The St. Georgian Weekly E-newsletter |
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A Word from Our Associate Priest |
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Becoming Like a Child
What do children need to learn from us, and what can they teach us? The second part of that question may be the most important. Jesus invited – no, commanded – us to “become like a child.” The tricky thing is, he didn’t tell us what characteristic of a child he means for us to emulate in order to enter the kingdom of God. I think by not being specific, Jesus means for us to watch children, listen to children, and BE with children until we begin to understand what they have to teach us.
It was sitting in Godly Play circles with children, with a story in our midst, that brought me to my most mature understanding so far of the Christian life and language. My ministry bloomed in that circle and took me to seminary and eventually here to St. George’s.
I am thrilled to be part of a community that values and loves children of all ages. This year, we are offering two sorts of experiences for children in our Sunday School – Seasons of the Spirit for children in grades 1-5, and Godly Play for our youngest St. Georgians, age 3 through K. Both depend on the leadership and loving attention of volunteers. Might God be calling you to be one?
Whether you are interested in teaching or not, whether you have, or had, young children in your life, you are invited to explore the big questions of children’s spirituality AND hear a story in the Godly Play style that invites imagination and wondering. I hope you’ll come to a forum in Sydnor Hall at 11 am on Sunday, Aug. 7, Aug. 21, or both! I will be sharing some what I’ve learned ministering among children and inviting you to share in a world of wonder. Hope to see you there!
Rosemary+
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We are now hiring two 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.
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Summer Pop Culture Sermon Series |
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It’s summertime and clergy are loosening their collars (just a little bit) with a special pop culture sermon series. Each week, the preacher will explore the themes of the appointed readings by way of movies, TV, music, and more.
Bring a friend for these special sermons (no prior knowledge of the topics is required to enjoy the sermon!):
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June 26: Fr. Will - Parasite
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July 3: Fr. Joe - The Shack
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July 10: Fr. Joe - The Mandalorian
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July 17: Rev. Rosemary - Hamilton
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July 24: Fr. Ethan - Survivor
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July 31: Fr. Will - Avengers: Endgame
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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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Nursery Re-Opens This Sunday
We are planning to re-open our Nursery Sunday, July 31 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. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the church office.
Play, Pray, and Wonder – Exploring Children’s Spirituality
All are invited to learn more about children's spirituality in three special events, led by our Associate Priest, the Rev. Dr. Rosemary Beales.
Join Rev. Rosemary on Sunday August 7 and 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.
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. Please register to attend.
Back to School Sunday – August 14
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.
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 that truly makes a difference in our community. We will be 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. If you have any questions, please contact Diane Young and Angela Devine CommunityDinners@stgeorgesepiscopal.net. Spread the word!
Joy in the Morning
Plans for our annual Parish Weekend at Shrine Mont are well underway! We will gather in the mountains on October 7-9, 2022. Our programming this year will include reflecting on ways to rediscover our Joy after dealing with the pandemic for 2.5+ years, as well as our much loved traditions of Game Night, Bonfire, and Worship in the Shrine. We need to give our firm count to Shrine Mont in early July. The deadline to register was July 5, but you can still join the wait list. Please email Danielle to be added to the list: danielle@stgeorgesepiscopal.net.
The Herndon Memorial Trust
The Herndon Memorial Trust Fund, established in the 1950's, is administered by St. George's Episcopal Church, and was made possible through the generosity of John W. Herndon during his lifetime and by bequest upon his death. The Trust exists to offer needs-based funds for medical assistance to elderly men (aged 55 and older) of the St. George's congregation primarily and of the greater Fredericksburg community. The mission of the Trust and the hope and wish of the Committee and Vestry which oversee it is to help relieve the financial stress and worry that often accompany illness or change in income status.
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Thank You Sedona Taphouse! |
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A big thank you to Sedona Taphouse for their donation of $1226 to The Table!
Recently, Sedona selected The Table as a recipient for one of their monthly Dine Out for Charity specials.
If you are downtown enjoying a delicious meal at Sedona, please be sure to thank them for supporting our market style food pantry and other great local charities.
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St. George's Episcopal Church | 540 373-4133
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