THE Dragon

SAINT GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH November 2017 The Episcopal Parish of Belleville, Illinois stgeorges.wordpress.com

Parish Wide All Saints’ Sunday Breakfast

On the Sunday after All Saints' Day, we will celebrate the Feast beloved by St. George's faithful. Following a careful listening process lasting since April, the Rec-tor, Wardens, and Vestry invite everyone to a parish-wide breakfast which the Vestry is hosting and bring-ing all food needed. This is for everyone, whatever your age, and whichever Sunday Eucharist you attend. This is for all of us.

Following time to eat and kibitz (the Yiddish word to chat informally), Fr. Dale and Senior Warden Steve Skaff will speak about our hope for the future for St. George's. In a positive way, they will discuss our church's need to look at all our financial resources, without any sacred cows, and what we foresee as how we may put those resources to use for the mission and ministries of St. George's. This is especially the Vestry's responsibility in the Episcopal Church.

What do we believe God is asking of us as we look ahead? What are we called to do as faithful stew-ards of God’s work, and as committed members of this Body of Christ?

In a central parable of our Lord, Jesus spoke about a landlord preparing to go on a journey. The landlord entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money, five talents, two talents, and one talent. In the cases of the first two stewards, they greet their Landlord with the news that they have used the talents and doubled what had been given them. They are praised highly. However, the third servant states that he bur-ied the one talent given him—without putting it to any use whatsoever. He is condemned by his master for doing nothing, and fired from his position. The meaning of the parable is that God will not honor us if we are not faithful and use the resources we have been given for God's work. This is a clear warning for all churches and their communities. When times are tough, what do we do with what God has given to us?

BREAKFAST, page 2

‘You are the Body of Christ’ Stewardship 2018

In First Corinthians Twelve, Paul boldly tells the fledgling church community ‘You are the body of Christ and individually you are members of it.’ (v 27) It is a powerful metaphor, and a deep well of truth from which to draw wisdom and guidance as we con-sider our life together as the church. But, on its face, it also seems like an impossible calling: how can we finite, fallen humans be the Messiah’s body in the world? How can WE show God’s healing love and reflect his glorious light to the world? How can we, from our little outpost in Southern Illinois, carry out the wise, just, and peaceable stewardship that marks God’s Kingdom rule?

Paul’s words give us tremendous comfort and encour-agement: We simply do what we are able to do, and we do it together in the power of the Holy Spirit. Each of us is given gifts to use for the good of Christ’s church, and the Spirit activates these gifts in us. (vv 4-11) Like a body with many parts, each of our gifts is essential to the mission of the church, and we

BODY OF CHRIST, page 4

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All Souls’ Day Eucharist Wednesday Nov 1.

9:30 am

Saint George’s will observe All Souls’ Day, known liturgically as the Feast of All Faithful Departed, with a special Eucharist in the chapel. This service is a quiet time of reflection and remembrance. During the Eucharist, the congregation will pray by name for those who have died, particularly within the last year. Names can be added to the list by contacting the church office at 618-233-6320 or stgeorgeoffice@sbcglobal.net

The Collect for All Souls’ Day

O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers: Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son; that on the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

—From The Book of Common Prayer

BREAKFAST, from cover

The Vestry met for several hours on Saturday, October 21, and spoke about the crucial ministries carried out at St. George's. We have a Godly Play formation for our chil-dren (a number of new folks have come to our church to utilize this program). We have a lively and dignified liturgy. That liturgy includes wonderful music and sermons. We have faithful pastoral care with ministries of healing and devotions. We have a large Food Pantry, which serves the needs of hungry folks in our community. We have shared our church with St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, for well over thirty years, something almost unheard of in the rest of our churches. And we oversee the huge minis-try of retreats at Toddhall, the largest one that any church of our denomination provides.

Toddhall affects many people who love this place of spir-ituality. It’s interesting to note that Toddhall is booked through most of the year. This month, the Episcopal Di-ocesan of Springfield will hold it annual Clergy Retreat. Presenters include Bishop Geralyn Wolf, formerly of Rhode Island, and Tom Blair, a retired financial services executive.

I could easily add a great many more ministries, such as the Chili Cook-off, Back-To-School Backpacks, and Send A Kid to Camp.

We believe God has called us to provide for this mission which is Our Lord's, using the resources God Himself has provided. "All things come of Thee, O Lord; and of Thine own have we given Thee."

The Breakfast begins at 9:00 am on November 5. There will be no Sunday School on that day. Activities for our youngsters will be offered during presentation.

Please plan to come. This will be a joyful event. Christ is counting on us!

Fall Back!

Don’t forget to set your clocks back on the evening of November 4th.

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We pray for:

Parishioners: Tom Boschert, Maryann Fernandez, Audrey Fouts, Jeff Gates, Don Gillen, Debra Harres, Jeff Harvey, Ron Hoercher, Mary Ann Karch, Steve King, Sharon Lavely, John Lynch, Brian Maves, Charles McConnell, Mary Mohrman, Rebecca Rea, Margaret Schilling, Jean Vaughn, Claudia Zimmermann;

Family & Friends: Sue Buckley, Mary Cafferata, Shirley Cafferata, Tony Clavier+priest, Chris Coats+priest, Jim Cox, Hope Doering, Mark & Virginia Ellis, Margaret Evans, Barbara Fisher, Don Fisher, Grace Fox, Ken Gearhart, Mavis Grimm, Cynthia Guyon, Jack Hafford, Aldara Henderson, Elleott Hoffmann, Peggy Idecker, David Irby, Maeve Kincaid, Richard King, Barry Langenbach, Kim Levick, Ismael Lopez, J.J. Ludwick, Lisa Ludwick, Donna Lynk, Charlene McCormick, Katie McCrary, Donald Mueller, J.W. Oglesby, Lynne Phillips, Bo Pritchard, Betty Radzik, Holly Rasmussen, Susan Sleaford, Andrew Smith, Harold Smith, Linda Smith, Barry Streeter, Kent Thomas, Stacey Toenjes, Stormy White, Kelly Whitney, Grace Ziegler, Jamie Ziegler;

For those in service of our country: Joshua Arbogast, Neal Ballas, Dan Durbin, Steven Gates, Daniel Gearhart, Kenneth Gearhart, Beth Graboritz, Gene Hart, Kalen Jones, Dan Kitchell, Eric Lunan, Tyler Murphy, Nathan Scott, Philip Surrey, Travis Welborn, Creighton Worley;

Those celebrating birthdays

1 David Mannix Jim Stelling

2 Debbie Pazderka 4 Lennon Howard Tom Miller Noa Grace Welborn 5 Steven Mathus 6 Nancy Buckley Bob Flach 8 Marti Evans 9 Mary Mohrman Sue Vaughn 12 Gracie White 14 Dan Duncan 15 Margaret (Toots) Schilling 16 Nathan Scott Nancy Ypma 19 Caroline Andres Craig Jesenick

Saint George’s Parish Family

Thank You

21 Charles McConnell 23 Vivian Gillispie Barrett Pazderka 30 Brendan Dow

Those celebrating anniversaries 10 Zachary & Susan Causey 25 David & Nancy Buckley Randy & Pam Gaseor

Those expecting children Ariana and Dave Irby, Sarah and Phil Surrey, Christina and Mario Brontoli

The Collect for Thanksgiving Day Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their sea-son and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

—From The Book of Common Prayer

Thanksgiving Blessings from the staff of Saint George’s.

Diane Earhart thanks everyone who prayed for her during her recent surgery.

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Take an Autumn Stroll to Tavern on Main

It’s Totally Tea at Josephine's! Left to right: Diane Earhart, Bette Givens, Elaine Thebus, and Diane Laedlein.

The WEDG (Women's Ecumenical Dining Group) will be gathering for LUNCH at Tavern on Main at 11:00 am (note start time), Wednesday, November 15th. Tavern on Main is located at 301 East Main, Belleville, phone 233-6246. There is on-street park-ing, or a small lot in back. Please call the church office, 233-6320, for reservations (head count). Ladies, come on down to this eatery, only a few blocks from church! This “Dutch Treat” meal is order off the menu, or partake of the salad/soup and pizza bars. So if you ladies are 18 or above.....Come for Good Fun, Good Food, and Good Con-versation.

—Diane Laedlein

BODY OF CHRIST, from cover

are utterly dependent on one another. (vv 14-26) Thus, we aren’t called to anything impossible, or to do it alone. Rather we are called to do exactly what we are equipped to do, but to do it together, having been baptized by the one Spirit into the one Body. (v 13)

So as we enter into our Stewardship Campaign for 2018, let us prayerfully reflect on what it means to be the Body of Christ. Financial resources are vital, of course, and we will ask that you consider completing a pledge card and perhaps increasing your giving for the coming year.

But, more importantly, we will ask that you consider making a personal pledge of commitment to the mission and work of St George's, to use your spiritual gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ.

A Pledge to be the Body of Christ

St. George’s is composed of people like me -- I help make it what it is. It will be friendly -- if I am. It's pews will be filled -- if I help fill them. It will do great work -- if I work. It will make generous gifts -- if I am a generous giver. It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship -- if I invite and bring them in. It will be a church of love and faith -- if I, who make it what it is, am filled with these same things. Therefore, with God’s help, I will dedicate myself to the task of being all the things that I want St. George’s to be. Amen

Please join us on November 5, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at the All Saints Breakfast hosted by your Vestry as we discuss the future of our church and launch our Stewardship Campaign for 2018: ‘You Are the Body of Christ.’

** Thanks to Vicki Hall who discovered this pledge statement while visiting St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Cam-bria, CA.

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Financial Report

11/5 All Saints’ Sunday Breakfast (No Sunday School)

See articles on the cover for more details.

11/12 The Story of Daniel Kelly Skaff Donna/Stevi

11/19 Baptism Kelly Skaff Laura Mannix

11/26 Thanksgiving Weekend (No Sunday School)

What’s Happening Around Saint G’s

SAINT GEORGE’S WELCOMES NEW SEXTON

Saint George’s welcomes new sexton Miguel “Mike” Cardoza. Mike is a member of Saint Mark Lutheran Church and the husband of Randi Cardoza, parish admin-istrator for Saint Mark. Mike has worked in custodial ser-vices for 13 years, and his duties commence on November 1. Welcome Mike!

PUMPKIN PALOOZA BAKE SALE The Saint George’s/Saint Mark Food Pantry is holding a bake sale on Sunday, November 12, 9 am - noon. Pro-ceeds will go to the Pantry. Participants are encouraged to bring a pumpkin based item; however, any baked goods may be contributed. Contact either church office for more details.

KUDOS FOR THE COOK-OFF! Once again, the annual Belleville Chili Cook-Off was a success. Saint George’s parish thanks everyone who vol-unteered, especially David Buckley, who organized the operation.

* Produced 255 gallons * 250 gallons sold * Gross Revenue $12,158 * Net Revenue $7,456

Upcoming

November Adult Forums November 12, 19, 26 Nancy Friesen, Guest Presenter

Thanksgiving Day Eucharist Thursday, November 23 10 a.m.

Sunday School Schedule

Welcome Aboard, Mike Cardoza!

Mike pictured with his dog, Lola.

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Saint George’s Episcopal Church 105 East D Street Belleville, IL 62220

Saint George’s Staff & Vestry Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield Sunday School Director Newsletter Team

The Rt. Rev. Daniel H. Martins, D.D Mae Scott Henry Evans, Editor

Rector Sexton Cindy Lynk, Assistant Editor

The Rev. Canon Dale Coleman, Mike Cardoza

Rector Emeritus

The Rev. Canon Elliot Blackburn Vestry

Music Director Steve Skaff, Senior Warden Tom Boschert

Nancy S. Ypma, D.Mus. Brian Maves, Junior Warden Maryann Fernandez

Parish Administrator Ruth Ann Weber, Treasurer Nancy Friesen

Henry Evans Julie Herr, Clerk Cindy Lynk

Sarah Bender Bill Zimmermann

Office Hours Lumley Bevineau

Monday - Friday Father Coleman 9:00 am - 3:00 pm fatherdale@sbcglobal.net stgeorgeoffice@sbcglobal.net For Pastoral Emergencies phone: 618-789-3723 618-233-6320