St. Michael's parishoners are involved in various outreach activities locally and internationally.
Since June 2014, St. Michael's has generously supported Porch de Salomon in Panajachel, Guatemala. Porch de Salomon is a unique and progressive, non-profit ministry which has loved, served, and encouraged “the lost, the least, and the last” of Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan basin. In past years we collected vitamins, over-the-counter medicines, and medical supplies to bring to Porch de Salomon to assist clinic efforts.
In March, 2025, ten St. Michael’s parishioners traveled to Guatemala to help build a home for an indigenous family in need. The family includes the parents and their six children (pictured below), ranging from 5-13 years old. The project's $10,400 budget provided materials for a small cinderblock home with three bedrooms, a kitchen and bathroom, tile floor and a sheet metal roof. Their existing home has dirt floors, and is constructed entirely of sheet metal, which leaks when it rains.
If you are looking for an experience or relationship that will challenge you, help start or stretch your faith, and draw you into something bigger than yourself, we welcome you to be a part of what God is doing through Porch de Salomon.
Ruth Silver, a long-time member of St. Michael's, was passionate about sharing "time and treasure" in the form of food donations to support various food pantries. The Silver Wagon ministry honors Ruth and her dedication to this essential mission.
The Silver Wagon ministry is even more necessary in our current environment; food prices and rent are increasing while support for those who struggle with food insecurity is uncertain. Food pantries in the area are facing a rising crisis as the need far exceeds the amount of food available.
Donations will support four of our local food pantries: Barrington Township, Cuba Township, St. Vincent de Paul (Lake Zurich) and Palatine Township. Combined, these organizations serve 4,500-5,000 people each month, a 25% increase over last year.
Please leave donations in the Silver Wagon, a long-time presence in St. Michael's narthex, any week of the month. We'll be distributing to the pantries after the 3rd Sunday.
 | The Silver Wagon ministry honors Ruth Silver, a long-time member of St. Michael's, who organized food collections, then delivered food weekly to area food pantries. If you are interested in volunteering to collect, sort, or deliver food, please reach out! Many hands make light work. |
Day & Time: Watch the Sword in October for information.
For over 20 years, Katy's Christmas Baskets matches parishoners with about 35 families from the Church of the Redeemer (Elgin) that need assistance during the holiday season. Adopt a family and help put presents under the Christmas tree and food on the holiday table. Families range in size and ages.
This ministry honors Katy Pepper, who coordinated our Christmas basket program for many years. We remember her kindness and generosity through our parish’s commitment to supporting less fortunate families during the Advent and Christmas season.
Leaders: Jackie Kraus| j
Day & Time: Meetings are called as needed.
St. Michael's Covenant of Relationship with Renk Diocese began in January 1998, and has been renewed annually since then by the Rector and Vestry. A framed copy of the Covenant is hung in the hallway near the chapel.
We pray for each other every Sunday, and, when possible, we visit back and forth. Since 1998, four teams from St. Michael's have visited Renk Diocese. Visits were interrupted during COVID and the current instability between Sudan and South Sudan. BUT, the Covenant of Relationship between us still holds. Support for Renk Theological College is ongoing at St. Michael's, even though a power struggle in Sudan began a war 2 years ago, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee for safety to Renk.
The Theological College was converted into a shelter for the homeless. Bishop Simon Chuang, 3rd Bishop of Renk, hopes to reopen RTC in June, 2025, for training of students, men and women, as leaders for the Episcopal Church.
On March 23, St. Michael's once again welcomed Archbishop Joseph Garang, Episcopal Diocese of South Sudan, to pray and preach. A festive coffee hour celebrated our 27-year Covenant with Renk.
The Church in South Sudan continues to grow, and the need is great for continued prayers and support. Over 300 graduates were supported by five annual Sudan Soirees. The church in Renk Diocese continues to thrive, thanks to St. Michael's, and other partners. Thanks be to God.
St. Michael’s Reverse Advent Calendar focuses on the spirit of giving by incorporating daily giving and reflections during the Advent season. Each week during Advent, we will highlight an organization and their specific needs. Reusable blue bags are available in the Narthex to collect your donations during the week and bring to St. Michael’s where donation boxes will be set up outside the community room.
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