I was 18 years old when I visited Philadelphia during the celebrations of the American Bicentennial. While there, I saw the famous Liberty Bell in Independence Hall. This bell is a marvelous symbol of our nation, though it probably was not rung on that first Fourth of July. The inscription on the bell is inspiring for Americans: “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” a scripture quotation from Leviticus 25:10.

What most people do not pay attention to is the context of the quotation. Leviticus 25 describes The Year of Jubilee, the once every 50 years celebration when property was supposed to be returned to its original owners and slaves set free. Liberty involves responsibility and justice, both as citizens and as Christians. The song America the Beautiful calls us to this balance:

America! America!

God mend thine every flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law!

During these tumultuous times in our nation, we need to balance liberty with justice. Please join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate and pray for our nation – may God crown our good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!

Monday, July 4 for Independence Day celebrations.

10am Coffee Hour is a loved and vital Ministry for St. Francis. We are well known for our warm and inviting welcomes and that cup of coffee and delicious treat helps to say that to visitors and the congregation as a whole.

We are opening this up to all of you to take a turn on Sundays to provide the food (keep your receipts for reimbursement) and brew, set out and clear away the coffee. Don't worry if this is a first time - we will show you what to do and how to do it, and there are always people on hand on the day to help if you're stuck. Ushers set up the tables for you.

It's quick and easy to sign up - just pick a day from the link below. More than one person or household can sign up on the same day, so you don't have to be on your own.

Many thank you’s are due to so many who said “yes” when asked and became a part of our Gala party.

And a thank you from St. Andrews Presbyterian church who made good use of leftovers for their homeless and needy program. They fed approximately 60 people on Tues June 21st, which was very well received by all of the guests. They send a big thank you to St. Francis for sharing our bounty!

Yes - it's getting nearer! Start bringing along your good, but no longer needed house ware, small furniture, linens, jewelry (even broken), shoes, clothing (especially kids) sporting goods, pet items, garden decor, holiday, tools. If you’re unsure call Gloria 310-375-8916.

Bring your items between 9:30 and 2pm to the parish hall. July 5th through July 20. We can help unload your car. We also need workers to clean, price, sort, and display all of the treasures. Workers also needed especially on Friday July 22nd and Saturday July 23rd - baggers, cashiers, security. Adults, teens, and pre-teens welcome.

For the summer weeks, children will be out of Sunday School classrooms and outdoors for supervised playtime on the Town & Country playground! Parents/guardians can simply drive to the lower parking lot and sign their child(ren) in with an Attendant at the gate entrance to the playground. Attendants will shepherd the children to church in time to reunite with their families for Communion. Any questions, please email or call Kristina Pelá 310-941-2498.

Teens (6th-12th grades)—currently on hiatus. Please contact Rev. Jerry for information.

8:00 a.m. - Rite I in-person worship in the Chapel, with hymns. This service is not live-streamed.

10:00 a.m. - Rite II in-person worship in the main church with music. Live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, and available for watching later.

Please contact Kristina Pelá to arrange for a Lay Eucharistic Minister to safely bring you communion.

A spiritual mind and body practice!

Parish Hall. No set fees - classes are free-will offering. Questions? Jill Fenske

Meditation, followed by a quiet time of conversation.

Contact - Susie Zimmerman

Need someone's email, or even map directions to their home?

Go to https://servantkeeper.com/directory/sfc/login

The password is Romans12:4-5

Bookmark the link on your phone or computer and let your browser save the password and you will always be up to date with information!

We are here to do our best to help you with whatever you may need. We know circumstances can be difficult at any time. For help of any kind, or just for a Zoom or Facetime or phone call, please email or call Jerry+ .

310-594-7984

Enews is sent weekly on Thursday afternoons: email Susan with your requests.

Click here for The Episcopal News Update

Office main line - 310 375 4617

The Rev. Jerry Sather 310-594-7984 - Priest in Charge (Interim)

Mark Bennett 310-594-7416 - Director of Music

Claire Erbeznik 310-375-4617 - Office Administrator & Receptionist

Susan Marshall 310-594-8427 - Communications & Media Manager

Elaine Mistele 310-594-8268 - Business Manager