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Parish Fellowship and Activities
St. Michaels has been
called by recent newcomers a very friendly church. This has rather deliberately
developed through the efforts of the Evangelism Commission which has been working
to find ways to reach out to visitors and new residents. Greater publicity in
the local paper and a church brochure in local Bed and Breakfasts has been helpful.
Over the years, many members have also taken individual initiative to help newcomers
feel at home. The Sunday morning breakfast and the coffee hour are the primary
places for parishioners to greet each other and get to know new people. Newcomers
dinners held about once a year further introduce new parishioners to the life
of St. Michaels. Potluck suppers during the winter and spring
further develop friendships within this Christian community for those who wish
it. Several groups for women, including St. Catherines Guild
and the Parish Aid Society, meet monthly for fellowship and support of parish and outside
of parish needs. The Pastoral Care Commission supports the sick and shut-ins, providing transportation for parish events and accompanying the rector on house communions. Pastoral Care also hosts soup, dessert, tea, and coffee on the second Tuesday of the month - you provide the fellowship. The next is
June 10, 2008
12:00 noon
Parish Hall
Communication between parish members happens through the monthly Newsletter which announces and chronicles parish events, volunteer opportunities, and music in the liturgy.. The Sunday bulletin, in addition to the order of worship, contains a list of the weeks coming events and announcements.
St. Michaels parishioners are blessed to worship in a church building erected in 1714. While the beauty of the old wooden building adds a unique dimension to our Sunday worship, an historic church has its own challenges and responsibilities. The Historic Church Committee exists to advocate for the preservation of the historical aspects of St. Michaels, including the 18th century buildings and artifacts and the maintenance of archival materials. The archives include early 18th century vestry records and other documents which have been professionally restored and are housed in fire resistant safes. These are available to be seen on request. The Buildings and Grounds Commission is responsible for the actual physical condition of the church and Parish Hall, the adjacent rectory and the early 19th century house the Sunday School uses. The parish owns a two-apartment dwelling bought as fire protection which supports 4% of the annual budget. The Stewardship Commission is responsible for the October/November pledge drive which provides the major part of the churchs annual income. The Finance Commission oversees the budget, expenses, purchases, audits, etc. and the Investment Committee has responsibility for St. Michaels endowment funds under guidelines established by the Vestry.
Outreach activities include a sister parish in Haiti, a monthly Saturday lunch served by parishioners at the Salem Mission, a shelter and feeding program, and occasionally at My Brothers Table in Lynn, a quarterly Red Cross blood drive, food, money and volunteers provided to our local food pantry and cash donations to various local, national and international helping organizations. These are organized by the Mission Committee and the Social Concerns Commission which are funded by proceeds from the Fourth of July Lobster Luncheon. Parish members are or have been involved in various aspects of Diocesan affairs, including Diocesan Chancellor, Registrar-Historiographer, Diocesan Finance Committee member, Commission on Ministry member, Commission on Wider Ministry member, Development Committee member, Communications Committee member, and Episcopal Times Editorial Board members.
The Vestry along with the rector is responsible for the life of the parish and the management of its resources. The Vestry consists of the rector, senior and junior wardens (two year positions, with junior warden becoming senior warden after two years), treasurer, assistant treasurer, clerk, and nine Vestry members, serving rotating three year terms. The Vestry meets on the third Monday of the month, year round, with the annual meeting in January. The Vestry members act as liaisons between the Vestry and the commissions and committees of the parish.
St. Michael's Church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and member of the North Shore Deanery.
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Last updated March 9, 2008