January 1 Church services on New Year's Day are scheduled for 8:00 – quiet service and 10:15 – Christmas Lessons and Carols. Come and ring in the New Year.

Eve of Epiphany ~ Twelfth Night Contemplative Service

Thursday January 5, 2012 at 5:30 – 6:15

Sanctuary St. Michael’s Episcopal Church

"In the feasts that follow the Nativity, all that is contained in the explosion of divine light at Christmas is gradually revealed, culminating in the feast of Epiphany which is the fullness and crowning feast of the Christmas-Epiphany Mystery.  In the clear light of Epiphany, faith in the divinity of Jesus and in our incorporation in him as members of his mystical body is the light—our guiding star—that empowers us to follow him and to be transformed into him."

-Thomas Keating, The Mystery of Christ.

Join us at 5:30 in the Sanctuary for ~ Candlelight ~ Silence ~ Simple chants like Taize and Songs of the Presence ~ Scripture for Epiphany

Poetry Workshop to be offered at St. Michael's

Do you love and appreciate poetry? Would you like to make time to express yourself with words? Ready to explore the writing process in a supportive and joyful way? Megan Buchanan Cherry, poet and teaching artist, will be offering a seven-week poetry writing workshop series, beginning in January. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend if you wish. No experience required, just enthusiasm! We'll write new poems each week. The workshop will be offered on Monday evenings, beginning January 16th  and is free of charge.

THANKS TO ALL who turned in Stewardship pledge forms over the past few weeks. If you have not made your pledge for 2012, you may do so at any time by placing it in the offering plate or mailing it to the church.  Forms are available in the back of the church.  Currently we have received 107 pledges for a total of $178,191.50.

2011 Pledge Reminder!  If you have not yet completed your pledge for 2011, please do so if possible before the end of the year.   St. Michael’s depends on your stated pledges to carry out our mission and ministry!  Currently, our deficit is $42,519.00.

SPECIAL VESTRY MEETING: WEDNESDAY, January 5 AT 6:OOpm.  This meeting will focus on Building for the Future financial plans and responses to mailing of December 30, 2011.

Capital Campaign – There are only 2 days left to pay your 2011 pledge.  Don’t forget to send your checks today.

THE VESTRY CLASS OF 2012 seeks parishioners interested in serving on the vestry.  Please speak to one of us (Susan Kochinskas, Melanie Boese, Lori Palmer, or Sue Dyer) so we know of your interest as we create a slate of folks who will fill in the gaps left as we move on as of the January Annual Meeting.   We are eager to hear from you!

ANNUAL REPORTS ARE DUE IN THE OFFICE ON JANUARY 16, 2012 – Great way to say “welcome home” to Cynthia.

DROP-IN CENTER- Please remember that the need is always great but even greater at this time of year when there are so many people with great needs. Let us be generous and fill the baskets to overflowing with food and hygiene items for those in our community who have less.  And many thanks for your consistent generosity!