Volume 49 Issue 9 September, 2005

The Orbit St. George’s Episcopal Church Dayton, Ohio

Inside this issue… Visions 2000 Page 2 Personal Notes Page 3 Christian Education Page 3 Fall 2005Adult Opportunities Page 4-5 Shadowland Reflections Page 5 Social Issues/Forums Page 6-7 Fall Family Potluck Page 8 Announcements/Vestry Update Page 8-10 Via Media Page 9 Special Ministries Page 11 From the Mailbox Page 11 What’s new on website Page 12

Inserts Middle School/High School Youth Page

congregation sang what he knew to be one of his grandmother’s favorite hymns, “I sing a song of the saints of God.” He didn’t realize that it was All Saints Sunday, but no matter! For Josh, the familiar hymn was a comforting hug from God. Last May, the Social Issues Committee conducted a survey of possible program topics. The second highest number of votes was for “Raising Free-thinking, Spiritual Children.” Now, I can imagine some people saying, “Whoa! I don’t want my kids to be any more free-thinking than they already are! “ Maybe the phrase even evokes fear of adolescent rebellion and rejection of parents’ cherished beliefs. Yet

From the Rector In her book Traveling Mercies, Anne Lamott answers the question of why she makes her seven-year-old son go to church every Sunday. She says, “I want to give him what I found in the world…a path and a little light to see by. Most of the people I know who have what I want – which is to say, purpose, heart, balance, gratitude, joy – are people with a deep sense of spirituality. They are people in community, who pray, or practice their faith…people banding together to work on themselves and for human rights. They follow a brighter light than the glimmer of their own candle; they are part of something beautiful.” She goes on to say that at a crisis time in her life, “when I was at the end of my rope,” the people of her church “tied a knot in it and helped me hold on.” One Friday night, my daughter-in-law’s sister nearly died in a terrible accident which left her blind and with a serious head injury. That Sunday, while Jean’s survival was still uncertain, Janet got up and went to the Episcopal church near their home. She had not grown up going to church; and one thing which drew her that morning was the realization that people who did not even know Jean would pray for her recovery. The support of community prayer sustained Janet and her family through many difficult months. When my mother had her first emergency heart surgery in Florida on a Saturday night, Josh went to church the next morning in San Francisco. Incredibly to him, the

the reality is that despite parents’ best efforts -- or sometimes despite parental neglect of their children’s spirituality -- each person has to claim their own faith. The good news it that faith is “catching.” Children are more likely to have it when they see parents and other adults practice it on a regular basis. Here at St. George’s, we put a lot of love, effort, and resources into providing an environment where children and young people can learn about faith and develop their own. Inevitably, young people have questions and doubts, just as the adults around them do. As I talked with members of the Social Issues Committee, we decided that “free-thinking” meant being able to wrestle with the tough issues of faith and belief as a way of growing into a deeper, closer relationship with God in Jesus Christ. We teach spirituality by being spiritual with young people and living our own faith in front of them. St. George’s offers a wide array of programs for our young people. As good as programs are, I think that, next to parents’ own personal example, one of the most important things we can for children is provide the opportunity, week after week, to worship and be part of a community of faith. So I encourage parents to make church an essential part of family life; and I encourage all the adults at St. George’s to pray for our children, to think of ourselves as examples of Christ’s care for them, and to support efforts to help young people grow in Christ’s love and service.

Carol+

Start-up Sunday September 11

“One of the most important things we can do for children

is provide the opportunity, week after week, to worship

and be part of a community of faith.”

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Staff:

The Rev. Carol W. Hull Rector rector@stgeorgeohio.org

The Rev. K. Paul St. Germain Associate Rector associate@stgeorgeohio.org

The Rev. Roger B. Rollins Affiliate Priest email@stgeorgeohio.org

The Rev. Connie McCarroll Deacon Conniejodo@cs.com

The Rev. Steven Bilsbury Transitional Deacon

Patti King Minister for Christian Formation formation@stgeorgeohio.org

Dr. Richard Benedum Choirmaster and Organist richard.benedum@notes.udayton.edu

Jan Gimbrone Parish Administrator administrator@stgeorgeohio.org

Mitzi Stoner Business Manager business@stgeorgeohio.org

Rick Thomas Facilities Manager maintenance@stgeorgeohio.org

Ken James Custodial Assistant maintenance@stgeorgeohio.org Monthly Orbit information deadline is the 15th of each month for the upcoming month.

Sunday Orbit information must be submitted by noon each Tuesday for the following Sunday.

Schedule of Services Saturday 5:00 p.m. Holy

Eucharist 6:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Sunday 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Dear People of St. George’s,

Fall is in the air and our walnut trees are already shedding their leaves. With the dry weather we are having, running the lawn mower is more about mulching leaves than cutting grass. This is a busy time getting the house ready for winter

and kids ready for school. Our neighbor just packed their freshman daughter off to Miami Univer-sity about the same weekend we sent Katie back to Bowling Green. Although we are veterans of the “sending your kids off to college” scene, this one was a little different for us. Katie’s fiancé, Aaron Bergman, came back from the hospital in Washington D.C. and back from the war in Iraq. Mary Ann and I were both startled to see the scar running in a long vertical line up his neck. How he survived being struck by a piece of shrapnel from an im-plemented explosive device is quite miraculous. We’ve seen or read science fiction stories con-cerning protective shielding. I think Aaron experienced the protective shielding of prayer. In addi-tion to all the prayers conveyed from St. George’s Church, Aaron’s step-father is a pastor of a United Methodist Church in Toledo. It certainly helped that most of northwest Ohio was praying for this young man as well. Aaron helped Katie pack her things and the both of them drove off to BG. He will be sent to southern Indiana for a short time to monitor his physical progress. He will then be assigned to an armory in Perrysburg, Ohio. His entire unit is expected to join him around Christmas time and our prayers are with them as well. Aaron is a war veteran now and has served his country well. St. George’s Church has a long history of being the church of choice for families in the military, people who have served in the military, retired from the military or have been a part of the defense industry. We’ve had Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and Petty Officers as Wardens and Vestry members. Brigadier Generals and Privates have volunteered themselves for committees and other ministries. These people are appreciated for the work that they do and have done in keeping the United States a strong and good country. They are equally appreciated for making St. George’s a better church. I read with great consternation about other States trying to steal these people away from us as Massachusetts is trying to do. This BRAC committee we hear about is considering saving money by consolidating the Air Force Institute of Technology with another program somewhere else. We have a strong triad of technological and engineering preparedness through Wright State University, the University of Dayton and AFIT. I think Massachusetts can find other avenues of defensive discovery without taking away any of our Greater Daytonians, and it’s more economi-cal to keep AFIT right here where it belongs. These folks deserve to be a part of the pastoral care that is a hallmark of St. George’s. Uh, Oh! Phoebe the dog is barking up a storm. A ground hog is using our decorative mul-berry tree as a chaise lounge and is eating the leaves…Gotta GO!!!

Peace be with you! Patrick MacKenzie

want to get to know more people at st. george’s – a few at a time? Four-Month Foyer Groups give you an opportunity to make new friendships that will enrich your life at St. George’s. If you sign up to be in a Four-Month Foyer Group, you will be assigned to a group of about 8 people who will meet over dinner or some other event 4 times dur-ing the 4 months of that group. Then, if you want to do it again, you’ll sign up again and be as-signed to a different group. If you do this all year, you’ll have about about 20 new friends! What could be better! For each group, one person will be asked to convene the group for the first time. After that, the group decides on the other three meetings. Meetings might be dinner at the home of one of the members, but could also be a meal at a restaurant, attending a show or a ball game, going for a hike, having a picnic – anything the group picks. The monthly host should rotate and dinners where everyone brings something are a good way to share the preparation work. Sign up in the welcome area beginning in August and groups will be assigned right after start-up Sunday, September 11. This four month period will take us through mid-January and then new groups will be formed. If you have questions, feel free to contact Elizabeth Gustafson, 433-4170 or gustafson@udayton.edu.

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congratulations … to Ashley Hard on accepting a position teaching kindergarten in Worthington, Ohio.

Correction: Congratulations to Godson and Patricia Okocha and big sisters Amaka & Kechi on the birth of a son, Ifeanyi.

condolences …to grandson Chris Young in New York City; his wife Rosemary O’Toole and son Jeremy, and to close friend Freda Stohrer on the death of Rosamond “Roz” Young at age 92. A member of St. George’s for sev-eral years since moving to Bethany, Roz was a distinguished Dayton writer, educator, and historian, perhaps best remembered for her weekly column in the Dayton Daily News. Roz was buried from St. George’s August 20.

…to Louise Evans on the death August 7 of her cousin Nell Maloney.

…to Ellen and Jim Kay on the death of Ellen’s brother, David Kemp

…to Jeff and Jeanne Gossel, Colin, Shayne and Conner, on the death of Jeff’s grandfa-ther. thank you ... to the knitters’ group at Canterbury Court for their gift of five prayer shawls. The shawls can be sent along with prayers to people who are recovering from serious ill-ness or in nursing homes.

… to Sherry Bennett for organizing meal preparation for the recent Province V youth event held at St. George’s. holy baptism The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is sched-uled for Labor Day weekend at the 10:30 service September 4 and again on the week-end of All Saints Sunday, November 6. Please call one of the clergy if you desire baptism for yourself or a member of your family.

PERSONAL NOTES This little light of mine, I’m gonna make it shine…

There is a wonderful little meditation area in the corner of the chapel here at St. George’s. It consists of a large, flat basin filled with small stones. Towards the back of the basin is a simple Christ Candle, its flame always warm and inviting. Surrounding the Christ Candle are small tea lights and wooden matchsticks with which to light them. I often begin my day here, lighting a small candle from the larger one, inviting God to be a part of all I do that day, trying to center myself the Holy Spirit. On one of my last visits, there was a new Christ Candle, its flame burning near the top. My little tea light seemed very small and insignificant next to the larger candle and I thought, “That’s how we are compared to God.” Then, I noticed the tea light’s reflection in the dark, lower half of the big can-dle. Part of the bigger candle would be dark, if it weren’t for my little flame illuminating it. We as Christians come to church to receive that flame from God in our lives. Yet it is not for us alone. Once touched by God’s light, we are called to be a light for others. There are so many ways for us to be that light. One simple, but powerful way is to be a part of telling God’s stories to our children, helping them live these lessons in their daily lives. Please consider being a part of our Sunday School program this year. Help illumine Christ for them.

This year we are continuing in our Rotation format of Sunday School. We will be using a new curriculum form LOGOS called “Come Join the Circle.” There will be seven units, each 5 weeks long. Our first Unit is the story of “David, the Shepherd King.” We are hoping to have a team ap-proach for the teachers. Each team of 3 or 4 will teach for the school year, but be able to plan their schedule around their own and their family’s needs. We will have a short meeting in the undercroft on September 4th at 12:00 to hand out materials and answer any question. The 2005-2006 Sunday School year goes from September 11, 2005 (Start Up Sunday) through May 21, 2006.

start up sunday brunch… Be sure to join us on September 11th at the 10:30 service as we kick off our 2005-2006 Sunday School year, followed by a terrific brunch for the whole Family!

wonder-full wednesdays… Mark your calendars for October 5th as we begin another year of Family, Fun and Friendship. We will gather for dinner at 6:00. From 6:30 to 7:30 there will be programs for all ages. Finally at 7:30 we will join together in the Parish Hall for short closing, ending the evening by 7:45. Our program theme this year is from Group Publishing and is called “Friendship First.” The meal will be a freewill donation. van-tastic opportunity!!! Imagine the possibilities…

~a ministry where we bring those people to church who need transportation ~a van available for church groups

~youth traveling together in one vehicle for activities and events

A fifteen seat van in wonderful condition is for sale. It has less then 50,000 miles on it. The van is even in “Episcopal Red!” $16,000 would cover the cost and insurance (with even a bit for gas). OK—we’re hoping for a miracle here. Any “fairy godmothers” (or godfathers) please contact Patti King (434-1781) and thank you VERY much!!!

CHRISTIAN FORMATION NEWS

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FALL 2005 ADULT OPPORTUNITIES for learning and fellowship Most groups meet at the church and are open to everyone. Newcomers and first-time participants are welcome!

sunday morning bible study

...every week, 9:30 –10:15 a.m.. in the Parish Hall. Pick up your service bulletin (with its lectionary in-sert) and join a conversation on the reading for the day from Matthew’s gospel. Find out what the preacher couldn’t include in the sermon and what God might have to say to you today through the gos-pel! Led by the Rector.

monday evening reading group

…will meet September 26 at 7:00 p.m.. in the Welcome Area to discuss Nancy Farmer’s House of the Scorpion. This book is a change from our typical selection in that it is a teen science fiction book, a con-tender for the prestigious Newberry award, with plenty of provocative themes and well-developed char-acters to engage adult readers, too. The central figure is Matt, a clone of El Patron, a powerful drug lord of the land of Opium, which is located between the United States and Mexico. The book invites discus-sion of such moral and theological topics as cloning and what it means to be human. Young people who have read the book are invited to come and share their perspectives in the discussion, and new folks are always welcome to the conversation. The book is available through local booksellers and libraries. The group is led by Laurie Benner of Reader’s Choice bookstore in Centerville, 434-5795 reader-schoice@sbcglobal

c.s. lewis reading group tuesday evening

…“In this house are many doors… But only one leads to another world.”

Theatrical trailer for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (A major motion picture event coming in December)

...Walk into another world with the C.S. Lewis Reading Group as we begin reading the beloved Chroni-cles of Narnia. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe begins at 7:30 on September 6 in the Youth Center. New members welcome! See Paul St. Germain for more information.

wednesday morning bible study .

...begins September 14, 9:30 – 11:00 in the Parish Hall. Less than 15 years after Jesus’ resurrection, his Jewish follower Paul recruited a group of Gentile believers in Corinth, Greece -- one of the largest and most diverse cities of the ancient Mediterranean world. Paul’s letters to this fledgling, often contentious community give a vivid picture of life in the early church and invite us to consider what it means to be the church today. Imagine reading a letter written in 50 AD! Join the Rector for reading and discussion of I & II Corinthians. The morning begins with coffee and conversation. Some participants choose to stay for a brief eucharist in the chapel following the service and often go out afterwards for a sandwich lunch.

wonder-full wednesday for adults

...kicks off October 5 with the Rev. Stephen Smith introducing his recently published book Saving Sal-vation. You can come for the single presentation and book-signing, and/or you can come back on subse-quent Wednesdays for a reading and discussion group. Steve’s book ties in with the series of Social Issues Forums being offered 2005-2006 and the topic “Does the Bible Really Say That?” Steve looks at what scripture and Anglican tradition have to say about heaven, hell, and God’s grace. You can reserve copies of the book for yourself or for gifts by contacting parishioner Laurie Benner at Reader’s Choice by September 24, readerschoice@sbcglobal.

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hymns and hims… st. george’s men’s group saturday a.m.

daughters of the king saturday and/or sunday

…A fresh start for the new program year! Beginning in September, the Daughters of the King will meet twice monthly. On the second Sunday of each month, we will attend the 8:00 service and then meet for breakfast and prayer. On the fourth Saturday of each month, we will meet at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel for study and a short business meeting. The Daughters of the King is a group of laywomen who support each other in spiritual growth. We welcome guests and new members. For additional information, please call Jean Tarr, 434-2491.

370 I Bind Unto Myself Today 517 How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place 578 Eternal Father, Strong to Save 682 I Love Thee, Lord 671 Amazing Grace 691 My Faith Looks Up To Thee 699 Jesus, Lover of my Soul

43 All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night 141 Wilt Thou Forgive 168 O Sacred Head Sore Wounded 170 To Mock Your Reign 204 Now the Green Blade Riseth 333 Now the Silence 335 I am the Bread of Life 322 When Jesus Died to Save Us

...What’s your own personal favorite hymn? Why? At the last men’s group meeting, we all picked out the one we liked best. Then we voted to select the single one we all liked best. The results? A list of fifteen – after all, we are Episcopalians.

The men meet the second Saturday of every month at 8:00 am to enjoy fellowship, continental breakfast and a variety of programs. If you are a real man – or just another one of us an adult males – you’re invited! Tom Hull, thull@woh.rr.com.

In The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis warns against labeling people or concepts in this world where our perspective is limited by time. How then can we identify what might be the “eternal truths” in our midst and embrace them as part of the King-dom of God?

Many of Lewis works try to uplift what he saw as eternal truths by setting them in another world or in another dimension—and then seeing what they might look like there. Among these books, none is more beloved then his Chronicles of Narnia, where he writes (“supposes”) how God might appear in another world altogether.

The great lion Aslan, son of the emperor over the seas, is described as wonderfully good and powerful, yet not a tame lion. He can be dangerous and unpredictable (in good ways) as well. Aslan uplifts values such as courage, friendship, loyalty, honor, dedication, sacrifice and love.

The Producer of the coming Disney movie by the same title is Perry Moore, who during a recent interview said that people who notice these values in a Christian context in the book will find them in the movie, and those who don’t find them in the book won’t in the film as well.

The Lewis Reading group here last Tuesday commented on how few people read “deeply” and make “profound connections” in literature or film. Part of the genius of Lewis is that he constantly invited his read-ers to do so. In the Chronicles of Narnia he also offers a wonderfully exciting story about good and evil and eternal life at the same time.

TID BIT: Lewis never liked people “decoding” Narnia, trying to draw parallels, and calling it “allegory” instead of “supposition”. Instead, he preferred that people enjoy the stories in themselves, and if they later discov-ered similarities between what they found in Narnia and this world (such as Jesus Christ and a life of faith) —so much the better. A Lewis Quote: 4

“But do you really mean, Sir” said Peter, “that there could be other worlds—all over the place, just around the corner—like that?”

“Nothing is more probable,” said the Professor, taking off his spectacles and beginning to polish them, while he muttered to himself, “I wonder what they do teach them at these schools.” The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe 1950 paragraph 2 page 40

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...Are you interested in allocating money, having lively discussions, bringing smiles to other people, and having a good warm feeling in your heart? If so, then Social Is-sues Committee is the right place to be. Led by Deacon Connie McCarroll, the Committee meets the first Tuesday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m.. to plan outreach projects and allocate funds to vari-ous church and community organi-zations. Their next meeting is Tuesday, September 6, and they are looking for new people to join the discussion and planning ses-sions! The Committee sponsors two major fund-raising events for outreach --the October Rummage Sale and January Spaghetti Supper – and also regu-larly provides opportunity for parish-ioners to learn about community needs and to help either by hands-on projects or financial contributions. Another eight-week

english as a second language

class will begin Wednesday, October 5th,

6:30 – 8:15 p.m. St. George’s has people trained in using the learning materials. Volun-teers are needed to help tutor the stu-dents. Everyone shares in the teach-ing. No one goes it alone! If you like to help with this important ministry to the wider Dayton community, please contact Deacon Connie.

october 1 rummage sale: the ultimate recycling event! For a week, the Rummage Sale takes over the Undercroft and much of our lower level as volunteers meet to set up, sort and price items for display, and staff the sale. While the sale raises thousands of dollars to benefit the needy in our com-munity, it also provides a wonderful opportunity for community as people get to know each other by working together for a good cause.

Can you help by donating your unwanted items to become else’s “great find” and by being one of the many volunteers who make the sale happen?

Here’s the schedule for set up and receiving items. You can sign up on the vol-unteer list in the Welcome Area or contact call Jane Gallienne 299-6012, Mich-ele Johnson 848-9186, Jean or Pat Davis 439-0442. Thank you for making this annual event a big success!

set-up and contribution schedule

Saturday, September 24thSaturday, September 24th * * please please help Set up tables and rackshelp Set up tables and racks

Sunday, September 25Sunday, September 25thth * * please please help Set up remaining tableshelp Set up remaining tables

* * please please Drop off contributions to Drop off contributions to UndercroftUndercroft

From Noon From Noon –– 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.

Monday, September 26Monday, September 26thth thruthru

* * please please Drop off contributions to Drop off contributions to UndercroftUndercroft

Thursday, September 29thThursday, September 29th * Sorting in * Sorting in Undercroft Undercroft 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. –– 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 27Tuesday, September 27thth * Sorting 7:00 * Sorting 7:00 –– 8:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 29thThursday, September 29th * Contributions Accepted* Contributions Accepted

Friday, September 30Friday, September 30stst * Sorting 9:00 a.m. * Sorting 9:00 a.m. –– 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.

* Contributions accepted until * Contributions accepted until noon onlynoon only

* * PresalePresale

~ Buying for workers only 6:30 p.m. ~ Buying for workers only 6:30 p.m. –– 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 1Saturday, October 1 **********RUMMAGE SALERUMMAGE SALE ***** *****

9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. –– 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

* * pleaseplease help CLEAN help CLEAN--UP 1:00 p.m. UP 1:00 p.m. –– 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.

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Thanks to everyone who registered their interests in the May survey of Social Issues topics. Start-ing this fall, Social Issues will sponsor several adult forums in 2005-2006 on topics suggested by the survey.

The top vote-getter was “Does the Bible Really Say That?” One response might be “About what?” After lively discussion, the Committee decided to focus on the topic of biblical author-ity, including such questions as “How did we get the Bible? How do we understand the nature of biblical authority in our lives and faith? How do we interpret scripture?” A speaker and date for the program will soon be announced.

In connection with the original broad topic, the Rev. Stephen Smith will speak on his newly published book, Saving Salvation, Wednesday, October 5, at 6:30 in the Parish Hall. This presentation and book-signing is also the kick-off for the adult portion of the intergenerational Wonder-full Wednesdays program. You are welcome to come for supper at 6:00 (donation requested) or just for the program. You can re-serve a copy of the book by contacting Laurie Benner at readerschoice@sbcglobal. Steve is Rector of St. Patrick’s, Dublin, OH.

The Rev. Jason Leo of Calvary Church, Cincin-nati, will lead a Social Issues Forum Wednes-day, November 2, about helping children and teens develop faith and spirituality in a challeng-ing secular society. A former youth minister and director of the Procter camping program, Jason has extensive experience in working with young people of all ages and knows the kind of faith issues and questions they have. Save the date! Future programs being explored are “End-of-Life Issues” and “The Role of Religion in Contempo-rary Politics.”

It's coming up! the crop hunger walk ... will be Saturday, October 8, leaving from Island Park at 9 am. Join the CROP Walk and take steps to make a difference in alleviating hunger here at home and in more than 80 countries around the world. Look for the Sign-up Table at weekend services in Septem-ber, or phone Mary Rollins, 293-7940. Last year the Dayton community raised $22,000, and this year's goal is $30,000! Let's do our part from St. George's to walk and to sponsor walkers! day of change: ...October 30 is the day when we all set our clocks back an hour. That weekend, the Social Issues Com-mittee invites you to empty your pockets of loose change as a way of helping the hungry in our commu-nity. The money received will go to the food bank at St. Margaret’s. Of course, if your pockets don’t jin-gle, you can write a check! the other place ...the homeless community of Dayton is grow-ing. Please donate food, if you can, for the fourth Saturday morning of each month, when St. George’s serves breakfast at The Other Place. Call Marty De-Marey (671-2512), or Mary Rollins (293-7940) to make arrangements if you are able to donate food. Thank you very much. salvation army (booth house) …Next opportunity to assist will be Wednesday Sep-tember 14. Dinner will be prepared in the under-croft kitchen 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Servers carpool to the shelter at 4:30 p.m. The dinner crew needs Cookies and 9X13 cakes to serve for dessert. Please bring your donation to the undercroft by 3:30 p.m. Con-tact Mary Maclean, 427-2315 if you would like to join the crew of cooks or servers.

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vestry and financial update At their August 15 meeting, the Vestry • Received the Youth Calendar for 2005 – 2006 and discussed plans for youth ministry. • Heard that 41 Manor Lane has been rented on a three-year lease to Bradley and Jennifer Mason and their four children. • In response to an Implementation Committee request, approved up to $4000 from the Manor Lane fund for removal of dead and unsafe trees and for trimming branches and the brush along Manor Lane. • Heard the Rector’s report on the parish calendar and plans for series of adult education forums sponsored by the Social Is-sues Committee. • Heard the Associate Rector’s Report on Province V Youth Event hosted by St. George’s and the near-completion of the

archives project by Mary Ann Hoffman and Marjo van Patten. financial update for july

Current month Year to date 2005 Budget Income Pledges $37,128.00 $261,524.00 $ 466,673.00 Total Income 42,980.00 348,896.00 595,143.00

Expenses 50,176.00 369,249.00 595,015.00 Excess Income/(Expense) (-$7,196.00) (-$20,353.00) $ 128.00 Summer is usually a “trough” season for the church budget when expenses for the year exceed income. The situation changes as we move into fall and people complete their pledges. The year-to-date excess of expenses also includes some bills which were carried over from 2004 during the change in business managers and some unbudgeted costs for new copier equipment and lay pension benefits. On the plus side, St. George’s has received some additional gifts to the general fund. You can help the budget situation by keeping pledges up to date and remembering St. George’s for special gifts. Thank you for your support.

ANNOUNCEMENTS and updates

family potluck with steve

“Fellowship is the best part of Christian Formation!” ………………………………………..quote from an anonymous parishioner

On September 8th at 6 p.m., yes, that is a Thursday evening; we will be having a pot luck at st. george’s for all families, new and old, with children.

The menu is up to us. If you have time to prepare a fantastic casserole, a tossed green salad including pine nuts, avocado, mandarin oranges in a balsamic dressing, or Crème Brule please do so. If you do not, I know my kids love to eat PB&J or a pizza any time of day! And if everybody brings mac ‘n cheese we will kick the Adkins diet for the evening. The idea is for all to gather and get aquatinted. Beverages will be provided.

Calling on adoptive parents and grandparents, if you don’t have children and would like to partici-pate by helping out with activates such as, reading stories, coloring, games, and all the general hoopla that goes with kids please let Deacon Steve or Patti

know. After all St. George’s is its own family and all gifts are appreciated! …Steve Bilsbury

Announcements-Updates continued on page 9

lector training ...If you are interested in becoming a lector (scripture reader), or chalice bearer, come to a training class being held following the 10:30 service on September 24 Contact Deacon Connie for more information, 252-0930. altar guild… is look-ing for some new members who are interested in doing the quiet ministry for the clergy. As you contemplate your volunteer schedule for the fall, consider joining our group of men and women. Please contact Sara Rich for further details… 293-6669, or sararich1@mac.com.

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Saturdays, September 24—November 12 4:00-6:15 pm Wednesdays, January 11—March 1 6:00-8:15 pm

Each session includes a meal, presentation, discussion and worship.

Child care provided

For more information speak to Paul St. Germain or Diane Gentner

Via Media is an educational tool meant to keep members of the Episcopal Church informed about their faith and give seekers the opportunity to learn more about the Episcopal Church. With insightful videos featuring well-known theologians and open discussion, the Via Media approach is a new and unique way to get people passionate and excited about the Episco-pal tradition.

Were you the person who asked too many questions in Sunday school?

Announcements-Updates continued from page 8

Announcements-Updates continued on page10

AN ENJOYABLE EVENING

AT VIA MEDIA!

Cyndi White, Suzanne Levesconte, Karla Strong

Don Smith, Charles Roth

Louise Evans, Frank Gentner

(Someone doesn’t like Paul’s cooking)

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buy george ... A collection of items celebrating St. George’s – good for year-long gift-giving

St. George’s Cookbook Like Stars Appearing—Ann Rowland’s wonderful

book about our stained glass windows (and the story of Christianity through the pictures of its saints) with award-winning design by Jayne MacDougall.

50th Anniversary bookmarks—for that book you’re reading right now

St. George window note cards—for any occasion St. George T-shirts, sweatshirts, golf shirts—for chil-

dren and adults St. George flags—for waving!

Come by our table in the Welcome Area following the 5:00 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. services P.S. BUY GEORGE needs additional helpers to staff

the sales table. If you can help, please call Doris Boulton (885-9640), Patricia Zeller (885-4146) or the Rector (434-1781)

a russian easter: st. petersburg & sablino …For over 1000 years Easter has been principal holy day of the Russian Orthodox Church. This spring the Miami Valley Episcopal Russian Network (MVERN) invites you to share this glorious celebration. From April 19-28, 2006, we will visit major cultural, historic and sacred sites in St. Petersburg, share the stirring ritual of the Easter Vigil at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in the village of Sablino, and experience a magnificent Easter service at St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

Witness the work of MVERN's ministry at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, the companion parish of nine Miami Valley Episcopal churches. Spend an afternoon teaching and playing with the children who attend after school classes at the Sablino Youth Center, a major new project supported by MVERN.

An optional six day extension (April 28-May 3), will in-clude visits to the historic and cultural sites in the ancient cities of Novgorod and Moscow

For further information and to receive a brochure please contact Linda Spears at 937/293-0818 or E-mail at spearsl@att.net.

Announcements-Updates continued from page 9

41 manor lane challenge response…To date, we have received a total of $86,900 in gifts and pledges to-ward the purchase of the property next door at 41 Manor Lane. Long-time parishioners Frank and Nancy Zorniger and Ruth Mead have offered a combined gift of $250,000 with the challenge for St. George’s to match that amount over a five-year period.

Currently, 41 Manor Lane is being rented to a family with four children while the Visions Implementation Committee prepares a co-ordinated plan for use of our expanded “campus.” The back yard provided a beautiful location for this summer’s Vacation Bi-ble School and parish picnic. In September, George Best will lead a group of Boy Scouts in clearing some of the honeysuckle along the lane as part of his Eagle Scout project; and the Vestry has au-thorized some tree maintenance on the property.

Please consider making a pledge or gift for this investment in St. George’s future if you have not already done so. For more infor-mation, check the Welcome Table or speak to Challenge Response Chair Steve Gustafson or Wardens Jim Montgomery and Carol Herrick

RULES FOR SINGING CHURCH MUSIC (1842)

Let the principal female performer keep about half a note ahead of the choir. It will show that she is up to the chalk, and means to get through as soon as any of them.

A man who sings in church should always, in so doing, make a noise as loud as common thunder, and not bury his talent in a napkin, the more of a good thing the better.

If he sings tenor, he should always sing through his nose as well as his mouth; he takes the wind in at both pas-sages, and why not send it out at both?

The nasal twang is so much the better, because it resembles the oboe stop of the organ. Besides, it is doing equal and exact justice to make the mouth and nose both officiate at the same time.

If he sings bass, let him sing it with a vengeance. Let him ‘sound down’ till the audience thinks he is capable of singing ‘bass thun-der’. It will give them an exalted opinion of the compass of his voice. If he cannot sing right, let him sing wrong. It will show that he means to perform all that he agreed to at all events, that he puts his shoulder to the work.

An observance of these simple rules will vastly improve our church music. But if you just want to sing great music, join St. George’s Choir.

The first rehearsal is Thursday, September 8

at 7:00 p.m.

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Dear Carol and our friends at St. George’s: Thank you so much for the pretty altar flowers and for thinking of us. Aaron and I also want to thank everyone for keeping him their prayers during his time in Iraq, and for his recovery. It is so nice know we have such a wonderful church family. ~ Sincerely, Katie MacKenzie and Aaron Bergman Dear Clergy and members, A much delayed thank you from the Friends of the House of the People for your generous dona-tion! (It) has helped us stay open and pay most of our bills. The funds we receive after each Newsletter mailing tends to cover about half of our annual budget needs.. Of course, if you’d like to make an additional contribution, we will gladly accept that, too! Remember that we remain an organization that uses 100% of the funds we receive to pay for the operation of the House of the People. We have no paid staff. All print-ing and mailing costs of the mailing are donated by (volunteer) Board members. The growing community of refugees from Rwanda in Dayton is a testament to the value of your contribu-tions. Sincerely, David Leach, President, The Friends of the House of the People. We take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for your generous financial donation and your continuous do-nations of non-perishable items. Sincere thanks to the gentle-men who donated their time and energy in delivering the food items to our pantry with Fr. Rollins. The Food Pantry contin-ues to operate at 3010 McCall Street the last Thursday & Fri-day of each month from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. We accept emergency request and referrals by phone Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. It is with your help that we have been able to increase our number of donations several months this year and donate Turkeys for Thanksgiving. Point of Information & Concerns – The trend is changing. There is a noticeable in-crease all over by Senior Citizens needing assistance due to the rising cost of medical care. Again – Thank you – Thank you – for your thoughtfulness. Yours in The Faith, Mary E. Jones, Pantry Coordinator & Committee, St. Margaret’s Church. Dear Parishioners – Words alone are poor expressions of my gratitude for the prayers and floral expressions of them. Heal-ing goes slowly but surely. God bless you all! June Dohse To Social Issues Ministry Chair, How can St. George’s Epis-copal Church help call attention to the plight of homeless, run-away and pushed out youth in our state and community? Join Daybreak and youth shelters across Ohio in promoting the “Shine a Green Light, Show You Care” campaign! Your members can join thousands of supporters in the Miami Valley by simply shining a green bulb from their porch lights or front windows throughout National Runaway Prevention Month in November. Your green lights will demonstrate your concern for the 1 million runaway youth on the streets of our nation, the 900 kids who call Daybreak’s crisis hotline every year, and the hundreds of youth suffering from abuse, neglect, personal or family problems who annually find safety at our shelter. Sin-cerely, Linda L. Kramer, Executive Director, Daybreak.

FROM THE MAILBOX

can you help…with… + st. george’s ministry of hospitality? Hospitality hour, following the 10:30 service, is an important wel-coming time for those new to or visiting St. George’s, as well as a special time for camaraderie between parishioners. The church provides the fixings for coffee and tea. Volunteers make the coffee and provide simple refreshment snacks & a beverage for children. Please consider becoming one of these special volunteers. The Sign-up Sheet is in the Parish Hall. Questions? Call Carol Her-rick 433-0143.

+ the usher ministry? serving approximately once a month. Men, women and couples are welcome! To volun-teer as a 10:30 usher please call Jan Chromick at 439-1869; or the church office. stephen ministry: Stephen Ministers are trained to serve as caring lay persons to extend the pastoral care efforts of the clergy. A Stephen Minis-ter visits regularly with a person who might be experiencing a difficult period or transition in their life, and who would like to have someone lis-ten objectively, empathetically and confidentially. To request a Stephen Minister, speak with either of the clergy. For more information about the program, contact either of the Stephen Leaders: Jean Case (434-4260) or Fay Layden (433-3867). st. george’s stephen ministry: 2005 Supervision Meetings – Parish Hall Third Saturday of each month (10:30 a.m. – noon) Sunday, September 18 (5 p.m. after continuing ed, church TBA) October. 15 at St. George’s, regular time Sunday, Nov. 13 ( 5 p.m. after continuing ed, church TBA) December 17 at St. George’s, regular time lay eucharistic visitors: We have several lay people who are trained and licensed by the diocese to take communion to the homebound, those in hospitals, or residents of nursing homes who cannot get to the services. If you would like to have communion brought to you, please call the church office. This can be done on a temporary or long-term basis. prayer chain requests call Yvonne Jennings, 435-0055 /kjennings1@woh.rr.com or Carolyn Thomas, 298-0064 / ckttenn@aol.com altar flowers: NOVEMER 2005 DATES ARE STILL AVAILABLE!…If you would like to give altar flowers ($50 each bouquet) as a memorial or thanksgiving gift, please sign one of the two charts on the bulletin board opposite the office, giving full information for that service bulletin no later than the Sunday preceding your desired date. Thank you. If you sign up to give altar flowers, please be sure to send your check to St. George’s business office with “Altar Flowers” and the date on the memo line. flower ministry: After the 10:30 service, altar flowers are sent to parish-ioners and friends who are experiencing illness, bereavement, or other pastoral situations homebound? You can listen to the 10:30 Worship Service: Call the church office to be put on the list to receive audio CD’s for the home-bound.

SPECIAL MINISTRIES at st. george’s

The Orbit Page 12

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Three new pages are up and running! First, an introduction to the Memorial Garden answers such questions as “is cremation Christian?” and “Who may be placed in the garden?” This page includes some beautiful pictures of the garden in springtime. The Via Media page reminds us that Via Media will begin again at St. George’s this September! Many people have been asking when the next opportunity to participate will be—and it’s Saturday, September 24th at 4:00 in the Parish Hall. Finally, a new page devoted to… C.S. Lewis (gasp of astonishment) in-cludes a brief biography and links to information about the new movie due out this December—Disney’s 100 million dollar adaptation of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Check it out! And, of course, all the latest news from the Monthly and weekly Orbits is available online—including Youth Kick-Off news (The Smash concert with Orange Willard) and Start-Up Sunday—September 11, 2005. Surf on over—the waves are great!

What’s New at… WWW.STGEORGEOHIO.ORG Designed & maintained by the Web Team: Sara Rich, Paul St. Germain and Susan Wehmeyer, webmaster