A Message from the Vestry

Dear friends in Christ,

When St. George’s Church served Room in the Inn at The Cottage on March 7, our overnight guests included three families: one mother, with her five children, a father, with his two sons, and a father with one son. It was wonderful that RITI was able to accommodate them that night: While we don’t always see families, it’s a bit heartbreaking when we encounter children who are being shuttled from church to church each night in search of shelter. In the same breath, we acknowledge how wonderful it is that RITI is there to provide the stop-gap that keeps these families off the streets and in places of warm hospitality.

In that way that God always seems to provide just what is needed, PZ and Selby Horton had an absolutely perfect meal for families that night: Hamburgers and fries. The children gobbled up the delicious dinner (Everyone had seconds!), and enjoyed ice cream and cookies for dessert. They were all well-mannered and well-behaved, thanked us for dinner and for being there to help, and busied themselves with games and toys on hand at The Cottage. The parents were busying themselves with laundering the kids’ school uniforms for the next school day, sharing loads to wash pants and shirts.

More and more families are finding themselves without shelter, as the cost of rent increases and wages from part-time jobs simply can’t keep pace (https://collegevilleinstitute.org/bearings/restoring-housing-hope/). As we gratefully serve and express our own prayers of thanksgiving that RITI is there for our neighbors, we can also acknowledge the fact that there must be ways to provide housing stability to persons who are struggling to make ends meet. I continue my own commitment to trying to find good answers, and pray that many of us who are fortunate enough to be sheltered will continue to support ministries like Room in the Inn.

In Christ,

Dorothy+

St. George's Events & Activities

Mar. 15 – Lancers & Flying Solo – St. Patrick’s Day Party at Aintree Farms Clubhouse
Mar. 17 – Sunday, Lent V, DOK, More Than A Meal
Mar. 21 – RITI
Mar. 23 – Palm Cross Workshop
Mar. 24 – Palm Sunday- Vestry Meeting,
Mar. 25 – 29 – Germantown Preaching Series
Mar. 28 – Maundy Thursday Service (7 p.m.)
Mar. 29 – Germantown Preaching Series at SGEC (12 p.m.) & Stations of the Cross (1 p.m.) ; Good Friday Service (7 p.m.)
Mar. 31 – Easter Day, Services at 6:30, 8, and 11 a.m., Family Egghunt
April 1 – SGEC and SGEP closed, FOM Concert by the Balourdet Quartet (7:30 p.m.)
April 05 – 7 p.m. EYC to attend play at Elmore Park Middle School
April 06 – Train Show
April 07 – Youth Sunday with Baptisms, St. Cecilia choir, Celebration for Mother Dorothy & Youth
April 09 – Book Club
April 12 – Lancers
April 13 – DOK Diocesan Spring Assembly / Artist’s Reception
April 14 – Rhodes Singers Concert (3 p.m.)
April 19 – Flying Solo, EYC to All Saints
April 21 – Sunday, MTAM, EYC at You’nited @ St. Columba
April 24-25 – SGEP Trike a Thon
April 27 – Earth Day event/Picnic with Youth, Children & Families ministry
April 28 – Sunday, Vestry Meeting
May 29 – June 2 – EYC Mission in Memphis
June 2 – Sanctifica Wind EnsembleConcert (3 p.m.)
June 2-7 -Youth & Adult “drop in helper week” for VBS.
June 10-14 – VBS

Weekly Events

Sunday – St. George’s Consort (12:30 p.m.), and Sanctifica Rehearsals (1:30 p.m.)

Monday – EfM

Tuesday – Tai Chi

Wednesday – St Cecilia Choir rehearsal / DOK Bible Study / Coventry Choir rehearsal

Thursday – Exultemus rehearsal, Thursday Night Bible Study

Worship with us In-Person or Online

We continue to provide a worship service online each Sunday,  livestreamed at 10:30 a.m. on our YouTube Channel then recorded and posted on our YouTube page and our Facebook page for later viewing. You can also access these from the front page of our website at https://stgchurch.org under Worship or Sunday Schedule by clicking wherever our YouTube channel is mentioned.

Healing Prayers each Sunday

If you would like to have healing prayers for yourself or through you for a family member or friend, members of the Order of the Daughters of the King or clergy will be available in the chapel in the back of the nave to administer healing prayers with laying on of hands and anointing if desired. Just go back to the chapel after you take communion or at the end of the service where they will meet you for prayer.

Message from the Treasurer:

Just use this button below, to give or to pledge! It’s that simple! We thank you for your support! 

To pledge time and offerings, you can use the link below or contact the church office. The report delivered at the Annual Meeting on January 28 details the many areas where you can volunteer, including once-a-year opportunities (with a fair helping of more frequent slots as well). If you have any questions, please contact me.

Jim Vogel, Treasurer

Special Gifts for Easter

Would you like to commemorate a special occasion, persons, or honor someone with a gift donation for the Easter flowers, musicians (the brass) or just a special offering to the church? There will be Easter Donation envelopes in the pews this Sunday and next for your offering or give online from the QR code above or the button below, designating your gift for Flowers, Musicians, or Special Easter donations and providing the name(s) of persons you wish to honor or memorialize. Donation deadline March 25 to be listed in the Easter bulletin.

Gifts for Mother Dorothy upon her Departure

If you are wanting to make a gift in honor of Mother Dorothy upon her departure, here is her wish as expressed in her column from the TIP of the Lance, 2-15-24: “So, after discussing this with the Vestry and obtaining their approval, I offer that if you’re wondering about a way to remember me, and are so inclined, please make a gift to St. George’s Friends of Music – Amahl and the Night Visitors 2024. I can’t think of anything more wonderful than offering this musical gift to the community again, even after I have begun serving the Diocese of Mississippi.”

This Week and Next

Annual Lenten Food Drive

We’re Now in Week Five of our Annual Lenten Food Drive. Our annual Lenten Food Drive, benefiting Collierville Food Pantry is now in our fifth week (pantry staples). The Food Drive is a way for us to engage in the Lenten discipline of remembering the needs of neighbors who struggle to have sufficient food to eat, praying for them, and helping to fill the need. Our weekly Shopping List is at the button below and can be printed or digitally downloaded for your use.

We ask your support in gathering items on the weekly food list (click on button below) and bring your items to the Narthex. We will also need weekly drivers on Thursdays to load and deliver the collected items to the Food Pantry. Contact Sarah Bettendorf to volunteer as a driver or sign up in the Narthex. We ask that weekly, as you do your shopping, you add at least 6 items from the weekly list to your basket and if you shop at Kroger and have signed up for the Community Partner program, you’ll be earning cash donations for the church as well.

You can also order items from our Amazon Wish List and have them delivered directly to the church. Here is the link for the lenten food drive shopping list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/6T5HHD0NUK2R?ref_=wl_share. To use this list, click on the button that says “Top Search Results” and pick the items in each category you wish to purchase. 

The Wearing o'the Green for Lancers' St. Patrick's Day Potluck on March 15

St. George’s adult social groups, Lancers and Flying Solo, will gather on Friday, March 15 at the Aintree Farms Clubhouse (3310 Winners Circle, Germantown) for our annual St. Patrick’s Day Potluck. An invitation is extended to all adults to join with us — Newcomers are especially welcome at this adult fellowship gathering. BYO wine/beer and an appetizer, entree’, salad, side or dessert to share. Social time at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m. Music by Shamrock and Shield will help us commemorate St. Patrick’s Day with entertainment and a sing-along!

Note for Parking at Aintree Farms Clubhouse: there are limited spots in the clubhouse parking lots, parking is not allowed on Winner’s Circle, park on side streets. Hosts: Mary Ruth Bales, Kit Decker, Don Forsee. If you have questions or need instructions, please contact Kit Decker (kit.decker@earthlink.net).

Cross-Making Workshop, Saturday, March 23

Join Pam Key, Charlotte Hayes, and the Flower Guild in making Palm Crosses, Saturday morning, from 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall. If you’d like to learn how to make the crosses, or already know how and want to help, come join us.

Parish News

The Pem Field Library has been updated and brought online!

Virginia Baird has reorganized our Library to catalog recent gifts and make it even more user-friendly by including a listing of its contents online (https://www.librarycat.org/lib/stgeorgelibrary). The Library employs the Dewey Decimal classification system with the OOO’s starting to your left as you enter the library and continuing clockwise around the room, culminating in the Children’s collection on the far right. The Gibson and Marquis collections have been integrated into the main collection and designated with the initial call letters GIB and MAR respectively. For instructions on how to use the Library in-person or online

From the Vestry:

What first drew you to St. George’s? For me, it was in 2017 that I visited St. George’s for the very first time. I have some vivid memories of that day. I was greeted at the door by Don Harrington’s big smile. Sensing that I was new to the Episcopal church, he quickly filled me in on a few basics- such as that some people would stand for the prayers and others would kneel! I said, “Got it,” and thought, “But which one am I supposed to do?” 

That first Sunday was a revelation. Accustomed to Baptist church services, I was utterly blown away by the liturgy and instantly fell in love. The great honor and reverence and awe lavished on our Lord in the liturgy was so unfamiliar and amazing. I drank in the long (to me!) scripture readings. I prayed the searching, heartfelt prayers of the prayer book. I was spellbound by Mother Dorothy’s homily. When it was over I rushed out quickly, too shy to go to coffee hour, but absolutely 100% certain I would be back the next week. 

Through my first year, I worshiped at St. George’s most Sundays. I attended confirmation classes with Mother Dorothy, and Cyd Mosteller was my sponsor when I was confirmed in December of 2017. In 2018 I asked to join the Coventry Choir and also joined Sanctifica wind ensemble soon after. St. George’s has been my spiritual home ever since. 

How can one begin to describe the “personality” of St. George’s? The striking beauty of the Narthex, Nave, and Chancel, lit up with natural light and reverberating with glorious music, are an important part of our personality as a church. Even more important is the spiritual light and Godly fire that permeate our worship. We are a church that believes in prayer, as I learned firsthand when I sought prayer from the Daughters of the King at the back of the Nave after Sunday services. We are a caring church. I will never forget the flower gifts that were left at my door by our dedicated volunteers during Covid, or the St. George’s yard sign, or Mother Dorothy’s visit to my father’s deathbed. 

We are also a church that is growing and changing, with much work to do as a parish family. We will seek a new Rector this year, as Mother Dorothy becomes Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi. With gratitude we look to Mother Dorothy. We remember her years of devoted leadership of this church, her countless hours spent in prayer, the time she gave to consoling the hurting, and her prophetic voice in preaching, teaching, and writing. 

What will St. George’s be like after Mother Dorothy’s departure? We can only start to imagine that by embarking on an inward journey. Each of us should consider: What first drew me to St. George’s? What are we about as a church? What is our personality?

There is so much to be thankful for. New faces and babies’ cries greet us and delight our hearts on Sunday mornings. How can we serve and bless those who are drawn to St. George’s? How can we as a church family encourage our young people and raise up Godly children and youth? How can we minister to the hurting? How can we care for the sick? The future looms large with the great unknown. What is God’s will for us? What will He call us to do in the months and years to come? How shall I serve Him? I am so glad to be here and to be a part of this congregation as we reach toward “the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). He has us in His perfect hands. 

Prayer requests: 

For Mother Dorothy, as she transitions into her new role as Bishop Dorothy. 

For the Vestry, as they lean into the task of guiding the church through this period of change. 

Perry Pennington

Senior Warden

Exciting Times Ahead - We Need Your Help!!

Plans are afoot to create a new digital directory with photos so that we can all get better acquainted.

Do you like taking pictures, working in the digital world, organizing materials, communicating with people, or maybe you’ve helped to create a yearbook? If you’ve answered yes to any of these, we need your help. This might also be a good project for youth who are seeking volunteer service hours or anyone who wants to get more involved at St. George’s.

Please contact Margaret Morley at 901-359-5294 (cell) or email: mmorley123@gmail.com as soon as possible to sign-up. Thank you

CPR and First Aid Classes Now By Demand Only

Bev Holllingsworth is no longer regularly scheduling CPR and First Aid Classes. However if you need to be certified or to recertify, contact Bev at bmhmom74@gmail.com to request a class.

Welcome to Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour normally follows our 10:30 a.m. worship service except on Food & Formation Sundays.

Meet your friends for coffee and a chat in the Parish Hall – thanks to Brunch Bunch (1st Sundays), Flying Solo (2nd Sundays), Vestry (3rd Sundays) and Daughters of the King (4th Sundays). We are so grateful to these ministry teams for taking the lead and helping us revive our Coffee Hour! We are also interested in other members or groups who might like to host an occasional Sunday. If you’d like to bring goodies to contribute on either Sunday, please contact

Sarah Bettendorf, for Brunch Bunch Ministry (Sarah@stgeorgesgermantown.org),

Sandi Bethel, for Flying Solo (slbethel@aol.com),

Taylor Key, for Vestry (Taylor.key@penske.com).

We are in need of a Coffee Hour Coordinator!

If this is your calling, please reach out to karrie@stgeorgesgermantown.org.

Be a Part of Our Worship Team

Crucifers and Torch Bearers Needed

Crucifers and Torch Bearers Needed

Thank You to all of our children and youth who will serve as acolytes! It’s never too late to join in so please contact Mary Margaret Freeman (marymargaretfree@gmail.com, or 901-336-1790) for more information.

Welcoming Teams, LEMs, & Acolytes Needed

We continuingly need a few more ushers/greeters to greet and help our worshippers find seats, and LEMs for 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services.

For more information about serving, please contact or respond to:

Andrew Proctor (LEMs, lectors, at proctorandrew@hotmail.com)

Stan Walker (ushers, stanlwalker64@gmail.com)

Leslie Darr (greeters, 6ldarr5@comcast.net)

Mary Margaret Freeman (Acolytes, marymargaretfree@gmail.com

Join a Music Ministry

St. George’s music ensembles, now in rehearsal, invite you to join in music-making:

Children’s choir Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:15 pm (beginning Oct. 18)

Please contact Stephen Karr at music@stgeorgersgermantown.org.

Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. – Coventry Choir

Please contact our Stephen Karr at music@stgeorgersgermantown.org.

Thursdays – Exultemus, our folk guitar and vocal ensemble, rehearses. Please contact Tom Fields (tgfields1@hotmail.com).

Sundays at 12:30 p.m. – St. George’s Recorder Consort – Please contact Angela Saunders (901-438-9975).

Sundays at 1:30 p.m. – Sanctifica Wind & Brass Ensemble – Please contact Karen Moore (901-486-0417).

Tai Chi Classes

Richard Link offers Tai Chi for Healthy Living on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Center. For more information, please contact Richard at (901) 581-8456 or link1945@aol.com.

Maundy Thursday Dinner

Please make plans to join us for a time of fellowship and worship on Maundy Thursday – March 28, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. We will gather in the Parish Hall for a Soup, Bread, Salad and Dessert. Then, we will proceed to the Nave for Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Please RSVP to let us know that you are coming. We have a signup sheet in the Narthex or you can call the church office to RSVP. (901)754-7282.

“Notes about the Notes” - from Stephen Karr

As we look forward to the spring and summer at St. George’s, I have a goal that we reestablish a regular series of musical performances presented by the Friends of Music—during the summer, Concerts on the Garth: several informal performances by various Memphis-area musical groups where the community is invited to bring lawn chairs and picnics (or to purchase food from our youth) to pass a pleasant evening in our beautiful outdoor space, and during the academic year three or four various performances in the church, whose acoustics are excellent for music making. The prospect of offering our resources to the larger Germantown community is quite exciting, but I can’t do it alone. This week, I am asking for people to get in touch with me who might be interested in joining the Friends of Music committee. We especially need people who are interested in helping communicate about our presentations to folks outside of our walls, and who are willing to help with the nitty-gritty of presenting events (artist relations, set-up, clean-up, hospitality, copy-editing and—lest we forget—fundraising). No one person can do all of these things, but if you are interested in helping us present high-quality musical events, we can surely use your talents to great effect. Please reach out to me at music@stgeorgesgermantown.org if you’d like to help, and thank you for your support of our many-faceted music ministry here at St. George’s.

Stephen Karr

Director of Music Ministry

Don’t forget: You can find Stephen’s demonstrations of our service music on our YouTube channel! Please take a listen!

Gloria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSlAodyyblI

Sanctus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwIuypyVgNA

Fraction Anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DglWUDBjEP4

Save the Date for These Post-Easter Musical Treats

Monday, April 1, St. George’s Friends of Music will host this group from Concert’s International, at 7:30 p.m. The Balourdet Quartet – currently Graduate Quartet-in-Residence at the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University – received the Grand Prize at the 2021 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, as well as prizes in international competitions including the Banff, Borciani, and Carl Nielsen Competitions. The Quartet was also awarded the Gold Medal at the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and the 2021 Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition, as well as top prize at the Borciani Competition in Italy. The Balourdet Quartet is a shared ensemble with our London partner, Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT). Members of the quartet are Russell Houston, Cello; Justin DeFilippis, Violin; Benjamin Zannoni, viola; and Angela Bae, violin, photo by Kevin W. Condon.

Sunday, April 14 Friends of Music will host Rhodes Singers in Concert at 3 p.m.

How We Can Serve Others #Serve901

St. George's Room in the Inn Ministry hosts Feb 1st.

Room in the Inn at St. George’s will wrap up our ministry over the past five months on March 21st. During this time my estimate is around 70 hours of volunteer time each time we serve is involved to include food prep/delivery, helping get ready for the guests, overnight Shepherds, laundry, and other activities.  Yes, that’s nearly one full month of volunteer time!
 
You cannot even begin to imagine the truly positive impact St. George’s makes by doing Room in the Inn. With other local churches involved this impact is multiplied many times over, as we make a difference for some of the many “houseless” persons in Memphis.
 
My message is simply say THANK YOU to our many volunteers. You are too numerous to mention by name, but you know who you are. We do have a truly dedicated team, but we are always looking for new people to join us. 
 
 One person deserving special recognition is Mother Dorothy, who has been there at The Cottage nearly every evening we serve to provide a warm welcome and sharing God’s blessing with our volunteers, and our now hundreds of “guests”. She has been a true supporter of Room in the Inn since having the idea to kick it off at St. George’s over nine years ago. Thank you, Mother Dorothy, on behalf of so many RITI at St. George’s has helped. We will do our best to carry on your legacy as you move forward to your new calling.
 
John Remsen
RITI Coordinator
St. George’s Episcopal Church

More Than a Meal Needs Servers on Third Sundays

We serve More Than a Meal on the 3rd Sunday of each month at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church from 3 – 5 p.m. . Join your St. George’s friends (and make new ones, too), when we next serve More Than a Meal and help make this season a hospitality-filled one for our neighbors. There are a number of roles for Sunday afternoons, from making nametags for guests, to plating food in the kitchen, to serving guests. We’ll start setting up at 3 p.m., and the meal will be served at 4 p.m. with cleanup usually finished by 5 p.m. Our next More Than a Meal Sunday will be March 17th.

Cooking for More Than a Meal

It is St. George’s delight and honor to lead the 3rd Sunday cooking team. If you enjoy making your way around a kitchen, and would love to have a hungry crowd to appreciate your cooking, here’s your opportunity! Many thanks to PZ and Selby Horton for leading the cooking team. Please contact PZ Horton at hortonpz@gmail.com for more information about joining the cooking team.

Calvary Closet Needs Clothing Donations

Calvary Closet needs gently-used seasonal clothing, especially for men, in large and extra large sizes, shoes, and blankets/ throws/ sleeping bags are especially needed for those sleeping outside. Also desired are duffle bags and wheeled suitcases. See the list of items needed and place your bags in the gift tubs in the Narthex. Coats are a high priority at this time, so that Calvary can stock its closet! Calvary’s Clothes Closet is desperate for coats and jackets for adults–the bigger the better as our neighbors experiencing homelessness layer clothing all winter. You can also order from the Amazon wish list (search for “Calvary Memphis Outreach”), and they will be sent straight to Calvary! Other needed items include

Backpacks
Rolling Suitcases
Hoodies
New Underwear
Work Boots
Men’s Belts
Plastic grocery bags
Jackets
Umbrellas/rain ponchos
Elastic waist pants/sweats
Blankets
Sleeping bags
Large/XL t-shirts
Toothbrushes/toothpaste
Deodorant’
Sneakers/Casual Shoes

MIFA Offers New Volunteer Opportunities

MIFA has a very urgent need for donations to assist people with Emergency Needs due to utility bills, mortgage payments, and restoration costs due to January’s severe storms that have caused crisis situations for folks who were barely getting by before the storm. Help MIFA respond with a gift to Emergency Services today. Your support ensure that our team can remain flexible and responsive, even as the need for services grows.

MIFA also encourages you to participate in their Plus 1 program where you elect to add $1 or more to your MLG&W monthly bill to help clients, vetted by MIFA, with their utility bills.

Other Ways to Make St. G's Smile

Kroger Community Rewards continues to support St. George’s. If you shop at Kroger for your groceries and sundries, please register with Kroger so that your purchases earn contributions to St. George’s.

Adult Formation

Education for Ministry now meets every Monday through May 2024.

To learn more, reach out to any EfM recent graduate or current participant: Caroline Brown, Rhea Clift, Janet Cooper, John Hannum, Perry Pennington, or John Planchon, or contact Verlinda Henning, mentor, at VerlindaH@aol.com r 901.490.1714

Thursday Night Online Bible Study Now Studying Christian Apocryphal Texts -- Register Anytime

St. George’s Thursday Evening Bible Study meets weekly via Zoom with Dr. Jimmy Elam as facilitator. We will meet online every Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. until May, 2024, unless there is a holiday or other conflict. Everyone is welcome each week, even if you have been unable to attend any prior weeks. 

We are now studying the early Christian church and it’s spread through the known western and eastern world. Readings, with outlines of the video lesson, , are provided weekly prior to the Zoom sessions. Join us each week as we investigate these amazing ancient documents. For information or to register: Contact Jimmy Elam at (901) 326-2376 / Jimmyelam@hotmail.com. You will need to register to receive the class handouts and Zoom link.

Next Forward Day by Day Available

Forward Movement offers beautiful books, apps, mobile-friendly websites, and podcasts to support a roving life of prayer. Visit prayer.forwardmovement.org to find morning and evening prayer, the daily scripture readings, Forward Day by Day meditations, special seasonal meditations and more. Or visit forwardmovement.org/podcasts to discover our various podcasts. If you’re not an online person, call 800-543-1813, and a staff member can talk with you about books that support prayer on the go. You can tuck a printed copy of Forward Day by Day in your pocket or purse.

Saint Paul challenged us to pray without ceasing. In today’s chaotic, sometimes hope-less, world, the advice to pray always has never sounded better.

Forward Movement’s Lenten Booklet Will You? is available right away as an ebook from Amazon Kindle or Apple Books and is also available as an audiobook from Audible or Apple Books. You may find print copies for sale with other online retailers and independent bookstores. 

-Yours faithfully, Scott Gunn, Executive Director, Forward Movement

The February-April issue is now available for pick up in the Narthex. You can also subscribe to an emailed daily version of the publication here.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study Open to All

Saint George’s Chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King hosts a Wednesday morning Bible study from 10 – 11 a.m. that is open to all interested persons

During Lent they will be using Will You? A Lenten meditation guide based on our baptismal promises written by Rev. Amanda McGriff, our Assisting Priest at St. George’s, and published by Forward Movement. This  newest devotional, Will You? is available right away as an ebook from Amazon Kindle or Apple Books and is also available as an audiobook from Audible or Apple Books. You may find print copies for sale with other online retailers and independent bookstores. 

St. George's Book Club Meets April 9

St. George’s Book Club continues our reading year (monthly, every second Tuesday) with a discussion of Memphis by Tara Stringfellow at 7 pm in the church library. A Zoom option will be available.

Special Event: The author will be joining us via Zoom for our discussion.

This spellbinding debut novel by a local author, traces three generations of a Southern Black family and one daughter’s discovery that she has the power to change her family’s legacy. It unnfolds over 70 years through a chorus of unforgettable voices that move back and forth in time, Memphis paints an indelible portrait of what we pass down, in a family and as a country: brutality and justice, faith and forgiveness, sacrifice and love.

Our final book for May will be Take Me With You by Catherine Ryan Hyde and in June we will select our books to read for next year. If you would like to join the group, contact Kit Decker at kit.decker@earthlink.net to be put on the email group list for the Book Club schedule, announcements and ZOOM login information.

Family and Children's Formation

Please click here for a Google calendar with more detailed information. Please email Karrie for any questions or to RSVP for an event.

Our “Worship and Wonder” class for children ages 3 years old through 5th grade meets Sundays in Classroom B during a portion of our 10:30am service. “Our Journey with God” class for EYC (6th-12th grade) meets in Classroom A during a portion of the 10:30am service.

March and April have so much in store for you all! Please check things out below!

March 17th : No EYC, SPRING BREAK

Thursday, March 14th, 9:30am: Special Spring Break trip to the Collierville Food Pantry with Mother Dorothy!   

Sunday, March 24th, 4pm to 6pm: EYC Dinner and Devotion and filling eggs for the Egg Hunt! 

Thursday, March 28th, 5:30pm Maundy Thursday Soup Supper and 7pm service

Friday, March 28th, 7pm: Stations of the Cross for Children and Youth in the Parish Hall and Activity Center

Easter Sunday, March 31st: Family Egg Hunt and Festive snacks on the Garth immediately following the 11am service. EYC helpers needed at 10:15am to help with the egg hiding—donuts provided!

Friday, April 5th, 6pm-9pm. EYC meet in the front parking lot of St. George’s Episcopal Church. We will head to Bartlett Middle school to watch, “Mean Girls, Jr.”

Sunday, April 7th, 10:30am: Youth Sunday, No evening EYC

Friday, April 12th, 6:30pm to 8:30 pm: Partners in Parenting joins Lancer’s!

Sunday, April 14th, 4pm to 6pm:  EYC Dinner and Devotion. Our activity will be a project for The Vibe prom.

Friday, April 19th 6:30pm to 9pm: EYC to volunteer at The Vibe Prom at Madonna Learning Center.

Sunday, April 21st: “You”nited youth group Garden Day at St. Columba, details TBD

Saturday, April 27th, 3pm to 6pm:  Families with children and youth join us for a special Earth Day lesson and celebration at St. George’s. We will have a brief lesson, complete various gardening projects at St. George’s and close out the event with a picnic together!

Sunday, April 28th, 4pm to 6pm: EYC dinner and devotion. 

March/April Events with details have been added to the calendar; so, please click here for a Google calendar with more detailed information. Please email Karrie for any questions or to RSVP for an event!

Children are so very welcome at St. George’s!

Families, please know that children’s activity bags can be found in the Narthex! These bags include activities to help your entire family talk about the day’s scripture lessons. Please place bags in the basket under the coat rack after use so that we can refill them with supplies!

George's Bookshoppe

The Bookshoppe is full of Spring and Easter merchandise! We have adorable shelf sitters and plush animals plus Easter themed home decor including crystal eggs. Stop by and check out our nice selection of seasonal books, jewelry & scarves, too.

The Bookshoppe is open Sundays from 10 – 12:30

Art Gallery

Art Gallery Exhibit – “St. George’s Episcopal Preschool

Our preschool children will grace the Art Gallery with their artworks through Easter Sunday.

The next professional exhibit will be a one-man show by David Chapple entitled “Forty-some Odd Paintings” that will hang April 10 – 28, with a reception on April 13, 3-5 p.m.

A portion of the proceeds from sales in The Gallery supports the work of Carpenter Art Garden, which brings the arts to the underserved Binghampton community. St. George’s Art Gallery is located within St. George’s Episcopal Church and is accessed through the front doors. The Gallery is open M – F from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Relief and Support for neighbors suffering following international conflicts, natural disasters, and refugee needs.

    • Episcopal Relief & Development has:

      • partnered with HIAS to Provide Mental Health Support in Response to Israel-Hamas War in Israel and with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem to provide emergency medical support in the Gaza Strip in response to the Israel-Hamas war with the establishment of the Episcopal relief and development middle east fund.
      • developed an International Crisis Response Fund to support the families of the thousands of persons who have died in an earthquake hitting Morocco, flooding that has struck Libya – and left many thousands more without shelter, resources or employment. Please visit EpiscopalRelief.org to support the International Crisis Response Fund.
      • developed a Hawaii Response Fund to support our neighbors in Lahaina, Maui, following the devastating fires. Please visit EpiscopalRelief.org to support the Hawaii Relief effort.
      • developed a fund to support our neighbors in Turkey and Syria who have been devastated by a recent earthquake. Please visit https://support.episcopalrelief.org/syria-turkey-earthquake/ to learn more and to give.
      • developed a Hurricane Relief Fund to support those who are suffer from the effects of hurricanes and natural disasters in the USA and abroad. Please visit https://support.episcopalrelief.org/hurricane-relief/.
      • partnered with The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe to aid Ukrainian refugees. Please visit  https://support.episcopalrelief.org/ukraineresponse.

Help Needed for St. Vincent’s School in Haiti

(A message from the Dean, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Memphis)

Violence and unrest in Haiti is endangering the important work of St. Vincent’s School, long supported by the West Tennessee Haiti Partnership (WTHP) which is co-chaired by St. Mary’s own Dr. Susan Nelson. 

WTHP is committed to supporting an orthopedic surgeon who plans to return to Haiti as soon as possible and will need vital supplies and financial support.

Two things are urgently needed: (1) your prayers for the people of Haiti, for the children and staff of St. Vincent’s, and for all who are trying to provide much-needed help; and (2) your money to support the work of WTHP, especially in helping provide this surgeon with supplies and funds.

To donate, please send a check to:

WTHP c/o the Diocese of West Tennessee

692 Poplar Ave.

Memphis TN 38105

Note: WTHP no longer has a website, so please consider sending a check —— with WTHP noted in the memo line. Thank you!

“Faithfully Memphis” continues each week on on WYXR 91.7 FM!
You’re invited to join Bishop Phoebe and others from the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee for our radio program “Faithfully Memphis” on WYXR 91.7 FM & podcast! Tune in each Thursday at 8 AM
Have a question for Bishop Phoebe that you’d like featured in our “Stump the Bishop” segment? Email it to us at faithfullymemphis@wyxr.org.
 

Diocesan and Community Events Coming Up

The Diocesan Communicator

The Diocesan Communicator of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee is full of news and events listed below. For more information click on the Diocesan Communicator link above and click on the current issue.

2024 Diocesan Cycle of Prayer

Make praying for the ministries and churches of the Diocese of West Tennessee a part of your prayer practice in 2024. The Diocesan Cycle of Prayer for 2024 is now on our website. Access it at http://tinyurl.com/WTNDCOP24

2024 Bishop’s MIssionary Appeal for Seminarians and Curates

This year, funds raised will support individuals preparing for ordination in the West Tennessee Diocese. To learn more and to make a gift or a pledge, go to tinyurl.com/DWTNBMA2024

Coming Events:

  • Sunday, March 17, 3:00 p.m., Music at St. John’s (with William Compton, tenor; Alyce Tarver. Soprano; Vernon Snyder, Piano & conductor and Chamber Orchestra
  • Sunday, March 17, 3:00 p.m. ,Recorder Concert at All Saints’ Episcopal Church
  • Monday, March 18, 7:30 p.m. Organ Redication Recital at Church of the Holy Communion with Dr. Kristin Lensch & Dr. David Ouzts
  • April 21, 4 p..m. April YOUnited Gathering at St. Columba
  • Friday, April 26, 5:30 p.m. 12-Step Eucharist at Barth House Episcopal Center, followed by open 12-step meeting and meal
  • Applications Open: Summa Theological Debate Society and Summer Camp, July 16-24 at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee

Calvary Lenten Preaching Series and Waffle Shop Feb. 15 - March 22

Outstanding preaching and traditional Waffle Shop favorites available Wednesdays through Fridays through March 22. Spiritual leaders from Memphis and around the world are preaching this year, including Pádraig Ó Tuama, Rabbi Micah Greenstein , the Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor, Joe Birch, the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Tom Shadyac. Preaching begins at 12:05 p.m., with a livestream available on Calvary’s website and social media channels, including podcast with selected speakers recorded live each Wednesday evening..

A complete schedule of Lenten preachers, streaming schedule and podcasts, as well as Waffle Shop daily specials s at calvarymemphis.org/lps. For more information about the Lenten Preaching Series, Waffle Shop, or Lent at Calvary call 901-525-6602.

Free Parking and Shuttle Bus Service to Calvary from St. Mary’s Cathedral Parking Lot (700 Poplar Ave.), 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

News from St. Columba

Mud Camp Registration Opens

Mud Camp Registration Opens

MUD CAMP– A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER

Overnight and Day Camp sessions beginning June 16. Camp sessions are open to rising 1st through 6th graders with CIT camp for rising 7th and 8th graders. To REGISTER today, please visit us online at www.MemphisMudCamp.org

Summer Jobs for Teens

We are hiring for summer camp jobs for teens and young adults! Nothing could be more rewarding that having a job where you literally get to play with amazing children and get paid. Mud Camp and Camp Able are currently seeking Rising Sr. High school students and college students to serve as lifeguards, counselors, and adventure leaders this summer. Learn more!

Link for registration:

http://saintcolumba.campbrainregistration.com

Link to apply for staff:

saintcolumba.campbrainstaff.com

Camp Able, June 4-8

Camp Able is a nationally known camp serving children and adults with disabilities, or “diverse-abilities.” Each June, we host a traditional day camp that offers many outdoor and indoor activities for your camper in a safe and nurturing Christian environment with a camper/counselor ratio of 1:1. Your camper will climb, zip, slide in the mud, canoe, swim, fish, hike, and make new friends at St. Columba Episcopal Center near Bartlett, TN.

Link for registration:

https://saintcolumba.campbrainregistration.com

To inquire about holding an event at St. Columba contact: .https://saintcolumbamemphis.org/

Sunday Worship Service Schedule

Sunday worship at 9 and 10:30 
 
Face masks are no longer required, but strongly recommended for all unvaccinated and at-risk individuals during indoor worship and activities; any persons who are more comfortable wearing a mask should continue to do so. 
 
Those individuals who are working with children under the age of 5 are required to wear a mask.
 
Small groups may determine by consensus to continue to wear masks while meeting in the church or elsewhere.
 
People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should worship with us online.
 
All unvaccinated persons who are eligible and able to receive the vaccine, and any persons who are eligible and able to receive a booster, are encouraged to do so.
 
Eucharist
We will not drink from the common cup; rather, if you would like to receive wine, the priest or the LEM will intinct the wafer into the chalice before placing it in your hand.

Worship with us In-Person & Online!

We plan to continue providing at least one service Online each Sunday livestreamed at 10:30 a.m. (NEW TIME) on our YouTube Channel and then recorded and posted on our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/StGeorgesGermantown and our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/stgchurch/) for later viewing. You can also access these from the front page of our website at https://stgchurch.org under Sunday Schedule by clicking on the YouTube Channel link for the livestreamed service and the YouTube page and Facebook page links for the posted service.
 

Healing Prayers each Sunday

Would you like to have healing prayers for yourself or through you for a family member or friend? Members of the Order of the Daughters of the King or clergy will be available in the chapel in the back of the nave to administer healing prayers with laying on of hands and anointing if desired. Just go back to the chapel after you take communion or at the end of the service where they will meet you for prayer.

We are Here for You

This year has affected all of us in unforeseen ways. Do you need help? St. George’s is YOUR community. Mother Dorothy is YOUR priest. If you need help–be it spiritual, mental, financial, physical, or emotional–the wisest action for you to take would be to reach out to a discreet resource that cares about you. There is no shame in saying, “I need help.” It is a courageous act of self-care.

We have confidential prayer warriors wanting to add you to their list. Let us know of any burden or joy you’d like to share.

Maybe you are someone who is comfortable right now, but remembers a time when you couldn’t manage to get Christmas dinner on the table. If you would like to “pay it back” or “forward” you can contribute to Mother Dorothy’s discretionary fund or contact her directly if you have resources to share with your St. George’s family.

Even if we cannot GO to church, we can still BE the church. Together, we will get through this.