Returning God's Gifts to the Altar
For nearly four decades, Phil Ritter has and continues to deepen his faith, serve others, and form lasting connections at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.
"Saint Michael has brought me closer to God and to know Jesus Christ in a deep and profound way. It’s a place where you experience life’s greatest joys and most profound sorrows together, and you help each other through it."
Phil’s connection to Saint Michael began as a young adult through a fellowship group shepherded by the Rev. Tom Blackmon. He later joined a Bible study that became, in his words, “an anchor for spiritual growth, scriptural understanding, and fellowship.”
Encouraged by mentors and fellow parishioners, Phil found opportunities to deepen his involvement in the life of the church. An elected trustee of the All Angels Foundation since 2024, he will assume its presidency in 2027. He also serves as a Verger, assisting in worship and supporting the parish community.
As Phil’s faith and commitment to Saint Michael grew, so did his desire to support its future. What began with annual giving and a capital campaign contribution evolved into a legacy plan that includes Saint Michael as a beneficiary of his retirement account and estate.
Phil and his wife, Kim, updated their estate plans together, and she also chose to leave a planned gift to Saint Michael. For them, legacy giving is a shared expression of faith, gratitude, and trust, and a way to extend faith beyond a single lifetime.
“It’s about creating resources for the future of Saint Michael and building the kingdom of God that’s yet to come,” Kim said, envisioning generations who will benefit from ministries sustained by today’s commitments.
Legacy planning underpins Saint Michael’s long-term ministry, regardless of economic shifts. Importantly, it invites every parishioner into the story, regardless of financial resources. “Giving is never about the amount, but about the spirit with which the gift is given,” Kim said. “Anyone can participate.”
Legacy gifts to Saint Michael are stewarded by The All Angels Foundation, a separately chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit overseen by Saint Michael parishioners. To learn more about making a legacy gift, contact Mary Worthington, Major Gifts Officer, at 214-365-3521 or mworthington@saintmichael.org.
**This article was featured in the 2026 Fall Archangel.
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