Paula Ponders
October 2, 2026
Jesus offers this third parable in response to the Chief Priests and Pharisees who question his authority. We hear Jesus tell a story about tenant farmers who are given the responsibility of overseeing a vineyard. But they act as if the land and the harvest is their own.
I wonder if I feel like I own what has been given as gift for me to use, too? Deep down I know that nothing ever truly belongs to me for I am no more that a tenant in God's kingdom. Everything - possessions, wealth, status and power- will pass away. Ultimately I have to ponder, how am I tending the vineyard in the part of my world that is neglected and suffering?
I'll see you in church,
Paula+
Good News October 2, 2026
Memorial Lamps - The experience of the pandemic is highlighting what is truly important to our community. It is apparent that the need for fresh flowers on the altar each week is not a burning desire. With that in mind, we will halt the regular purchase of flowers but continue to accept memorial donations for lamps. These donations support our worship supplies such as bread, wine, linens, candles, and oils. Please contact Tracey on reserving a date. Lamps are $7 each
Let us pray for peace: Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP pg 815)
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost was recorded and is available HERE.
Sunday Schedule
Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m. in the church!
and livestreamed for your safety.
ELECTRONIC GIVING
We now have two ways of donating online. Both require a handling fee and have a lag time when the funds are available to us.
PayPal can send donations to our church Credit Union account for 2.5% and the funds are ready in two days. The Diocese charges 2.9% and our funds aren't transferred to us until the third day of the following month.
Your gifts are appreciated! I invite you to choose your option.
HELP US HELP OTHERS
Take a tag and give to our outreach efforts. Each tag should cost around $5-$10 depending on where you shop. And if you shop at Kroger, using your Community Rewards card will be a win-win for St. Michael's.
Amazon Wish List QR Code
Doing Shopping This Week?
Please pick up something for our pantry
So Many Are Hungry
The need is great! Thank you!
Culver's "Fun"draiser
Welcome to delicious! That was how we were coached to greet customers at Culver's. We had a gracious crew of "red-shirted messengers in the public square" last Tuesday. That's how Bishop Bonnie describes us. If you haven't heard her sermon giving us a big shout out, you can catch it here.
We raised over $600 from sales and over $200 in contributions!
Now that's a wonderful birthday gift for me to share with all of you.
PLARNING
Next Gathering
Saturday
October 3rd
2 - 4 p.m.
We provide mats for distribution by the Lincoln Park Police Department to those folks living on our streets. You can be a huge help in this endeavor by preparing plastic bags to be fashioned into plastic yarn.
No skills are necessary! Bags need to be cut and pulled into strands. If you can use scissors, you too can be a vital part of this ministry. This is even something you can do at home!
Your support of these ministries brings the gospel of love outside of our walls and to the people we are called to serve.
God bless each one of you!
Upcoming
We depend on your open hand to help us continue our mission to a needy world:
Our Blessing Box is emptied several times each week as we care for those in need of food. Rob has started a Go Fund Me page to help us keep the Box filled. Click on that link to make a contribution directly to the food drive.
We rely on your generosity in a special way during the Lenten season to reach out in ways we could never do alone. You can conveniently give online by clicking on the button above and choosing St. Michaels Lincoln Park. Thank you so much for anything you can do to help us reach others!
If you have benefited from any of our ministries this year
If you want the blessings of this community to benefit the lives of others
If you dream of a thriving world where St. Michael's brings greater belonging, well-being, and peace to all.
Doing Some Shopping?. - Every time you shop at Kroger, you can raise funds for St. Michael. All you have to do is swipe your Plus Card. To enroll your card or create a new account follow these simple instructions. Here's how.
We now have an Amazon Wish List that can be shopped from and will ship directly to the church
FOOD PANTRY / Blessings Box - St. Michaels is now providing for the needs of our neighbors through our Blessing Box as well as the local women’s shelter. We appreciate your donations to keep it filled. Whenever pop top cans are available they are preferred by people who don’t have kitchen facilities available. Items needed include household necessities, but are not limited to the following: Paper towels, Napkins, Toilet paper, Bath soap, Health & beauty, Toothpaste Related items, Diapers, Wipes, Feminine hygiene supplies, Dish soap, disinfectant & cleaning supplies, Shampoo & Conditioner, Laundry soap, Food items include but are not limited to: Canned Soup, Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetable, Canned Tuna, Granola Bars, Instant Potatoes, Baked Beans, Mac N Cheese, Canned Pasta, Canned Meat, Cereal, Oatmeal, Box of Crackers, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Ketchup, Jar of Applesauce, Puddings, Pasta Sauce, Spaghetti Sauce
Blessings Box Specific Items - Pull top: ready to eat soups, canned pastas, canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned tuna or in single serving pouch, granola bars, cereal bars, single serving cereals, juice boxes, single serve shelf stable milk, single serve pudding cups, jell-o cups, single serve water bottles (20oz or smaller),
If you are unsure what to get, please make a monetary donation
Or visit our Amazon Wish List for items
Thank you for your help in this meaningful ministry for those in need!
Click here for downloadable shopping list