August 16, 2018
Important Links
A Note From Our Senior Warden
Dear Fellow St. Georgians,
August is a double duty month. It’s the last gasp of summer, with final summertime things to be done before it’s really over. It’s a prelude to fall, with so many things to be prepared for—the beginning of a new school year, the beginning of the new program year, cooler weather. It can be a little hectic. 

Much of my August (and July, truth be told) has been devoted to preparing for the 2019 Stewardship Campaign, which will officially begin at the end of September. The campaign committee is currently working on a stewardship theme and a stewardship prayer and stewardship letters to be sent to parishioners. 

We’re gathering data about revenue and expenses. We’re discovering what proportion of our income goes to which segments of our parish life (28% to worship and music). We’re seeing where the money comes from (87% from our pledges; 2% from money that is dropped into the plate each Sunday). The data provides food for thought. It provides impetus for prayer. It encourages us to imagine what might be done differently, or with more vigor, or might be better left undone. 

The Stewardship Committee is thinking about how this campaign can be an opportunity for parents to talk with their children about sharing and saving and spending money. We’re brainstorming ideas for events and activities that we hope will excite the imagination of the parish and encourage an attitude of joyful giving.
We’re hoping to harness the energy of the parish to work with us. There will be photocopying and folding and envelope-stuffing. There will be cooking and serving and eating. There will be talking and laughing and playing. The Stewardship Committee knows that giving is not just a way to pay the bills. It’s a community effort. It’s a spiritual practice. It’s an act of faith. 

Pray for the committee. Pray for St. George’s. Pray for your own discernment. 
God surrounds us with love and fills us with peace. Thanks be to God!

Ethel Hellman, Senior Warden
Co-chair of the 2019 Stewardship Committee
A Brief Note from Our Rector
Greeting beloved St. Georgians,
I write this as I prepare to go on vacation, anticipating my return on August 19. At the most recent General Convention of the Episcopal Church, an expanded language version of the Holy Eucharist Rite II was approved for trial use. I would like us to give it a try for our two remaining “organ Sundays” of the summer season: August 19 and September 2.

The expanded version retains the vast majority of the language of the Rite with a few adjustments to reduce (but not completely eliminate) the gender-specific references to God. After we try it out, I want to convene a group to reflect on our experience with it to see if we want to continue using this version as we shift back to the program year on September 16. I ask for your open hearts and minds!

–Joe+  
Pic of the Week
Welcome to the Rev. David Casey!
Our new young adult missioner (shared with Trinity Episcopal and Christ Lutheran), the Rev. David Casey, officially began his ministry on August 1. This Sunday is his first Sunday at St. George’s. Please join us in welcoming him! He’ll be at coffee hour, so please stop by and say hello.
Adult Christian Education
Talk Back Resumes This Sunday at 11:15 a.m. in Sydnor Hall
Join us this Sunday to share reflections on the lessons and sermon in Sydnor Hall with the preacher of the day. Child care is available during our Talk Back sessions.
Upcoming Workshops and Trainings
ANTI-RACISM WORKSHOP
September 7 - 8, we will be sponsoring a Diocesan anti-racism workshop, entitled “Seeing the Face of God in Each Other.” Racism has corrupted the goodness with which God made us. In this training we explore how racism operates on an individual and collective level and see how we can work together for a community that respects the dignity of every human being with equity. Click here for more information and to register.
News and Announcements
RALLY FOR SERVICE SUNDAY, SEPT. 9
Join us for Rally for Service Sunday with Worship in Hurkamp Park at 10 a.m. We invite everyone to participate in this day of service to our larger community. After worship there will be a number of inside and outside service opportunities for those who wish to participate. Afterward, all are invited for lunch at St. George’s at 1:00 p.m. Information and sign-up tables will be set up on Sundays or you can sign-up on our website.

BE A GREETER
Greeters are ambassadors of hospitality and welcome. Come learn (or be refreshed) about this ministry on Sunday, August 26 at 11 a.m. Sign up by contacting the church office. 

SINGERS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS
Our Annual Music Retreat is Saturday, August 25. If you’d like to join our Jazz or Celtic ensemble, there’s an open rehearsal from 9:30-11:30 a.m. We’ll do a short noon prayer service, have lunch and then an open choral rehearsal from 1:30-3:30 p.m. All singers are welcome, including folks who just want to listen in and meet lots of friendly musicians. We hope to see you there! Questions? Contact music@stgeorgesepiscopal.net

CHORAL SCHOOL
If you’d like to join one of our choirs but are feeling a bit rusty, Choral School is for you. Classes begin on Mon., Sept. 10 from 7 - 9 p.m. Topics include producing a stable tone, singing in tune, breathing to sing, and an introduction to musical notation. No experience is necessary. Come and learn to sing in a caring and supportive environment. Register online here.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH MUSIC MINISTRY KICK-OFF
Our Children's and Youth Choir 2018-19 season kicks off on Sun., Sept. 23. Little Choristers (ages 4 - 1st grade) will meet at 11:15 a.m. and the St. Georgians (Grades 2-12) rehearse from 4 - 5 p.m. Please register your singer online on the St. George's Music Ministry page. For more information, contact Robin Roberson.

YOU'RE INVITED TO A CELEBRATION!
Come and join us on Sunday, September 16, from 2 - 5 p.m. at the home of Dori Eglevsky (205 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401) as we thank our current One Body Response Team members and offer those interested in joining OBRT a chance to learn more about this powerful ministry. This is a potluck so please bring a snack to share. Please RSVP to Gabi Kelly and Laurel Loch by August 30.

QUIET CIRCLES
Join us the first Thursday of each month September - May if you are looking to pause and reflect upon your life and reconnect your inner truth with how you show up in your outer life. First meeting is September 6 in Sydnor Hall, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Contact the Church Office 540-373-4133 or Dr. Barbara Atkins ( barbara0825@gmail.com, 540-899-8008) for more information. 

BOOK GROUP
Resumes Tuesday, September 11 at 7:15 p.m. on the Youth Floor. The book selected is Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Contact Nanette Lofaro ( nanettel48@aol.com) for more info.

YOUTH GROUP EVENTS
Youth will gather on Sept. 16 for a kickoff to the year. Also, an outing is planned for Sept. 22. More details to follow for both events.

YOUTH IN GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Once a month we meet to learn about challenges that girls and women face around the world. Our mission leads us to the UN in March where we join with others working for change. Girls age 15-18 and their mothers are invited to attend our first meeting on August 26 at 12:30 p.m. on the youth floor. Also, any who attended the August 4 leader/mentor training should plan to attend. Bring a brown bag lunch! For more information, contact Wendy Cannon and Sheryl Stroud Bryant.

CALLING ALL ACOLYTES—NEW AND VETERAN
We will have a training Saturday, August 25 at 11:30 a.m. in the Nave. If you have any questions, please email CJ Black at runchicky@gmail.com

RECTOR’S VACATION
Joe will be on vacation August 6 - 18. Please contact the Rev. Bob Miller - (610) 331-9222, the Rev. Bambi Willis - (804) 363-8544, or the church office - (540) 373-4133, for any pastoral concerns. 

MARY FAULKNER CHAPTER OF ECW
The Mary Faulkner Chapter of ECW is having its first meeting of the year September 11, in Faulkner at 10:30 a.m. Our very own Joe Hensley will give us an update on all the changes and upcoming programs at St. George’s. Come join us!

SHRINE MONT
Space is limited so please do not forget to sign-up for our Parish Weekend at Shrine Mont, October 5-7, 2018. Scholarships are available, please contact Jan Meredith for more information.

VOLUNTEER WITH THE TABLE
The Table is looking for a volunteer for our Table in the World at Mill Park Terrace for August 23, September 13 & September 27. It would involve meeting the farm truck & checking in the order, supervising a team of volunteers in prepping 10 crates of veggies, interacting with staff and residents, and clean up. The time is roughly 10 am to noon. Their maintenance men are there to move the crates in from the truck and put them on the tables. We have 4 regular volunteers who are residents who help get things set up. The 10 empty crates need to come back to St. George's.  It's a great place to work & wonderful people who really look forward to our market. Contact Linda Carter for more information.

NOW HIRING DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH FORMATION
We have revised the posting for the Director of Children's and Youth Formation position which we are eager to fill. The Director of Children’s and Youth Formation is responsible for helping shape and implement a parish vision for the spiritual formation of children and youth (nursery – 12th grade), into all aspects of life at St. George’s. This full time, salaried position works under the general supervision of the Associate Rector and Rector and maintains work hours from Sunday through Thursday. Read the full posting here and please share with those you know that might be interested.
St. George's Episcopal Church | 540-373-4133 | office@stgeorgesepiscopal.net |
www.stgeorgesepiscopal.net