ST. GEORGE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH ORDINARY TIME FALL 2020
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ST. GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH • ORDINARY TIME • FALL 2020
A NOTE FROM
I write this introduction for the fall issue of The Shield as mindful of how routines have shifted in recent months, THE RECTOR ABOUT
an urgent exhortation to our membership. In the spirit of
our Lord’s grace and peace and with passionate concern
perhaps unintentionally. The coronavirus pandemic has
disrupted life for all of us. It has certainly disrupted life for
FALL PROGRAMMING
for your souls, I urge you to fresh self-examination of your religious organizations all over. With churches across North
commitment to God in light of the prolonged nature of the America, St. George’s is living through dramatic changes in
coronavirus pandemic. Many are necessarily constrained the ways we worship, engage, serve, and communicate with In consideration of the various ministries
from engaging the church in person. But I encourage all to one another. It is not just that these are unusual times. It is of the parish offered this fall, it is important
consider the various available means by which you can ac- that we are entering into new ways of being church that will that we are especially focused and avoid a
tively connect with the life of St. George’s in the new program irrevocably shape the future of our parish life into the years
cafeteria approach to ministry at this time. I’d
year upon us. to come. And yet one senses opportunity for new growth,
like to emphasize two in particular.
new things of God emerging from the fallout. The beginning
For reasons that are entirely understandable given all the of this fall season seems a very good time to step back and
necessary health precautions of recent months, we may have consider anew what our deepest loyalties and commitments First, I urge you to remember as always that
many formerly active church members who have fallen away truly are. worship is our first order of ministry. While
from parish life. In this matter St. George’s is hardly alone. I limited in-person worship is working well
have seen national survey data of American churches from The people of God have a rich history of adapting faithfully for us in this strange season, many will need
this summer indicating that one-third of self-identified “ac- if fitfully to epochal change. The Book of Joshua represents
to continue worshiping from home via our
tive church goers” have had zero self-initiated engagement such a hinge in Israel’s history. It is the story of the tribes of
online presence. In either case, make this
(including online) with their local congregation since the Israel transitioning out of their long experience of wilderness
beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic. That is a staggering wanderings in the Sinai Desert to their settlement as a a Christian priority, mindful that it may be
and sobering statistic. It is also one that feels about right from holy nation in the Land of Canaan. At the end of the book many weeks or months before we are all
my sense of things at St. George’s. Now is the time to re-en- and before his death, Joshua delivers a farewell address to back together for large in-person worship
gage. It is not just that St. George’s needs your engagement. the people. It set within the context of a covenant renewal services. One might say that prolonged dis-
It is that you need to engage Christ, and Christ is present in worship service. Movingly, he stands before the people
engagement from Christian worship is to the
the ministries we share together as a parish family. and says, “Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in
spirit what prolonged famine is to the body.
sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your
I am proud of the many creative ways that parish leadership ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt. Now if you Without nourishment, we die.
has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have worked are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you
hard to provide ample and simple ways by which parishio- will serve…” (Joshua 24.14-15). Second, I hope you will consider partici-
ners can engage the gospel as well as one another whether pating in our new small group curriculum,
in person, from home, or in our neighborhoods. While we What is striking is that Joshua acknowledges that not all may Essentials: The Gospel According to Mark.
have hardly been perfect in these trying times, I do feel end up serving the Lord, and the exhortation invites honesty
This is not just another repackaged version
that St. George’s has been a leading church in responding with one’s self that this is so. “Choose this day whom you will
of discipleship groups at St. George’s. It is a
energetically to the pandemic. serve.” It is a decision we have all been given responsibility
to make on our own. More than at any time since I have been robust and urgent response to extraordinary
As you read this issue of The Shield, I hope you will be here, my prayer is that more and more of us will heed the circumstances when Christians should be
inspired to participate in one or more of the important call to put away loyalty and dedication to gods that are not committed to growing in grace with Scripture
ministries of St. George’s this fall. God and renew our covenant to serve the Lord through St. as our guide and with companions on the
George’s. How you choose to respond to His grace and truth
way. Now is a very auspicious time to commit
I know from my own personal history that it is as easy to really is up to you.
again to deepening our faith and supporting
get out of good habits as it is easy to get into bad ones. Be
one another in this ministry. RLS+
2
ORDINARY TIME • FALL 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 LETTER FROM THE RECTOR
4 WORSHIPING IN NEW WAYS
4 6
6 ENGAGE CHRIST & COMMUNITY
8 ENGAGING IN PRAYER PARTNERSHIPS
10 CHILDREN’S FALL OFFERINGS
12 MEET OUR CONSTRUCTION TEAM
8 10
14 A CONVERSATION WITH BROOKS & BRET MOORE
16 SPOTLIGHT: BUENA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
18 NEWS AND NOTES
20 NOW MORE THAN EVER
12 14 22 FINANCIALS
23 INREACH
23 BOOK NOOK
23 TRANSITIONS
16 20
3
Worshiping
In New
Ways
by the Rev. Colin Ambrose
4
W
orship is the strategy pandemic has restricted our ability
by which we interrupt to worship together at the exact
our preoccupation moment when we need it most.
with ourselves and attend to the The pandemic has forced us to be
presence of God. Worship is the “socially distant.” Many of us need
time and place that we assign to remain close to home. Those of
for deliberate attentiveness to us who do venture out must do so
God—not because He’s confined carefully, keeping a safe distance
to time and place but because from others. Because of the pan-
our self-importance is so insidi- demic, the traditional ways we have
ously relentless that if we don’t worshiped God as a community are
deliberately interrupt ourselves no longer possible.
regularly, we have no chance of
Despite the challenges and changes
attending to Him at all at other
wrought by the pandemic, worship
times and in other places.
continues at St. George’s. Unable
Eugene Peterson, to gather in our traditional ways, we
Leap Over a Wall have sought to develop new ways
More than ever, during this current to honor God. We are worshiping in
moment, we need to be centering parking lots and in backyards. We
our attention on Christ. Times of un- are worshiping on our computers
certainty cause us to be preoccupied and through our TVs. We are seeking
with ourselves—preoccupied with to attend to worship in creative and
our insecurities, our anxieties, and faithful ways.
our fears. Even without a worldwide
More than ever, during this current
pandemic we tend to make our-
moment we need to be centering
selves the focus of our attention. The
our attention on Christ. Instead of
solution is to shift our attention to
saying, “I’ll come back to worship
Christ. Worship is the antidote. As
when the pandemic is over,” find
Peterson writes, worship interrupts
a safe way to worship with us now.
our preoccupation with ourselves
Let worship reorient you. Let wor-
by focusing our attention on the
ship anchor you in the promises of
presence of God. Worship reorients
Christ. Let worship draw you into
us. It draws us out of ourselves, into
deeper relationship with God and
deeper relationship with God and
one another. Join us as we attend to
one another.
the presence of God in our lives as a
Ironically, the nature of the COVID-19 church. Engage Now.
5
6
For more detailed information
about these or other offerings
please visit our website stgeorgesnashville.org.
7
PRAYER T
ENGAGING THROUGH hese past few months, as COVID-19 has largely
changed the way we interact in society, I have
been reflecting on what the church is called to be.
PARTNERSHIP
The word for ‘church’ in the Greek of the New Testament
is ekklesia, literally meaning “called out from” or “the-
called out ones.” The church is a people, called out, to
be God’s chosen community, his covenant people who
will reveal who he is to the rest of the world. This is not
BY SAD I E Z O RAD I to say that place and the physical spaces for worship are
not important, because they certainly are! Simply, church
is primarily understood as a people in relationship with
God and with one another.
I would like to push our understanding of church one
step deeper. While it is easy to acknowledge the church
as people, it is more difficult to recognize these people
as family. However, this is exactly the language that is
used throughout Scripture to describe the dynamics of
the Church.
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we
should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1
For just as each of us has one body with many members,
and these members do not all have the same function, so
in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each
member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:4-5
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strang-
ers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also
members of his household, built on the foundation of
the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as
the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is
joined together and rises to become a holy temple in
the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to
become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you
is a part of it.
1 Corinthians 12:27
Through Christ, we are each called children of God,
each members of his household, each a unique part of
one body. From every newborn baby to the ninety-nine-
year-old senior, we are all bound together as one family
in the household of God. As such, we are called to en-
courage, love, support, and serve one another. All ages
mutually grow, mature, and preserve together as God’s
kingdom people.
8
Each generation has a vital role and function within the
body. Adults bring wisdom, love, guidance, and en- WAYS FOR YOUTH
couragement to the younger generation. The younger
generation brings curiosity, energy, excitement, and joy
TO ENGAGE RIGHT NOW
to refresh our older generations.
It is not surprising then that one of the key indicators of
UP: Worship
Sunday Youth Group
whether a youth will develop a mature faith into adult-
Beginning September 13 from 5-6:30pm: Bring your own dinner and spend time
hood is if they had multiple intergenerational relation-
with one another as we remain socially distant! There will be teaching, worship,
ships within their home church community. As I think
games, and discussion. Due to space and COVID-19 precautions, this is in replace-
back on my own life, I only came to know Christ because ment of our normal Sunday and Wednesday offerings.
various adults in my life taught me about who Jesus
is, helped me wrestle with my faith, and continuously Youth Worship Leaders
There are a variety of ways for youth to serve in worship and enrich the lives of our
invested in my life. As you reflect on your own faith, I am
community. Acolytes and lectors participate in different liturgical elements of the ser-
confident that you will find key people who helped draw
vice and Choristers sing regularly and participate in special programs.
you closer to God.
Confirmation
Research has shown that youth are leaving the Church at Students take ownership of their faith, affirm their baptismal promises, and make a
a rate of 40-50% after high school. We are sending youth mature commitment to Christ. Open to all 7th-12 graders who have been baptized.
into the wider world unprepared to wrestle with their Confirmation will take place in the spring semester this year.
doubts and live out their faith. We must reclaim a rela-
tionally driven discipleship process across generations to IN: Discipleship
provide the tools and stability for youth to navigate their
Prayer Partnership
faith and the world around them.
Join us as we learn to pray for one another and develop intergenerational relation-
ships within our community. We will pair each youth with one adult from the church
Reflecting on our understanding of the church in this
who will commit to praying for them for one school year.
new season, where many of us must remain distanced,
how can we build these essential relationships across Small Groups
generations of our church community? In Allen and Ross’ Beginning in September, as a church we will be going through the Gospel of Mark
book, Intergenerational Christian Formation, they state, together. Youth are invited to join grade-level Zoom small groups to participate.
“Intergenerational ministry occurs when a congregation Events
intentionally brings the generations together in mutual Family Kickoff: 9/13
sharing or learning within the core activities of the church Harvest Dinner: 10/4
in order to live out being the body of Christ to each other Churchball: Nov-Feb
and the greater community.” We must be intentional Ski Retreat: 1/15-1/18
about our commitment to build one another up in the Pancake Supper: 2/16
body of Christ. Youth Sunday: 5/3
*All events subject to change*
With this in mind, we excited about launching the Prayer
Partnership Campaign. Our hope is that this partner-
ship will build up the next generation of Christians by OUT: Mission
intentionally investing in intergenerational relationships Our Little Roses, Honduras
through the power of prayer. The goal is to pair our youth Our annual summer mission trip to OLR is a life-transforming trip that gives our
and children with an adult prayer partner who commits youth a glimpse into another culture and teaches them about the global body of
to praying and connecting with their partner throughout Christ and how to love others across boundaries.
the school year. This can be a simple text message, email,
Monthly Service Opportunities
note of encouragement, or even a Zoom call! The goal
We want to provide opportunities for our youth to live out their faith in our local com-
is to steadily build a relationship together with prayer
munity by serving others. Be on the lookout for creative monthly service events as we
operating as the bridge in your relationship. For more strive to bear the light of Christ here in Nashville even during these uncertain times.
details of this partnership, visit our website. We hope that
you will consider becoming a prayer partner—our future *Please visit our website for more details, stgeorgesnashville.org/youth
depends on it.
9
Children play during a recent outdoor worship service. 10
THIS FALL OFFERS A VARIETY OF WAYS
TO ENGAGE CHILDREN AT ST. GEORGE’S
I
n addition to helping parents raise your child up for the Prayer Partnership ing Monday September 14, join Cate for
their children in the love and knowl- campaign. a short devotional for the whole family to
edge of God, we want to help keep watch together. Each week focuses on a
you and your families as safe as we Sunday School chapter or two in Mark, where we exam-
can. COVID-19 has up-ended many of Here at St. George’s our children’s groups ine a story, wonder about its significance
our daily routines, our Sunday worship follow a curriculum from LifeWay called for our lives, and challenge ourselves to
included. Until we can meet again in The Gospel Project (TGP). Through TGP, grow in faith and knowledge.
person, we will continue to offer a variety our children in pre-k through 6th grade
of ways to engage and educate our pre- will discover how the gospel story is wo- Email Cate Jones at cate.jones@st-
cious families and children through online ven through Scripture – from Genesis georgesnashville.org if you would like to
media. Please know that we are hard at through Revelation. We see how the gos- have the video emailed to you. Other-
work praying for you and eagerly antici- pel transforms everything – our hearts, our wise, videos cam be found on our web-
pating being together in person when it is actions, and our world. site or YouTube channel.
safe.
While we are worshiping at home rather Wednesday Night Wayfinders:
For questions about any of these offerings than in person, you will be able to find a Wednesdays at 5:00pm
or for more information, contact Cate Jones weekly Sunday School video full of joy, The first Wednesday of every month our
at cate.jones@stgeorgesnashville.org or visit learning, singing, and crafting. A new vid- 5th and 6th graders gather at 5:00pm
our website at stgeorgesnashville.org. eo will be posted every Sunday morning, on Zoom for game night – an hour of
but you can find all them on our website fun, fellowship, and friendly competition.
Prayer Partnership: or St. George’s YouTube Channel in case Contact Cate Jones at cate.jones@st-
As you may have seen elsewhere in this you miss one. georgesnashville.org to let her know your
publication, a major church initiative is child would like to attend and to receive
our intergenerational Prayer Partnership. Monthly Packets: the Zoom meeting link.
We believe every child needs a team of The first Tuesday of every month you can
adults to intentionally invest in their lives stop by church for a packet of supplies to Storytime with Thea:
through prayer! Particularly in a time supplement each week’s Sunday School Fridays at 10:00am
when we have to remain distanced from video – each packet will contain a sum- Starting in September, you can join Cate
our church community, our vision is that mery, discussion questions, craft supplies, and her furry goldendoodle, Thea, as
this will enrich and build up the lives of and activity pages for each lesson of the they read a story together to find out
our children, youth, and adults as we month. more about God and how we can love
invest in a culture of prayer, mentorship, him and others. Videos will be posted on
and intergenerational relationships. Weekly Family Devotional: Mondays our website every Friday morning at
This fall our family devotional video will 10am, but you can find them anytime
Please visit our website for a link to sign take us through the book of Mark. Start- on St. George’s YouTube channel.
11BOB SARRATT
Parishioner and President
The Parent Company
Legacy Hall
As Project Manager for Legacy Hall, Bob
brings his experience to bear supporting
the superintendent in the field with material,
resources, subcontractors, and information
to build the project, along with maintaining
the budget and schedule for the work.
MEET OUR
CONSTRUCTION TEAM
JASON CLARKE
Project Manager
Nave Renovation
Jason manages the Nave project schedule
and budget. He works daily with subcon-
tractors, the architect, and church to identify
and mitigate potential issues to ensure proj-
ect is delivered on time and in budget.
12JOHNNY PHIPPS
Parishioner and Owner of
Phipps Construction Co.
Nave Renovation
Johnny oversaw the initial budgeting and
worked with the church and architect
during design phase to stay within budget
and schedule.
S
CAM SORENSON
t. George’s is blessed to have some of the most talented peo-
As senior warden in 2018, Cam was an integral part of our
ple in the construction business right under our own roof—so
project from day one. He is the Chairman of the
to speak! From the time that this project was just a tiny seed
St. George’s Building Committee and in this role he makes
of a dream to today when we are in full blown building mode
sure that our interests are well represented and that our
we have had people of character, intellect, wit, and years of expertise
project stays on track from a time and budget perspec-
guiding us through challenges, pitfalls, and the excitement of seeing a
tive. This is no easy feat considering that we have two
project come to life. We would love for you to meet the team of capable
very distinct projects—the Nave renovation and Legacy
leaders making our dream a reality one brick, stone, and nail at a time.
Hall—underway at the same time with two contractors.
BUTCH DUNIVENT
Project Superintendent
Legacy Hall
Butch is “the job site boss” for all of Legacy
Hall. Dunivent oversees all subcontractors,
keeps the schedule, and maintains safe
MIKE WINE working conditions. Butch is very familiar
Project Superintendent with St. George’s as he also worked on the
Nave Renovation
Living Waters restoration and renovation
Mike coordinates and pushes daily work on after the flood.
site in the Nave with subcontractors while
maintaining safe working conditions and
quality assurance.
13Neighborhood Groups gather over the summer.
11
14NEIGHBORHOOD
GROUPS
A C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H Groups for neighbors to build
relationships, love one another,
and worship together.
BROOKS&BRET MOORE
What a blessing it is to be able to
gather safely for communion and
community. At a time when folks may
Q. Since the pandemic settled in over Nash- church that we interact with on a regular feel uncomfortable with tradition-
ville, Neighborhood Groups have become an basis during normal times. Obviously that al in-person worship, St. George’s
important part of St. George’s ability to stay opportunity has been limited during the lock- Neighborhood Groups are a great
connected to each other and our community. down but as one door closes another one
How did you become involved in a Neighbor- opens. That has been our experience with
opportunity to encounter the life-giv-
hood Group? What drew you to the mission? our Neighborhood Group. We have become ing experience of worship in our
more intimately connected with some who backyards—and much more! Neigh-
A. We live in Forest Hills along with many we knew from afar and others that we did
borhood groups are forming to “Be
other St. George’s families. While we are not know at all. It has become a place for
in close geographical proximity, that does us to laugh, cry, and generally support each Church in Our Neighborhoods.”
not necessarily lend itself to face to face other during these difficult times. In addition
interaction particularly as the lockdown set to our Zoom sessions, we have had driveway If you are interested in learning more
happy hours and backyard worship. For our
in. When we learned of the neighborhood
about this initiative or want to be
groups being formed, we were immediately family it has been a much needed opportu-
drawn to the opportunity of personal inter- nity to bring the church to life in our home connected to a Neighborhood Group
action and worship with other like-minded when we cannot otherwise do so at our please contact Martha Rodes at mar-
adults, even if it is in a virtual setting. church “destination.” tha.rodes@stgeorgesnashville.org.
Q. Has your involvement in a Neighborhood Q. Finally, as a family with young children—
Group changed your perspective on how we what sort of things are you and your family I believe God has an extraordinary
are able to be a church in a time like this? Has doing to survive during this time of social purpose for St. George’s in these
it changed or enriched your life in any way? distancing and pandemic? Any good books, times. Now is a significant oppor-
movies, games, activities keeping you sane? tunity to be as the Good Samaritan
A. Indeed. We all attempt to be good Chris- to those near us, helping heal the
tians in our everyday life activities. That A. Thank God for the pool during this sum- wounded by the extension of simple
said, right or wrong, in some ways we viewed mer of lockdown! While camps and other Christian presence, generosity, and
“the church” as a location or destination for normal summer activities were cancelled, our prayer (Luke 10:25-37). More than
worship and fellowship. Today, that perspec- family became a fixture at the pool. In addi-
tive has been significantly altered as we now
ever, we are called to minister in
tion, this has been an opportunity to engage
regularly welcome the church into our home
those places that we can actually in-
our children in card and board games like Go
along with the camaraderie of our nearby fluence – the people God has phys-
Fish, Pictionary, and Charades. One of our
neighbors. ically placed around us next door
girls’ newfound favorite activities is a thing
called Kinetic Sand. It is like play dough but
and across the street—such that iso-
Q. What would you say to those folks who not as messy! While this has certainly been
lation gives way to neighborliness,
are not yet a part of a Neighborhood Group? a trying time, in many ways it has been a unfamiliarity gives way to friendship,
Any words of advice or wisdom? welcome blessing of opportunity to connect and fear gives way to faith.
with our children and do things with them
A. For us, and I suspect many at St. George’s, that we may not have otherwise done in our
we have a wonderful friend group within the
—the Rev. Dr. R. Leigh Spruill
normal everyday “busy” lives.
15SPOTLIGHT
BUENA VISTA
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
BY CHARLOTTE WARD
16A Note from
The Principal
S
t. George’s partnership providing teacher appreciation School. Over 25 St. George’s Our friends at St. George’s have a heart
with Buena Vista Ele- lunches, and hosting a fourth parishioners helped make for our students and community. I know
mentary School, locat- grade graduation celebration. the Buena Vista Pantry Day a
this because they are always here, always
ed in North Nashville, began Over the past three years, Buena success. More than 100 families
approximately three years ago. Vista has been the beneficiary of in the Buena Vista community willing, and always a phone call away.
Parishioner, Luanne Waltemath, St. George’s Lenten Drive where were able to shop for bags of They show up for us with full and will-
created the Light on Literacy food for an emergency pantry, pantry items as well as receive ing hearts. The donations and support
Missional Community with the as well as books and uniform fresh fruit, milk, and eggs.
for our events such as the food pantry
purpose of becoming reading needs, were collected. In June, Nashville Metro Schools
partners and lunch buddies with announced the merger of days and toy drive are always more than
students at the school. In March of 2020, the Buena Buena Vista Elementary with expected. The smiles, words of encour-
Vista community was impacted Jones Paideia Magnet Elemen- agement, volunteers, and prayers are
Once engaged, Luanne and her by a devastating tornado that tary. St. George’s Outreach
real, palpable extensions of God’s love
missional community realized traveled through Nashville. The Committee has brainstormed
the needs were much greater following Sunday, St. George’s many ideas of ways to expand for all people. Our St. George’s friends
than tutoring, and their efforts collected more than $14,000 the relationship with these come with pure hearts. This partnership
expanded. Buena Vista’s great- through a tornado relief of- communities, including an after has quickly become one of our favorites
est challenges included poverty, fering. A portion of these school music program and a
because it helps us make equitable educa-
absenteeism, mobility (stu- funds were immediately used joint fellowship time with
dents entering/leaving school to provide grocery gift cards St. George’s children and youth. tional opportunities accessible for our kid-
throughout the year), and teach- to Buena Vista families whose As the 2020-21 school year dos. St. George’s makes it easier for our
er turnover. In addition to read- greatest need was food. With begins with distance learning, students to show up every day ready to
ing partners and lunch buddies, the onset of COVID-19, and there are many areas of uncer-
learn. We could not do this work without
the Light on Literacy Missional many families unable to work, tainty. However, in looking
Community assisted with addi- food continued to be a pressing ahead, there is great opportunity the love and support shown to our fami-
tional initiatives such as creating need for this community. On to deepen the relationship be- lies and community by this very generous,
a Christmas Store/Good Behav- June 20, 2020, a Pantry Day was tween St George’s and the Buena loving, and caring congregation.
ior Shopping Store for students, held at Buena Vista Elementary Vista/Jones Paideia community.
Principal Myra Taylor
Buena Vista is now known as Jones Paideia after the merger of the two schools.
17
9j k
j
m
k
l
k n
16 17
18j ST. GEORGE’S PANTRY DAY
St. George’s Pantry Day to benefit the community of Buena
l ROMAN VLCEK PROMOTED
Our very own Roman Vlcek assumed the promotional role as
Vista Elementary School was a big success! Thank you to St. George’s Facilities Manager on August 1. As it happens,
all who donated over 250 bags of non-perishable food and August 1 was Roman’s 12th anniversary of his first day with
approximately 300 new and gently used children’s books. us on August 1, 2008! Roman is a familiar, friendly and
Donated funds were used to purchase fresh fruit, milk, always helpful face and we are blessed to have him in this
bread, and eggs. Approximately 100 families in the Buena capacity.
Vista community, who have been affected by the tornadoes
and COVID-19, were able to fill their bags with food, books,
and receive a $10 Kroger gift card to use towards fresh
meat, baby formula or other needs. Thank you to the over
m FARMERS MARKET SUMMER SUCCESS
Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, St. George’s
25 parishioners who’s help made this event possible.
Farmers Market had an incredibly successful season this
k
year with fresh vegetables, Roadhouse BBQ, The Peach
VIRTUAL PRIME TIME Truck, fresh flowers, popsicles, and much more. Thank you
to all the parishioners and neighbors alike who support this
St. George’s Senior Ministries hosted the first ever virtual fun and important ministry of St. George’s.
Prime Time with over 40 households tuning in for the
program. We look forward to being back to Prime Time in
person. In the meantime, we are excited about continuing
this always educational and interesting programing online!
n ST. GEORGE’S HAS GONE ROGUE!
Earlier this year a group of “Retired Old Guys” led by
the Rev. Richard Kew and Frank Hammer started a group
called the ROGUES (Retired Old Guys Unpaid Executive
Services) to help guide parishioners in need of legal,
financial, real estate, or other business support or direc-
tion—all free of charge. We are grateful for this dynamic
group of men looking to lend a helping hand.
19Now More Than Ever
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of
sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering
produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope
does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit
that has been given to us.
Romans 5: 1 – 5
We are incredibly honored to be serving as the St. George’s Stewardship 2021 Campaign
Chairs, but—truth be told—our initial reaction was this year? 2020 has certainly been one for
the ages for all of us. It began with a tornado,
Our financial stewardship then a global pandemic and quarantine, then
to this central part of our lives another devastating storm (we learned the term “derecho”), then riots and demonstrations, and
a looming turbulent election. As we create this message, it is June of 2020, and we are won-
is a commitment to ensuring dering what’s next? Apparently killer hornets and a dust wave from the Sahara Desert in the
mix!
that it has a vibrant future!
Throughout all of this, construction has continued at St. George’s. While this has been a rather
smooth process, it has not been without challenges to our parish family.
On a personal note, we have a son getting married at St. George’s just after the kick-off of this Stewardship campaign, and we are chairing a
fundraiser four days after his wedding! Do we really need to add this campaign to the mix?
The answer, of course, is absolutely. The constant throughout all of this turmoil and activity is our
faith, and the steadfast blessing of St. George’s Episcopal Church. Our family’s life has been cen- God has blessed us in so
tered here: our marriage, baptism, kindergarten, Sunday school, youth programs, committees,
Bible studies, mission work, friendships, celebrations, and comfort during trying times. Our finan-
many ways, we cannot help
cial stewardship to this central part of our lives is a commitment to ensuring that it has a but joyfully give back.
vibrant future! God has blessed us in so many ways, we cannot help but joyfully give back.
The verse above mentions tribulations, perseverance, character, and hope. This hope has come in all forms in these trying times. We have all
seen many blessings that have come from this trial. We have witnessed sacrifice, kindness to our neighbors, volunteering, increased family
time, silly videos, creativity, and the list goes on. We have worshiped via our computers and in parking lots. We have gathered through Zoom
meetings. We all share the hope that we will return to happy, free times. And we look forward to a return to worship—together as one!
Now, more than ever, we need to share that hope with St. George’s. Because hope does not disappoint.
Gage & Shelly Logan, 2021 Stewardship Chairs
20We are blessed to have near-
ly 1,400 member families at St.
George’s Episcopal Church. More
than 50 percent of those families
made a pledge to the church for
2020. Thank you! Since 2016, we
have seen a 15 percent increase
in numbers of member families
pledging. However, our dollars
contributed have remained rel-
atively flat, with pledges totaling
about $3,556,000. We are excited
to see the opening of our newly
constructed spaces in 2021 and
hope you will consider a new or
increased pledge to support the
ongoing ministries of St. George’s.
21FINANCIALS
ACTUAL BUDGET PRIOR YEAR
22FALL 2020
BIRTHS
Liam Charles Connolly,
son of Molly and Matthew Connolly
Eleanor Paige Garrett,
daughter of Emily and Stephen Garrett
Constance Reade Meadors,
daughter of Graham and Porter Meadors
Benjamin Hobson Vogel,
son of Sarah and Stephen Vogel
BAPTISMS 20%
OFF
William Shepherd Barr,
son of Caroline and the Rev. David Barr
Katherine Blair Decker,
daughter of Emma and Will Decker
Elizabeth Halliday Stephens,
daughter of Sara and Byron Stephens
DEATHS
John Burch
Keith DeMoss
Lois Holt
Alan McLeod
Jane E. Miller
Mary Knox Pilkerton
Virginia Potter
Mary Ellen Ragan
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS!
Cal Alexander
Molly and Jesse Bronaugh
Ashleigh and Andrew Richard
Emerson Spicher Scales
Katie and Tom Steele
Betty and Ed Thackston
23
23Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Nashville, TN
Permit No. 1228
Photography
Special thanks to Warner Tidwell for many
of the beautiful photos throughout this issue of The Shield.
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