September 24th Saint Michael's Message

Newsletter: Thursday, September 24th 2026

We value traditional worship, grounded in Biblical truth, and informed by progressive thought and theology.

Sunday, September 27th

Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord… (Phillipians 2: 9-11)

Exodus 17:1-7

Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16

Philippians 2:1-13

Matthew 21:23-32

Sunday, October 4th

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:1-2)

Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20

Psalm 19

Philippians 3:4b-14

Matthew 21:33-46

Highlights

Celebration Season: Kickoff Pitch-in Picnic on Sunday October 11th

Fall is a time of harvest and giving thanks for our many gifts from God. At Church we rejoice by reflecting on what it means to be Good Stewards and help support the work of God’s Church here at Saint Michael’s.

On Sunday October 11th we will have a special Celebration Kickoff Pitch-in (Potluck) Picnic outside after the 10am service.

- Chicken, lemonade, punch and water will be provided.

- If you can, please bring a side, salad, dessert or snack.

- Please text RSVP by 10/8 to Theresa Okerson (317)900-2141 or Janet Manning (317)345-9974 so we can prepare.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (Matthew 5:14, 15 NIV)

Trunk or Treat?!

If you wish to participate in the event on Saturday, 10/31/26 at 5:30, there is a sign up sheet in the Narthex. People can either donate candy or small water bottles. Feel free to dress up if you wish as well. Held on the circular drive out front. Our annual community event.

Thoughts from Our Priest

Welcoming the Autumn Seasons of Life

There is something wonderful about welcoming in a new Autumn. Fall is the season between the heat and full bloom of Summer and the frigid hibernation of Winter. It is marked by cooling temperatures, changing leaves, and apple cider. It is a time of harvest and maturation. Every year that we age we associate more and more with the season of Autumn.

In many ways Christians are always invited into a season of harvest and maturation. If we pay attention to God in our lives, we progress from carefree innocence to insightful wisdom. Although we do not even come close to knowing it all, and we hopefully never lose our playful selves along the way. Instead, God advances our awareness to realize more and more that we know less and less. We are molded from citizens of the would into faithful children of God’s kingdom. The spiritual season of Fall teaches us that going forward does not mean moving up the earthly ladders of success anymore, but rather growing closer to our loving God through the grace of Christ’s cross and resurrected life. Happy Fall All!

O God of Creation,

you have blessed us with the changing of the seasons.

As we welcome the autumn months,

may the earlier setting of the sun remind us to take time to rest.

May the brilliant colors of the leaves

remind us of the wonder of your creation.

May the steam of our breath in the cool air

remind us that it is you who give us the breath of life.

May the harvest from the fields remind us of the abundance we have been given

and bounty we are to share with others.

May the dying of summer’s spirit remind us of your great promise

that death is temporary and life is eternal.

We praise you for your goodness forever and ever. Amen.

(A prayer shared in Morning Prayer this week. Thank you Matthew!)

Join us for a Bible Study: About the Bible.

Sundays 10/4, 10/11, 10/18 & 10/25 at 9am In-Person at church.

Thursdays 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29 at 7pm. Zoom only. Go to our webpage and click the red box “Join Us on Zoom.”

Outreach Opportunities

Outreach Opportunities:

Our core ministries of outreach carry out the work of the church in the world. Contact person for Outreach is Laurie Schoening at 317-797-6664 or lschoe1034@aol.com

Thank you volunteers! Volunteers baked up 20 pizza casseroles on September 19th in the church kitchen for Family promise. Thanks to Laurie, Janine, Michele, Donna and Jeff, Gayle, Joan, Sharon, Nancy K, Jill, and Mark for their time and contributions!

THE DEADLINE TO DONATE FOR THE FALL DISTRIBUTION OF KIDS COATS IN HAMILTON COUNTY IS NOVEMBER 6TH. Kids Coats provides gently-used or new winter coats, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves (all sizes) to families in Hamilton County free of charge. If you have any questions about this initiative, please feel free to reach out to Nancy Kinzie. A box is in the narthex for donation. AFTER THE DEADLINE ITEMS WILL BE TAKEN TO EITHER THE MERCY CENTER IN CARMEL OR THE GOOD SAMARITAN NETWORK IN FISHERS.

Bring a Canned Good to Church

On the First Sunday of Each Month we are collecting donations for the White River Food Pantry. We would like everyone to bring a canned good to church. (or feel free to bring in multiple cans). They are blessed at the Altar before communion and then delivered later in the week usually on Thursday.

Family Promise and White River Food Pantry List of items needed for donations are on the table in the Narthex.

Dayspring Center: Helping Homeless families find their way home. Interested in volunteering to serve dinner at Dayspring? Contact Kelly Garrett (317) 508-7790 or Kellygar0729@gmail.com. The next opportunity to serve at Dayspring is November 15. We host every other month. You can also help with food donations for this important Outreach ministry: Hi-C, Salads, Desserts would be appreciated and may be left in the narthex kitchen.

POP Tab Collection. Bring your pop tabs from aluminum drink cans to church for our collection. Tabs are donated to help financially with the McDonald House families.

The Church Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm (times may vary). Fr. Dan is available all week except on Monday, his Sabbath Day. Friday he works at home writing, but is available for any pastoral concerns.