Christmas Flowers
Anyone who would like to is invited to make a donation for Christmas flowers, thanking God for an event or person in your life, or remembering someone who has passed away. All memorials and thanksgivings will be listed in the Christmas bulletin and can be submitted to the office via email HERE or via the paper form which can be found in a basket on the credenza. To be included in the Christmas bulletin, names should be submitted by Tuesday, December 19.

Holiday Gift Collection
If you signed up to participate in this year’s holiday gift collection for families in the Gaywood food program, you should have heard from Donna Haselton by now; if not, please contact her as soon as possible at dlhaselton@msn.com. Gifts must be wrapped, labeled, and brought to church no later than December 17 as everything will be delivered to Gaywood on December 18. Thank you!

Readers, Acolytes, LEMs Needed for Christmas
The sign up sheets are up! We are looking for readers for both services on Christmas Eve, December 24 as well as readers of scripture and poetry for the December 31 10 am Lessons and Carols service. Acolytes for these services are also needed (as well as Lay Eucharistic Ministers). Please sign up if you can assist.

Concert Sunday, December 3 at 4:00 pm
As part of our 150th celebration, St. George's will be hosting a concert on the theme “Mary Speaks” this Sunday at 4 pm, followed by a reception. Musical guests Voix de Femmes and members of St. George’s will be performing. Scroll down for the post with more information.

Jacket and Warm Clothing Drive
If you haven't donated to this year's Warm Clothing Drive in support of the International Students Admission & Enrollment Office (ISAEO) of the Prince George’s County School System, it's not too late, but this Sunday is the final day. We're asking for new or gently used coats and jackets (pre-school sizes through adult medium), as well as hats, scarves, and gloves. We are also collecting $25 Target gift cards which will be used to purchase other items students may need such as boots, socks, or uniforms; see Ed Neuschler to buy cards through St. George's scrip program. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far...your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of these students and their families.

Sign Up for Advent Quiet Morning December 9
On Saturday, December 9 there will be an Advent quiet morning from 9:00 am – 12 noon. This is an opportunity for reflection and prayer on the themes of Advent and what it means for ‘every heart to prepare him room’ as we ready ourselves for the birth of the Christ child. All are invited to participate; the sign-up sheet is on the credenza.

Pick Up a Book to Pray With During Advent!
Advent starts this Sunday and you are invited to participate in our Advent Devotional reading. The book we are using is called Holy is His Name: Daily Devotions for Advent by Elis Hiu-Mei Lui. Anybody who would like a book is welcome take one; they are available for pick up now. Along with the book itself you'll find a packet of material for further prayer and reflection. You are welcome to pray with the book on your own, or gather on Mondays December 4, December 11, December 18 and January 8 at 7:00 pm on Zoom HERE for a time of prayers and reflection as a group. See Connie+ or Terry Doyle with any questions.

 
St. George’s Church continues celebrating our 150th anniversary with the presentation of a free concert on December 3 at 4 pm called “Mary Speaks.” In their celebrations of Mary, composers have shown an abiding preference for women’s voices as they see Mary as anything from a ‘Lowly Maiden’ and the ‘Bearer of God’, to the ‘Rose of Sharon’ and a ‘Virgin Most Pure’.  

Guest musical group Voix de Femmes Chamber choir will present selected gems from this vast compositional treasure; including ‘Mary Speaks’, the setting of a text by Madeleine L’Engle giving voice to Mary’s experience: “You who hold the world in your embrace, I carried you.”
 
Members of St. George’s choir will add to the musical experience with their contributions based on the Mary Speaks theme. All singers will be accompanied by St. George’s music director, Keng Siong Sim, who will offer special piano selections as well.
 
A reception will follow and we hope you will stay to enjoy fellowship and hospitality.

Bring your Baby Jesus in to be Blessed on December 3
If you would like to bring in the baby Jesus from your home nativity scene to be blessed, we will be blessing them on Sunday, December 3, the first Sunday of Advent. 

Pick Up a Book to Pray With During Advent!
Advent starts next Sunday, December 3 and you are invited to participate in our Advent Devotional reading. The book we are using is called Holy is His Name: Daily Devotions for Advent by Elis Hiu-Mei Lui. Anybody who would like a book is welcome take one; they are available for pick up now. Along with the book itself you'll find a packet of material for further prayer and reflection. Use it as it suits you. You are welcome to pray with the book on your own, or gather on Mondays December 4, December 11, December 18 and January 8 at 7:00 pm on Zoom for a time of prayers and reflection as a group. See Connie+ or Terry Doyle with any questions.

The St. Nicolas Party is December 2!
St. George's annual St. Nicolas party will be held on Saturday, December 2 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. All children and their adults are invited to come decorate the parish tree, engage in crafts, food and fun, and see if Bishop St. Nicolas makes an appearance. There are sign-up sheets to let us know how many can attend as well as volunteers needed to bring food and help with setup and cleanup. All are invited to bring a food donation for the Bowie Food Pantry and/or bring children's hats, scarves, and mittens for the international students of Prince George's County schools.

​Wreath Making on Sunday, December 3
On Sunday, December 3, the first Sunday of Advent, there will be materials available to make an Advent wreath in Miller Hall after services. Bring your ring if you have one; rings and sets of candles will be available to purchase. If you have greens from your yard to contribute they are most welcome!

Jacket and Warm Clothing Drive
From now until the end of November, we will be collecting warm clothing, primarily outerwear, in support of the International Students Admission & Enrollment Office (ISAEO) of the Prince George’s County School System. ISAEO registers and provides support services for international PGCPS students and their families, and has been very busy this fall registering students from migrant families. You can help support these children and their families by donating new or gently used coats and jackets (pre-school sizes through adult medium), as well as hats, scarves, and gloves. Please be sure any used items are clean and in good condition (zippers work, no missing buttons, no rips or tears, etc). Donations should be placed in the bin in the narthex. We are also collecting $25 Target gift cards which can be used to purchase other items students might need. See Ed Neuschler to buy cards through St George's scrip program. Please see Donna Haselton if you have any questions. Thank you for your generosity! 

Bowie Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on this Sunday, November 19 at 4:00 pm
This year's Interfaith Thanksgiving Service in Bowie will be held at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 19 at 4 pm and will be followed by a potluck dinner. The theme of theme of this year's service is "Working for Peace in the Shadow of War." There is a flyer on the credenza with more information. 

Advent Devotional 2023
This Advent everyone is invited to participate in our Advent Devotional reading in the form of the resource Holy is His Name: Daily Devotions for Advent by Elis Hiu-Mei Lui. Anybody who would like a book is welcome to simply take one thanks to Adult Formation funds from Ensuring our Future.  Books will be available next Sunday November 26; Advent begins on Sunday, December 3. You are welcome to pray with the book on your own, or gather on Mondays December 4, December 11, December 18 and January 8 at 7:00 pm on Zoom for a time of prayers and reflection as a group. See Connie+ or Terry Doyle with any questions.

Please Return Your Pledge for 2024
While our Ingathering Sunday is behind us, the work of stewardship and St. George's Stewardship Team continues as we invite everyone who has not yet turned in a pledge card for 2024 giving to prayerfully consider doing so. Hard copies are available in the church to put in the offering basket; commitments can be made online HERE. Many thanks for your generous support of St. George's.

​The St. Nicolas Party Returns on December 2
St. George's annual St. Nicolas party will be held on Saturday, December 2 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. All children and their adults are invited to come decorate the parish tree, engage in crafts, food and fun, and see if Bishop St. Nicolas makes an appearance. There are sign-up sheets to let us know how many can attend as well as volunteers needed to bring food and help with setup and cleanup. We are also looking for someone to coordinate the food for this event so please let Connie or Roy know if you are willing to help. All are invited to bring a food donation for the Bowie Food Pantry and/or bring children's hats, scarves, and mittens for the international students of Prince George's County schools.