Hi Church School Families,

Although summer is still with us, the days are growing shorter and the passage of time intrudes on our desire for the laid back days of summer to stay.  If you have had some time off and perhaps a chance to get away, I hope that it was restful and you have returned refreshed.  If you have vacation time to come, I hope that it is all that you have been looking forward to.  I am getting away in August and am daydreaming of some quiet time in the canoe and some ‘doing nothing’ time.

Our summer services are 8:00 (Contemplative) and 9:30 (Traditional).  The 11:15(Contemporary) service will return the first Sunday in September along with Church School.

If you think you would like to be a Church School leader, let me know.  There is a sign up sheet that includes the reading for that Sunday. There is a fabulous website  that I will forward to you that is tied into our readings and has several craft suggestions.  I supply colouring pages/mazes/word searches tied into the day’s reading. There is a cupboard full of craft supplies. Any supplies that you purchase will be reimbursed to you (keep the receipt). You sign up for any Sunday that works for you (unless someone else has ‘beat you to it’). There is a roster of several volunteer leaders so the work is spread out. E-mail me at nrowe@stgeorgesgeorgetown.com or call the church office (905-877-8044) if you would like to give this a try.

Messy Church also returns in September so mark September 11 on your calendar.

We will be providing a program again this year for children 4-9 on the PA days at school.  The program is from 9:00 to 3:00 and includes lunch.  There are registration forms at the Church office.  The cost is $20.00 per child.  The first PA day is October 11.

Enjoy these great days of summer.  Celebrate the blessings in your life, give thanks for your joys and know that God goes with you in all your comings and goings.

Peace,

The Rev’d Nancy Rowe

P.S. I would like to share with you a version of the Lord’s Prayer.  It comes from the New Zealand Prayer Book. It is a wonderful example of the old and familiar being heard fresh and anew.  The Holy Spirit is always beckoning us toward God through all things.

The Lord’s Prayer

Eternal Spirit,

Earth-maker, Pain bearer, Life-giver,

Source of all that is and that shall be,

Father and Mother of us all,

Loving God, in whom is heaven:

The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!

The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!

Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!

Your commonwealth of peace and freedom

sustain our hope and come on earth!

With the bread we need for today,  feed us.

In the hurts we absorb from one another,  forgive us.

In times of temptation and test,  strengthen us.

From trial too great to endure,  spare us.

From the grip of all that is evil,  free us.

For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,

now and forever.

Amen.