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.
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Volunteer
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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 drew the rapt attention of parish kids at Sunday's parish picnic. |
Preaching Rota
June 5 The Rev. John Michael Wheeler
June 12 The Rev. John Michael Wheeler
June 19 The Rev. Andrew John Archie
June 26 The Rev. Andrew John Archie |
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:
June 12 Mike Burke
Habitat for Humanity in St. Louis
June 19 Kyle Shenkewitz
The Creed and Theological Imagination:
An Ecclesial Hermeneutic
June 26 Buzz Matthews
Embodying Anglican Theology:
Applying the Missional Impulse of The Book of Common
Prayer to an Urban Context Classes begin 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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Joplin Relief Fund
By now you have heard about the devastation in Joplin, Missouri. St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Joplin was physically undamaged, but the emotional and spiritual toll on the body of Christ in Joplin has no doubt been great. The Church of St. Michael & St. George will be taking up a special collection to assist our brothers and sisters in Joplin with the recovery from the tornado. If you would like to donate, special envelopes can be found in your bulletin, or in the Ellenwood and Wydown narthex. Please mark all donations "Joplin Relief," and make all checks payable to The Church of St. Michael & St. George.
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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. |
From the Pews 
I sit in my pew and look around, and I wonder-where is God? I mean, I know He is everywhere and all. But is He more in some places and less in others? He is in the prayer book for sure, on every page. And the hymnal. But is He in my cell phone when it rings during the service because I forgot to turn it off? Is He in the collection plate when I forget to bring any money to church and so look away slightly embarrassed and pass it along to the next person in my pew? He's at the altar and in the cross. He's in the candles as they glow brightly. Is He with everyone in the church? Is it Him that I hear when the choir sings so beautifully, and when the organ fills the air with majestic notes? Is it God talking to me from the pulpit? He's sitting with me in my pew. He was sitting here before I even got here, and will be sitting here long after I leave. His presence gives me comfort, and hope. Everywhere! Even in my pew.
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Growing In Generosity
Stewardship Campaign 2011 
All of The Church of St. Michael and St. George's ministries and programs reflect our core values of worship, welcome, growth, service, care and support. Please prayerfully consider your financial commitment to supporting these ministries, programs and keeping the church building open and ready to serve. Thank you for your pledge!
Growing in Generosity Stewardship testimonials
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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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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.
Summer Family Movie Night - mark you calendars - Sunday, June 26. More information to follow!
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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.
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! Wednesday Night Bible Study will meet this Wednesday, June 1. This will be the last meeting until August 10. Be there to wish Isaac well at his wedding! HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS are invited to join Buzz and Isaac for LASER TAG on Sunday, June 19! (All rising 9th graders through high school graduates AND FRIENDS are welcome!) Meet on the playground at 4:15 PM. We will return by 7:30 PM. Cost is $20 and includes pizza, drink and 3 games of laser tag. RSVP now to youth@csmsg.org to reserve your spot. Spaces limited. 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. 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 we will resume June 27, when we will finish Mark's gospel. Come join us then. Saturday, June 1810-11 AM Taylor RoomHunger Ministry Sandwich-making 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 on Saturday, June 18 and help in making over 1000 sandwiches. High School-Laser Tag 4:15-7:30 PM High school students are invited to join Buzz and Isaac for LASER TAG on Sunday, June 19! (All rising 9th graders through high school graduates AND FRIENDS are welcome!) Meet on the playground at 4:15 PM. We will return by 7:30 PM. Cost is $20 and includes pizza, drink and 3 games of laser tag. RSVP now to youth@csmsg.org to reserve your spot. Spaces limited. 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
Give-A-Meal-A-Month
The menu for June is: canned salmon or tuna, shells 'n' cheese dinner, spinach, Martha White corn bread mix. Soap, laundry or dish detergent, toilet paper, tissues and paper towels would also be welcome. Pick up a yellow bag near the receptionist's desk, fill the bag with this month's items and return it to the church.
Story time in Nicaragua All kids love to hear stories. New (do you sew?) or gently used colorful small quilt-like blankets to put on the floor at story time are needed for the school in Nicaragua. Bring blankets to the Nicaragua donation box next to the library. For more information, call Gina Wright at 314.644.4301.
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
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.
 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 Catherine Salmon at salmonfarm@gmail.com.
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.
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
Father's Day is June 19. Be prepared. Come by the Bookstore and view the great ideas waiting for you there. Ties come in a variety of colors and patterns, casual style belts, Episcopal shield flip-flops, beautiful crystal paperweights, labyrinths in various sizes and Vest Pocket Bibles are all available now. Imprinting available to personalize this great gift. Gift editions of prayer books, Bibles and meditation guides are also good gift ideas for Dad. Let Canterbury Bookstore help with your special selection. Free gift wrapping.
Some suggestions for Dad include: The Ten Commandments by Joan Chittister ($15) addresses the question "are the Ten Commandments a set of rules or a way of life?" and "what does it mean to love God and neighbor in a world of violence and fear..." while shedding light on the two Great Commandments, "Love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself."
A Traveler's Prayer Book ($16) contains prayers, Bible readings, meditations and psalms for use when traveling. This beautiful little book is a devotional treasure that is indispensable and a valuable companion for all who travel.
 Food At The Time of The Bible by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh. As you enjoy learning about what our biblical ancestors ate, you will find yet another way of coming closer to Bible days and Bible ways. Through this book you will discover that Scripture, the most important inspiration in our spiritual lives, can be an inspiration in the kitchen as well.
A Life-Giving Way by Esther de Wahl ($19.95) is written in simple, practical terms. It is a book on how the Rule of St. Benedict has shaped de Wahl's life. She takes the reader chapter by chapter through the Rule and reminds us that St. Benedict was, in fact, a lay person.
Summer Bookstore hours:
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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