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Parish Fellowship and Activities

St. Michael’s 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. Michael’s. 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. Catherine’s 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

Soup, Dessert and Fellowship
June 10, 2008
12:00 noon
Parish Hall

The Support Group meets weekly to offer its members support in various areas, including the death of a loved one. St. Michael’s Men’s Group meets on a sporadic basis for fellowship. Men have traditionally put on the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and have been involved in specific projects during fundraising events. These fundraising events provide opportunities for fellowship and also make a substantial financial contribution to St. Michael’s. The Heart of Christmas during Marblehead's Christmas Walk in December, the Lobster Luncheon in July, and the ongoing St. Michael’s Thrift Shop contribute approximately $25,000 each year to support St. Michael’s operating budget and outreach expenditures.

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 week’s coming events and announcements.

St. Michael’s 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. Michael’s, 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 church’s annual income. The Finance Commission oversees the budget, expenses, purchases, audits, etc. and the Investment Committee has responsibility for St. Michael’s 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 Brother’s 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