October 11, 2018
Important Links
A Note From Our Rector
Greetings beloved St. Georgians,

This Sunday we perhaps have our first “normal” Sunday of this season. Between kickoff Sundays, new arrivals, being in a time of transition, and Shrine Mont, it has been an unusual month since we resumed our fall schedule. I hope to see many of us together this weekend for worship and learning for all ages. 

Quarterly giving statements will be mailed soon. The statements are simply a summary of your gifts so far this year and a reminder of what you pledged to give, if you pledged. Remember you can always adjust your pledge up or down. I always include a note of spiritual encouragement with the statements. This time, I shared a line from Bishop Bob Ihloff’s recent talk at St. George’s on giving: “Don’t give until it hurts. Give until it feels good.” Think about stretching muscles. At first stretching can be painful as we gently wake up the muscles but then as we keep stretching we start to feel a sense of freedom as we discover our mobility. Bishop Ihloff’s advice to us about giving financially is to set a goal of giving a meaningful proportion of income back to God, gently stretching and growing over time to 10% or more. This practice may pinch at first but eventually becomes joyful as we discover that we have freedom to give more than we thought we could. I pray we know the joy of Christ in our giving as we stretch and grow.

Thank you to everyone who has pledged so far for 2019. We still have many more pledge cards to receive. We hope everyone will complete a card, even if only to indicate that you do not plan to pledge. It helps us to know, so we can see whom may need a reminder.

We have many leaders who give so much of their time and talents to our ministries. I know they are giving out of joy, and there also comes a time when leaders are tired and need a break. We have several areas of leadership that could use some fresh energy. One area where we know we will have turnover is in the vestry, our elected parish leadership board. Four of our twelve members are finishing their terms in December. I am offering two upcoming information sessions about the ministry of leadership, particularly regarding vestry. However, I invite anyone who is interested in ministry leadership of any kind to come this Sunday afternoon or on October 22 (see announcement below). Attending the session does not imply any commitment. 

Finally, I want to thank again all the leaders who made our Shrine Mont weekend happen. It was a wonderful time, and we are already looking forward to October 2019. We learned more about how we are invited to know God through the wholeness of mind, body, and spirit in the web of all creation. I witnessed connections growing between parishioners over meals and on porches, walking in the woods or just listening to someone tell their story. Simply being together was a delight. I pray we can bring that spirit back to our Sunday gatherings for worship and learning as we give thanks and remember that we are all connected in the wholeness of God’s grace and love.  


Your rector and brother in Christ,
Joe+  
Pic of the Week
Shrine Mont!
Last weekend we gathered for our annual parish retreat at Shrine Mont. There were bonfires, hikes, laughter, and many wonderful memories shared between friends new and old. Thank you to Jan Meredith, Danielle Davis, and the rest of our Shrine Mont committee for all of your work to make this wonderful weekend possible.

And thank you to Emily Hoell for capturing this great photo of our outdoor worship together.
Pledge Cards
AN INVITATION TO SHARE
Our stewardship pledge campaign for our 2019 budget is officially underway. Pledge cards have been mailed and are available in the narthex and the church office. You can also pledge via our website. Thank you to everyone who has already returned their pledge card. Even if you do not plan to pledge, please “RSVP” and return the card so we know you have responded. 
Adult Christian Education
Bible Study Faulkner Hall: Ray Crafton continues leading us in an investigation into what makes the Gospel of John different. In some ways it has a modern vibe. Why? Join us to dig deeply into the first eight chapters of this Gospel.

Library: Hap Connors and Brian Vaughan will be leading a conversation about what it means to be a Christian during these polarizing times. Join in this discussion about being followers of Christ during these tumultuous days. 

Sydnor Hall: We are fortunate to have Dr. Christopher Rollston, Associate Professor of Northwest Semitic Languages and Literatures at George Washington University lead us in an examination of “Shalom.” Join us as we consider how this powerful concept can support our understanding of wholeness.
New or Gently Used Winter Clothing Needed
Created by Freepik
There are many vulnerable families at Hugh Mercer Elementary and Lafayette Upper Elementary School in need of winter clothing and shoes. Most of these school-age children also have siblings under age 5 in urgent need of assistance. Please leave warm clothes, shoes, hats, and gloves for infants - middle schoolers in the box in the Narthex labeled "Winter Clothes for Kids". Contact Janice Brunson for more information ( jbrunson@verizon.net, 540-370-1887). 

News and Announcements
INTERFAITH POTLUCK
The Interfaith leaders of Fredericksburg invite everyone to bring a dish and make a friend. Join us October 14 at 1 p.m. at the Dorothy Hart Center (408 Canal Street). Please bring a dish to share (please no pork) and an open heart and mind. RSVP to the church office.

HELP OUT THE TABLE
The Table needs a responsible person to pick up donations from the Panera on Rte. 17 on Monday nights around 9 p.m. and bring them to the church Monday night or early Tuesday morning. We also need someone to shadow Richard Conway at Wegman's on the 1st, 2nd, and 5th Sunday afternoons. Additionally, our produce team needs adult and teen volunteers on Sunday afternoons from 2:30 - 4 p.m. to meet and unload the fresh produce from the farm truck. Crates can weigh up to 40 lbs., so a little muscle helps.Contact Grace in Action to get involved.

YOUTH & CHILDREN’S FORMATION
Our Christian Formation for youth and children is fully back to its normal schedule this Sunday. Thanks to everyone for their flexibility the last few weeks.

GHOSTWALK IS BACK!
We are pleased to be part of this year's Ghostwalk event on October 19 and 20. Visit umwghostwalk.com for more information and to get tickets.

ST. GEORGE'S MEN'S GROUP MEETS OCTOBER 20
The men’s group has its regular monthly meeting on Saturday, October 20, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Our guest speaker is a refugee from Afghanistan now living and working in Fredericksburg. She will tell some of her story and talk about the conditions in her home country, especially for women. All men and youth ages 11+ are welcome. Childcare is provided. The men’s group is looking for new members. We gather each month for fellowship, food, prayer, and inspiration. Send a message to stgeorgesmensgroup@gmail.com to rsvp (especially if you need childcare), and/or request email reminders.  

2018 VESTRY NOMINATIONS
Nominations for our vestry (leadership board) are open. Candidates must be confirmed, contributing members of the Episcopal Church. Please submit names by Nov. 5. Info sessions are on October 14 at 4:30 p.m. in Elsie Lewis, October 22 at 6 p.m. in Elsie Lewis, or by appointment with the rector. Contact clergy or a vestry member for more information. 

BOOK GROUP
St. George's Book Group will be starting discussions for their next book, "The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus' Birth" by Marcus Borg and John D. Crossan, Tuesday, Oct. 23 AT 7:15 p.m. on the Youth Floor. We'll be discussing the Preface and Chapter 1. Contact: Nanette Lofaro, nanettel48@ aol.com or Norah Hooper, nthooper@gmail.com.

SCARY MUSIC IS BACK!
St. George’s organists will perform scary music for the organ on Saturday, October 27 at 7:30 p.m. Bring a friend and come in costume for some extra fun! Admission is free with donations accepted at the door to benefit the organ fund.

CHAMBER SERIES CONTINUES
On October 21 at 3 p.m., come and hear St. George’s musicians in concert. Our choirs, jazz band, and ensembles will share an afternoon of music you won’t want to miss. Admission is free with donations accepted at the door.

PLANT-BASED COOKING
Our stewardship of the earth cooking class/potluck will meet Wednesday, October 24, 5:30-7:30 in Sydnor Hall. Please join St. Georgian Norris Dickard as he shares how cooking vegan and gluten-free need not be complicated. He will demonstrate how to prepare one of his favorite vegan and gluten free Mexican meals. This event is in partnership with the Fredericksburg Food Co-op and a vegan potluck will follow the class. Bring a plant-based dish to share or make a donation to St. George's Food Pantry (The Table) .

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED
The preschool is accepting items for our Silent Auction next month. We especially want: artwork, handmade items, gently loved collectibles, services (such as baby-sitting or leaf-raking), gift baskets, etc. Proceeds benefit our scholarship program. Contact Danielle Davis at the preschool for more information.

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD TRAINING
Trainer Davette Himes will be here for a refresher training on Saturday, October 13. The class is 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Faulkner Hall with an optional Q and A with Davette from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Current Catechists or those interested in learning more are invited. RSVP to Hecti Musa.

SUPPORT MICAH
Spencer Devon Brewing is holding a charity beer dinner on October 15 from 7-10 p.m. to benefit Micah Ministries, our partnership with other area churches to help neighbors find a home in our community. Come enjoy great food and craft beer for a good cause. 

SATURDAY NIGHT SUPPER
Norris and Delise Dickard are hosting our next “SNS” on October 20 (109 Hawks Nest Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22405). Bring a dish to share and enjoy some fellowship time! RSVP to: 540 372 3059, or Norris111@msn.com.

HONORING BISHOP SHANNON
The Diocese is holding three events to honor Bishop Shannon for his upcoming retirement and celebrate his many Spirit-filled ministries including one tonight at Aquia Church in Stafford. Other events are planned at Virginia Theological Seminary, and the Richmond Marriott. Follow the links for more information and to RSVP.

OVER 80’S LUNCHEON
If you are over 80 and you haven't received an invitation to the luncheon on October 24 at 12 p.m., please contact the church office

YOUTH TRIP TO BELVEDERE PLANTATION
Youth will meet at church at 5:30 p.m. on October 20 for a van ride to the farm. Cost is $30 to cover the ticket and dinner. Pickup is back at the church at 10:30 p.m. 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Re-introducing Hector “Hecti” Musa, our new, full-time director of children’s and youth formation. Hecti is overseeing all our ministries with children, youth, and families. Contact him at hector.musa@stgeorgesepiscopal.net to get involved, request information, or ask a question. 

NEWCOMERS’ LUNCHEON
All newcomers are invited to a lunch held in your honor Sunday, October 21 at 12:30 p.m. in Sydnor Hall. Please RSVP to Jan in the office
From Our Environmental Stewardship Commission
Join us for a litter clean up on November 3 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. St. George's Environmental Stewardship Commission is partnering with Fredericksburg Clean and Green Commission, Friends of the Rappahannock, and the Sustainability Club at UMW to pick up litter at various locations throughout the city. We will meet at Old Mill Park's Pavilion that is closest to the bathrooms to receive instructions and clean-up locations. All supplies will be provided. Snacks and pizza provided afterwards. Bring a water bottle and wear suitable boots and gloves if you have them. RSVP to Clean and Green Commission vice-chair Michelle Crow-Dolby at michelle.dolby@gmail.com.
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