St. Francis E-Blast April 9, 2026

St. Francis subscribes to a weekly service called Working Preacher, which provides some brief commentary on the bible readings for the upcoming weeks. It can be found on the Sermons & Services page on the St. Francis website (https://tinyurl.com/sermonspage). I encourage all of you to consider looking at it prior to Sunday, particularly if you are a lector for the week.

Participants in this Week's Services

Serving at 8 am

LEM: Marilyn Morgan

Intercessor: Dale Rushton

Lector: Mary Kirk

Lector: Jim Kirk

Ushers/Greeters: Peggy Danford and Don Nash

Altar Guild: Gay Kuykendall and Paul Morgan

Serving at 10:30 am

LEMs: Joe Schiwek, Jr. and Pat Brett

Intercessor: Sharon Janovicz

Lector: Linda Ocheltree

Lector: Pam Gorder

Ushers: Ed and Marianne Burnside

Usher/Videographer: Jim Warram

Welcome Table: Rich and Phyllis Clark

Altar Guild: Bob Sharp and Maureen Hamlin

Flower Guild: Carolynne Fairweather and Adriana Tasker

Coffee Hour Hosts: Barbara Burns and Sandy Tosti

Click here for the Full Church Calendar

This Week at St. Francis

Thursday, April 9

10:00 am - Book Group

12:00 pm - Threads of Love

2:00 pm - Contemplative Prayer Group

5:00 pm - Guys and Gals Nite Out

7:00 pm - AA Men’s Group

Friday, April 10

1:30 pm - Search Committee Meeting

Sunday, April 12

8:00 am - Spoken Eucharist

9:00 am - Adult Formation

10:30 am - Eucharist, Live Eucharist on YouTube/Facebook

10:30 am - Church School

12:30 pm - Teen Social Hour

12:30 pm - Misa

Monday, April 13

7:30 pm - AA

Tuesday, April 14

11:00 am - SpringRidge Service

12:30 pm - Bell Choir Rehearsal

1:30 pm - Mahjong Group

4:30 pm - Profile Committee Meeting

Wednesday, April 15

12:00 pm - Noon Eucharist

1:30 pm - Finance Committee Meeting

4:00 - 6:30 pm - Drop-in hours with Mtr. Jaime

7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal

7:30 pm - AA

Thursday, April 16

6:30 pm - Profile Committee Meeting

7:00 pm - AA Men’s Group

Sunday, April 19

8:00 am - Spoken Eucharist

10:30 am - Eucharist, Live Eucharist on YouTube/Facebook

10:30 am - Church School

12:30 pm - Misa

Parish Activities

If you would like your announcements to be included in this newsletter, or in the Sunday bulletin, please email them to the office at saintfranciswilsonville@gmail.com by Tuesday evening (7:30 pm). Please include a contact person within the announcement in case there are questions. Announcements will run for two weeks or until the event takes place.

Continuity & Change at St. Francis

What is your favorite Easter hymn? Mine is “Now the green blade riseth from the buried grain.” I love the refrain, “Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.”

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a unique event. But signs of God’s renewing love are all around us. In the flowers bedecking our sanctuary, and in the birds building nests outside in the trees.

All living things change and have growing edges. That is true of organizations such as churches also. In your bulletins this week, and elsewhere in this E-blast, you will see an invitation from the Parish Profile Committee to participate in a Listening Session. Come and share what you love and what you dream about and for this parish of St. Francis of Assisi.

In the hall between the Narthex and the Office you will now find a bulletin board about where St. Francis is in the rector transition process. Take a look. Mark your calendars. Bring your love for this church and your discernment of what green blades might be ready to burst forth in this time and place.

Alleluia!

Jaime+

We ask your prayers for St. Francis’ clergy transition

Eternal God, heavenly Father, we lift our congregation to you at this time of clergy transition. Give to us open hearts and discerning minds, a vision of the future to which you call us, and the grace and faith to live into it. This we pray in the name of the One who calls us to be instruments of your peace, Jesus our Savior. Amen.

Profile Committee Update

Parish Survey

Thank you everyone who responded to our all parish survey. Our final count is 147 responses, a whopping 74% of survey requests sent!!! We look forward to receiving the survey results during the week of April 12th and advising you of the highlights later in April.

Next Step - Listening Sessions

You may be asking “What is a Listening Session”? A Listening Session is a round table discussion of a series of questions designed to help our Vestry, Profile and Search Committees understand more fully what draws you to St. Francis to worship, learn and serve others. Your responses will be incorporated into the Parish Profile document to enhance information gathered by the survey. They will "breathe life” into this document and portray what a prospective rector would experience at St. Francis.

We hope that most of you will join us in one of these discussions and have scheduled sessions that are connected to our regular worship schedule to make your attendance as easy as possible. We anticipate that the discussions will last about 45 minutes and refreshments will be available at each onsite session. Please see the schedule below and mark your calendar to attend.

Listening Session Dates and Times

Sunday, April 19th: Listening Sessions after both services in the Parish Hall and the Parish Hall Classroom

Sunday, April 19th: Teen Session in the Library classroom after the 10:30 service

Sunday, April 26th: Make up Listening Sessions after both services in the Parish Hall Classroom

Wednesday, April 29th: Listening Session after the noon service

Wednesday, April 29th: Online Listening Session on ZOOM @ 6:30 pm - link to follow

Please join the Profile and Search Committee members as we discuss what we love about St. Francis, where we see ourselves in the future, and the attributes we believe our new rector will need to guide our journey.

If you have any questions about the Parish Survey or Listening Sessions, please contact a member of the Profile Committee.

Mary Kirk (chair), Susan Huffman, Marilyn Morgan, Christopher Onstad, Cindy Russell, and Jim Warram

Reminder: Lion's Club Donation Boxes

There are boxes in the Information Center to place your old reading glasses and hearings aids. The Lion's Club collects them when they are full.

Seat Cushions

Did you know we have seat cushions in the Sanctuary to make your experience more comfortable? They are in the back corner of the church, on the opposite side from the choir. Feel free to use one!

Altar Flowers Signup

There is a signup sheet for Sunday altar flowers for 2026 at the Information Center. Flower offering envelopes are there as well.

You can donate flowers in memory of, thanksgiving for, or in celebration of. Please print clearly as this will be printed in the bulletin for the Sunday you choose.

Susan Cheever, Flower Guild

Adult Formation

Adult Formation in Easter Season will focus on Christianity in the 21st century, and how the Episcopal Church fits in the shifting paradigm. Change is hard, and profound cultural changes are hard for millions of people! We find ourselves now with division and conflict in most of our institutions, the church among them. We’ll use wisdom of our own experiences and Marcus Borg’s ‘The Heart of Christianity’, Rowan Williams' ‘Tokens of Trust: An Introduction to Christian Belief’, and Rebecca Solnit’s ‘The Beginning Comes After the End’. You may want to buy a book, but it’s not necessary. Join us Sundays, 9 am - 10 am, beginning April 12. We will take another pause Sunday (4/19) and Sunday (4/26) for our Parish transition work.

Easter Dinner Church

You are invited to an informal evening of food, conversation, study, and worship. This is a good way to explore what you believe and get to know other people. Please join us April 26 at 5 pm in the Parish Hall. We will celebrate Easter. Mtr. Jaime will make the main dish and we will have a potluck for sides, salads, and desserts. There is a sign-up sheet in the Information Center. We will pray, share about scripture, and have dinner.

Gals and Guys Night Out

On Thursday, April 9th, we will meet at Langdon Farms at 5pm. Please come and join this group from St. Francis for fellowship, food and drink, and a good time. You are always welcome to bring a friend.

See you there,

Doug and Rich

Ladies Lunch

Our next Ladies Lunch will be on Tuesday, April 21, at 11:45 am, at Dar Essalam. A sign-up sheet is in the Information Center. Questions? Contact Peggy Danford or Sandi Thompson.

Teen Social Hour

Teenagers are invited to meet with Mtr. Jaime this Sunday, April 12, after the 10:30 service. We will meet in Wisdom House. Refreshments will be provided.

Financial Background?

The church is looking for a few people with banking, financial, or investment background/knowledge to assist in two areas. First, we need someone to work with the Treasurers and Mtr. Jaime on the annual review that is sent to the Diocese. This usually takes 3 to 4 hours and in done in late May or early June. Second, we are looking for members for an Investment Committee that would meet quarterly to understand and oversee the church investments. If you are interested please contract Mtr. Jaime, Richard Martens or Betsy Yacob

Men's Retreat Coming Up!

Mark your calendar and watch for a sign-up sheet for a fun day retreat on Saturday, May 16th. We’ll meet at the church at 8am to carpool to breakfast, and then on to Dave White’s shop in Newburg, where he’ll lead us through a little hands-on project. We’ll gather after that for some intentional conversation, barbecue brats/burgers for lunch, then call it good and carpool back. Space is limited to 15 guys--Cost is $20 for materials and lunch (you’d spend more if you stayed home!) Questions?—look for Paul Kyllo, Norm Shrumm or Dave White at church.

You are Invited!

In gratitude for our St Francis community, Oliver would like to invite all to his Eagle Court ceremony on April 13th. He'll be carrying St Francis in spirit!

Monday, April 13th

St Matthew Lutheran Church

10390 SW Canyon Rd, Beaverton, OR

rsvp: missymeskell@gmail.com

Palm Sunday Thank You

At the beginning of Easter Week, on Palm Sunday, the members of the Caring Ministry and friends delivered 70 beautiful small African violets to those in our church family who serve as staff or who face times of uncertainty or challenges. We are grateful for the loving spirit of: Peggy Danford, Sandi and Gary Thompson, Joyce Skogen, , Rebecca Engen, Terri Hoffmann, John Wisecaver, Claire and Jim Nail, Gay Kuykendall, Gayle and Richard Martens, Dale Rushton, Nyla and Lance Emory, Lynne and Lyle Cerny, Carole Baldwin, Carolynne Fairweather, and Apryl Garmon. Thank you all - you brought such joy, and of course, St. Francis love!

Contemplative Prayer Group

A contemplative prayer group meets twice per month on Thursday at 2 pm in the Parish Hall library. We do Lectio Divina and sit for Centering Prayer, among other devotions. Our next meeting will be on April 9th and 30th at 2:00 pm. If you are interested in Silent Prayer or Contemplation and want to join the prayer group or ask for more information, please contact Lucia Jorge-Nebert (call or text: 971-341-2068, email: lnebert@yahoo.com) or Marcia Burdon (text only: 503-380-7820, email: mlburdon@hotmail.com).

Taizé Prayer at St. Francis

For a time of prayer, reflection, and peace, please join us for Taizé prayers at the Cross of San Daminano. Come to the church at 5:00 pm for the service or 4:30 pm if you would like to sing through the chants prior to the service.

Our next Taizé Prayer service will be Sunday, May 3rd.

Mark Stewart Presentation

The story of the Battle of Midway is an incredible tale of information, misinformation, sacrifice, luck, destiny, and fate! Join historian Mark Stewart on Saturday, April 25th, in the Parrish Hall at 3pm to explore this fascinating episode in American history. Mr. Stewart will discuss not just the actual battle but the doctrines, decisions, and build up to the world-changing events of early June 1942. Bring a friend interested in World War II history.

Treasurer’s Report

Pledge income for March 2026 was $41 under budget.

March 1 – March 31 Income from all sources:

Budgeted: $33,850

Actual: $32,326

Difference: under budget $1,524

March 1 – March 31 Expenses:

Budgeted: $33,767

Actual: $35,402

Difference: over budget $1,635

The bottom line: For March, our income from all sources was UNDER our expenses in the amount of $3,077.

The monthly financial report is posted on the Bulletin Board at the church.

We thank you for your gracious contributions that help us to care well for ourselves and the communities we serve.

Parish Outreach

St. Francis Outreach

Supporting local, state, and international organizations.

Beginning in April of this year, the Outreach committee will be featuring one or two programs each month: programs supported by St. Francis through your generous contributions. This month we're focusing on Hope of the Nations, an organization that supports underserved communities in rural Guatemala.

The past three years, St. Francis has supported this ecumenical food ministry that works with local charities, as well as churches in Guatemala and the United States. Through Hope of the Nations, meals are prepared by local volunteers and delivered to families in poverty. Homeless people living in garbage dumps, industrial waste sites, and near cemeteries are served. Some small villages receive food and help prepare meals. Food is also gleaned from nearby farms.

In 2025, children without shoes received eighteen pairs from St. Francis, along with soccer balls and funding for food purchases.

Thank you for supporting our St. Francis Outreach programs through your in-kind and financial contributions.

William Temple House and Blanchet House - April Update

St. Francis continues to give generously to those in need! Another van load of donations was delivered to William Temple House Thrift Store in March. Please continue to bring your household and clean clothing items as spring progresses; just drop off items in the cardboard boxes in the hallway. The money from the sale of donations provides services to those in need.

Also, a huge thank you to all of you who provided sleeping bags and blankets for Blanchet House when the need was so great for many homeless people. I delivered 13 sleeping bags and 12 blankets when you responded to my request for help. Because of you, more people will be able to stay warm during the cold nights and days.

A special thank you goes to the parishioner who donated items for a dozen toiletry care kits that also went to Blanchet House and were given to their guests.

St. Francis congregation: Your generosity and concern for others is incredible.

Wilsonville Food Bank

Thank you, St. Francis members, for your continued donations of cereal, canned meat, cleaning supplies, and pet food this past week. Each of these items were taken by the shoppers at the food bank on Tuesday. Tuesday, we had a larger group than usual grace our doors, which was unexpected as Tuesday was our last day at the current facility. We will be in a new location starting Wednesday, April 1st; no fooling! We ran out of canned vegetables, canned fruits, flour, cooking oil, bread, and canned meat. Fortunately, we have an order from the Oregon Food Bank coming and are able to make this purchase from funds donated to the food bank. Remember that you may wish to bring food or make direct donations of money to the food bank. When the food bank has sufficient food donations more money is available for the support of families facing utility shut-off, or emergency overnight shelter, or purchasing a heavy blanket or coat, etc.

I was asked by a member about buying large items at Costco and other warehouse type of grocers. The member wanted to know if they should open a large bag of rice and put the rice into smaller plastic bags. At the food bank, we must ensure the integrity of the food. When food is donated, we check the integrity of the packaging first. We have had food boxes that are sealed at the top but the bottom corner had been chewed by rodents and when the box is opened as a safecheck, it is not unusual to find rodent droppings. If the integrity of the packaging is intact, then we check the expiration or use by date. The FDA provides a guideline of approximate extra time a food product can be used beyond the expiration date, if at all. Baby food for example, is never distributed beyond its use by or expiration date. But some adult food in a can may be used for XX number of months after the expiration date, for example. If the food is not expired, and is in a large packaging, then we will place it into smaller bags using a sanitary method to do that. Coffee in large containers is often separated into smaller plastic bags so that more persons can have some grounds to make a few pots of coffee. Boxes of granola bars, small packs of cookies, small bags of chips are often separated and placed in a smaller bag together so that more people can have a variety of snacks. When food is separated from its original container, we have to post a copy of the UPC or QR code next to the food item. Laundry detergent pods are frequently separated so that we can offer each person needing detergent at least 6 pods for them to take. We label the bags with the name and scent of the product. Thus, it is best to leave the items in their original packaging and we volunteers will take care of the best way to distribute the food or product so that as many persons as possible have the need met. Large cereal boxes and peanut butter jars are left as is and reserved for larger families. If you want to go an extra step you can make labels at home with the name brand of the donated item and other important information to go with your donation (this is helpful with laundry detergent pods, for example).

Please continue to bring at least one item each month. The shopping cart in the narthex is where your donations can be placed. Stop by the new facility to check it out! That way, you know where it is located so that you can direct a person in need to the new location. The new location is on the ground floor of the Vuela apartments (9749 SW Barber St.) at the Wilsonville Transist Center near the intersection of Kinsman Rd. and SW Barber St., across from the Coca-Cola plant. The door to the facility is at the west end of the building. Thank you for caring for your neighbors, St. Francis community!