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St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
2140 Mission Avenue
Carmichael, CA 95608
ph: (916) 488-3550
fx: (916) 488-3564
st.michaels@sbcglobal.net

Growth and Spirituality

Life in the Spirit

Scripture commends it:

“Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
(1 Pet 2:5)

It reflects our core values:

St. Michael’s strives to please God by:

• Sharing inspirational worship
• Offering faith-enriching experiences that challenge and strengthen our Christian walk

Q. Why should I cultivate a prayer life?
A. Daily prayer is the most effective way to develop your spiritual life. Prayer is the means by which we both listen and respond to God.

Q. What happens when we dedicate time for spiritual renewal?
A. When we take time away from our ordinary schedules and spend “quality time” with God and other Christians we deepen and renew our spiritual lives.

Q. What is a “Rule of Life”?
A. Early Christian monastic communities worked with their spiritual leaders and fellow disciples to adhere to a “rule” or personal discipline by which they would live.

Q. What does it mean to say the church helps us to “live sacramentally?”
A. The Episcopal Church is a sacramental church. That means that when we participate in the holy sacraments, we connect deeply to the inner life of God and God’s church. Our prayer book rites help us to frame our lives within this sacred perspective.

Q. Why should I worship regularly?
A. Regular worship enhances our spiritual growth. Sundays are not the only opportunities to deepen one’s spiritual life through worship.

There are many mid-week services offered in the diocese that provide an opportunity for a richer spiritual discipline and the chance to experience other styles of worship.

The Order of the Daughters of the King (D.O.K.) – Follows a Rule of Life that includes prayer, study, and service. Open to all women of the parish. Meets 4th Friday AM. (Margaret Kendall 944-2754)

Spiritual Direction: Qualified list available at diocesan website: www.dncweb.org (Under Resources) or 442-6918

Classes & Retreats: Advertised in St. Michael’s Messenger (and this website), diocesan website, & Mercy Center website, Auburn or (530) 887-2019

Preparation for Sacramental Rites: Please make an appointment with the Rector at 488-3550.

Spiritual Disciplines:

Pray the Daily Office – The Church has a two-year cycle of daily readings beginning on page 934 of The Book of Common Prayer. Coupled with daily morning prayer (p75) or daily devotions for families or individuals (p137), this will strengthen your knowledge of the Bible and move you into a rhythm of daily prayer. The daily office can also be prayed online at: www.missionstclare.com

Renew your spirit with a class or retreat – There are many opportunities at St. Michael’s & throughout the diocese to attend a class or spiritual retreat. These can be for a day, a weekend, or a week. See the Resource Guide for ideas.

Consider becoming part of a group dedicated to deepening the life of the Spirit – Spiritual growth is enhanced in community with others. The Resource Guide contains suggestions for those serious about undertaking a Rule of Life, as well as those who simply seeking spiritual friendship.

A Sacramental View – In addition to the sacrament of initiation (baptism) and the sacrament of communion (Eucharist), tremendous spiritual support can be found through the rites of Confirmation (affirmation of the Christian life and spiritual gifts), Reconciliation of a Penitent (personal confession), Holy Matrimony, Holy Unction (prayers and anointing for healing of body, mind, and spirit), Ordination for particular ministries, and the Rite of Christian burial. Life lived within these sacraments has a natural grace and rhythm.

Participatory Worship - Liturgical worship is by its nature participatory in its “call and response” format. Individuals can deepen their spiritual lives not only by attending other services besides Eucharist (morning or evening prayer, healing services, taize services), but also by taking an active role in the spiritual aspects of the liturgy (acolyte, lay eucharistic minister, lector, lay reader, lay preacher.