St. George's Events & Activities
April 14 – Sunday, Directory Photos, Rhodes Singers Concert (3 p.m.), EYC Dinner & Devotion (4 p.m.)
April 17 – Pokeno
April 19 – Flying Solo, EYC to Madonna Learning Center
April 21 – Sunday, DOK, MTAM, EYC at You’nited Garden Day at St. Columba
April 24-25 – SGEP Trike-a-Thon
April 27 – Earth Day event/Picnic and Grounds Cleanup with Youth, Children &
Families ministry (3 p.m.)
April 28 – Sunday, Vestry Meeting, EYC Dinner & Devotion
May 5 – Sunday, Coffee Hour, Directory Photos
May 9 – Ascension Day Evensong (6:30 p.m.)
May 10 – Lancers’ Potluck
May 12 – Sunday, Directory Photos, Mothers’ Day-Spring Lunch
May 17 – Flying Solo
May 19 – Pentecost Sunday, Parish Picnic, More Than a Meal
May 26 – Trinity Sunday, Vestry Meeting
May 29 – June 2 – EYC Mission in Memphis
June 2 – Sanctifica Wind Ensemble Concert (2 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
This Week and Next
"Getting to Know You! Getting to Know All About You! " Lancers and Partners in Parenting Intergenerational Potluck, April 12
OK, so I couldn’t resist quoting some of my favorite Rogers and Hammerstein lyrics, but they just seemed so appropriate for our social event this month. Join with these two groups for an intergenerational evening of getting to know one another on Friday, April 12 in the Parish Hall. BYO drink (beer, wine or sodas), an appetizer, main dish, side or dessert to share. Social Hour at 6:30, dinner about 7 p.m. There will be food and activities for children in one of the classrooms. We will need several people to host to come early to set up and to ensure clean up. For information or to volunteer as hosts, contact Kit Decker or Karrie LaCroix.
Have Your Family Photo Taken for St. George's New Picture Directory - Photography Starting Sunday, April 14
We’ll be taking pictures after the 9 am and the 10:30 am services on Sundays April 14, May 5, and May 12 in the activity center. No appointments needed. Just show up and wear clothing that will be visible against a darkish background.
Our photographers are donating their time so we’re not asking for any contributions, just a good turnout. We need to help our new rector and any interim rectors get to know all of us and wouldn’t it be good to know each other better.
If you have any questions or wish to volunteer, please contact Taylor Key at 901-503-9700 or email: taylor.key@penske.com
Rhodes Singers in Concert at St. George's April 14
Sunday, April 14 – Sit back, relax and enjoy an afternoon of music on Sunday, April 14 at 3 p.m. when the Rhodes Singers from Rhodes College will present a concert hosted by our Friends of Music (and consider joining Friends of Music to help us bring and enjoy more concerts throughout the year.) Let Stephen Karr know if you’d like to join FOM.
Rhodes Singers, under the direction of William Skoog, is a select, auditioned mixed choir of 43 Singers, and serves as a flagship ensemble for Rhodes College. They perform a variety of mostly small-form choral works, in genres from virtually all style periods. They perform nationally and internationally and in recent years by invitation at the Kennedy Center and the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
The theme for this year’s concert tour is “Music for Healing.” Our society and world has experienced intense and horrific incidents of violence and terror in recent years; our local and regional communities, likewise, continue to see acts of violence. Music surely is a great instrument for healing and for building community. That is why this year, in light of those harsh realities, their 2024 tour program features the theme of healing.
Music in this program includes a setting of Kyrie Eleison, from Memorial by Rene Clausen. This work was written for the victims of 9-11, and includes texts in Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, and English, all pleading for mercy and peace. The concert also includes a meditative song for healing of our world entitled As I Walk the Silent Earth, by Thomas LaVoy, a movement from Rachmaninov’s Vespers done in memory of those killed in a Russian jetliner, Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine in honor of those recently slain in Paris, an Estonian work entitled Su Rahva, by Timothy C. Takach, written for Rhodes Singers on a commission. The concert rounds out with a Gospel song by Caldrich and Ivory, entitled John the Revelator (to heal the sick and disabled), and the spiritual Hear My Prayer, by Moses Hogan. It is our desire that this concert will offer healing of a personal and societal nature for our world, and provide a message of hope and comfort for all who are receptive to its much-needed message.
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:
Dear friends,
When I joined the Vestry of St. George’s in 2022, I had no idea of the challenges that awaited our church in 2024! Today, we face a transitional period in which we prepare ourselves to search for and welcome a new Rector. The last six weeks have involved a steep learning curve, but the Vestry is focused on “abiding in Christ” (John 15:4). We want to dedicate the rector search process to God, work steadily and faithfully in the task, and trust God for the results.
Recently, I have learned a great deal about how Episcopal churches transition to a new rector. There is an important sequence that we need to follow as a church, and that is what I will describe below.
First, we needed to bring closure to our time with Mother Dorothy. Although the grieving process may stretch into the coming weeks, we have given her our message of “Thank you, we love you, and goodbye.” This part of the process is finished now, and we may turn our attention to the remaining steps.
Second, we will seek out an Interim Rector to lead the church while we search for a full-time Rector. Beginning in February, the Vestry has been working with Bishop Phoebe in searching for an Interim Rector. In the last week of March, the Vestry interviewed a potential Interim Rector, and we will vote by April 18th on whether to invite this person to become our Interim priest.
Third, we will participate in a congregational survey. The survey will give us a
“temperature check” of the congregation. How are we feeling? What are our needs?
What should we continue doing? What should we start doing or stop doing? This is
critical information that will be necessary as we write a profile of the parish to use in our nationwide search for a new rector. To assist with the survey, Bishop Phoebe introduced us to the consulting firm “Holy Cow! Consulting.” Holy Cow! helps churches identify their core values, strengths, areas for growth, and vision for the future. St. George’s has retained the services of Holy Cow!, and our congregational survey will launch by Monday, April 15th . Please look for an email in the next few days with more information about how to complete the survey.
Fourth, a consultant from Holy Cow! will visit the church in person to help us analyze,
understand, and internalize the results of the survey.
Fifth, we will gather in focus groups to discuss the results of our survey with each other.
Sixth, using the results of our congregational survey, we will craft a Parish Profile that
will be a significant part of our search for a new Rector.
Seventh, our Rector Search Committee will begin a nationwide search for our new
Rector. By following the steps described above, we will lay a solid foundation for the
work of our Rector Search Committee. While we hope for a quick process, we realize
the importance of getting it right. For most churches, the rector search process takes 1 to 2 years.
Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this process. I look forward
to working with all of you on getting full participation in our congregational survey! In the meantime, please continue in prayer, for Bishop-Elect Dorothy Sanders Wells, for the Vestry of St. George’s, for our potential Interim Rector, and for our eventual full-time Rector.
Perry Pennington
Senior Warden
Upcoming Special Sunday Events
Mother’s Day-Spring Brunch, May 12
Join your church bunch for a special Spring Brunch! We welcome everyone to gather with us for a festive brunch on Sunday, May 12 following the 10:30 a.m. service. On the menu will be breakfast casseroles, sliced ham, hash brown casserole, mixed green salad, fruit, and sweets. If you are able to assist with preparing a dish for the brunch or can help with setup or clean up, please reach out to Karrie. Please RSVP to the church office by Friday, May 10 (office@stgeorgesgermantown.org) or on the sign-up poster located in the Narthex. Donations accepted at the door.
Pentecost Picnic May 19th
Save the Date: We’ll enjoy our annual Pentecost Picnic following the 10:30 am service. Watch this space for details.
Combination Earth Day Planting and Church Spring Clean-Up
On Saturday, April 27th from 3 to 6 PM, we will be having a combined event consisting of Karrie LeCroix’s youth group and families and our annual church spring clean-up. In celebration of Earth Day, the young people will be planting flowrs in the garth and patio planting beds, and for the “clean-up,” parishioners are needed to help tidy up the church (windows and wall cleaning, forest clean-up, etc). These activities will be followed by a hamburger and hot dog picnic supper. RSVP to Karrie for the supper. Please bring gloves, brooms, rakes, etc. Thanks,
~Don Rossman, Buildings & Grounds Committee Head
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
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.
“Notes about the Notes” - from Stephen Karr
Happy Easter season to all. Firstly, I want to extend my thanks to the members of the Coventry Choir, Sanctifica, guest musicians and St. Cecelia choir for their leadership of worship through Holy Week and the octave of Easter. We had such a range of repertoire, covering the gamut of emotions through Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. Thanks also to Mo. Dorothy for all of her support of the music ministry at St. George’s. We will miss her enthusiastic voice, whether singing hymns or popping in to choir rehearsal on a Wednesday evening when we are working on a piece she knows and loves.
The Friends of Music has a wonderful summer series of Concerts on the Garth planned for this summer. Put the evenings of June 16, August 18 and September 8 on your calendar and plan to enjoy three very different, wonderful performances. You can bring your own picnic, or plan to purchase food from the youth group. Thanks to those of you who have volunteered to help with Friends of Music (especially those of you who provided the delicious breakfast for the musicians between services on Easter morning). We will always welcome more involvement. We can especially use people with PR/publicity skills to get the word out about these wonderful offerings for our community. Contact me at music@stgeorgesgermantown.org if you are able and willing.
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?
Sanctus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Fraction Anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Ascension Day Evensong, May 9, 6:30 p.m.
Save the Date: Our Coventry Choir will host St. John’s Choir for a joint Ascension Day Evensong at St. George’s on Thursday, May 9th.
Coming This Summer
Summer means Concerts on the Green when you bring or buy a picnic supper, set up your lawn chairs on the Garth, bring your friends, children and well-restrained pets, and enjoy an evening of music. This year’s line up includes the ever popular group The Glaziers in June;. a new group Lucky 7 Bravo Band in August; and Memphis Wind Symphony back by popular demand (and including some of our own Sanctifica musicians) in September. Dates and details to be announced.
St. George’s Episcopal youth group will be selling food for purchase during the concert as a Youth Fundraiser. Hamburger combo $7 (burger, chips, drink) and hot dog combo (hot dog, chips, drink) will be available.
How We Can Serve Others #Serve901
Vacation Bible School supply donations needed!
Here’s the signup genius
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050F4AA5A923A2F85-48753624-stgeorges
OR, the list….
Packing Styrofoam
Skewers
Spray Paint (Any colors)
Spray Foam
Scrap Wood Pieces
Packing Peanuts
Corrugated Cardboard
Cardboard Boxes (Anything from cereal to packing)
Elmer’s Glue jugs
Hot glue sticks
Muffin Tins (paper and aluminum)
Kraft shipping paper
Coffee filters
Masking Tape
Duct Tape
Flour
E6000 Glue
Newspaper
Pool noodles
Velcro command strips
Felt
Construction paper
Bubble plastic wrap
Plastic table cloths (Oranges, Blues, Greens, Purples, Whites, Pinks)
Chicken Wire
Worn Denim (can be torn and stained!)
Toilet paper rolls
Paper towel rolls
Home Depot gift cards
Lowe’s gift cards
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 April 21st.
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
Even though Calvary’s building is under renovation, the Clothes Closet will remain open for neighbors experiencing homelessness. We will be thankful to receive your donations at the Welcome Inn next door, 82 N. 2nd Street. Men’s pants, belts, and shoes are a huge need. Please call 901-525-6602 for questions. Thank you for helping our neighbors!
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! 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
Orion 5K to Benefit MIFA Meals on Wheels
Have you heard the good news? The Orion 5K will benefit MIFA for the third year in a row! We are grateful to Orion FCU for this opportunity to partner and promote MIFA Meals on Wheels.
Be a part of all the action and activities on Saturday, May 11 at 8:30 a.m. This year’s event, which is part of the M-Town Race Series, features a 5K and a 1-mile Family Fun Run, followed by a street party with pickleball! Click here to register.
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
St. 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.
They have completed their special Lenten Study and are now returning to the study of Hebrews beginning April 3rd. The study guide is Engaging God’s Word Hebrews. It is available from Amazon in print or kindle format at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1621940063?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
St. George's Book Club Meets May 13
St. George’s Book Club continues our reading year (monthly, every second Tuesday) with a discussion of Take Me With You by Catherine Ryan Hyde at 7 pm in the church library. A Zoom option will be available.
August Shroeder, a burned-out teacher, has been sober since his 19-year old son died. Every year he’s spent the summer on the road, but making it to Yellowstone this year means everything. The plan had been to travel there with his son, but now August is making the trip with Philip’s ashes instead. An unexpected twist of fate lands August with two extra passengers for his journey, two half-orphans with nowhere else to go. What none of them could have known was how transformative both the trip and the bonds that develop between them would prove, driving each to create a new destiny together.
This is our final book for the year 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
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.
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. We will be planning “Lesson and Learning” which we will be hosting for the Special Friends Fellowship group during Mission Week.
I am not going to announce an official “end” date for EYC for the school year as we will continue to meet as a group at concerts and with VBS, etc. I may pick a More than Meal to help at or a fun social gathering here or there so it isn’t like we are really ending.
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!
Registration Open Now!
EYC Mission trip 2024 registration is now open! St. George’s Mission Trip is open to all rising 6th graders-12th graders. We will meet Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 9am at St. George’s Episcopal Church and end our trip following the 10:30am worship service on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at St. George’s Episcopal Church. We will spend the days doing service work with Room in the Inn, MIFA, etc. Nights will be spent at St. Columba. We will have one day of fun at St. Columba on the waterslide and Ziplining. All meals, lodging and service activities will be provided. This trip is flexible so come even if you are only able to spend a day or two! There will be no fee for this year’s Mission trip due to an anonymous donation to the fund. Hope to see everyone there! To register your youth, please email Karrie!
Make plans now to come "sea" us for Vacation Bible School 2024 at St. George's Episcopal Church!
You will want to be sure to come aboard for “God is the Captain of Our Ship: Lessons at Sea!” where we will explore bible stories related to all things in the sea! There will be bible stories, crafts, science, games, snacks and much, much more! We hope to “sea” you there!
VBS is for children 3 years old(and potty trained) through 5th grade. Any rising 6th graders and up interested in volunteering, please email karrie@stgeorgesgermantown.org
Date and Time: June 10th-June 14th, 9am to 12pm
Location: St. George’s Episcopal Church, 2425 S. Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN, 38138
There is a $25 fee per child for Vacation Bible School($15/each additional sibling).
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Please email karrie@stgeorgesgermantown.org for any questions!
June 3-7, 9 am to 4 pm Youth and Adult VBS "drop in" helper week
Any adults, youth and rising 6th graders interested in helping with Vacation Bible School, please come help us get the church ready for VBS! We will be here preparing decorations (we have a BIG vision for this!), organizing supplies and trialing games and activities in anticipation of the following BIG week of VBS! Lunch provided. Come as you are able.
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
We have lots of new merchandise that just arrived, including gifts for moms, dads, and teachers. We also have adorable plush toys, dolls, and unique bookmarks for kids. Connie & Pat look forward to seeing you next Sunday from 10:00 – 12:30!
Art Gallery
“Forty-Some Odd Paintings” Exhibit April 10 – 28
David Chapple is a local artist working in mixed media, executing works of vibrant colors. Chapple has a BFA from Delta State in painting, drawing and ceramics. He gave up pottery in 2008 due to back strain, and leaned hard into 2-D art…be it photography, drawing, collage, painting, or any and all combinations…always looking to capture the viewers attention for just one more minute. Chapple is a retired chef, he has lived in five states and in Belgium for two years making pottery with a ceramics teacher at his home studio, as well as showing paintings in Antwerp. Come meet Chapple at a reception for the artist on Saturday, April 13, from 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.
Responding to the Political Violence in Haiti
The West Tennessee Haiti Partnership (WTHP) has provided medical support to St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince since 2005. While the staff and residential children and adults of St. Vincent’s are currently safe behind the gates of the school as political violence impacts Haiti, physicians supporting local hospitals and St. Vincent’s are running out of medical supplies.
If you would like to make a donation to WTHP that will go towards the purchase of medical supplies, please send a check to the West Tennessee Haiti Partnership c/o the Diocese of West Tennessee, 692 Poplar, Memphis, TN, 38105.
Please keep the people of St. Vincent’s community and the people of Haiti in your prayers.
Diocesan and Community Events Coming Up
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
On Tuesday, April 2, the Episcopal Church’s Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop announced the names of the bishops it will nominate to succeed Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.
Its nominees are:
The Rt. Rev. J. Scott Barker (Diocese of Nebraska)
The Rt. Rev. Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez (Diocese of Pennsylvania)
The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe (Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania & Diocese of Western New York)
The Rt. Rev. Robert Wright (Diocese of Atlanta)
Coming Events (Click on The Diocesan Communicator link above for details and more.)
- Organist David Briggs in Concert | Sunday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. Grace-St. Luke’s (Memphis)
- Marcella Simien in Concert on Anchor Hill | Friday, April 19 at 6 p.m. at Grace-St. Luke’s (Memphis)
- Sunday, April 21, 4 p.m. April YOUnited Gathering at St. Columba
- Choral Evensong for the Feast of St. Mark | Sunday, April 21 at 5:00 p.m.; Grace-St. Luke’s (Memphis)
- Wednesday, April 24 at 6 pm, a screening of the film “The Philadelphia Eleven” at Buckman Performing Arts Center, St. Mary’s Episcopal School, 60 Perkins Extd. Memphis (Free)
- Friday, April 26, 5:30 p.m. 12-Step Eucharist at Barth House Episcopal Center, followed by open 12-step meeting and meal
- Messy Spring: Celebrating Eastertide | Sunday, April 28 at 11:30 a.m.; Grace-St. Luke’s (Memphis)
- Sunday, April 28 at 5 p.m. Memphis Boy & Girl Choir Concert with the Training Choir and the Memphis Chamber Choir, at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Churh, 1720 Peabody AVe.
- Thursday, May 2 at 6 p.m. a screening of the film “The Philadelphia Eleven” at Malco Paradiso Cinema Grill, 584 Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, Ticket info to come.
- Bookshop Roundtable: Was Jesus a Wisdom Teacher? | Wednesdays at 1 p.m. at the Episcopal Bookshop (St. Mary’s Memphis) led by the Rev. Jerry Harber
News from The Episcopal Church & Anglican Communion
- May 9-19, “Thy Kingdom Come” Call to Prayer from Archbishop Justin Welby, Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) is a global ecumenical prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus. To learn more, go to https://www.thykingdomcome.global/.
- Applications accepted for United Nations 2024 climate conference Episcopal delegation Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites all interested Episcopalians over 18 to apply to be a delegate—in person or virtually—to the 2024 United Nations climate change conference, scheduled for Nov. 11-22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Applications—found online in English and Spanish—are due by 5 p.m. ET May 6. LEARN MORE
- Toward GC81: Registration open for General Convention visitors. Online registration is open for visitors to the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church, scheduled for June 23-28 in Louisville, Kentucky. An onsite registration area will also open June 21.
- Province IV Environmental Ministry Network, newsletter, networking, regional conference in Sept 2024
News from St. Columba
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/
Samaritan Counseling of the Mid-South Launches Inaugural Mental Health Lunch & Learn Series
- Wednesday, May 1, 12 – 1 pm Mental Health First Aid: Become Empowered to be a Mental Health Helper
- Thursday, August 1, 12-1 pm Teen Mental Health & Social Media: Guideposts for Parents
- Tuesday, November 12, 12-1 pm, Navigating Life’s Challenges: Pathways to Resilience
All sessions are conducted by mental health professionals at Samaritan Counseling locations. Contact www.samaritanmidsouth.org for detailed information and registration.
Sunday Worship Service Schedule
Worship with us In-Person & Online!
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.