Receiving • Living • Sharing THE ABUNDANT LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST ST. GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH • WINTER 2015/2016

INDWELLING THE STORY, INDWELLING THE SPIRIT

What Are Essential Marks Of The Holy Spirit?

Faith Is A Journey Clergy Focus: Clint & Theresa Wilson ST. GEORGE’S CLERGY

The Rev. R. Leigh Spruill Rector [email protected]

The Rev. Dr. Kristine Blaess Senior Associate Rector [email protected]

The Rev. Samuel Adams Associate Rector Letter From The Rector [email protected]

The Rev. Michael Blaess Associate Rector [email protected] INDWELLING THE STORY, INDWELLING THE SPIRIT The Rev. Clinton Wilson Associate Rector ove needs a person to be real. One can read about gospel. He also confessed in his own life to many among us and he pursues us with his love. He is [email protected] L love and talk about love, and from the beginning inconsistencies between what he believed and what he familiar with rejection but is undeterred. And he is here of time these have been favorite human pastimes, actually practiced. even now, pursuing us with his love.” The Rev. Richard Kew preoccupations of all people. Philosophers and theolo- Priest Associate McManus wrote that the men in his audience related What does our spiritual conviction about the Incar- gians and poets can describe love, and we are thankful [email protected] to each of these shortcoming from their own experi- nation, utterly unique among all the world religions, and enriched for their ruminations. But real love – ence as Muslims, but what they really wanted to know reveal concerning how God regards us? We much more godly love – is incarnational, embodied, enfleshed. The Rev. Sarah Puryear was how Christianity was different. Why be a Christian easily spend our energies sorting out our own views of Love needs a person to be real. Priest Associate in the first place? So McManus began to explain: God. But what does the Incarnation of Jesus say about [email protected] The month of December, wherein we live into the God’s view of us? Do we first have to say “yes” before He once met a girl named Kim. He fell in love. McMa- season of Advent pulling us into Christmas, invites God will love us with mercy, forgiveness, rebirth, joy? nus pursued her with all the love he had and finally he The Rev. Roger Senechal deep contemplation of love. Our Christian tradition Is that our story? Or does the Incarnation function as asked her to marry him. But she said “no.” Priest Associate and the Bible point to a God who will stop at nothing the ultimate love story, the revelation of a relentlessly [email protected] to show us how he regards us. And that leads to God McManus writes that as he told his story, he felt the hopeful divine suitor who will not be foiled or defeated setting down in history as a person, Jesus, the one empathy of all the Muslim men in the room. What man and whose object may yet be won? The Rev. Timus Taylor whose birth we celebrate and whose life is perfect love cannot sympathize with such a story? Our God knows rejection, and yet the pursuit continues Priest Associate that changes everything. McManus continued sharing, recounting how in the even unto this day. For God’s love is far too strong to A few years ago I was inspired to some fresh thinking face of his beloved’s “no,” he was nevertheless unre- remain bottled up in heaven. So across the shortening on the Incarnation through a meditation I read of Erwin lenting. He came to her again and again, wooing her. and darkening days now turning toward winter, may McManus who is lead pastor of a diverse congregation He loved her more and more. And eventually–finally– our longing hearts once more turn toward this greatest in Los Angeles called Mosaic. McManus has some she did say “yes!” And all men in the room appreciated of all miracles, toward this love made flesh that rather innovative and interesting ideas about the that part of the story as well! entered then – and may enter anew – into history, into church, and I particularly appreciated his sharing about our world, and into our lives. For love needs a person to a visit to the Middle East. He had been invited to speak McManus ended his testimony by saying this: “I did be real. And he is.... And he comes.... to a group pf Muslim men about Christianity. First, not send my brother to tell this woman I loved her, nor www.stgeorgesnashville.org 615.385.2150 McManus acknowledged that the church was far did I send a friend. For in issues of love, you must go [email protected] from perfect, often failing to witness faithfully to the yourself. This is the story of Jesus. God has walked 2 WINTER 2015/2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 LETTER FROM THE RECTOR Indwelling The Story, Indwelling The Spirit

4 WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL MARKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL MARKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? 6 FAITH IS A JOURNEY

9 ST. GEORGE’S WELCOMES NEW 4 PRIEST ASSOCIATE

10 CLERGY FOCUS FAITH IS A JOURNEY CLERGY FOCUS: Clint & Theresa Wilson Clint & Theresa Wilson 12 IN THE WATERS OF BAPTISM

14 CONFIRMATION/INQUIRERS CLASS 6 10 16 NASHVILLE FELLOWS Finding Faith In Music City IN THE WATERS ST. GEORGE’S INQUIRERS/ OF BAPTISM CONFIRMATION CLASS 18 BEYOND OUR WALLS The Episcopal School Becomes A Reality

19 THE EPISCOPAL SCHOOL ANNOUNCES 14 LOCATION OF CAMPUS 12 14 20 GOING BEYOND Living Up To Our Potential NASHVILLE FELLOWS: BEYOND OUR WALLS: Finding Faith In Music City The Episcopal Dream 22 MUST READ Becomes A Reality Book Review

23 IN REACH

23 TRANSITIONS

16 18 23 BOOK NOOK Book Review

3 T

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL MARKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? By the Rev. R. Leigh Spruill

he theme of this issue of The Shield Christ, and adopted as God’s own. The for the sake of the world. We call the But each of us possesses some gifts is on the indwelling of the Spirit. ongoing Pentecost story of the church Spirit “holy” because it is about the of the Holy Spirit. And collectively, we TJesus himself notes that it is in the very is that the same affirmation offered to power of God to set us apart, to be the as church possess them all (“to each is nature of the Holy Spirit that it “blows Christ at his baptism is intended for us Lord’s chosen people, to live distinctly given the manifestation of the Spirit for where it chooses” (John 3:8). Therefore, as well: “You are my beloved child, in holy lives in Christ such that we are the common good,” 1 Corinthians 12:7). one is wise to adopt a posture of humil- whom I am well pleased.” Thus, a first then sent forth to share the Good News That is why we need each other. That is ity before offering any comprehensive mark of the Holy Spirit is ASSURANCE: with all. People who are truly open to why church unity is so important; when list of the Spirit’s marks in the life of a spirit-filled church is one where God’s the Holy Spirit are not those who simply one part of the body is cut-off, the whole Christian community. By definition, the desire to assure us of this message is claim an experience of God. They are body suffers (1 Corinthians 12:21). Holy Spirit as the powerful yet mysteri- shared and accepted again and again those who are compelled to engage ous life-force of God is not encapsulated as the defining feature of our identity. others and society through the love of Yes, the Holy Spirit defies domestication within any tidily packaged theological Christ. Spirit-filled churches are mission- or easy formulaic definition. Yet the box. In one of his sermons on the Holy Spirit, ary in orientation, evangelistic in the Bible and the witness of the church is John Wesley preached, “the testimony pure sense of that word, outreach- that the Spirit is ever real and opera- Nevertheless, I believe it is helpful to of the Spirit is an inward impression on driven in ministries. tive, the ongoing power of Christ in our consider three essential realities born the souls of believers, whereby the Spirit world whose purpose in the church is to of the Holy Spirit. First, I recall Christian of God directly testifies to their Spirit, Third, the Holy Spirit EQUIPS us. Our assure us, commission us, and equip us psychiatrist Larry Crabb in his book that they are children of God.” God is not a God who calls us to holy to continue God’s plan of salvation for Connecting: Healing Ourselves and Our tasks without also providing requisite the world. In other words, the indwelling Relationships writing that the initial step Second, the Holy Spirit COMMISSIONS resources to accomplish our mission. of the Spirit among us represents the in leading a life more like Jesus is to us. The gift of the Holy Spirit is not As you know, there are several places fulfilled promise of Jesus himself: “very trust that God takes delight in us. The offered as a private endowment nor in the New Testament that discuss the truly I tell you, the one who believes in Holy Spirit is operative in us if we are does it lead to a static state of being. various gifts of the Holy Spirit. We are me will also do the works that I do and, genuinely assured that we are beloved To be open to the Holy Spirit is to be not Jesus, of course, so no one of us in fact, will do greater works than these” children of God, redeemed through open to movement beyond ourselves has all the gifts complete in ourselves. (John 14:12).

5 Advent is a time when we reflect on stories.God’s story. Our story. How our lives are inseparable from God’s love for us. We recently asked several people to think about their story, the holy spirit at work in their lives, and reflect upon their experiences.

6 PAMELA CLEMENTS

In the years of figuring it out, God was ever present. When every- I like the idea that our faith is a journey. thing was great and I thought I had it all together, he waited until We go forward for a while, then stop or maybe even wander away. I woke up and came back to him. I can remember saying to an The one thing that doesn’t change is our companion. He is faithful older friend once that I felt like God was so far away. He wisely even we are not, perhaps especially when we are not. It is when replied, “Who do you think moved?” When our lives came apart, we are lost that we find that we need him most, and graciously he my parents faced life-changing illnesses, or the day to day got to leads us back to the path. be too much, God was there.

I have always gone to church. My family is Baptist and my ear- He sent me friends to share my joys and heartaches, and to pray liest memories are of the tiny church we attended when I was with and for me. Perhaps most importantly he opened my eyes little. I was related to probably a fifth of the people who attended and heart to his love and the love of those he brought around me. so my church family, was actually my family. Later we moved and attended a large Baptist church and there, at 8, I accepted Christ I have finally come to understand that God is bigger than any and was baptized. Being a Christian was a defining part of who I mess I can make. He is kinder than I will ever be. I can question was and church was a three times a week commitment well into and challenge and even rail against him and he will love me like my high school years. Then I grew up and married and Episco- the Father that he is. He has always known the end from the be- palian. We were warned that our differing denominational back- ginning and has chosen to love me and to call me his. grounds would cause conflict. It did, but not really in a bad way. We both had to figure out what we believed and why. It forced us to realize that what mattered most was our relationship with I may not know how this journey will end, but Christ, regardless of how or where we worshiped. I like to think he does and will walk with me every step of that is one of the reasons God brought us together. the way.

67 CRAIG REAVIS BETS RAMSEY

My path to faith is one that most by placing a golden ring on his THE PROMISE closely resembles that of the bib- finger—God too has welcomed It was an eight day retreat, lical prodigal son. Like that son, me home with open arms and Only the words of the liturgy, the homily, and the prayers I was raised in a Christian house- my life has been richly blessed. Would be spoken. hold with two loving parents who I certainly have done nothing to taught me right from wrong. In deserve God’s grace but thank- It was a time for deep examination of years past: spite of those lessons I strayed fully for all of us, “deserve” has Disappointments and failures, from both man and God’s law. nothing to do with the Gospel! Gains, losses, and anxieties, For several years I took the gifts My journey today is at the point Things done and left undone, and talents that God bestowed where I long to serve God in Along with thanksgivings on me and squandered them meaningful ways. I try to abide For the many joys of life on self-serving and ultimately by the Gospel’s call to be a man And the gifts of forgiveness and grace. self-destructive ways. of meekness, patience, kindness, and mercy—to be a man that is I sat in silence and rested in the Lord Going deeper and deeper As my relationship with my humble and self-controlled. Like Into the source of my being. now wife Elizabeth evolved and Paul, I’m often reminded that I’m matured the error of my ways not there yet so Philippians 3:12 As surely as I am here now, became increasingly evident and comforts me on my journey. “Not A Presence came and knelt before me slowly I returned to the church that I have already obtained all of And said, “I will never fail you. and found that just as the father this, or have already arrived at my “I am with you always.” in the story of the Prodigal Son goal, but I press on to take hold welcomes his lost son home of that for which Christ Jesus I knew the words were true. and bestows favor upon him took hold of me.” They came from Jesus. 8 ST. GEORGE’S WELCOMES NEW PRIEST ASSOCIATE

Recently St. George’s welcomed Richard Kew to our church family as a Priest Associate. Richard was born and raised in England, was educated at the University of London and London College of Divinity, and was ordained to the priesthood at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, in 1970. Almost forty years ago the Kew family moved to the USA for what they thought would be a few years! Since then Richard has served parishes and min- istries in Massachusetts and upstate New York, moving to the Diocese of Tennessee in 1985. He was for a year Interim Rector at the Church of the Resurrection, Franklin. From 2007 until his retirement in 2013, Richard was Development Director at Ridley Hall theological seminary in Cambridge, England, during which time he was appointed a Canon Missioner of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Owerri, Nigeria. The Kews returned to their home in Williamson County in 2015.

Rosemary Kew taught foreign languages and literature at MTSU for nearly 20 years. The Kews have two grown daughters, Olivia and Lindy, and are immensely proud of their four grandchildren. Richard and Rosemary Kew 9 CLERGY FOCUS: Clint & Theresa Wilson

Clint and Teresa Wilson recently joined the St. George’s family bringing with them rich and varied experiences that are sure to bless our parish abundantly.

to think more seriously about why I believed in Christian- cross of Christ within your experience. Belonging to the ity. The “life of the mind” was not always cultivated as church through ordination, and to Theresa through the an aspect of faith in my upbringing, so I was primed to sacrament of marriage, has formed me more and more Q.Welcome to St George’s! We are excited “pendulum swing” towards studying Christian belief. This in my faith, as both institutions have taught me what that you have joined our family. How has your pursuit led me into college at a small Christian school it means to “look not to your own interests, but to the transition been? where I studied Philosophy of Religion and Biblical Stud- interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). ies, which is also where I met my wonderful wife, There- sa. In college my faith blossomed through the influence of teachers and professors, so I decided I wanted to We are likewise very excited to be part of the teach in an academic setting as well, and I decided to A.St. George’s family! To be honest, it can be strange to What excites you most about your new attend seminary. An opportunity opened up for me to Q. talk about transition when you’re in the midst of it, but role at St. George’s? move to Denver, Colorado for graduate school, where what I can say is that we’ve been so warmly welcomed I would end up working with a New Testament scholar by the clergy, staff, and parishioners of St. George’s. as a research assistant. More importantly, after my first Transition can be hard because there is almost always a year in graduate school Theresa and I were married, and mix of emotions — excitement, sadness, anticipation, a It shouldn’t surprise you that I’m thrilled to we subsequently walked the “Canterbury Trail,” as they A. sense of loss, and hope for the next season. We really serve and learn under the leadership of Leigh Spruill, but say, into the Anglican tradition. loved the community we left behind to make this move, also to serve alongside a stellar clergy team and staff, which makes the wonderful reception here all the more more generally. To make a long story short, over the course of about meaningful. In particular, I want to give a shout out to three years we prayerfully discerned (through the the young families who provided food for us in our first encouragement of many others) that I was called to or- few weeks here; those meals freed us up to unpack and dained ministry in the parish (the last place I thought I’d organize, and so we feel much more settled in than we end up!), and I was eventually ordained in 2010 and sent You are also the chaplain for St. George’s would have without them! Q. Kindergarten. How has it been getting to know the out to plant a church in downtown Denver. After a few little ones? years, Theresa and I decided to take a break in order to move to Nashotah Theological Seminary in Wisconsin for me to finish a Masters of Divinity. This is also where In this issue we are focused on telling we developed relationships that would ultimately take Q. It has been amazing! Seriously, seeing the our story. Can you tell us a bit about your spiritual us into the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas and Denton, A. kids unload during Kindergarten drop off is a bright spot journey? Texas, where I served in college, young family, and youth in my day, and it is truly a gift to be able to spend time ministry at St. David of Wales, and also where Theresa with them, as their joy and excitement are infectious, es- worked at The University of North Texas as an Assistant pecially during Chapel on Thursday. The Gospel of Mark Director of Student Life. tells us that “…whoever does not receive the Kingdom Well, I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, of God as a little child will never enter it’”. What this tells A. It is amazing to look back and see how God’s hand where I was raised in the Pentecostal tradition. I never us, among other things, is that children are our tutors in remember a time when I didn’t identify as a Christian, guided us to St. George’s. For so long I just wanted how we might receive the Kingdom of God. I’m excited but I began to take my faith much more seriously in high to belong, and I thought that belonging would come about the opportunity to learn from them, and also to school. I had two English teachers, one was an atheist, through figuring out what to believe. I’ve learned over work with the incredibly talented staff of the Kindergarten and another was a former seminarian, who were forma- the years that belief, while incredibly important, is not program for the sake of forming them into students who tive in my journey. As I bounced back and forth between determined in the abstract, but is, rather, hammered out love God with all of their heart, mind, body, and soul their influences, a passion was ignited in my own heart on the anvil of belonging to relationships that form the (Luke 10:27). 10 Clint & Theresa Wilson

Q.What do you like to do in your spare time? Hobbies? Favorite spots?

A.Theresa and I love outdoor sports, especially backpacking and hiking, and have more recently picked up cycling. We’re always up for a weekend camping trip or road trip to see more natural beauty, but we also love staying in and watching a good movie, or reading books in front of a warm fire. We also love live music, exploring cities, and going to interesting restaurants or breweries; if we can do any of these with new friends…even better! In terms of favorite spots, we lived in Denver for nearly seven years, which means that you’ll hear us rave about the glory of Colorado from time to time, if you haven’t already!

Q.If there was one thing you’d like your fellow St. Georgians to know about you what would it be?

A.A statement that has become something of a trope in my own ministry is that the greatest gift we have to offer one another is not our togetherness, but our brokenness. I take this especially from the writings of Henri Nouwen and Jean Vanier, but also from a close reading of Scripture and church history. To be sure, I hope to bring some real gifts and expertise to St. George’s, but I would be dishonest if I painted a pic- ture of myself that does not include my deep, deep need for God’s grace. Theresa said to tell y’all she can let you know more about that need!

Theresa & Clint Wilson

21 In the waters of baptism, The words the Father speaks over his Son , God s story becomes our story. are the same words he speaks over you. We in Christ. “You are my beloved. Christ in us. With you I am well pleased.

12 The words the Father speaks over his Son are the same words he speaks over you. “You are my beloved. With you I am well pleased.

12 Dear Friends,

There are so many stories we tell ourselves. Stories we tell ourselves to make sense of what is happening around the world and to make sense of what is happening in our own lives. Stories in which we are the winner and stories in which we are the loser. Stories that are imposed on us and stories we choose for ourselves. And when there are so many stories, is the Christian story just one more to choose from among so many?

As Christians, we believe there is one Story in which all other stories are found and through which all other stories make sense. It is the story of God’s love as shown in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is the story of all of creation, including you and me, being made new in him. You are part of this story. Because you are God’s beloved.

The St. George’s Inquirers/Confirmation Class will be a wonderful opportunity to dig deeper into this Story, and to learn our place in it. In the class, which runs over the course of four months, we will have the opportunity to build relationships with one another, hear and share personal faith stories, and dig deeper into this life of following Jesus, seeking a story that is deeper than

the one the world tells, as expressed in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition.

For those who desire it, this class is also an opportunity to connect more deeply to the life of St. George’s and the Episcopal Church by making a public commitment and joining St. George’s as members and the Episcopal Church through Confirmation by the bishop.

With questions, please contact Michael Blaess at [email protected] or 615.385.2150 x212.

We look forward to getting caught up in the Story together.

In Christ,

The Rev. Michael Blaess The Rev. Sam Adams The Rev. Dr. Kristine Blaess

14 You are part of this story. Because you are God’s beloved.

JOIN US.

January - May 2016 Sunday Mornings at 10:05am in Hampton Hall 15 DID YOU KNOW? WHO YOU’LL SEE.

NASHVILLE FELLOWS: Finding Faith In Music City

ashville Fellows Program is a nine-month Christian N leadership and discipleship program for young adults. We offer recent college graduates a holistic opportunity to enhance their understanding of who they are called to be in Christ and engage with their calling to advance God’s king- dom in both their future vocation and every aspect of life. I The Fellows Program runs from late August to May and is hosted by a collaboration of three churches in the Nashville area. Through this unique ecumenical approach, we seek to equip young people to both understand the relevance of Christ in our culture and develop a framework for engag- ing this culture towards his redemptive and transformative power.—Theresa Wilson.

If you have questions about the Fellows Program or would like to know more, contact Theresa Wilson, Executive Ad- ministrator at 615.348.8151.

16 DID YOU KNOW? REFLECTIONSWHO YOU’LL SEE. ON THE SEASON

Did you know The Nashville Fellows Program engages the Kingdom of God to transform the culture of a city?

MOLLY SEDMAK family but we have always invited WES NICHOLS people to live with us. My roommate and I recently counted and discov- ered over my lifetime of 21 years I have lived with at least 60 different people. I love being in communi- ty with others and am excited to continue this trend in Nashville. I am passionate about the arts and truly believe a part of my purpose is to create and cultivate culture. The am Wes Nichols and I am thrilled ’m Molly Sedmak and I’m super phrase I repeatedly remind myself I to be serving as part of the Youth I excited to meet all of you. I grad- of is to “make the broken beautiful.” Ministry team at St. George’s while uated from the College of Charleston Whether that be in relationships, I participate in the Nashville Fellows where I studied Arts Management through the work of my hands, or Program this year. I have transitioned with a minor in Studio Art. For the serving others I am confident in this to Nashville after recently graduating past year I worked for Ooh Events, mission. from the University of Georgia (Go which is a company that plans and DAWGS!) and I previously served designs large-scale events. While My favorite type of exercise is walk- in youth and college ministry at working those, I learned that I have ing on the beach and then lounging Peachtree Presbyterian Church while a knack for working with people and on my beach chair afterwards. My I was in school. I am passionate bringing their vision to life—even if friends and I are constantly in con- about ministry and in the future I it was something as meticulous as test for who can find the best spot intend to go to seminary. When I am arranging flowers. to watch sunset and see my favor- not at church or hanging out with the ite artist’s latest work! I’m a total youth I enjoy running, hiking, read- As the middle of five kids life was foodie and am excited that my all ing, exploring new restaurants, ran- eventful. My family likes to say that time favorite chef Sean Brock has a dom adventures, and jamming out to we are a family with seven chiefs restaurant in Nashville. Love sailing, “golden oldies” like Fleetwood Mac and no indians! I am extremely close boating, anything to do on the water, and Tom Petty. I am excited to be a with all of my siblings; I consider I recently picked up fishing—still part of the St. George’s community them my oldest and closest friends. getting the whole bait and catch and am looking forward to meeting Not only have I grown up in a big thing down. more of you! 17 BEYOND OUR WALLS: The Episcopal School Becomes A Reality

By John Fitzgerald

have had a dream about an erschmidt invited us to report our Episcopal school in Nashville progress to the Annual Convention forI years. After our children’s and of the Diocese of Tennessee last granddaughters’ positive experi- January. This spring, we conducted ence with St. George’s Kindergarten, an extensive international search and our grandsons’ equally positive culminating in the hiring of Harrison experience at St. Stephen’s and St. Stuart, Director of Admissions at the Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia, Woodberry Forest School and former I thought that the experience should Director of Development and teacher be available for older children too. at The Episcopal School of Knoxville to be our Founding Head of School. I first advocated for an Episcopal We could not be more excited about Arts Academy and Choir School, the future of this endevor and the but then realized that it could be so prospect of changing lives. much more after advice from Bishop Bert Herlong and our current Bishop We have just accepted the invitation John Bauerschmidt. The latter asked of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in East me to lunch after an East Nashville Nashville to open our school there parent, Ketch Secor, approached him in the fall of 2016. We recently held about placing an Episcopal school in receptions at St. Ann’s, St. George’s, that area. I contacted Ketch and we St. Augustine’s and East Community began to form an interest group made Center for interested parents and up of St. George’s parishioners, Joe supporters. The Rector, wardens, King, Jeff Overby, Don Greene, and and vestry at St. George’s have Seawell Brandau. also awarded the Episcopal School of Nashville a generous grant and We formed a board and incorporated challenge grants to encourage other a 501(c)(3) entity and Bishop Bau- parishes to support us. 18 THE EPISCOPAL SCHOOL ANNOUNCES LOCATION OF CAMPUS

Chair of the Board of Trustees, John Fitzgerald, and Head of School, Harrison Stuart, announced on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 that the Episcopal School will be located on the campus of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, 419 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206, open- ing in Fall of 2016 for pre-K through 2nd grade with a projected enroll- ment of 60 children.

The Episcopal School is now tak- ing applications for grades pre-K through 2nd grade to begin in August 2016. The faculty currently is being selected.

For further information see the website www.esnashville.org or Harrison Stuart, Head of School visit our facebook page. 19

Going W Beyond

21 LIVING UP TO OUR POTENTIAL By Bill Hagerty W e are blessed as a congregation with the excep- in the structures that support the life of this communi- tion on this important aspect of our ministry is both tional asset that is St. George’s. Our growing congre- ty as we receive, live, and share the abundant life of appreciated and necessary. Our campaign ends on gation is a testament to the clergy, programming, and Jesus Christ. December 31, 2015. community that have been built. And, while we are excited to achieve growth in our congregation, we are So it is with a grateful heart that I sincerely thank My sincere hope is that we all might deepen our par- also faced with the inevitable attrition of our founding those of you who have already made your pledge for ticipation in the campaign because by giving we enter members. At present, our pledge funding is not keep- 2016, putting us on our way to reaching our goal. To into the incredible privilege of partnership with God in ing pace with our growth. those of you who have not yet sent in your pledge, I his mission. Again, let me thank you for allowing me to would ask you to thoughtfully and prayerfully consid- serve in this way. In a review of our parish finances, it was a great er whether your circumstances allow an increase in surprise to learn that less than half our families are your commitment this year to help address the recent now making an annual pledge to St. George’s. This lowering average pledge levels associated with our If you have any additional questions, please feel free to underscores a great opportunity for us to improve as founder’s attrition. And, importantly for those who have contact me or any other members of the Stewardship a parish by engaging in the much-needed investment not pledged before, please know that your participa- Committee.

FOR YEAR TO DATE OCTOBER 31, 2015

Actual Budget Variance Prior Year Variance

Pledges $2,159,603 $2,232,690 ($73,087) $2,196,355 ($36,752) Other 456,285 396,757 59,528 241,934 214,351 Total Income 2,615,888 2,629,447 (13,559) 2,438,289 177,599 Expenses 2,656,325 2,861,358 205,033 2,693,196 36,871 Excess Income Over Expenses ($40,437) ($231,911) $191,474 ($254,907) $214,470

21 MUST READ

Christianity Rediscovered

by Vincent J. Donovan

This is a book on my personal “All Time Top 10” best reads on Christianity, refer- enced often during the Rector’s Forum. A Catholic missionary to the Masai peo- ples of Tanzania in the 1960’s and 70’s, Donovan movingly writes about how his experiences transformed his understand- ing of what defines church: “an ordination of the entire community, a consecration of all the offices and gifts and functions of the Christian body – a eucharistic community with a mission.”

Given our vision at St. George’s, I cannot recommend this book too highly.

–The Rev. R. Leigh Spruill Christmas Eve 2014 22 INREACH BOOK TRANSITIONS NOOK Inreach shepherds step in to help smooth WINTER 2015 out temporary rough spots in times of need for our parishioners. Remember to call the Shepherd of the Month or call the parish of- fice for short term help with driving to doc- Rachel Anne Valesky, BIRTHS DEATHS tor’s appointments, letter writing, errands, daughter of Katy and Elizabeth May Adams, Michael Valesky clerical help, reading to the home-bound, Jack Maddin Bass, Jr. granddaughter of Beth light tasks, or other needs. William Battle Williford, Jr., and Cooley Scruggs son of Ann and Battle Thomas Chester Gormley, Jr. John Bobrowski, son of Williford, Sr. Want to be on our list of volunteers? Elise and Matt Bobrowski BAPTISMS Tandy C. Rice, Jr. Please contact Jeanne Gore at Lucy Dismukes, daughter 615-371-9078 or [email protected]. The Challenge of Mary Claire and Scott Ford Bickerstaff, son of Don Albert Shriver Of Jesus Dismukes Nicole and Ripley Bicker- staff WELCOME NEW Edward Miller Greathouse, by N.T. Wright son of Amy and Will Kiel Andrew Fisher, son of MEMBERS! Greathouse Gretchen and Mac Fisher

Mary Walton Jarman, Mac Ray Fisher, son of John Page I have many favorites among NT Wright’s daughter of Caylan and Mary and Mack Fisher works. The Challenge of Jesus is the one Anderson Jarman Tina Page that first helped me see more fully that Je- Quinn Scott Fisher, son of sus announces, embodies, and inaugurates Frances Hampton McGugin, Jacqueline and Kiel Fisher daughter of Rankin and Gracie Page God’s reign on earth as in heaven. Bill McGugin Peter Ries Hart, Jr., son of Upcoming Katie and Peter Hart John Greer Written for a general readership, this slim, Harrison Baker Moore, son SHEPHERDS OF THE MONTH of Kimberly and Michael William Scott Parrish III, accessible volume traces and connects Moore son of Cat and Witt Victoria Harpool many of the insights Wright puts forth in DECEMBER Emily Walker Parrish his scholarly and comprehensive, six-vol- John Bowles Newman, 865-957-7156 ume Christian Origins and the Question of son of Catharine and Will Lynne Rison Sloan, Newman daughter of Caroline and JANUARY Gail Molen God. In this newly rereleased paperback, Benson Sloan 772-696-2267 Wright helps us understand how the chal- Burchfield Douglas Reece Duncan Tomblinson, lenge of Jesus is also the promise of Jesus. Spickard, son of Julia and son of Candice and Jacob Justin Spickard Tomblinson FEBRUARY Sara Nelson 615-292-9505 –The Rev. Michael Blaess 23 23

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WINTER worship schedule

The Shield is a quarterly publication of St. George’s Episcopal Church and is distributed to members and friends to engage and inform readers about what is happening in SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE SPECIAL SERVICES the life of our church community.

7:30am Holy Eucharist SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 Communications Team 6:00pm A Service of Nine Lesson and Carols 8:45am Holy Eucharist with Children’s Chapel*+ The Rev. Michael Blaess 9:00am The Table+ SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 Elizabeth Reavis, Director of Communications 6:00pm Silent Night: A Service of Remembrance, Sandra Beld, Communications Coordinator 10:05am Sunday School+ Healing, and Hope Rebecca Teel, Parish Secretary

11:15am Holy Eucharist*+ CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24 Laura Zabaski, Parish Administrative Officer 5:00pm Evening Prayer with Holy Eucharist 3:00pm Family Holy Eucharist 5:30pm Holy Eucharist Contributing Photographers 10:30pm Choral Prelude; 11:00pm Holy Eucharist Kim King, Lisa Johnson, Michael Blaess, and Elizabeth Reavis

Cover photo: Kim King CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25 10:00am Holy Eucharist +Nursery for ages 6 weeks through 5 years On the cover: Christmas Eve at St. George’s will open 30 minutes prior to each service ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes *Live video feed of this service at www.stgeorgesnashville.org 7:00am, 12:00pm (with choir), and 6:00pm