Saints Alive! The bi-monthly newsletter of

St. George Episcopal Church

1250 Paige Place | The Villages, FL 32159

352-750-1010 | www.stgeorge-episcopal.net

The Very Rev. F. John Kelly, Rector

The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector

The Rev. Nancy Bryson, Deacon

The Rev. Weldon deMeurers, Pastoral Care Associate

The Rev. Janet Richardson

The Rev. Marnie Silk-Wright

Bob Lance, Verger

Lana McKinzie, Handbell Director

Lloyd Clarke, Senior Warden

Tom Hayes, Junior Warden

Ruth Wadman, Treasurer

Tom Trainor, Sexton

Tina Evans, Administrative Assistant

Our Mission

Our mission is to proclaim by word and action the

healing love and Good News of God in Christ.

Saints Alive! Number 192 September/October 2019

Dear Friends in Christ: September brings back our regular schedule of activities and

another edition of our wonderful newsletter. It brings about

change. Some change is wonderful, other changes can be dif-

ficult. For instance, our Senior Warden, Lloyd Clarke, has just

announced his decision to move South to be with his son, John

and his family. We will miss Lloyd and his able leadership.

Our Vestry have made the decision to transition out of the Wildwood mis-

sion. This is a painful decision. We want to thank Fr. Ed and his very com-

mitted team. Finally, we will soon announce our new Music Director/Choir

Director and Organist. Yes, it is also a transition. St. George moves forward in the name of Jesus Christ. The second year of

our Music Series will soon begin with a concert from Rudy Lucente. The

Women’s Guild has its host of activities planned. Alpha will start soon. You

will find a host of other activities in our newsletter. In September, I will enter my fifth year as Rector of St. George. I found an

old email a friend sent me listing the things that they had learned as they

grew older. It was filled with wisdom and I wanted to share just a few items

with everyone. These are things I have learned as well, in addition to things I

am currently learning, and wisdom I hope to attain someday. Enjoy. Things that I have learned:

† That being kind is more important than being right.

† That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to

help in any other way.

† That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to under-

stand.

† That love, not time, heals all wounds.

† That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

† That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

† That just one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day’ makes my day.

† That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

† That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness

occurs while you’re climbing it. See you in Church! Fr. John Kelly+

From Your Associate Rector Phyllis and I have just recently returned from a cruise to St. Thomas and

St. Maartin (Martin on the French side). We had a marvelous time sail-

ing with 4,000 of our closest friends (LOL) on the second largest pas-

senger ship in the world. I understand the ship’s length from bow to

stern, if stood upright, would be taller than the Washington Monument.

The entertainment and excursions were fabulous. But, what caught my

attention the most was the attitude and servant hood of the crew. Al-

ways friendly, always smiling and always willing to take care of our

every need. It was almost a tearful parting with our waiter and assistant

waiter who catered to our every need at dinner. We had our assigned

table and on Sunday we ordered our drinks, and by Monday Joanne

called us by our first names and had our drinks ready. When we had a

question on our bill, Carl, a bartender, went to Guest Services and

brought an agent to us and cleared up the problem. Now, what has all

this to do with us here at St. George or as Christians in general? I am

sure the ship crew are trained to be friendly and accommodating. Noth-

ing wrong with that. What if we Christians took the same attitude? We,

technically, receive the same training each and every Sunday. Jesus

calls us to be servants. In John’s Gospel, Jesus, after washing his disci-

ples’ feet, asks them, “Do you understand what I have done for you?

You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also

should wash one another’s feet. I have set an example that you should

do as I have done for you.” May the Lord teach us to remember the

Church is his house, not ours; that our task is to continue the mission of

Christ in the world, and allow us to be willing to change when change is

needed. God is not done with us yet! May He continue to bless his

family at St. George.

Fr. Ed

A Thank You to our Sr. Warden Senior Warden Lloyd Clarke recently announced his decision to move

back to South Florida to live closer to his family. Following his hunting

accident, Lloyd has faced more than a few health challenges this past

year. As he prepares for his 90th birthday, he and his family anticipate a

new home close to son John, daughter in law Jody, and family. Thank

you Lloyd for your faithful leadership and guidance. A new Senior

Warden will be appointed at the September Vestry meeting.

~Fr. John

If you are a member of St. George Episcopal Church

and your Birthday or Anniversary is not on the list, please call

the Parish Office at 750-1010 so that we may update our records.

Thank you

October

2 Gerald & Nancy Hurst

5 Jim & Bonnie Garverick

9 Ben & Patricia Shrader, Tom

Hawkinson & Nancy Steiner

10 Hank & Lois Bittner

14 Rick Kiwus & Barbara Miller

15 Bob & Audra Strolin

16 Russ & Marie D’Emidio

18 Richard & Nancy Parks

20 Jack & Karen Bigford

21 Ray & Carlyn Bryan

24 Malcolm & Barbara Strickler

25 Erin Scienze

28 Jim & Diane Urquhart

29 Hubert & Donna Doull

September

1 Dwight & Donna Davidson

2 Dan & Sharon Vaughn

5 Dennis & Cindy McMahon

6 Ken & Joyce Pitcher, Bernie &

Mary Ann Roberts, Carl & Lisa

Woodward

9 Don & Elaine Carr

10 Richard & Barbara Freed, Frank

& Jean Rutty

14 Allan & Ruth Wadman

17 Canon Bill & Margaret Squire

20 Jimmy & Denise Ridge

23 Dean & Sandy Razzano

24 Jerry & Eleanor Albertson

28 Barr & Sheryl Noland

29 Bill & Connie Petree

September

1 Jules Carcanague, John Kane,

Ruth Melay, Frank Rutty

2 Gracie Miller, Pat Shrader

3 Chuck DuPree, Vicki

O’Connell

4 Ellie Albertson, Peggy

Pappas, Carolyn Williamson

6 Lynn Danahy, Michael Pauly

8 Mary Burgett, Linda Nagol-

ski, Ruth Wadman

9 Dave Haptonstall

11 Lloyd Clarke, Bernard Grant

12 Bonnie Garverick, Bob

Mossman, Ben Shrader

13 Keith Bonn, Diane Prather

14 Clyde Teetsel

15 Franklyn Ackley, Mick Hall,

Jill Tribbet

16 Ray Delp, Missy Monforte,

Gail Mossman, Sharon

Robosan

17 Robert McLane

19 John Ruhsenberger

20 Karen Bigford, Kay Watters

21 Al Ayres, Ruth Graesser,

Barbara Miller

22 Nancy Parris, Rob Yeager,

Laura deSomer

24 Olivia Gombar

25 Dianne Bissett, Joellen Davis,

Tom Ryberg

26 Ann Miles, Audra Strolin

27 Steve Kuhn, Susan Young

28 Nancy Kirchdoerfer, Jim

Markowski, Carolyn McLane

30 Ross Deviney

October

1 Deborah Casey, Susan Harwood,

Betsy Joy, Betty Mark, Linda

Williams

2 Nelli McBride, Andrea Nelson

3 Pat Hyde

4 Paul Goda, Jan McElroy

5 Jim Mullis, Anne Vilseck

6 Thomas Cypher, Neil Pickens

7 Dorothy Franklin

8 Bill Clayborn

9 Linda, Kiernan, Jane Ann Lance

10 Emil Pignetti, Jean Rutty,

Arlene Weagraff

11 Bob Gunn, Diane Heup, Jim Hubbard

12 Sheryl Noland

13 Sue Ann Corkish, Carmel Hapton-

stall, Betty Schneitzer

14 May Dahl

15 Audrey Mattocks, Steven Plugge

16 Jackie Preston

17 Pat deMeurers

20 Cindy McMahon, Les Pickance,

Mary Lou Ray-Riley

22 Gary Astrologes, Valerie Carpenter,

Jane Mac Ellven

23 Cynthia Corley, Marilyn Hood

Barbara Soncini

24 Wayne Bryan, Jim Garverick,

John Portlock

25 Frank Garrison, Lavon Scott

26 Fr. John Kelly

27 Barbara Stellman

28 Michelle Wheeler

29 Tamra Setser

30 Bob Coulter

31 Laurie Morrill, Ben Pilla

From Your Senior Warden Personal letter to: Long Range Task Force & The Vestry My dear Brothers and Sisters – In April 2015, I moved to the Villages and joined Saint George Episcopal

Church, having met its impressive-newly installed Rector, Fr. John Kelly. I

remember telling Fr. Kelly that I just wanted to be a pew sitter and worshiper.

That did not last long because he and many of you convinced me to become

more active in leadership roles. I want you all to know what an honor and

pleasure it has been to serve the LORD, in this Church. While serving on the Vestry in 2018, Fr. Kelly approached me about standing

for re-election to the Vestry and accepting the challenge of serving as Senior

Warden. We discussed the vulnerability of my age; but, quite frankly dismissed

that, and at the last annual meeting of the Church, I was so confirmed. Subse-

quently, the Vestry created a “Long Range Task Force” to do some long range

strategic planning as to the facilities of our campus and the Church’s successful

financial future, as it continues to grow for its second quarter of a century. I felt

uniquely qualified for this assignment, having spent my entire business career

as a multi-state, builder, developer, property manager, and mortgage banker. The Long Range Task Force has met several times, has regularly reported our

progress, the retention of an architect, to the Vestry, which has unanimously

approved each step. Late February 2019, I had a severe fall and triple broke my back. Thanks be to

GOD, my recovery has been steady but slow; my doctors and physical thera-

pists predict that I should be back to my normal age-related mobility by the late

Fall of this year. Additionally, my Urologist has diagnosed me with early Pros-

tate Cancer. My only child, John, his wife - Jody, and 2 of my grandchildren live in Fort

Lauderdale, and believe that I should move as soon as practicable to be closer to

them – it’s a 4.5 hour drive each way from the Villages. Therefore, I have de-

cided to move to that metropolitan area into an Independent-assisted living re-

tirement community. My family will be hosting a 90th year “happy birthday”

party for me, 9/11/19, at their home. It will be at that time that I make the deci-

sion as to where I will live, probably in Boca Raton, which is only a 25-minute

drive from their home. Time waits for no man; therefore, I feel compelled and do submit my resigna-

tion effective immediately as Chair of the Long Range Task Force, and as of

9/12/19, as Senior Warden and as a member of the Vestry.

I will be praying for the most successful future of Saint George Episcopal

Church. Your brother, in CHRIST ---

Respectfully Submitted,

Lloyd Clarke, Sr. Warden

From Your Junior Warden

The first day I worked at the soup kitchen in Ocala, I was assigned to

duty in the food store. This is where the fruits & vegetables and breads

& pastries that will not be needed for that day’s meal are distrib-

uted. People wait in line and then pick out the items they desire and we

bag them up. Then they go into the parish hall to have their hot meal. The first person I waited on was an elderly woman who very timidly

pointed to a large birthday cake with bright blue piping that was sitting

on the shelf behind me. I took it down off the shelf and placed it on the

counter in front of her. She looked at the cake and smiled at me like I

had just given her the keys to a new Cadillac. One customer served and

I was hooked on the soup kitchen. Dick Griffith had told my wife Susan

and I how gracious these people were, but now we saw it for our-

selves. Later that day, I was standing in the rear of the parish hall talk-

ing with Father James and I told him that if you ever wanted to see

God’s hand at work, here it was. God feeding his people. I thought that it would never be as rewarding for me again as it had been

on that first day. But I was wrong. A year later, Dick Griffith asked if

Susan and I would help organize a Christmas party for the children at

the soup kitchen. We readily agreed, as did Tish and Colleen Kelly,

Millie Fitzgerald and G.B. Sloan. At our first meeting, Millie said she thought it was important that the

children receive their own presents. It was a great idea and Mary

reached out to the people she thought would attend the party and a list

quickly formed. We divided the list among us, and with Colleen inter-

preting for us, we began to understand what kids wanted for Christmas

in the year 2017. We bought the presents, the ladies in the Women’s

Guild wrapped them, Father John volunteered to do his magic show and

Fred Pack would tell the kids a Christmas story. We ordered cupcakes

and ice cream and we were ready. All that was missing was

Santa. Weldon deMeurers quickly volunteered. But, as fate would have

it, Weldon got sick and we needed another Santa. If you know Weldon,

then you know he and I are about the same size, so guess who was re-

luctantly recruited as Santa. I remember the day of the party, sitting in the back of the church at St.

Patrick’s and Fred Pack telling me that sometimes kids are scared of

people in costumes. I could hear the kids laughing as they watched Fa-

ther John’s magic show. When they were ready for Santa, I said a quick

(Adopt-A-Chaplain—continued from previous page)

I will be away the months of August and September, however my

assistant Sharon Winchester will receive and ship your donations as

always on the third Sunday of each month. Please, please folks, let’s

keep this mission strong and growing for those who serve in harm’s

way so that we may enjoy the liberties we sometimes take for

granted. Obviously, St. George has a direct connection with the

troops, and they are grateful for everything we do, not the least of

which is our daily prayers for their safety.

With my deepest appreciation,

Annette Steed, Coordinator

Our Adopted Chaplain, Lucas F. McConnell

Smiles of Gratitude….

Veteran Friendly Congregation

Adopt-A-Chaplain

My deepest appreciation to everyone who contributes to

this ministry, whether by donations of “goodies” or mone-

tary gifts to defray shipping costs. Because of your generosity, last

month we were able to ship four boxes of treats and toiletries to our

troops in Kuwait – and wonder of wonders, the boxes arrived in ONE

week - that has to be some kind of miracle! I had asked Chaplain

McConnell to let us know if there were any special items he or the sol-

diers would like, so he posted a wish list. In addition to the usual Twin-

kies, etc., someone had listed Haribo Gummy Bears, Crab Chips

(whoever heard of those?), and Twizzlers. The Twizzlers were no prob-

lem, but I know they never expected their wish for the chips and gummy

bears to be fulfilled – kind of like wanting to win the lottery, but never

buying a ticket! Obviously they did not know my assistant, Sharon

Winchester, has a PHD in on-line shopping, and within a few days we

had individually wrapped packages of Utz Crab Chips (60 bags), 50

bags of the gummy bears, and then all of your wonderful gifts besides.

Our biggest concern was that the chips not arrive in crumbs, and the

Chaplain assured me they made it intact, and the soldiers were thrilled

with everything we sent. Amazing how everyday things can mean so

much to folks who are so far from home.

This is the “thank you” note we received from Chaplain McConnell: “Thank you very much for the generous care packages this month! We

received them just today, and with no exaggeration, it was an instant

morale boost with the soldiers. I of course continue to be thankful, but I

will coordinate some soldiers to write their thanks, passing on to you

what has already been expressed to me. I keep telling them St. George’s

supports us! Many are eager to say thank you. By the way, the crab

chips made it intact! They were also a hit, and the Soldiers appreciated

the special concern for them, the twizzlers, and the gummy bears. I’ve

attached a few pictures: a couple of my Soldiers expressing gratitude

(SGT Price and PFC Katende) and an older picture of myself celebrat-

ing the Eucharist in a field chapel in Syria this spring. Again, thank you

for the material support, but most of all your prayers.”

Godspeed,

Lucas F. McConnell, CPT, CH,

Battalion Chaplain

Money Matters

June, 2019 Operating Budget Income: $54,876.04

June, 2019 Operating Budget Expense: $64,394.81 July, 2019 Operating Budget Income: $60,771.98

July. 2019 Operating Budget Expanse: $66,995.65 YTD Balance through July 31, 2019: $(32,484.95) The figures above do not paint a pretty picture as to where we are at

this time. The Finance Committee and Vestry spent a great deal of

time at their recent meetings analyzing the facts presented. Pledges are

not the problem (and I thank you for keeping your commitments cur-

rent). Other sources of income continue to fall far below what was pro-

jected when the budget was developed, and summer is not the time to

expect the situation to change. Most of our expenses are fixed; there-

fore, we have no choice - bills have to be paid. However, all unneces-

sary expenditures are on hold until the financial status improves. My next report will be in October - I look forward to a more positive

report at that time! Thank you for your continued support.

Ruth Wadman, Treasurer

(continued from previous page—Junior Warden)

prayer and asked God to not let me mess this up. I walked into the

room and the kids saw me and froze. Then they mobbed me. I had

kids hanging all over me screaming and yelling. I didn’t realize that

Santa was a rock star. During the next thirty minutes, we gave out pre-

sents and I held more babies than I ever held in my life. When I finally

got ready to leave, a little girl came up to me and thanked me for her

new doll. Then she looked up at me and said, “So Santa, where are you

going now.” Her smile could light up the night sky. I will never forget

it. And here’s the good part. We all put that smile on that little girl’s

face. When the offering plate goes by and we drop in our contribution,

part of that money goes to outreach programs. So the next time the of-

fering plate goes by, remember that little girl and that smile on her face,

because you helped put it there.

Tom Hayes, Jr. Warden

Music Ministry

The St. George Music Search Committee has been meeting throughout

the Summer putting out want ads, receiving resumes, speaking to candi-

dates, etc. We have just now finalized our interviews and will present our

final candidates’ names to the Vestry very shortly. I would even suspect

that our Music Director/Organist and Choir Director may be announced

before a few of you have read this! I want you to know it has been a

pleasure to work with the Search Committee. It has been a terrific

team. We have sought the Holy Spirit’s guidance throughout the proc-

ess. I know it has been a time of flux these past few months. During this

transition time, there is a renewed, joyful spirit at St. George. I rejoice

that the St. George family is experiencing the presence of the Lord.

-Fr. John

More Music News...

Handbell Update

Our newly purchased four octaves of Schulmerich handbells were sent to

the manufacturer early in July and are currently in the process of being

completely refurbished. We are looking forward to having them returned

to us, beautifully polished and in perfect playing condition, by late August

or early September. Handbell rehearsals are scheduled to begin Septem-

ber 4 at 3:15 PM in the church. If you are interested in joining this exu-

berant group, it's not too late! Call me at 352-445-8778 or email me at

lanamartha13@hotmail.com. The ringers and I are very excited to be able

to participate in this new musical opportunity. Come join us as we use

this new instrument to lift our music to the Lord!

Lana McKinzie

Handbell Director

(Women’s Guild—continued from previous page) tered women or men and their children. It is especially rewarding for us

when holidays come and we can shower these families with special gifts

and let them know we, at St. George, care!

Ladies (and Gents), as many of you already know, our long time and very

active member Jean Haslam and her husband Peter have decided to

move closer to their wonderful, caring daughters Andrea & Susan. Jean

has a warrior spirit and is one tenacious lady. We will sincerely miss

them and send our prayers for healing and happiness to them in their new

environment.

Our next general meeting of St. George Women’s Guild is scheduled for

September 26th, 2019 at 12:00 noon.

All women of the parish are invited to attend our monthly meetings and

we hope to see more of YOU and hear your ideas!

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

St. George Women’s Guild proclaims the healing love of Jesus Christ through

fellowship and social action in our church, our local community and beyond.

Sharon Winchester, Secretary

Women’s Guild Thursday Breakfast Gathering

Are you ready to get back to work since the

days are cooling off a bit? Good, enough fri-

volity and vacationing! First though, we

would like to thank our long time member, treasurer, secretary and behind

the scenes worker extraordinaire Sarah Ralph! Sarah has not enjoyed all

those fun things the rest of us ladies have this past summer. No, instead

she has gone through two elbow surgeries and is eagerly awaiting the time

she will be able to resume her activities at St. George. We have missed

you Sarah and pray for your healing!

Welcome back to everyone who was gone for the summer and even those

of us who have happily stayed right here. Your Women’s Guild Executive

Board has not rested during the summer; meetings with intense planning

sessions have taken place and we are anxious to tell you about them.

We tried something different this summer in lieu of meetings. We met so-

cially in June, July and August for breakfast at Perkins and at Orange

Blossom Hills Country Club; attendance was phenomenal. Thank you la-

dies!

St. George Women’s Guild is about to have our very own banner to dis-

play and process with thanks to our President Dale Dreps and Vice

President Heather Devlin who had the vision and put it into reality. Our

own Betty Larmi from St. George has graciously volunteered to work her

magic, along with Custom Apparel and we anticipate having the big RE-

VEAL at our September 26th

Meeting, so please come to the meeting and

help us celebrate that not so small endeavor.

Our upcoming Fall Treats and Treasures Yard Sale is again being coor-

dinated this year by Sally Dade and Jan Head. Something new there too

is the October 25th

, Friday Pre-Sale (4:30-6 pm) with the sale to the pub-

lic on October 26th

, Saturday 8am-1pm. This is the guild’s largest fund-

raiser which enables us to do numerous outreach programs in addition to

helping finance ministries here at St. George, so please see Sally or Jan

and ask where you might be needed to volunteer. It’s also a great time to

donate things you may not want to keep at home. Anything and every-

thing (in good working condition), but please no large furniture.

We want to thank Betsy Joy for stepping up in Diane Wright’s absence to

be our Haven House of Lake and Sumter Counties liaison. Many of you

who are familiar with this program know how families in need benefit

from the help they receive from haven House, even if only for a few short

weeks. For those of you who are not familiar, this is a shelter home for bat-

Have you signed up to receive “Cablegrams”?

With September, many ministries start back in earnest with their activities. One way to keep up with all that is going on in our vi-brant parish is to receive “Cablegrams”. “Cablegrams” is our elec-tronic ministry that reminds you of meetings, updates you on mem-bers’ health issues, and provides information that may not be in-cluded in the Yellow Page inserted into your bulletin. Signing up is easy, simply send an email to collinslaverne@gmail.com stating that you wish to receive “Cablegrams”. I will notify you when you are added to the distribution list and ask that you add that email address to your contacts to facilitate delivery. Then look for an email most evenings; we use Constant Contact as our distribution vehicle. Don’t miss out on the latest news for St. George – sign-up today! And a reminder, please do not respond to the emails; this is a post only service.

LaVerne Collins

Who are the Daughters of the King?

The Order of the Daughters of the King is a

religious order for women. Founded in 1885,

the mission of the Order is the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through

prayer, service and evangelism. The cross we wear reminds us of our

commitment to Christ and His church. It also reminds us of the bond

we have with our sisters in the Order around the world. The St.

Stephen Chapter at St. George will hold its first meeting following its

summer hiatus on Tuesday, September 17 at 10:00 am in the Parish

Hall. Any woman interested in The Order is welcome to sit in on one

of our meetings (held the 3rd Tuesday of the month) or contact its

President, LaVerne Collins, or any Daughter, for more information.

for His sake,

LaVerne Collins

President, St. Stephen Chapter

Calling ALL Amazon Buyers!

Do you order items from AMAZON? Did

you know .05% of your qualified pur-

chases can go to a charity of your choice

at no cost to you? This program is called

Amazon Smile and is a simple and automatic way for your to support

your favorite charity (St. George Episcopal Church!) every time you

shop! Here’s how to register your account to benefit St. George: Go to

Amazon Smile with a search in your browser or simply enter

www.smile.amazon.com. Click on Account & Lists. On the drop-

down menu, click on Your Amazon Smile. At this point, search for

St. George. (By the way, there are a LOT of St. George Episcopal

Churches!) Scroll down the list of all the St. Georges until you find us

listed with the location Lady Lake, FL. Simply click our name and it’s

done. Then, whenever you shop, start by going to Amazon Smile,

instead of plain Amazon. Or simply go to http://smile.amazon.com/

ch/59-3523245.

Wednesday Healing Service The St. George Clergy offer you a wonderful growth

opportunity every Wednesday. At 11:30 AM, we

gather in the Church for a weekly Healing Service with

Holy Eucharist. Our Clergy staff each take turns preach-

ing. The sermon may be based on the Holy Day for the

week (St. Matthew, St Peter and St. Paul, etc.) or it may

have a special theme. Music has a special Renewal emphasis. Our musicians may include Fr. Ed or

Ken McBride. Following the reception of the Holy Eucharist, those who

wish receive Anointing at the Altar Rail for themselves or others. You are

welcome to try it and invite a friend.

The Cursillo movement’s purpose is to help those in the church un-

derstand their individual calling to be Christian Leaders through a

method that equips and encourages those Christian leaders to live out

their Baptismal Covenant to serve Christ.

Are you grounded in your faith and been seeking to grow your

knowledge, awareness & love of God in the world?

We encourage you to take the next step – attend a Cursillo weekend.

The weekend is intended to enrich and deepen your faith. Lay people

conduct the weekend with two or three clergy members functioning

as spiritual advisors. The weekend is filled with talks, meditations,

Holy Eucharist, fellowship, music & great food.

The next Cursillo weekend will be held October 4 – 6 at Canterbury

Episcopal Retreat and Conference Center, Oviedo, FL; both women

and men can attend. If you are interested in attending a Cursillo

weekend, contact a member of clergy or one of the coordinators. Af-

ter the weekend, you begin the long-range practice of your Baptismal

Covenant in the life of the Church.

Other denominations hold similar weekends that may be known by

other names such as “Walk to Emmaus”. At St. George, we include

those who attended similar weekends in our Cursillo Community.

To keep you encouraged and supported, St. George holds Ultreya’s (a

group reunion) on the 1st Saturday of most months at 6:30 pm in the

Parish Hall. We begin with a pot-luck supper followed by a brief

program determined by the facilitator for that month and conclude

around 8:00 pm.

The next Ultreya at St. George will be Saturday, October 5, at 6:30

PM. We encourage all who have participated in a 3-day, “Cursillo-

like” weekend to join us at our Group Reunion. We want to get to

know you!

LaVerne Collins and Marcie Fairbanks, Co-coordinators

Gateway to Hope Ministry (SKM)

Gateway to Hope Ministry (Soup Kitchen) was

closed the last week in July for vacation. This gave

Fr. James, Mary, and the volunteers a rest and a

chance to get away for a few days. It was good to see

all the happy faces the following week. Fr. James is

in the process of installing new LED lights in the din-

ing hall.

The number of individuals depending on Gateway to Hope Ministry con-

tinues to grow. Gateway is continuing to be open three days a week

(Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) until the food supply has stabilized and

is enough to support four days a week.

The St. George Volunteers is a small army of Disciples with Evangelism

as our primary goal. The St. George Volunteers, the Ocala Volunteers,

and the people who depend on Gateway to Hope, continue to bond into a

family. I’m frequently reminded that the St. George Volunteers have and

continue to have a positive influence on the people who depend on Gate-

way and the non-St. George Volunteers. Using food as the tool to create

the family we also provide companionship, hugs, love and let them know

there is a whole church here for them. Prayers and information about

Christianity is always available.

Gateway to Hope is a St. George Outreach Ministry that provides the op-

portunity to experience what its like to do Gods work. It’s an uplifting

hands-on ministry. Anyone wishing to become involved in The Gateway

to Home Ministry contact Dick Griffith at (352) 504-6302 or

rl.griffith@comcast.net.

Dick Griffith, St. George Coordinator

and Board Member of Gateway to Hope Ministry

Journeying through Grief

The Journeying through Grief Support Group meet the first

Tuesday of each month from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. in the Library

of the Parish Hall. Our mission is to provide encouragement

for healing in any loss, in a small group setting.

For further information, please contact

Shirl Edgerly at 352-751-5132.

Brotherhood of St. Andrew

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew (St. George Chapter) did

not have a meeting in July and August 2019.

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew will resume their regular

monthly meetings on the first Thursday of September

(9/5/2019) at 6:00 pm.

The Brotherhood is working on a social event to provide the men of St.

George a better idea of this ministry is all about.

Our Stamp Ministry is headed by Bill Kidney. Bill sorts and packages out

stamps and sends them to Alliance Stamp Ministry in Fort Myers. The

Alliance Stamp Ministry generated $37,00.00 in 2018. Alliance supports

preparation, publication and distribution of curriculum for Sunday

Schools.

All men at St. George are invited to join the Brotherhood. We meet at

6:00 PM on the first Thursday of the month. The objectives of the or-

ganization focus on Prayer, Study, and Service to the community with em-

phasis on evangelism through fraternal outreach and “the spread of

Christ’s Kingdom among men.”

Dick Griffith, Secretary

Growth Committee

Despite the hot weather and summer vacations, the St. George

Growth Committee has continued its work on building aware-

ness of all the great things our congregation contributes to

God’s work.

We have focused on the new St. George website, most impor-

tantly on making sure the content is up to date and accurate.

We are starting to add content to the new, more secure struc-

ture and are trying new ideas on presenting information that

will drive more traffic to our website. This will, in turn, help

potential parishioners find us more easily because we will ap-

pear higher up in Google searches. All these things impact a

very important aspect to online presence today called ‘search

engine optimization’. Our work continues and we hope to

show the new website to all of you in the fall.

In addition, our work continues on working with traditional

media. Happily, The Daily Sun has finally replaced their reli-

gious writer after leaving the position open for several

months. So now we have one person to contact when we

have upcoming newsworthy events. This should allow us to

operate more efficiently and get more news stories in the local

press.

Would you like to try your hand at online marketing and so-

cial media? We are always looking for more ideas and volun-

teers. Please contact Dale Dreps at ddreps@gmail.com if you

would like to get involved.

Dale Dreps

Growth Committee Chairperson

School Supply Sorting and Distribution

80 people attended, donating school supplies for the

Wildwood Middle & High Schools

Marilyn Hood, Dorcas Miller & Claudia Smith sorting school supplies.

Ice Cream Social

Marilyn Hood delivering supplies to the Principal and teachers.

Enough Stewardship Campaign Introduction

Enough: Discovering Joy

Through Simplicity and Generosity

One of Jesus’ great teaching parables involves a sower who cast

seed along the ground. The sower hoped the seeds would sprout,

grow, and bear good fruit. Some seeds did just that, producing a

great harvest. But others, Jesus said, fell among thorns and, though

they began to grow, these good plants were quickly choked out.

Jesus said the thorns were “the cares of the world and the lure of

wealth” (Matthew 13:22). In a culture where having “enough” seems to have become a

never-ending pursuit, Jesus’ parable remains incredibly relevant.

Many of us are chasing the American dream in ways that lead to

stress, anxiety, and fear—thorns that can rob us of the ability to en-

joy the abundant lives of purpose that God intended for us. All of us have struggled with these issues at one time or another.

They are important issues that we cannot ignore. This is why, this

fall, we will be having a church wide study and worship emphasis

called Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generos-

ity. During this time we will explore what the Bible teaches us

about financial management through corporate worship and small

group study. We’ll hear stories about what others have learned by

working through financial challenges. Each week we will provide

you with some practical tools you can use to assess your financial

situation and develop a financial plan with a biblical foundation. At the conclusion of the emphasis, we will have the opportunity

to make personal commitments of our offerings to God through our

church in the coming year. We will consecrate these commitments

in the worship service on Consecration Sunday. I hope you will join us in the coming weeks as we look at how we

can manage our financial resources and truly experience simplicity,

generosity, and joy.

-Fr. John Kelly+

Rector