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Twenty-third Sunday After Pentecost
The Rev. Megan Anderson Gartin Preaching
Sunday November 16, 2025
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Communion Updates
Dear ones,
On the first Sunday of Advent, November 30th, we will be changing the practice of how we receive communion together. We will be using baked bread that is free from the top 8 common allergens including gluten. We have trained our bread bakers in preventing cross contamination, and we will provide the bread ingredients in the bulletin for anyone with allergen questions. We will also be adding a grape juice chalice at the back of the altar, as an option for anyone who wishes to have an alternative to wine. Additionally, we are inviting communion ministers to receive communion last rather than first with their serving partner. Lastly, we will be offering the chalice through drinking from the common cup, and discontinuing the practice of intinction.
Intinction developed as a practice in the Episcopal church in the 1940s, in response to earlier pandemics. It became even more popular in the 1980s as a response to the AIDs pandemic. Over the years we became aware that HIV could not be transmitted in this way, and that intinction was not as sanitary as originally thought due to the number of hands touching the wafer, chalice and wine. Many churches chose to offer only the common cup during the H1N1 flu season in 2010 because of this.
Offering communion with bread and sipping from the common cup is the most ancient practice in our church. Returning to this simple manner of receiving communion is safe, and we invite you to allow the cup to pass by crossing your arms over your chest if you do not yet feel comfortable sipping from it. We believe that when you receive communion in one kind, you have received it in full. Several churches in the diocese now use this allergen free bread and common cup practice. This is also the new way that we receive communion at Diocesan-wide events.
We will try out these new systems in the seasons of Advent and Epiphany, and we will host a forum after the Sunday morning service on February 1st to talk about communion practices before a final decision is made about our future practice. We hope that these changes will provide a safe, streamlined, and accessible experience for all who wish to receive communion.
Blessings,
Rev. Megan
| Thank you to our faithful bread bakers who gathered today to bake our new baked bread that is free from the top 8 common allergens. | |
STEWARDSHIP
Pledge cards are still being accepted for the 2026 Pledge Year. The vestry appreciates your continued support as they plan the church budget for next year. Pledge cards may be placed in the offering plate, mailed or You may set up your donation online.
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Office Updates
Office Closed Wednesday - Friday, November 26 - 28
The office will be closed on Wednesday through Friday, November 26 – 28 in observance of Thanksgiving. We hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Congrats to Rev. Andy on his new call as the Rector of St. John’s Church in Petaluma starting on January 1, 2026!
California International Marathon ~ Sunday, December 7th
The California International Marathon will run on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, causing some intersections near the church to be closed. The race starts at 7am near Folsom Dam and travels Oak Avenue, Fair Oaks Blvd, and J Street to the Capitol. Intersections will be closed only while the race comes through, but be prepared, if necessary, to leave home early and avoid the racecourse on your way to church. For more information check out the website here and the pdfs below.
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Upcoming Events
Saturday December 13 - Winterdance (More Info & Tickets)
Sunday December 14 - A Service of Lessons & Carols
Wednesday December 24 – Christmas Eve Services
5pm Family Service with Pageant
8pm Choral Service with Festival of Christmas Music
Thursday December 25– Christmas Morning Service 10am
Sunday January 25 - Annual Meeting
Check out the Website Calendar, Church Bulletin Boards & Narthex for flyers and handouts
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Starr King Staff Luncheon
The next Starr King luncheon for faculty and staff will be this Thursday, November 20. We need a few people to help with delivery and set up at 10:30am. Starr King School does not have a PTA so this is a way for us to let the faculty and staff know we appreciate them. For more information see Pastor Katie or Mary Ellen Ferguson
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Thank you to all who have taken a gift tag!
Drop off Times are:
Saturday, December 6 from 1 - 3pm
Sunday, December 7 from 9am - 2pm
Questions? Please direct any GFTH questions to Laura Quene or Holly Yue or contact the office - 916-488-3550.
2026 Calendars are being collected for the Adult Gifts, please bring these to the Church on Sunday or drop them off to the office during the week.
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Food Bank Donations Needed
Now, more than ever food and financial donations are needed for food banks like River City Food Bank, Loaves & Fishes and more. We are continuing to collect non-perishable items in our Food Barrel and making regular donations to both River City Food Bank and Loaves & Fishes in addition to our annual Thanksgiving Gift Card collection. You can of course always donate directly to these organizations as you are so called. Thank you for continuing to be there for your neighbors in need.
Loaves & Fishes seeking donations for rain ponchos as they prepare to help their guests navigate services while enduring the cold and rainy weather. Donations can be made directly to Loaves & Fishes at 1351 North C. St. Sacramento, CA 95811, Monday to Friday, 7am to 2:45pm (holiday hours).
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Regular Outreach opportunities
River City Food Bank Center at St. Matthew's - Distribution Prep every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday & Distribution every Wednesday & Friday
Carmichael HART Carmichael Presbyterian Church - Lunch program every Thursday & the Shower Ministry every Saturday
God's Helping Hands Laundry LaunderLand every 3rd Saturday of the month
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WHAT’S IN A BEGINNING
Advent Reflections with Marilyn McEntyre & Rev. Megan
Sundays at 11:30am, Starting November 30 ~ Friendship Center
In this series we’ll reflect on Advent as a time to recognize beginnings: the
beginning of Jesus’ life on earth, the Incarnation as beginning of a new age, the beginning of a new liturgical cycle, and the ways we may be invited even now to begin a new thing by the One who makes all things new. This season offers a time to reflect on our own beginnings: how we mark them, how we live in time, what it means to begin again—and again.
Join us! Questions - contact the office.
| | Living Compass – Living Well in Advent | | |
The Living Compass theme for the Advent season is Practicing Generosity with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength and Mind.
"Compassion and generosity are not just lofty virtues —they are at the center of our humanity, what makes our lives joyful and meaningful.” Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, The Book of Joy
Advent is the perfect time to explore how we might give more of ourselves on behalf of God in the world. Am I giving more than I am taking from the world? Engage in meaningful reflection through the spiritually nourishing daily readings and reflection questions provided by Living Compass.
The Living Compass Advent booklets will be available, free of cost, at the church beginning Sunday, November 23.
There are multiple ways you can engage with this material through Living Compass at https://www.livingcompass.org/advent
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St. Michael's Continuing Studies
Healing Circle
Experience God’s Peace, Restoration, and Wholeness. We meet on the second Saturday of the month at 11am in the Friendship Center. You or someone you know are invited to St. Michael’s Healing Circle. For more info, contact Kate Muris or Father Mike.
St. Michael's Reads the Gospels
Led by Dawn & Tyson Wright
Tuesday evenings from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at our special Bible discussion Zoom meeting. Reading Plan link.
Thursday Open Bible Study Hybrid
Meets from 10 - 11:30am on Thursdays in the Friendship Room and by Zoom. We study the readings for the upcoming Sunday. For more information, email the office st.michaels@stmichaelscarmichael.org.
Sacred Circle
This is open to all, please join us, we meet the last Wednesday of every month 6pm via zoom. We follow the Quaker example of silence, community, prayer and reflection. For more information please contact Kate Muris.
Centering Prayer
Mondays in Friendship Center at 9:00am | Thursdays on Zoom at 7pm
The ancient spiritual practice that seeks to quiet the mind and help us to rest in silence. For more information contact Kate Muris, Chuck Schaller or Father Mike.
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St. Michael's Youth & Family | |
Christmas Pageant
As is tradition at St Michaels we will have our Children’s pageant on Christmas Eve at the 5pm Family Service. If you have children interested in participating, please talk to Pastor Katie. This year the play has been written by our own Paula Frink and will be a wonderful addition to our Christmas Eve celebration.
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Eucharistic Minister Training
Eucharistic Minister training has been rescheduled to Sunday, November 23. This training will be for all current EMs and people interested in joining this ministry. Please mark your calendars to attend directly after church.
For more information please contact the office or Mary Ellen.
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Lessons & Carols Reception
Coffee & Cookies
Please join us after Lessons and Carols for a coffee & cookie reception directly following the service. If you are interested in bringing cookies or simple dessert please let the office know.
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Choral Masterworks by John Cozza
Sure on This Shining Night by Morten Lauridsen
Here is what the choir sang for last week's Offertory anthem, another stunningly beautiful choral work by Morten Lauridsen (the other being his most famous work, O Magnum Mysterium, which we sing every Christmas for Lessons and Carols). Below is some information on the composer.
Morten Johannes Lauridsen III (born February 27, 1943) is an American composer and teacher. A National Medal of Arts recipient (2007), he was composer-in-residence of the Los Angeles Master Chorale from 1994 to 2001, and is professor emeritus of composition at the USC Thornton School of Music, where he taught for fifty-two years until his retirement in 2019.
Biography here
And here is an authoritative recording with the composer himself playing the piano accompaniment:
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St. Michael's Men’s Breakfast
Men's breakfast is on the first Saturday of every month at FlapJacks Diner. The group meets at 8am at the restaurant. FlapJacks Diner is on El Camino Ave. Please reply to Jim Dodds so he will have an idea of the numbers. If you have any additional questions, please contact the office.
Prayers for Pregnant Women & Their Babies
We have an ongoing relationship with the Episcopal Sisters at the Order of Julian of Norwich monastery who pray daily for pregnant women and their babies. If you have name(s) of loved one(s) who are expecting that you would like to have included in the sisters' prayers, please email Fr. Rod.
Giving Thanks with Flowers!
You can still remember your loved ones and celebrate important moments in your life with the gift of flowers to the church.
If you would like to give in this way, please let the office know
and what you would like to give thanks for in the bulletin. You can send a check (or drop it off) to the office or pay on-line.
Name Tags
Name tags are available at Sunday morning check in's on the greeter cart. Please be sure to grab and wear your name tag before the service. If you are in need of a name tag please let the office know.
St. Michael's Hours
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am - 1:00pm
Sanctuary and Courtyard are open during office hours. Please let the office know you will be coming. Call 916.488.3550 or email.
Pastoral Hours
Rev. Megan will be available on request. Please email revmegan@stmichaelscarmichael.org to schedule.
Pastor Katie will be available on request. Please email pastorkatie@stmichaelscarmichael.org to schedule.
Fr. Mike will be available on request. Please email revdrferrito@outlook.com to schedule.
Fr. Rod will be available on request. Please email fatherrod@stmichaelscarmichael.org to schedule.
Giving
Thank you all for generously supporting St. Michael's and our ministries. We are accepting pledge payments through the mail. We are also accepting online giving. You may have to set up an account to do so. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Kate Muris.
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St. Michael's Episcopal Church
2140 Mission Avenue, Carmichael CA 95608
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