St. George's By The River Episcopal Church Newsletter

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

(Be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom. There is a lot of information!)

In This Issue

Confirmation

Living Letters

Watercolor in Church School

Youth Sunday

www.stgeorgesrumson.org

"Thank you" hardly begins to cover the gratitude I have for all our Family Promise volunteers! We had a lovely week, with some very active small guests, and everyone had a wonderful time. On behalf of our guests, I'd like to thank each of you for your generosity of time, supplies, prayers, and spirit. The kindness that you extended to our guest familes truly made a positive impact on their very stressful lives during the time they called our parish their home. As they left, they wanted me to ensure I shared their thanks with each of you for all you've done. What an amazing ministry this is, and it's all because each of you plays a part. Thank you so very, very much! (And, if you missed this rotation, never fear -- our FP guests return the week of July 27th, so mark your calendars now!)

-- Janine Roy

Thanks to everyone who purchased hanging flower baskets!

We raised almost $500 for our Senior High REACH trip this summer to NC.

Pasta and Sauce

Senior High
Youth Group

We will meet in Ralph Hall tonight at 6pm. It's Italian Night!

Junior High Youth Group:
A Trifecta of Fun!
This Friday night, May 16th, at 6pm we will meet at Surf Taco for dinner, then head to Carlos' bakery for dessert, followed by Yestercades until 8:30pm. Bring $20. Please RSVP to Brenda.

Vestry Meeting

Monday, May 19th at 7:15pm in the Library

BOOK CLUB

The next book group will be on Monday, June 2 at 7:30pm when we will be discussing "Steve Jobs," by Walter Isaacson. Spread the word and invite a friend (men are always welcome and encouraged to attend). This is a book everyone will love! Any questions, please contact Liz Gearon at shipshapenj@verizon.net.

The next meeting of our Mental Health Matters group will be on Monday, June 9th 2014 at 7:00pm. Stay tuned to this space for more details.

The Last Session of The Story:
May 16th (Fri) and May 18th (Sun)

Be sure to attend this week, Friday or Sunday, to celebrate, review our year, and preview coming attractions!

EVENSONG

May 18th, 4:30 PM
followed by Reception in Ralph Hall.

What is Evensong?

Evensong is a particularly English style of evening prayer, celebrated by Anglicans/Episcopalians around the world.
The service consists of choral singing, hymns, readings, and prayers. It is a service that does not make great demands of the congregation in terms of participation, and many people of little or no religious inclination find Evensong a comfortable place to experience fine music and a respite from the stresses and challenges of the everyday world.

Don't Miss It!

Living Letters: Encountering Philippians

May 18th

8:00 and 10:00 AM

Experience Paul in a new way! Living Letters is a whole new approach to experiencing the Biblical story. Usually we remain separate from the text when we read it, but Living Letters recreates the historic circumstances surrounding Paul's writing of the letter and invites the congregation to leave their present-day culture behind and become members of the first century church. The result is a dynamic, exciting, transformative encounter with Scripture. You won't want to miss the rare opportunity to see a Broadway performer bring Paul's letters to life in our own worship service!

Confirmation: Instructed Eucharist
Sunday, May 18th

During the Confirmation Seminar at 10am Sunday School.
Please note, that there will NOT be a Wednesday session on May 21st, so all students are strongly encouraged to attend on the 18th.

in addition..

St. George's will be hosting Bishop Stokes on June 22nd for Confirmation, Reception, and the Reaffirmation of faith.

Reaffirmation of faith

is an opportunity (for any who have been previously baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church) to recommit their lives in a deeper way to their life in Christ. Any choosing to Reaffirm their Faith are given the opportunity to reclaim their baptismal vows and receive the prayers and blessing of the Bishop.

What is Reception? It is for those who have been confirmed in another denomination by a bishop in the apostolic succession (most often Roman Catholic or Orthodox) and wish to become Episcopalians. Please consult with Ophelia or Jeff if you are interested in being Received.

	Calling All Budding Artists: Watercolor Painting
During Church School this Sunday, May 18th, the children (grades Pre-K thru 3rd) will paint watercolors on cards, which will then be sold at the Canterbury Art Show to raise money for the non-profit, Amanda's Easel. Thanks to Dianne Ziegler for getting all the supplies and donating her time to make this possible!

	YOUTH SUNDAY: May 25th
We need children to volunteer as Readers and Ushers at the 10am Mass. After Mass, students can volunteer to help the Altar Guild. If your child is interested in being a part of this very special day, please contact Brenda. There are also sign-up forms in Ralph Hall and the Narthex. CANTERBURY FAIR: TIME AND TREASURES NEEDED! The Canterbury Fair is just weeks away! Please hold onto your "treasures" for our White Elephant sale. We are also selling new and gently used children's clothing again. And don't forget about our other fabulous areas, like Jewelry, Shabby Chic and Books! If you have anything to donate, bring them on White Elephant Sunday, June 8^th at 11am. Books! This year we will be selling the books by the bag!!! $5 a bag of books all day (no discounts), we will need paper bags preferably with a handle (Trader Joe's or Sickles). Canterbury Kitchen and Tea Garden needs donations of baked goods, small frozen meals, soups, and casseroles. Contact Joan Mercer (Canterbury Kitchen) or Pat Geiss (Tea Garden). Silent Auction needs your help! We are in need of donations: boats, cars, bikes, vacation homes, art work, antiques, even services like tennis or sailing lessons are fabulous for the Auction. We are still looking for committee members!If you are interested in helping, contact Christianna Harvey at ctharvey2@gmail.com or 937.367.3221. Children's Clothing and Toys: Items need to be clean and in usable condition, suitable for resale. There will be a bin in Ralph Hall starting June 1^st for clothing and toys. Mark items, "Kids Clothing." If you have any questions, email Katherine Singleton at kpsingleton@comcast.net. Underwriting, underwriting, underwriting, it is so important! It keeps the costs down to maximize our fundraising potential! Thank you to those who have already donated! Please contact Christianna Harvey at 732.759.8086 or email ctharvey2@gmail.com to donate. Any amount is helpful. We are hoping for underwriting for the following: Petting Zoo $1,350; Bouncy House $500; Vendor Games $300; Prizes & Crafts $800; Staging $4,500; Children's Auction $300; Lobster Lunch $1,500; Cotton Candy & Balloons $150; Sno Cones $200; Plants & Flowers $150 Electronics: Please make sure all your donations are clean and ready to sell! We can no longer take any kind of tube TV or Computer. We will gladly accept any flat screen TV or computer screen. We hope you will save the date and volunteer your time and treasures. To be a part of our team, please call Christianna (732.759.8086). If you have even an hour before, after or during the Fair, we can use you!!! Volunteer Sign-ups will be in Ralph Hall.

Did You Know?
that St. George's Clergy are available to do house blessings for new houses, renovated houses, or house additions as desired? Speak to Ophelia or Jeff if interested!