St. George's-by-the-River

Dragon Pause

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016

The Last Sunday After Epiphany

(Please scroll all the way down, there is a lot of new information.)

"This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"

---Luke 9:35

To my St. George's parish family,

My diaconal ministry has unexpectedly taken me on a different path, and I sadly must say "good-bye" to you all. I have been called to a new ministry, and after much discernment, I am heeding the call of our loving Father. There are challenges ahead that I would not feel confident taking on were it not for the welcome, the warmth, the love, nurturing and mentoring that I experienced being with you these first two years in the diaconate. I have cherished my time at St. George's, a vibrant and beautiful testament to God's love in action. I will miss you all.

Thank you for your constant support and love.

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Paul

_______________________________________

Paul,

We thank you for your loving and spirit-filled service here at St. George's. We will miss you greatly. And as you follow God's call, we wish you many blessings in your new ministry.

NO Choir Rehearsals this Thursday, February 4th.

International House of Whatever

Mardi Gras Luncheon Fundraiser

Please join us in Ralph Hall immediately following the 10am Service THIS Sunday, February 7th for yummy food, music and fellowship. There will be crafts for the kids. This is our biggest fundraiser for our Senior High REACH Workcamp trip this summer to Gettsyburg, PA. Thank you for your support!

Skeptics and Suds February Meeting Reminder

The February meeting of Skeptics and Suds will be on Monday, February 8th from 7:00pm - 8:30pm. We will once again meet at the Associate Rector's house: 13 Lincoln Avenue, Rumson. It is located across the street from Church on the corner of Lincoln and Waterman.

This year we are reading Marcus Borg's book Evolution of the Word. The book places all of the documents that make up the New Testament in chronological order as they were written, and our purpose in reading it is to learn whether seeing this material from the non-canonical perspective might impact what we think the texts are about.

For this meeting, try to read through Page 211. This will cover the books of James and Colossians.

Lent 2016

"The Father removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit, He prunes to make it bear more fruit," (John 15:2).

Click here to download a PDF version of our 2016 Lenten Pamphlet.

Ash Wednesday

Services

February 10th, 2016

7:00am, 4:00pm

and 7:30pm

Outreach:

To Seek, Share and Serve

Our Lenten Food drive will be

February 10th-March 24th.

This year all of the food we collect will go to Lunch Break in Red Bank. Their wish list includes: bottled water, peanut butter, jelly, canned items (veggies, fruit, soups, stews, chili, tuna fish, chicken, beans), dried beans and lentils, juices, condiments, spices, mac and cheese, cooking oil, sugar, flour, cake mix, icing, individual portions of applesauce, pudding, snacks, gluten-free foods, food for diabetics.

The Red Chuck Wagons are located in the Narthex and Ralph Hall

Thank you for your generosity!

Mental Health Matters

We will meet in Ophelia's office on Monday, February 15th at 7pm. One parishioner writes - "As a parent of son who suffers from bipolar disorder, I have found our Mental Health Matters group to be very helpful and supportive. There are others who are in similar circumstances and our meetings are a perfect place to share our struggles and celebrate our successes."

All those who support and/or care for a loved one who suffers with mental health issues are welcome to attend this confidential group.

Youth Group Updates

Senior High Youth Group will meet next Wednesday, February 10th, for a Valentine's Day dinner and party.

All 9th-12th grade students are welcome to attend. We meet in Ralph Hall, 6-8pm. RSVP to Brenda.

Junior High Youth Group will be Ice Skating on Friday, February 26th, 8-10pm for open-skating at the Red Bank Armory.

Please RSVP to Brenda if you plan to attend. We will meet in the lobby; St. George's will pay for skates and food at the snack bar (during half-time). Bring a friend or two!

Also, we will reschedule volunteering at Bridge of Books for March.

Solemn Communion Parent Meeting

in the church on February 14th immediately following the 10am Service

All children 2nd grade or older are welcome to participate in our Solemn Communion program. Solemn Communion is similar to the Roman Catholic First Communion. Children will need to attend 6 classes and one Saturday Retreat where they will learn about the Eucharist, Jesus as the Good Shepherd and our call to love one another. St. George's Solemn Communion Ceremony will be on April 10th. Classes for the children begin on Sunday, February 21st. If you would like a registration form, please email Brenda.

Click here for more information and to order tickets.

Did you know that since 2006,

St. George's knitters have knit and sent 782 pieces of work to mariners of the Seamen's Church Institute?!? Thanks to leader, Janet Whitman, and all the knitters!