Welcome
Please review The Church of St. Michael & St. George's weekly newsletter to
keep abreast of our events. Visit our online calendar for event
information.
Come visit!
Let us know....
If you or someone close to you has had a change in circumstances [in the hospital, moved to a nursing home, etc.] please call the church at 314.721.1502, so we can keep CSMSG in your life.
Visit Our Website
Volunteer
Music
Questions?
Call us at 314.721.1502 or e-mail laurie@csmsg.org The Church of St. Michael & St. George
6345 Wydown Blvd.
PO Box 11887
Clayton, MO 63105
314.721.1502 p
314.721.4670 f |
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"Living Christ In This World"
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This Week's Banner
Abracadabra the magician performing at last year's parish picnic. Make plans to attend the picnic this Sunday after the 10 AM liturgy when Abracadabra returns with more magic! |
Preaching Rota
May 29 The Rev. Andrew John Archie
June 5 The Rev. John Michael Wheeler
June 12 The Rev. Andrew John Archie
June 19 The Rev. John Michael Wheeler
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Sunday Adult Education
 Announcing Summer Single Servings
Come to church early this summer and hear some of the amazing people who worship here at St. Michael's speak about a variety of topics related to our common life in Christ. Our speakers in June include John Tyler, Michael Burke, Kyle Schenkewitz and Buzz Matthews. Classes begin June 5 at 9 AM, and there WILL be children's activities so that parents can attend.
The Rector's Forum The Rector's Forum is in recess until October 2.
Faith & Life Forum
Faith & Life Forum is in recess until October 2.
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This Sunday, May 29
Summer Schedule Begins
8 AM Holy Eucharist I, 10 AM Choral 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.
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From the Pews 
I'm sitting in my pew, wondering what I should be feeling. Is it anticipation? Or reflection? I occasionally get to church a little early and sit in silence as my fellow parishioners come in and find their pews. I am excited for the service, for the sermon, for the Gospel reading, for communion. I anticipate a baptism or a special speaker. I even anticipate the announcements, especially when Fr. Archie provides a bit of humor. I lean forward and hope for some wisdom. And I also reflect a bit. Reflection is good- thinking about my life, family, friends and my relationship with Him. And maybe there's a little wisdom to be found in reflection as well. I lean forward in anticipation, and sit back in reflection. I look up in anticipation, and bow my head in reflection. This must look a little weird for others in the pews around me! But that's what happens in my pew. |
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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!
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Growing In Generosity
Stewardship Campaign 2011 
Your pledge dollars go towards church school children singing "This Little Light Of Mine" in church on Sunday. Funding for the director of the program, materials, organist and celebratory donuts in the Great Hall after their performance are all made possible by your pledge. Thank you!
Growing in Generosity Stewardship testimonials
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Our Summer Intern
 Please extend a warm welcome to Blake Tipton, our summer intern. Blake is 24 and from Atlanta, Georgia. His alma mater is the University of Georgia where he obtained bachelor's degrees in Philosophy and Political Science. He will return to Duke University in the Fall as a 2nd year student. Blake has been a member of The Episcopal Church since November 2009 and is an aspirant in the Atlanta Diocese. He enjoys theological and philosophical dialogues, reading fiction, jogging, writing, water tubing, and dirt biking. |
This Week
Thursday, May 26
Anna Karenina Book Discussion 7:15 PM Library 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 26 at 7:15 PM in the library. RSVP to the receptionist at 314.721.1502 or alice@csmsg.org. |
Church School Happenings
The summer Church School schedule starts this Sunday with lectionary-based stories and activities for the Preschool-3rd Grade in the undercroft classroom at 10 AM. The children will join their parents at the Peace for communion.
Starting June 5, 2011, there will be a movie and activities for children from 9-9:45 AM while their parents attend the Summer Single Servings classes. This will also be in the undercroft classroom.
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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!
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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. |
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Youth
The 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.
Sunday School Teachers, YM Leadership Team members and YM Adult volunteers were honored yesterday in church. We thank you so much for your dedication to our Youth Ministry program! If you have not yet picked up your gift, please pick it up at the receptionist's desk this week or on Sunday.
Congratulations to all of our 2011 High School Seniors who were also recently recognized at church! If you were not able to be with us, please stop by the receptionist's desk and pick up your gift! Stay tuned: College Reunion Get-together in June...date tba soon! YM Leadership Team meeting will be THIS Friday, May 27 from 12:30-2 PM. 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 interns@csmsg.org now to save your spot!  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 bart.freer@gmail.com. Wednesday Night Bible Study will meet this Wednesday, May 25 with dinner at 6:30 PM. The last meeting until August will be on Wednesday, June 1 so make plans now to be here! 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. Please make sure to return your Youth Ministry Information Survey so your name will be included in our 2011-12 Youth Ministry Directory! |
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Suggestion Box
Please let us know what you like about our e-newsletters and how you think we can improve upcoming editions. This is an interactive publication and we'd like to hear from you! Give Us Your Feedback |
Upcoming Events
Monday Night Bible Study on Vacation in June. Monday night Bible study will take a vacation in June. The last class will be the of May 23 and we will resume June 27, when we will finish Mark's gospel. Come join us then. Tuesday, July 5Mission 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 e-mail Peggy at outreach@csmsg.org or 314.721.1502. 
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Faith in Action
Casseroles 'R' Us
Did you know that one casserole feeds a family of four for two days? Pick up your casserole pan and lid with the recipe near the receptionist's desk at the church, make the casserole and return it to the church freezer by the third weekend of the month. The casseroles are then delivered to local food pantries where they are distributed to families in need. Please help meet this local community need.
KIDs/ECM Birthday Parties
Episcopal City Mission's birthday party for the kids at the Juvenile Detention Center will be August 12. Volunteers can help with purchasing supplies for the party, decorating the room before the event or assisting with the program for the evening from 5:45-8:30 PM. Please call Mary Kay Digby, 314.426.3545 or Peggy Strelinger, 314.721.1502 for more information. Application must be made to participate in this ministry so please plan early.
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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.
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 mwheeler@csmsg.org.
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 epanke@aol.com.
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.
Smiles Needed!
Want to volunteer one Sunday a month? The Greeter position is just right for you. Contact Laurie Brown at Laurie@csmsg.org 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 provided by an anonymous benefactor. Thank you for this very generous gift!
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Canterbury Bookstore
This is the week; the week of Religious Booksellers Trade Exposition-RBTE. Our manager, Peggy Strelinger, heads to Chicago to see new designs, new books, and new product. We need to clean out the old stock and make room for the new. Help us prepare... everything is 20% OFF REGULAR PRICE. Don't wait.
Pick up books for your summertime reading or early present buying. Opportunity is here; 20% off EVERYTHING in stock.
Have you experienced the variety of items the Canterbury Bookstore offers? Come take a look. Let us know how we can help you. We look forward to serving you!
Reconciliation by Martin Smith is a classic text on preparing for confession. Father Smith gives the theological and spiritual background of the sacrament of reconciliation and offers suggestions for the practice of both hearing and making a confession.
Fires of Faith, Catholic England under Mary Tudor by Eamon Duffy argues that Mary Tudor's regime was neither inept nor backward-looking. In this controversial reassessment, Duffy remembers the reign of Mary as an era when a revolutionary monarch launched a doomed attempt to reimpose Catholicism on an unwilling nation. The burning alive of more than 280 men and women for their religious beliefs seared the rule of "Bloody Mary" into the protestant imagination. With this book, Duffy has changed the landscape of English Reformation history.
Children have loved Little Golden Books for over 60 years. My Little Golden Book About God by Jane Werner Watson and illustrated by Eloise Wilkin, is a simple classic filled with a tender message and delightful illustrations every child will treasure.
Always available in the Canterbury Bookstore are many parish ministry products: CSL cookbooks, Mantle of Healing Kits, and Covington Calligraphy. Each of these fine products benefits a special ministry at the Church of St. Michael and St. George.
This Monday, May 30, the Bookstore will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
Summer Bookstore hours begins today:
Sunday 8:30-11:30
Monday 10-noon
Thursday 10-3
Friday 8:30-noon
Book of the Month
Featured Books
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Columbarium Update
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.
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