St George’s Audio/Video next steps

by Kevin Sharp

At the 11:15 service we have been using both new audio and video formats to lead a new style of worship for the past year. Many of the congregation has been a part of this either by experiencing the 11:15 service or at the 9:30 in the summer or on special guest appearances.

This format is opening us up to new directions and members. There are many churches in all denominations that are using this format for worship to help deliver the message. In fact, most new churches are designed around a more visual presentation of the gospel.

When video is used appropriately, it can have a valuable effect on those viewing the material, the visual generation of hymns and choruses on the screen, has a way of drawing every one together and closer to God. The trick is to make sure this technology reinforces the message and does not take away from the message!

I believe that it is time to take the next steps and make this format a permanent part of the church so that it can be used at any service. Rev. Rob is in full support and has been using the current video projection at all three Sunday services already.

We have put together a full plan to implement an integrated sound and video system. This would cost an estimated $29,000. While we may not be able to afford to do this at this point, the design can be implemented in phases.

Since we already own the current sound equipment we should start with the Video design (Phase 1). For this first step, we are proposing that we have two screens instead of just one as we have now above the pulpit. There would be one mounted on either side of the Chancel. With the projectors suspended from the ceiling and a control area at the back of the church to the side of the Baptismal font This Phase is estimated to cost $10,700.

This includes:

• 2 Screens at front of church
• projectors hung from central beams
• all wiring to run system from back of church
• Monitors to allow Choir to see video
• Control desk at back of church
• new computer to drive system
• final install and calibration - Outside Vendor

Also important to note is that our current projector is getting old and
tired. A new one is needed soon just to keep the current program running.

Over the fall we will be presenting to the congregation this proposal to gain your support, interest and enthusiasm.

Done right this can be a very positive and expanding opportunity to extend our ministry, as well as a great way to keep you and our youth engaged in worship.

I am also looking for other members who would be interested in helping me with this, both setting it up and helping develop the program.

Should you have any questions or comments please stop me in the hall, or contact Rev. Rob.

Thank you.

Messy Church

by The Rev'd Nancy Rowe
Messy Church is an alternate way of 'doing' church. It is family oriented, making it child and baby friendly. Messy Church happens at the messy edges of life which is the perfect space for the exuberance of the Holy Spirit to have free rein.

The Messy Church community meets at 4:00 on the second Sunday of the month. We begin by connecting with the Creator within by creating a variety of items that reflect the theme of the evening. We then gather to praise God and end by enjoying a meal together. Messy Church finishes around 6:00. If you are interested in hearing God's message in a new way, or think you would enjoy a less formal worship format, or want to participate in worship as a family
complete with your inquisitive and not so quiet children, give Messy Church a try.

The next Messy Church is September 13 and the theme is 'The Sower'.

Calling All Youth - 11 to 15 years old!

We want to invite you to participate in the Youth Group at St.
Georges' Church! The 2nd Saturday of each month is Messy Church, 4-6 pm followed by exclusive Youth Group activities. September 13th is our first meeting.

The last Sunday of each month, following the 11:15 AM service, starting at 12:30 PM. Lunch will be served as part of the youth group time. September 28th is our second meeting.

Put these dates on your calendar, choose one, choose both dates and be part of the action!
SEE YOU THERE!
Contact St. George's Office 905-877-8044 for further
information

Table of Contents

Easter 2006 Edition
Table of Contents

• Editorial
• Easter 2006 Message from the Rector
• St. George's Evangelism
• Reflections on a Visit to the Solel Congregation
• Music & Worship
• A Visit to Trinity Church Streetsville
• The Story of a Life-Long Knitter: Ethel Harvey
• What Our Kid's Think About Lent
• Water: A Precious Resource
• Easter 2006 Youth News

Editorial

By Lucinda Landau

What is it like to hear the voice of God? Have you ever heard it?
We often puzzle over this issue. How can we be sure that we, mere humans, actually hear the voice of God? Archdeacon John McMulkin once described the 'voice' we hear upon answered prayer as the second part of hearing - while there is no person present to speak words out loud, the effect registers inwardly in our brain as thought. Our minds understand that we have been spoken to.

There are other ways to perceive the presence of the Divine in our lives. It can come from participation in a moving liturgy, sharing a life story with someone who is in distress, or simply watching a beautiful sunset.Something takes place that is out of the ordinary and we are forever changed by an inner realization. We, as faithful people, can hear the voice of God and feel loved.

In Israel, twenty-three years ago, I wandered the streets of Old Jerusalem as a pilgrim. My husband and I walked the Via Dolorosa behind a tour group who were following the Stations of the Cross. Somewhere near the 12th station, we were instinctively led off the designated path and we took a turn away from the tour group. Another pilgrim, a tall, handsome young man from Sweden split off with us as well. We weren't sure where we were going, but we followed our inner guidance until we unexpectedly arrived at hidden courtyard with a beautiful enclosed garden.

The three of us walked into the garden and stood dumbfounded. We were filled with the Spirit of Christ and could not speak. We stood on sacred ground.

This spot was not marked as one of the Stations of the Cross, but we knew we were in a holy place. All of our inner yearnings to immerse ourselves in Christ's journey of pain and suffering were me