pumps. The cost of this work was split 50-50 between the church and day school. The good news - we now have a roof that should last another 50 years, and all 7 heating & cooling units that service the building are less then 5 years old.

Many of you sponsored plants for the "Grateful for Creation" landscaping project last April. Lots of folks pitched in as we planted over 100 new shrubs and trees in the courtyard and around the perimeter of the church. Later in the year we replaced all the landscape lighting in the courtyard with energy-efficient LED lights. More lighting will be installed when we build the new labyrinth, planned for construction this summer.

Work has started on the Day School's iMAST (integrated Music, Arts, Science & Technology) building. This facility will be built just inside the school entrance gates by the traffic circle. Target for completion is Aug 2012.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee hosts parish workdays throughout the year - cleaning, pruning, weeding, decorating, and so on. These workdays are held five times a year on Saturday mornings, 9:00 am -noon. You are welcome to join us whenever you can.

Standing Committee: Gratitude

Hugh Griffin

In 2011 the Gratitude Committee began implementing the new Diocesan "Grateful, Glad, and Giving" Program. We also continued to emphasize the use of proportional giving with a goal of tithing and encouragement of a commitment of time and talent, as well as treasure.

The Grateful, Glad, and Giving Program consists of monthly themes which focus on areas where we can express gratitude. To involve members of the congregation in the gratitude themes, we designed activities for most months. For example, in February the theme was grateful for the Spirit and we set up a portable labyrinth one Sunday and encouraged members to walk it before or after services. Many did participate. The program included presentations by several of our members on the history and purpose of the labyrinth. During April, the theme was grateful for our abilities and many members completed a "Spiritual Gifts Inventory", some using assistance that was available. The last Sunday in April, a Ministry Faire was held to acquaint members with the opportunities to use their gifts at St. Michael's.

The ninth Parish Appreciation brunch was held on October 16 and attended by about 100 parishioners (including children). Members of the Vestry and Gratitude Committee hosted the brunch. The meal began about 11:30 immediately following the 10:00 service. The program included a slide show with music showing parishioners engaged in a variety of parish activities. There were special activities for young children and a children's menu was provided. A professionally prepared color Gratitude brochure and 2012 pledge card were mailed to all members during the week following the brunch.

Commitment Sunday was October 23 and 35 pledge cards were returned that day. As of January 2012 we have received 173 pledges for $397,171 and several individuals/families indicated they have included St. Michael's in their wills. The number of pledges is less than the previous year but the dollars pledged is higher. The number of pledging members who passed away and moved in 2011 exceeded the number of new pledging members joining St. Michael's. Most of our parishioners continue to contribute their time and talents to our church and the community.

A sincere thank you to committee members Doug Davy, Tina Ferriot, Harry Hills, Marcie Larkey, Dick Pryor, and Pastor Mary for your faithful attendance at meetings and your suggestions and thoughtful discussions. Thank you also for your support of the Parish Appreciation brunch and other gratitude activities.

Standing Committee: Fundraising

Summaries taken from The Messenger

St. Michael's depends on its enthusiastic and dedicated members to raise approximately $20,000 each year to support the operating budget. We exceeded that figure in 2011 and had fun doing it!

February 2011 - Our second annual Crab Feed was a huge success. Jim & Laura Wiley provided outstanding Leadership that served as the catalyst for this exceptional event. Thanks also to members of his committee: Bill and Diane Hegland, Lynn Rodebaugh, Tammy and Todd Murray, Merrily and Dallas Pennington, Sara Foley and Dave Decker, Virginia Henry, Hugh and Kay Griffin, Catherine Fobes, and Marcie Larkey

May 2011 - St. Michael's Actors Guild completed another successful spring show with its production of Murder-Go-Round, by Fred Carmichael. This spy farce was an especially fun show for both the cast and audiences. Most of the actors were members of St. Michael's parish and want to express their appreciation to all the members of the church who gave so willingly of their time to help make this production a success.

Special thanks go to Richard Williams, who directed, and to Clare Payne and her crew who prepared an outstanding meal for our dinner theater performance. The production will provide financial support for both the parish and our outreach ministry to Starr King School.

July 2011 -Special thanks to Father George who joined us many times during the week, spreading good cheer and kindness. He even came in street clothes one day (everyone loved it!). We especially thank him for his wonderful Sermon on Sunday. We know that each person who volunteered for the Yard Sale felt personally thanked and loved. His words also gave each of us the opportunity to recognize that we were very blessed to have received millions of pearls throughout the Yard Sale week. AND of course, the response from the St. Michael's family was absolutely wonderful. Thank You to everyone who donated items, to those who purchased items and brought their friends to buy and to those who volunteered hundreds of hours of time to sort, organize and price the amazing volume of "stuff" delivered to St Michael's. We know if we list all your names, 35-40 of you, someone will be left off as so many people participated, both young and old, in this event. We also appreciate our wonderful St. Michael's staff for their efforts and support of this event. We couldn't do it without them. We had very nice steady crowd throughout the day, a perfect day and, as always a spirit of family and fellowship. Our successes were many! We thank each of you for your support of this effort and we will see you next year!

November 2011 - Arts & Crafts Faire, chaired by Marcie Larkey & Gail McMichael, had all the things we love at fantastic prices including surprise packages wrapped in brown paper packages and tied with string! Textiles, arts, crafts, topiaries, quilting, jewelry, painting, handbags, scarves, hats, caps, mittens, afghans, dish gardens and plants, pottery, miniature holiday trees, stained glass, needlepoint, ceramics, sculpture, woodwork, metalwork, beadwork, baked goods and jams & jellies. Also included was a delightful café. It was great success and raised substantial sums for St. Michael's.

December 2011 - Celtic Christmas Celebration, coordinated by Kathy Hanson, provided a magical evening for participants and a portion of the funds benefitted both St. Michael's Church & the ALS Foundation. Special thanks to the following people who made this wonderful evening possible: Pastor Mary Hauck, Melissa Lovin, Mark and Esta Wiederanders, Sue Davis, Dick Williams, Jack Stellman, Jim Cole, Paul Hauck, the St. Michael's Actors Guild, Chief Daughter Judy Holt, Sub Chief Daughter Barbara Tompkins and the Daughters of Scotia, and Glenn Croy.

Standing Committee: Finance

Jim Sargent

The Finance Committee members in 2011 were; Virginia Henry, Kathy Hanson, Jim Carpenter, Jim Tadewald, and our Treasurer, Harry Hills. Jim Dodds will join this committee for 2012.

The Finance Committee met monthly except for a couple months during the summer. This year we revised the Facilities Use and Fee Agreements and presented them to the Vestry for approval. Each month the Finance Committee reviews the monthly financials. Other functions of the Finance Committee are: Reviews and approves capital expenditures in excess of $500, conducts audits of our utility statements, oversees our parish investments, works with the Diocesan Auditors to assure we comply with Church policies and procedures, and is working to revise a Personnel Policy Manual that is consistent with the Diocese of Northern California personnel policies.

In December, the Finance Committee completed a balanced budget for St. Michael's Church for 2012 which was submitted to the Vestry and passed at their January meeting.

Standing Committee: Wagon Tree Endowment Fund

Pam Busby

In November of 2009, the Wagon Tree Ranch Endowment Fund Committee was established.  Members include: Pam Busby (Chair), Marcie Larkey, Dick Pryor, Chris Mackey, and Jim Sargent (Vestry Representative).  After meeting with Rick Harrison Smith from the Episcopal Foundation, the WTR Endowment Fund Committee recommended to the vestry that the remaining funds be invested in The Diocesan Endowment and Memorial Trust Fund.  This was accomplished in January 2010. 

When the memorial fund accounts were opened there was $350,000 invested in the Wagon Tree Ranch Endowment Fund and $5,630 invested in the Wagon Tree Ranch Memorial Fund.  As of December 31,  2011 the funds have grown to $380,962 and $36,248 showing a net  change in value of $12,367.  Due to the economy the endowment fund has a net loss of <$3,716> and the memorial fund is showing a net gain of $16,083.  The net gain is a direct result of the repayment of the Church/Courtyard Loan in the amount of $18,449.     

 It is still the mission of this committee to create a "place apart" for spiritual growth and reflection in alignment with the initial gift of the 180 acres that made up our former retreat property in Cazadero.  Plans are underway to build a labyrinth in our courtyard and to ensure the funds invested continue to grow so that possibly other reflective gifts and scholarships can be provided in the spirit and memory of Wagon Tree Ranch.  Throughout the spring and summer of 2011 a Labyrinth sub-committee was formed and plans were formed to lay the foundation for a permanent labyrinth at St. Michael's.  Letters from children of the day school and Sunday school were collected to lay in the earth beneath the new cement pad where the labyrinth will be.  Many labyrinths were visited and plans are underway to resume this project at the end of the school year in June 2012.

Communications Reports

Communication: The Parish Newsletter "The Messenger"

Geoff Fischer

St. Michael's Messenger is our parish newsletter. It was edited by Geoff Fischer the entire year.  Issues are published monthly online posted on the St. Michael's website and a link is emailed to those in the church as part of the weekly .  A limited number of copies are also printed and mailed to those unable to receive email or pick a copy at the church.  Extra copies are also available on the Welcome Cart each Sunday and in the church office.  Archives of the past five years are also available on our parish website at www.stm-ca.net.   The year started by including a second "Print Version" to accompany the online version, but due to various reasons, we've discontinued the process.  Melissa Lovinhas coordinated the mailings to those who cannot receive the Messenger electronically. 

Content for The Messenger includes a mix of regular features from the clergy and various programs and also includes information about upcoming events, family ministries, and youth events.  The newsletter also provides a chance to highlight recently accomplished parish events. A special effort is being made to include news from the diocese to broaden the scope of the publication. While this newsletter has stories on future events, it is also important to provide feedback from past recent events - this gives a chance to show others that their effort is appreciated and lets them know how much they've accomplished.  This year we provided a good forum for the "Grateful For" campaign on the front page of each issue.

There are so many active and engaged ministries at St. Michael's it is an honor to show everything that is going on in our church.  Thank you to everyone who has submitted articles and photographs for publication--please keep it up.  Submissions are always welcome via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or to the secretary's desk in the church office by the deadline listed in the monthly calendar.  Please indicate the source with any submissions.  We are always looking for ways to improve the newsletter and feedback is always welcome.

Communication: St. Michael's Communication Committee

Melissa Lovin

Through 2011 we continued all the forms of communication that had been started in 2010 through as much electronic means as possible. We continue to send the announcements weekly through email, as well as, our monthly newsletter, The Messenger. The church calendar for the all the facilities has continued electronically that was started in 2010 and seems to have really worked well for the Parish and the School. We seem to have fewer conflicts with space. We are always open to any new ideas to help streamline and lower the costs of communication.

Worship Ministry Reports

Worship Ministry: Acolytes

Paul Hauck

The acolytes of St. Michael's Church serve at the altar on Sundays during the 8:00 and 10:00 worship services, as well as serving at special services during Holy Week and Christmas, at weddings, memorial services, baptisms, baccalaureate and other occasion as requested by the clergy.  Our roster in 2011 was comprised of five adults and twenty-six youth members serving in this ministry. 

 

Our acolytes include the following adults, who serve primarily at 8 a.m. services and as requested for special services:  Shawn Asher, Tina Ferriot, Phillip Asher, David Karoly, and Elizabeth Reedman.  The youth serve in teams at the 10 a.m. and at special services as needed. 

 

At the end of 2011 the four youth teams were:  

 

Team 1, led by Mikey Johnson, included Jimmy Wiley, Christine Wiley, Claire Ochsner, Betsy Tanner, Lillian Enes and Abigail Enes. 

 

Team 2, led by Johnny Thomas, included Jay Michael, Ruthie Kaplan, Alexandra Worlie, Tanner Kaplan, Allison Fobes, and Taylor Donoghue.

 

Team 3, led by Shelby Larkey, included Dylan Larkey, Logan Kemper, Taylor Donoghue, Gavin Benbrook, and Carter Benbrook.

 

Team 4, led by Joey Thomas, included Jessica Busby, Caroline Elmets, Emily Fobes, Julia Eggert, Lincoln Tadewald, and Killian Randle. 

 

With the graduation in June 2012 of three of our Acolyte Team Leaders we will be training our remaining acolytes to assume new leadership positions. Youth from sixth grade and older may join the acolyte corps by speaking to Paul Hauck, Acolyte Coordinator, or to the Pastor Mary.

St. Michael's is blessed with a wonderful group of acolytes who serve at the Lord's Table with grace and dedication.  We very much appreciate the parents of the acolytes, for their support of these young people in their service to this ministry.

Worship Ministry: Altar Guild

Sally Jervis

St. Michael's Altar Guild prepares the sanctuary for the following regular services: Sundays, weddings, baptisms and funeral/memorials, as well as special services at Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week and Easter.

Members of the Altar Guild are divided into four weekly crews. Each crew member is asked to volunteer from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. on the Saturday of his or her week, attend and serve at one of the Sunday services that weekend, and attend 2-3 short meetings during the year, usually before major church holidays. On Saturdays, preparations include cleaning, polishing, arranging flowers and setting up for the Sunday service.

Altar Guild has a small budget from pledges to cover the cost of wine, wafers and

oil for the candles. All other expenses, including the weekly flowers and special

flowers for Holy Days come from Flower Memorials and donations.

Members of the Altar Guild are: Dancy Dobrenick, Jackie Linn, Patty Green, Hazel Morse; Mary Ellen Ferguson, Sue Corbin, Lee Dwight, Sally Jervis, Mary Hutchinson; Pat Williams, Marge Fennessy, Marijane Jacobs, Finette Carpenter, Jackie Croy; Janice Bowdler, Nelda Finney, Marilyn Poindexter, Carolyn Wilson and Mary Swartz. Those in bold are our four crew leaders.

Worship Ministry: Music

Constance Weichert

During 2011, the Music Department engaged in the following activities.

1. Regular duties included weekly two-hour rehearsals on Thursday nights, rehearsals at 9:15 AM on Sundays, and singing every Sunday from September through the first two Sundays of June for the 10:00 AM service.

2. March 27^th, longtime choir member, Bob Daigh, died and the choir sang for his service on April 2^nd. On June 13^th, the choir sang for the service of Esta Wiederander's mother.

3. The choir provided music for Ash Wednesday and during Holy Week, the choir sang for both the 8' and 10' AM Palm Sunday services, the Maundy Thursday service, the Vigil, and both the 8' and 10' AM Easter Sunday services.

4. June 12^th was the choir's last Sunday to sing before the summer recess.

5. The men of the choir sang Sunday, July 3^rd, for the July 4^th celebration Sunday.

6. The choir resumed regular Thursday night rehearsals September 1^st and their first Sunday to sing was September 11^th.

7. The choir held a Baby Shower Potluck for Amy and Allan Jacobi September 18^th at Hugh

and Kay Griffin's home. Special thanks to the Griffins for sharing their home for this beautiful event and to the generosity of all who participated in it.

8. The choir went on retreat to Westminster Woods October 23^rd , 24^th , and 25^th .

9. The choir presented a service of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 18^th.

10. On Christmas Eve, the choir sang for the 5' and 10' PM services as well as the Festival of Christmas Music at 9:15. Christmas Day, John Cozza and I provided music for the 10' AM service.

11. The choir held their annual Christmas potluck and gift exchange Thursday, December 29th, at the home of Hugh and Kay Griffin. Once again, special thanks to the Griffins for their gracious hospitality.

12. It is at this point that I will repeat myself in this annual report; however, I cannot stress enough my gratitude to Kay and Hugh Griffin, to Edie Decker, to Paula Frink, and to Susan Johnson for the marvelous job they do year-round in maintaining our choir library. This is an ongoing, tedious, and sometimes very frustrating task, and each of these individuals bring not only his/her organizational skills, but dedication, hard work, and sense of humor to this job. The music library represents a sizeable investment and their careful maintenance and management of this resource insures that this investment will be available to use for many years to come.

13. Edie Decker deserves special thanks for serving as "Sunshine Chairman" for the choir. She makes sure that each choir member receives a birthday card and this is truly a labor of love from a lovely lady. Edie has an identical twin sister and I have often told Edie that if anybody was going to be a twin, I am glad it is she!

14. Many thanks to Virginia Henry who handles our monthly petty cash collections for the choir. Virginia also helps with ordering flowers, balloons, etc. for our choir members and other members of the St. Michael's congregational family. Virginia is a star in St. Michael's firmament of wonderful parishoners and an unsung hero in our choir family.

15. This fall we welcomed Dorothy Cladianos into the soprano section of our choir family. We are delighted to have Dorothy as part of the choir.

16. The choir has taken turns at hosting the after-church coffee hour, with various sections taking the responsibility for different Sundays.

17. I am deeply grateful to Pastor Mary Hauck, Fr. George Foxworth, and Fr. Rod Davis for the wonderful, loving support they give to the music program here at St. Michael's. They make my life and the life of our music program much easier.

Each year as I write this report, I am astounded and humbled by the members of the St. Michael's Chancel Choir. Their dedication, willingness to work hard, disciplined approach to choral music, and loving support of the choir family and St. Michael's as a parish make each and every one of them very special. They give many hours to the ongoing task of providing beautiful music to enhance the worship service week after week here at St. Michael's. Music is said to be 90% hard work and 10% talent, and I have never known this group to shirk the 90% hard work, which, in turn, develops the 10% talent. I am deeply grateful to each and every member of the St. Michael's Chancel Choir for so generously sharing these wonderful gifts of time, talent, energy, and commitment. Because of them, all of our hearts and minds are lifted a little closer to God.

If you are interested in joining the choir, feel free to contact me and/or any of our choir members. The only requirements are that you are able to match pitches and that you bring a willing heart, an open mind, a desire to work hard, and a commitment to give of your best. We are in particular need of tenors and basses at this time. Please join us in this glorious art form of making music and in being part of the warm and loving "family" which is the St. Michael's Chancel Choir.

Worship Ministry: Lay Ministers

Donna Arellano

We are blessed at St. Michael's with the many members who participate actively in worship support ministries. A brief description of these ministries is given here. Please speak to a member of the clergy or to Donna Arellano if you are interested and would like to "try out" one of these important ministry opportunities.

Eucharistic Ministers

The Eucharistic Ministers serve at the altar, assisting the priests by distributing the wine during the celebration of Holy Eucharist.  This ministry requires being licensed by the Diocese, and attending both local and diocesan training. 

Lectors, Intercessors, and Licensed Lay Readers

Having lay persons read the Old Testament and New Testament lessons and the Prayers of the People provides an important sense of congregational involvement in the services at St. Michael's, and is a wonderful way to be involved.  Each lector reads either once a month (at the 8:00 and 5:00 services) or twice a quarter (at the 10:00 service).

The young people of St. Michael's also take part in this ministry as lectors once a month at the 10:00 a.m. Youth Service.  A special thank-you goes to Paul Hauck for his continued leadership with this important group. 

Although it would seem that we have lots of readers, there is always a need for more, especially for alternates. If you are interested in joining this ministry at St. Michael's, please contact the church office.  We provide training so that you will be comfortable in the role.

Ushers

Ushers greet and welcome visitors and members to the church as they come to worship on Sundays.   They serve on teams, distribute service bulletins, and assist visitors and clergy as needed. Ushers are busy before and after the service performing many behind the scenes functions, as well as, participating in both the offering and communion parts of the service. This is a dynamic and interesting ministry to be involved with at St. Michael's.

Greeters

The role of the Greeters is to welcome all who attend services at St. Michael's, whether they are visiting for the first or second time or parishioners who have been around for years. Everyone enjoys being made welcome. Greeters encourage newcomers to sign the guest registry and attend the coffee hour.

Pastoral Ministry Reports

Pastoral Ministry: Associate for Pastoral Care

The Rev. George Foxworth

As I read over last year's annual report, it occurred to me that, in many ways, I could simply re-file last year's comments. The ministry of Associate for Pastoral Care at St. Michael's continues to be very full, wonderfully satisfying, joyful, sad, and filled with so many other challenges and emotions that fill me with awe and wonder. Pastoral ministry encompasses so much of human life and God's Grace. I am privileged and honored to be called to this ministry at St. Michael's.

First of all, I would like to acknowledge those with whom our pastoral ministry has meant involvement at the time of death. The following made their transition to everlasting life assisted in part by the ministry of St. Michael's parish: Leroy Irving Eisler, Robert Vernon Daigh, Bryan Charles Mier, Karol Jeanne Rhody, Ramona Joyce Davi, Jeffrey Allan Gilbert, Charles Edward Mier, Joseph B. Fowler, Virginia Derickson, Charles William Keaster. May their souls and the souls of all the departed rest in peace+.

One of the great strengths of St. Michael's is the lay involvement in the ministries of the parish. And this is true of the pastoral ministries as well. To try to list everyone inevitably means that someone gets left out. I hope that doesn't happen here. Regardless of the danger, I want to offer special thanks to those involved in the following ministries:

Lay Eucharistic Visitors - Under the coordination of Penny Frampton, these men and women of the congregation are trained and licensed to carry the Sacrament of Holy Communion from the altar of the church out to those who are sick and shut-in. Penny has been the scheduler of this ministry since before I came to St. Michael's and is a vital part of this outreach to those who cannot attend services. Our thanks to Skip Metcalf, Paul Hauck, Dale Morgan, Mary Ellen Ferguson and Cheryl Hammond who have served in this ministry during 2011.

Bereavement Ministry - I am grateful to Heidi Satter for the coordinating this program of ministry to those who are in the first year of dealing with a death in their family. The program involves supportive visits and contacts from our team of Bereavement Ministers and materials to help guide the grieving through the first year of that process. Those who have taken the training and are acting as Bereavement Ministers are: Mary Davy, Edie Decker, Rick Larkey, Iwalani Whitmarsh and Warner Seargant.

Pastoral Partners - Though in something of a state of lethargy at present, the ministry of the Pastoral Partners continues to be a blessing to those who are participating. Pastoral Partners take on a group of people in the congregation in order to keep in contact and to act as a liaison with the clergy. For the first half of the year, Dorothy Eddings did wonderful service in helping with reorganization. There is a need at this point for someone to step forward to take on the job of helping me in furthering this program.

Life Planning Workshops - Thanks to the wonderful work done by Marcie Larkey, St. Michael's began a series of workshops in planning for the unforeseen in life that have become a model for the rest of the Diocese of Northern California. With the assistance of Todd Murray these workshops have served over 100 members of St. Michael's and surrounding parishes. Many attendees have spoken very highly of the content and presentation. I am hoping that there will be follow-up workshops during the coming year.

In addition, I have responsibility for other lay ministries including the training of our Lectors and Lay Eucharistic Ministers. Although not strictly "pastoral" ministries, these members of St. Michael's offer a portion of their lives to the extension of the ministry of Word and Sacrament that is at the heart of the life of the Church.

And, of course, the center of all of this is the ministry to the sick and shut-ins of the parish. Extended illness does so many bad things to us, one of the worst being the feeling of being isolated from the people and activities we love; church being one of the most important. So many time I hear from those I visit, "Oh, I want so much to be able to get back to church." This ministry is not only my job, it is my privilege and my joy.

My final thank-you is to Pastor Mary+ for including me in the pastoral and worship life of this wonderful parish for the past five years. I am so grateful to her and to all of you for my life at St. Michael's. After decades of administering parishes, it is so fulfilling to finally be free to do only those things for which I was ordained.

Pastoral Ministry: Prayer Teams

The Rev. Rod Davis and Melissa Lovin

Men's Prayer Team We currently have 22 men of Saint Michael's who have been quietly and confidentially praying for the needs and concerns of those requesting such support.  Another group of Saint Michael's men and women have been doing so for even longer.  A separate group of saints reach out to the community at Sunday services once a month and provide anointing and prayers for healing.  Recent polls have found that the overwhelming majority of Americans pray in some way and form.  Why is this so?  What is happening when we pray?  As Episcopalians with our tradition of common prayer, we pray as a means of participating in the mission of God.  It is an essential part of our baptismal ministry and it extends beyond addressing our own needs to meeting the needs of the world. 

The Prayer Chain currently has 20 members. Any Parish Member may add someone to the Prayer Chain including family members and friends. A "Member" Prayer List is published each week in the Sunday Bulletin. This list is limited to members of our parish. This allows our congregation to pray for each other in a time of need.

Members of St. Michael's Parish may add someone to the Prayer Chain by calling/emailing the Church Office.  Members may also call/email the Church Office to have a friends or family member added to the Prayer Chain.

Thank you to all who participate in this important ministry. 

Outreach Ministry Reports

Outreach Ministry: Mercy & Social Justice

Sue Gaston

The Mercy and Social Justice Ministry continues "to represent God's love and compassion through acts of mercy and justice." This mission is carried out through: assistance in providing life's necessities to those in need, support of the education of young people, participation in carrying out the Millennium Development Goals (United Nations), and education of our members concerning the needs of both the local community and the world. The ministry supports individual and group ministries at St. Michael's.

Activities in 2011 were many.

1. Food Programs. We continue to support 3 food closets through your financial donations and the Food Barrel. Once a month, St. Michael's workers prepare and serve the meal at Loaves & Fishes. A number of our congregants also volunteer at various food closets. You also support the Thanksgiving and Easter "baskets" which provide grocery store gift cards to needy families. Please continue to give generously to the "Soup Pot" on the last Sunday of the month.

2. Starr King School. Once again, your generosity has allowed us to provide more than 80 new backpacks, school supplies, after-school sports scholarships, and support of the new drama program. We also hosted an activity program for the kids on Back to School night, so that parents could attend.

3. Blood Drive. One blood drive was held on a Sunday this year, and we kept the Bloodsource team very busy.

4. Mary Groebeck walked the Cropwalk and with your donations raised over $800.

5. Arden Arcade Carmichael Faith Communities. This interdenominational group was founded in the spring of 2011, with St. Michael's as a founding member. We hosted 2 of the meetings and are pleased to be able to work with other congregations to coordinate services in our community.

6. SMAG hosted the annual Gifts From the Heart program which provided Christmas gifts to 60 needy children and 20 seniors.

7. Bishop's Blend coffee sales. The coffee sales benefit Episcopal Relief and Development. In addition, St. Michael's has been able to purchase about 15 mosquito nets to prevent malaria with our slim proceeds.

All who have an interest are invited to join us. Look for meeting notices in the Sunday Bulletin. You may be already involved in a service, or seeking opportunities. We want to support YOU as you "go into the world in peace to love and serve." Let us know how we can help.

Outreach Ministry: River City Community Services

Eileen Thomas, Executive Director

2011 has been a year of rebuilding and rebirth for River City Food Bank. With incredible community support, RCFB was able to purchase a building at 1800 28^th Street in midtown Sacramento and make improvements necessary to facilitate food distribution and storage. On January 9, 2012, RCFB opened its new home to serve those in need of food assistance. The new site allowed River City to re-open as Sacramento's first "Choice Food Bank," allowing clients to choose the healthy foods they prefer, rather than receive a pre-packaged bag.

From RCFB's temporary home across from Trinity Cathedral, more than 47,000 people were provided with a three day supply of healthy, nutritious food in 2011. Sadly, every fourth person served was a child. The fastest growing group of people seeking assistance were seniors, 55 years or older. From January 2011 to December, that group increased by 32%.

Besides the Food Assistance Program, RCFB provides aid to children at risk of hunger through the BackSnack Program. Nutrition education is taught monthly at the Fun with Food class where clients participate in cooking nutritious recipes, sample the food, and receive all of the ingredients necessary to make the recipe at home for their families. Families and individuals seeking CalFresh information and enrollment assistance can get help through RCFB's CalFresh Outreach Program. All of these programs center on the philosophy that "No one should be hungry."

River City Food Bank counts St. Michaels Episcopal Church as one of its most supportive church partners. Besides weekly food donations and monthly contributions, the parishioners of St. Michael's support the clients of River City by providing gift cards for families in need to buy holiday food at Thanksgiving and Easter. These gifts allow families the dignity and freedom to buy the foods they prefer for these holiday celebrations.

River City Food Bank is very grateful for the assistance and support from St Michaels, and prays that together we will continue to work as partners to help those in need.

Outreach Ministry: United Thank Offering (UTO)

Hazel Morse

The 2011 "UTO" Offering instituted by Julia Emory in 1889 to train Women for Missionary Duties, etc resulted in the magnificent total of $1, 322 for the year. Thank you.

Outreach Ministry: Scholarship Fund

The Rev. Canon Mary Hauck

The Parish Scholarship Committee, at the request of the Rector, took the year 2011 to stop its normal activity and instead, re-evaluate its vision and mission. In early Fall, Pastor Mary met with committee chair, Rita Gibson, and member, Karine Mendenhall, to discuss current policies, imagine possibilities, and draft a new mission statement for this outreach ministry of the parish.

"The St. Michael's Parish Scholarship is designed to open the doorway to a college education by offering partial financial assistance to eligible candidates who are members of local congregations identified as being part of the consortium of churches known as the 'Arden-Arcade Ministerial Outreach Committee,' St. Michael's and St. Matthew's being member churches of this consortium. The fund will be administered by a committee named by the Vestry of St. Michael's, and in keeping with Article V: Standing and Special Committees in the by-laws of the parish."

The final mission statement will be affirmed by the Vestry in 2012 and a new committee developed under the leadership of the current chair, Rita Gibson. While we will continue to receive and fund applications from graduating seniors of St. Michael's and St. Matthew's parish for their higher education this spring, the focus of the committee in 2012 will be to refine the goals and mission of the Parish Scholarship Fund to serve a broader population in more diverse ways, to attract new members to the committee, and to increase the funding in innovative ways. This will put the Scholarship Fund in a position to do more good.

Child/Youth Christian Education Reports

Child, Youth, and Family Ministry

Rochelle Lackey

St. Michael's Child, Youth, and Family Ministry's mission is to encourage and support Christian Formation of young people from infants through senior year of high school. St. Michael's Sunday school program offers a Christian faith based educational program. We urge each family to take time to discuss with their child what they have learned in Sunday school. While these discussions provide a learning opportunity for the entire household they strengthen family ties; these discussions also reinforce the importance of religion in the home. God's family unit must relate to one another transcending the sociological boundaries of family units. Jesus said that his family was defined not by biological ties but by the community of faith (Mark 3:33-35).

Godly Play (Pre-school through Kindergarten)

Our Godly Play (Pre-Kindergarten) curriculum is based on the Montessori Method of instruction. Children learn about the Bible through Bible stories and toy figures. This program is designed to be well suited to the needs of our preschoolers and kindergarteners.

Primary Class (First through Third Grade)

Our First, second, and third graders have been using the Welcome the Good News curriculum. This program follows the lectionary used in church, so the children are hearing the same lesson as the adults. The leaders are provided a detailed lesson plan which offers a variety of ways to present the lesson, including drama, individual art work, class posters made by the children, song, and story-telling.

Junior Youth Group (J.Y.G. - Fourth through Sixth Grade)

Our fourth, fifth, and sixth graders have continued to be taught, shepherded, and mentored by Dave Decker and Ellen Harbawi. The focus of the JYG is study, fellowship, and service that provides structured discussion question and activities appropriate to the age of the class. Once a month, on the fourth Sunday, the JYG have a "Youth Service Sunday" featuring young readers and other worship assistants. The members of the JYG are without fail among our most proficient lectors and the congregation should be proud of their role in supporting the development of these young Christians.

Youth Group (EYC 7^th-12^th Grade)

The Youth Group (7th-12th grade), meets weekly during church. The Youth Group is led by Darcie Larkey and Chuck Schaller, as co-directors. The formation of discussion and activities are based on the curriculum (Living the Good News). The youth are encouraged to be themselves by explore challenging personal issues. Through this process, the youth will discover more about God's love and keep track of how they grow in the next few weeks and months.

Special Events:

· Gratitude for our bodies:

o JYG read the lessons & prayers, serve as ushers, greeters, food barrel & soup pot ambassadors. The E.Y.C. will be preparing to teach interested members of the congregation to get moving with Wii games and other activities such as Body Bingo and Heart Beat during today's Coffee Hour focus on Gratitude for our Health.

 

· Hometown Nazareth:

o This was a six week event that allowed the child to travel back in time and experience life when Jesus was a boy.

· Back to school night At Starr King:

o Child, Youth, & Family Ministry provided activities for the children of Starr King while their parents meet with their teachers

· Hosted Coffee Hour:

o Coffee hour was hosted by Child, Youth, & Family Ministry

· Make-a-Nativity scene kit:

o The nativity scene kit was mailed to each child and youth. The idea behind is special activity was to assist family in exploring the true meaning of Christmas.

· Christmas Pageant Celebrating the birth of Christ:

Child, Youth, and Family are the heart and soul of St. Michael's future. We would like to add more parent volunteers to assist the teachers or to lead Sunday school classes.

Please consider whether you would like to be involved with this ministry. I invite you to contact Child, Youth, & Family ministry to further discuss your gift to this ministry.

Youth Ministry: Youth Group (E.Y.C.)

Darcie Larkey and Chuck Schaller, Youth Directors

St. Michael's EYC is comprised of our youth members ranging from 7^th graders through 12^th graders, most of who serve as Acolytes during our Church Services.

 

This past year we continued to use Living the Good News. It is a Lectionary-Based Program that includes the use of Scripture, Discussion, and Enhancement Activities. It follows the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The focus is paralleled with the readings that the congregation hears in Church on Sunday morning.  Here are some of the activities we engaged in this Fall and Winter:

  

Friday, November 4th - Movie and Pizza Night: We started the evening enjoying a meal together before attending a showing of Puss in Boots at the Domes.

Sunday, November 20^th - Parish Thanksgiving Dinner

 

December - Gifts From the Heart: Our group generously selected two young children and purchased gifts to complete their wish lists.  

 

Sunday, December 18^th - The Third Annual Baked Ziti Supper. 

 

In February, we are joining other youth groups from the area to support the efforts of the Sierra Service Project.

As the year continues, the EYC look forward to exploring new opportunities for fellowship, fun, and service as always. We are blessed with active youth, and equally supportive parents and parish members.

 

Children's Ministry: Children's Community Chorus

The Reverend Canon Mary Hauck

Under the direction of local jazz singer and children's theater director, Brady McKay Williams, we launched a Children's Community Chorus for neighborhood children in grades three through eight. The Chorus meets on Wednesday afternoons during the School Year from 3:30 to 4:30 pm in the adult choir area of St. Michael's Church. It will not meet during school holidays or the summer break. The goal is to support the arts in the community, provide a safe and happy environment for children to express themselves musically, and to further introduce members of the larger neighborhood and community to our campus and our community. Current students come from many area schools, including a few St. Michael's Day School students. We hope that this will also be a significant part of our continuing ministry to Starr King School and thank Janice Bowdler for her support and encouragement.

Children's Ministry: Baptism, Communion, Confirmation

The Rev. Canon Mary Hauck

At St. Michael's, parents who desire have their children baptized attend one or more classes with me to learn about the meaning and commitment of this ancient and powerful Rite of Christian Initiation.

 

Because we allow children to participate in the Eucharist as a result of their baptism and their parent's discretion, I offer a Children's Communion Class each year. Each Spring, children ranging in age from first grade through sixth grade meet with me over a period of weeks. We learn about Holy Communion, make field trips to the Sacristy to see the "holy things." We even try on a few of the liturgical garments. The study culminates in a special Instructed Eucharist at the 10 a.m. service for the whole congregation. It is a rich and wonderful experience for me and for these young members of our worshipping community and I give thanks to God for the opportunity.

Teens, eighth grade or older, ready to make a mature affirmation of their faith participate in a series of classes where we learn about and discuss the essentials of the Christian Faith: Holy Scripture, the Creeds, the Sacraments, and the Call to a Life of Ministry and Service for Jesus. The mixture of young people and adults for some of the classes and for the retreat day make for a rich connection and context for learning. The classes take place on campus and the youth join adults and sponsors for the daylong retreat, which ends with a visit with the Bishop and a candlelit prayer service to prepare them spiritually for Confirmation.

Adult Christian Education Reports

Adult Formation: Christian Education for Adults

The Rev. Rodney Davis

As a community of Christians, St. Michael's continues to publicly affirm that it is centered in Jesus Christ and engaged in helping one another grow in our relationship with God.  Adult Christian Formation programming is one of many ways we go about this.  Through this programming we not only update and enrich our own understanding but also provide a way for others to learn the Good News of Jesus Christ.  It provides a means of learning both through study and experience.

As a Christian tradition that is liturgical and sacramental, the Parish offered and will continue to offer experiential opportunities to mark the seasons of the Church year as well as monthly opportunities focused on prayer. A baptismal promise that we make affirms that we will come together to break bread and pray together. Seasonal weekday worship at St. Michael's enriches our opportunities to do so, as does the ongoing program of centering prayer faithfully supported by Janice Boyd and Contemplative Pathways, the centering prayer program founded by Father Thomas Keating.

Educational offerings continue to be a hallmark of the ministry of St. Michael's. Continuing the popular "all parish read" program, we read together and discussed The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan; a book telling a heartbreaking story centered on the human costs of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the Holy Land. It was supplemented with a showing of the award winning film, "The Lemon Tree," by the Israeli director, Eran Riklis. For Lent this year we will read together A Practical Christianity by Jane Shaw, the dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.

Bible study will continue to be a centerpiece at St. Michael's, with small group study offered during Lent and the Easter season. We can look forward to Father George leading an occasional study focused on our seasonal lessons, such as his class during Advent last year.For those wishing a more comprehensive study of Scripture, Saint Michael's will continue to sponsor Education for Mission [EFM], a 4-year course of study that has been transformative for many parishioners who have completed it.  And after Church services on Sundays, Pastor Mary+ will continue her popular "stand alone" presentations based on the book, Jesus Was an Episcopalian by Chris Yaw.

I continue to be thankful for the inquiring and discerning hearts of those who participate in adult Christian formation programming.  I'm especially thankful for the clergy, parishioners, and parish organizations that sponsor and teach it.  God bless you.

Adult Formation: Education for Ministry (EfM)

Mary Ellen Ferguson and Donna Arellano, co-mentors

Education for Ministry is an opportunity to study the bible in depth, learn the history of the development of the church and it's theology and explore how your life fits in with all this. It is done over four years, using materials developed by the School of Theology of Sewanee. The St. Michael's Education for Ministry group is a lively, spiritual, and thought-provoking seminary experience.   Each week we engage in theological reflections, pray together, and share our life experiences. We currently have eight members from St. Michael's, and we meet Tuesday evenings from September through May. If you're curious about joining next fall, we encourage you to contact Mary Ellen Ferguson or Donna Arellano and/or join us at an EfM-hosted Coffee Hour to be held soon. Current students and mentors will be on hand to share their seminar experiences and answer questions. There are many graduates of the progrm at St. Michael's who would also be happy to answer your questions and share how EfM has affected their lives.

Adult Formation: Baptism, Confirmation, New Member Classes

The Rev. Canon Mary Hauck

An essential part of church membership is discipleship. This is the Great Commission given to us by Jesus to build up the Church. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28.19).

One of the most enjoyable aspects of ministry is to prepare individuals for the sacraments of Baptism or Confirmation. At St. Michael's, adults who wish to be baptized, or parents who desire have their children baptized attend one or more classes with me to learn about the meaning and commitment of this ancient and powerful Rite of Christian Initiation.

 

Adults and teens ready to make a mature affirmation of their faith participate in a series of classes where we learn about and discuss the essentials of the Christian Faith: Holy Scripture, the Creeds, the Sacraments, and the Call to a Life of Ministry and Service for Jesus. The mixture of young people and adults make for a rich connection and context for learning. The classes take place on campus and include a daylong Confirmation Retreat, where candidates for Confirmation and their sponsors prepare spiritually for Confirmation. In 2011, Confirmation preparation took place over the summer in preparation for Bishop Beisner's Episcopal Visit on August 28, 2011. During the Retreat Day preceding Confirmation participants developed a spiritual autobiography, wrote a letter to the Bishop, prayed with icons, labyrinths, and Anglican rosaries, and baked communion bread.

When adults come to St. Michael's they may be returning to Church after a significant absence, new to the area, or just attracted to the Episcopal Church. In the fall of 2011 and continuing through May of 2012, we are using the book & related video's prepared by Fr. Chris Yaw called, "Jesus was an Episcopalian and You can Be One Too" as the basis for an ongoing new member class. We have been blessed with a good sized group comprised of both newcomers to St. Michael's and long-time members.

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship,

to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42)

Adult Formation: Library & Tract Rack Ministry

Pat Gilbert

Library

The Church Library is located in the Conference Room next to the Church Office. It is open during office hours and after services on Sunday.   At the Coffee Hour on Sunday you will find a library cart in the Parish Hall with a selection of our newer books which you may check out.  Also on the cart will be one of the many scrapbooks and photo albums reflecting the history of St. Michael's Church.   The scrapbooks are not available for checkout as they are irreplaceable, so please enjoy them in the Parish Hall.

 

New additions to the library are received as gifts from parishioners and friends of St. Michael's since there is no budget item for the library.  The collection contains more than one thousand volumes, ranging from various translations of the Bible and Bible Commentary to Church History, Family Life, Biography and books for children.  Reference books may not be checked out, and must be used in the library.  All other books may be borrowed for a period of one month.  While there are no overdue fines "Blessed are those who return their book on time." 

 

This past year the library has received numerous gift books, please take a look at those on the library cart as you enjoy your Sunday morning cup of coffee.

 

Tract Rack

The Tract Rack is located in the Narthex of the Church as part of the Usher's desk.   As well as providing information about the Episcopal Church, there are also seasonal and personal pamphlets.   The selection includes the ever popular "Forward Day By Day."  A selection of "Care Notes" by Abbey Press, are also available.  There is no budget item for the Tract Rack so your contributions help to defray the cost of materials.  Your contribution may be placed in the slot on the Ushers Desk.

Fellowship & Hospitality Reports

Fellowship: Daughters' of the King (D.O.K.)

Mary Hutchinson

The "Order of the Daughters of the King" is a religious order for women in the Episcopal Church. Women from churches with apostolic succession or in full communion with the Episcopal Church of the United States of America are also allowed to have chapters. Thus we have chapters all over the world. We are dedicated to prayer, service, and evangelism. We also give a strong emphasis to study. We are not a fund raising organization. Any money we spend is from free will donations given at our meetings.

At this point we have twelve members meeting the last Monday each month. All women in the church are invited to attend. We participate in the prayer chain, and Hazel Morse sends out weekly devotionals to the home bound. We also pray for our clergy, and assist them with special requests. Each of our members also actively participates in their own choice of service as well.

At each meeting we have a program that often involves a study. This year we followed the "Grateful for. . ." schedule that the church followed. We had many interesting speakers.

Twice a year we join the other chapters in the diocese for our assembly. These are hosted in the different churches around the diocese. They are a fun way to keep us in touch with our sisters.

Our members are: Sue Corbin ,diocesan assembly president and past chapter president, Jean Dahl, Ginger Daniel ,member-at-large from St. Matthew's, Edie Decker, program committee chairman, Dorothy Eddings, vice president and secretary, Mary Hutchinson ,president, Margaret Kendall , past president, Kathy Lunger, past president, Hazel Morse, Beckie Oleson, Carla Vento, study & education leader, and Kitty Williamsee, treasurer. This summer we lost our much loved member Mona Davi due to a long fought battle with cancer. She will be missed.

We look forward to an active 2012 and coming closer to God.

Fellowship: Friendship Guild (E.C.W.)

Hazel Morse

The E.C.W. now meets on the 2^nd Tuesday every other month followed by a potluck lunch. The 8 a.m. coffee hour is prepared by Norma Rehrer, Janet Olds and Iwalani Whitmarsh throughout the year. $300 was donated to River City Community Services this year.

Fellowship: St. Michael's Hiking Club

John and Sally Jervis

St. Michael's Hiking Club members will meet in mid-March to plan a series of monthly walks/hikes to scenic mountain/coastal sites. Last spring and summer we went to the Black Diamond Mine trail near Mt. Diablo, to Feather Falls near Oroville, to Pt. Reyes and to the Yuba Gap/Lower Loch Leven Lakes area. Bring your ideas and suggestions to our planning meeting. First trek will be in April or May. We gather in the church parking lot on a given Saturday morning and carpool to well-mapped destinations.

Fellowship: The Men's Breakfast Group

Dick Pryor

 

The Men's Breakfast group is a small group of men that meet for breakfast at 8:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month at the Waffle Square 2107 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento.  The group is not restricted to members of St. Michael's and has no agenda or program.  The men's group organizes, prepares and serves the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and the annual Sunday School Children's hot dog picnic.

Fellowship: ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out)

Jay Glad

This is a lunch group, the name of which is self-explanatory.  We meet monthly on the third Thursday at noon at Serritella's Italian Restaurant in Carmichael (Fair Oaks Blvd. at Palm Dr.).  We usually have about 12 old men there and we have a grand time eating lunch and talking about the good old days.

Fellowship: St. Margaret's Guild

Marilyn Jones and Geneva Pratt

Any woman from St. Michael's is welcome to join the core group of St. Margaret's Guild. We get together for lunch once a month on the 2^nd Monday, at a restaurant chosen by that month's hostess. "Dues" of $1 are collected from those present and this year was used for Family Promises of Sacramento, Mustard Seed School, and St. Matthews Food Closet. In December of each year, we collect gifts of clothing and toys for infants and toddlers served by the Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center. This year we contributed to St. Matthews Episcopal Church. Watch the "Messenger" and the Sunday bulletin for times and locations each month. Guests are always welcome.

Fellowship & Fundraising: St. Michael's Actors Guild (SMAG)

Mark Wiederanders, President

2011 was another busy and productive year for the performing arts at St. Michaels. This year the annual production was Murder-Go-Round, a spy-thriller-spoof directed by our Artistic Director, Dick Williams.  The show proved to be both a successful and wonderfully fun event.  Many thanks to the actors, stage crew, and behind-the-scenes workers who made this year's production such a success.

SMAG productions generate considerable financial support for St. Michael's programs, capital improvements to the theater, and outreach.  Profits from the spring show this year went to the purchase of a new scissor-lift. This device is used to change and adjust the theater lights hanging at the top of Johnstone Hall. Our previous lift was antiquated and had far outlived its life expectancy. In addition, the proceeds from our dinner theater performance provided supplies and sports scholarships for the children at Starr King School.

 In December SMAG sponsored the fourth annual Celtic Christmas Concert.  This concert by the local band Molly's Revenge packed the house and has become a much anticipated seasonal event.

SMAG provided technical support for the production of our annual Christmas Pageant and has begun a partnership with Starr King Elementary School to provide financial, technical and manpower support to their developing arts programs.  

Marilyn Jones, a long-time member of SMAG, and Geneva Pratt coordinated the annual Gifts from the Heart program which provides Christmas gifts for scores of needy families.  This year 60 children and 20 seniors received Christmas gifts donated by parish members.  SMAG also provides the Parish Hall Christmas tree that is delivered from the Jones' family tree farm.

2011

Year End

Financials

2012

Budget