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The Rev. Richard Winston Arthur

Guest Preacher

The Rev. Dr. Steve Foster

As a native of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Barbados, I always felt close to God, especially when beholding the beauty of his created order around my home. At an early age, I became involved in the church's life as an acolyte and a member of the Anglican Young People Association at Holy Innocent’s Church. During the summer vacation, when many other kids would be playing cricket in the street, or involved in different activities, I would be at the church, usually visiting the sick and shut of the parish with the rector. The Rector, Fr. Everton Lyte, may have seen and experienced a vocation. However, I did not know the language of discernment, and I and two others were becoming more actively involved in leading and participating in the services. From these experiences and the affirmation I received, I felt called to be a priest in the church of God, a calling deeply intertwined with the community I serve.

           After graduating from Barbados Community College, I spent a year working but was not feeling fulfilled. In 1997, I made a significant decision to migrate to the US to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business, Management, and Finance from Brooklyn College. This move marked a new chapter in my journey, where I became a member of St. George’s Brooklyn and continued to be actively involved in similar ministries. In the fall of 1999, I met with the then Rector, Fr. C. David Williams, to express my sense of call, and we began discernment, going through the process on parochial and diocesan levels. After graduating in the spring of 2001, I received Postulancy to study for Holy Orders and enrolled at the General Theological Seminary. After three years of study, I graduated on May 19^th, 2004 with a Masters in Divinity. One week later, on the Feast of St. Augustine of Canterbury, May 26^th, I was ordained a deacon. I continued my journey as Curate of Historic St. George’s Hempstead. I was ordained a priest on the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle on December 21st, 2004, and those formative years certainly equipped me for my next assignment as the Priest in Charge of St. Boniface Lindenhurst, which began on June 1st, 2006. During my incumbency, the parish's numerical and infrastructural developments were enhanced. More importantly, the parish became a bridge to the community hosting and becoming a “home” for several groups. Also, I became active in the Lindenhurst Clergy group and the Rotary, having that presence in the community's life.

 In March 2013, I began my tenure as the Priest in Charge of St. Peter’s Rosedale. It seems time flies when you are having fun by loving and journeying with the people of God. On March 30th, 2014, I was elected the Sixth Rector of St. Peter’s. I hope to continue the journey as we build up the body of Christ and further engage in mission and ministry.

As a priest, I believe that ministry extends beyond the parish, and I have always been committed to being involved in diocesan life. Over the years, I have served in various capacities, including as a member and president of the Diocesan Review Committee, Treasurer of the Board of Trustees for the George Mercer Memorial School of Theology, and the Commission on Liturgy and Music. I have also served as a Minister of Ceremonies for Diocesan liturgies, Chaplain at Camp DeWolfe, and the Suffolk Archdeaconry representative to the Department of Missions. My leadership roles have included serving as President, Vice President, and member of the Standing Committee of the Diocese; a member of the Chapter of the Cathedral of the Incarnation and the 2020 Incarnation Commission; President and Vice President of the Black Clergy Caucus; and a member of the Rosedale Clergy group. Currently, I serve on the Board of Trustees of the Estate belonging to the Diocese of Long Island. I have also represented the Diocese as a two-time Deputy to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, furthering my commitment to the broader church community. On March 1st, 2020, The Right Reverend Lawrence Provenzano, Bishop of the Diocese of Long Island, appointed Fr. Foster as the Dean of the Jamaica Deanery. This commitment is a testament to my dedication and service to the church.

In May 2024, Fr. Foster achieved a significant milestone, graduating from Bexley Seabury Seminary Federation with a Doctorate in Ministry focused on Congregational Development. This accomplishment is a testament to his dedication and passion for his ministry, inspiring us all to strive for excellence in our paths.

When I am not involved in parochial or diocesan ministries, I am with my family. My wife, Krisann, is a Great Neck School system educator. God has blessed us with two active, amazing, and adorable boys—John Paul and William. I cherish every moment I spend with them, as they are my source of joy and inspiration. I enjoy walking, listening to music, and working with my aquariums, but my family always comes first. This balance in my life, between my family and my ministry, is a testament to my commitment and dedication.

DATE CHANGE

Men of Michael Annual BBQ will be held on Saturday, September 28th from 11 AM - 2PM

Our Dinka language service, led by

Rev. John Aroch, will be live at 2:00 pm.

You can find it on his Facebook page.

Bible Study and Healing Service

Wednesday Bible Study

at Noon

in person and via Zoom

FURNITURE DONATION

Christian formation is seeking the donation of age-appropriate gently used soft furniture for the youth room in Upper Hensler. Please contact Isom, iherron321@gmail.com or Fr. Winston, rector@stmichaelstonemountain.org.

Visit our website for all upcoming events. Link to our website is below.

Are you interested in helping out around the church but are not sure what your options are? Or maybe you know what you want to do but aren't sure how to get into it? To help guide everyone to their calling in the Church, SMAA asks that you fill out the form below about your interest to join and/or support one or more of St. Michael' s ministries: ⠀

Flower Donations

St. Michael's is looking for more sponsors and donors to enrich the flower ministry. Flowers may be donated in dedication to someone, to commemorate a celebration, and much more.

If you are interested in donating flowers, there is an online form on the St. Michael's website, and there is a sign-up sheet in the narthex. Donations addressed to the flower guild can be placed in the offering plate (please be sure to include what you are commemorating). Donations can also be made via Realm (online), or you can leave a check in the church office.

All flower donations will be celebrated on the first Sunday of each month.



For more details, please contact the Church office at 770-469-8551.

Facebook is back!

Our Facebook page is back up and running. Visit and like us at

https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelstonemountain

Safeguarding God's Children and Youth: Training Opportunities

All staff, vestry members, and all volunteers who work with children are required to complete Safeguarding God's Children Zoom training AND accompanying modules every 3 years.

Please see below for upcoming Zoom trainings. A PREREQUISITE TO THE ZOOM TRAINING, will be to complete designated SAFEGUARDING ONLINE MODULES. These will be sent to you after you register at the link below. If you are unsure of which modules to complete, please email Sarah.

Register Here

Once you have completed your course, please email Parish Administrator your Certificate of Course Completion and Compliance Agreement.

We appreciate all who have continued their gifts to the church. We encourage you to designate Dollar for Matthew contributions as well, as you are able. In Realm, choose "Matthew 25 Fund" for your donation.

• Through your Realm profile. If you are a member of St. Michael’s, you can manage your giving as recurring or one-time donations in a secure, easy-to-use environment. Contribution statements are always available via your profile.

• If you do not have a Realm account, easily make a secure donation via electronic check or debit/credit card by visiting stmichaelstonemountain.org/give.

• Mail in your check. We receive the mail at the church regularly. Our mailing address is

St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

PO BOX 1087

Stone Mountain, GA 30086

• TEXT TO GIVE. On your phone, text SMAAGIVE to 73256. You will be texted a link to complete your gift online with a credit card, designating the amount and to which fund to direct your gift. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Men of Michael

Gentlemen, the Men of Michael meet twice a month on the first and third Saturdays of the month at 9 AM. Join us for camaraderie, fellowship, Bible study, and the occasional social. We would love for you to join us; All are welcome. See you Saturday morning at 9 AM in Upper Hensler Hall or via the Zoom link below.

CLICK HERE to join.

Meeting ID: 829 6197 2363

Password: 714678

The call in number is: 1 929-205-6099

DOK

CLICK HERE to join.

Meeting ID: 924-1076-4016

Password: 564420

The call in number is: 1 929-205-6099