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November 2016 (ALMOST) ADVENT EDITION

Bread

Have you seen what happens to a loaf of bread that is baked with

too little yeast?

Many bread recipe call for X cups of flour, Y tablespoons of sugar,

and Z teaspoons of yeast (as well as a few other ingredients - I’m

thinking raisins.) to make a loaf of bread. Following the recipe

helps the baker create a light and soft product. The yeast works

with the flour and sugar to raise the bread. The baker will be proud

to serve the loaf to customers, friends, and family. (I’m thinking

crunchy peanut butter!)

The baker finds X cups of flour and Y tablespoons of sugar make a

very flat loaf of bread with less than Z teaspoons of yeast. The

baker will be disappointed and the “bread” will be served to the

birds. (They might eat it!)

The parishioners of St. George’s Crescentwood devote their time,

talent, and/or treasure to parish activities. The parish plan and

budget put the time, talent, and treasure together in hope of making

a successful parish. What happens when there’s too little treasure?

Please help us connect with all parishioners by documenting your

thoughts and experiences over the festive season, and submitting

your articles by the January 15th deadline for the next “by

George!”. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Ted Cotton

“by George!”

Contents

1. Bread …

2. Calendar…

2. Nine Lessons …

4. Our Rector …

5. Margaret Writes

5. Thought For ..

5. Parish Council…

6. Finance Report

7. Stewardship…

8. Sunday School …

9. Announcements ..

11. Mission and …

12. Christmas Dinner

13. Poinsettias

The “by George!” connects

all parishioners through

electronic or hard copy

distribution. It is normally

published in September,

November, January, March,

and May. All articles are

welcome; electronic

submissions are appreciated.

The “by George!” would

not be possible without

the assistance of many

parishioners. Thanks! Ted Cotton, Editor

Home 204 488 3606

Work 204 949 8384

tedcotton@mymts.net

bG! page 2

MARK YOUR CALENDARS WITH THESE UPCOMING DATES

Within our Parish Church of St. George, Crescentwood:

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DAY DATE Group TIME

Wed 23-Nov-16 Wednesday Communion service (abbreviated) Noon in Chapel

Thurs 24-Nov-16 Prayers for Peace & Justice 9:00 am Guild Room

Sun 27-Nov-16 The First Sunday in Advent 10:30 am Church

Wed 1-Dec-16 Wednesday Communion service (abbreviated) Noon in Chapel

Thurs 2-Dec-16 Prayers for Peace & Justice 9:00 am Guild Room

Fri 2-Dec-16 Preparation for Christmas Dinner

Sat 3-Dec-16 Annual Christmas Dinner Wine Bar 5pm, Dinner 6pm

Sun 4-Dec-16 Second Sunday of Advent 10:30 am Church

Sun 4-Dec-16 Stewardship Committee Meeting Noon in Guild Room

Wed 7-Dec-16 Wednesday Communion service (abbreviated) Noon in Chapel

Wed 7-Dec-16 Worship Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Guild Room

Thurs 8-Dec-16 Prayers for Peace & Justice 9:00 am Guild Room

Sun 11-Dec-16 Third Sunday of Advent 10:30 am Church

Wed 14-Dec-16 Wednesday Communion service (abbreviated) Noon in Chapel

Wed 14-Dec-16 Mission & Ministry Meeting 7:00 pm Guild Room

Wed 14-Dec-16 Parish Council 7:00 pm TBA

Thurs 15-Dec-16 Prayers for Peace & Justice 9:00 am Guild Room

Sat 17-Dec-16 Caregivers Support Group 10:00 am Guild Room

Sun 18-Dec-16 Fourth Sunday of Advent` 10:30 am Church

Sun 18-Dec-16 Nine Lesson & Carols 7:00 pm Church

Wed 21-Dec-16 Wednesday Communion service (abbreviated) Noon in Chapel

Thurs 22-Dec-16 Prayers for Peace & Justice 10:00 am Guild Room

Sat 24-Dec-16 Christmas Pageant 5:00 pm Church

Sat 24-Dec-16 Late Christmas Eve service 10:30 pm Church

Sun 25-Dec-16 Christmas Day service 10:30 am Church

Mon 26-Dec-16 Boxing Day - Building and Office closed until Monday, Jan 2

Sun Jan 1-17 Naming of Jesus 10:30 am Church

Wed Jan 4-17 Wednesday Communion service (abbreviated) Noon in Chapel

Wed Jan 4-17 Worship Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Guild Room

Thurs Jan 5-17 Prayers for Peace & Justice 9:00 am Guild Room

Sun Jan 8-17 Epiphany of the Lord - Children's homily 10:30 am Church

Sun Jan 8-17 Time and Talent Displays - tentative Noon Parish Hall

Sun Jan 8-17 Choral Evensong 4:00 pm Church

Wed Jan 11-17 Wednesday Communion service (abbreviated) Noon in Chapel

Wed Jan 11-17 Mission & Ministry Meeting 7:00pm Guild Room

Thurs Jan 12-17 Prayers for Peace & Justice 9:00AM Guild Room

bG! page 3

Sun Jan 15-17 Second Sunday after the Epiphany 10:30 am Church

Wed Jan 18-17 Wednesday Communion service (abbreviated) Noon in Chapel

Wed Jan 18-17 Parish Council Meeting - Budget 7:00 pm Guild Room

Thurs Jan 19-17 Prayers for Peace & Justice 9:00 am Guild Room

Sun Jan 22-17 Third Sunday after the Epiphany 10:30 am Church

Wed Jan 25-17 Wednesday Communion service (abbreviated) Noon in Chapel

Wed Jan 25-17 Parish Council Meeting - Regular 7:00 PM Guild Room

Thurs Jan 26-17 Prayers for Peace & Justice 9:00 am Guild Room

Sun Jan 29-17 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany 10:30 am Church

Wed Feb 1-17 Wednesday Communion service (abbreviated) Noon in Chapel

Wed Feb 1-17 Worship Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Guild Room

Thurs Feb 2-17 Prayers for Peace & Justice 9:00 am Guild Room

Sun Feb 5-17 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany - Children's homily 10:30 am Church

For the most current calendar and more information about St. George’s, please visit:

http://www.stgeorges.mb.ca

2017 Church Calendars

The 2017 Church Calendars are now available and on sale at coffee hour on Sundays after

the 10:30 am service. They are $7 each.

Garage Sale

The Garage Sale Committee is asking everyone’s cooperation in not bringing in items for the

Garage Sale from now until January 9, 2017. We would like to keep the hall clean for the

festive season.

We also appreciate your donations of books and magazines, however we cannot accept

encyclopedias, Readers Digest Condensed books, textbooks of any sort, and National

Geographic magazines. Thank You.

In the Broader Community:

There are no November and December events to report at this time.

Please visit the Diocese of Rupert’s Land website for the most current calendar:

http://www.rupertsland.ca/category/events/

THE FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

Sunday December 18 at 7:00 PM Plan to attend and invite your friends

bG! page 4

The Rupert’s Land News is now only electronic. To subscribe to the weekly electronic

edition and get the latest news about the Diocese, please use the following link:

www.rupertslandnews.ca and then go to "subscribe to RLN Weekly".

OUR RECTOR WRITES FROM HIS DESK …

On Remembrance Sunday, I mentioned something referred to as Just War Theory. What

follows is a very brief introduction to the theory.

Just war theory deals with the justification of how and why wars are fought. A very early

expression of a Christian understanding of what constitutes a just war came from St.

Augustine primarily through his work City of God. However, the most detailed explanation

came from St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. In Aquinas’ Summa Theologicae, he

presented his philosophy on just war theory and this theory remains the foundation upon

which most modern philosophers and war theorists base their own expressions.

There are two terms that are important to consider to which a third was later added. The

initial two terms, in Latin, are Jus ad Bellum and Jus in Bello. The former outlines the

conditions which must be satisfied before engaging in war. The latter outlines how war must

be conducted.

Jus ad Bellum has five tenets: there must be just cause, it must be the last resort, only the

appropriate authority may declare war, it must have a right intention and success must be

reasonably achievable.

Jus in Bello has two tenets: discrimination and proportionality. Discrimination deals with

who are legitimate targets in war. It is considered not just if targets are selected with no

consideration of whether or not they are an active part of the war effort and if so what part do

they have. For example the bombing of schools is unjust as is the bombing of hospitals.

You may recall that it is common to see a Red Cross or Red Crescent on the top of medical

vehicles. They are not legitimate targets. Proportionality is often difficult to adhere to

given human nature and the desire to seek revenge. The action needs to respect human life

and keep casualties to a minimum. Acting in kind is also important, i.e. if one is attacked

with small arms fire it may be determined to be unjust should the response include the use of

missals.

As Christians it is our call to hold the principalities and powers accountable for their actions,

perhaps most during times of war. For two thousand years, Christians have been fighting

wars, more often than not, against other Christians. War may be inevitable on this side of

the cross but of one thing I’m sure and that is that God weeps during war and God weeps for

all parties involved equally not one over the other.

Simon+

bG! page 5

MARGARET WRITES …

Watch for Margaret’s message in the next “by George!”.

THOUGHT FOR THIS EDITION

Determine what you need before you find the solution.

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

From the November 16th Parish Council meeting:

Chapter 6 of Changing the Conversation was discussed.

The October 2016 Finance Report was discussed. Details are in this “by George!”.

The Syrian refugee family continues to settle in. The parents have private tutors.

An overview of the web site redevelopment was given.

Financial stewardship activities are underway and parishioners are being reminded to

return their 2017 Estimate of Giving cards by November 27th.

The Property Committee will be asked to arrange for a security assessment and report

back to Parish Council.

Replacement of the birdcage glass and repair of the Grosvenor sign lighting are

underway.

The calendar of Diocesan events was reviewed. There’s a link to the current calendar in

this “by George!”.

An updated draft of the Parish operating guidelines was distributed for comment.

Terry Hidichuk begins as Postulant with the November 20th service.

Announcements from Parish groups is continuing. The text of the most recent three are

included in this “by George!”

The next Parish Council meeting is December 14.

Parish Council news is posted on a bulletin board in the Parish Hall.

bG! page 6

FINANCE REPORT

St. George’s Church – January to October 2016

Actual 2016 Actual 2015 Budget 2016

Revenue $221 510.14 $227 474.52 $216 297.34

Expense $230 393.09 $228 655.88 $239 767.22

Net Income (Loss) ($8 882.95) ($1 181.36) ($23 469.88)

Here are the highlights:

The 2016 Net Loss to the end of August is $8 882. This is unfavourable to last year but

favourable Budget.

Variances of $700 or more to Budget are:

- Fundraising is $7 686 favourable. This is the Garage Sale.

- Interest Earned is $1 438 favourable. This is timing.

- Identified Giving is $6 900 unfavourable to Budget and $13 870 unfavourable to last year.

This is changes in the congregation.

- Sundry Rental is $1 175 favourable. This is more ad hoc events.

- Assistant’s Salary is $3 463 unfavourable. This is coverage in the fall rather than the

summer.

- Rector’s Stipend and Living Allowance are offsets.

- Maintenance – Organ is $1 875 favourable. This is timing.

- General Maintenance is $996 favourable. This is timing.

- Utilities – Natural Gas is $2 805 favourable. This is timing and a warmer 2016.

While the Net Income (Loss) shows how we are doing this year, the Summary Balance

Sheet shows what we have accumulated over the life of the church:

Summary Balance Sheet

As at October 31

2016 2015 change

Actual Actual

Current Assets (chequing, cash) $ 53 037.81 44 536.02 8 501.79

Fixed Assets (building at cost) 785 030.20 785 030.20 0

Other Assets (investments) 454 678.77 507 781.37 (53 102.60)

Total Assets $ 1 292 746.78 1 337 347.59 (44 600.81)

Current Liabilities (designated) $ 280 523.83 261 353.16 19 170.67

Long Term Liabilities (trusts) 7 260.26 7 260.26 0

Equity 1 004 962.69 1 068 734.17 (63 771.48)

Total Liabilities and Equity $ 1 292 748.78 1 337 347.59 (44 600.81)

The chequing account is reconciled to the end of October 2016.

bG! page 7

Our Balance Sheet includes about 32 Designated Funds. These Funds range in size from

less than $100 to over $100 000. The key aspect of each Fund is the money can only be spent

on what the money was donated or raised for. For example, the Designated Fund – Norquay

School can only be used for Norquay School. Some Funds have ongoing activity and some

don’t.

Changes to Designated Funds > $500 in October:

- Syrian Refugee Fund: -$1 156. This is rent and other expenses greater than

donations.

- Garage Sale: +$7 732. This is the successful fall Closet Sale and Tea

TD advised us to sell a few of our preferred shares. All of our preferred shares have provided

better returns e.g. 4 to 5% but the reset (renewal) rates are closer to 2%. When these

preferred shares were created, the "banks" expected preferred shares to have lower interest

rates when the terms of these preferred shares renewed. This hasn't happened so the existing

shares have gone down in value. Newer preferred shares still have higher interest rates but

somewhat higher reset rates too e.g. 4% and 3%. As TD doesn't feel this will change before

the end of the term for a few of our shares, they recommend selling a few now before the

value goes down further. Corporation agreed with the recommendation. There will be about

a $10 000 loss. It should be noted many of our investments increase in value but we don't

tend to sell them to get the gain as they continue to go up.

If have any questions on the Finance Report, please let me know.

Ted Cotton

STEWARDSHIP MATTERS

Our financial (treasure) Stewardship activities are underway. Thanks to everyone who has

returned their Estimate of Giving cards so far. If you haven’t, we’d be grateful if you would

return your card to the office or the collection plate by November 27; this will help us with

our budgeting process.

Our non-financial (time and talent) Stewardship Sunday is tentatively scheduled for

January 8. Watch for more information!

Time and Talent Opportunities: There are always opportunities for those who wish to

share their time and talent at St. George’s. Please let Simon or one of the wardens know

about your interests. Current opportunities include Parish Council Recording Clerk,

bG! page 8

Stewardship Secretary, Sidesperson and Flower Arranger. Thanks.

Electronic Offering Program: If you want to start the Electronic Offering Program or

change your monthly electronic donation during the year, the form and instructions are

always available from the church office or on the church website at Preauthorized Donation

Registration/Amendment Form . Thanks again.

Envelopes: If you prefer regular donations by cheque, the church office can provide you a

box of envelopes. If you need an occasional envelope, there are multi-use envelopes in the

pews.

Note: parishioners should be aware that about 3% of a credit card donation to a charity goes

to the credit card company and provider of the credit card donation system.

SUNDAY SCHOOL PRAYER – NOVEMBER 20, 2016

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM PARISH GROUPS – CHURCH SCHOOL

The St. George's Sunday School has been in full swing for two months now and we are

having a great time!

Each Sunday, the students study the Gospel story for the week, engage in discussion about

how they might incorporate the teachings of the Gospel in their lives, and complete crafts

and activities.

This fall, we have been working hard to engage students with the larger church community

through activities like writing the Children's Prayer that is read at the Offering, bringing up

the donated groceries at the Offering, writing notes to the sick of our parish, and keeping the

community up to date on our activities through our bulletin board.

bG! page 9

We always welcome volunteers who would like to contribute to the Sunday

School. One particular way people can help out is with our upcoming Christmas Eve

Pageant. If anyone is interested in getting involved, please let us know!

Thank you to everyone in the St. George's congregation for your support of the Sunday

School program!

Cheryl and Darryl Ferguson

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM PARISH GROUPS – SERVERS

Who are we?

According to the book given to me when I first signed up as a server called “Servers and

Services – Instructions for serving Anglican Liturgies” printed in 1986, servers are servants

of God and our job is to assist in serving the family meal at the church – the holy Eucharist.

The office of server is very old in the Anglican church and I am sure this current group of

servers here at St. George’s is part of a very long line of servers who have assisted the priest

here at our church.

Our tradition is to have four servers every Sunday if possible. The crucifer or head server,

two acolytes who carry the candles and a fourth person to carry the gospel book for the

gospel procession.

The Crucifer leads all the processions with the cross, setting the pace while keeping in mind

the length of the hymn so that everyone can be in their proper places when the hymn is done

The acolytes, in addition to lighting the candles at the beginning of the service and

extinguishing them at the end, assist with the setting up the altar at communion. They are

also there to help parishioners on the steps so please, make use of our services! Our fourth

server brings up the prayer box and carries the gospel book.

Our main function of course, is assisting with the Eucharist. You might say we put out the

dishes, help with setting the table and then assisting with the clean up! We are also

responsible for advising the Sunday School when it is time to come in for the offertory and

communion.

We do have a wonderful group of well trained and dedicated servers but we could do with

more! This is a commitment of approximately 2 hours a month minimum. If you are

interested, please contact Simon or me.

Geri Morgan

bG! page 10

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM PARISH GROUPS - WORSHIP COMMITTEE

For those of you who may not know me, my name is Roger Dennis, and I am Chair of the

Worship Committee here at St. George’s. I have been asked to speak to you for a few

moments today, to tell you something about The Worship Committee, why it exists, and how

it operates.

The duties of the Committee are prescribed in its Terms of Reference, as adopted by Parish

Council:

1. To advise the Incumbent with respect to all aspects of worship, ensuring that the

services are coordinated in such a way that the spiritual needs of the congregation

are met and that worship is conducted in an ordered and reverent fashion. (So, this

explains why we have slightly different orders of service from week to week, and

why the order is set out in the weekly bulletin … so you may all follow and

participate in the service).

2. To coordinate the efforts of the various groups that contribute to or participate in

worship, particularly with respect to the mechanics of the weekly services. (This

ensures, for example, that servers will not be bumping into one another, nor

administrants tripping over one another, during the communion service)

3. To plan and coordinate Special Services and Festivals. (The best example of this

would be the annual service of Nine Lessons & Carols, but I can assure you that a

lot of discussion and planning goes into other services, as well)

4. To review and make recommendations concerning all proposals for change to the

forms of liturgy currently in use. (Now here is where the committee’s diplomatic

skills may be tested, as traditional practices and language are challenged from time

to time and there may be requests for change … a word not to be found in the

lexicon of many Anglicans!)

5. To make recommendations with respect to music as a component of worship at St.

George’s, e.g. choice of choir(s) or music styles for particular services; selection of

hymn books, congregations hymns and service settings. (This, too, may be a

challenging duty for the committee, because parishioners are not necessarily

unanimous in their choice of musical styles)

6. To advise the Incumbent in the recruitment and selection of candidates for

employment in directing choirs or playing instruments involved in services.

You may have picked up one term or expression common to many of these duties and that is

“to advise” or “to advise the incumbent”, and I point that out simply to emphasize that it is

really the incumbent that is responsible for making the final decision on any of these matters,

after carefully considering the recommendations of the committee.

I hope this will give you some idea as to how the committee works. As Chair, I believe it is

well structured to carry out its duties. The structure or membership of the committee, also, is

set out in its Terms of Reference. It includes:

The Incumbent (or in his/her absence, a Churchwarden) (ex officio)

The Organist & Director of Music (ex officio)

bG! page 11

Four members of the Congregation at large, of which two must be between the ages

of 18-30

And one representative appointed by each of

Altar Guild

Choir

Lectors, Intercessors and Administrants

Servers

Sidespersons

Liturgical coordinators

There are currently openings for two members at large, so if you think you would be

interested in being part of the Worship Committee, please feel free to speak to me or, of

course Simon. The committee is required to meet at least six times a year, but has been

meeting monthly excluding June, July, and August.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Roger Dennis

MISSION AND MINISTRY

West Broadway Community Ministry

The WBCM “Christmas Stocking” is looking for the following items to stuff Christmas

stockings for those in need:

Disposable Razors

Deodorant – Men’s and Women’s

Tooth Brushes and Toothpaste

Please help and leave your items in the basket at the entrance to the church.

Let’s bring a smile to some lonely folks and let them know they are not forgotten.

Christmas Cheer 2016

Rather than Christmas hampers, Mission & Ministry is supporting Christmas Cheer in a

different way this year. Our goal is to raise $1,000 from the congregation of St. George’s

Crescentwood; this will assist Christmas Cheer with the purchase of necessary items to

complete their 20,000 hampers.

Please take a decoration from our tree in the Church entrance; then, write your cheque for the

amount indicated on the decoration. The cheque should be payable to St. George’s and have

Christmas Cheer on the memo line. Please put the cheque in the collection plate or deliver it

to Church office. On your behalf, one cheque will be sent to Christmas Cheer from Parish of

St. George’s, Crescentwood. Deadline for contributions is Thursday, Dec 8. Thank you and

enjoy a blessed Christmas season.

bG! page 12

West Broadway Community Ministry Cook

St. George’s has had a covenant with West Broadway Community Ministry for 15 years and

we continue to support them. Last year, we promised to give at least one month’s salary for

the cook who provides 2 hot meals and 2 cold meals for up to 160 people each meal. She

volunteers for two of the meals and is paid a salary for the other two. Her salary is $685 per

month. We’re asking parishioners for donations for the cook’s salary. Your cheque should

be made payable to St. George’s and have WBCM Cook on the memo line. St. George’s

will provide tax receipts for these donations.

Syrian Refugee Family

The Alzayyat family is continuing to adapt to the challenges of life in Winnipeg. English

language classes for Azhilla and Ahmed are underway and we are hearing more English

words from them all the time. Imad is going to Fort Rouge School every weekday

morning. Ahmed is looking for odd jobs to do and has received some work from several

parishioners. This could include yard clean-up, helping to move items, etc. We are

suggesting that his pay be at least $11 per hour (the Manitoba minimum wage). George

Bush is coordinating the appointments (gdbush@shaw.ca).

Prayer Shawls and Knitters

Dear Knitters! Can you believe it? We have only 6 shawls left, ready for immediate

comfort for suffering persons. We have 4 shawls ready to be blessed soon. This is the time

to make one; as the Winter Chills. A growing Prayer Shawl keeps the knitter warm, and then

will comfort the recipient. There are some yarns available. Please call me at 204-453-1672

or see me at Coffee hour after Church. Gail Walker

r

Our Annual Christmas Dinner will be held on

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Turkey dinner with all the trimmings

Santa will arrive as always

Tickets are on sale after church on Sunday

or at the church office.

Adults $20 Children under 12 Free

bG! page 13

Donations are requested towards Poinsettias for the Christmas Season, in memory of loved ones. Names of those being remembered will be placed in the leaflets for Dec 18, 24, 25, & Jan 1st. A receipt will be given for your donation with your year-end tax receipt. Name of Donor:________________________________ Amount: _____________________________________ Names of those being remembered: _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ ** Please attach your cheque to this form and forward to St. George’s Anglican

Church, 168 Wilton St., Winnipeg, MB R3M 3C3 by Monday, December 12, 2016.

Poinsettias

In Remembrance