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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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
Fun in the "Castle Bounce" at last week's Parish Picnic on the street. |
Preaching Rota
June 12 The Rev. John Michael Wheeler
June 19 The Rev. Andrew John Archie
June 26 The Rev. Andrew John Archie
July 3 Mr. Isaac Arten
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The Summer Schedule has begun!
Sunday liturgies begin at 8 AM, 10 AM, and 5:30 PM.
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Sunday Adult Education
Announcing Summer Single Servings Come to church before the 10 AM liturgy this summer and hear some of the amazing people who worship here at CSMSG speak about a variety of topics related to our common life in Christ.
Classes begin at 9 AM in the Taylor Room. (There WILL be children's activities downstairs in the Kindergarten class room so that parents can attend.)
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 a Post-Modern Context 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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Thank you!
 Greetings from Durham, NC! I wanted to thank you for the generous gift that you recently sent towards my tuition. Throughout this school, I have often looked back fondly on my summer with the CSMSG. The substantive preaching, eucharistic piety and generosity among the clergy, staff and laity left an indelible imprint on my Anglican formation. I'm sure Blake, your new intern (see box below), will benefit as I have from the experience. Please remember me in your prayers, as I remember you in mine.
Pax Christi, Dusty Fecht |
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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. |
Growing In Generosity
Stewardship Campaign 2011 
As of today, we have received 421 pledges for a total of $1,800,428.
John Tyler spoke about the parable of the Prodigal Son yesterday in the Summer Single Servings class. At the end of the parable, the father approaches the elder son-dutiful, hard-working, and now angry at his younger brother's lavish reception. The father entreats the elder son to come inside, to join the reunited family. The elder son unleashes his resentment, but the father replies, "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine."
God has given us everything he made, and all that we possess comes from him. When we pledge to the church, we not only acknowledge the source of our possessions and existence, but we also offer them back to God. Thank you for your pledge!
Growing in Generosity Stewardship testimonials
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From the Pews 
"Thy will be done." What else do we need to know? I don't need to know much else than that, that's for sure. "Thy will be done." But the phrase isn't "Thy will be known." Or even "Thy will be thought about and maybe tried now and then." It's about doing. God says "My will be done." just like Nike says "just do it." Saying and doing are different. Some psychologists say you have to think it, then feel it, then say it, and then you're ready to do it. Is this what God is saying? Be methodical? Be cautious? Be analytical? Or is He saying just lace up the shoes and go for it? I understand that I'm actually supposed to live His Word. I even understand how I'm supposed to do it. And sitting here in my pew, it all sort of feels easy enough. The light through the stained glass windows, the joy of the music, the power of the stories. It makes me feel like I can do His will. It's the time between being in my pew when it's hard! And that's why I keep coming back to 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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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 summer, the study will focus on I and II Samuel. All women are welcome!
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Youth
Congratulations to our Youth Minister, Isaac, and Samantha, his wife on their marriage this past weekend!
The Rector is Thrilled to Announce the Hire of Buzz Matthews as part-time High School Youth Director at CSMSG 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.
Calling ALL 9th - 12th graders! (That includes rising 9th graders - rising college freshmen!) Join Buzz and Isaac for 3 games of laser tag and pizza at Adrenaline Zone, on Sunday, June 19! We will meet on the playground at 4:15 PM and return at 7:30 PM. Cost is $20/person and includes pizza and drink. Bring friends! RSVP by e-mailing youth@csmsg.org. Reserve your spot NOW as spots are limited!
NOW is the time to sign up for our Middle School Mission Week!! 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! This 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!
MS Mission Volunteers needed! Lend a hand at the Zoo! Adult and high school volunteers are invited to join our Middle School Missioners when they host families from the Gateway Homeless Services Shelter for a morning at the Zoo and cookout in Forest Park on Friday, June 24. E-mail youth@csmsg.org for more information.
Wednesday Night Bible Study will not meet again until August 10.
Congratulations to all of our 2011 High School Seniors who were 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! SAVE-THE-DATE: Summer College Reunion Get-together will be on Tuesday, August 9. Time and place to be announced.
 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, yard clean-up, 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. Please make sure to return your Youth Ministry Information Survey so your name will be included in our 2011-12 Youth Ministry Directory! |
Church School Happenings
Summer Church School begins at 10 AM with lectionary-based stories and activities for the Preschool-3rd Grade in the undercroft classroom. The children will join their parents at the Peace for communion.
Summer Family Movie Night - mark your calendars! Sunday, June 26. More information to follow! |
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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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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. We will resume June 27, when we will finish Mark's gospel. Come join us then. Saturday, June 18 10-11 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 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 PMHigh 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 5 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 e-mail Peggy at outreach@csmsg.org or 314.721.1502. 
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Faith in Action
Second Suitcase to Nicaragua
Cleaning out the kids toy box? Send gently-used toys in a mission volunteer's second suitcase to Nicaragua for the Santa Rosa and El Samuelito schools: Legos, Lincoln Logs, building blocks, tent 'play house' (playhut, etc.) large abacus (for pre-school) play stations and 'play house' items, large plastic animals, dinosaurs, etc., large trucks/cars, educational toys, puzzles, hand puppets, board games/card games, Matchbox size cars, 'dress-up' items, and recorders (music instrument). Place items in the Nicaragua box at the Wydown entrance.
Do You Sew? Volunteers are needed to sew shorts for children in Nicaragua. The shorts will go to Nicaragua this summer with mission volunteers to the Nejapa School. The pattern and material are provided. Donations of material are welcomed! Contact Carol Moppins at 314.968.0446 for more information.
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.
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 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
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!
Don't forget Dad...gift specials throughout the store and free gift-wrapping. Journals, belts, ties, cuff links, palm crosses, decorative boxes, hats, paperweights and mouse pads. Stop by Canterbury Bookstore TODAY.
The Episcopal Handbook is back in stock. The Episcopal Handbook provides historical and theological information about the Episcopal Church alongside fun-filled facts and practical tips on being a churchgoing follower of Jesus Christ. Complete with illustrations, the resource presents a combination of vast truths, complex details and bits of humor about the Episcopal understanding of the Christian life.
365 Bible Prayers for Children by Melanie Burnette offers youngsters a prayer for each day of the year. Based on passages from the Bible, each prayer is written in easy-to-understand language for children. These 365 prayers will comfort and inspire all year long.
Canterbury Bookstore is looking for volunteers. If you would be willing to learn a computer program, enjoy the company of others who like books and happily greet those looking for assistance please call Peggy Strelinger 314.721.1502 and learn more about becoming a Bookstore Volunteer.
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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