"Prepare the way of the Lord..."
-Luke 3:4
Capital Campaign News
Dear Friends in Christ,
In this season of gift giving, please consider giving to St. George's annual campaign. While it  does not seem glamorous to give to ongoing operations, it is critical! Our buildings, utilities, services, staff, and clergy all are key components for implementing God's vision for our church. It does not make sense to restore our buildings if the life inside them comes to a halt!
If you are planning to pledge to our annual and capital campaign and have not yet done so, please consider submitting your pledge this week -- not only so that we can include it in the total that we will announce, but so that we can budget as accurately as possible for 2016.
Instead of giving lots of "stuff" this year, why not consider giving a Christmas gift/pledge to St. George's in recognition, thanksgiving, or memory of a loved one? What more meaningful gift could there be than facilitating the ministries of our church through such loving recognition?!?  Please bring your pledge card to worship this Sunday at 8 or 10 AM, during which time we will announce our current pledge totals.
Gratefully,
Ophelia
Adult Advent Education
"Why in the World" 
In this 4 part series Andy Stanley seeks to find the answer of why would God want to become one of us and live in a world like ours?  A world of anxiety... chaos... heartache.  Join us in the Library on Friday mornings, 9-10am and Sundays following the 10am Service.  
All are welcome.  Invite a friend!
Advent Reading
"The Inner Voice of Love"
by Henri J.M. Nouwen 
The Inner Voice of Love was Henri Nouwen's 'secret journal' which he wrote as he moved through a deep personal crisis. He writes, "What once seemed such a curse has become a blessing. All the agony that threatened to destroy my life now seems like the fertile ground for greater trust, stronger hope, and deeper love."
An online discussion is also underway. Facilitated by Brynn Lawrence and Ray Glennon, you are welcome to participate in any way that is spiritually nourishing for you! Click here for details.

Copies are available in the Narthex for $12.00, or available here online. 
Enjoy the Holiday Season with Your Best Friend: Pet Friendly Advent Worship
Saturday, December 12th at 5 pm
All creatures great and small are welcome!  
Dogs (leashed),cats, parrots, guinea pigs, 
rabbits, 
gerbils and more. 
No need to have a pet to attend this Service.
_____________________________________________________________
xmas pageant (generic)
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
 
Rehearsals begin this Sunday, December 6th 
immediately following the 10am Service. 
We will meet downstairs in the Pine Room.
If you would like your child to participate, please just show up! 
All are welcome.
______________________________________________________________________
Poinsettia and Wreath Pick-up 
Thanks to everyone who pre-purchased wreaths and poinsettias to support our Senior High Youth Group REACH workcamp trip. 

Pick-up is THIS Sunday, December 6th in Ralph Hall. 
 To All Newcomers: We Want to Welcome You!

Please join us on Sunday, December 13th in Ralph Hall 
following the 10am Service for a festive coffee hour in your honor.
 
Mental Health Matterspraying hands
This is a support group for anyone loving or caring for a person who suffers from mental health issues.  All is kept confidential.  We will meet in
Ophelia's office at 7pm on Monday, December 14th.  
All are welcome. 
Holiday Basket Program
 
There are still families waiting to be adopted. 
food basket
You can give in the following ways:
Gift Baskets, Food Baskets, Sponsors of Drivers. 

Sign-ups to adopt a family will be in Ralph Hall or contact
 Jennifer Mullins at 732-747-6342 
 
Youth and Family Ministries
Senior High Youth Group will meet tonight, 6-7:30pm, at the
Holiday Express Warehouse
968 Shrewsbury Ave
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.
All 9th-12th grade students are welcome to attend.


Senior and Junior High Christmas Parties
Friday, December 11th, 6-7:30pm, Junior High Youth Group 
will meet in Ralph Hall for our Christmas Party.  
Please bring a $10-$15 wrapped gift to participate in our White Elephant Gift Exchange.  
There will be dinner and dessert, games and prize for funniest holiday hat!

Wednesday, December 16th, 6-8pm Senior High Youth Group 
will meet in Ralph Hall for our Christmas Party.  
We have adopted a family again this year for Christmas and will be wrapping the presents.  
If you want to purchase an item for the mom or children, please contact Brenda. 
Also, there will be dinner and dessert, as well as our White Elephant Gift Exchange.  Please bring a $10-$15 wrapped gift to participate.  
Girls' Friendly Society

GFS will be volunteering at Holiday Express 
on Thursday, December 17th, at 3:30pm.
Please CLICK HERE to RSVP.