Trivia Night 2011
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Call us at 314.721.1502 or e-mail [email protected]  The Church of St. Michael & St. George

6345 Wydown Blvd.
PO Box 11887
Clayton, MO 63105
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"Living Christ In This World"
May 16 - May 22, 2011
This Week's Banner

2011 Trivia Night at The Church of St. Michael & St.George. Congrats to this year's winners-The Canterbury Bookstore Team!  Proceeds from the event will benefit The Hunger Ministry. 

Preaching Rota

The Rev. Jed Fox
May 22     The Rev. Jedediah Wynn Fox
May 29     The Rev. Andrew John Archie
June 5      The Rev. John Michael Wheeler
June 12     The Rev. Andrew John Archie
Sunday Adult Education
The Rector's Forum   
10:30 AM  Taylor Room
  

The Rev. Andrew John Archie will discuss "Themes in Exodus."

 

Faith & Life Forum 
10:30 AM   Sverdrup Room
John Tyler  
The Faith & Life Forum, led by John Tyler, will meet Sunday, May 22, when we will conclude a three-week series titled "Great Questions in the Bible." We will review and discuss the following Great Question: Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" (Ex 3:11)
 
A few copies of John Tyler's book titled "Jesus: a Way or the Way: Salvation, Non-Christian Religions, and the Unevangelized" are still available in the Canterbury Bookstore. The book is a user-friendly read for laypeople of all levels of biblical knowledge and Christian experience. Get the book while supplies last!

Faith & Life information

This Sunday, May 22 

Women's Retreat Planning Committee

10:30 AM     Library
The Women's Retreat Planning Committee of CSMSG invites you to share your prior retreat experiences or your hopes and dreams for next year's Women's Retreat, so that the committee can build future retreats that feed, nourish and replenish your soul.We will  meet in the Library this Sunday at 10:30 AM for a short discussion. If you are not able to attend and would like to share your thoughts, please contact a member of the committee: Jan Torrisi-Mokwa at [email protected], Patience Schock at [email protected], Jenny Matthews at [email protected], Laurie Brown at [email protected], Peggy Strelinger at [email protected], Debbie Fenner at  [email protected] or Nicki Gillis at [email protected].

Women's retreat participants

 

Choral Evensong at St. Louis Abbey

The Choir of the Church of St. Michael & St. George will sing a Choral Evensong for Eastertide this Sunday at 5:00 PM at the St. Louis Abbey, 500 South Mason Road in Creve Coeur. The liturgy will include evening canticles by Charles Wood and music of Gary Davison and John Tavener. A festive reception, hosted by the monks in the monastery, will follow to which all are cordially invited. This Evensong is an offering of worship as part of our ongoing ecumenical relationship with the monks of the Abbey. Please plan to be a part of this beautiful, contemplative liturgy to mark the closing of the day and our relationship with the St. Louis Abbey.
Evensong liturgy at CSMSG
From the Pews  bag_man_eyes
Do you ever get weird thoughts in your head while in your pew? Here's one I had last Sunday: what is the most powerful and important word in the Christian faith? Think about this a minute. You get to pick one word. (See, I told you I get some weird ideas in my head once in a while.) So, what did you come up with?  Faith. Son. Redemption. Sacrament. Spirit. Heaven. Trinity. Peace. Crucifix.  Disciple.  So many powerful words pop into my head. Then, a few others come to mind - like, for example, sinner.  Sinner is a powerful word for sure, on the negative side. Along with Hell, death, devil, evil, cruelty, and crucified. What about Anglican? Or Easter?  Eucharist, Kingdom, eternity, salvation, forgiveness, baptism - all good words. Hallelujah is a good one. Witness, believe, resurrection are good ones, too. I'm sure I have forgotten some obvious words. Is there one word that sums it all up for you? In the end, for me, the most powerful word that I contemplate on is "grace" - a gift from God. That's the word from my pew, how about you?     

Welcoming

Fishin' for Folk

Church "business" cards are available in the Great Hall and Narthex. Look for the flower pots. Please plant a card in a friend's hand and let them know about all the great things happening here.

Forward this e-letter to your friends!

 

    

Growing In Generosity
Stewardship Campaign 2011  
Growing in Generosity logo

 

As of Sunday, May 15 we have received 420 pledges for a total of $1,798,228.
 
When we hear the word generosity, we might think about the size of the gift or the cause it is going to. Jesus, however measured generosity by the condition of the giver's heart, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21 So generous giving is more than an obligation for those who follow Christ, it is an joyful opportunity to lay up treasure that will last for all eternity, "The Lord Jesus himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35  Thank you for your pledge!

 Growing in Generosity Stewardship testimonials
Growing In Generosity
Stewardship Campaign 2011  
Growing in Generosity logo

 

As of Sunday, May 15 we have received 420 pledges for a total of $1,798,228.
 
When we hear the word generosity, we might think about the size of the gift or the cause it is going to. Jesus, however measured generosity by the condition of the giver's heart, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21 So, generous giving is more than an obligation for those who follow Christ, it is an joyful opportunity to lay up treasure that will last for all eternity. "The Lord Jesus himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)  Thank you for your pledge!

 Growing in Generosity Stewardship testimonials
This Week
 

Wednesday, May 18 

Youth Choir Dinner

6:30 PM    Great Hall

If you have a 3rd-12th grade girl who loves to sing, please join Mrs. Bye for dinner and stay for a short presentation as she unveils the program for our Youth Choir next season. Please RSVP to Alice at the front desk or by email at [email protected].

 

Summer chorister campers

 
Thursday, May 19

Anna Karenina Book Discussion

7:15 PM   LibraryAnna Karenina logo

The passion and agony of fashionable adultery...Religion and dying feudalism on the sweated Russian plains... Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina (the Pevear-Volokhonsky translation) will be the subject of a discussion led by Daniel Williamson on Thursday, May 19 and 26 at 7:15 PM in the library. RSVP to the receptionist at 314.721.1502 or [email protected].


Saturday, May 21 

Hunger Ministry Sandwich-making 

10 AM   Taylor Room

All parishioners are invited and encouraged to join the St. Michael's Hunger Ministry on the third Saturday of each month from 10-11 AM in the Taylor Room to make sandwiches for Gateway Homeless Service's clients. Come join the Sandwich Making team and help in making over 1000 sandwiches.    

Sandwich making on Saturday morning.

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Church School Happenings
Church Schooler receiving new Bibles this past Sunday.

During the summer, Preschool-3rd Grade children meet together in the undercroft classroom from 10-10:30 AM, and join their parents in church for communion. New this summer from 9-9:45 AM is Summer Single Servings, a potpourri of adult classes in the Taylor Room.  There will be church school during these classes, too.

Adult Formation 

Women's Bible Study

The Rev. John Michael Wheeler will continue to conduct the Women's Bible Studies that meet every Friday at 7:30 AM. This spring, the study will focus on I and II Samuel.  

All women are welcome!  

John Rowe

Endowment Fund

Over the last several years, it has become apparent that the Endowment Fund of The Church of St. Michael and St. George ("CSMSG") needs to be significantly expanded. Our members provide generous financial support to fund the ongoing activities of the church. The average annual pledge of CSMSG members is almost twice as large as those of other Episcopal churches. Unfortunately, our endowment of approximately $6 million is much smaller than statistical comparisons would indicate is needed for a vibrant church of our size.

The recent period of economic weakness has graphically illustrated that pledges alone will not completely fund our current programs, allow full implementation of the recently approved Strategic Plan, and assure the long-term viability of the CSMSG. The logical source of additional and consistent revenue to meet these objectives is a larger endowment.

The Endowment Expansion Committee has been formed to study our financial needs. The Committee, chaired by John Rowe, includes:  Ken Bean, Spencer Burke, Marianna Deal, Becky Fouke, Nick Kouchoukos, Talbot MacCarthy, Jeff Miller, Stephen Nickelson, Joe Sheehan and JoAnn Vorih.  If you have any suggestions regarding this important initiative, please feel free to discuss them with the Committee members.

Youth

 Youth at Trivia Night  

 

All 6th-12th Graders are invited to THE BIG SHOW: Meet in the gym on Sunday, May 22 for the BIG SHOW (celebration for the last day of SS!) immediately following the 9:15 AM liturgy.

 

Congratulations to all of our 2011 High School Seniors who were recognized yesterday at church! If you were not able to be with us, please stop by the receptionist's desk and pick up your gift!

 

Thank you to all of our 2011 High School Mission Team who volunteered Saturday with FOCUS, a Christian service organization, in South St Louis. I am certain that you all made a HUGE difference to ALL you served!

 

Middle School Mission Sign-Ups! June 20-24 is the date for our 2011 Middle School Mission Week here at CSMSG, and all rising 5th graders through rising 9th graders and their friends are welcome! The week will consist of different service opportunities each day in our community. Adult chaperones and drivers are needed. Cost is $50. RSVP to [email protected] now to save your spot!

 Middle school youth taking a break at Citygarden last summer.

Mission Accomplished! We have BABYSITTERS, and lots of other student helpers! Donate to our HS Mission Fundraiser AND get the work done that you need! Funds raised will help defray the cost of our HS mission trip. Youth Ministry students are ready and willing to help members of CSMSG with special projects such as babysitting, snow shoveling, yard clean-up after winter, flower planting and other special projects. Please donate to this special cause by signing-up for your personal Youth Ministry volunteer! The hours of service you purchase are good well into the future, so take advantage and let US serve YOU! For more information or to sign up for help from a student, please contact Bart Freer at [email protected].

 

YM Leadership Team Meeting has been changed TO Friday, May 27 from 12:30-2 PM instead of May 20.

 

Wednesday Night Bible Study returns this Wednesday, with dinner at 6:30 PM.

 

The Congregation is Invited to Attend the Wedding of our Youth Minister Isaac Arten and his fiancee (and member of the St. Michael's choir) Samantha Swanson, on Saturday, June 4 at 2 PM. Isaac and Samantha are glad to be part of the ministry of this parish and overjoyed to have the affection and support of all of its members. Join us to celebrate our wedding and our new life together! A cocktail hour in the Great Hall will follow the ceremony. .

 

Buz MathewsThe Rector is Thrilled to Announce the Hire of Buzz Matthews as part-time High School Youth Director at The Church of St. Michael and St. George effective June 1.  With our Youth Minister Isaac Arten having announced that he will be leaving St. Louis in the summer of 2012, the hiring of Buzz prepares the way for a smooth transition in leadership. Buzz comes to us with extensive youth ministry experience, having completed a Master of Divinity degree.  

 

Buzz joining the youth staff expands the number of hours the church is investing in its youth ministry and offers Buzz a year of learning the ins and outs of our youth program before Isaac's departure. Marty Chapman will continue in her role as Youth Program Coordinator. We look forward to the ways that Buzz will help expand our excellent ministry for young people over the coming years.

Upcoming Events


Sunday, May 22

Teacher Recognition

Sunday, May 22 is the last day of Church School for the Preschool - 5th Grades. There are no Chapel liturgies on that day; ALL Church School children, Teachers and High School Assistants should go to their classrooms for a final meeting.  At the time of the Peace, the Church School children, teachers and assistants will join the congregation for communion. At the end of the liturgy, volunteer Church School teachers, High School Assistants and Church School Steering Committee members will be recognized.  PLEASE BE AT CHURCH THAT SUNDAY!

Sunday, May 29 

Summer Schedule Begins  

8:00 AM Holy Eucharist I, 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist I, 5:30 PM Holy Eucharist II   

 

Parish Picnic in the Street

May 29 begins the beginning of the summer schedule with the Parish Picnic in the Street following the 10 AM liturgy with barbecue, pony ride, petting zoo, Abracadabra the magician, and a Castle Moon Bounce.  There is a $5.00 charge for unlimited use of the rides, and we are collecting canned foods, too.

Girl and donkey at parish picnic. 

Faith in Action

Trivia Night 

A big thank you to all who participated in Trivia Night last Saturday evening. The evening was filled with great fun! Tables were decorated with themes of Day of the Dead (first prize), Star Wars and Books of Wisdom. Silent auction items filled the Taylor Room and all the donated items went home with a successful bidder.  First place for the Trivia Game went to the Canterbury Bookstore Team-Jo Christner, Bobby Mendelson, Kelly Christner, Ralph Lewis, Ann and Kip Babington and Rick and Peggy Strelinger. All winning contestants donated prize monies to the Hunger Ministry as the fun and laughter of the evening was prize enough! Thanks to the Youth who were so helpful through out the evening as runners, servers, packagers and cleanup crew. THANK YOU one and all!


Cell Phones

If you own an old cell phone that you no longer use, you could provide a much-needed safety net to a victim of domestic violence.  Old cell phones are being collected and refurbished to provide women at risk with a secure phone to make "911" calls in the event of a domestic emergency. The phones (no accessories please) are being collected in the Sant Library.  Contact Peggy Strelinger 314.721.1502 for further information.

Mission to Managua

This summer, Carroll Stribling will lead two groups from CSMSG departing on July 5 and July 12. Each trip is one week or you may participate in both weeks. If you would like to join or learn more about the mission trip, please call or email Peggy Strelinger at 314.721.1502 or [email protected].

Nicaraguan volunteers 

Do you Sew?

Volunteers are needed to sew shorts for children in Nicaragua. The shorts will go to Nicaragua with mission volunteers this summer to the Nejapa School. The pattern and material are provided.  Donations of material are welcomed!  Contact Carol Moppins (314.968.0446) for more information.
Bulletin Board

Wanted: 8 AM Greeters

Looking for a place to serve? Become a greeter at the 8 AM liturgy and help extend the hospitality at of The Church of St. Michael & St. George. Contact Patricia Johnson before or after the liturgy, or call her at home at 314.993.3779.

Laurie greeting at door  

Stupp Scholarship

It's time for interested graduating high school seniors from this parish to apply for a Jane Howell Stupp Living Memorial Scholarship for college for the 2011-2012 academic year. This fund was established by Mrs. Stupp's family to provide one-time only college scholarships to worthy recipients. This is a competitive scholarship and not all applicants may receive a scholarship. You need to make a written application for this grant by writing the rector and including a transcript, a list of all financial support you are receiving and two letters of reference, one of which must be written by a teacher. Your information must be received in the rector's office by Monday, June 6, 2011.

The Servers' Guild

The Servers' Guild provides a unique opportunity for students from 6th through 12th grades to participate in the Sunday liturgies and gain a deeper appreciation for our traditions and style of worship. If you would like to join a group of young people who are dedicated to enhancing the worship experience at CSMSG, contact the Rev. John Michael Wheeler at [email protected]
.

Accoytes on Palm Sunday

Altar Guild  We invite you to deepen your spiritual life and connection to the liturgy by becoming a member of the Altar Guild. This ministry is dedicated to the service of God by lovingly preparing the altars. Many hands are needed, weekdays and Sundays, to care for the linens, candles and silver. Contact Betsy Panke: 314.993.6487 or [email protected].

CSMSG Pre-primary Enrollment
We are currently accepting 2011-12 applications for our parish's two pre-primary programs: 18-24 months on Thursday and Friday mornings from 8:30-11:30 AM and 2-3 years on Monday through Wednesday mornings from 8:30-11:30 AM.  We are also offering a five-morning schedule for both classes. Our programs are taught by a degreed teacher and have proven quite successful since their inception. For more information, call Carol at 314.721.1502. 

Child with book

Smiles Needed!

Want to volunteer one Su
nday a month? The Greeter position is just right for you. Contact Laurie Brown at [email protected] or 314.721.1502. 

Valet Parking
Valet service by Midwest Parking will be available on Sunday mornings for elderly parishioners and those with special needs. This valuable service is being pr
ovided by an anonymous benefactor. Thank you for this very generous gift!
Canterbury Bookstore during Len
Canterbury Bookstore 
Nothing expresses the mystery of our search for the divine as well as the labyrinth. In A Labyrinth Year, author Richard Kautz guides readers on a labyrinth pilgrimage that winds through the seasons of the liturgical year, with devotions based in the thoughts and emotions of biblical characters whose stories are recalled in the seasonal Scripture readings. There is a variety of labyrinths on display in the Bookstore at a price range of $12-$36.

The price of Sterling silver has increased dramatically over the past several months. Canterbury Bookstore has a wide selection of sterling silver jewelry available based on older values. Get a REAL bargain. Come by and see the selection.

Prepare for summer reading:
Paul by N.T. Wright takes a fresh look at Paul in light of recent insights into his Jewish roots, his Hellenistic environment, his attitude toward the Roman Empire, and above all his unique re-framing of central Jewish symbols in relation to his experience of the risen Christ.  Wright then attempts a short systematic account of the main theological contours of Paul's thought and its pertinence for the church today.

show me the numberShow Me the Number: A Missouri Number Book by Judy Young is a state tribute using numbers as its backdrop. Young's book gives an entertaining and educational travelogue of the state's history, geography famous people and places.  Readers of all ages will come to appreciate and understand why Missouri is truly the "Show Me" state.

TRILOGY:  a Story of Three Parishes, by Harriet Davidson, is the history of The Church of St. Michael and St. George and the three congregations of its past...a fascinating well written account with lots of pictures that add warmth to this reminiscence.  Specially priced at $20 through-out the summer.

Bookstore Hours
Book of the Month
Featured Books
Columbarium Update

Columbarium
Check the progress of the Page Garden columbarium project from the Ellenwood entrance! The columbarium is being rehabilitated and expanded to add an additional 164 niches. While construction is ongoing, urns are being stored in individual lockers in the cloister walk. Weather permitting, construction should be completed in the fall.