By George! Rule of Life for St George s. Growing with You in God s Love and Service March By George! MARCH 2017 A monthly publication of

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By George! Growing with You in God s Love and Service March 2017 Rule of Life for St George s Based on our spiritual values and practices, this is our commitment to each other. We:!

1 By George! Growing with You in God s Love and Service March 2017 Rule of Life for St George s Based on our spiritual values and practices, this is our 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 (916) By George! MARCH 2017 A monthly publication of St. George s Episcopal Church 5600 Winding Way Carmichael, CA (916) barbara@sgec.us The Very Rev. Ray Hess, III Priest in Charge fatherray@frontiernet.net Sandra Crenshaw, Senior Warden sacren1960@gmail.com Rev. Robert Olsen, Deacon rolsen8070@gmail.com Julie D. Vice, PIT community.st.marys@gmail.com (916) Tess Testeza, Organist/Choir Director Sandy Olsen, Editor sandyolsen8070@gmail.com Dolores O Brien, Deacon Bob and Carol Adkins, Circulation In this issue ALTAR GUILD BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES BOUNTY BAG DEACON BOB EASTER FLOWERS FROM OUR PIC HOLY WEEK SERVICES PRIEST IN TRAINING ROSTER SENIOR WARDEN SERVICES SING-A-LONG WOMEN S GUILD YOUR GIFT

Thoughts From Our PIC (Priest in Charge) Pay Attention! Lent is a season for paying attention. It s a time of year to focus on our relationship with God and with one another.

2 Thoughts From Our PIC (Priest in Charge) Pay Attention! Lent is a season for paying attention. It s a time of year to focus on our relationship with God and with one another. It does not mean that we don t do this the rest of the year, but it is difficult to maintain focus all the time. In our church year, Lent is set aside to help us pay attention to our lives. What is God doing in my life right now? How is the Spirit leading me? How are my relationships with the people around me? In what ways am I called by God to witness to God s love and justice in the larger world of our state and nation? These are all good questions! I encourage us all to take some time during Lent to consider our answers to these questions. I find it helpful to find some quiet time and write about what is going on in my life. I have used a journal for many years in which I regularly write about my thoughts and my faith. I use a simple spiral bound notebook to do this. I find it interesting to look back and see what I was thinking a year ago. However you do it, it can be very helpful to reflect about your life, to pay attention to what God is doing in your life. Each Lent, I make a Lenten rule of life, where I write down what I will take out of my life for the season, and what I want to add to my life. I try to remove some negative things in my life, such as being impatient or making unkind comments to other people. I add positive elements to my life, such as quiet time for prayer or quality time with my family or doing something to further God s justice in our world. It s good for me to write these things down and put my rule of life where I will see it regularly during the Lenten season. God is constantly at work in our lives and our world. The problem is that we often are not paying attention to what God is doing. This Lent, I invite you to be attentive to the loving action of God in your life! In Jesus love, Father Ray 1

3 Senior Warden Overcoming Stress Stress. The mere word conjures up stress in many of us. We live in a stress filled world and indeed stress is a universal issue that we face on a daily basis whether from work, school, family challenges, relationship issues, or just keeping up with the news and social media. Everyone has experienced overload at one time or another. In fact, the burdens of everyday life can be overwhelming depending on our given situation. Stress and anxiety affect us both physically and emotionally. For me some of the effects of stress are headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, irritability, and depression. I've been pondering how I can take better care of myself and overcome the pressure of stress. Some things I've come up with to de-stress include eating healthier, exercising, putting my phone away, writing down my worries, and spending time with family and close friends. But these are physical remedies. I decided I wanted a spiritual remedy so I started searching for Bible verses that I could meditate on to find peace, strength, and encouragement. Here are a few encouraging Bible quotes I found. So if you too are feeling stressed, perhaps these verses will help you know God s peace and presence in stressful times. John14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Philippians 4:6,7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 5:6,7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Psalms 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. Psalms 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalms 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle s. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Luke 10:41-42 But the Lord answered her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her. Respectfully submitted, Sandra Crenshaw 2

WOMENS GUILD It is hoped many of you took part in our annual Mardi Gras Brunch. This is a fun event enjoyed at St.

While we have almost always had a sing-along led by Sandy Olsen and various assistants, this year we also enjoyed entertainment from our young people

Several members assisted in making the memorial service reception for Betsy Hack a special occasion.

Our members always step up to help when needed. The next meeting of the Women s Guild will be Wednesday March 15 at 11:00 AM.

4 WOMENS GUILD It is hoped many of you took part in our annual Mardi Gras Brunch. This is a fun event enjoyed at St. George s for many years prior to Ash Wednesday. While we have almost always had a sing-along led by Sandy Olsen and various assistants, this year we also enjoyed entertainment from our young people and various church members. We are a talented group! Several members assisted in making the memorial service reception for Betsy Hack a special occasion. Thank you to all who helped with set-up and clean-up. Also, thank you to all who provided a variety of finger food to augment the refreshment table. Our members always step up to help when needed. The next meeting of the Women s Guild will be Wednesday March 15 at 11:00 AM. Ladies, please plan on attending. Carol Adkins, President MARCH BIRTHDAYS 13 Tami Gutschall 17 Wilma Brown 23 Jan Fazekas (If your name was not included, please let Sandy know so she can add your name.) MARCH ANNIVERSARIES 2 Brian & Lisa Downing ( 84) 26 Robert & Rebecca Freie (`82) March 1 st 7 p.m. Palm Sunday 9 and 10:30 Services Maundy Thursday 6 pm Good Friday Noon Easter Vigil Redeemer Lutheran Church 7 pm Easter Sunday 9 and 10:30 services 3

Women s Guild Hospitality Sunday will be the 1st Sunday of each month, special offering envelopes are included in the bulletin.

George's Church with a memo note in the left corner for HOSPITALITY.

Inability to get to sleep and stay asleep results in feeling more tired during the day.

5 Women s Guild 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. Snack Foods That Promote Sleep The National Sleep Foundation noted that changes in sleep patterns are part of the aging process. Inability to get to sleep and stay asleep results in feeling more tired during the day. Following is a list of snack foods that, when eaten at bedtime, will promote sleep: Almonds, bananas, cheese & crackers, cherries (cherry juice), hummus, peanut butter, and walnuts. For more specifics, contact Janet Jenkins, RD, 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 4

6 March/April MARCH 5 th 1 st SUNDAY IN LENT Genesis 2:15-17, 3: 1-7 Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11 CELEBRANT: Ray Hess EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Karen Lolmaugh LECTORS: Anne Mangles & Joan Tennis ALTAR GUILD: Vicki Karsten & Barbara Cooper USHER: Conrad Cookman & friend MARCH 12 th 2 nd SUNDAY IN LENT Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 121 Romans 4:1 5, John 3:1-17 CELEBRANT: Anne McKeever EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Diana Perparos LECTORS: Aaron Adkins & Karen Lolmaugh ALTAR GUILD: Joy Allmuth &?? USHER: Cathy Crosby & friend MARCH 19 th 3 rd SUNDAY IN LENT Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 95 Romans 5:1 11 John 4:5-42 CELEBRANT: Ray Hess EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Aaron Adkins LECTORS: JoAnn Cookman & Becky Freie ALTAR GUILD: Vicki Karsten & JoAnn Cookman USHER: Conrad Cookman & friend MARCH 26 th 4 th SUNDAY IN LENT 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Psalm 23 Ephesians 5:8 14 John 9:1-41 CELEBRANT: Anne McKeever PREACHER: Mel Rose EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Ryan Saunders LECTORS: JoAnn Cookman & Sophia Saunders ALTAR GUILD: Angela Saunders USHER: Cathy Crosy & friend APRIL 2 nd 5 th SUNDAY IN LENT Ezekiel 37: 1-14 Psalm 130 Romans 8: 6-11 John 11: 1-45 CELEBRANT: Susan Plucker EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Dave Allmuth LECTORS: Anne Mangels & Carol Adkins ALTAR GUILD: Vicki Karsten & Joy Allmuth USHER: Carol Adkins & friend APRIL 9 th PALM SUNDAY Isaiah 50: 4-9a Psalm 31: 9-16 Philippians 2: 5-11 Matthew 26: 14 27:66 CELEBRANT: Fr. Ray Hess EUCHARISTIC MINISTER: Julie Vice LECTORS: Karen Lolmaugh & Becky Freie READERS: Many ALTAR GUILD: Joy Allmuth & Angela Saunders USHER: Cathy Crosby & friend Lessons can be found on our website 5

Hello from our PIT (Priest in Training) Hello Friends!!! It s hard to believe that I am already starting my second semester of Field Education with you.

7 Hello from our PIT (Priest in Training) Hello Friends!!! It s hard to believe that I am already starting my second semester of Field Education with you. I will be spending another three months with you and for that I feel so blessed. As many of you are aware, I have been gathering folks for Bible Study the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm and then we have been celebrating Evening Prayer on the third Wednesdays at 7pm. Bible Study is an opportunity for people to get together and talk about things in the Bible that we don t understand or that we are curious about with our fellow parishioners. Evening Prayer is an opportunity for us to gather together and participate in a brief service (usually takes about 25 minutes or so) and reminds us of our connection to others in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition (as well as our Catholic brothers and sisters). This service is one of the services in the Book of Common Prayer (pages 61 and 115) and I encourage each of your to at least read through the service. If you wish to worship in a community please join us anytime we would love to have you!! This next month we will be entering Lent and we will not be having Bible Study on March 1 st, but instead will be participating in an Ash Wednesday service. Unfortunately, the 3 rd Wednesday I will also not be available as I will be working with St. Mary s So. Sacramento/Elk Grove (my home parish) as we continue our series about Who is our neighbors? and on March 15 th at 630pm engaging the LGBT community. Anyone interested in joining us, please do!! So, as we journey into and through Lent, I hope that you will continue to grow in the love and mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ and remain mindful that God is good, all the time!!! God Bless you, Julie

8 Two score and eight years ago In case you ve forgotten a score is 20. It was 48 years ago that I voted in a presidential election for the first time. For much of those 48 years I was in the military, as such the Commander-in-Chief was the Commander-in-Chief regardless of party. It didn t dawn on me to only serve my country if the candidate I voted for was President. My Commission was signed by Richard Nixon, not the candidate of Art Majors in the 60 s. Since then I ve seen the Democrats and Republicans change places numerous times and I can easily think of policies that I liked or disliked under each administration. During those 48 years the country has become more accepting and supportive of all our brothers and sisters. This seems less to do with who or which party was in power but the people, the politicians simply watching the national polls on social issues to learn when it was time to have a change of heart and mind. I was brought up that it didn t matter what others said or did, it mattered what I said and did in relation to others. As such it didn t seem odd or unusual that in 1968, when I moved out of the house my brother and I were sharing with two friends, that Ron would become the minority, nor that a gay couple would throw my bachelor party. Over the years it seems that elections have gone from at least some debating of issues to mostly name calling of one s opponent. This last election cycle further degenerated into a rush to the extremes and calling the voters of the other party as stupid, vial or worse. It took this past election for the two major parties to finally confirm me as a political cynic. As such I m done I now limit my reading of the newspaper to nonpolitical stories, the comics and the sports pages depending on how the 49 ers and Raiders are doing. As Mark Twain said, If you don t read the newspaper you re uninformed. If you do read the newspaper you re misinformed. I m not sure what Mark Twain would make of the internet. Fortunately, with Sandy and my annual road trips, I haven t become cynical about America or her people. In our travels we have come into contact with all kinds of people, from all kinds of backgrounds and I don t remember running into anyone who hasn t been friendly. Once or twice on each trip someone, who didn t know us and will never see us again, has gone out of their way to be helpful. So while I ve lost faith in politicians and the two major political parties, I have only increased my faith in the American people. At this point your question might be so what does this have to do with St George s? A few Sunday s ago we had a Baptism, always a joyous occasion and one where we renewed our Baptismal vows. Baptismal vows where we said we will seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves; and we will strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. We are called to love one another, no caveats, no exceptions. That doesn t mean we won t disagree on an issue, but it does mean we are to respect each other and not automatically assume the worst possible motives of those who disagree with us. Or because we disagree on one issue, we must disagree on all issues. Contrary to the internet, all Republicans aren t fascists and all Democrats aren t Godless commies. I like to think congregations are like families where we even love the relatives who drives us crazy cause chances are we are driving someone else crazy, but they still love us. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Deacon Bob 7

Worship in Lent As usual, our worship during Lent will stress the more serious side of our faith. Our prayers and music will have a penitential theme.

We will use some easy and repetitive Taize songs for this. I hope that this will enhance the experience of receiving communion at this service.

Then Tess will play a music prelude to help us in this preparation. My hope is that this quiet time will help us be more focused as we begin the 10:30 a.m. service.

George s Round Table Presents THE PROCESS OF AGING A Women s Forum Open Discussion on Personal Thoughts & Feelings Skin Care and Makeup Tips With Maria West Health

9 Worship in Lent As usual, our worship during Lent will stress the more serious side of our faith. Our prayers and music will have a penitential theme. There will be no alleluias in our music or prayers until we arrive at Easter. This Lent, we will start some new things in our worship at both Sunday services. At the 9 a.m. service, we will begin to sing simple communion music while we receive communion around the tables in the parish hall. We will use some easy and repetitive Taize songs for this. I hope that this will enhance the experience of receiving communion at this service. Just before the start of the 10:30 a.m. service, around 10:25 a.m., we will ring the chimes (the ones we use each week at the 9 a.m. service) as a signal to be more quiet and prepare for worship. Then Tess will play a music prelude to help us in this preparation. My hope is that this quiet time will help us be more focused as we begin the 10:30 a.m. service. Father Ray St. George s Round Table Presents THE PROCESS OF AGING A Women s Forum Open Discussion on Personal Thoughts & Feelings Skin Care and Makeup Tips With Maria West Health Considerations As We Age With Dr. Janel Crawford, OBGYN When: Saturday March 25 Time: 10:00 a.m. Where: St. George s Parish Hall 5600 Winding Way Carmichael, CA Cost: $10 per person Mark Your Calendar and Invite A Friend! 2 nd 6:45 pm Last 11 a.m. 10:45 8

It is an honor to set the Lord s table so we thought that some information about the procedure might help you to decide to consider volunteering.! You set up for the service that you attend.

10 Help Needed for the Altar Guild As you may know, the Altar Guild lost a valued member last month, which leaves us with only 5 members. We really could use 2 or 3 more members to make it easier on the existing volunteers. Most of us are retired and travel, so it puts a burden on the remaining members to cover the set up schedule. It is an honor to set the Lord s table so we thought that some information about the procedure might help you to decide to consider volunteering.! You set up for the service that you attend. You don t have to stay for both services.! You work with a partner.! You set your schedule as to when you are available which is done 4 months at a time so you will know in advance when you are scheduled which is usually once a month (if we have enough members).! The set up times are flexible, depending on you and your partner s schedules. The set up, which takes about an hour, is usually done on Saturdays, but can be Fridays or Thursdays.! If you have to change your scheduled date, most members are flexible and can switch with you.! You receive training.! If you don t like to iron, many of us enjoy it and will take home the altar cloths to wash and iron.! You won t get fired if you make a mistake.!!!! Couples are invited to participate together.! Your reward is knowing that you have helped to set a proper Eucharistic table for the Lord. If you cannot commit to a permanent position on the Altar Guild, but would still like to help, you could be a substitute once in a while if the need arises. Thank you for reading this article and we hope that you will consider joining us as we all work well together. Please contact any member, Joy Allmuth, Jo Ann Cookman, Barbara Cooper, Vicki Karsten, or Angela Saunders, if you have questions. Sing-a-Long April 1 st, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Come join in for some singing on Saturday April 1 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We will gather in our worship space with our music director Tess Testeza to do some singing. We will sing some songs from the Hymnal and also try some new music from the Gather Hymnal and other sources. If we find some new music that we really like, we can start using it at our Sunday worship for both services. This singa-long is not for music professionals! All are invited. Just bring your voice and your willingness to do some singing! 9

What is Your Gift? A little over a year ago my Dad, Fr. Bob Gould, was nearing his own death. He was spiritually ready to transition and he had everything in place for me and for our family.

11 What is Your Gift? A little over a year ago my Dad, Fr. Bob Gould, was nearing his own death. He was spiritually ready to transition and he had everything in place for me and for our family. All the details, large and small, had been covered. We didn t have to think of Does Dad want hospice?, What kind of church service does Dad want? or Does Dad want to be cremated? Dad gave me and our family a great gift in being prepared and letting us know what he wanted leading up to his death and after his death. Dad s gift of preparation and having those hard yet good conversations prior to his death, helped me emotionally, spiritually and physically in his passing. So in true Dad fashion, I want to help you in being prepared for your own death and allow you to give your family this great gift. On Saturday March 18, from 9 to noon, Fr Ray and I will lead a workshop at St. George s in preparing for your own death. We will begin the conversation that is often hard to start on what are your wishes and how do you share them with your family. We will talk about those large and small details around dying and we will also have forms that you can fill out for your own church service, Advanced Care Directives, Check-off to-do list, etc. Please join us on 3/18 to help you prepare your gift for your family. Verity Gould (Printed again as a reminder) MARCH 13 th 10

12 St. George's custom is for individuals to make gifts to purchase special flowers to adorn the Church on Easter Day and the Sunday following. You are invited to make your donation along with the form below to indicate if the flowers given are to be in memory of or Thanksgiving for a special person or event in your life. How much to donate? Whatever you choose to give. One guide: Lilies usually cost about $ All gifts are gratefully received by our Altar Guild. The names of the honorees and donors will be listed in the bulletins on Easter Day, April 16 th and the Second Sunday of Easter, April 23 rd. To be listed, donations must be received by the Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday), April 9 th. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I would like to help provide the flowers for Easter Day and the Sunday following. Enclosed is $ in (circle one): Loving Memory of/in Thanksgiving for Name(s) From REMEMBER: Please make checks out to `St. George's: MEMO: Altar Guild' (Place in alms basin at any service of worship or mail to St. George's: 5600 Winding Way, Carmichael, CA BOUNTY BAG We re collecting dry goods, canned goods, dried cereals, soaps, toothpaste tooth 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). SUNDAY SERVICES Family Service 9 a.m. Sunday School 9 a.m. Traditional Service 10:30 a.m. Articles are always welcome...but KEEP it short! The best way to submit an article is via my new sandyolsen8070@gmail.com 11

By George! Rule of Life for St George s. Growing with You in God s Love and Service February By George! February 2018 A monthly upublication of

By George! Rule of Life for St George s. Growing with You in God s Love and Service February By George! February 2018 A monthly upublication of By George! Growing with You in God s Love and Service February 2018 Rule of Life for St George s By George! February 2018 A monthly upublication of Based on our spiritual values and practices, this is