Journal October 2017 PANCAKE BREAKFAST On Sunday, September 17 th the Youth Group hosted a Pancake Breakfast to raise funds that would be sent to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Through their hard work and your generosity, they raised $1,242.00!!! That money will be used to purchase gift cards to various retailers in the Houston area and will be distributed to families in need. Thank you all who supported this fundraiser and thank you to the Youth Group and Adult leaders for making this happen!! 1
Peace and Grace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ our Lord! At the 8:30am service following the peace I hold up the offering plates and say, All things come of thee O Lord, and the people respond, and of thine own have we given thee. (taken from 1 Chronicles 29:14b) I am reminded of a time when I first started driving a car. Well it was a truck actually, a Chevy Big 10, with a large engine my brother had installed. I think it may have gotten 8 to 10 miles to the gallon. It was big and fast. My parents, showing that they cared for me, gave me the gas card. I was never clear about how I was to use the card, so I thought I could use it whenever I needed gas. I was very generous with it, even sharing with my friends. At the next billing cycle my parents confiscated the card. Needless to say, I was too generous with that card. I did not know it then but I had begun my journey on what it meant to be responsible for other people s property that I had stewardship over. I went from being irresponsible to being responsible for the stewardship of my own money and gas, to millions of dollars of equipment in the Navy, to millions of dollars of intellectual property in programming, and to many other things. Like any journey, none of it would be possible without people freely giving (purchasing product and tithes), or at least willingly giving (taxes and tithes), from their own generosity or even poverty. Understanding that all things come from God we are to be wise stewards of those things given like time, talent, treasure, grace and other things. Being wise does not always mean not spending a dime. Sometimes being wise calls for risk. Not burying our one talent, but investing ten of them, or forgiving debts. As we enter our stewardship season this year titled Journey to Generosity consider the stewardship of your own treasure. Consider your own journey where people were generous to you. Be generous in giving to St. Francis for its operation and outreach efforts. It is most likely one of the only times the card won t be taken from us due to our being overly generous. We are after all only giving back to God with what God has already given us. Peace, Mitch+ 2
SAINT FRANCIS FEAST DAY PARISH-WIDE LUNCHEON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8TH @ 12:30 THE MAIN COURSE & BEVERAGES WILL BE PROVIDED, PLEASE SIGN UP TO BRING A SIDE DISH OR DESSERT. SIGN UP SHEETS POSTED IN THE HALLWAY. 3
ELECTION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8TH AT 10:00 A.M. WE WILL ELECT 3 NEW MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE VESTRY AND 4 DELEGATES TO DIOCESAN COUNCIL. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE POSITIONS, OR IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR EITHER ONE, PLEASE SEE FR. MITCH. 4
HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY & SERENDIPTY DINNER SATURDAY OCTOBER 28TH 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. 1630 HOLCOMB CIRCLE, TYLER HOSTED BY: FRANK CABELL & LISA KRAUS / BOB & LINDA GRAY 5
6 DOK MEETING WITH A SURPRISE The August 16 th Daughters of the King meeting was scheduled for chapter officer installation, but also came with a very pleasant surprise. Prior to installation of the officers, Fr. Mitch unveiled the newly completed St. Clare DOK banner. He summarized the life of St. Clare in the 13 th century and gave a blessing for the banner. The banner was created from drawings and historical information which developed into an artistic fabric interpretation of St. Clare. Pieces of fabric were appliqued onto the backing material. Then the official title of the organization, chapter name, church affiliation and location were monogrammed on the cloth. Embellishments of gold fringe and tassels adorned the banner and stand that is on display in the fellowship hall. The silk backing for the banner is the official DOK blue that represents the organization s color. All this creation took about seven months and was ultimately successful under the hard work and creative talents of two members: Pat Sarubbi and Bitsy Wright. Then with this wonderful St. Clare banner as the backdrop, Fr. Mitch conducted the service of installation of officers. The officers for 2017-2018 are Gipsy Schneider, president; Susan Kohler, vice president; and Sandra Dugan, secretary/treasurer. Twelve members were present and pledged their support for the officers of the St. Clare Chapter. Following the installation, Carol Lanthrum gave a book report, PRAYING DEEPER, written by Fr. Michael Gemignani. Fr. G is a 40- year Episcopal priest and DOK Texas Diocese chaplain for 9 years. He is the author of three books and composer of over 900 songs for congregational use. He is a former university administrator, professor of math, computer science and telecommunication, author of many books on those subjects, and also an attorney. PRAYING DEEPER is a compilation of his daily blogs assuring us of something much greater than ourselves. The St. Clare chapter is always welcoming new members. Our meetings are open to any lady of the parish who might be considering becoming a member. October 1, 2017, we are conducting a study for the admission into the Order of the Daughters of the King which would help anyone who wishes to prepare for admission. Please consider becoming a DOK member. For His Sake, Gipsy Schneider
Other News and Happenings Since the Last Journal: Other News and Happenings Since the Last Journal: Wednesdays: (All are invited) 12:00pm Bible Study An open discussion around the Bible as we walk through the Bible together. Everyone is welcome to come. 6:00pm Healing Service A contemplative yet participatory service where we have laying on of hands and anointing of oil to foster and pray for physical and spiritual health for each other and our community. 7:10pm Choir Practice Lift your voices and sing songs of praise! If you like to sing, join the choir. The DOK (Daughters of the King) met. They are a group that does so many things around the church along with the many prayers they say. A great group committed to serving Christ. Fr. Bob DeWolfe s Bible classes! A classroom type environment where there is deep diving into the Biblical text. Hand Bell Practice! The Bell ringers are BACK! Everybody are invited. It is a great group of folks that come together and make the bells sing! Serendipity (the first of two in this report), a time we get together at a home or the church for a fellowship meal in which everyone is invited and guests are welcomed, was held at the Cabell/Kraus home! A Hawaiian grand time! We had a wonderful time baptizing little David Armstrong! Welcome the newest member of the church when you get a chance! We had people trained in safeguarding God s people. This training is to keep everyone safe in our church. Thank you trainees for your time and dedication to this important endeavor! Published our most recent version of the Journal! (Before this one of course.) Thanks to the hard work to get this out every month! We had the Invite Welcome Connect team meeting with Bob Gray. Great discussion and ideas on how to invite people to church, welcome them in, and connect them to what is happening here. Everyone is welcome to come and join in the discussion. Missional training provided by our in house missional trainers! Thank you for your knowledge and thank you folks that participated for your time and passion. We started Sunday evening Centering Prayer followed by Book of Common Prayer Evening Prayer. This happens every Sunday night at 5pm. There was a Men s breakfast. All are invited to go and if you are lucky you get to be there for biscuits and sausage gravy! SOOOOOO filling! Thank you men s group for expanding your ministry last month. Church Under a Bridge Prep Here all are invited to help make 100 sandwiches and bags in preparation for taking them to the Church Under a Bridge on the following Sunday. The Church Under a Bridge is a community that holds worship for the homeless under the Gentry bridge. We provide lunch for that community once a month. Church Under a Bridge Delivery On the first Sunday of the month there is a faithful few that deliver the meals prepared the day before to the Church Under a 7
Bridge. Some have been known to stay and worship with our homeless neighbors. Which from personal experience is quite powerful. The OTLB (Out to lunch bunch) visited (attempted to) HoneyBunz Café this month. Everyone is welcome, it is simply yet another opportunity for St. Francis folk to mingle. Bring a friend! The Anglican Rosary happens on the first Wednesday of the Month. Everyone meets and if you have not prayed with an Anglican Rosary before you are brought up to speed. It is a very powerful way to pray. Serendipity (the second of two in this report), a time we get together at a home or the church for a fellowship meal in which everyone is invited and guests are welcomed, was held at the church with Sandra Dugan and Chris Miller hosting! Ahoy! We had an awesome DOK dedication of the new banner! It is so good looking. The Banner is of St. Clare and was lovingly put together by Bitsy Wright and Pat Sarubbi. Adult Ed has started with the Discovery series and Kerygma Bible study. We are having a great time reviewing our fundamental beliefs and learning new things about the Bible. Youth Sunday School started September 10. Thank you so much to all of those folks that make this happen. You are all truly a blessing not only to the children but to St. Francis Church as well. The gardens look so nice! (Thanks gardening angels! If you are reading this, you can be one too!) Thanks goes out to the Altar guild for having everything ready each and every Sunday! Thanks also to the office volunteers folding and answering the phones. Your vestry met and discussed the finances, grounds, and future of St. Francis. Thank you for your service vestry members, and clerk! Plus much, much more! Thanks go out to the many, volunteers and donors that make these things happen! Think about volunteering at the church, nothing will make you feel more connected than participation within your community. Safeguarding God s Children What is Safeguarding God s Children? Safeguarding God s Children is a three-hour training that is required by the Diocese of Texas before working with children in the church. The goal of Safeguarding God s Children is to establish a healthy and safe environment for our children. This training gives valuable information on the issue of child sexual abuse. Prevention of this abuse is the purpose of Safeguarding God s Children. The certification process for Safeguarding God s Children includes: an interview, an (online) application; references checks; a background check, and a training session. There is a training session scheduled for Sunday, October 1 after church. Two of our members have been interviewed for the October 1 training. The first interview question is, Why do you wish to be involved in ministry to children or youth? One of the interviewees answered, Why not? They are our future. 8
St. Francis Sunday School Formation: Kerygma Discovering the Bible: A New Generation Earlier this year we began a study like no other. The Discovering the Bible: A New Generation Bible study. It is an introduction to the people, places and stories of the Bible and discover where The Story lives in your story! Through a process of reading, reflection, discussion and creative expression, both the first-time learner and the lifelong student are invited to an engaging, rewarding encounter with Scripture that will greatly deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Bible. You may join any time during the year. Let me know if you are interested so we can order more books. The books are $30 each. Please write a check to St. Francis with Discovering the Bible in the memo or give cash to Bob Gray or myself and let us know what it is for. $30 can be a lot of money so don t let cost keep you from participating. Let me, Fr. Mitch, know if you need assistance for there are scholarships available. The course lasts for 30 sessions that we have planned throughout the year. Peace, STEWARDSHIP For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:21 NRSV When it comes to stewardship we all pledge the time, talent, and treasure that we know we can give. For what you and I pledge to support the ministries of St. Francis, we are thankful. We are so close to eliminating our deficit I believe that if we begin to give an extra $5-$10-$20 in the offering plate we would reduce, if not eliminate, any deficit for 2017. So bring a friend: George, Abraham, Alexander, Andrew, Harriet, and some of their friends. Together we can fully support the ministries of St. Francis! Peace, Mitch+ 9
Officially join the Episcopal Church: The Bishop is Coming this November 12 If you are not already, would you want to be officially a part of the Episcopal Church? This can be accomplished by having the Bishop baptize you if you have never been baptized before, or you can be Confirmed if you have never had a Bishop lay hands on you, or you can be received if you have been Confirmed in another faith tradition. All we ask is that you allow us give you some background information on what Episcopalians believe, a recommended path for Spiritual maturity, what the Book of Common Prayer is, how we are organized, and what Episcopal worship looks like. You can do this through the Discovery Series which is a formation series geared to help understand the Episcopal faith tradition There is currently a class going on. The schedule is posted outside Fr. Mitch s office. Keep your eyes open for one day offerings. I am looking forward to this course and the conversations to be had about God and our faith. Remember this course is not only for those desiring Baptism, Confirmation, and Reception, but also for those that desire to be refreshed, formed, and informed in their journey s as Christians. Specifically, we are the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement. Peace, Fr. Mitch+ 10
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS Gerry Kuklewicz 10/01 Earl Wruck 10/01/ Molly Streufert 10/02 Ashleagh Wilcox 10/02 Jewel McGraw 10/05 Jo Hart-Orr 10/07 Tim Lanthrum 10/08 Fr. Mitch Tollett 10/11 Nell Barr 10/13 Courtney Gray 10/14/ Kevin DeOrnellas 10/15 Mark Miller 10/19 Van Sanchez 10/20 Ryan Ridley 10/22 Pat Logan 10/26 OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES Janice & Malcolm Teasdale 10/03 Rev Robert & Jo-Anne DeWolfe 10/28 Harry & Belinda Steelman 10/29 Gary Moore 10/27 Rev Robert DeWolfe 10/28/ Susan Kohler 10/29 MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW.. Blessing of the Animals 10/7 St. Francis Feast Day 10/8 Bishop's Visit 11/12 Thanksgiving Turkey Lunch 11/19 Christmas Eve Services 12/24 11
St. Francis Episcopal Church 3232 Jan Avenue Tyler, TX 75701 Telephone: 903-593-8459 Email: office@stfrancistyler.org Web site: www.stfrancistyler.org www.facebook.com/stfrancistyler 12