Blog « St. Michael's Church, Charleston, SC

Prayer Corner

February 1st, 2012

Prayer Corner
Please pray for the upcoming Global Impact Celebration, beginning Sunday February 12th through Sunday February 19th. Praying specifically for The Rev. Dr. Ravi Zacharias and Chaplain Barry Black. Also, please pray for St. Michael’s Church and our mission, which is to transform every heart and home, the Holy City, the Hurting Coast and the Hungering World through Jesus Christ. Pray specifically for the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence and his family; for Dallas and Janie Wilson and St. John’s Chapel; for Rob Dewey and Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy; for Doug Born and his mission in England; for Tabitha Wang and her mission in China; for Simon Guillebaud and his mission in Burundi; for our missionary in Yemen; for Pastor Peter and the church in Ukraine; and for Elizabeth Cooper and Holly Craighead, our seminarians.

Prayers for Deployed Military
Quinn Gallagher, Rescue Helicopter Pilot, Afghanistan (grandson of Elizabeth Wood)
Second Lieutenant Keith McLain Hoogland, deployed to Afghanistan
Captain William Grimball, deployed to Afghanistan

Parents-to-Be Prayer List
God said, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”
Jackie and Corey Morris
(March 2012)
Jason and Catherine Regan
(April 2012)
Cal and Vitre Stephens (May 2012)
Vicki and Yan Vázquez (June 2012)
Emily and Bryant Pearson
(June 2012)
Gretchen and Jamie Sosnowski
(June 2012)
Catherine and Terry Tobin
(June 2012)

Prayers for Employment
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today”
Hebrews 3:13a
This new list, for those needing employment, includes names and recent employment skills.
Ross Early – land surveyor
Kathy Heavner – arts education
Eddie Steele – manufacturing; engineering
Susan McLester – experienced hospice RN

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Serving Schedule – Feb. 3 & 12, 2012

February 1st, 2012

~Who’s Serving on February 5, is in Bold~
Vestry of the Month: Ann Hester Willis
Altar Guild: Group III / IV

8:00 a.m. Service:
Readers: Henry Grimball, Frank Grimball / No 8am Service on Feb. 12
Acolytes: Joseph Howell / Ellen Hudson Brown
Ushers: John Barnwell, Henry Blackford / Gregory Miller, Horry Parker
Prayer Ministers: Jeanette Winfield, Charlie Baldwin / Lee Horton, Beverly Howell

8:45 a.m. Service:
Host Family/Greeter: Mueller / No 8:45am Service on Feb. 12
Reader/Chalice Bearer: Myers / No 8:45am Service on Feb. 12

10:30 a.m. Service:
Reader: Sam Hines, Robby Marion, Todd Brown, Larry Dorminy/ David Richardson, Dale Finkbine
Acolytes: Reid Marion, Ellis McKay, Emily Moore / Noah Myers, Charlotte Nicholson, Sarah Ravenel
Ushers: Team 5 Chris Snedeker, Chappy McKay, Arthur Ravenel III, Jay Seibels, Park Smith, David Smythe, Chris Sosnowski, Mikell Scarborough, Paul Lankau / Team 1: John Massalon, Chuck Baker, Peter Brandt, Roy Cole, John Avlon, Dianne Avlon
Prayer Ministers: Jean and Johnnie Corbett, Linda Wall, Julie Akers, Joe and Nicole Nicholson / Elizabeth Zadig, Molly Hull, Pat Jennings, Robby and Swain Marion, Susan and Jack Herrmann
Children’s Worship Helpers: Todd and Eleanor Kuhl, Rutledge and Molly Young / Mark and Joanna Khegan, George and Diana Thornley
Greeters: Jodi and Capers Barr, Fred Willis / Georgia and Ed Barnett, Christie Loftin
Bells: The St. Michael’s Tower Bell Ringers
Church Guide: Bob Kunes / Tommy Kirkland Coffee Host: Jane and Stedman Dowd / Dawn and Bear Dyke

6:00 p.m. Service:
Ushers & Readers: TEAM B Ashley and Hal Frampton, Lisa and Clay Hadden / TEAM C: Peggy Hotchkiss, Dan Cieslikowski, Helen Smith, Kathy Hare
Bells: The St. Michael’s Tower Bell Ringers

Tuesday 7:30 a.m. Service Readers: February 7th Jay Seibels / February 14th Nathaniel King

Mid-Day Readers: Week of February 6th – February 10th (M) Ed Barnett, (T) Frank Barnwell (W) Bob Prioleau (Th) Healing Prayer (F) Bob Prioleau
Week of February 13 – February 17 (M) Burwell Boykin, (T) Ella Richardson (W) Jane Potts (Th) Healing Prayer (F) Gus Marjenhoff

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Crisis Ministries

February 1st, 2012

St. Michael’s has committed to Crisis Ministries to serve dinner one night every other month. There is a menu that has already been prepared that can be used for less than $150, an amount that St. Michael’s covers. Or, as these families did, a different menu can be created with the help of a local grocery store for around $5 per guest. As Matthew 25:39 says, “As you did it unto one of the least of me, you did it unto me.” Is God calling you to coordinate one of these meals? The 2012 dates are May 10, July 12, September 13. You build your own team, those with whom you want to share this experience, and God will do the rest. Please contact Swain Marion at swain@stmichaelschurch.net to reserve the date.

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Challenges of the Eastside Call Men to Volunteer

February 1st, 2012

By Charles W. Waring III

As citizens of the Lowcountry, we are all intimately familiar with the special cultural nuances of the area. No matter the walk in life or income level, residents know they live in a place that is filled with history, love of the land and pride in being part of the rich fabric of the region. As a result, we as a community have immediate common ground as the basis to form a relationship.

Since the days when all my friends played flag football at the Hazel Parker Playground, children of the Eastside have also participated on these teams. Looking back, we were part of a generation of fairly new racial integration at many levels, but that was something the politicians and parents understood; we were just boys playing football or going to the famed dances in the old warehouse where Hazel made sure that all were welcome.

I fast forward to my experiences as a tutor from the vestry of Porter-Gaud School to Sanders-Clyde Elementary School under the old Cooper River Bridge. As a junior and senior, I participated in helping two young boys learn to read. I saw how volunteerism could have an impact, and though the experience was positive, I see in hindsight how much was and is missing.

It is not “their problem”; this is our Lowcountry, and we, as Christians, are called into relationships with those from all walks of life. The secular world may have its political cat fights and put up barriers of man, but when we step back and walk into the Eastside to enter into Christian relationships, we are letting God work through us, unleashing the Holy Spirit, allowing anything to happen. If we walk with faith, then we know He will do his will.

Through the Sticks ‘N Stones or “Blue Bus” ministry, the men of St. Michael’s Church can bring hope to others as part of our ongoing mission to the Holy City, in the same manner as we are with the acclaimed “Pink Bus” ministry. St. John’s Chapel’s Family Center for Biblical Dialogue expanded its outreach to the little boys last summer with a pilot camp. Last August many men of St. Michael’s Church volunteered to take the little boys on a fishing trip to Edisto Island. You may have heard that the trip was a huge success because God’s hand was in the huge outpouring of volunteerism from our church.

Just as many women at St. Michael’s are helping the “Pink Bus” ministry, we trust that the men of St. Michael’s Church will take a role in supporting the first graders Brother Dallas Wilson shepherds together. As a member of the board of the Biblical Dialogue Center, I am coordinating the volunteers who plan to serve the “Blue Bus” ministry. If you wish to learn more or already believe you are called to participate in this ministry, please send an email to me via cwwaring@hotmail.com.

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2012 Lenten Lock-In

February 1st, 2012

Attention 5th-6th graders! Mark your calendars for Friday March 9, 2012. This is our annual event to get 5th and 6th graders together and have some fun. In just a few short months, 5th graders will no longer be considered “children” but “youth” and in order to make their transition as easy as possible, we want to build relationships up with students who have just transitioned into youth group.

This year’s Lenten Lock-In will go from Friday 6pm to Saturday 9am, and it will be sure to include crazy games, lots of candy, good food, and lots of laughs! You won’t want to miss it!

RSVP to Justin or Jessica by no later than Feb 26!

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“Real Men, Lovely Women”

February 1st, 2012

Think you know what it means to be a man or a woman? Ever wonder if there was more to gender than just impressing the opposite sex?

On Feb 19, the last day of GIC, all 6-12th graders are invited to come to our new series in youth group entitled, “Real Men, Lovely Women.” We will be looking at what it truly means to be a man or a woman based on the truths found in Scripture. Topics include:
Why Understanding Marriage is Important for Teenagers
Real Men
Lovely Women
All Things Dating (with panel discussion!)
Gospel-Centered, Mission-Minded Relationships
Single but Never Alone
Why Friends Matter in Dating

Like all youth group meetings, we welcome anyone with any background or religious affiliation to come and hear about life-changing truth!

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Update for the “Heart and Home” Team

February 1st, 2012

Praise God. Over the past two years, the number of families and children at St. Michael’s has grown. In order to be good stewards to those the Lord has brought to us, we have made an important change in our “Heart and Home” Team; the team of ministers that serves children, students and their families.

Dee Goehring, who was serving as our Nursery and Toddler Time Director, has agreed to become our Preschool Ministries Director. Dee will continue to oversee the Nursery and Toddler Time ministries. In addition to those responsibilities, she will also oversee Baptismal Preparation and all ministries to children ages 0-4k and their parents.

This change will also allow Jessica Wood, our Childrens Ministries Director, to focus on the growing needs of our 5K to 5th grade children and their parents.

Justin Hare, our Youth Minister, continues to support students 6th through 12th grade and their parents.
What does this mean for you? If you have any questions about ministries for children 0 to 4k and their parents, please contact Dee Goehring deegoehring@comcast.net.

If you have any questions about ministries for children 5K to 5th grade and their parents, please contact Jessica Wood, jessica@stmichaelschurch.net, 724-7579).

This alignment of our structure allows us to continue to work toward our vision of Transforming Hearts through Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Ham+

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Beta: Engaging your Culture With the mind of Christ

February 1st, 2012

An introduction to worldview apologetics Winter/Spring, 2012

This BETA-level course has been created to help believers understand the variety of world views that are today rivaling the historic biblical and creedal perspective that has characterized Christianity through the centuries.

It aims to equip believers to understand what makes others “tick”, not only in the Western world, but (through the Tool Time presentations) in the resurgent Muslim world as well. The writers who will be considered represent a cross-section of non-Christian viewpoints, as well as some who write from within the biblical faith.

Thursday, February 9, 2012
Every other Thursday 12 N – 1 pm & 6 – 7 pm
Kinloch Room
Meal Served, Childcare provided, Guest Speakers,
Study Guide for Life Group Discussions

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When does “Financial Peace University” start?

February 1st, 2012

Like the Marriage Course, the Financial Peace University ministry (“FPU”) was originally scheduled to start in January (Monday, January 23). However, in order to make space for the Global Impact Celebration, Caroline Baker (FPU’s leader) and I decided to start it after the GIC. So, here is the new schedule for FPU:

Mondays at 6:00 pm starting on Feb 27
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2
NO FPU on Monday, April 9
(Monday after Easter, Church Office Closed)
April 16, 23, 30
May 7, 14, 21

To help you understand what FPU is all about, here are some answers to the most common questions asked about it:

What is Financial Peace University?
FPU is a biblically-based video curriculum aimed to help people get out of debt, stay out of debt, learn how to save and learn how to build wealth. Taught by ever-entertaining Dave Ramsey, FPU combines humor, biblical truth and imperative financial information in a short, informative video followed by a brief group discussion. The relaxed format encourages accountability, discipleship, learning and growth.

During this course, you will learn how to:

Get Control of Your Money
Follow the step-by-step process for getting out of debt and staying out of debt.
Put together a monthly spending plan that really works.
Set financial goals and communicate about money.
Stop Struggling to Make Ends Meet
Protect your family from life’s emergencies
Eliminate the stress that comes from financial problems
Save and invest for your future
Tell Your Money What to Do
Know what insurance to buy…and what to avoid.
Get great deals on the things you buy.
Buy or sell a home the right way.
Plan for your retirement and make the right investment choices.
Change Your Family’s Future
Utilize a good money plan to strengthen your marriage.
Unlock the power of giving to change your community.

How much does it cost?
The course is free to take. Materials for the course cost $125 and are available for order through the Saints Alive bookstore. The “FPU Kit” includes a text book that follows the videos and contains samples of ALL financial forms, the New York Times Bestseller: Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey, The FPU wallet, an Interactive CD-ROM of Dave Ramsey’s most-used financial forms, complete access to FPU Online (with interactive forms) during the course, an audio set of CDs of the entire course and a lifetime membership to take the course as often as you wish.

Is there child care?
Yes! There is child care for children ages 0 to 2nd grade.

Do I have to take Alpha first?
No! This course is open to anyone.

Can people that don’t come to St. Michael’s take FPU?
Absolutely. This course is for everyone, so please invite your friends to join you! Although this course has a solid, biblical base; the class is easy to enjoy and beneficial on every level so do not be intimated to invite someone who might not otherwise attend a church function.

Who can benefit from FPU?
FPU is for anyone who is in debt, trying to stay out of debt, going through a life change (graduation, engagement, marriage, divorce, changing jobs, sending children to college, wanting to retire, etc.), anyone who could use help with budgeting, people struggling with credit issues, couples arguing about finances, singles wanting to make a big purchase, people who want to know more about insurance, those unsure of how to save (401K, IRA?), parents who want to teach their children the value of money, students who want to learn more about money, people interested in buying real estate, those who want to give more, people who want to have more to give…and people like your friends and you!

How do I sign up?
Click here

You will need to contact Christine Meredith to order your Financial Peace “kit”. Please do so by calling her at the Saints Alive Bookstore (843) 724-7566 or e-mailing saintsalive@stmichaelschurch.net. She will be the one to order them for you. The Kit costs $125 and will be there for you at your first meeting.

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Are we having the Marriage Course this Spring?

February 1st, 2012

YES. The Marriage Course will be offered this Spring, but at new dates. Originally, the Marriage Course was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, January 18. However, in order to make space for the Global Impact Celebration, the Marriage Course Team (Tom and Duvall Acker, Mark and Jo Richardson, and Jack and Susan Herman) and I decided to delay the start.

So, the new schedule for the Marriage Course is as follows:

Wednesdays
March 7 (Opening Night) (“Building Strong Foundations”)

March 14 (“The Art of Communication”)

March 21 (“Resolving Conflict”)

March 28 (“The Power of Forgiveness”)

April 4 (“The Impact of Family – Past and Present”)

April 11 (“Good Sex”)

April 18 (Closing Night) (“Love in Action”)

Every evening begins at 6 PM and ends no later than 8:30 PM.

To help you understand what The Marriage Course is all about, here are some answers to the most common questions asked about the Course:

What is The Marriage Course?
The Marriage Course is very practical, giving any married couple the tools to build a strong and healthy marriage that lasts a lifetime.

Over seven evenings spent together couples talk about important issues that can get swept under the carpet in the rush of daily life.

Privacy as a couple is always respected. There is no group discussion and no requirement to disclose anything about your relationship to anyone else.

What’s involved?
Each evening begins with a candlelit meal. There is then a talk followed by an opportunity to discuss the topic together as a couple.

The setting is welcoming, relaxed, and unthreatening.

Who is it for?
The Marriage Course is for any married couple who wants to build a strong and lasting relationship, especially:

those who want to enhance their marriage
those in the first five years of marriage
those at a challenging stage in their marriage, such as the birth of a child, a career change, teenagers at home, the “empty nest”
those struggling with issues in their marriage

The Course, while based on Christian principles, is very helpful for any couple with or without a Christian faith or church background.

How much does it cost?
$175.00 per couple. This cost includes 7 catered meals and all course materials. Full and Partial scholarships are available (please email Hamilton Smith for more information hamilton@stmichaelschurch.net.)

Is there child care?
Yes! There is child care for children ages 0 to 2nd grade.

Do I have to take Alpha first?
No! This course is open to anyone.

Can couples that don’t come to St. Michael’s take The Marriage Course?
Absolutely. This course is for everyone, so please invite your friends to join you!

How do I sign up?
Click here

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