The St. Georgian Weekly E-newsletter |
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Going Back and Going Forward
It is time to head “back to school,” for many students and educators in our area. Going “back” often means returning to something old and familiar. Yet, the beginning of school is also a time of newness and growth. It is a kind of paradox. Going back can also mean going forward.
This is true in our faith as well. “I’m ready to go back to church” is what some people say when they have been away for a while. In some cases, what they mean is that they are ready for something familiar. But as old and familiar as the church building and the reassuring rhythms of worship are, whenever we go “back” to God, we can expect God to push us forward too.
Jesus is the embodiment of this paradox of back and forward. On the one hand, Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promises of old. He was taking God’s people back to the messages of the prophets. And at the same time, he came to bring new life and new hope, not only to those who had known God in the past but to people who had never known God before.
How is God calling you in this season as we head back to school, back to church, back to any of the places where we have known learning and community? What new thing might God be doing there? Trust that as we move forward, God always has our back.
Your rector and brother in Christ,
Joe+
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We are now hiring three positions to join our ministry staff at St. George’s. Please share these opportunities with people you know who may be interested. And, please join us in praying for those God is calling to join our staff ministry team.
Ministry Assistant (part-time): The ministry assistant is responsible for assisting with communications, data management, and general administrative support. This position is 25-hours per week. The Ministry Assistant is a collaborator at heart who enjoys helping and encouraging others through communications and general office support. Click here to read the position description and apply.
Director of Mission and Evangelism (full-time): The director of mission and evangelism is the caretaker of St. George’s outward-facing and service ministries. They are a passionate storyteller, telling the story of God’s work in the world through St. George’s and building lasting relationships with partner organizations and community leaders. Click here to read the position description and apply.
Children, Youth, and Family Ministries Assistant (part-time): The children, youth, and family ministries assistant works 10-hours per week, providing administrative, communications, and data management support for children and youth ministries at St. George’s. The CYFMA has a passion for children and youth ministry and enjoys coordinating with multiple parties and tracking dates, deadlines, and contact information. They are a team-player, with excellent organizational skills, and a warm sense of humor. Click here to read the position description and apply.
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Back to School Sunday - August 14 |
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Calling teachers and students of all ages! Sunday, August 14 is Back to School Sunday with a special Backpack Blessing during the 10 am service.
Bring your backpack or laptop bag for a blessing during our worship service.
Fellowship time with popsicles and lemonade in Market Square will follow the worship service.
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Exploring Children's Spirituality
All are invited to learn more about children's spirituality in these special events, led by our Associate Priest, the Rev. Dr. Rosemary Beales.
Join Rev. Rosemary on Sunday August 21 in Sydnor Hall following the 10 am worship service (around 11 am) for a discussion on children's spirituality. No registration is required. Childcare will be available in the nursery (0 - 4 years old). No previous experience with children is required to enjoy these information sessions.
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On Saturday, August 20: 10 am - 12 pm, Youth Floor, Rev. Rosemary is hosting a Children's Formation Planning Session for the upcoming program year. All who have volunteered in the past and anyone interested in helping are welcome to attend.
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Worshipalooza! Training Day August 27 |
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All who currently serve as worship volunteers on Sundays – or those interested in volunteering – are invited to a special training day called Worshipalooza! on Saturday, August 27.
All are invited to lunch at noon – which will be served outside.
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Here is the schedule for training:
9 am: Altar Guild – Nave
10 am: Greeters and Ushers (Greeters done early) – Sydnor
11 am: Lectors / Intercessors – Nave
1 pm: LEMs and Liturgical Coordinators (Nave)
2 pm: Liturgical Coordinators (continued)
3 pm: Acolytes - Nave
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Office Notes
Our church office is closed on Tuesday, August 16 for staff training. If you have a pastoral emergency and need to speak with clergy, please call or text: 540.361.8573.
Sunday School and Youth Group Registration Coming Soon
We plan to resume regular Sunday school and youth group on Sunday, September 18, when we shift back to our program year worship schedule as well. We will be sharing registration forms soon to help us prepare for the next season of growing in faith and community together.
Nursery Has Re-opened
Our Nursery has re-opened for our 10 am service. Our Nursery Staff – Amy and Ballu – provide care for little ones ages 0 – 4 years old. Please note nursery care is available first-come, first-served, with a maximum capacity of 8 children. Those over the age of 2 must be masked. For help locating the nursery on Sunday, please ask one of our ushers or greeters. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the church office.
Holy Baptism
Do you or someone in your household wish to be baptized? Our next dates for the sacrament of Baptism, to take place in the midst of the congregation, will be September 4 (Labor Day weekend), November 6 (All Saints Sunday), and January 8 (Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord). A series of three preparation sessions, plus a rehearsal, will take place in August for the Labor Day baptisms, and in September and November for the later dates. If you are interested in any of these dates, please contact Jan Meredith in the St. George’s office.
Community Dinners
Please consider becoming a part of this important ministry, which serves our neighbors in need. It is one of the many ways in which our parish feeds people, physically and spiritually. We are looking for volunteers to assist on the second and third Monday in August. We are also looking for donations of desserts to share with our neighbors.
Eat Yogurt and Help the Flower Guild
The Flower Guild would like some empty OUI yogurt jars, if anyone has them. We have a ministry of making posies to take to shut-ins when we have extra flowers. Your donation of these small jars helps make that possible. Please leave them in the office, in a bag marked to the attention of the Flower Guild.
Save the Date!
Saturday, October 1 from 5 - 7 pm -- Join us in Market Square for Gather 'Round The Table, a new signature fundraising event benefiting The Table at St. George's. Want to help? Volunteers needed! Email: thetablestgeorges@gmail.com. Be on the lookout for sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales information coming soon! |
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This summer, we are sharing the gifts of some of our artists at St. George's. For June, July, and August, we are featuring works in Sydnor Hall by three different St. Georgians.
For the month of August, Sheryl Stroud Bryant is sharing some of her photos taken while on serving on St. George's Haiti Mission Team. Below are two examples.
Be sure to stop by Sydnor Hall to see the rest of Sheryl's artwork!
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St. George's Episcopal Church | 540 373-4133
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