Why St. George's?

Our Mission
We are an open community, growing in God’s unconditional love.

We Are
A growing family of varied experiences, gifts, talents, ages, ethnicities and beliefs, seeking to serve Jesus Christ in all persons.

We Offer
Enriching worship, abundant opportunities for learning, and service. We are an active and energetic community, focused on formation, engaging the world with our faith, and striving for health and wholeness.

 

We Aim
To reach into the communities around us and within us in love, abundnace, compassion, healing and wholeness. We are a Christian house with love and compassion for everyone.

Who is St. George?
St. George, also known as the dragon-slayer, is known for bravery in adversity, one legend has it that he slew the dragon to save a princess, and inspired an entire town to become Christians.

Worship Freely
During the service you may see people crossing themselves and doing things that are unannounced by the priest or unexplained in the bulletin. Don’t worry. People are free to practice rituals and customs they have learned from other churches, denominations, or traditions.  As for crossing themselves during the service, some do it as they enter or exit the church or a pew, at the mention of death/resurrection, during the blessing, and at any moment they feel moved. Be curious, even adventurous. Try something out and see if it works for you. Personal rituals can make a worship experience richer.

Full Body Experience
You will notice that during different parts of the service we assume different positions: standing, kneeling, and sitting. Where the body goes, the mind will follow. We use this concept in worship to help us have a full and focused experience. Although there are some minor exceptions, the tradition is that we sit to listen; we stand to sing; and we kneel to pray.

Anonymity, History, & Beauty
Wonder why the priests wear vestments instead of a suit or everyday clothes? The vestments are a type of uniform. We want the focus to be on God. We do not want the individual style or wardrobe of the priest to be a distraction. The design and fashion of the vestment comes from the history and tradition of the Early Church. The beauty of the vestments reminds us of God’s presence in the world.

Beyond Words: Colors
Colors affect our mood and help frame our perspective. The different colors are meant to highlight the themes of the church seasons which are patterned on the life and death of Jesus Christ, in particular his birth (Christmas) and resurrection (Easter). The basic code is Blue/Purple for Preparation, White/Red for Celebration, followed by Green for Growth.

It’s Free
Giving to the church is a result of a person’s response to God’s presence in their life. No one is required to put money in the plate. Giving is an act of thanksgiving. It is a way of honoring the role of livelihood and work in our lives. It is not an obligation or requirement.

Come as You Are
There is no dress code. Wear what is comfortable.

Your Child is Safe with Us
Regular volunteers and paid staff who work with children are fingerprinted and have completed Justice Department background checks.

Call Us by Our First Names
All the priests respond to our first names. If you must use a title, please use “Father Norm”. In written correspondence it is customary to use the title “The Rev.” as in “The Rev. Norman Freeman.”

Community and The Common Cup
The common cup is a powerful symbol of community and a reminder of the last and very special meal Jesus shared with his friends. No one is required to drink from the cup. Some elect for the dipping of the bread wafer into the wine. (Just leave the bread wafer in your hand and the minister will do all the work.) Others abstain from the wine altogether. Communion is considered complete with only the bread.

Just Show Up
Come and be a member. If you complete some simple paper work it will help us get information to you about upcoming events via our weekly updates and monthly newsletters. Your membership is what you make of it. Do and be as much as you want or need.

Grace & Sensibility
These are the hallmarks of an Episcopalian. We have no list of propositions that a person must ascribe to, nor a particular type of conversion experience that is common to everyone. The only “test” we have is that a person be open to the Holy Eucharist as a vehicle to experience the presence of Jesus Christ.

Community, Mystery, and Authenticity
We strive for real expressions of God’s presence in our daily lives. We believe that when we are committed to a journey centered on Jesus Christ we will become better people and healthier families. Come and join us.

Splish, Splash
Containers of Holy Water are placed at every entrance of the church to remind us that we enter the community through our Baptism. Dip your fingers or hand in it to remember community, forgiveness, and new life.

Bread and Wine
The bread and wine are the most powerful symbols the church has of the presence of God through Jesus Christ in the world, the gathered community, and our lives. Some believe they become flesh and blood; others see them as reminders. There is no one right way. All are invited.

Work of the People
The worship service represents the best we can do together as a diverse community gathered together seeking the presence of Jesus Christ.  We balance past and present; traditional and contemporary; priest and people; self and neighbor; family and visitor; young and old; speaking and singing. Most of the images and phrases we use come from the Holy Bible. Our format is shared by many others and made available to all through the Episcopal book of worship called The Book of Common Prayer.