A NOTE FROM THE RECTOR
Greetings beloved St. Georgians,
Today, September 21, is the United Nations International Day of Peace. We could pray for peace every day, but with so many recent natural disasters and international tensions in the news, we certainly need to pray for peace today. We especially pray for the people affected by the earthquake near Mexico City and by Hurricane Maria this week. We pray that the dead may rest in peace and that the living may find a sense of peace in the midst of chaos. We pray that we may be generous givers of aid and assistance (we raised $700 in the loose offering for Episcopal Relief and Development this past Sunday). We pray for the world leaders gathered at the U.N. this week as they respond to both disasters and to conflict.
This Sunday, we are beginning our annual stewardship season with the theme, "Stewardship: the Spirit of Giving Together." See the announcement below. The process is less of a "campaign" this time. The Stewardship Commission believes St. Georgians are a generous bunch and don't need a lot of fanfare to fill out pledge cards (please complete a card whether you pledge or not). At the same time, we know sometimes cards get buried in the mail. We ask you to pick up these sacred materials at church, pray, trust in God's grace, complete and return them (or pledge online or let us know if you want them mailed to you). Giving regularly is a crucial part of our spiritual practice together. Giving blesses the giver as well as the church, and empowers the church to bless the world in Christ's name.
Today, a group of seven people gathered in Hurkamp Park to observe the Day of Peace just by having conversation, to get to know each other and talk about what peace means to us. One of the barriers to peace is that people do not know each other. In the spirit of listening, I want to remind us that the City of Fredericksburg is convening a forum this Saturday morning at James Monroe High School for public input about the historic auction block on William St., where human beings were once sold (see the city website for more info). Part of our witness as Christians is not only how we speak but how we listen. The auction block brings up strong feelings for us as a community, and this Saturday's session is a chance to listen deeply and hear perspectives that may arouse our compassion. Also, see below about a workshop being held next weekend in Fredericksburg about civility in communications. I hope some of us will plan to attend.
Your vestry has dedicated time in both of our monthly meetings since "Charlottesville" to discuss how we as a parish can continue to promote racial reconciliation and oppose white supremacy and bigotry. One thing that has come up again and again is the importance of people of different backgrounds listening to and getting to know each other. We continue to lift up our statement of inclusion and welcome to the wider community. There will be more to say as we continue our work.
Speaking of the wider community, this Saturday we will welcome everyone to the wedding of our Deacon Carey Chirico and her beloved Hap Connors here at St. George's at 3 p.m. We expect quite a wonderful mix of people to attend, and all are welcome. (More info below.) When two people get married, it is a sign to us of God's covenant of faithfulness and love, a sign that we are called together in the midst of chaos to form a beloved community, in the midst of strife to gather in God's peace.
Your rector and brother in Christ,
Joe+
P.S. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that September 21 is also the Feast of St. Matthew, a corrupt tax collector turned apostle and evangelist. God can do more with us than we can ask or imagine!
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Sundaes on Sunday got rerouted outside Sydnor Hall this year instead of taking over Market Square, but that didn't stop dozens of youngsters from having a great time decorating their chocolate and vanilla sundaes. Here, eager kids look on as the scoops are prepared!
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 Saturday, September 23, 3 p.m., Church Nave
Our own Deacon Carey Chirico is marrying Hap Connors on September 23 right here at St. George's. All St. Georgians are invited to come celebrate with them! Children are welcome to come early to Faulkner Hall and walk down the aisle with Carey before sitting with their adults.
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ADULT FORMATION: Starts this Sunday!
All programs at 10 a.m.
Adult Forum: Communion-The Spirit of Living Together, Sydnor Hall
Join our rector for more on our theme.
How does our sharing in spiritual fellowship make a difference in how we choose community over chaos?
Water Justice, Faulkner Hall
From Flint to Standing Rock, many of today's most pressing social issues revolve around water. Join us for this program from the Trinity Institute in New York, and learn how faith communities are helping worldwide. Continues Sundays through Oct. 29.
Episco 101, St. George's Library
A fun, ongoing exploration of Episcopalians and our branch of God's family: who we are; how we came to be; what we believe; and a quick and dirty guide to all the crazy terminology we use. It's also a great opportunity to make new friends and build community. Sundays through Oct. 29.
SIGN UP FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH CHRISTIAN FORMATION
It's not too late to sign up Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Youth Formation!
Please note that 6th graders should register for Catechesis, but they are welcome to join the Youth Group as well. Please check the Youth Group box if your 6th grader is interested in joining Youth Group.
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QUIET CIRCLES
First Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Faulkner Hall.
Learning from the work of Parker Palmer, the purpose of the circle is to honor the soul. In Parker's words: "In our frantic, fragmented and often violent world, we can easily become separated from our own souls.
What is it that drives 'true self' into hiding? When we have lost track of ourselves, how can we find our way home?
What does the journey toward wholeness require? Where can we find fellow travelers to support us along the way?
How does reconnecting with the soul make a difference in the world?"
This once-a-month gathering is facilitated by Gay Rahn and Barbara Atkins.
First meeting is October 5, Faulkner Hall, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.. Contact
Gay
for more information and to sign up.
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STEWARDSHIP: THE SPIRIT OF GIVING TOGETHER
Starts this Sunday, Sept. 24
We are asking for pledges for 2018 of money as well as time and talent in thanksgiving for all God has given us, as a spiritual practice, and in support of our shared parish ministry in the coming year. Pledge cards and online pledging will be available this Sunday. Pick up your sealed pledging materials at the information table in Sydnor before and after services starting Sunday (in the narthex at the 5:30 service). If you want us to mail it to you, contact the office. More information is available on the
2018 Stewardship Campaign webpage--online pledging will be available starting this weekend as well.
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HURRICANE RESPONSE
Episcopal Relief and Development, a nonprofit associated with our church that is a trusted and effective agency for disaster relief, has funds set up for addressing relief in response to hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. To donate online, visit www.episcopalrelief.org/
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PARISH PRAYER PARTNERS IN FALL (3P in F)
Prayer brings our church family together. You'll receive the name of a person or family to pray for between Oct. 8 and Nov. 26. Sign up online or contact Jan Meredith in the church office by Oct. 1 to sign up. We will send reminders and suggestions for ways to pray.
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OFFICE VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
We are looking for people to help with our reception desk and light office work Tuesday and Friday mornings, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Duties include: g
reeting the public, a
nswering phones, p
roviding information about St. George's and community resources to callers, and l
ight office work, which can include typing, filing, data entry, and/or envelope/bulletin stuffing.
Requirements for this position include a f
riendly, positive, professional demeanor; e
xcellent verbal communication skills; a
bility to operate a multi-line phone system.
Computer skills are helpful.
LECTIO DIVINA
Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m., Faulkner Hall
Join us Monday evenings for Lectio Divina, a meditative way to read scripture. Led by Tom Rotella.
PLANT-BASED COOKING CLASS
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Stewardship of the earth begins in the kitchen! Each day a person who eats a plant-based diet saves 1,100 gallons of water and 20lbs of C02.
Join Paula Flynn as she blends her Italian cooking heritage with seasonal vegetables from her Grandma Santoro's garden.
A vegan potluck follows the class. Bring a plant-based item to share or make a donation to St. George's Food Pantry (The Table).
ECW - AVIS HARRIS CHAPTER
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m., Faulkner Hall.
Monthly meeting of the Episcopal Church Women Avis Harris Chapter. All women of the church are welcome.
MOVIE NIGHT
Thursday, Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m., Elsie Lewis Room
Come join our movie discussion group as we watch
Minimalism
, a documentary that examines simple living practices and helps us reflect on our stewardship of time, talent, and resources.
CIVILITY IN COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOP
Saturday, Sept. 30, 1-5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, located in Chatham Heights (in the office park behind McDonald's).
Learn how to bring respect, courtesy, empathy and commonality to discussions in this nonpartisan workshop. Register via email: [email protected]
DRUM CIRCLE
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m., Faulkner Hall.
Bring your drum and explore the rhythm of this creative spiritual practice.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES
Thursdays, starting Oct. 12, 7-9 p.m., Sydnor Hall Small Side
This class is an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) and includes basic vocabulary, fingerspelling, numbers, and cultural information related to the Deaf Community.
This class is geared towards adult learners, but we will accept high school students. Classes continue through
Nov. 16.
To Register: Contact Beth Klein at
[email protected]
PRESCHOOL SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED
The preschool is now accepting items for our Silent Auction to be held in November. We are especially looking for: art work, handmade items, gently loved collectibles, seasonal items, services (such as baby-sitting or leaf-raking), gift baskets, etc. All proceeds benefit our scholarship program. Please contact Danielle Davis at the preschool for more information.
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YOUTH! SATURDAY SKATE NIGHT AT CAVALIER!
This Saturday night, the Youth Group is going skating at Cavalier Family Skating Center from 7-11 p.m. Transportation will be available from the church, departing at 6:30 p.m. and returning at 11:30 p.m., or you can meet us there. Bring $15 to cover skates, snacks, etc. (Pizza will be provided!) - and bring a friend if you like!
There will not be a Youth Group meeting on Sunday evening.
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CHAMBER CONCERT SERIES FEATURES ST. GEORGE'S MUSIC
Oct. 15, 3 p.m.
Features St. George's Music Program performing, including our jazz, chamber, and celtic ensembles, and choral performances from our jazz choir, the Choir of St. George's, and our youth/children's choirs. This is a great opportunity to invite friends to experience the rich variety of music at St. George's. Admission is $10 for adults, students and children free.
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ECW FALL MEETING
Oct. 12, 8:30 a.m., Christ Church, Glen Allen.
Join Episcopal Church Women from around the diocese for a day of fellowship, education, and worship with the Rev. Melanie Mullen, director of Reconciliation, Justice and Creation Care for the Presiding Bishop's Office. Topic: "Evangelism Today."
There will also be some time with Bishop Shannon Johnston and free child care for all ages. Please bring a friend and a gently used or new bra to support
www.Freethegirls.org (victims of human trafficking).
To register (deadline Oct. 3),
click here.
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THE TABLE IS COLLECTING....
The Table is collecting
peanut butter and sunflower seed butter ("sun butter")
in unbreakable jars for distribution at our market-style pantry during September. Please leave donations in the Narthex baskets on Sundays or bring to the office during the week. Thanks!
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TAKE HOME SOME HISTORY
Monday, Sept. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Foode Restaurant
Foode, our restaurant neighbor across Princess Anne St., is hosting a Happy Hour on Sept. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m., offering drinks and selling historic stainless steel number door plates from its old bank vault. All proceeds will be split between The Table at St. George's and the Presbyterian Church Pantry Kitchen.
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CHILDREN'S VITAMIN COLLECTION
The Haiti Team is collecting children's chewable vitamins to take to Haiti. No gummy vitamins please. Place vitamins in the collection basket in the narthex at the base of the Baptismal font.
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