Paula Ponders
February 21, 2026
We hear the story of the temptation in the wilderness from Matthew. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert and was sustained by the Spirit during his trials. This same Holy Spirit helps us find our response to What is truly nourishing? What is true safety? What is true power?
These 40 days are given to you and me to help us be aware of the Spirit within. It requires finding some quiet space and being honest with myself. Got any ideas to help me sustain these Lenten challenges?
I'll see you in church,
Paula+
Good news February 21, 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)
Sunday Schedule
Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m. in the church!
and livestreamed.
Click here for Livestreamed Service Recordings
Livestream and Recorded
click here to view
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!
VESTRY WORKSHOP
Your vestry attended a Virtual Day with Bishop Bonnie last Saturday from 9:00 to noon in the Fellowship Hall. Discussions were around best practices and the core purpose of a vestry.
Keep us in your prayers as we strengthen our abilities to serve you!
Deanery Meeting
Last Thursday we hosted the clergy and lay representatives from parishes in our Deanery. These churches are: St. Stephens, Grace, St. Thomas, St. James, St. Michael, Trinity Belleville and Trinity Monroe.
As our custom we provided some snacks and desserts for our guests. The hospitality of our church was amazing!
The meeting included an entertaining and interactive presentation from Canon Ellen Ekevag on Congregational Vitality. She asked us to identify one or two things that their congregation is known for doing in their surrounding community. She encouraged us to think of a moment when you felt most proud of your congregation. A moment that makes us realize
“THIS IS WHY OUR CHURCH EXISTS”.
Can you fill in the blanks for us at St. Michael's:
This is a church that ____________________________
so that _______________________________________.
We had seven of our folks hear and respond to her talk. They will be bringing this knowledge into bear as we make plans for 2026.
In gratitude for her energy and time, we presented Rev. Ellen with a handmade box created by our own Bill Horne.
Souper Tuesdays
Begin February 24, 5:30 p.m.
Soup's on at 5:30.
At 6 pm we'll view a portion of the film and discuss it's connection to the Passion of Christ.
Then we'll conclude with an intimate Eucharist at 7 pm.
Please consider coming to any or all of the three Tuesday evenings;
Feb 24, Mar 3 and 10.
Mass is a powerful story of tragedy, pain, and a step towards forgiveness and healing.
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