July 4 - 11, 2019
Living Christ in This World
SUNDAY PREACHERS

July 7 ........... The Rev. Peter J. Speropulos
July 14 ......... The Rev. Thomas R. Albinson
July 21 ......... The Rev. Peter J. Speropulos
Father Andrew and Senior Warden Betsy Douglass have commissioned a strategic planning committee to explore how our Church can remain strong and grow even stronger over the next five years. Our work is going well, but we cannot stand still!

The committee, called Faithfully Forward, is comprised of the following Vestry-nominated parishioners:
Patrick Akins
Nic Ayling
Laurie Brown
Anne Davidson
Kate Harris
Jim Holbrook
Tracee Holmes
Tom Horlacher
Gayle Jackson
John Koykka
Stephanie Nash
Sam Panke
Terese Portell
Nancy Reynolds
Patience Schock
Joe Sheehan
John Tyler
The Faithfully Forward committee is now focusing on four key areas:
1) observing what other churches are doing, both locally and nationally, for good ideas that could apply to us, 
2) talking with internal Church staff and lay leaders for their opinions and ideas, 
3) planning for focus groups and a parish-wide survey to take place over the next several months, and 
4) considering the best ways to communicate with everyone in the parish on an ongoing basis, so that everyone is informed, in touch, and excited about what’s going on here at CSMSG. 

We anticipate that the planning will take a year, with a full report presented to the Vestry and the congregation upon its conclusion.   

Faithfully Forward wants your input, ideas, and questions, so please see one of the committee members listed above or email us at [email protected] anytime. Thank you!
The Faithfully Forward (strategic planning) committee is interested in your views about our Church, and will be planning several focus groups and open forums through the summer and fall. If you’d like to participate, please sign up online here or email us at [email protected] . We’ll also have a schedule and place to sign up in the Great Hall. Thank you for participating and thank you for your prayers.
NEEDED FOR NICARAGUA!
DRESSES & SHORTS NEEDED! Our World Service Mission Ministry team is going to Nicaragua in July. We bring new dresses and shorts to give to each student at the school we support. We need your help! Please donate a new girl’s summer dress (size 8-18, or junior size 3-13) or a new pair of boy’s shorts (size 5-18). Dresses should be conservative (no open back or low cut, etc.) and adjustable-waist shorts are best. Bright colors are a favorite among both boys and girls! Drop off your donation in the Nicaragua closet next to the Taylor Room. For more information, contact Jennifer McGrath at [email protected] or 412.334.6398.
According to Henri Nouwen, author of A Spirituality of Fundraising , “Fundraising is precisely the opposite of begging…Fundraising is declaring that we have a vision that is amazing and exciting. It is an invitation to other people to join us in our mission.” 
Thanks to those of you who have already given to the wonderful mission of CSMSG!
Did you know that symbolism is the sign language of the Christian Church? St. Augustine called Christian symbols libri idiotarum — the books of the simple, used so that even little children could learn something about God. Everything we see in the church reminds us of something about God. If we understand this “sign language” we are more connected to the truths they are pointing us to. Symbolism is as old as the church itself, even going back to the Tabernacle in the wilderness and the Temple in Jerusalem. The two burnished brass pillars flanking the entrance to the Temple were named Bo’oz (strength) and Yakhin (to establish), as recorded in I Kings and II Chronicles. These two pillars reminded worshipers that God will establish His Temple and also the Throne of David. Both of these reminders are fulfilled in Jesus. This is just one example of the many symbols in the Bible and in Christian history and art. They are a rich treasury conveying the meaningful and vivid message of the Gospel.
THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, July 7
NAME TAGS: Please wear your name tags. If you cannot find your name tag, please write your name on the clipboard in the Wydown Narthex. It will be waiting for you on the clipboard next week.
ON FACEBOOK
Middle School Mission Week: DAY 1
Middle School Mission Week: THE FOOD BANK
THIS WEEK
Monday, July 8
MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: These Three Abide: Faith, Hope, and Love. We are exploring the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and love. We examine what the Bible says about these three, what makes them virtues, and how to live them out today. All ladies are invited to attend on Mondays from 9-9:45 AM in the Armstrong Room.
Tuesday, July 9
11:30 AM: Holy Eucharist, St. Mary’s Chapel

Tuesday, July 9, 16, 23 & August 13 & 20
THE CHURCH SERVICE LEAGUE HOLIDAY BAZAAR WORKSHOPS will begin in July and continue through August: July 9, 16, 23, and August 13 and 20. All workshops are in the Sverdrup Room and run from 10 AM until 2 PM. This is a great way to meet new friends in a small and fun atmosphere while learning new skills and previously hidden talents. Come for any or all of the entire workshop, bring your lunch, and have a good time. 
SAVE THE DATE: First meeting of the 2019-2020 CSL season will be Tuesday, September 10.

STEAK & STORIES: Our next gathering for Steak & Stories will be at the home of Fr. Peter Speropulos at 6316 Wydown Blvd Saint Louis, MO 63105 from 6-8 PM. There will be no speaker this month, but double the camaraderie! Cost: $20. Please RSVP by Noon on Monday, July 8 to [email protected] .

Wednesday, July 10
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: 6 PM Dinner; 6:45 PM Class "The Hidden Smile of God: the Story of God's Grace in the Midst of Suffering," with Fr. Peter Speropulos, 7:45 PM Compline

THURSDAY, JULY 11
BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW:   The Brotherhood of St. Andrew will meet in the Sverdrup Room at 7 PM for its monthly meeting/discussion. This is a men’s Bible-based group dedicated to Prayer, Study and Service, with a mission of bringing men to Jesus. If you are interested in learning more about this group, email Mike Bickel: [email protected] .

Wednesday, July 17, 24, 31 & August 7
SAVE-THE-DATE: MAKE DATE NIGHT COUNT THIS SUMMER: CREATED FOR CONNECTION, A MARRIAGE WORKSHOP: Join the Parent Link July 17, 24, 31 and August 7 as Nick Symon, MA, LPC, and EFT-trained counselor leads couples in learning how we might create deeper, loving connections with our spouses. This workshop will allow couples to work collaboratively with trained counselors to deepen the emotional bond of their marriage. Spaces are limited. Sign up online on our Parent Link website, or e-mai l [email protected] .

Saturday, July 20
SANDWICH MAKING : will take place Saturday, July 20. All parishioners are invited and encouraged to join the St. Michael’s Hunger Ministry on the third Saturday of each month from 10-11 AM in the Taylor Room to make sandwiches for FOCUS St. Louis clients.

Sunday, July 28
TIMOTHY IS GOING AWAY… Join us on Sunday, July 28 after the 10 AM service for a BBQ Lunch in the Great Hall to celebrate the ministry of Timothy Chapman at CSMSG. Please sign-up for lunch using the link on the e-blast or by e-mailing [email protected] .  
WOMEN'S RETREATS  
SAVE THE DATES!
Saturday, October 5
The one-day Retreat at The Church of St. Michael & St. George will be led by Kathleen Davis. “I am passionate about being an instrument of Wisdom and inviting others into this Grace filled and necessary path. My work in spiritual direction and retreat leadership is primarily focused on reminding people who we really are. Hildegard of Bingen would say we are all 'divine sparks of the radiance of God’s brilliance.' Or as Catherine of Genoa so beautifully said, 'My deepest me is God.' I believe the path to discovering God opens us up to discovering our deepest, truest selves. I feel grateful to be part of a ministry that leads people to God, to the sacred ground of self and ultimately into the fractured spaces of our world. My unfolding journey is blessed by my husband Jack, who encourages, supports and loves me as I am."
Friday, March 6 - Saturday, March 7, 2020
Weekend Retreat beginning on Friday, March 6, 2020, at 5 PM, ending on Saturday, March 7, at 3 PM. 
Led by The Rev. Suzanne Guthrie, an Episcopal priest.
More information about Suzanne can be found at http://edgeofenclosure.org/aboutsuzanne.html
Mark your calendars. You won’t want to miss these retreats!
SHELTER MINISTRY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS!
The Church of St. Michael & St. George (we welcome volunteers from all faiths!) has been providing a hot breakfast on Sunday morning to the families at the Shelter for over 25 years. Please consider devoting time to help! We welcome all volunteers - if you are willing, we can use you! Families can volunteer together, and youth - you can earn service hours.
Gateway 180 Shelter is located at: 1000 19th St, St. Louis, MO 63106.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact Nick Clifford at 314.973.6322 OR ( [email protected] )
DONATE ONLINE WITH YOUR PHONE!
You can donate online to your favorite ministry by texting on your cell phone. This feature is provided by ACS, the Church's data software. Download instructions.
WELCOME!
Please review the CSMSG weekly
e-newsletter to keep abreast of our events. Visit our online calendar for event informatio n. 

E-LETTE R HERE !
"IN THE LOOP!" 
A hearing loop for hearing aid and cochlear implant users has been installed in the main sanctuary. Loop listeners are available for those without a compatible hearing device. more  
PASTORAL CARE
Is there someone you haven't seen recently at Church? If you or someone you know is ill or hospitalized, please let us know how we can help. Please call us at 314.721.1502 or contact Debbie at [email protected] or Laurie at [email protected] .

RECENT TRANSITIONS

Rest In Peace









ALTAR FLOWERS
Order Sunday Flowers online here