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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December 5 - December 11, 2011
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This Week's Banner
Last year's Church Service League Christmas Bazaar. Don't miss the Saint Nicholas Luncheon/Bazaar this Tuesday, December 6. See below for list of vendors. |
Preaching Rota
December 11 The Rev. Andrew John Archie
December 18 The Rev. Jedediah Wynn Fox
December 25 Mr. Isaac Arten
January 1 The Rev. John Michael Wheeler
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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 11), we will discuss salvation, the cross, and the resurrection. Come join us on any or all Sundays.
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Giving in Gratitude
Annual Stewardship Appeal 2012  We have received 266 pledges for a total of $1,454,985. Thank you for Giving In Generosity!
The Vestry will be calling those parishioners we have not yet heard from for this year's Annual Appeal. Just a gentle reminder of how important each and every pledge is. To get on the "no call list" send your pledge card in today.
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.
Wisdom from C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), English author and scholar:
"I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditures excludes them."
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This Week
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. Complimentary nursery is available by reservation. All proceeds benefit CSL ministries. The following vendors will have fabulous gifts for everyone on your list! Download Vendor/Descriptions Sunday, December 11Poinsettia Pick-Up Pick up for Poinsettias is today. Please remember to pick up your order in the Great Hall. Thank you for placing your poinsettia order and making this such a successful sale! Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Nejapa School in Nicaragua. 
Visit with Saint Nicholas
11:15 AM The Great HallFamilies 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. |
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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Upcoming Events
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.
Saturday, December 17
Hunger Ministry Sandwich-making Sandwich Making will take place December 17. 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 the FOCUS and Centenary Food Ministry clients.
Monday, December 19
Faith@Work 11:45 AM Sverdrup RoomFaith@Work will meet Monday, December 19, in the Sverdrup Room from 11:45 AM-1:00 PM. We begin with NOONDAY PRAYER and a "B.L.T.- Blessed Little Thought" by Fr. Jed. Lunch and Open Discussion follow. The cost is $7 for lunch. Please contact Michael Hanrahan (314.518.3086, mikehanrahan01@gmail.com) by 10 AM Monday, December 19, to rsvp.
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Endowment Fund
The Endowment Fund of the Church of St. Michael and St. George was established in 1943. It was created to provide the Church consistent supplemental funding for vital services, support during difficult economic times, and additional resources for mission growth. Over the past decades, while investments have been prudently made, parishioners and friends of the parish have not always remembered the fund in their estate planning and the Fund has not grown sufficiently to continue to meet its original purposes.
Today, as our society continues to evolve, the need for a strong Endowment has never been greater. In 2010, the Endowment Expansion Committee was formed to develop a long-term strategy to expand the Fund to a sufficient size to meet the Church's current and future needs. The Committee, chaired by John Rowe, includes: Ken Bean, Laurie Brown, Spencer Burke, Marianna Deal, Becky Fouke, Nick Kouchoukos, Talbot MacCarthy, Jeff Miller, Stephen Nickelson, Joe Sheehan and JoAnn Vorih.
In early 2012, the Committee intends to share its plan for Endowment Fund expansion with the entire church membership. In the meantime, several targeted presentation have been made to the members of the Vestry, former Wardens, and other Church members. The resulting donations and commitments for future donations to the Fund have been quite encouraging. |
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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. Gift cards are also available.
Download more information about Rent-a-Kid
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Church School Happenings
The Advent Giving Tree
The Church School's Advent Giving Tree project this year is helping the moms 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
The Christmas Greenery was distributed yesterday at church. If you missed picking up yours, please contact youth@csmsg.org to make arrangements to get yours. 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. Dress for the weather! High School Service Project: Saint Nicholas Breakfast: All 9th-12th graders are invited to volunteer at church on Sunday, December 11 from 10:15 AM-noon to cook breakfast and set up for the breakfast. Meet in the kitchen.
Fa, La, La, La, La...All are invited to join the Youth Ministry for Christmas Caroling at Mary Ryder Nursing Home on Sunday, December 11. Meet in the Great Hall at church at 1:30 PM. We will carol from 2-3 PM and return to church for s'mores and hot chocolate. Pick-up will be at church at 4:30 PM. 
8th Grade Gospel Pageant practice has begun all 8th graders should make sure to be in class each week! On Sunday, December 18 the 8th graders should plan to be at church at 10:30 AM and remain until 2:30 PM for technical and dress rehearsals. A pizza lunch will be served.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! CSMSG College Students! College Reunion Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, December 21 from 12-1:30 PM at Fallon's on Llive. Let us treat you to lunch! RSVP to youth@csmsg.org by Wednesday, December 14. 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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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
Start today! Come to the Canterbury Bookstore and see all the great gift ideas for your holiday needs... hand painted ornaments, delicious giving with fruitcake from Assumption Abbey. Elf On The Shelf is a new favorite and sure to be a classic. The book, DVD and the Elf himself are available today in the Bookstore! There are Christmas Activity books, Kubla Santas and star ornaments of the Christmas story any child will love. Come by and pick up even more ideas! Start today! And as always, FREE gift-wrap. Be sure to visit "Canterbury" through the holiday season. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Advent Reading suggestions
A Little Book of Christmas Poems and Carols is a charming little book where you'll discover the magic of Christmas all over again. This collection of early 20th century illustrations and popular carols and poems will delight for years to come. This little book will make the perfect stocking stuffer or party gift for the holidays.
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
Sunday Night Fun
Many thanks to all of you who brought a dish or wine to share at the reception following the beautiful Advent Lessons and Carols service. Your generosity is appreciated! 
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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