by george! · god gives us care of our physical bodies, our relationships with the people around...
TRANSCRIPT
By George!Growing with You in God’s Love and Service
NOVEMBER 2015
Rule of Life for St George’s
Based on our spiritual values and practices, this isour commitment to each other.
We:
! Nurture ourselves with the Bible and
spiritual books
! Care deeply about each other, including in
prayer.
! Fellowship together and have fun.
! Are grateful, glad and giving stewards of
God’s creation.
! Reach out to the world, living and
spreading the Word.
St.George’s Episcopal Church
5600 Winding Way
Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 487-5600
By George!NOVEMBER 2015
A monthly publication of
St. George’s Episcopal Church
5600 Winding Way
Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 487-5600
http://www.saintgeorgeca.com
The Very Rev. Ray Hess, III
Priest in Charge
916-753-9939
Ryan Saunders
916-696-0280
Rev. Bob Gould, Assoc.
916-488-5757
Rev. Robert Olsen, Deacon
916-729-1019
Tess Testeza,
Organist/Choir Director
Sandy Olsen, Editor
Dolores O’Brien, Deacon Bob and
Carol Adkins, Circulation
In this issue
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES . . . . . . . . . .4
BISHOP’S VISIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
BOOK CORNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
BOUNTY BAG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 12
DEACON BOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 7
FROM OUR PIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
HAPPENINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
HOSPITALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PLEDGE CARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
PLEDG E DRIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ROSTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SENIOR WARDEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
THANKSGIVING SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
WOMEN’S GUILD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Thoughts from Our PIC (Priest in Charge)
STEWARDSHIP CATECHISMI find that many people have questions about stewardship, and I thought it might be helpful to present
some questions and answers in catechism style. Please remember that these are my questions and
answers; let me know if you have other questions or want to explore my answers further.
--Father Ray
What does the word “stewardship” mean?
Stewardship uses the concept of a steward, someone who manages property on behalf of the real owner.
A steward is entrusted with the management of the property, but is accountable to the owner for the final
result.
What is the spiritual meaning of stewardship?
We use the concept of stewardship in the Church to refer to God as the real owner of all creation. God
gives us responsibility as stewards of God’s creation to manage and care for our lives and the world, and
we are accountable to God for how we care for creation.
What are the different aspects of stewardship? God gives us care of our physical bodies, our
relationships with the people around us, our money and possessions, our abilities and talents, our time,
and our environment (the land, water, air, animals, plants, etc.). All of these are wonderful gifts of God to
us.
What is our responsibility to God in our stewardship? We are given all these gifts by God to enjoy them
and to care for them. We are accountable to God for how we use these gifts.
What is financial stewardship?
Financial stewardship refers to God’s gift to us of our income and financial resources. As with God’s
other gifts to us, we are asked by God to enjoy our financial gifts and to use them to serve God and other
people.
How does financial stewardship relate to the parish? Part of our financial stewardship is to give money
through our pledges for the ministries of our parish.
Why do we make financial pledges to the parish? Making a pledge helps our parish leadership on the
vestry be able to make plans for the coming year and to create a budget to support our ministries. It also
helps each of us make a specific commitment.
How much should we give for our pledge? This is a spiritual issue between each of us and God. The
basic principle is to give a proportion of our income for God’s work through the parish. This is a
percentage of our income, which could be anything from 1% to 10% or more. The tithe (10% of our
income) is talked about in some places in the Bible. It is important for each of us to work out with our
other family members how much we want to pledge.
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What do our pledges pay for?
At St. George’s, almost all of our parish income is from pledges by our members. In our 2015 budget of
$88,000, about $74,000 is from pledges. The rest of the income is from non-pledged offerings ($1,400),
building use ($4,000), and the balance left over from our 2014 budget ($5,600). Our pledges pay for the
ministries of our parish – outreach, salaries for staff, worship, facilities maintenance and repair, office
administration, and utilities. As our treasurer like to say, things are OK
when the priest is paid and the lights are on!
How much of our budget is for staff expenses? Our parish has very lean staff expenditures. Out of our
total budget this year of $88,000, we will spend about $39,000 on all staff expenses. This includes the
salary and expense reimbursements for the Priest in Charge, supply clergy, and our Music Director. Our
staff expenses are lower because we do not have any full-time staff.
What is our parish outreach?
In 2015, we are giving about $13,000 for outreach. This includes our giving to the diocese, which
supports the Office of the Bishop and all the ministries of our diocese. We also give money to our area
seminary in Berkeley and to the School for Deacons. We give money through the year to the discretionary
funds of the Priest in Charge and the Deacon, which are all used to help people in need in our area. We
donate money to ministries like our community garden and the Heifer Project. Our parish also supports
the wonderful work of the Sherrill Fund, which gives college scholarships each year to high school
seniors. We have many outside groups which use our facility. The amount they pay (about $4,000) just
covers the utilities and expenses for their use of the building.
How do we make our pledges at St. George’s? We have a “Pledge Sunday” in the fall when parish
leaders talk about our ministries and when pledge cards for the coming year are given to members.
Church members are asked to consider their pledges and then fill out their pledge cards and return them to
the church at a worship service or by mail. Pledge cards can be mailed to those who are not able to attend
the Pledge Sunday.
How is our budget created?
Our vestry makes the budget for the coming year, based on the ministries we want to do and the income
from pledges. Normally, the budget for the next year is finalized and approved by the vestry at its
December meeting. The vestry has the authority to adjust and change the budget through the year.
` Father Ray
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SENIOR WARDENThe Fall and Winter seasons are bringing a lot of activity to St. George’s. Between
the various holidays, our pledge drive, the Bishop’s visit, and our Annual Meeting, we
will have a lot going on!
One of the most important activities of the year is our annual pledge drive. The
input that the Vestry receives from all members of the congregation allows us to build a
budget for the coming year. 2015 has been a very robust year for investments in our
facility, and we are in hopes of accomplishing more in 2016. But that will all be
dependent upon the generosity of our congregation, and a fairly accurate accounting of
how much revenue we can anticipate for the year. Another consideration is the various
ministries that St. George’s supports. Without the revenue that is generated from pledges
each year, St. George’s would cease to exist. We do so much good in our community
through our various ministries that it would be a significant loss to be forced to scale those
back. I would encourage all members of our congregation to give what you can, and to
please fill out the pledge card with your best estimate so that a proper budget can be
generated by the Vestry for 2016.
Another important activity that will be coming up in February will be the election
of three new Vestry members. Vestry members are elected to a 3 year term. The current
term for Conrad Cookman, Becky Freie, and Bill Kaler will expire at the beginning of
next year. Our Vestry plays a critical role in setting policy for our church, making
financial decisions, and supporting the various ministries. Vestry meets once a month, on
the 2nd Wednesday, at 7pm. I would suggest that if you have someone in mind that you
think would be a good candidate for election to Vestry in 2016, please reach out to either
Conrad, Becky, or Bill to provide your input.
As soccer season winds down in November, I am looking forward to getting my
Sundays back and seeing you all at St. George’s.
Ryan Saunders, Sr. Warden
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WOMAN’S GUILDOur yard/rummage sale was held
following the Animal Blessing Service
October 11. Attendees found many
treasures to take home and provided
$130.00 to add to our bank account.
Holding future sales will be discussed
after the year-end holidays.
A luncheon is being planned for
December 12. More details will be
available next month. It will be open to
all women and men of the congregation.
Donation of gifts for young people will
be asked for. They will be taken to River
City Food Bank for distribution.
We continue to encourage
everyone to take a turn providing Sunday
coffee hour nibbles. Homemade or store
bought does not matter. There is a sign-
up sheet on the board next to the kitchen
window. Also, help washing coffee pots
and putting things away is always
appreciated.
The next Women’s Guild meeting
will be Wednesday, November 18 at
11:00 am. The business part of our
meetings is usually brief and then we
have time to enjoy some refreshments
while visiting with one another. Please
mark your calendars and plan on
attending. Carol Adkins, President
Women’s Guild St. George’s Church
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
5—Barbara Cooper
5—Father Ray Hess
6—Rebecca Freie
8—Tia Mangels
20—Barbara Girard
28—Patty Borgman
(If your name was not included, please let Sandy know so she
can add your name.)
November 26th
10 a.m.
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The kickoff of our
annual pledge drive will
be on November 22nd.
There will be only one
service at 10.00am. A
potluck will follow the
service with “Free”
Entertainment provide
by our talented church members!
We will also have a silent auction for the
concept pieces of stained glass for our
new Windows.
Please join us for the fun!
Hospitality Sunday
will be the 1st
Sunday of each
month, special
offering envelopes
are included in the
bulletin. These are
used by the Women's Guild to provide
weekly coffee hours, special receptions
and other events for parish members.
Please make checks payable to St.
George's Church with a memo note in the
left corner for HOSPITALITY.
The women’s
Guild is happy to
provide the book
corner for your
enjoyment. We
appreciate the
books you all donate. However, I would
like to remind you to bring fiction, non-
fiction, historical or humorous books.
Please NO self-help or study books.
Thanks for your attention to this matter.
CDs...$1
BOOKS...$1
PAPERBACKS...50¢
Happy reading!
Janet Jenkins
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Lessons can be found on our websiteHTTP://www.stgeorgeca.org
NOVEMBER 1st
ALL SAINTS DAY
Wisdom of Solomon 3: 1-9 Psalm 24
Revelation 21:1-6a John 11 :32-44CELEBRANT: ` Anne McKeever
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Aaron Adkins
LECTORS: Karen Lolmaugh & Joan Tennis
ALTAR GUILD: Angela Saunders & Joy Allmuth
USHER: Carol Adkins & friend
NOVEMBER 8th
24th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Ruth 3: 1-5; 4:-13-17 Psalm 127
Hebrews 9: 24-28 Mark 12:38-44
CELEBRANT: ` Susan Plucker
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Dave Allmuth
LECTORS: JoAnn Cookman& Becky Freie
ALTAR GUILD: JoAnn Cookman & Barbara Cooper
USHER: Conrad Cookman & friend
NOVEMBER 15th
25th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
1 Samuel 1:4-20 Canticle: Song of Hannah
Hebrews 10: 11-41[15-18]19-25 Mark 13:1-8
CELEBRANT: ` Susan Plucker
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Aaron Adkins
LECTORS: Anne Mangles& Annelise Connell
ALTAR GUILD: Joy Allmuth & Cruz Siaz
USHER: Michael Williams & friend
NOVEMBER 22nd
ONLY ONE SERVICE@10
LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST2 Samuel 23: 1-7 Psalm 132:1-13, [14-19]
Revelation 1: 4b-8 John 18:33-37
CELEBRANT: ` Fr. Ray Hess
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Diana Perparos
LECTORS: Karen Lolmaugh & Aaron Adkins
ALTAR GUILD: Angela Saunders & Vicki Karsten
USHER: Cathy Crosby & friend
NOVEMBER 29th
1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Jeremiah 33: 14-16 Psalm 25: 1-9
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21: 25-36
CELEBRANT: ` Fr. Ray Hess
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Karen Lolmaugh
LECTORS: Michael Williams & Anne Mangels
ALTAR GUILD: Joy Allmuth & Barbara Cooper
USHER: Marilyn Grimshaw & friend
DECEMBER 6th
2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Baruch 5:1-9 Canticle 4
Philippians 1: 3-11 Luke 3: 1-6
CELEBRANT: ` Anne McKeever
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Ryan Saunders
LECTORS: Annelise Connell & Carol Adkins
ALTAR GUILD: Vicki Karsten & Cruz Siaz
USHER: Cathy Crosby & friend
November/December
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Who do you say that I am.
It was a while back, but we heard the passage in Mark where Jesus asks the disciples “who do
people say I am?” and then the follow-up – “who do you say I am?” When I am working on the 9 a.m.
service power points, I have time to think about the gospel for the coming Sunday, this one reminded me
of a scene from a movie with Billy Bob Thornton (I think) where the family is sitting around the table and
Billy Bob’s character is going to say the grace before the meal. He starts out “Dear Little Baby Jesus” and
his wife interrupts him and says you can’t pray to the Little Baby Jesus, you pray to Jesus. He replies,
when you say the grace, you pray to the Jesus you want and I’ll pray to the Jesus I want.
That exchange made me ask myself the question – who do I say Jesus is? The list could include:
Savior; Lord; God; Shepherd; Friend; or the baby in the manger? And as my mind routinely does I moved
onto what is the image of Jesus that I see when I think of Jesus. Now if you Google Jesus under images, it
is surprising the number of different images. Here are a few of the ones I found – one of my favorites is
the Buddy Jesus.
Seeing the images, I am reminded that the Jesus of my youth was a very Nordic looking fellow, blue eyes
and blond hair – not sure when it dawned on me that Jesus was a Middle Eastern Jew. As such “Buddy
Jesus” is probably a closer depiction than any of the images presented to me as a kid, or even in the
European Art I studied in college.
Some of you may have heard me say this before, but many years ago when attending a Heifer
Project potluck in the Sacramento area, the guest speaker was James Tinkamanyire, a Ugandan farmer
who told of what Heifer Project meant to his village and how through the gift of a cow, he was able to
increase his income, build a two room house for his family and care for many of the village orphans. His
dream was that with the added income the villagers could build a school for all the children. After the
speeches, I had the chance to talk to James. That was a transforming moment for me along my faith
journey, a journey that would lead to ordination. In our baptismal vows we talk of seeking and serving the
Christ in others. Talking with James that fall afternoon, I had a sense of what it means to see the Christ in
another.
So if you ask me who Jesus is, some days it might be Jesus as friend, or Good
Shepherd or even Buddy Jesus. If you ask me what Jesus looks like – he is a five foot five,
black Ugandan farmer in blue Jeans and Reeboks.
Amen._Deacon Bob
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2016 Estimate of Giving
St. George’s Episcopal Church5600 Winding Way, Carmichael, CA 95608
As a responsible Christian Steward in gratitude forGod’s many gifts, my estimate of giving for the
ongoing work of the Church is
$ per 9 week 9 Month, starting January 1, 2016 andcontinuing until further notice.
Signature
Date Phone #
Stained Glass Silent AuctionAs part of our activities on Pledge Sunday (Nov 22nd), we will be auctioning off the
four stained glass concept pieces that Mel made before doing the stained glass for the
church windows.
There will be a minimum bid of $100 each for the two smaller pieces and $150 for
the larger two. The four pieces will be displayed along with bid sheets for each piece
during coffee time, before our Pledge Sunday program.
C
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Bishop Barry Beisner will be visiting St. George’s at both services on Sunday January 31st . His visit
will provide an opportunity for youth or adults to be confirmed, received, or renew their baptismal
vows. Youth should be in 7th grade or older to be confirmed. If any youth or adults are interested, please
call the church office at 916-487-5600 or e-mail at [email protected]. You may also speak with Father
Ray or Deacon Bob at any Sunday service, or contact Father Ray at 916-753-9939 or at
The choir meetsWednesdays@ 7:00
Second Wednesday@ 6:45 pm
LastMonday
@ 11a.m.
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SUNDAY SERVICESFamily Service 9 a.m.Sunday School 9 a.m.Traditional Service 10:30 a.m.
BOUNTY BAGWe’re collecting dry goods, canned
goods, dried cereals, soaps, toothpastetooth brushes or any non-perishables,
We collect Bags ANYTIME!! NO TIME TO SHOP a check to St.
Georges with memo to River city Food Bank (everything is welcome).
Poinsettias for ChristmasPoinsettias for Christmas, $15 — includes all Christmas Decorations—Altar
arrangements—Christmas tree—Swags —Candles—Wreaths, etc.
All gifts are gratefully received by our Altar Guild.
The names of the honorees and donors will be listed in the bulletins on Christmas Eve and the Sunday
following. To be listed, donations must be received by the Last Sunday of Advent (December 23rd)
……………………………………I would like to help provide the flowers for Christmas and the Sunday following.
Christmas Flowers(Make Check to St. George’s)
In Memory of
In Thanksgiving for
Other
By:
Please make checks out to: St. George’s Memo: Altar Guild
Place in Alms basin at any service of worship .
UArticles are ways
welcome...BUT KEEP it short!
The best way to submit an
article is via my new e-mail
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