The Song of Saint Francis

Transcription

1 The Song of Saint Francis Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church Salter Path, North Carolina June 2015 It s a Date! 6/7 UTO collection boxes due 6/10 Prayer Shawl ministry 6/12 Art gallery opening and second summer concert 6/24 Prayer Shawl ministry 7/10 Summer concert #3 7/19 Beach Towel Ministry lunch 8/3-7 Vacation Bible School 8/7 Summer concert #4 9/11 Summer concert #5 9/23 ECW Evensong and pot luck 10/10 Lobster Fest Our Beautiful, Fragile Island Home One day during Epiphany I walked down the path behind St. Francis to Bogue Sound and sat down with my ipad on the gazebo bench. It is always peaceful there. When you are still enough, the place is alive with song birds and shore birds, and the water mirrors the sky. On that day, at that time, posts and decking from a neighboring pier were perfectly reflected in the water. It was incredibly beautiful. I took a picture of it with the camera in my ipad and immediately posted it on a social media page, proclaiming it to be the back yard of St. Francis. There was immediate response as many of my friends who have never been here saw for the first time how privileged we are to be intimately connected to this place. I was amazed to hear from so many people, and grateful that some of those friends actually are members of our church but didn t know of that path through the maritime forest or the gazebo. Over the next few days I took other pictures of our grounds: the labyrinth bench, altar, entrance and fountain, along with an agapanthus growing nearby; the circle at the front of the church and the sculpture of St. Francis and the Birds; the path down to Bogue Sound and the path to the church from Salter Path Road. Each picture sparked conversations with people nearby and far away. The person most affected, however, is me. The camera has further opened my eyes to the glory that we share in this very spot. It has also awakened feelings of responsibility for caring more ardently for this place. I am not alone. Many of us are involved in caring not only for parish structures and art work, but also for the animals, fish and birds that share space with us, and the wild and beautiful land and water that is committed to our care. Many of us work on ecology committees, volunteer at the Aquarium, work on issues related to beach nourishment and protection of wetlands. Over the next several weeks I hope to learn of the many ways that people from our parish family are involved in caring for this fragile earth, our island home. We are spread over a great geographical area and can make a substantial contribution to caring for the creation. Among our Prayers and Thanksgivings in The Book of Common (Continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 Prayer is the following: O heavenly Father, you have filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may Stewardship by Beth Beswick and Tom Tempel Have you ever stopped to think about the importance of Stewardship as it applies to every aspect of our life? Stewardship is generally a positive process by a thoughtful Steward that leads to a favorable outcome. We are all Stewards of some sort. Every person is the primary Steward of their own personal fitness, health, education, happiness, faith, property and success. Sometimes good Stewards miss their goal. Sometimes things happen in health like accidents and sickness for which we have little control. Those with good personal stewardship can better cope with sudden unfavorable situations. Failure is not always bad if something was learned or problems solved. Collectively we must be good Stewards of the environment, fiscal resources, public facilities, energy and the American Way of Life. Now let s focus on the importance of Stewardship at St. Francis by the Sea. It involves everyone who considers themselves part of the Church Family. There is a leadership element in the SFBTS Stewardship program that involves our priest, Everett, Stover our Senior Warden, the vestry, Linda with the Music Ministry, our administrator Sharon, and Beth Beswick, the Stewardship Chairperson. The program for 2016 is currently being developed by Beth and the goal is to exceed 2015 s results. As we have said before, the Stewardship program at SFBTS involves using our TIME, TALENT or TREASURE to benefit the Church and to fulfill its mission. In this sense every member is a Good Steward. Time and Talent are a very important part of the program and no church could survive without that. It involves almost every aspect of the Church with the Lay Ministry and Church School being good examples. learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Everett+ Regarding treasure the Pledge Drive will start in the Fall and every member will be given the opportunity to decide what their financial commitment will be in terms of a Pledge for It s important for everyone to know that pledges vary widely and no one sees the pledges except the Church Administrator. Pledges are a very important component of our Business Plan and Process because they allow us to know the total amount to be received, which forms the basis for the Operating Account and Budget Process. Although plate offerings are greatly appreciated, we would like to think that members of the Church Family will feel the commitment to make a pledge. This small step greatly strengthens our business and accounting process. In summary if you are willing to serve the Church with time and talent contact Stover, Linda Laughton, or Pat Jones, our lay ministry volunteer coordinator. There are many opportunities waiting. Your work is very much appreciated. If you have questions about the pledge process talk with Beth, Sharon or any Vestry Member. Your Pledge for 2016 will also be very much appreciated. We are looking forward to a successful Stewardship Process in SFBTS for THANKS! A word from Beth: I would like to thank Tom for the marvelous work he has done in guiding our recent stewardship campaigns and am honored to be asked to follow in his footsteps (big shoes to fill!). Stewardship is a time to quietly contemplate what a treasure St. Francis is to each one of us, how our time in worship, education, outreach and just plain fun makes us all better people and how our talents seem to wondrously multiply as we work together to do God s work. I ask that you give careful thought to these things as we enter the fall stewardship season. Peace be with you all. Beth and Tom 1 Andy Smetana 3 Eric Ellis June Birthdays 9 Marion Morris 10 Jamie Horton 14 Harold O Briant 23 Mary Hartman 26 Mary Kurek

3 Page 3 Grace Notes by Linda Laughton, Music Director Thank you to UTMOST PRAISE for opening our summer concert season. Tori Smith, Chelsie Mattox and Rachel and Jordan Amburn have voices that were meant to be together and our first summer audience was delighted by their inspirational music. are free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted to sustain the series. Is anyone interested in helping with children's music in Vacation Bible School this Our second summer concert is Friday, June 12, at year? I am looking for one or 6:30, immediately following the art gallery two adult workers/volunteers opening. CRYSTAL COAST COMMUNITY to help lead the children in their daily music time CHOIR, Al Norwood, director, will present during the week of August 3-7. As we all know, Crossing the Barriers of Race, Denomination working with children is instantly gratifying and and Tradition Spreading His Word through deeply satisfying, like a really good cup of coffee! Music. CCCC was created 17 years ago with If this ministry is in your area of interest, let's members from three area churches. Over the talk. Stay tuned! years, membership has grown to 25 choristers ~~Linda representing ten churches. Our summer concerts Crystal Coast Community Choir Upcoming Summer Concerts Art Happenings Friday, July 10, 6:30 pm Mozart's Divertimento for String Trio in Eb Major, K563 Chris Ellis, violin Holly Gutierrez, viola Barbara Gates, cello The Art Gallery at St. Francis by the Sea will have a very special exhibit, The Wildlife of Autism featuring Austin Orelli the second weekend in June. For more information, see page 4. Friday, August 7, 6:30 pm The Heart of the Harp Julie Miller Money Friday, September 11, 6:30 pm Classical Works for Solo Voice Katherine Anderson, soprano Linda Laughton, piano On Sunday, June 21, at coffee hour we will celebrate an exhibit featuring Charlie McCurry, photographer, and Tim Bradford, painter. These works will be on exhibit until the next gallery opening on July 10. The events are free of charge, open to the public, and refreshments will be served. Endowment Fund Match $7,875 to go!

4 Page 4 Notes From the Kids of St. Francis and the Outreach Committee by Meredith Westbrook A Very Special Art Show: We will host an art show sponsored by The Crystal Coast Autism Center the weekend of June 12, 13 and 14. The featured artist is 20- year old Austin Orelli who was diagnosed with autism as a youngster. Austin will exhibit approximately 40 paintings. Local children and young adults who receive services from the Crystal Coast Autism Center will also display their artwork. Austin s passion for painting and drawing animals started many years ago. His first painting of two tigers, painted in 2007 and sold at auction for $2200, caused many organizations and publications to take notice. He has been featured at many charity events, conferences, and exhibits. Austin is also illustrating a children s book for which he created a character called Mr. Hottie, who is a dog with autism who also happens to be a famous artist. Because of Austin s talents, his family started The Wildlife of Autism. With the profits from Austin s sales, this organization supports many autism awareness efforts. A portion of the proceeds from the St. Francis exhibit will benefit the Crystal Coast Autism Center. There will be a reception with Austin and his family at the church from 5:30 to 7:00 pm on June 12, immediately followed by our second summer concert featuring the Crystal Coast Community Choir. The next day, Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the church, Austin will interact with local children and young adults with autism and their parents, at a picnic provided by The Kids of St Francis. From 11:00am until 3:00pm that day, the artwork will be on display for the public. On Sunday, June 14, the artwork Prayer Shawl...Plus! will be on display at the church for the last time during the church s social hour after the 10:00 service, from approximately 11:00am to 1:00pm. Please come out and show your support for this remarkable young man and all of the other children and young adults with autism. Vacation Bible School: The Kids of St. Francis will be hosting our 4th annual Vacation Bible School from August 3-7, 9am-noon. Our theme this year will be "Abundance Orchard God's abundant, and often unexpected, welcome. ALL children ages 2-12 are welcome to attend! Please spread the word!! Members, friends, neighbors, all are invited, free of charge. We will have stories, snacks, art, crafts, music and lots of fun! Please contact Meredith with any questions, to register your children or if you would like to be a VBS volunteer! Outreach News: African Team Ministries: Again this year we will host the sale of goods from African Team Ministries. Provide your support through your purchases of jewelry and crafts on display in the parish hall from September Hope Mission and Martha's Mission: Please place your donated items in marked bins and baskets in front of the windows in parish hall. The Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather on Wednesday, June 10 and 24 at 10:00 in the parish hall. Come and share your talent, whether or not your item is intended for the Prayer Shawl Ministry. All are welcome to join the gathering to knit one and pray too. Yarn is available free of charge. Beginners are always welcome! For the Outreach Committee and The Kids of St. Francis, Meredith Westbrook

5 Page 5 ECW News by Bobbie Hill Our ECW has volunteered to feed students who will be here helping to rehab homes for seniors with our Deacon Carol Eaton s Beach Towel Ministry. We will provide lunch (sandwiches, chips and simple desserts) for about 50 students on Sunday July 19 th after church. I am sincerely searching for an ECW member which is every lady who attends St. Francis By The Sea, to take over as ECW Chairman. It is not a difficult job, but I ve stayed well over my two year term. Call me if you have an interest and want more information. ECW Evensong Set for September 23 Our annual ECW Evensong and pot luck supper will be September 23, at 6:00 pm at the Trinity Pavilion. Hopefully the weather will cooperate so we can enjoy the sunset. Otherwise, we will meet in the Parish Hall. For The Kids of St. Francis by Marian Goetzinger The end of the school year is here and many of our children will scatter, filling the weeks with camps and different kinds of classes, vacations and visits to grandparents far away. There may be a Sunday or two when we will have no children to bring their joy and enthusiasm to our classroom but there will be Sundays when we have visitors and our usual members. We will have opportunities to reach out and renew our acquaintances with our summer children. It will all be good. Like the track on the beach where the water washes in to meet the sand, the boundaries between the ministries of our parish run together in fascinating ways. The Kids of St. Francis are involved in almost every element of the work of our parish, from fundraising to lay ministry, to stewardship and teaching. We are delighted to see how the work of the Youth and the work of Outreach so often become intertwined. You read in Meredith s outreach article the most recent commitment to outreach from the Kids of St. Francis. They have agreed to host a picnic for the Autism Fund-raiser coming up in June. I will leave that report to Meredith, but I want to say as always, when asked, the kids and the parents immediately answered YES! Watch for dates soon for our next fund-raiser, which is to be a spaghetti supper in September. Remember the great success of last year s event? This year we will be earmarking funds for new vestments for the children. They are way overdue. The vestments they wear now were gratefully received hand me downs years ago. They have served us well but are worn out. We are committed to earning the money for new ones and expect our spaghetti supper to provide our parish a wonderful evening of food and fellowship and help us raise the money needed. It was a special joy this month for one of our Kids of St. Francis Dads to present the Children s sermon on Youth Sunday. Brian Roberts is the father of Matthew, one of our youth acolytes, and has served as a Vacation Bible School volunteer with our preschoolers and as an overnight chaperone for our lock-in. Brian is a teacher and coach at West Carteret High School and a very valuable member of our youth team. We are grateful to Brian for all he does for our ministry and to Matthew for bringing his parents to us. Thank you all for the support you give these young people and their ministry. They are our future.

6 Page 6 Scenes from St. Francis by the Sea Photos taken by Everett Thomas

7 Lay Ministry Schedule If you are unable to fulfill an assignment, please let us know the name of your replacement. June 6/7 6/14 6/21 6/28 Youth Sunday Vestry Larry Castle Terry Griffin Heather Pace Stover Morris Lector Terry Smith Joe Nelson Bob Gallo Kids Prayers Ted Goetzinger Marilyn Smetana Kyle Venable Kids Chalice Altar Guild Richard Seale Mary Anne Ragland Betsy Randall Bobbie Hill Tim Bradford Mary Anne Ragland Linda Davies Mary Anne Ragland Marilyn & Andy Smetana Meg Bradford Linda Seale Page 7 Bob Gallo Marian Goetzinger Betsy Randall Bobbie Hill Crucifer Pat Jones Bill Horton Tim Bradford Kids Bible Bearer Torch Bearers Tim Bradford Linda Davies Scott Shelton Tim Bradford Beth Beswick Linda Davies Sound System Larry Castle John Clarke John Marriott Kyle Venable Nursery Bobbie Hill Sue Ingram Barbara Bagby Betty Watson Children's Class Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger Children's Class Assistant Meredith Westbrook Mary Kurek Rita Roberts Amy Hahn Coffee Hour Betty & Dick Watson Sharon & Rick Watling Jeannie Baxter & Jan Corsello Opportunities remain to serve next month. Please see the sign-up sheet at the Parish Office window. July 7/5 7/12 7/19 Kids Kids Frances & Tommy Jenkins 7/26 Youth Sunday Vestry Harold O Briant Jay Randall Robin Smith Donna Standley Lector Joe Nelson Linda Davies Kids Prayers Chalice Jolene McCann Kids Pat Jones Linda Davies Altar Guild Jean Turner Crucifer Beth Beswick Pat Jones Kids Bible Bearer Kids Torch Bearers Linda Davies Kids Sound System Nursery Children's Class Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger Children's Class Assistant Jami Turner Leann Sanders Natalya Kane Meredith Westbrook Coffee Hour Beth Beswick Meg & Tim Bradford Anne & John Clarke Linda Davies & Mary Jo Jennings

8 Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church PO Box 7 Salter Path, NC Save the dates! First Class Mail Buy a commemorative brick! More info at or contact the church. Adult Forum at 9:00 am; Sunday Service and Children s Class for ages 4 and up at 10:00 am Wednesday Celtic Eucharist at 12:00 noon Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church is a parish in the Diocese of East Carolina The Right Reverend Robert Skirving, Bishop The Rev. Everett Thomas, Ph.D. Phone: (252) stfrancisbts@gmail.com Sharon Watling Parish Administrator Phone: (252) stfrancisbts@gmail.com Linda Laughton Music Director Vestry Class of 2015 Terry Griffin Robin Smith Tom Tempel Vestry Class of 2016 Stover Morris, Senior Warden Heather Pace Jay Randall Vestry Class of 2017 Larry Castle, Junior Warden Harold O Briant Donna Standley Frances Pittman Treasurer Sharon Watling Clerk of the Vestry David Shapiro Sexton The Song of Saint Francis is a monthly publication of Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church. North side of NC 58 between Mile Marker 10 and 10½ PO Box Salter Path Road, Salter Path, North Carolina (252) All rights reserved stfrancisbts@gmail.com