Join us for the Fall Series:
Listening with the Heart

Dear SMC Friends,

This October, I invite you to continue the journey that we began during Lent with Listening with the Heart.

During our Lenten series, we explored the contemplative practices of Lectio Divina, Visio Divina, and Audio Divina, discovering new ways of listening for God’s presence in our lives. This fall, we will continue journeying together through a six-week series centered on the practice of the Examen—an invitation to prayerfully reflect on the ordinary moments of our lives and become more aware of God’s loving presence.

The guiding thread throughout our journey is simple:

God is always present. The invitation is to become more aware.



At the heart of this series is a simple invitation:

We journey together.

Creating a sacred and welcoming community where all are invited to come as we are—where each person is seen, heard, and loved.

We listen with the heart.

Through prayer, Scripture, guided Examen, creative reflection, and compassionate conversation, we will cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence within ourselves, in one another, and in the everyday moments of life.

We awaken to God’s presence.

As we slow down and become more attentive, we begin to recognize that God has been with us all along—in moments of joy and uncertainty, in questions and gratitude, in silence and in hope.



Whether you journeyed with us during Lent or this is your first time joining us, you are warmly welcome. No previous experience with contemplative prayer is needed—only a willingness to pause, listen, and remain open to where God may be inviting you.

My hope is that this series is more than six weekly gatherings. My hope is that it becomes a way of living—one that helps us recognize God’s loving presence in the ordinary rhythms of life and reminds us that we never journey alone.

I invite you to join us as we continue listening with the heart, journeying together, and awakening to God’s presence.

Look for additional information in the E-Messenger and bulletin in the next few weeks as we prepare for the fall series of Listening with the Heart.

Peace,

Heather Niemas,

Holding Hope Reimagined: Listening with the Heart, Facilitator

ST. MICHAEL'S PRAYER LIST

Those who have commended themselves to our prayers: Amy, Bill L., Donna S., Lauren, Melinda M., Muriel M., Pedro, Peggy H., Robby, Scott S., Sharon, Shelley (Warren), Stephen, Steve C., Steve (Jackie), Tara, Thomasina M., Tim, Wayne

Long-Term Prayer List: Angela, Alex, Alexa C., Alyssa R., Andrew, Angie, Ashley T., Benny W., Betsy C., Beth, Brigid, Brittney R., Brooks Family, Bryan Family, Cannon, Carla, Caryl, Charlie B., Chris M., Chris P., Claire B., Colton, Connor R., Curt R., Cynthia L., Darrell, David B., Deirdre E., Doriana, Ella, Ellen, Elijah, Emma, Emmanuel, Emily, Eloise, Eugenia, Felicia, Gary B., Gary M., George T., Gylla, Henry R., Isabella, Jacob B., Jackie, Jackson, Jan, Janina G., Jason, Jeff G., Jeffrey, Jett, Joyce B., JoAnn O., Joseph T., Jimmie, Joan R., Joe, Joe H., Joey K., John M., Julia L., Justin, Karen H., Karen M., Kathy G., Kathy J., Kristel, Kris R., Kyle, Lavelle B., Linda, Linda A., Lisa, Lisa L., Lola, Lucille, Macauly D., Marci A., Marcia C., Margie S., Mary Lu, Master Nguyen, Margaret, Matt F., Matt P., Megan and son, Melissa, Martin, Nathan W., Oliver, Paul, Paul T., Paula, Pauline, Phil, Rebecca, Robin, Roger J., Ryan, Sally C., Sam, Sarah, Shaun B., Sonia, Stephanie G., Steve, Susana C., Susan A., Susan M., Thai, Tim, Tracy, Tripp, Victor, Will, William, Wilson F.

Those serving in the armed forces and in harm’s way: Aaron D., Ben V., Bradley H., Chad S., Christopher E., Gloria, Hank H., Hope H., Jonah H., Kenneth K., Matt F., Nick R., Will M., Stuart R.

Birthdays: 30: Ann Williams, Tracy Cheek, Erin Casterline, Norah James, Sara Houston, 31: Susan Clayton, Kendra Eichelberger, Aleena Cummings, Dan Higgins, 1: Marci Arthur, Donna Jean Nelms, Olivia Robertson, 2: Tom Cardwell, Craig Crimmings, 4: Josephine Culp Bunn, Viktoria Ulrich, Olivia Rush, Hailey Rush, 5: Jack McEwan, Freddy Clayton, Cindy Sills

Anniversaries: 31: Craig and Jody Maughan, 2: Jim and Cindy Provencher, Alex Christou and Basia Andraka-Christou, 5: Freddy and Susan Clayton, Colonel and Susan Airth

A Gentle Reminder About the Prayer List: Names that have been placed on the prayer list will remain on the short-term list for 2 weeks. At that time they will transition to the long-term list for the remainder of a 90 - day period.

To place someone on the prayer list, please get in touch with Ashleigh in the parish office at ashleigh@stmichaelschurch.com or call 407-843-8448.

CLERGY AND MINISTERIAL STAFF

The Rev. Rick Luoni, Rector

The Rev. Greg Favazza, Assisting Priest

Ella Eagen, Assistant Director of Music

Mike Robertson, Director of Outreach

Tiffany Stieger, Director of Children’s Ministry

Melanie Olivier, Director of Preschool

Mark T. Cole, Director of Youth Ministries