Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, were wholly cut off.  Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho.  While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.  (Joshua:3:15-17[15]And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)[16]That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.[17]And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.)
 
These words from Joshua are so fitting for the start-up of St. George’s School.  Once the priests carrying the ark put their feet into the Jordan River, the obstacle was gone and everyone crossed the river safely.  I feel very strongly that God is calling St. George’s to offer a wholesome, moral and spiritually based education to young children.
 The Board of Trustees appointed for the school is carrying the weight of the school for us.  They are gathering all the necessary information to bring the school to fruition.  They all bring to the school many years of experience in the field of education administration and they all have St. George’s best interest at heart.   Just like a butterfly, the school will need to go through many stages before it is ready to be revealed.   I am excited to watch it emerge!
 But with every new venture there are costs involved.  Rest assured that these start-up costs will NOT be covered by funds contributed to St. George’s by way of our Stewardship Campaign.  Funds for the school must be designated as such.  The estimated start-up costs for St. George’s school range from $25,000 – 30,000.  We have some of it secured, but not all of it.  On your offering envelope, there is a line on the right marked “Other”.  If you would like to make a donation to the school, indicate the amount on that line AND write the words, “St. George’s School”.  Once the school is up and running, it will be self-supporting, so your donation to the school will be a one-time gift.
Anything you can give to cover the start up funds would be appreciated.  No amount is too small.
Many of us do not have children who would benefit from the school, but we probably know of children who would.  This is a wonderful outreach ministry for St. George’s that will reach many families in the community and possibly beyond.  Let us rally together and stand (not behind but) with the Board of Trustees and make St. George’s school happen.
 
Thank you,
Cathy Fare ( Vestry member for Outreach Ministry)