Second Sunday
Family Eucharists

On the second Sunday of each month, St. George's celebrates a lively Family Eucharist for small children at 9:15 a.m. The music, readings and homily are all child-friendly, and the children learn about one of the central rituals of the church through an instructed Eucharist.

Musical accompaniment is by the Joyful Noise band, featuring Father Poppe on guitar and parishioners playing piano, violin and occasionally banjo or drums. The songs are simple and easy for children to learn.

Family Eucharists are usually followed by a festive "Cocoa Hour" downstairs in the Parish Hall, and sometimes a seasonal craft project.

All children are welcome, regardless of church membership. There is no Children's Chapel or Sunday School on second Sundays.

Christmas Eve Pageant

St. George's is proud of its welcoming and inclusive Christmas Pageant, fondly known as "The Most Laid-Back Christmas Pageant Ever." Any child who wants to participate can show up at the 4:00 p.m. Family Eucharist on Christmas Eve, pick up a shepherd's turban, angel's halo or animal ears at the door, and help tell the story of the birth of Christ. Children too small for a walk-on part may be accompanied by a parent.

Epiphany – Visitation of the Magi

On the second Sunday in January, the Three Magi in their regal robes make an appearance at the Family Eucharist to answer the children's questions about where they are going, who they are looking for and the meaning of their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Purim Puppet Show

On the second Sunday in March, parish youth stage a puppet show to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim. Everyone gets to cheer the brave Queen Esther and drown out the name of the evil Haman with noisemakers.

Palm Sunday Procession

A Family Eucharist is always held on Palm Sunday, whether or not it happens to fall on the second Sunday. A special four-legged guest takes part in the service, portraying the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem as the children reenact the first Palm Sunday procession.

Easter Sunday – "Search for Jesus"

The Easter Family Eucharist (held slightly earlier than usual at 9:00 a.m.) begins with a "Search for Jesus." Along the way the children talk to a Centurion at the cross and an angel by an empty tomb, and have an opportunity to ask questions about the miraculous events each has witnessed. Then the children decide whether it's time for the "A" Bugs, which have spent all of Lent sleeping in the Baptismal font, to emerge from their cocoons as "Alleluia Butterflies."

After the Easter Family Eucharist, there is a traditional Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn (or indoors in case of inclement weather). The children search for candy-filled plastic eggs prepared and hidden by the youth groups.

St. George Day Skit

The Family Eucharist in the month following Easter is dedicated to our patron saint, St. George, whose feast day is April 23. Adults and youth put on a humorous skit depicting the ferocious dragon being subdued by St. George and a brave and resourceful damsel. (No dragons are harmed in the production of this skit.)