Hi All,

This is my September update for the parish family to keep you informed about some of the happenings and goings on at St. George’s and in the local Anglican Community. This note will also be included in a traditional parish mailing so that the folks who haven’t had a chance to read the emails or on line that I am trying to get out regularly.

Church School Co-ordinator Change
After two years of hard work, Carol O’leary has finished her time as our part-time Church School Co-ordinator. I am grateful to Carol for her work and especially in aiding the church school in making the move from the 9:30 service to the 11:15. I am pleased to announce that Stephanie McLean has agreed to take on this role. I hope you will join with me in supporting Stephanie and our church school in the coming months to help us provide a most fun and interesting place for our children to grow in their faith.

New Video Equipment
Since we have now received almost the full budgeted amount that we need to purchase the video stage of our audio/video equipment upgrade for the church, we have decided to move ahead with the purchase and installation. We hope to schedule the installation in the next four to six weeks. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project and Kevin Sharpe for championing and coordinating this project.

Grow in Your Faith
I am very pleased that St. George’s will be able to provide you with a number of opportunities for you to grow in you understanding of the Bible and to grow in your faith in Christ. There are two Bible Studies planned to begin in September, a trip to see the Dead Sea Scrolls displayed at the R.O.M. in October and STEAM run book study (based on Dianna Butler Bass’ book “Christianity for the Rest of Us”) planned to begin October.

STEAM
Also in October, along with the beginning of the STEAM book study, there is going to be a party! The party is to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund and everyone from all five of the local Anglican parishes are invited to take part. There will be games, cake, and entertainment. We won’t be buying a gift for the PWRDF, but we will have a gift box out if you would like to make donation to this Anglican helping organization’s continuing work. The Party is planned for 7pm on October 3rd, so please mark it on your calendar.

Stewardship
When I think about all the ways that St. George’s is able to provide for worship each week, the care that we offer to our community, and the spiritual growth we encourage in people, I am so grateful for the support that so many people give to make that possible. Thank you for providing us with both the volunteer and financial resources that makes it all happen.

I would like to encourage everyone who donates to consider becoming one of those who donates by Pre-authorized Giving. Currently Pre-authorized Giving makes up more than half the offerings we receive each month. It has become very important to help us “be the church” month to month. Signing up is easy. There are forms available in the foyer or at our office. Online, you can sign up for Pre-authorized Giving online at the Diocese of Niagara website or to make an increase to your scheduled Pre Authorized Giving amount you can use this linked form and return it to Kim Waltmann at the diocese.

Thanks for reading this and I hope to see you soon.

Peace,
Rob

The Rev’d Canon Robert W.A. Park


. . . Also Happening at St. George’s

St. George’s Christmas Bazaar will be held on Saturday, November 7th. If you would like to volunteer your services or if you have any articles to donate to the bazaar, please contact co-convenors Marilyn Pope or Linda Reaume.

St. George’s Catering group raises funds for our church by catering functions, both at St. George’s and at Jones Funeral Home. There are 3 ways to volunteer:

• providing ingredients for sandwiches, squares and cookies
• baking or assembling lunches in our “ health-inspected kitchen”
• serving at the funeral home

This is a very worthwhile endeavour and funds raised will go to special church projects If you are able to help out, please contact Janet Armstrong.