St. Michael & All Angels

10/09/2026

Let us join in prayer for all who are in the path of--and otherwise affected by--Hurricane Isaias.

Let us pray.

09/29/2026

The Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels -- September 29

‘At the Altar Table the overweight parson is doing something or other with the bread as his assistant stands by with the w**e. In the pews, the congregation sits more or less patiently waiting to get into the act. The church is quiet. Outside, a bird starts singing. It’s nothing special, only a handful of notes angling out in different directions. Then a pause. Then a trill or two. A chirp. It is just warming up for the business of the day, but it is enough.

The parson and his assistant and the usual scattering of senior citizens, parents, teenagers are not alone in whatever they think they’re doing. Maybe that is what the bird is there to remind them. In its own slapdash way the bird has a part in it too. Not to mention “Angels and Archangels and all the company of heaven” if the prayer book is to be believed. Maybe we should believe it. Angels and Archangels. Cherubim and seraphim. They are all in the act together. It must look a little like the great jeu de son et lumière at Versailles when all the fountains are turned on at once and the night is ablaze with fireworks. It must sound a little like the last movement of Beethoven’s Choral Symphony or the Atlantic in a gale.

And “all the company of heaven” means everybody we ever loved and lost, including the ones we didn’t know we loved until we lost them or didn’t love at all. It means people we never heard of. It means everybody who ever did – or at some unimaginable time in the future ever will – come together at something like this table in search of something like what is offered at it.

Whatever other reasons we have for coming to such a place, if we come also to give each other our love and to give God our love, then together with Gabriel and Michael, and the fat parson, and Sebastian pierced with arrows, and the old lady whose teeth don’t fit, and Teresa in her ecstasy, we are the communion of saints’. —Frederick Buechner, Whistling in the Dark: An ABC Theologized (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988), 30–1.

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Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

09/25/2026

A BIBLE IN STONE: SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS
By W. GOLDSWORTHY, LONGTIME VESTRY MEMBER

an excerpt from the February 21, 1932 edition of The Anniston Star

When the full history of the parish of St. Michael and All Angels is written it will be to a large extent a biography of many individuals who have given of their best in furthering the work to which their hands had been placed. Were it possible to throw on a screen a series of pictures illustrating that work, we should behold a history of close upon a half century laden with generosity, self-sacrifice, and pathos. As we think of the years that are past, our memory is arrested by many forgotten incidents, the touch of a hand and the smiling faces of many who have been called to the higher life.

Much has been written and will yet be written of the commanding dignity and beauty of this church. The plans of Mr. Halsey Woods, a distinguished church architect, were carried out regardless of cost, much being made of the principle that all that is most beautiful and glorious upon earth is most worthily applied in oblation to the service of God. It would indeed take an expert to do justice to what has been accomplished. One might almost call it a “Bible in Stone.” It is unquestionably a great standing symbol of objective religion, a quickening amongst the worshippers of a sense of the real presence of the Divine.

The building of St. Michael’s was a munificent gift. It wins our gratitude and demands a response. Still, as we may think, Mr. Noble’s spirit broods over the house of his foundation. His faith and vision will be held in remembrance so long as St. Michael’s stands. There is a ceremonial dignity about the services, which has been handed down by his predecessors to the present rector and loyally and lovingly preserved by him to be handed on to his successor. And the beautiful building with its art, its music, its memorial windows, its bells, yet “only those who see take off their shoes,” will inspire those who work there to follow all that is true and honest and just and pure and lovely and of good report.

09/17/2026

Join us!

09/10/2026

A Foyer Reunion with a few additions enjoying Wednesday night fellowship at Lost Pizza in Jacksonville. The next round of Foyer Groups is coming soon, so stay tuned. Participating in a Foyer is a wonderful way to connect, establish and deepen friendships.

09/06/2026

Beginning with its consecration as a house of prayer for and gift to the people of Anniston by our benefactor John Ward Noble, the Church of Saint Michael and All Angels has a rich history of both celebrating and supporting the arts and humanities in and beyond our community. We are thrilled to support the outstanding work of Cheaha Creative Arts and commend its amazing and hardworking director Ashley Bass Martin, the instructors, students/participants, and volunteers on the continued growth of this life-soul enriching endeavor. What a gift it is to see the program grow, but especially to witness the excitement and growth of students/participants! Ridgely especially would love this! ❤️

08/24/2026

We grieve the death and bless the sacred memory of Honey, beloved pet of Christopher Douglas. Honey was loved by so many, especially in the Jacksonville State University community. Her friend Susan Di Biase commented upon her happy curiosity and bravery, and the joy she brought to so many. We especially grieve with and for our dear friend and parish choir member Christopher, Honey's person, for his great loss and deep grief. Truly his love and care for Honey was sacramental--an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace--and an inspiration. Likewise, memories of Honey's life and playful spirit will ever remind us of the gifts of joy and wonder in all God's works.

God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day Honey, Christopher's beloved companion. We thank you for giving her to him and all of us to be a source of abundant love, affection, and joy. In your compassion, comfort us who grieve, especially Christopher. Give us faith to commit Honey, this beloved creature of your own making, to your care, for you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

All life is interwoven.
All life is a gift from God.

Psalm 104: 24:
O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.

08/09/2026

Though we were missing a few young people this morning, we were happy to distribute over 40 (correction) backpack tags along with blessings and love to all who are returning to school (or just did return).

God of all wisdom, we praise you for gifting us with curiosity and learning. Give to all students, teachers, and caregivers a clear sense of your love. May they feel your presence throughout this school year. Guide their choices, their quest for knowledge, and their relationships. Use their opportunities to grow in understanding of who you would have them to be and continue to shape them, that they may walk in the way of Christ, grow strong in the Spirit’s love for all people, and know the complete joy of life in you. In the name of Christ our Great Teacher, we pray. Amen.

God's peace to all students and their families, teachers, administrators, and school support personnel as a new academic year year begins.

08/04/2026

Wonderful! We are delighted to host Cheaha Creative Arts and otherwise support their noble mission. Not only is it a joy to have CCA staff, volunteers, and students on our campus, it is a privilege. We wish them all good things throughout the year ahead--an ever-deepening sense of wonder, fearless creativity, and an openness to learnings old and new.

Blessings!

UPDATE: All spots are full.

Cheaha Creative Arts is now accepting new music students. If you have ever wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument now is your chance. Lessons are available for children and adults. Follow the link below to register or call (256) 283-4020 for more information.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddhgNNf_cHUyIOUyOUk1bBfnWlXOHrFjtWorPIaBHETH2I6g/viewform

07/04/2026

One of youngest parishioners tuned in to watch the Bishop's Ordination and Consecration on Saturday, June 28. According to her parents, she gave it two thumbs up.