On Friday December 16th starting at 6pm, we'd like to invite everyone to gather in the parish hall for some pre-Christmas singing and eating festivities.   As we share in food and fellowship, there will be a seasonal singalong led by members of our Heaven Help Us band.   Our younger members (in age or at heart) are all invited to participate with provided rhythm instruments.  We ask that each family bring a dish to share that can feed 8-10 people.  The fellowship committee will provide paper products and beverages.  This is a family event, all ages encouraged to attend!

For this Christmas Season we are in need of people to serve as Acolytes at 2 services:

• Christmas Day 10:00am Service: 3 Acolytes are needed

This invitation is open to anyone with Acolyte experience: adults, college students home for Christmas or current acolytes. Please contact Duana Cisney at dcisney@gmail.com if you can help.

This year we are gathering food for Urban Ministry. There are still lists of our traditional food groups available on the bulletin board in the hallway. We will continue accepting food for our delivery through December 18th. Please place your items in the kitchen.

	Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24th
	6:00pm- Special Music (Nursery available) 6:30pm- First Christmas Eucharist (Nursery available) 11:00pm- Christmas Eucharist

Christmas Day Sunday, December 25th 10:00am- Christmas Eucharist with music and Blessing of Toys

Lessons and Carols Sunday, January 1st  8:00am- Holy Eucharist, no music 10:30am- Traditional Service of Lessons & Carols, No Eucharist

New! 
December Franciscan

The Outreach committee has funded the purchase and upgrading of three cars for recipients in need through Wheels 4 Hope. A Wheels 4 Hope car blessing will be held at the 10:30 service on January 29. Also, the committee funded much needed landscaping equipment for teenagers who are working toward independence and realizing their potential through the faith-based Journey program at PEAK Adventures which is an offshoot of Hope Academy, a private school in the Glenwood neighborhood for underprivileged children. You can learn more about these agencies on their websites: wheels4hope.org; and peakadventures.org. The monthly Outreach newsletter can be read in the Franciscan. Hard copies are available in the Narthex. Ask an usher for your copy.

Austin and I JOYFULLY delivered Santa Sacks, full of gifts for foster children, to Children's Home Society on Monday.  The staff was so appreciative on behalf of the foster families and wanted us to communicate their gratitude to the parishioners of St. Francis.  I wanted to let you know that every single wish was fulfilled this year due to your generosity either by purchasing, financially sponsoring or sewing one or more of the gifts, quilts and pillowcases that were given this year.   Thank you for supporting the St. Francis Angel Tree again this year.  Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year.  Leslie Leland

Chrismon Construction Company

The church is selling the Baldwin Hamilton piano. Baldwin only made one style higher (also taller) called the Professional. The piano is 15 years old, but in excellent condition - appraised by Noteworthy Piano. It was only used when a piano was needed in the church.

It comes with a padded cover and on a dolly ($200 value) - so excellent for any churches or schools. The asking price is $1250. This money will go back to the choir account, from which the piano in the choir room was purchased.

Church members get the first offer, then the general public.

Let Sam know ASAP if you are interested at sam@stfrancisgreensboro.org. Teachers, this goes for your schools as well!

• More than one family may sign up for each Sunday.
• Please use your first and last name when signing up.
• The donation is $60.00. Specific flower requests may be honored for an additional fee. Local and seasonal flowers will be the preferred choice.
• Please note that as the flowers are a gift given to the glory of God, arrangements will be broken down at the end of the service and distributed to those in need in the parish family by loving volunteers, and therefore will not be available to be taken home by the donor.
• The wording of the flower dedications are requested from the donor the Monday before the Sunday which you are giving flowers. Editing may occur with the wording and final arrangement decisions to keep them consistent with Church tradition.

Do you have an announcement or event you'd like to share? Email us at emailexpress@stfrancisgreensboro.org with your announcement, event date, title, a brief description, and a contact person. These need to be emailed by Monday 1:00pm to be in that week's Email Express and Announcements.