St. George's By The River

Wednesday Email

3rd Sunday after the Epiphany

"And Jesus said to them, 'Follow me and I will make you fish for people.' And immediately they left their nets and followed him."
---Mark 1:17-18

Mental Health Matters

All invited! "Mental Health Matters" is a gathering of people who have family/friends struggling with mental illness. Next meeting is on Monday, Feb. 2nd, 7pm, Ophelia's office; Come for support, resources, sharing your story in a confidential setting!

Save The Date!

Sunday, Feb. 8th 10am service and following:

Please join us for the dedication of a new sculpture given to St. G.'s by Denise Weiner in honor of her parents. Reception following!

Family Promise:

2015 Appreciation Dinner and Fundraiser

On Thursday, February 26th, 5:30-9:30pm, at McLoone's Pier House in Long Branch, please join us as we recognize the individuals and organizations that contribute to the success of Family Promise. Family Promise is hoping to expand their emergency shelter program. Appetizers and cash bar, followed by a 4 course meal. Basket raffle. Local musical artists performing. $50/person. Click HERE to purchase tickets in advance. Or send checks to: FPMC, PO Box 70,Middletown, NJ 07748; attn: Dinner Tickets. Any questions, contact Janine Roy or Bob Winters.
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Planned Giving

Those parishioners who have informed the church that they have included St. George's in their estate plans will be welcomed as members into the 1874 Society, named after the year in which St. George's was founded. At a special ceremony on Easter, a plaque will be presented to the Church commemorating the creation of the 1874 Society and engraved with the names of the founding members of the 1874 Society. Each year, those persons who have provided documentation of a planned gift to St. George's will be recognized by having their name added to the plaque.

Building Trip!

Please let Debbie Duffy know at your earliest convenience if you might be interested in participating in a house renovation project in Alabama in March 2015. The project will be coordinated by Habitat for Humanity in conjunction with the Lutheran Church. Our partners will be members of a Lutheran church in Montana with whom we have partnered in building projects previously.

REACH:
2nd deposits due

If you have not done so already, please send in your child's or your (if you are a chaperone) 2nd deposit of $175. Make the check payable to St. George's with REACH and your child's name in the memo. Thank you!

The Annual Meeting:

This Sunday

St. George's Annual Meeting will be this Sunday, January 25th following the 10am Service.
The nominees are as follows:

Warden: Beth Sherrard

Vestry: Marjorie Abson, Kelly Bird, Bob Becker

Clerk: Glenn VanLeet

Treasurer: Liz Gearon

Diocesan/Convocation Delegates:

Chris Vockroth, Wendy Bonello,

Nicole Houston;

Alternate: Dianne Zeigler

Due to the Annual Meeting, there is NO Adult Ed this Sunday.

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Junior High Youth Group

On Friday, January 30th, Junior High Youth Group will meet for Ice Skating at the Red Bank Armory. Meet in the lobby at 8pm til 10pm.

Students 12 and under are $8 or older $9, and $4 to rent skates. Please RSVP to Brenda. Food purchase will be covered by St. George's.

All Invited! Feb. 14th: Bring your (Pet) Valentine to church!

When: Sat. Feb 14, 5pm

Where: Ralph Hall

What: St. G.'s First Pet Friendly service of Holy Eucharist.

Bring your animal friends leashed or crated.

SAVE the DATE

IHOW: Mardi Gras style

On Sunday, February 15th, following the 10am Service, all students attending the REACH Workcamp will be hosting a feast to remember: IHOW (International House of Whatever). This is our largest fundraiser for our REACH trip and it is filled with tons of yummy food, music, crafts and fellowship. All ages welcome!!!
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Solemn Communion 2015

On February 22nd, all parents of 2nd grade students (or older) who plan to participate in Solemn Communion 2015, will meet in the church following the 10am Service.

Please RSVP to Brenda, if you are planning to have your child participate in this 6 week program based on the Catechesis of the Good Shepard. Children will learn about Jesus as the Good Shepard who loves us unconditionally and how participating in the weekly Eucharist feeds not only us, but gives the triune God glory and honor. Information packets will go out to 2nd grade families shortly.

OUTREACH:

To Seek,Share and Serve

We wanted to share some of the thank you notes that have come in from agencies to whom we have given grants, thanks to the generosity of our parish!

Parker Family Health Center, Red Bank

- Grant of $1,000 for blood pressure cuffs provided to patients for home use.

"For 15 years you all have been part of our fabulous journey into a style of medicine, kind of unique to our prof.-vision. God bless you all! Merry Christmas! You are the greatest! Dr. C (Dr. Eugene F. Cheslock, President)"

Bayshore Lunch Program, Keyport

- Two grants each for $2,000 for the purchase of food for their lunch program.

"Thank you so much for your very generous year-end grant of $2,000 to be used toward the purchase of food and grocery items. It's come at precisely the right time, too; our Board of Directors has just given us permission to expand our program to five days a week, starting in February or March!

Thanks again for your ongoing, generous support. We wish you all a very happy and healthy new year." Sincerely, Nancy Mester, Co-Director

HABcore, Red Bank

- Grant of $5,000 for renovations to the Laurel House in Asbury Park and a grant of $1,000 for food.

"On behalf of our board of trustees, our residents and our staff, I would like to thank you for your generous $1,000 donation to assist in the purchase of food for our residents. HABcore currently serves 150 veterans, individuals and families in all walks of life. Your support will greatly assist our continued growth and help enrich our existing programs.

Everyday our office receives calls from people desperate for a safe place to sleep, raise a family and make a fresh start. With dedication from caring friends like you we can come together and help break the cycle of homelessness in our community.

I wish you and your family a safe and healthy holiday season and a prosperous new year!"Sincerely, Susan Harbison, President

Canterbury Fair Co-Chairs Needed!

It is almost February, and the Canterbury Fair is only a little more than four months away. We are in need of 1 or 2 individuals to act as chairpersons for this event. The proceeds of the Fair fund our many ministries. In addition, the Fair brings joy to our community and enables us to show off our beautiful church and grounds. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Ophelia or Jeff ASAP!

TWILIGHT CONCERT for Children with AIDS

The Twilight concert for Children with AIDS has raised more than $560,000 over the last eighteen years--and has no overhead. Every dollar raised goes to St. Clare's. For the 19th straight year, the concert will be held at our church on Saturday, March 7th, 2015 from 5 to 7:00 P.M. Tickets are $50 each. Our highly acclaimed folk, gospel, and soft rock concert consists of well-known artists from the area. The wide-ranging musical arrangement makes it entertaining for people of all ages. This year's concert will feature songs from the Eagles.The concert is followed by an elegant reception made possible by local businesses and St. George's hospitality committee. More than 200 people attended last year's concert.

We are grateful that every year more members of this parish support our efforts in so many different ways. Please call Carole Costell (732-222-7699) for details. Thanks for your participation in this worthy cause. Click here for an order form and more details!

Connections

Connections is a faith based social group for everyone at St. George's: male or female, married or single, new or seasoned adults. It is a perfect way to make new friendships or enjoy old ones. Please contact Debbie and Don Very if you are interested in joining.