The Framework of Mission

A decade ago, Saint Michael was well known for its outreach work. Many excellent efforts had been accomplished in the community, but most of those efforts, even the largest, were done by small groups of parishioners and not by strategic efforts of the church at large. It was good work, but it wasn’t as coordinated or collaborative as it could have been. Over the last eight years, that has changed. Through prayer, planning, and a renewed sense of purpose, our church has clarified how we go out and serve the community. That mission is carried out through four powerful arms of ministry—each with a distinct role, yet all working together to make Saint Michael a useful church for God’s work in the world.

1. MISSION AND OUTREACH

Each year, members give generously to our Building the Kingdom Stewardship campaign to support the ongoing efforts of Saint Michael’s Mission and Outreach (M&O) team and volunteers which is the heart of our day-to-day community presence. M&O works with over 10 community and international partners who not only receive financial help but also open doors for volunteer opportunities. For our Rector Chris Girata and for this parish, volunteerism is non-negotiable. Chris once said, “Money is nice, but money can only do so much.” True transformation happens when well-formed, faithful people go into the community, roll up their sleeves, and use their hands in the work. Through this arm, lives are changed—not just in the community, but in the hearts and minds of our members.

2. WOMEN OF SAINT MICHAEL

For decades, the Women of Saint Michael have embodied generosity and hospitality. Their primary effort comes through St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange, a beloved shop in Highland Park Village, whose net profits are pooled into grants. Each year, more than 70 organizations receive support through these funds. But these grants are about more than money—they are relational. They keep Saint Michael connected to organizations in Dallas, across Texas, and beyond, planting seeds for meaningful partnerships that can blossom into transformative mission opportunities.

3. THE ALL ANGELS FOUNDATION

Formerly known as the Saint Michael Foundation, the All Angels Foundation focuses on deeper, shorter-term partnerships with select organizations. By offering significant grants aimed at one- to three-year benefits, the All Angels Foundation provides focused support where it is most needed. In doing so, it extends the love of this parish in concentrated, impactful ways that help address immediate needs while building trust and collaboration with community partners.

4. THE HORIZON FUND

The Horizon Fund, designed for long-term investment and systemic change, includes two key parts: the Horizon Outreach Fund, which channels resources directly into the community, and the Horizon Capital Fund, which will be devoted to capital, non-operational building needs. Once the Capital Fund reaches its ceiling, its interest will flow entirely into the Horizon Outreach Fund—fueling mission work for generations to come. Already, from the very start, Saint Michael committed that 51% of the revenue from the ground lease of the North land would go outside our walls. Over time, the Horizon Outreach Fund will empower us to identify the Metroplex’s greatest needs and target the systems causing the most harm, helping to create lasting change.

A CHURCH MADE USEFUL

Together, these four arms form a clear, coordinated vision of what it means to live missionally. They embody a balance of immediate relief, relational partnership, focused investment, and systemic transformation.

Saint Michael is no longer simply relying on a few people to represent the whole. Instead, we are building a framework that will empower all of us to meet needs, form partnerships, and impact lives—today, tomorrow, and far into the future. And as we do, we continue to grow into what God is calling us to be: a truly useful church.

This is the third article in a six-part series. The second article is published in the Fall 2025 issue of The Archangel. The first article is published in the Summer 2025 issue of The Archangel.

**This article was written by Meredith Turner and was featured in the 2025–26 Winter Archangel.