The Messenger. A place for worship and Christian growth in the knowledge and love of God

Transcription

1 The Messenger A place for worship and Christian growth in the knowledge and love of God Faithfulness to the path given is the way to learn to love. Dr. Jackie Benton One of my favorite books is called Twelve by Twelve, by William Powers. It is his account of living off the grid in a tiny cabin in rural North Carolina for almost a year. He discovered this opportunity after visiting American physician Jackie Brown, who gifted him her twelve by twelve home and its slow and forgotten surroundings, while she ventured away from what her favorite poet (Mary Oliver) calls her soft world for a time of her own discovery. Toward the end of his time being enveloped and deeply developed by that twelve by twelve world, he received a letter from his friend Jackie, explaining she was giving up one of the things that had most defined her life: being a doctor. Faithfulness to the path given is the way to learn to love, she wrote to William Powers. Like the notion of pilgrimage, I ll go out of familiar place into what is not known. Follow the path. Dr. Benton s willingness to relinquish control and accept whatever God puts in front of her, especially as she expresses this in the quote above, can be very helpful for us as we step through a new church year and another Advent at St. Francis. The birth we await during Advent -- God breaking into human existence in the Christ child -- is a brand new thing. God is being faithful to God s own path in this extraordinary decision, this moment of moving out of what God knows into what God does not know: human life. From that birth moment on, we were able to experience God not only in the Creation, but in something completely new and utterly sacred: Jesus. Jesus, and following him, would become known as The Way, the path given, as Jackie Benton puts it. As we know, he is indeed the way to learn to love. This Advent, I hope and pray you will be faithful to the path given you. That you ll be taken out of familiar places and spaces to experience the new. As a St. Francis parishioner notes Advent presents us with the opportunity for a fresh start. Perhaps your fresh start will simply be taking the first step on the path, as William Powers did in accepting the invitation to experience a Twelve by Twelve life. Perhaps it will be coming back to church, renewing friendships and looking anew at ministry to and with others. Perhaps the path given and learning to love will be difficult. But know this: God has done it and does it every year. And every year, we wait and hope and pray in the soft silence of Advent for the coming of Christ. May you be faithful to the path given you and learn to love. Welcome to Advent. St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church December 2014

2 AT ST. FRANCIS AT ST. FRANCIS At St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, our Sunday mornings begin with Adult Sunday School in the Conference Room at 9:00 a.m. and Children s Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Worship is at 10:00 a.m. with Nursery provided. We utilize both Rite One and Rite Two Holy Eucharist, with organ and choir. Refreshments and conversation take place after the service in the Parish Hall. The Holy Eucharist is also celebrated at Noon every Wednesday. ST. FRANCIS ACTIVITIES Women s Bible Study Meets at 10:00 a.m. in the Conference Room on Tuesdays. We are currently studying the Book of Revelation. On a recent Friday evening (after dark), the Gulf Breeze Police made one of their standard drives by the church. They found two doors unlocked, and lights on in the building. No cars were in the parking lot and no one was in the church. If you have work to do at the church, please be sure that all lights are turned off and doors are locked when you are finished. If you are working alone at the church, please keep the doors locked until you leave. We want you safe and secure. Women of St. Francis (WOSF) Luncheon Takes place the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. All ladies are invited. Bring a little something to share and enjoy this relaxing and fun lunch with friends. St. Francis Grief Group (SFGG) Meets on the third Tuesday of each month in the Rector s office at 6:00 p.m. Hospice Card Crafters Meet the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Conference Room. No experience needed. Just come, cut, paste and enjoy good company. Monthly Parish Suppers This month s Parish Supper is on December 17 th. Please bring a covered dish, bread, salad or dessert to share. And, grab something from your pantry for the Interfaith Ministries food basket. DECEMBER PARISH SUPPER The December Parish Supper will be Wednesday, December 17 th at 6:00 p.m. Bring your favorite holiday dish to share and remember to bring something for the Interfaith Ministries food basket. Adult Choir Rehearsal Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. in the Choir Loft. Senior Moment Café Meets Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Youth Room. Adult Sunday School Meets Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the Conference Room. Children s Sunday School Meets Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in the Big Classroom. To find out about AA and other groups, please call the Parish Office at weekdays, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT IS HERE! It's not too late!! This is our last fundraiser for the year and WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! It s going to be a night full of laughter and good times with friends. See you at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5 th. Tickets cost $20 per person.

3 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS AND SCRIPTURE December 2014 December 7 th December 14 th December 21 st December 28 th January 4 th Second Sunday Third Sunday Fourth Sunday First Sunday Second Sunday of Advent of Advent of Advent after Christmas after Christmas SCRIPTURE Isaiah Isaiah 2 Samuel Isaiah Jeremiah 40: :1-4, :1-11, 16 61:10-62:3 31:7-14 Psalm Canticle Psalm Psalm Psalm 85:1-2, :1-4, : Peter 1 Thessalonians Romans Galatians Ephesians 3:8-15a 5: : :23-25, 4:4-7 1:3-6, 15-19a Mark John Luke John Matthew 1:1-8 1:6-8, : :1-18 2:1-12 EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS Herb Woll John Griffing McGee Lorren Jane Ellis John Griffing Sarah McCarren David Stratford Averette Culver Neil Merrifield Sarah McCarren EUCHARISTIC VISITOR TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD ACOLYTES Rachel Grimley Herb Woll Lonnie Lorren Rachel Grimley Lonnie Lorren Martha McMahon Averette Culver Sarah McCarren Averette Culver Averette Culver Tricia Briska Jane Ellis Tricia Briska Martha McMahon Rachel Grimley LECTORS / INTERCESSORS Kim Grimley Bob Brownlie, Virginia Alice Lane Bob Brownlie Pat Rooney Cathy Griffing MacKinnon, Pat Susan Drinkwater McGee Lorren Susan Drinkwater Rooney, Tricia Briska, Herb Woll, Ann Woll USHERS John Griffing Adam Clause Leon Mayberry Mike Lane Jim Arnold Jane Ellis Stephanie Clause Louise Mayberrry Alice Lane Diane Arnold OBLATIONERS / GREETERS / NEWCOMER MINISTRY Jim Arnold Jack Grimley Jim Arnold Leon Mayberry Adam Clause Diane Arnold Kim Grimley Diane Arnold Louise Mayberry Stephanie Clause NURSERY MINISTRY Dottie Kilpatrick Jane MacWhinnie Jodi Kenworthy Jay Smith Dottie Kilpatrick PRAYER TEAM MINISTRY David Stratford Bob Weatherly David Stratford Dorothy Moore McGee Lorren Dorothy Moore Dorothy Moore Dorothy Moore Bob Weatherly Dorothy Moore ALTAR GUILD 1st Sunday 2 nd Sunday 3 rd Sunday 4 th Sunday 1 st Sunday HOSPITALITY Kenworthy Ann & Herb Sarah Host(s) Host(s) Family Woll McCarren Needed Needed If you can volunteer for coffee hour, please contact Jodi Kenworthy or Chris Miller, or just sign up in the Parish Hall!!

4 WORSHIP SCHEDULE DECEMBER 2014 Wednesday, December 3 rd 12:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite Two Chalice: David Stratford Lector: Averette Culver Sunday, December 7 th Second Sunday of Advent 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite One (Sung) Wednesday, December 10 th 12:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite Two Chalice: Dorothy Moore Lector: Averette Culver Sunday, December 14 th Third Sunday of Advent 10:00 a.m. Lessons and Carols & Holy Eucharist Rite One Wednesday, December 17 th 12:00 p.m. Healing & Holy Eucharist Rite Two Chalice: David Stratford Lector: Virginia MacKinnon Sunday, December 21 st Wednesday, December 24 th Thursday, December 25 th Sunday, December 28 th Fourth Sunday of Advent 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite Two The Eve of the Nativity 7:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite Two Acolytes: Lonnie Lorren, Rachel Grimley, Sarah McCarren Chalice: Averette Culver, McGee Lorren Lector: Ann Woll Intercessor: TBD Ushers: Herb & Ann Woll Oblationers: TBD The Nativity of our Lord 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite Two Chalice: John Griffing Lector: Kim Grimley First Sunday after Christmas 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite Two Wednesday, December 31 st 12:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite Two Chalice: Averette Culver Lector: Kim Grimley View Parish Activities by Date Online ~ Go to calendar.yahoo.com/stfrangb1@bellsouth.net PRAYER LIST December Birthdays: 12/2: Richard Laucella, 12/4: Julie Smith, Lilly Wells, 12/5 Nancy Storey, Steve Crume, 12/6: Debbie Gilleran, Spencer Smith, 12/7 Suzie Gilchrist, 12/9: Tara Gibson, 12/10: Tom Brown, 12/11 Debby Nolan, Ann Woll, 12/12 Garland Thomas Smith, 12/14: Charles Brewer, 12/21 Bob Menzer, Martha Bunt, 12/22 Averette Culver, 12/31 Martha McMahon December Anniversaries: 12/29: Bob & Sara Lee Menzer Pray for the Departed: Mark Waghalter, Rebecca McCarty, The Rt. Rev. Mark Dyer Pray for Healing: Pray for Healing: Mandy Bailey, Pat Bailey, Wyatt Blancheri, Bret Bocoock, Julee Brandt, Martha Bunt, Penny Carter, Chloe, Julie Clark, Patricia Cuppers, Olivia Crosby, Nell Davis, Marzell Ellis, Shawn Garshab, Marguerite Goforth, Maude Guess, Katherine Hull, Leon Johnston, Bill Kenworthy, Latney Lamb, Bill Law, Liza McKee, Carolyn McLendon, The Noa Family, Kate Philbin, Sally Pilati, Kurt Pennewell, Kali Pritchett, Otto & Libby Prochaska, Bob Sheehan, Warner Stark, Ruth Tait, Geo Trice, Rylan Tucker, Katherine Ward, Larry Williams, Jay Walter, Carol Ann Wilson, The Rev. Mark Wilson, Gretchen Zimmer

5 CARING & SHARING THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE HELP A big thank you to everyone who helped pack food boxes for local families at this year's Thanksgiving Food Drive. Advent, Lessons and Carols and Christmas Services Please join us on December 20th at Oriole Beach Elementary to help pack food for local families who need our help. The word Advent derives from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming. Advent, the coming or arrival of something extremely important, and a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. We will celebrate Advent November 30 th, December 7 th, 14 th and 21 st. On Sunday, December 14th, during the 10:00 a.m. worship service, we will have our Lessons and Carols program. Lessons and Carols is a service celebrating the birth of Jesus. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus is told within nine scripture readings interspersed with the singing of hymns and anthems. We are very excited about the music we will be sharing and hope you will make a special effort to be part of this special service. We are also looking forward to our Christmas Eve service that will be filled with Christmas Carols and beautiful anthems presented by the Adult Choir. Please make this service part of your Christmas tradition and celebration. I pray the words from one of our Advent anthems will guide the way for your Advent experience. As the hymn tells us, While we are waiting, come. While we are waiting, come. Jesus, our Lord, Emmanuel, while we are waiting come. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY The first official meeting of the St. Francis of Assisi Prayer Shaw Ministry will be on Friday, December 12 th at 1:00 p.m. We will have several guests from Christ Church who have been helping us get started. The Christ church group will hold Beginner 101 classes on the second Thursday of the month. Their regular meeting is on the third Thursday. They are a very gracious and enthusiastic group and welcome visitors. Virginia MacKinnon and Nancy Storey May your Advent and Christmas be joyful! With a song in my heart, Cathy Griffing Organist/Choirmaster CHRISTMAS CAROLING St. Francis Youth will be caroling on Sunday December 21st. Plan to meet at the church at 5:00 p.m. Dinner location will be announced after caroling. Please let Jodi Kenworthy know if you would like the carolers to come to your house.

6 ST. FRANCIS TREASURER S REPORT (As of the end of October 2014) Submitted by McGee Lorren, Treasurer MTD YTD Revenue $ 17,045. $192,948. Expenses ($ 18,845.) ($230,304.) ($ 1,800.) ($ 37,356.) Pledges / Open Plate Pledges/ Open Plate Received YTD Budgeted YTD $ 177,174 $ THE ST. FRANCIS BOOK CLUB The St. Francis Book Club is a group of people (men and women) who have only one thing in common: a love of reading books. We meet on the 3 rd Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. to discuss the book of the month and share ideas. After each meeting, the group decides what book to read next (both fiction and non-fiction. We would love to have you join us. We are always looking for new suggestions for books to read and we encourage all points of view. For more information call Lita Brown or Carolyn Martin. As we discussed at the Open Budget Meeting on November 30th, I will be changing this financial report in the Messenger to be more informative, but that will be in the January Messenger. I encourage you to read the reports posted on the Vestry Bulletin Board each month, then ask questions. If you were not at the meeting on the 30th, Chris has copies of the 2015 Budget. Briefly, pledges and pledging units are higher than 2014, but the budgeted deficit is about the same at almost ($20,000). The Vestry and the staff at St. Francis are all committed to keeping costs as low as possible. So if you have any suggestions, we would love to hear them! McGee Lorren ANGEL TREE PROGRAM BRIDGE ANYONE???? New player, good player, any player welcome! Call Virginia MacKinnon at if you are interested in joining us. It s the doll I wanted! How did daddy know? Katie said, hugging her new friend with tears of joy streaming down her face. and when asked about Christmas Christmas is about God and Jesus! Katie said with excitement. We have volunteered to help 25 children. There is one child left who needs your help to make his Christmas brighter through your generosity. Your unwrapped gifts are needed by Monday, December 15 th.

7 NOAH S NURSERY Birth-Kindergarten meets in the nursery during the church service. Busy Bags are in the Narthex each Sunday morning for those children attending church. The nursery is available for children ages birth to five years during the Sunday service. Please let us know if you can serve in the Nursery or Sunday School. December 7th December 14 th December 21 st December 28 th January 5 th December Nursery Assistants Dottie Kilpatrick Jane MacWhinnie Jodi Kenworthy Jay Smith Dottie Kilpatrick RELAY FOR LIFE 2015 Relay for Life is underway for the next Gulf Breeze event on April 24, Our relay team is set up online if you would like to make a donation for this tax year. You can donate online at: personal&px= Click on donation to make an online donation or drop off a check at the church office made out to Relay for Life. We got off to a great start raising $145 at our first bake sale. Your help in baking and donating is greatly appreciated! THANKSGIVING FEAST AND NEWCOMER WELCOME AT ST. FRANCIS

8 St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church 1 St. Francis Drive Gulf Breeze, FL Tel: Fax: Office stfrangb1@bellsouth.net Website: wwwstfrancisgulfbreeze.org Office hours: Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. Your 2014 Vestry McGee Lorren, Senior Warden/Treasurer Jodi Kenworthy, Junior Warden Janet Wood, Clerk B.J. Jimenez Dottie Kilpatrick Leon Mayberry Jay Smith David Stratford Ann Woll St. Francis Staff Angie Dufort, Sunday School Teacher Cathy Griffing, Organist and Choirmaster Bill Lucas, Sexton Chris Miller, Parish Secretary The Rev. Christiana Olsen, Rector _ Please submit articles and photographs for the Messenger to Chris Miller at stfrangb1@bellsouth.net PARISH OFFICE CLOSED Between Christmas and New Year s Day the Parish Office will be: Closed 12/22 12/26 Open 12/29 & 12/30 Closed 12/31 01/02