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The St. Georgian Weekly E-newsletter
December 5, 2019
A Word from Our Rector
We have switched to a monthly opening message from our Clergy. Our e-newsletter will still come out weekly.
Advent-ure

We often think of the four Sundays of Advent as a countdown to Christmas. It was not always so. In the Middle Ages, this season was more about preparing for the apocalyptic second coming of Christ. Nowadays with Christmas decorations going up earlier, it feels like Advent is more of a “nesting” time, like a parent preparing the home for a newborn. Slow down, be quiet, ponder Christ entering the world while gazing at the Advent wreath or Christmas tree. 

In our world that is rushing about madly, we do need to slow down and be quiet, but not only to think about Jesus being born a long time ago. Jesus is being born again in us. Christ is incarnated, embodied in the world through us. Are we prepared for that?  

A lot of what we do in Advent feels like we are decorating the nursery for baby Jesus. Are we getting ready to celebrate the incarnation of Christ in our community? When God inhabited a human body, God blessed humanity. The embodied God sanctifies our bodies as part of Christ’s body. This state of being Christ is not meek and mild, not predictable or safe but truly awesome, full of wonder and even risk. We have been warned already. The way of Jesus leads to the cross, and along the way there will likely be suffering, rejection, healing, grace, and opportunities to love in the face of fierce resistance. In short, letting Christ be born in and through us is nothing short of an adventure. 

The words “Advent” and “adventure” come from the same root. What if we saw Advent as more like preparing for an adventure and planned accordingly? Consult maps and guidebooks. Listen to the stories of people who have encountered such things. Get in shape. Practice the skills needed. Pack provisions with sustenance.  

One of my favorite Annie Dillard quotes reads: “It is madness to wear ladies’ straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping god may wake someday and take offense, or the waking god may draw us out to where we can never return.” I wonder if she might also say that it is madness to merely light candles and open calendars at a time when the savior of world is coming to turn everything upside down (just saying though, I fully support women wearing hats in church if they choose to!). 

In this new liturgical year (year A), on the fourth Sunday of Advent we will hear the birth of Jesus story told through the Gospel according to Matthew where we meet not mother Mary but step-father Joseph. Joseph has a dream in which an angel tells him not to be afraid, that his virgin fiancée is having a baby who is actually the son of God. Later in the Gospel, Joseph and Mary meet strange astrologers from the East who have followed a star. The holy family flees their home by night to travel to a faraway country to save the baby from slaughter. Talk about adventure. 

Part of how we prepare for the adventure of a lifetime is by slowing down, being quiet, contemplating what it will require and whether we have what it takes. Of course, we do not have what it takes. That is why Christ is coming, to lead us to places we would never have gone on our own and to give us grace in our bodies, minds, and spirits to go there. In the quiet of Advent, we might do well to look over the territory ahead and consult those who have traveled this way before. Listen to the Gospels and the prophets, ancient and modern. We might stretch and strengthen those parts of our inner selves that do the heavy lifting of love, compassion, and spiritual endurance. Identify the daily sources of nourishment for the journey, practices and inspirations that fuel the fire. 

Christ is coming. How are you preparing for the advent-ure? 
  
Annual Meeting and Vestry Election
This Sunday we will gather at 10 am in the church nave as the larger St. George’s family to worship God, celebrate what God is doing here, and look forward to where God is calling us to go. Our rector will preach. The membership will also be asked to approve four new vestry members for four vacant positions (by our announcement deadline there were exactly four candidates, so there is no need for an election.) Please make plans to attend the service that day to come together as one parish family. Children's activities will be provided during the business meeting portion of the service. Christian formation classes will not meet. We will still hold 7:45 am, 5:30 pm, and 8 pm services that day. For more information about the vestry selection and candidates, please visit our website.
300th Anniversary Commemorative Calendar Now Available
To celebrate our 300th Anniversary, we have a commemorative calendar for sale. The 18-month calendar covers January 2020 - June 2021 and includes St. George's facts, figures, important dates and more.

Proceeds will help offset the costs of our 300th celebrations. Limited edition of 300 copies.

Purchase yours during coffee hour or contact the church office . Price $20; $21 if paid via PayPal (additional donations appreciated).
A Note from the Finance Committee
We give thanks to God for the generous support of so many St. Georgians. There is much to celebrate in your faithful financial offerings which support our shared ministries.
 
We do want to share that as of November 30, the church had a ($17,231) deficit for our annual operating budget due to lower than expected offerings. We can close the gap by the end of the year.
 
For 2019 pledgers, check to see where you are in the schedule you set for your offerings. If you need an up to date statement, contact the church office .

If you are new to giving or give occasionally, we invite you to help sustain our ministries, which depend on all of our offerings in thanksgiving to God. Click here for electronic giving options or drop a check to “St. George’s” in the mail or the Sunday plate. For more information about how your gifts fund ministries click here .


This Week at St. George's
Advent Quiet Day
Join us Saturday, December 7 for a contemplative quiet morning with Howard Thurman, spiritual director of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We will be gathering in Sydnor at 9 am, or you can join us online. Cost is: $15/person. If you'd like to attend, please contact the Rev. Areeta Bridgemohan by Friday (December 6) at 12 pm. For more information, you can visit the Shalem website.

Saturday Night Supper
Our next SNS is December 7 at 6 pm at the home of Ralph and Diane Powell (791 Winterberry Dr.; Fredericksburg). Please RSVP to Diane (540.368.5777,
Support SAWs Virginia
The Spotsylvania Lions Club is having its annual Fresh Seafood Sale. Jumbo shrimp, scallops, and oysters will be trucked straight from the Gulf of Mexico December 14 for pick up between 10 am and 12 pm at Christ Episcopal Church (8951 Courthouse Road Spotsylvania, VA 22553). Orders must be placed by December 7. 90% of all proceeds will go to SAWs Virginia, a volunteer, ecumenical non-profit that builds wheelchair ramps for ambulatory disabled persons who cannot afford one on their own. Click here for more info and to place your order.

Micah Churches Advent Event
The downtown congregations who form Micah Ministries will gather on December 11 for an Advent noon service and luncheon at Fredericksburg Baptist Church. All are welcome!
Mark Your Calendars - Looking Ahead
We have a number of opportunities for fellowship! We hope you will join us.
Saturday, December 7
Advent Quiet Day
Saturday Night Supper (SNS)
Sunday, December 8
Annual Parish Meeting (with combined worship at 10 am)

Sunday, December 15
Chamber Series Concert - Music at St. George's
Adult Christian Formation - Sunday, 10 am
There is no Christian Formation this Sunday due to the combined 10 am worship service, annual parish meeting and vestry election. 

Elsie Lewis: Bible Study: On Pilgrimage with Luke – led by Ray Crafton. Our Bible study resumes on December 15. Below are resources from previous sessions.Previous week's slides are on our website - see the links below.

Resources for the Luke Bible Study:

Spotlight On: Flower Guild
Our Flower Guild creates the beautiful arrangements on our altar. They also provide special arrangements and floral decorations for Easter and Christmas. Recently, they have added a new ministry, creating small bouquets out of flowers from funeral services at St. George's. These bouquets are given to shut-ins, those who are ill, or anyone needing a pick-me-up! If you would like to learn more about our Flower Guild or if you are interested in joining, please contact Jeanette Cadwallender
Announcements
Slow Down for Advent
This Sunday begins a new liturgical year with the season of Advent, the four Sundays before Christmas. Our theme is “Slow down for Advent.” Please note that we will begin the morning services with a minute of silence to help us slow down and prepare for worship. Go to our website for suggestions and events to observe the season.

Christmas Memorials
It’s time to start thinking about your Christmas memorials and thanksgivings! You can donate Christmas Greens or give to one of St. George’s funds for the holidays. Donation forms are available in the narthex, pews, or online. To be printed in the Christmas bulletin, donations are due to the church office by December 13.

Wonder in All: Your Pledge Matters as We Grow
Thanks be to God for all the pledges that have been offered so far. As we develop our budget for 2020, we are seeing that additional pledges are essential for us to step out in faith to grow our ministry. If you have not yet completed a pledge card, please let us know your plans asap. If you would like additional guidance about pledging, our website has several pages of resources: Stewardship FAQ's and New to Giving . It is not too late. Cards are available in the narthex and church office, and you can always pledge via our website.

Pastoral Emergency Phone Number
If you have a pastoral emergency, including but not limited to hospitalization or a death, please text or call 540.361.8573 to reach the clergy on call.

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.

Giving Tree Reminder
If you took a tag from our Giving Tree, please remember to bring gifts to the church narthex by Dec. 15. Directions on the tag will note whether the gift needs to be wrapped or not. If you have questions, contact Rev. Areeta.

Chamber Series Concert
Our next Chamber Concert is Sunday, December 15 at 3 pm featuring the musicians of St. George's. Concert is free with donations accepted at the door.

We Need Your Feedback - Master Planning Presentation
The architectural drawings from Sunday's master plan presentation with Stephen Koenig are now available on our website along with the Rev. Joe Hensley's introductory remarks. We welcome your comments and questions which will help us discern our next steps.

Saturday Night Supper Hosts Needed
If you are interested in hosting a SNS the first Saturday of the Month, January through June of 2020 please contact Jan. You may either host in your home or in Sydnor Hall with a friend.

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal
The Christmas Pageant takes place on Dec. 24 and is one of our most well-attended Christmas Eve services. On Sat., Dec. 21 at 2 pm, children currently 3 years old through 5th grade are invited to join us for a rehearsal in Sydnor Hall where parts and costumes will be given out.

From the Environmental Stewardship Committee
When you’re in Sydnor next, you’ll find a welcome improvement in the lighting. Several years ago we replaced all the ceiling can lights with LEDs, and now the square panels have been upgraded too, making for some very welcome brightness – and less power used to produce it. The fluorescents in the coffered ceilings are also being replaced as needed. The hardware for the new lighting was donated by Rob Moore, electrician and St. George’s parishioner, and the church’s restoration fund covered installation costs. Mr. Moore also donated 50 LED can lights for the preschool earlier this year. All over the building there is a continuing effort to monitor and reduce our power use. These generous gifts help keep St. George’s thriving. 

Reconciliation Book Group
The Reconciliation Book Group meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the McGuire music room from 7 - 8:30 pm. The group discusses a book a month from Bishop Curry’s approved book list on anti-racism. Please join us for any and all discussions. If Tuesday evenings don’t work for you, please consider reading the books and partnering with another for discussion. It is our intention to increase shared facts on the topic of race.
  • December 17: The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin; led by Libby Humphries
  • January 21: Walking with the Wind by John Lewis
  • February 18: The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to his White Mother by James McBride, led by Anne Steppe
  • March 17: Richmond’s Unhealed History by Benjamin Campbell, led by Debbie Simpson

St. George's Prayer Group
Please join us every second, fourth, and fifth Thursdays every month including the summer in the Elsie Lewis room from 10 am to 11:30 am. The Group offers prayers for everyone who has requested prayer in the previous week. We also read, reflect upon and discuss the gospel passage appointed for the following Sunday service. Facilitators Debbie Simpson and Kate Hardy welcome everyone to join us whenever you are able.

Amazon Smile
Did you know you can support St. George's every time you order from Amazon? Place your order from smile.amazon.com, select St. Georges Episcopal Church as your charity, and we will receive a donation for every purchase made. Click here for more information.

Looking for Your Name tag?
If you are missing your name tag on the board in the narthex, please request one on the sheet on the Welcome Cart or by contacting the church office. Once we get your request, we will make you one with the new logo. If you keep yours in a different spot, let us know so that we may make you a new one. Thanks for your patience.

Holy Baptism
We are preparing for baptisms on January 12 and April 11 and 19, 2020 . Please contact Hecti Musa or clergy if you are interested in baptism for yourself or a child, so we can arrange preparation sessions.

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.

Campus Ministry
We are blessed to welcome all students from UMW and Germanna CC! If you are looking to make new friends, build strong relationships, and explore or grow in your faith, we would like to invite you to participate in our Campus Ministry, located just a short walk from campus at 820 College Avenue. Our main meetings are on Tuesdays at 5 pm where we serve a hot meal, enjoy fellowship, and a brief time of worship. Please pick up a rack card in the narthex to learn more! You may also contact The Rev./Pastor/Fr David Casey, our Chaplain for Campus and Young Adult Ministries, at 646-416-0218, or dcasey@vts.edu. Please follow us on Facebook (@thehouseelcm) to stay up to date on our latest activities and happenings!
Youth News
Youth Winter Trip - Sign up Today!
The Youth Winter trip to Shrine Mont with optional skiing at Bryce Resort is coming up soon. The dates are Jan 18 - 20. Deadline to register is 12/10. The cost to attend will be $175, and for families with additional youth attending the cost for the second ticket will be $125 (example: two youth would be $175 + $125 for a total of $300). The cost includes tubing and a trip to the caverns, skiing is an additional fee. A $100 deposit per youth attending is needed to reserve your space. Space is limited and will fill up quickly! Sign up on our website . Contact Lance with any questions.

Youth Updates Via Text
Youth Group is no longer using Flocknote for text or email messages. We have switched to Remind. To opt in to receive St. George’s Youth texts, please text @9hbdh63 to 81010, and Remind will respond with instructions to join our group. If you have any questions, please let Emily or Hecti know.

Register Today
If you haven't registered for youth choir, youth group, or formation on Sundays, please visit our website and complete your registration. Please also note that we need a permission slip for youth activities for the year. If you have questions, contact Hecti Musa .
Giving at St. George's
Your donations help us continue our ministries so we can serve our community.

You can also text to to give. Send a text message with the dollar amount (e.g. $50) to: 540.701.4133. If it is your first time giving via text, you'll receive a link to add your billing information.

There are a number of ways to give. Click here to learn more .
Meditative Moment
Slow down.

Hit the pause button.

Take a deep breath.

Close your eyes and repeat the short meditation either silently or aloud.
"O come, O come, Emmanuel."