Spiritual Growth
Christian Formation
At St. Michael’s we strive to grow in our relationship with God, both as individuals and as a church. A key part of that growth is Christian formation/education. Christian formation is a lifelong process of learning, developing and growing, which includes education for both children and adults. But true Christian Formation is actually more than merely a process of learning and acquiring knowledge or information. It involves forming us as disciples of Jesus Christ and equipping us to “do the work (he has) given us to do; to love and serve (God) as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.” BCP (Book of Common Prayer) pg. 366.
-
This group meets to discuss Bible texts the first and third Thursday of every month. Meet at 10 a.m. in the library room.
-
All parishioners are welcome to participate in book studies throughout the year, led by the rector. The selected books are purchased by the church for all participants who sign up and are theirs to keep once the book study is finished. At the first meeting, a reading schedule is established and participants are encouraged to keep up with the readings for each week so they can participate in discussions about the reading.
-
Adult formation classes are offered occasionally through the year. These will always be announced at both Sunday services, through the weekly newsletter and posted on bulletin boards in the Narthex.
Parish Ministries
-
Members prepare the Sanctuary for Sunday Mass, which includes the set up and clean up of sacred vessels and vestments for each service, polishing brass and silver Altar appointments, and keeping the Sanctuary and Sacristy neat and tidy.
-
Acolytes are trained to assist clergy and congregation in all areas of liturgy. Servers are trained to assist the clergy with administration of of the chalice at Mass. Lectors are trained to read the Lessons at Mass and Prayers of the People. Ushers greet guests and hand out the weekly Bulletin as they enter, direct the Congregation during Holy Communion, and ensure the church is neat after Mass.
-
Members arrange flowers and other greens to enhance Church and Chapel for worship at Sunday Mass. They also plan and order flowers for holidays, as well as weddings or funerals held at the church.
-
While the 7:30 service does not include music, the 9:30 service each Sunday includes worship music selected by the rector from the 1982 Hymnal, played expertly by our parish musician, Mykel Luxon.
-
Trained members take Communion to home-bound parishioners in the community once per month.
-
Members crochet or knit small blankets that are then blessed by the rector and attached with a message of comfort and love. These are available in the Narthex for anyone in need of comfort from a handmade shawl.
-
Parishioners in need of comfort or encouragement are mailed hand-written greeting cards with comforting messages from a member of the church. Cards are also written and mailed out to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries of parishioners.
-
As the governing body of the church, vestry members are nominated and elected from parishioners of St. Michael’s at the annual meeting each January.