F        Following Christ (Spiritual formation for all ages)

(For children)
St. George's Preschool
Sunday School at St. George's

(For youth)
St. George's Youth Group

(For adults)
Adult Seminar
Centering Prayer
Frelections for Sunday
The Vestry

(For any/all ages group)
Confirmation
Dipietro Library
 

A       Adoring God (Worship)

Acolytes
Altar Guild
Lectors and Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LECS & LEMS)
Memorial Garden
Music Ministry
Ushers

I        Inviting others (Welcome ministry)

New Members

T       Tending hearts (Fellowship and pastoral care)

Coffee Hosts
Parish Life
 

H       Helping with needs (Service and outreach)
        See Serving Outside Church
 

Following Christ (Spiritual formation for all ages)

For children:
(See also: DiPietro Library, Music Ministry)

ST. GEORGE’S PRESCHOOL
Contact: Cherie McSweeney, Director 

St. George’s Preschool was established in 1969 as an extension of the ministry of St. George’s Episcopal Church.  The purpose of the school is to provide a half-day program for children ages’ three to five.  The staff creates a positive indoor and outdoor environment that encourages each child to develop a healthy self-concept.  St. George’s Preschool provides a warm and nurturing atmosphere in which emotional, social, physical, and intellectual growth takes place.  Within appropriate boundaries, individual choice is encouraged to allow children to participate actively and learn about the world around them.

The Church and the Preschool operate independently while maintaining an extremely supportive relationship with one another.  The Rector of the Church and the Preschool Director meet on a regular basis and the Rector is a member on the Preschool Committee.  The Church and Preschool budgets are also separate with the Preschool paying a use fee to the Church.

The Preschool has a staff of 13 well trained teachers and a student population of 126.  Approximately 5% of the students are parishioners of St. George’s Church.  Our families come from La Canada and several other surrounding cities.

Children are grouped into classes according to age with 9-1 child to teacher ratio:

·        Three classes of 18 three-year-old students meet on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

·        Three classes of 18 four-year-old students meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

·        One Pre-Kindergarten class of 18 older four year old students meets Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 

Every child enrolled in St. George’s Preschool attends a brief Chapel service lead by the Rector once a week, where the children hear stories, sing songs, and say prayers.  Parents are encouraged to attend Chapel services.  The Preschool families are invited to attend Sunday Worship and parish functions.

An Extended Day after school program, with limited enrollment, is available Monday through Friday until 2:30 p.m.  Children bring a sack lunch, rest and engage in non-structured play.

We strongly encourage parents to be a part of their child’s experience at St. George’s Preschool.  Some of our special events for parents are The Fall Orientation Meeting. Fall Family Dinner, Open House, Father’s Morning, Mother’s Morning, Christmas Chapel, and our annual fundraiser the Dragon Faire.  Also, the Preschool is involved in a variety of outreach programs with the Church.  Parishioners and parents support the Red Shirt project, children in the Preschool assemble hygiene kits for the homeless and we use the Handicapped Workshop for school pens and calendars.   

Sunday School at St. George’s
Contact: Tassie Russell

Sunday school is for children ages 4-12.  It meets every Sunday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the spacious community room called Lower Softely Hall. The children work and play together, the older ones aiding and guiding the younger ones.  Teenagers often join the group, acting as junior teachers.  Activities include opening prayers, songs and games, Bible stories, ad craft projects.  The curriculum is based on the guidebook “Living the Good News”, a lectionary based program developed especially for Episcopalians.

Two adult teachers guide the children in their lessons, and then lead them into the main sanctuary to take Holy Communion with their parents.  Sunday school provides children with lessons and projects appropriate for their age, as well as an opportunity to take part is the larger church service.

For youth:
(See also: Acolytes, Boy Scouts, Confirmation)

ST. GEORGE’S YOUTH GROUP

The Youth Group is open to parishioners ages junior high to high school who are interested in hanging out, having fun and exploring questions about God at the same time.  We typically meet weekly r once every two weeks to go on outings, hang out and eat pizza, watch movies and do other activities.  Youth are also active in assisting with Sunday school and helping to set up special events at the church. We are linked to the Diocesan Youth events ant attend annual events such as the Bishop’s Ball and the Youth Delegation of the Diocesan Convention.  We are working on linking up with local churches to do more events over the summer with other youth.

For adults:

ADULT SEMINAR
Contact: Judi Healey

One of the most rapidly growing groups at St. George's is the Adult Seminar.  This group, which meets every Sunday at 9 a.m., is like a book study group, but the writings are those of theologians with an Anglican base.  Recently we read, dissected, and shared our reactions to John Shelby Spong's The Sins of Scripture.  Currently, we are finishing our study of The Heart of Christianity, by Marcus J. Borg, and we are in the process of selecting our next choice. The joy of this group is that it gives St. Georgians an opportunity to go beyond shared pleasantries.  Those who gather around this roundtable discussion on Sundays are at different places in our faith journeys. The seminar offers a safe but lively place to talk about questions that gnaw at us and an opportunity to share the 'ah-ha!' moments of awareness in our walking with God. Y'all come!

CENTERING PRAYER
Contact: Church Office

Centering Prayer is a method of prayer, which prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence, traditionally called Contemplative Prayer.  It consists of responding to the Spirit of Christ by consenting to God’s presence and action within.  It furthers the development of contemplative prayer by quieting our faculties to cooperate with the gift of God’s presence.

Centering Prayer facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer-verbal, mental or affective prayer-into a receptive prayer of resting in God.  It emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God.  At the same time, it is a discipline to foster and serve this relationship by a regular, daily practice of prayer.  It is Trinitarian in its source, Christ-centered in its focus, and ecclesial in its effects; it builds communities of faith.

 REFLECTIONS FOR SUNDAY
Contact: The Rev. Amy Pringle (rector@saintgeorgeslcf.org)

E-mails are sent to members who sign up to receive them, with reflections about the coming Sunday’s scripture readings.  Members respond by return e-mail, aiding in preparation of the sermon, or simply reflect in private preparation for Sunday worship.  Please e-mail Amy to be added to the list.

 THE VESTRY
Contact: The Rev. Amy Pringle (rector@saintgeorgeslcf.org)

The Vestry of St. George’s is the body within the congregation that, with the clergy, leads the parish.  It helps to discern the vision toward which God is drawing the community; articulates and communicates the vision; holds the community accountable for its realization of that vision; and keep the mission of the Church and that of the our individual congregation clearly before the parish community.

For any/all age groups:

CONFIRMATION
Contact: The Rev. Amy Pringle (rector@saintgeorgeslcf.org)

Confirmation is the laying on of hands by a Bishop, to “confirm” a person’s spiritual gifts.  Many people are baptized as infants, with their parents speaking on their behalf, confirmation is the “sequel” to baptism, a mature and personal act of dedication, in which one claims the Christian faith and commits to its way of life.

Preparation involves weekly classes for a number of months; an in-depth exploration of personality and unique spiritual gifts, including a time of spiritual direction with a priest; and private practice of various suggested spiritual disciplines, leading to the development of a regular habit of prayer and spiritual life.  The ceremony of confirmation is a personalized, moving celebration of the ways that God is moving in a person’s life, and what that person has to offer the world in God’s name.

While there is no minimum age requirement, the preparation for confirmation requires an amount of life experience and a depth of self-knowledge which people don’t usually have until they’re at least fourteen.  Some people are this mature sooner than fourteen’ some not until after that age.  The decision to pursue confirmation should be made in consultation with the priest and those who know you best.

DIPIETRO LIBRARY
Contact: Joyce Davison

The library is located in the office building of St. George’s.  It houses a collection of media in the form of books, videos and DVDs to help us try to understand God’s intentions for us.  All of the material in the collection is faith based in some way.  There are three collections: 

• The regular collection consists of somewhat scholarly books and videos for study and research.
• The Young Adult collection consists of novels of faith and books about life lessons and applying them to everyday living.
• The Children’s Collection consists of videos, DVDs, and books about life lessons in story form.  This collection is made available to the preschool for the students to participate in a reading program.  The themes change each year from “Catch a Dragon by the Tail”; “Hug a Bear Hug a Book”; and  Mr. Wiggles Reading Club.

The library is open during office hours (M-Th: 10am-4pm; F: 10am-Noon) and on Sundays.  
The room the library is housed in is used for many meetings and classes during the year.

Adoring God (worship) 

ACOLYTES
Contact: Elizabeth Hueter-Willoughby

St. George’s has an active acolyte ministry open to anyone 11 years old and up.  As an acolyte, you serve with other acolytes on your team of 3 to 4 members performing such tasks as lighting candles, carrying the cross, and assisting the priest at Communion.  Each team serves about once per month at the regular 10 a.m. Sunday service (9 a.m. during the summer).  Acolytes also serve at special Christmas and Holy Week services.

ALTAR GUILD
Contact: Dele Burt

Altar Guild is composed of people who serve God by preparing and tending a place of worship. It is a ministry of love undertaken in the name of Christ and is done quietly, behind the scenes. Altar Guild members are mindful of the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary and at the altar. We strive for spiritual growth, regular prayer, study and worship. We support and assist the clergy as they teach and guide the spiritual life of the parish.

Our responsibilities include having all things necessary and ready for the celebration of the Eucharist. Observances of other sacraments and offices of the church (weddings, baptisms, funerals, etc.), managing flowers for our church, replenishing supplies and caring for vestments, linen and sacred vessels are other significant functions.

Altar Guild has regular meetings and tasks are accomplished by teams on a rotating weekly basis. Altar Guild provides instruction and training to insure high standards of all our duties. Membership is open to any member of the parish. 

LECTORS AND LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS (LEMS AND LEVS)
Contact: Dave Russell

Those members of the parish who wish to participate in a ministry involving worship and liturgy have several opportunities, among them being service as Lectors, Lay Eucharist Ministers and Lay Eucharistic Visitors.

A Lector is a person who reads the Bible lessons at the Sunday worship services and at other various occasions.  While no formal training is required to become a Lector, a person wishing to do so should be a proficient and confident public speaker.  The Lectors often informally critique one another, as reading scripture is different from other types of public reading.

A Lay Eucharistic Minister, frequently referred to as a “LEM”,  is a member of the congregation who assists in the principal worship services of the parish, and who bears the chalice and occasionally the paten during Holy Communion.  The LEM frequently vests in a cassock and surplice for the worship services on Sundays and other formal occasions, and is usually responsible for reading the Epistle and the Prayers of the People.  LEMs may be called upon to conduct services such as Morning and Evening Prayer, Stations of the Cross, and to participate in services of Holy Baptism.  Becoming a LEM requires training and licensing by the Diocese.  While it is not a formal prerequisite for becoming a LEM, a period of time reading and participating as a Lector is customary at St. George’s.

A Lay Eucharistic Visitor or “LEV” is a new lay ministerial classification established by the Diocese.  Until recently, LEMs took communion to shut-ins and those unable to attend services at St. George’s, after the principal Sunday worship service and at other times required by the clergy.  Up to this point, all of our LEMs have participated in this aspect of the ministry, and all of them are currently licensed as LEVs.  Because taking communion to people outside the parish campus involves more autonomy on the part of the LEM or LEV, the Diocese is insistent on additional training in the manner in which the Lay minister relates to the congregant being visited, and the proprieties involved.  Sexual misconduct awareness training is absolutely required for those wishing to serve in this capacity.

These rewarding ministries are open to any member of the parish, subject to the approval of the clergy, and licensing, if required.

MEMORIAL GARDEN
Contact: Connie Ledendecker

The Memorial Garden was built in 1993, dedicated to three purposes:

• The interment of ashes of parishioners and their families

• A memorial to deceased loved ones

• A joyful gathering place for the Church family

Construction and maintenance is funded entirely by donations made specifically for this purpose.  There is on-going need for such donations in order to maintain the Garden in proper condition.  Volunteers are urged to participate in oversight and/or hands-on periodic maintenance.

MUSIC MINISTRY
Contact: Connie Grisham, Music Director

Our Music Ministry at St. George’s attempts to support, as well as teach our parishioners, both adults and children, and interest members of our community, about the wonderfully rich music of the Episcopal Church.  Our Adult Choir consists of fourteen to sixteen voices which include a professional quartet of singers.  Our ears and eyes are always attuned to hearing good voices that should be a part of our group.  We rehearse on Sundays, after the 10 a.m. service (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

We would like to have an active children’s choir once again.  The time required is one afternoon rehearsal per week, plus singing at the 10 a.m. service. 

USHERS
Contact: Bill Petterplace

Ushers serve during all church services.  They direct people to different places on campus, hand service bulletins to people when entering the church, ring the church bell when appropriate, collect the offering during services, etc.

Inviting others (newcomer ministry)

NEW MEMBERS
Contact: Jessica Hueter

Visitors to St. George’s are welcomed throughout the year.  For those who would like to find out more about the church, its staff and its ministries, we offer two special events in the fall and again in the spring.  The first event, a Wine and Cheese Reception, is an informal get-together with clergy and other members of the church.  It is an opportunity to get better acquainted, to share stories, and to ask any questions you may have about St. George’s.  The second event is a Membership Class for those people who wish to find out further details about the ministries, history and ethos of St. George’s and to find out what it means to become a member.  Those who wish to in the church are welcomed as new members the following Sunday.

Tending hearts (fellowship and pastoral care)

COFFEE HOSTS
Contact : Nora Winant (818-790-7738)

Coffee hours following Sunday services are a tradition at St. George’s and are a time for fellowship among parishioners, an opportunity to welcome newcomers and guests and to maintain a strong church community. They are hosted by volunteer parish members on a rotating basis.  From September to mid-June, hosts provide refreshments and coffee following the 8:00 a.m. service.  After the 10:00 a.m. service, snacks and juice for the children are served in addition to coffee and refreshments.  During the summer months when there is one service at 9:00 a.m., cool drinks such as lemonade or iced tea are served, along with coffee and baked goods.  The addition of seasonal fruit is appreciated at any time during the year.

PARISH LIFE
Contact: Katie Forster

Parish Life is responsible for organizing parish wide events to encourage and develop sharing in the ministry of Christian life at St. George’s.  Currently four events are held throughout the year.  These events foster friendship and growth among our members.

Helping with Needs (service and outreach):
Refer to Serving Outside Church (Click here for more details on ministries below)

• Amani Ya Juu

• Boy Scout Troop #502

• Dragon Thrift Shop

• Episcopal Relief and Development

• Habitat for Humanity

• Mission Share Fund

• Red Shirt Project