The Gospel for this upcoming Sunday (Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26) has several distinct events: in the first, Jesus calls Matthew the tax collector to follow him, and he does; then Jesus is called out for eating with sinners. He reminds his audience that he came for the sinful, as they are in need of healing. 

Just then a leader of the synagogue comes to him and implores Jesus to heal his daughter, and Jesus says, “Let’s go!” As they are walking to the leader’s house, a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years says to herself that if she touches the fringe of Jesus’ cloak she will be made well - and she is. Jesus congratulates her for her faith and continues on to the leader’s house. When they arrive, the professional mourners are already there, making a racket, and Jesus said, “Knock it off! She’s only sleeping.” But they laughed at him - and then he tossed them out, went up to the girl’s room, and healed her.  

This is one of those Gospels that could have been easily split into three pieces - or one that merits a 45 minute sermon. That’s four times as long as I normally preach, and while I could potentially do a series on it (with the Bishop’s permission) I think we’d both be bored by the third week. 

One of the common themes that runs throughout this gospel selection is faith: the faith of Matthew, who responds to Jesus’ call; the leader of the synagogue, who asks for Jesus’ help despite the presence of the Pharisees, and the faith of the woman walking through the crowd and touching the hem of Jesus’ robe.

I could also talk about the faith that Jesus has in Matthew to be one of his disciples, despite Matthew’s occupation. Jesus had plenty of reasons to not call Matthew - a Jewish man working for the enemy, taking people’s hard earned money, Matthew wasn’t going to be popular among any of the disciples. There’s also the faith of the other disciples in Jesus’ selection of Matthew. It wasn’t just that Matthew collected taxes - he was working for Rome, who occupied Israel and kept them in line through swift and violent action. Matthew had plenty of reasons to say no to Jesus - first and foremost was that one didn’t just quit working for the Roman Empire.  

The faith of the people in the gospel wasn’t static or stagnant; it led them to act, often against societal norms and mores. Where is our faith leading us? Is it leading us to places that feel unsafe or uncomfortable? How are we answering Jesus’ call to us, to love one another and to seek and serve Christ in all people? We do well to remember that following God isn’t meant to be safe - and that love itself isn’t safe. But it’s good - the greatest good in this world. Where is our faith calling us?  

Rector, St. Francis Episcopal Church

Thank you to everyone who helped with this year’s Antique Show! Jamie Bellows and Wendy Pratt were the co-chairs of the event, and they did a wonderful job making sure that everything ran smoothly and with style. The parking lot was full every day of the event, and there were upwards of 200 people at the opening gala. The Antique Show is a great way for us to make ourselves visible to the community, while at the same time fostering camaraderie and community among the volunteers who put on the event.  

June 1: First day of the antique show! Spent time there greeting people and helping out as I could. 

June 2: Day off. Spent time chasing the kids around Rocket Ship park and our backyard. 

June 3: Third day of antique show; worked to greet all of the dealers; had a message on my work phone to give last rites to a 103 old woman, which I did. She’s lived in the same house in PVE for 70 years. 

June 4: Trinity Sunday; doctrine has its place, but ultimately our life in Christ is about love. Jennifer and the kids were in San Diego for Jennifer’s sister’s birthday. 

June 5: Admin tasks; working to assure people that I AM NOT in a meeting and I don’t need prepaid credit cards for anyone. These scammers/spoofers grossly overestimate the amount of time I spend in meetings from which I can’t excuse myself; wrote letters to people new to the congregation. 

June 6: Took communion to someone who is homebound; pastoral visit; worked on an article for Peninsula News. 

June 7: Staff meeting; went out to lunch with Jennifer; finished article for Peninsula News; admin tasks. 

June 8: Pastoral visit; sermon prep; admin tasks.  

Click on this link to schedule either an individual or group meeting with Jason+.

Come celebrate the start of summer with a potluck in the Parish Hall. Please RSVP to Julie Coleman to give us a rough idea of numbers!

Hey St. Francis, we have some fantastic news to share with you! Our Antique event was a huge hit this year! Not only did we raise more, dollar-wise, than 2019 (even with ticket prices the same), but we also had some awesome new volunteers. Gloria Jones sold some of her rummage sale items! Plus, let's not forget the delicious food that was available. We couldn't be happier with the outcome and we wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make it such a success. Anna Eakins.

Dear friends, this Father's Day, we invite you to join us for a heavenly experience. Our beloved St. Anne's Guild will be baking some of the most scrumptious pies you've ever tasted, to be served during coffee hour after worship.

Whether you're a father, a father figure, or simply someone who loves and appreciates the fathers in your life, let's come together to celebrate this special day and indulge in some divine dessert.

Saturday, June 17th "Doors Open Peninsula", 9am - 4:30pm (Sponsored by the Palos Verdes Library district).

St. Francis Chapel will be one of the historical sites open for the public to visit. We were hoping to have at least 2 people on site to greet the visitors, and because serving food is an important part of our life at St Francis, we would like there to be a small offering of snacks and water.

If you can be a greeter and/or help provide snacks, please contact the church office or speak to Kristina Pelá or Anna Eakins.

And remember—we are far more than our buildings (beautiful though they are). 

Do you have a personal story about what our community of faith has done for you, or you for it? Supported your kids, family, given you a place of spiritual life, comforted you in times of trouble, helped you celebrate, given you a way to serve the world?

Then share it!!

Help visitors know that the buildings are only here because of your faith and love.

Anyone is welcome to be part of our scholarship team. Something in YOUR background may help a student navigating their college degree, courses, finding internships etc.

Or contact: Cheryl Gutierrez.

Gather with your friends in The Episcopal Diocese of LA to march in the historic LA Pride Parade in Hollywood.

Former Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will be marching with you to stand up to injustice, model God’s unconditional love for all people and celebrate the beautiful diversity that makes the LGBTQIA+ community so essential and vital to the Episcopal experience. Read more here.

St. Francis regularly provides breakfast for 120 unhoused people at St. Luke's in Long Beach. Ten volunteers hang out in the St. Francis kitchen from 4-6 on the Friday night before to prepare the food, and we also welcome around eight people to help in person at St. Luke's on Saturday morning from 7:15am to about 9:30.

You, and older kids, will enjoy this Ministry!  If you can help, keep these dates in mind:

Email Gayle Taylor, Minister for Outreach with your interest and availability. This is a wonderful ministry and a great chance to serve others as Christ served.

Are you, or a member of your family, graduating from High School this year? If so, let us know so that we can honor and pray for you in a Baccalaureate Service.

Contact: Kristina Pelá.

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. Followed by coffee hour for fellowship and community. We have an active Welcoming team so if you're a new visitor we promise we won't leave you alone, staring at your shoes!

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

Thursdays from 9:30-10:30am in our church sanctuary. Please join us for meditation, followed by a time of conversation.

Contact - Susie Zimmerman

To volunteer to help one week after the 10am worship service, see the sign-up sheet at Sunday coffee hour.

Bring your children to Sunday School for our wonderful Montessori-based, Godly Play curriculum.

Godly Play makes meaning through story, wonder, and play. Nurturing spiritual lives by honoring the centrality, competency, and capacity of children. You and your children will be blessed by these teachings.

Contact Kristina Pelá.

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

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

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!

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

Office main line - 310 375 4617

The Rev. Jason Shelby 310-594-7984 - Rector

Mark Bennett 310-594-7416 - Director of Music

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

Susan Marshall 310-594-8427 - Communications Specialist

Elaine Mistele 310-594-8268 - Business Manager