March 2019 THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY. Faithfully, Fr. Milton

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1 March 2019 THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY Let me give it another try. Let me see if I can be just a little more focused and disciplined this time in maintaining my Lenten practice. Why can t I do better in keeping my fast? Do I dare try again? Will I be disappointed again? These words represent the voices that are already in my head and heart, and we are only one day into this holy season of Lent. If this is how I am starting this season only one day in, how well do I expect to do in completing this journey for the remainder of these forty days? When my personal piety becomes the focus of my Lenten experience, then I am already behind the eight ball, I have already set myself up for a less that rewarding finish. Lent is never about me. Lent is about God and God s desire for me to create a deeper space for God to enter into my life and change me so that I can see the world and live in the world as God desires me to live in it. When I begin each day with a heart ready to receive God s grace and love over and against a heart anticipating fear and disappointment, then I am free and ready to journey these forty days of Lent with Jesus. When Lent is less about me and more about God, the celebration of the Resurrection will have more power. May this be true for all of us. Faithfully, Fr. Milton THE REV. MILTON C. WILLIAMS, JR.

2 T h e R e v. D r. A n d r e w H a r m o n ( D r e w + ) Dear faithful Franciscans, This month we enter into the season of Lent. Lent, as many of you know, is a time of self-reflection, penitence, and preparation. We are encouraged to throw off harmful tendencies that take us from a deeper relationship with ourselves, our neighbors, and our God. Some of us might feel inclined to take on a new spiritual practice. Regardless of what we give up or take up, forty days is just about the right length of time to make or break a habit. In the spirit of a keeping a holy Lent, our Adult Formation offerings this season provide introspection and Easter preparation. Our Lenten Forum Series, co-sponsored by the Stephen Ministers and the Outreach Committee, is dedicated to fighting the stigma of mental illness. We will welcome capable clinicians and community leaders to guide our discussions of mental health. These discussions are critical for each of us, for our community, and for the church. You won t want to miss it! THE REV. DR. ANDREW HARMON Our Wednesday Evening program (with potluck soup dinner) returns this year, beginning March 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Our first gathering will be led by Dr. Derek Krueger, Professor of Religious Studies at UNCG. (Some of you might remember Derek from his engaging forum presentation last year!) This year we will focus on themes of sin, salvation, and resurrection in preparation for our Easter celebration. While in years past, St. Francis has jumped from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, this year we will have an Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday at 8:00 p.m. The Easter Vigil is an ancient liturgy rich in symbolism and filled with readings and hymns reminders of God s faithfulness to the Church and world. Join us Wednesday evenings as we prepare our hearts and minds for the new life that is to come! Wishing you a blessed Lenten season, Drew+ 2

3 A D U L T F O R M A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T E S F O R L E N T Adult Inquirers and Confirmation Class, Sundays in the Red Room from 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. A class dedicated to exploring core issues of Anglican theology and spirituality (liturgy, sacraments, prayer, etc.). This class will meet every Sunday in Lent, beginning March 10 and immediately following the 10:30am Eucharist. Lunch provided. Wednesday Evening Lenten Program Wednesdays in the Parish Hall from 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Join us Wednesday evenings in the Parish Hall for our weekly Lenten program. We will begin our time each evening with a time of fellowship around a pot-luck soup supper. Following our meal, we will explore themes of sin, salvation, and resurrection in preparation for our Easter celebration. This is a family-friendly event; all are welcome! The Wednesday Evening Lenten Program will meet the following dates: March 13, March 20, March 27, April 3, and April 10. Lectionary at Lunch Wednesdays, Gold Room, 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. A discussion-based reflection on the upcoming Sunday s appointed scriptures. All are welcome no preparation or previous attendance required! Men s Small-Group Bible Study, Fridays, A Special Blend Coffee Shop (3900 W. Market St.), 7:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. An informal time of fellowship, prayer, and bible study at the conclusion of your week. We are currently working our way through the Gospel of Mark. Interested in any of the above Adult Formation opportunities? Contact Fr. Drew (drew@stfrancisgreensboro.org or ext. 102). 3

4 Kelly Clayton, MSW, LCSW at New Beginnings Counseling & St. Francis Episcopal Church present Six sessions designed to help parents equip kids with character, compassion, problem-solving skills and more! DATE: TIME: LOCATION: COST: April 30-June 4 (Tuesday evenings) 5:45-8 p.m. St. Francis Episcopal Church, Cornerstone Room Covered for registered participants. Childcare available. CONTACT: Phone (336) drew@stfrancisgreensboro.org This course is being offered free of charge. Space is limited. Please contact Fr. Drew by April 8 to register. 4

5 T R E A S U R E R S R E P O R T F I S C A L Y E A R This year-end report to the parish is to provide you with the financial results of 2018 for St. Francis Episcopal Church. We are finalizing the 2019 budget and will send that out just as soon as it is finalized. For our Operating Account, we received $641,081 in Revenues, which was under budget by $25,419. The biggest shortfall was in future year donations which were $49,697 vs. a budget of $80,000, a shortfall of $30,303. We attribute this to tax law changes where there is not as much incentive to increase itemized deductions. Pledges were about $10,000 below budget at $514,664 but only $5,000 below actual 2018 pledges. Non-pledge contributions were $58,641 vs. budget of $45,000. We spent $701,550 operating the church against a budget of $700,050. That yielded a negative margin of (-$60,470) vs. a budget of ($32,550). Assuming this is all taken from Contingency, that will leave a balance of $21,072 in Contingency. We normally like to keep at least $50,000 in the Contingency account. As of year-end, the Capital Account had received $1,253,229 representing the CAPITAL gifts that had been received in 2015 through We received $25,177 in Capital Campaign Phase II starting in 2018 has received $189,332 by year end and has $320,000 in pledges so far. From this amount we spent $1,672,688 for our Capital Project. That left a balance of $103,981 in our Capital Account at the end of the year. Dennis Barry, capital projects treasurer, will provide more detailed information. The Day School, at year s end has completed the first six months of their school and fiscal year and they had revenues of $103,628 and expenses of $105,769. The first six months of their fiscal year has one less month of revenue than does the last six months so we expect them to do better by year-end. They currently have all but two student slots filled and are doing well! Finally, I can report that our Endowment Fund at year end has grown to $451,291 from $406,050 at the end of OPERATING Results 2018 On the following pages is a summary of the 2018 Financials for St. Francis Episcopal Church. A more detailed version of the operating financials can be found on-line through the Church Website at: Rick Saunders, Treasurer rsaund1612@aol.com

6 T R E A S U R E R S R E P O R T F I S C A L Y E A R OPERATING Financials 2018 The following is a summary of the 2018 Revenues and Expense for St. Francis Episcopal Church. A more detailed version of the operating financials can be found on-line through the Church Website at: Operating Income Summary 2018 Revenue was $641,081 Pledges $566, % Non-Pledge Contributions 58, % Loose Offerings 13, % Other 2, % Total $641, % 6

7 T R E A S U R E R S R E P O R T F I S C A L Y E A R Year-end Expenses are $701,551 yielding a negative margin of ($60,470). Assuming this will all be covered by the contingency fund, this will leave a balance of $21,072 in the contingency fund. Service (Diocesan Support) $71, % SWEEP (Worship, Education and Pastoral Care) 19, % Clergy Salary 160, % Contract Services 42, % Support Staff (music, admin./program, facilities) 169, % Other Personnel Expense 94, % Occupancy (utilities, cleaning, maintenance, grounds) 86, % General Expense (insurance, audit, telephone, etc.) 57, % Totals $701, % The above is a lot of information to consume. Therefore, if you need clarification or have questions about anything financial, I m ready to help answer them. Rick Saunders, Treasurer rsaund1612@aol.com

8 M s. F e l i c i a C o l e C h i l d r e n s & Y o u t h M i n i s t r y It s a busy season in Youth and Children s Ministry! As the season of Lent begins, I m reminded to work harder at making room for quiet time with my Creator in my daily life. I believe it s extremely important to set the same precedent for our children and youth during this season as well. That s why we ll be praying the mantra we can do hard things over our high school friends these next few weeks. In Cornerstone, I ll be leading some lessons that will be a bit heavier than our normal content. We ll be discussing mental health, making big decisions, and more together. I want this season to be a reminder for them that yes, life is hard, but we can do hard things together. FELICIA COLE In EYC we ll be spending some time reflecting on how we can incorporate our Lenten hearts into everyday life. I can t wait to see what discussions and actions these lessons will spark within our group. We ll also be continuing Confirmation classes, so please join me in praying for the sweet youth who are beginning their own faith journeys. What a beautiful season this really is. I m honored to have the opportunity to walk through it with the children and youth of this church. Peace to You, Felicia 8

9 M s. F e l i c i a C o l e C h i l d r e n s & Y o u t h M i n i s t r y COMING UP THIS MONTH Safe Church Training On Sunday, March 24, from 12:00pm-2:00pm Felicia will be leading a Safe Church training session in our Parish Hall! It's extremely important that all volunteers have this training to ensure that we're doing our best to protect our young people, but also, ourselves. This training is open to anyone in our Parish, it's good information for anyone to have. Please RSVP to Felicia Cole at youth@stfrancisgreensboro.org Time to Sign Up for Glory Ridge 2019! Our high school friends will be spending another summer serving Madison County communities at Glory Ridge! The dates are June 30-July 6 and this year's cost is $275. All rising 9th graders and above are invited! To reserve your spot, we're asking to receive a $50 deposit and your completed paperwork by April 15. Scholarships will be available, contact Felicia for more information if needed. Here's to another fun summer at The Ridge! LOOKING AHEAD It's hard to believe it's already time to start looking ahead to Summer! Below are the dates for our major Summer Events, so go ahead and mark your calendars! More information will be provided for each event soon. Important Summer Dates Middle School Missions Week: June 22-June 26 High School Glory Ridge Trip: June 30-July 6 Avodah Youth Missions Camp (Day Camp): July Children's VBS: July 29-August 2 9

10 ST. FRANCIS 2019 BOOK SALE SPONSORSHIP Please help make the 61st Annual St. Francis Book Sale a success by becoming a sponsor!! This is a wonderful opportunity to get the word out about your business while also supporting local charities in our community. All of the proceeds from the sale are given back to organizations in our community Sponsorships help defer Book Sale expenses such as advertising, and set-up costs. Sponsorship levels are as follows: Title Sponsor (Exclusive) - $3000 Company name on T-shirt as Title Sponsor worn by over 100 volunteers Recognized as Title Sponsor in all television, radio, print advertising, interviews and social media Company Name listed prominently as Title Sponsor on Book Sale banner and all promotional flyers and posters Company Name on bookmarks given to each customer at the Book Sale Opportunity to hang company banner inside Book Sale venue and display company advertisements on cashiers tables Gift Certificate in the amount of $75 for purchases at sale Platinum Sponsor - $1000 Company Name on T-shirt worn by over 100 volunteers Company name listed as sponsor on Book Sale banner, promotional flyers, posters and social media Company name on bookmarks given to each customer at the Book Sale Opportunity to hang company banner inside Book Sale venue Gift Certificate in the amount of $50 for purchases at sale Please contact Michelle Koehler or Ron Mangrum with questions or to become a Sponsor. Michelle Koehler koehlem1@hotmail.com Ron Mangrum ronald.w.mangrum@gmail.com *For Silver Sponsors and higher, in order for your business name to be included in print materials (including T-shirts and banners), yourdonation and Sponsorship information must be received by April 15, All other Sponsorships are due by April 29, Dr. Seuss Sponsor (Exclusive) - $750 Special recognition given in Children s Area of the Book Sale for all 3 days of the sale Company name on T-shirt worn by over 100 volunteers Company name listed on Book Sale banner, promotional flyers and social media Company name on bookmarks given to eachcustomer at the Book Sale Gift Certificate in the amount of $30 for purchases at sale Gold Sponsor - $500 Company name on T-shirt worn by over 100 volunteers Company name listed on Book Sale banner and social media Company name on bookmarks given to each customer at the Book Sale Silver Sponsor - $250 Name listed on Book Sale banner Name listed in Church Newsletter and on social media Bronze Sponsor - $100 Name listed as Sponsor in Church Newsletter and on social media Individual Sponsor - $50 This opportunity allows individuals to honor or memorialize loved ones and special occasions. The Sponsor will provide a one-line commemoration which will be printed on a large Dedication Board outside of the Book Sale venue. 10

11 ST. FRANCIS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2019 BOOK SALE SPONSORSHIP COMMITMENT FORM Contact Name: Company Name: Address: Phone No.: Name of Company or Individual as it should be displayed: For Individual Sponsor, one-line commemoration to be displayed on the Dedication Board: **At any level, those wishing to honor or memorialize loved ones and special occasions may provide a one-line commemoration which will be printed on a large Dedication Board outside the Book Sale Venue. SPONSORSHIP LEVELS: $3000 (Exclusive) TITLE SPONSOR $1000 PLATINUM SPONSOR $750 (Exclusive) DR. SEUSS SPONSOR $500 GOLD SPONSOR $250 SILVER SPONSOR $100 BRONZE SPONSOR $50 INDIVIDUAL SPONSOR Please make checks payable to St. Francis Church and send this completed form and payment to: St. Francis Church 3506 Lawndale Drive Greensboro, NC *For Silver Sponsors and higher levels, in order for your business name to be included in print materials (including T-shirts and banners), your donation and sponsorship information must be received by April 15, All other Sponsorships are due by April 29,

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13 T h e R e a c h f r o m t h e O u t r e a c h C o m m i t t e e March 2019 Thank you, Franciscans! Your help assembling and taking Blessing Bags forth from the Chili Cook Off was much appreciated. Hopefully those you encounter on a street corner will enjoy your show of compassion. Thank you also for donating to the Interactive Resource Center, which helps our friends in need in much larger ways. And what a FUN night! Spring Food Drive April 5 and 6 Mark your calendars now for the Greensboro Urban Ministry s Spring Food Drive for Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 at the Harris Teeter on Lawndale Drive. Volunteers are needed to fill two-hour shifts starting at 9:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. each day and to drive food donations to the GUM after shifts end. Sign-up soon on the SignUp Genius or at the Welcome table starting March 17. Bring a friend or family member and help us fill the food pantry! Mission Fund Partner Update The Outreach Committee has pledged to assist Community Housing Solutions with funding to assess and renovate eight houses in 2019 as a part of their Aging Gracefully in Place program. If you are interested in working on general home repairs with CHS, you may contact us at outreach@stfrancisgreensboro.org and we will connect you with a work group. Sanctuary House Needs You! Mark your calendars for the upcoming Beach Bash, their spring Musical Moods fundraiser, to be held at Starmount Country Club on Saturday evening, May 4. Eric Chilton and the Chilltones will provide the entertainment. To volunteer with the silent auction, please contact us at outreach@stfrancisgreensboro.org to learn the details. To learn more about the Beach Bash, please visit sanctuaryhousegso.com. Thank you from Beth McKee-Huger! Whoever contributed boxes of children s books to the Mustard Seed Resource Center s tutoring program, your efforts are much appreciated! Others may continue to drop books off at the Mustard Seed Clinic at 238 S. English St. or contact Beth McKee-Huger at bethmckeehuger@outlook.com. The resource center is currently serving 15 children! We ask for your prayers as we seek to serve our community in accordance with our parish s wishes. The Outreach Committee meets typically on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Red Carpet Room. If you are interested in joining our committee, or if you have questions or comments, please contact us at outreach@stfrancisgreensboro.org. 13

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15 A r o u n d S t. F r a n c i s State of St. Francis Church -- March 31 Please join us in the parish hall for a Sunday brunch immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, March 31, as we celebrate what we have accomplished in the last five years and discuss our immediate and future needs. Child care with lunch will be provided. Reservations required. Please contact the church office by Friday, March 22, at or info@stfrancisgreensboro.org. St. Clare Women March 20 Please join the St. Clare Women in the Parish Hall Wednesday, March 20, at 11:00 a.m. Mary Flinn, St.Francis Outreach Chair, will speak to us about the many ways St. Francis is reaching out to our community and the world. Stay for lunch and bring a friend. If you're not already on our list contact: Mary Plybon , maryplybon1@gmail. 'Latino Voices' March 19 New members Carole Ott Coelho, soprano, and Tadeu Coelho, flute, present "Latino Voices," a concert of newly composed works based on texts by Latinx poets. Performances will be Saturday, March 16, 7:30 pm at UNCSA Watson Hall (tickets required) and Tuesday, March 19, 7:30 pm at UNCG Recital Hall (no tickets required). For more information, please see: (March 16) or (March 19). Parish Transfers IN Tadeu, Carole & Julia Coelho Steven & Eva Fox Stuart, Allison Caroline & Anderson Mease OUT Dan & Ginger Jones 15

16 S t. F r a n c i s E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h A Parish of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina The Rt. Rev. Samuel Rodman, Bishop The Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple, Bishop Suffragan P a r i s h S t a f f Rector: The Very Rev. Milton C. Williams, Jr. Assistant Rector: The Rev. Dr. Andrew Harmon Choir Director: Sam Doyle Junior Choir Director: Jane Woody Assistant Choir Director: Benita McFarland St. Francis Day School Director: Kit Hargett Parish Administrator: Linda Allgood Communications Coordinator: Michelle Hines Director of Children and Youth Ministry: Felicia Cole Book Sale Manager and Membership Coordinator: Mark Hamby Bookkeeper: Blair Barnett Sextons: Jack Steelman & Bo Edwards Custodian: Rigoberto Bautista St. Francis Vestry: Senior Warden: Jim Woody, Junior Warden: Chris Relos, Clerk: Kathie Huff, Treasurer: Rick Saunders, Laura Ambler, Betty Barry, Duana Cisney, Sonia Haslam, Robert Koehler, Dana Koval, Melinda Madtes, David Reich, Lynn Sandlin St. Francis Church: , St. Francis Day School: St. Francis Episcopal Church 3506 Lawndale Drive Greensboro, NC 27408