THE Dragon SAINT GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH October 2019 The Episcopal Parish of Belleville, Illinois

Reflections on Change

For those that were able to worship with us on Sunday, September 22nd, you know that with God’s grace, and some hard work by Henry, Nancy, and Dawn, we cele-brated Morning Prayer for what I am told is the first time in many years at St. George’s. In some ways, this marks the beginning of change and renewal here as we try some new things, reinstate others, and begin the pro-cess of calling a new rector.

As we inaugurate a new church year, things have begun to fall into place. I am happy to report that Henry has done a superb job of finding supply clergy. We now have supply clergy secured for all Sundays through Christmas 1. With that task finished, we can focus on other more important things.

After some prayerful planning, our children will start Sunday School this month. On October 6, the Adult Fo-rum commences with an eight-part series by NT Wright (see article in the next column). An Advent series is also being planned.

A book of Advent Reflections is being compiled by the Spirituality Commission. The meditations are submitted by parishioners and will illuminate Gospel readings from the Daily Office.

When Bishop Martins visited St. George's in September, he met with the Mission Leadership Team (MLT) to discuss the search process. He encouraged us to look for an interim rector first and then begin the search process for our next rector. He mentioned that candidate availa-bility is limited and that a search process could be unlike previous efforts.

At the September MLT meeting, we took initial steps to find an interim rector and launch the search process.

A small group, comprised of MLT members prepared a parish sketch, which outlined worship, ministries, and other areas of parish life. This and additional data were submitted to the Diocesan Office. It is available on the website of the Office for Transition Ministry. This

CHANGE, pg. 2

Blessing of the Animals: An Invitation to Creatures

Great & Small

God’s Creatures and their human counterparts are invited to the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 6 at 5:00 p.m. This event commemo-rates the witness of Saint Francis of Assisi (who was a great lover of animals), and offers a sacred expression of the special bond humans have with God’s creatures. Pets great, small, stuffed, and their human friends may take part. Please note, there will be no SHINE service in October. The Blessing of the Animals is offered in lieu of the regular SHINE service.

Christian Formation

Christian Education for children begins on October 6 at 9 a.m. This year, the children, on alternate weeks, will participate in lessons and Ministry projects. Lessons will be taught on Sun-days in which the Choristers meet, and projects will take place on the intervening Sundays. Watch the newsletter and announcements for more in-formation.

Beginning on October 6, the Adult Forum will feature The New Testament You Never Knew: Explor-ing the Context, Purpose, and Meaning of the Story of God by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird. This eight week course provides a behind-the-scenes look at the New Testament. Discussion takes place on Sunday mornings, 9:15 a.m. in the parish hall. Study guides will be available. The guide (hardcopies and a Kindle version) can be pur-chased on Amazon.

2

Financial Report CHANGE—CONT.

begins the search for an interim rector.

A parish survey, modeled after those used by Alton and Edwardsville, is in development. This survey will help St. George’s establish an identity for the parish profile.

Later this month or early in November, the survey will be distributed to parishioners. All members are encour-aged to participate. The survey will be discussed at par-ish-wide meetings. Please read the weekly announce-ments for future details.

In future months, the MLT will establish a search com-mittee for a rector. This committee will be comprised of a broad cross-section of the parish that includes: parish-ioners from the 8 and 10:30 a.m. Eucharists, those in-volved in various ministries, long-time and new mem-bers. Everyone is encouraged to discern whether or not this may be a calling. For additional information or to volunteer, please contact a member of the MLT.

As we continue renewal at St. George’s we trust in Christ, encouraged by Proverbs 3:5-6:

–Brian Maves, Senior Warden

CARING FOR THE MEN & WOMEN OF BETHANY PLACE

In October, Saint George’s will be collecting grooming and hygiene products for Bethany Place.

Bethany Place is the largest non-profit, community based AIDS Service Organization in the Saint Louis Metro East area. Founded in 1988 by the Franciscan Third Order of Hospital Sisters, Bethany Place was originally designed as an outpatient hospice service and healing ministry.

Bethany Place provides programs that promote wellness and quality of life for people living with AIDS.

Donations may be brought to either the church office or the Canterbury Room.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

3

We pray for:

Parishioners: Tom Boschert, Jorge Fernandez, Audrey Fouts, Barbara Gates, Ron Hoercher, Ariana Irby, Douglas Lee, Carol Ludwick, John Lynch, Mary Mohrman, Liz Stelling, Jean Vaughn, Charles Wilson;

Family & Friends: Tina Anshus, Pat Bennett, Sue Buckley, Mary Cafferata, Fr. Gary Dalmasso, Hope Doering, Joe Fitzpatrick, Grace Fox, Heather Holden, Debbie Hobbs, Kenneth Hoffmann, Paula Holmes, Constance Hunsaker, Maeve Kincaid, Robert Laedlein, Clara Laing, Sandy Langenbach, Kim Levick, Ismael Lopez, Jon Ludwick, Donna Lynk, Brenda Martins, Eileen Mashek, Charlene McCormick, Katie McCrary, Kristi Meyer, Eileen Montgomery, Rena Moody, Gabby Murillo, J.W. Oglesby, Thomas and Helen Partridge, Lynne Phillips, Maggie Phillips, Trina Pierce, Bo Pritchard, Betty Radzik, Holly Rasmussen, Darnell Rideout, Larry Rigsby, David Sheard, Susan Sleaford, Andrew Smith, Thomas Stallone, Barry Streeter, Margie Thomas, Stacey Toenjes, Paul Travous, Robert Weikert, Kelly Whitney, Grace Ziegler, Jamie Ziegler, Jason, Rachel;

For those in service of our country: Joshua Arbogast, Sean Arbogast, Neal Ballas, Dan Durbin, Steven Gates, Daniel Gearhart, Kenneth Gearhart, Beth Graboritz, Gene Hart, Dustin Kelley, Dan Kitchell, Eric Lunan, Jacob Marler, Ryan Marler, David Moses, Nathan Scott, Ryan Smith, Philip Surrey, George Wallace, Creighton Worley; Those celebrating birthdays 1 Betsy Rogers 3 Vicki Hall 4 John Miller 9 Jim Gillispie Zoe Hoffmann 13 Margaret Brown 14 Robert Massie Jr. Phil Surrey 15 Greyson Hoffmann Mae Scott 16 Diane Laedlein Ariana Welborn 18 Douglas Lee 22 Chuck Evans 28 Finley Surrey 29 Susan Cantonwine 30 Jorge Fernandez 31 Ed Parsons

Saint George’s Parish Family Those celebrating anniversaries 1 Philip & Angela Kammann John & Becky Miller 3 Chuck & Marti Evans

We extend sympathy to The family of Jim Cox, former parishioner and husband of Freddie Cox.

COLLECT FOR THE FEAST OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

M ost high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the

vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE HARVEST OF LANDS AND WATERS

O gracious Father, who opens your hand and fills all things living with plenteousness:

Bless the lands and waters, and multiply the har-vests of the world; let your Spirit go forth, that it may renew the face of the earth; show your loving-kindness, that our land may give her increase; and save us from selfish use of what you give, that men and women everywhere may give you thanks; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR THE PARISH

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things nec-essary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ADVENT MEDITATION’S DEADLINE

Meditations for the 2019 Advent Devotionals are due on October 10. Please e-mail meditations to Vicki Hall, hall.vicki51@gmail.com or to Judy Skaff, tskaff@aol.com. The Devotionals will be distributed around Advent 1. These booklets (based on the lectionary) offer additional oppor-tunities for spiritual growth, prayer, and reflec-tion.

4

What’s Happening at Saint G’s

AUTUMN’S COPPER HUES

The Women's Ecumenical Dining Group (WEDG) will be gathering for Lunch, 11:30 am, on Thursday, October 3rd. We will be going to Copper Fire, 200 East Main Street, Belleville, phone 235-5010. Come and enjoy a wide variety of dishes! To take the chill off Autumn, Copper Fire offers an inviting fireplace (a la: being fro-zen out last winter)! WEDG is open to all parish women, aged 18 and older. Please call the church office, 233-6320 for reservations. Come for Good Food, Good Fun, and Good Conversation!

FROM PEPPERS TO CHILI: BE A VOLUNTEER!

On October 11 and 12, 11:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m., St. George’s will participate in the Belleville Chili Cook-Off. This event is now sponsored by St. George's and St. Mark Lutheran Church. Proceeds will benefit the minis-tries of both churches. To volunteer or for additional information, please phone David Buckley at 618-520-9333.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Chicken Prep. On Oct. 8, (if needed) Manning kitchen & booths Mixing and heating batches Delivering chili to the booth

Sign-up forms (with additional information) are located in the parish hall.

WHO DOESN’T LOVE A GOOD BOOK? Book Club is now reading Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs. This fascinating memoir highlights growing up in the family of Lisa’s father and Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs. Book Club will meet on Thursday, October 24, 5:30 p.m. at 4204 Main Street Brewing Co., Belleville for dinner and discussion. The talk will be lead by Bonnie Flach. Please RSVP to the office, 618-233-6320 or to Sue Vaughn, 618-593-7213. Newcomers are always wel-come!

The Dragon Newsletter Newsletter Team

Henry Evans & Cindy Lynk Copy and calendar items for

publication consideration should be e-mailed to stgeorgeoffice@sbcglobal.net.

November Issue Deadline: October 20

Saint George’s Episcopal Church Clergy & Staff

Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield The Rt. Rev. Daniel H. Martins, D.D

Rector Emeritus The Rev. Canon Elliot Blackburn

Music Director Nancy S. Ypma, D.Mus.

Parish Administrator Henry Evans

Treasurer Ruth Ann Weber

Sexton Mike Cardoza

Mission Leadership Team Brian Maves, Senior Warden Chuck Evans, Junior Warden

Term Expires 2020 Maryann Fernandez Joan Barnes Brian Maves

Term Expires 2021 Margaret Brown Chuck Evans Sue Vaughn

Term Expires 2022 Jim Gillispie Vicki Hall Dawn Jung

Schedule of Eucharists Sunday 8:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist (said) 10:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist (sung)

Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm stgeorgeoffice@sbcglobal.net 618-233-6320

Connect with St. George’s Check out St. George’s website, stgeorges.wordpress.com, and please “friend” us on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/St-Georges-Episcopal-Church-164542564364/.

5

The Last Page

This month, we didn’t have enough copy to fill the “Last Page.” Please e-mail ministry notices, calendar items, and photos to the office, and help us complete the last page!

stgeorgeoffice@sbcglobal.net.

6

Saint George’s Episcopal Church 105 East D Street Belleville, IL 62220