Saint Francis Journal December, 2018 A Loving Community, Serving God s Kingdom Peace and Grace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ our Lord! Thanks Give thanks in all circumstances. Not for pain and suffering itself, but for the knowledge that God is with us in it, and that God has promised to use it for our good. Develop the habit of giving thanks for what is, rather than lamenting what is not. Look upon your life as a gift, with wonder and awe. -Br. David Vryhof Thanks! We have just finished our stewardship campaign, Transforming Generosity, this November. Early reports of our giving will allow our vestry opportunities to do some amazing things within our budget. Some transformational activities that will lead us into the future where we are looking to do God s will. So in keeping with Br. Vryhof s quote above know that St. Francis gives thanks for your gifts! We are not lamenting what we are not because we are excited for where St. Francis is and where St. Francis might be with God s help. As we enter this Advent season let s do so with great expectation and thanks. Let s look forward as individuals and as a community as to where God is calling us. As we look forward, let us look back at the joys and pains of the last year. Let the joys become hallmarks of God s work in our lives and let the pains be reminders that even in the tough bits of life God is with us. God is even with us in the times of meh: those times of being bored or apathetic. Meh can be rough times because we are comfortable in meh and it can last a while. Indifference is NOT transformational. We should also look at where we are. Is it a time of joy? Is it a time of pain? Is it a time of meh? Be warned that an event has changed the course of history and is being celebrated on Christmas Day. We will be celebrating that event here at St. Francis on Christmas Eve which is our tradition here. At that time, whether joy or pain or meh, we can t help but acknowledge that God is at work in the world. That God sent His only Son to save us from sin and death. A child, a human baby, one of us and God at the same time. God s gift to the world, the ultimate in Transforming Generosity. Given freely: unearned and undeserved. A gift given for you and me. Why? Because we are fearfully and wonderfully made. (psalm 139:14) Just for that reason alone we can give thanks. We can, as Br. Vryhof writes, Give thanks in all circumstances and Look upon your life as a gift, with wonder and awe. The gift of knowing God loves us, yes all of us, leads us to say Thanks! To learn more about the Society of St. John the Evangelist and the Brother, Give Us A Word email list, f o l l o w t h i s l i n k : https://www.ssje.org/ Peace, Mitch+
INTERCESSORY PRAYER The act of praying on behalf of others Do you know a friend or neighbor that could use a spiritual lift due to an illness, medical procedure, or any reason at all? The St. Francis office volunteer s newest ministry is to re-launch the intercessory prayer cards program. You can find the new poster on the bulletin board and simply fill out the address card. Your volunteers will do the rest! Questions? Ask any office volunteer or call Jay DeOrnellas at 903-504-2122. OUT TO LUNCH BUNCH The Out To Lunch Bunch will not be meeting in December or January. They will reconvene on February 5th @ 11:30 at Jack Ryan s. Please mark your calendar now - you wont want to miss this!!! PEACE AND QUIET DAY 2019 St. Francis Episcopal Church Parish Hall Saturday, January 12, 2019 8:30am-2:00pm How many times have you said to yourself (and maybe to others too!) All I want is a few minutes of PEACE and QUIET!!? God says Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10 Jesus said Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. John 14:27 Many times during his life, Jesus left the disciples in town and went off to the country or a garden to talk to His Father. So should we During the day, we will discuss why it s so important for us to be at peace when we talk to God; look at biblical references of peace, quiet, stillness, and tranquility; share ways we are currently finding our moments of peace and quiet; and learn new methods and techniques for grabbing more quiet time moments in our busy, hectic lives. We will end the day with Eucharist. Join in for the day to talk about and explore how to get those extra few minutes of PEACE and QUIET! Wear comfortable clothes and bring a brown bag lunch. Breakfast and beverage will be provided. If you have any questions, text or call Susan Kohler at 903-312-7982.
WOMEN S CHRISTMAS TEA & ORNAMENT EXCHANGE SUNDAY DEC. 2ND FROM 2:00-4:00 AT THE HOME OF NORMA & BUZ GAGLIANO 1379 LUANN LANE, TYLER BRING AN ORNAMENT ($10.00 OR LESS) FOR THE ORNAMENT EXCHANGE M E R R Y The Office will be closed beginning December 24th and will reopen on January 3rd. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! C H R I S T M A S
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS Penny Streufert (12/2) Jeff Streeter (12/17) Carole Barnes (12/6) Sarah Wruck (12/19) Julie Miller (12/10) Betty Taylor (12/22) Lacey Russell (12/13) Barbie Haynes (12/26) Paul Streufert (12/13) Norma Gagliano (12/27) Connie Wilson (12/14) Caleb Russell (12/31) NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Rick & Dorothy Clutter (12/8) Jeff & Julie Streeter (12/11) Fenton & Judy Kovic (12/16) Steve & Kathleen Davis (12/27) Gerry & Polly Kuklewicz (12/28) 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. Please continue to give an extra $5-$10-$20 in the offering plate for I do believe it has been an integral part of sharing out of our abundance. So bring a friend: George, Abraham, Alexander, Andrew, Harriet, and some of their friends. Together we can continue to fully support the ministries of St. Francis! Peace, Mitch+ ANNUAL PARISH MEETING -- JANUARY 20TH @ 9:30 A.M. Please mark your calendars now and plan to attend this very informative meeting. A state of the church report will be given along with the 2019 budget and discussion of some very important upcoming events. See you there!!!
DATE / DEC 2ND DEC 9TH DEC 16TH DEC 23RD DEC 30TH VESTRY Barron DeCarlo Fletcher Seely Dugan 1st Reading Psalm 2nd Reading Gospel Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25:1-9 1 Thes. 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 Malachi 3:1-4 Canticle 16 Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6 Zephaniah 3:14-20 Canticle 9 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18 Micah 5:2-5a Canticle 15 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-55 Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 147 Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 John 1:1-18 8:30 AM Eucharistic Minister/ Sr. Acolyte Fletcher, Juanita Wilson, Connie Matthews, Christina Kohler, Susan Lanthrum, Carol Greeter Bush, Ann Usher Reader Fletcher, Juanita Tabri, Edward Matthews, Christina Kohler, Susan Fletcher, Juanita 10:45 AM Children s Chapel Gray, Linda Russell, Lacey Kraus, Lisa Kraus,Lisa Barat,Evan Dugan, Sandra Eucharistic Minister Warren, Priscilla Gray, Bob Camp, Tom Kuklewicz,, Gerry Miller, Chris Gray, Linda Jerger, Robby Seely, Jack Lanthrum, Carol Gray, Bob Eucharistic Visitor Barr Tollett Kuklewicz DeOrnellas Kraus Greeters Barat, Evan Barat, Frank Barron, Gay Dugan, Sandra Seely, Jack Seely, Robin Robinson, Kristen Gagliano, Norma Cornett, Bill Cornett, Cindy 1st Reader Camp, Monalee Fisher, Sybil Seely, Jack Lee, Carole Lanthrum, Carol 2nd Reader Camp, Tom Jerger, Robby Lee, Carole Lee, Roy DeOrnellas, Jay Sr Acolyte Jerger, Robby Barr, James Camp, Tom Cole, Jeremy Gagliano, Norma Teller Barnes, Lee Barron, Gay Dunn, Kathy Gagliano, Norma Dugan, Sandra Torch Bearers Camp, Tom Kuklewicz, Gerry Cabell, Max Johnson, Marley Ushers Johnson, Jane Tollett, Jimmy Warren, Priscilla DeOrnellas, Kevin Tollett, Camille Johnson, Marley Barron, Roy Gray, Bob DeOrnellas, Kevin Dunn, Dwyane
Christmas Dessert Party Bring your family and come visit with your St. Francis friends Given by: Fr. Mitch & Camille Saturday Dec. 22 2:30-4:00 1200 Kingspark Dr, Tyler RSVP: camilletollett@gmail.com or 281-684-0613 Nursery is available in the Education Building for newborns through age 4 Sunday School for Children & Youth takes place at 9:30 AM. Children (ages 4-11) meet in the first classroom on the left in the Education Building. The Godly Play curriculum is used for this age group. Youth (ages 12-17) meet in the first room on the left in the Annex Building. What s Happening at The Well? Children s Chapel takes place during the 10:45 AM service At the beginning of the service children are invited to come forward and receive a blessing before being dismissed to go to Children's Chapel. They return at the passing of the Peace to join their families for Eucharist. The Well is located at 3320 Troup Hwy, Suite #230 (directly across from The Potpourri House). It houses our various Missional Communities such as Just As I Am, Young At Heart, and Two or More. These groups meet as follows: Just As I Am - Monday @ 7:00 pm Young At Heart - every other Wednesday @ 10:00 Two or More - every other Thursday @ 8:00pm All are welcome to participate. For more information, please speak with Robby Jerger. Join me Sundays in Advent during the Christian Ed time, 9:45a 10:30a, to explore The Way of our Lord in an ancient practice of patterning one s life to the rhythms of something called a Rule of Life as lead by the Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Sign up outside my office. Peace, Fr. Mitch+
CHURCH STAFF The Reverend Mitch Tollett, Rector Bob Gray, Parish Administrator Alberto Cruz, Sexton Dr. Cameron J. Rose, Director of Music VESTRY Sandra Dugan, Senior Warden (2018) Mike Matthews, Junior Warden (2018) Gay Barron (2019) Melissa DeCarlo (2020) Kevin DeOrnellas (2020) Juanita Fletcher (2018) Norma Gagliano (2020) Lisa Kraus (2019) Jack Seely (2019) Jane Johnson, Clerk of the Vestry Susan Kohler, Treasurer VESTRY MEMBERS-ELECT Frank Barat (2021) Dwyane Dunn (2021) Jim Warren (2021) Sunday WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS 8:30a - Rite I Service (no music) 9:30a - Church Under a Bridge Meal Delivery 9:30a - Children & Youth Education 9:45a - Adult Education 10:45a - Rite II Service (with music) Monday 7:00p - Just As I Am @ The Well Wednesday 12:00p - Bible Study & Discussion 7:10p - Choir Practice Thursday 5:30p - Handbell Practice DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS December 1 - Saturday 9:00a - Men s Breakfast 10:00a - Church Under a Bridge Meal Preparation December 2 - Sunday 9:30a - Church Under a Bridge Meal Delivery 2:00p - Women s Christmas Tea December 5 - Wednesday 10:00a - Young at Heart @ The Well 5:00p - Daughters of the King 5:45p - Anglican Rosary 6:00p - Healing Service w/ Eucharist December 6 - Thursday 10:30a - Fr Bob DeWolfe s class 8:00p - Two or More @ The Well December 7 - Friday 6:00p - Christmas Serendipity Dinner December 12- Wednesday 6:00p - Evening Prayer 6:00p - Small Group Bible Study December 16 - Sunday 9:30a - Children s Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 4:00p - Caroling in the Neighborhood December 18 - Tuesday 6:00p - Vestry Meeting December 19 - Wednesday 10:00a - Young At Heart @ the Well 6:00p - Healing Service w/ Eucharist December 20 - Thursday 10:30a - Fr Bob DeWolfe s class 8:00p - Two or More @ The Well December 23 - Sunday 9:30a - Children s Christmas Pageant Rehearsal December 24- Monday 6:00p - Christmas Eve Family Service w/ Children s Pageant 7:00p - Holiday Hospitality Hour in the Parish Hall - sponsored by The Well 10:00p - Festival of Carols 10:30p - Christmas Eve Rite II Service December 25 - Tuesday MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! December 26 - Wednesday NO WEDNESDAY ACTIVITIES
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