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.
Recent
Transitions
Baptisms
Cole James McJunkin
Riley Lin McJunkin
Deaths Weddings
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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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November 28 - December 4, 2011
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This Week's Banner
A past Evensong at The Church of St. Michael & St. George. The December 4 Evensong: A Candlelight Service of Advent Lessons and Carols will feature music by Philip Ledger, Elizabeth Poston, Frank Ferko, Leo Nestor, William Cutter, Hugo Distler, Robert Lehman, Healey Willan & Peter Wishart. |
Preaching Rota
December 4 The Rev. John Michael Wheeler
December 11 The Rev. Andrew John Archie
December 18 The Rev. Jedediah Wynn Fox
December 25 Mr. Isaac Arten
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Sunday Adult Education
The Rector's Forum Join Fr. Archie as he continues to study the book of Exodus. Faith & Life Forum  The Faith & Life Forum, led by John Tyler, meets each Sunday at 10:30 AM in the Sverdrup Room. We are in the liturgical season of Advent, a time of preparation for the Incarnation in which God "came down from heaven for us and for our salvation." The Forum is exploring how Paul describes this salvation for which "the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now" (Romans 8:22). Sunday (December 4), we will discuss four metaphors Paul uses to describe salvation: justification, redemption, adoption and reconciliation.
Come join us on any or all Sundays.
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Giving in Gratitude
Annual Stewardship Appeal 2012  "It is not the amount of money a person has that determines her or his real power; it is what that person does with it that measures her or his lasting influence in a society. Wealth can enable us to do more than we are. We sing alleluia to the wealth that invests in what can be--as well as what is. This kind of wealth seeds the hopes of tomorrow today." --From the book "Uncommon Gratitude" by Joan Chittister and Archbishop Rowan Williams.
At this time, we have 224 pledges for a total of $1,340,870.
Thank you for your pledge.
If you have not yet made a pledge and wish to do so, please contact the church at Laurie@csmsg.org or 314.721.1502 or download the pledge card.
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This Week
Saturday, December 3
Advent Quiet Morning
8 AM St. George's Chapel/The Great Hall
Fr. Jed Fox will be leading this year's Advent Quiet Morning. Take a break from the holiday madness to prepare for the Birth of Christ as Fr. Jed leads a series of Meditations on Advent. The Morning begins with a continental breakfast at 8 AM followed by morning prayer and a series of meditations interspersed with time for reflection.
Saturday Advent Vigil Mass 5:30 PM in St. George's Chapel This year's Saturday Advent Vigil liturgies titled "John the Baptist and the Good News: Providence, Preaching, Preparation" will be celebrated on three consecutive Saturdays of Advent--December 3, 10 and 17 at 5:30 PM in St. George's Chapel. These Vigil Masses include chant and incense and are a beautiful and meaningful way to prepare, during the busy season of Advent, for the coming of the Christ Child. Please plan to make these special liturgies a part of your own Advent devotion.
Sunday, December 4
Wreath & Garland Pick Up
If you bought a wreath or garland from the youth ministry, please come to the playground to pick up your order after all of the worship services! If you have not paid, we will accept cash, check or credit. Thank you for supporting the High School Summer Mission trip to Utah!
Advent Lessons and Carols
A Candlelight Service of Advent Lessons and Carols will be held at 5 PM. A wonderful and meaningful way to usher in the season of Advent is through the liturgy of Advent Lessons and Carols. This service, originally composed by The Very Reverend Eric Milner-White for use at King's College Chapel, Cambridge, proclaims in word and song the promise of God to redeem the world through the Advent of His Son. The metaphoric procession through the liturgy--from darkness into light--is intended to prepare the worshipper for the coming of the true Light, Jesus Christ.
Lessons and Carols Reception
Make plans now to attend THE cocktail party of the year! Advent Lessons and Carols begins at 5 PM on Sunday, December 4. Afterward, stroll over to the Great Hall for food and fun. Contact Alice at Alice@csmsg.org or 314.721.1502 if you are able to bring a bottle of wine to share. See you there!
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Music
The CSMSG Girls Choir The CSMSG Girls Choir is still accepting new members, ages 9-18, to sing throughout this choral season concluding in May of 2012. Contact Christi Bye now for more information by email at cbye@csmsg.org or by contacting her at church at 314.721.1502, ext. 4043.
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Rent-a-Kid
 Rent-a-Kid is a year-round fundraiser for the Youth of CSMSG High School Mission Trip and also provides a unique opportunity for teens to connect with each other and the community through service. If you have ANY job in mind, please contact Bart Freer at 314.276.3733 or bart.freer@gmail.com.
December Specials: $30/hour for 2 teens + one adult to hang Christmas lights and decorations. Also look for our Holiday Shoppers Saturday Service Days--childcare and gift wrapping available.
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Upcoming Events
Tuesday, December 6
CSL Saint Nicholas Day Luncheon/Bazaar
11 AM. The Great Hall
 The Church Service League invites you to the Saint Nicholas Luncheon and Bazaar featuring vendor booths, a silent auction and noon luncheon. Vendors open at 11 AM. Cost is $12.50/person. Contact the receptionist at 314.721.1502 for reservations. Complimentary nursery is available by reservation. All proceeds benefit CSL ministries.
The Church Service League would like to ask all of you for any donations you may have for the Bazaar. We welcome anything you may have that would be able to be placed with other like items in auction baskets or simply serve as individual items for the silent auction. In addition, we also welcome White Elephant table offerings. All donations may be left with Alice at the receptionist's desk. Questions? Please contact Cheryl Ward at 314.753.6142. All items are tax-deductible, provided you submit a receipt. Thank you!
Monday, December 12
Susan Mount Luncheon11:30 AM The Great HallThe December Susan Mount luncheon will be Monday, December 12, beginning with Punch Bowl (socializing) at 11:30 AM and lunch at noon. After lunch the Junior League Larks will sing the season's favorite songs. Come sing along and be a part of the festivities. All parish members are invited to join us the second Monday of each month for good food, fellowship and interesting programs. Please make your reservations by calling Helen Cavin at 314.647.0889 by Wednesday, December 7. Costs are $10 for annual dues and $5 for the luncheon.
Tuesday, December 13
Steak & Stories 6 PM The Great Hall
For all you CSI folks out there! We will discuss the forensic science of firearm and toolmark identification which involves examining fired bullets and fired cartridge cases and ultimately attempts to identify them as having come from a particular firearm. Our special guest, church newcomer, and speaker--St. Louis County Police Officer Steve Kramer, assigned to the Crime Laboratory as a Firearm & Toolmark Examiner. Steve examines firearms and firearms-related evidence, as well as conducts shoe and tire impression examinations. Steve will discuss techniques used in his field. To RSVP, contact the receptionist at 314.721.1502 or alice@csmsg.org no later than Monday, December 12.
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Church School Happenings
Visit with Saint Nicholas Families are invited to a breakfast and to hear the story of Saint Nicholas on Sunday, December 11 at 11:15 AM in the Great Hall. The cost is $4 /person and payment is at the door. Please make reservations by calling the receptionist or emailing Jane Fisher at jfisher@csmsg.org. Advent Giving Tree The Church School's Advent Giving Tree project this year is helping the mom's and children at Almost Home, a residence for young mothers and their toddlers. The Giving Tree is in the Great Hall and everyone is welcome to take a hand from the tree, purchase the item and return the gift, UNWRAPPED with the hand taped to the item, by December 18.
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Youth
CSMSG College Students! Invitations to the College Reunion Luncheon have also been mailed to your home so make sure to look for yours. SAVE-THE-DATE--Wednesday, December 21 from 12-1:30 PM at Fallon's so we can treat you to lunch! RSVP to youth@csmsg.org by Wednesday, December 14. 8th Grade Mystery Event?! All 8th graders are invited to this special Mystery Event on Saturday, December 10. Meet at the Brandenburg's home at noon. Pick-up will be at 5 PM.
HS Mission Fundraiser: Thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas Wreath and Greenery Sale! Your items will be here for pick-up on Sunday, December 4! Rent-a-Kid- The holidays are quickly approaching so take advantage of the Youth Ministry sponsored Rent-a-Kid fundraiser for the Youth of CSMSG High School Mission Trip! This provides a unique opportunity for teens to connect with each other and the community through service. If you have ANY job in mind, please contact Bart Freer at 314.276.3733 or bart.freer@gmail.com. December Specials: $30/hour for 2 teens + one adult to hang Christmas lights and decorations. Also look for our Holiday Shoppers Saturday. Childcare and gift wrapping service days. Mission Opportunities for Middle and High School
Students: Middle School Mission Week--June 11-15, 2012--Make plans now for your 5th-8th grader to participate in local service opportunities, June 11-15. Cost is $50 for a week. Friends are WELCOME! 2012 High School Mission Trip-Current 8th-12th graders are invited to join our HS mission team as we travel by train to Monument Valley, Utah, June 21-July 1, 2012. E-mail youth@csmsg.org to sign up or for more information. Look for your copy of our new Youth Ministry E-Newsletter each week! If you have not received this yet, please e-mail Buzz at Buzz@csmsg.org with your current e-mail address.
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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
Join Fr. Fox for Bible Study on Mondays
6:30 PM Library
The Bible--It's big, it's complex and sometimes even a little frightening. You need someone to study alongside, someone to share the load of understanding the story of God's continued work of renewing the world. Come and study with Fr. Jed and other parishioners of St. Michael & St. George as they pursue this endeavor most Mondays in the Library at 6:30 PM.
Adult Confirmation
Anyone interested in being confirmed in the Episcopal church at St. Michael's is invited to contact Fr. Fox at jfox@csmsg.org or 314.721.1502 for more information.
All Men in the Parish, Mark Your Calendar!
The Men's Retreat is February 17-18, 2012! Watch this space for more information and to reserve your space.
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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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Outreach Ministries
Letter from the Executive Director
Mary Kay Digby
Dear Friends,
The giving of gifts is symbolic of God's gift of Christ on that first Christmas morning. I am writing to ask you to help us with our Christmas-gift giving program for the youth in detention. Sometimes the only gifts a child receives are those distributed by the Episcopal City Mission chaplains. I hope you will join me in participating in this ministry to provide the youth in detention at least one gift on Christmas morning. Here are three suggestions for how your parish can participate:
* Prepare a Star Tree. Make paper stars in several colors, each representing a specific dollar amount. Parishioners take a star and return the suggested dollar amount. We will use the money and do the shopping on your behalf.
* Purchase a gift card from Wal-Mart, Target or Sports Authority. We will then shop for the gifts.
* Provide a collection box for items. Purchase only gifts that are listed on the suggested list.
Download letter for more information.
Sausage cook(s) needed!
We are thankful for the response from the parish and have sausage cooker volunteers for the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Sundays. All we need now are volunteers to fill the slots for the 3rd and 5th Sundays. The 5th Sunday is an easy one; there are only four or five a year.
For additional information call Nick Clifford at 314.997.4011 or email at nickclifsr@yahoo.com.
Hunger Ministry Fall Ingathering
until December 18
Please help fill the increasing need for canned and packaged food in the St. Louis Food Pantries. Any varieties of canned and dried foods are greatly needed. Soap, laundry or dish detergent, toilet paper, tissues and paper towels would also be welcome. During the holiday season the need is especially great. Pick up a yellow bag near the receptionist's desk, fill the bag with this month's items or items of your choice, and return it to the church or bring your donation in any box or bag. Can you help in other ways? Contact Becky Zaccarello with your ideas.
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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 |
Canterbury Bookstore
Advent is here, and, as you prepare for the season, come by the Canterbury Bookstore and take a look at the many resources available. The Bookstore has a fine selection of books, Bibles, music and devotionals to complement the season. Advent wreaths, candles, nativities, Christmas cards. Whatever your seasonal needs, the Bookstore is ready to serve you. There is a great selection of Advent Calendars that will delight children and oldsters alike. There is something for everyone on your list -- 2012 calendars in stock: Ordo, Episcopal, Christian Planning, Liturgical Desk and Pocket are all available and great as gifts and stocking stuffers.
Advent Reading suggestions
The Bookstore is a distributor for Colonial Candles. This is a candle of high quality and extensive variety. This candle is available in Advent sets. Although the Bookstore has a very nice selection, the complete line of Colonial Candles is available by special order with a delivery time of one week or less. Stop by and take a look at all the possibilities.
Bookstore hours: Sunday 8:30-11:30 Monday 10-noon Thursday 10-3 Friday 8:30-noon
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Columbarium Update
Columbarium Update First came the bitter cold of last winter, followed by the torrential rains of spring and the suffocating heat of summer. In the midst of all was a city-wide mason's strike and periodic delays in stone shipments. Each has played its part in delaying construction. But... the Page Garden Columbarium is finally starting to round into shape. Most of the Missouri red granite has been laid, with limestone caps, new pavers and landscaping to come. Construction should be done this fall, weather (and materials shipments) permitting, with landscaping to follow. |
Bulletin Board
 Birth Announcements Needed Please contact Debbie Fenner at debbie@csmsg.org or 314.721.1502 when there is a birth in the church family, so we can properly welcome the new baby into the parish. 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.
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.
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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