The St. Georgian Weekly E-newsletter
April 18, 2019
From Our Rector
Greetings beloved St. Georgians,

Tonight we begin our sacred journey from the last supper and washing of feet to the garden of Gethsemane, then to Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion, then to his death and burial, and finally to his rising again. It has been said that in order to get to Easter, we have to go through Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. I encourage you to make some time for the services of this Holy Week, including the Easter Vigil Saturday night at which an adult will be baptized and we will proclaim that Christ is risen (followed of course by a wonderful reception!).

Musicians, flower guild, altar guild, ushers, acolytes, readers, worship servers of many kinds: it takes a team to make this journey happen. Food is being prepared with love for our feasts. Youth and their adult leaders have stuffed and will hide the Easter eggs. Of course, the staff is working extra to produce bulletins and publicity, gather donations, marshal our office volunteers (thanks to them too!), and field questions. As we lead these services, Areeta, Bob, David, and I, the clergy, are so thankful for the whole community, and that includes everyone who offers the gift of their presence.   

Thank you to everyone who has given abundantly to help purchase flowers or support one of our ministry funds. Thank you to everyone who will contribute generously to our loose and designated offerings this weekend which we then give away to help others and in thanks to God who blesses us so much.

Easter is a wonderful reunion. I look forward to seeing many old friends and welcoming newcomers. As you attend services, please look for opportunities to welcome and gently assist each other. In making room for each other, we make room for the risen Christ.

So many of us were heartbroken by the Notre Dame Cathedral fire on Monday. Tuesday was the 12th anniversary of the massacre at Virginia Tech in which 32 people were killed by a man who then took his own life. These are troubling reminders of our vulnerability and corruptibility as we remember that Christ was humiliated and put to death by ordinary people corrupted by their hardness of heart. We remember Jesus’ descent into the depths of hell, how he went through the pains of agonizing death and the grave. We also remember that Christ rose again. In that ascent we witness the power of God’s love to bring healing and wholeness out of suffering and death. 

The community that was so shaken by the massacre in 2007 has poured out so much love in the aftermath of tragedy. The community of the world is pouring out its love in the aftermath of the fire of a beloved icon of hope and peace. There are countless other examples of resurrection in action. God’s love is being poured out for us, and we are raised with Christ to new life. 

I look forward to gathering with you this weekend in witness to God’s love.

Your rector and brother in Christ,
Joe+  

Photo of the Week
For Palm Sunday, we began our 9 am and 11:15 am services with a joyful procession. With palms at the ready, we sang "Holy, holy, holy Lord".

Click here to see more pictures from Palm Sunday.
This Week at St. George's
Decorate the Church for Easter
Come help the flower guild decorate the church for Easter on Saturday, April 20th 9:30 - 1:00. No floral experience necessary. If you can lift an bucket, stand on a ladder or hold a broom, you would be an asset. Who knows, you might find that you DO have a way with flowers! Please direct questions to Jeanette Cadwallender or Claire Simpson
Plant-Based Cooking
Our Stewardship of the Earth cooking class and plant-based potluck will meet Wednesday, April, 24, 5:30 - 7:30 pm in Sydnor Hall. Join St. Georgian, Wendy Cannon and Chrissy McDermott, from the Dr. Yum project as they have fun in the kitchen teaching a plant-based cooking class. A vegan potluck follows the class. Bring a plant-based item to share or make a financial donation to St. George’s Pantry (The Table). This event is in partnership with the Fredericksburg Food Co-op. 
Office Closed
Please note that our office is closed on Monday, April 22 for Easter Monday. There will be no noon prayer.

Please check our weekly calendar as several groups have canceled their meetings for week.
Learn American Sign Language
Classes run Tuesdays, April 23 – June 11, 7 - 8:30 pm at the Renwick Building (815 Princess Anne Street). Classes are taught by Pastor Mike Byrd, who is Deaf and has over 30 years of teaching ASL to hearing students. Childcare is available. Register on our website. Cost is $25.
Holy Week Schedule
During Easter we celebrate and worship together in a spirit of joyful fellowship.

There’s a place for you here and we invite you to join us at any or all of our Holy Week and Easter services.


Adult Christian Formation - Sunday, 10 am
There is no Christian Formation on Easter Sunday.

Spotlight On: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program is possible thanks to the loving, gentle, guidance of our Catechists. Each Sunday, children explore a carefully set up atrium and experience a place of simplicity, order, prayer, work, and community.

If you would like to come and observe the wonder of the atriums on Sunday, or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact director of children and youth formation, Hecti Musa . You can also attend our Catechesis Open House on May 12 at 10 am.

Announcements
Pastoral Emergency Phone Number
If you have a pastoral emergency, including but not limited to hospitalization or a death, please contact clergy at: 540.361.8573.

Help with Easter Vigil Reception
Please contact Jan Meredith if you can bring table ready finger foods for our Easter Vigil Reception. 

Thank You and Congrats!
Many thanks to everyone who attended our Shrine Mont Sunday event last week. We are happy to announce that we received 90 registrations that day and Diane Powell was the recipient of our drawing for the free registration for our fall weekend of “Speak to the earth, and it will teach you.” Congratulations Diane!

Thank You for Your Generosity
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Shrine Mont Parish Weekend scholarship fund. With proceeds from our peanut butter Easter Egg sale and additional donations, we raised nearly $3,500!

Courtesy Reminder
During services, we ask everyone to please silence electronic devices so that all can focus on our worship together. Be mindful that using electronics during services may be distracting to others, even if they are silenced, so please be considerate of those beside and around you.

Holy Baptism
We will have baptisms on Pentecost Sunday (June 9) and September 1. Please contact Hecti Musa or clergy if you are interested in baptism for yourself or a child, so we can arrange preparation sessions.

Chamber Series Continues - April 28
Join us Apr. 28 at 3 pm for the music of Beau Soir. The concert is free with donations accepted at the door.

You Are Invited to an Interfaith Potluck
On April 28 from 1 - 3 pm, come to The Old Silk Mill for a chance to connect and have fellowship with our neighbors. Bring a dish to share (please no pork or alcohol). RSVP to Joe Hensley.

St. George’s 300th Anniversary
April 25 marks one year before we kick off our St. George’s 300th anniversary observance! Stay tuned for updates about our celebration in 2020-2021 of the past, present, and future of our parish.

Mid-Week Men's Group
A Mid-week Men's Group is starting up. The first, initial meeting is May 2 at 8 am in Faulkner Hall. Contact John Coker if you have any questions.

Volunteers for The Table Needed
The Table is in search of volunteers to help with fundraising. We need volunteers to help with grant writing, event planning and participating in a quarterly fundraising committee. If you feel called to join us, please email outreach@stgeorgesepiscopal.net

Spiritual Gifts Workshop with Bob Miller, May 4, 1 pm in Sydnor
Do you ever wonder what God is calling you to do, whether as part of St. George's or in your wider world? Join Rev. Bob Miller, our clergy associate, for an afternoon of exploration on Saturday, May 4 from 1 - 5:30 pm in Sydnor Hall. Where do you find your greatest joy? How might that connect with needs in the church and community? Who are your role models for service? This workshop is for anyone looking for a next step in ministry and service as we listen for God's guidance and identify the gifts we have that maybe we didn't know about. If you are attending, please RSVP to the church office .

Estate Planning Info Sessions:
How do we take care of those we love? How do we make wise decisions to plan for our futures? Our upcoming Estate Planning Info Sessions are designed to help answer these questions and more. Join us May 5 after the 11:15 am service in Faulkner Hall (geared for those 45 and under - childcare available) and May 7 at 7 pm in Sydnor Hall (geared for those 45 and older). Sessions are free of charge.

New Docents Needed
St. George's docents provide informative tours of the church during the summer. Training and resources are provided. We can accommodate many schedules. The summer docent program lasts from May 1 to Labor Day. Email Ben Hicks if you would like to become a docent and/or have questions about the program. 

Donate Your Empty Printer Ink and Toner Cartridges
Recycling printer ink and toner cartridges helps us receive discounts to purchase office supplies. Please consider donating yours by dropping them off at our church office.

An Invitation to ‘Take the Pledge’ and Care for God’s Creation
Episcopalians and friends concerned about all of God’s creation are invited to join Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in pledging to take action to protect and renew God’s world and all who call it home. The goal is to gather at least 1,000 pledges with concrete, personal commitments by Earth Day, April 22. Click here to read more and take the pledge.

Turning Houses into Home
The Episcopal Lutheran Campus Ministry at UMW (“The House”), together with Micah, has organized a furniture donation drive in conjunction with student move out days. There will be a box truck in the parking lot of 825 College Avenue adjacent to the UMW apartments from 930am – 1230pm on the following days: Wednesday, May1; Thursday, May 2; and Thursday, May 9. All UMW students and community members are invited to donate gently used furniture and small appliances on these days. This includes TV stands and coffee pots! Donations will go to members of the homeless community for whom Micah has been able to secure housing. Your donation will help transform a dwelling from a place to live into a place that is home. For more information contact the Rev. David Casey at dcasey@vts.edu or 646-416-0218.

Spring Picnic! 
All Young Adults (ages 18-35+) of Trinity, St. George’s, & Christ Lutheran are invited to a Spring Picnic for a time of fellowship at 820 College Avenue on Saturday, May 18 from 4pm to 6pm. Fried Chicken, Banana Sandwiches, and Beverages provided. GF/V options available. Feel free to bring a dish to share! Invite friends! Kid friendly! Please RSVP to the Rev. David Casey at dcasey@vts.edu, 646-416-0218, or on our ministry’s facebook page, The Red Door Fellowship (facebook.com/reddoorfxbg). Follow the Red Door Fellowship on Facebook to stay in the know for future events, including an afternoon on the river and an invasion of Central Park Funland. 

Saturday Night Supper
Our next SNS is May 4 at 6 pm in Sydnor Hall. This month's potluck is hosted by The Table at St. George's volunteers. Please RSVP to: Kelly Paino or Linda Miller.

Sign Up for Shrine Mont Camps
Registration for Shrine Mont Camps is open! Campers and prospective camp counselors take note that there are many options for different age groups and interests. Scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance. See www.shrinemontcamps.net for more information.

Summer Schedule Begins May 26
On Sunday, May 26 we will switch to our Summer Schedule with services at 7:45 am, 10 am, and 5:30 pm. Our 8 pm Compline service will take place on second Sundays.

Looking Ahead
Join us June 2 at 10 am in Hurkamp Park for worship followed by our annual parish picnic. Bring a blanket or chairs and a dish to pass. This will also be one of our summer fellowship events as our rector, Joe and director of music ministries John, take sabbatical leave.
Youth News and Events
Parish Youth Ministry (PYM):
Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) weekend at Shine Mont for grades 6 - 8 is May 10 - 12. This is a wonderful opportunity for our Youth members to make friends and connections outside of St. George’s. Please contact Kenna Glascock at kennaleag@gmail.com or 407-963-0183 if interested, or have any questions.

Glory Ridge Auction Items Needed
The Youth Mission trip to Glory Ridge is looking for donations of vacation home use, adult musician services, and tickets to sporting or arts events to auction off at their silent auction which is kicking off on April 28. While we are not looking for goods at this time, we greatly appreciate any donation of services or vacation home time. If you have a donation to make, please see Hecti Musa or Emily Hoell.

Sonic Spirit Night
Glory Ridge is having a Spirit Night fundraiser at the Sonic Drive-In on Rt 17 (in Stafford) near GEICO. On Thursday 5/23 from 5-8:00pm, we will receive 15% of all sales. No flier is needed, you don’t even have to tell them you’re there supporting Glory Ridge. Just go enjoy some delicious burgers and help the Glory Ridge mission team!
Meditative Moment