St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church

Weekly E-Blast

January 8, 2026

Preparing for Sunday

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.

This Week at St. Francis

Thursday, January 8

10:00 am - Book Group

12:00 pm - Threads of Love

5:00 pm - Guys and Gals Nite Out

7:00 pm - AA Men’s Group

Saturday, January 10

4:00 pm - Katharine Epstein's Funeral

Sunday, January 11

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 - Misa

Monday, January 12

10:00 am - Bell Choir Rehearsal

7:30 pm - AA

Tuesday, January 13

11:00 am - SpringRidge Service

1:30 pm - Mahjong Meeting in Parish Hall

Wednesday, January 14

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, January 15

10:00 am - Book Group

12:00 pm - Threads of Love

5:00 pm - Guys and Gals Nite Out

7:00 pm - AA Men’s Group

Sunday, January 18

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 - Misa

Dinner Church

Our next gathering for Dinner Church will be January 25th at 4 pm in the Parish Hall. 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, January 8, 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, January 20, at 11:45 am, at Spaghetti Factory in Sherwood. A sign-up sheet is in the Information Center. Questions? Contact Peggy Danford or Sandi Thompson.

Epiphany Stars

On Epiphany Sunday, many in the Parish selected a Star Word, meant to be a spiritual guide in the months ahead. My Star Word is taped onto a kitchen cabinet, where I ponder it every day, and ask myself how I can grow into my word. I even see a connection among the four words I have received in the four years we have done this. If this is a new practice for you, you might ask yourself these questions:

How do I feel about my Star Word?

How does it connect to my life?

How can I live into my Star Word?

What phrase, scripture, or song can help you focus on your Star Word?

Here is a blessing for those who receive Star Words:

As the stars have guided wise ones for centuries,

May your word guide you in the year ahead.

By the radiance of your star and the power of the Holy Spirit,

May you live with greater intention and greater attention;

May you find the holy in delightfully unexpected places;

May you worship with joy,

Give with gratitude, and follow the new way home that God provides.

Many thanks to Mother Jaime and Rev. Carolynne Fairweather for their support; to Douglas Little, Peter Wallmark, and Sandi Thompson for their help with this ministry.

Thank You

Thank you, generous parishioners, for the awesome contribution of baby clothes, diapers, baby blankets and baby hats for Salud Medical Clinic in Woodburn on Epiphany Sunday. Threads of Love made countless baby quilts, which were matched into a charming bundle with a hand-knitted hat. Thank you all---you who sewed, you who knitted, you who shopped. This annual ministry and gift to Salud is truly sweet and touching and many hands and hearts took part. We appreciate the loving spirit of our church which makes this all possible. Thank you all.

Adult Formation: Theological Diversity Within St. Francis and the Broader Church

Have you ever found that a hymn your friend loves leaves you cold? Are there sermons that speak to you and others that repel you? Do you find others in the church making assumptions about “what we all believe,” or “what church is for,” that leave you out? Using W. Paul Jones’ model of “Five Theological Worlds,” Mother Jaime will explore diverse theologies within our “one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic church.” Participants in this class will be given the opportunity to identify their own theological worlds and gain a greater appreciation for others’ within the church. Members of the Vestry and the two Transition Committees are particularly encouraged to participate in this class. Books are not required.

Class meets from 9:15 to 10:15 am on the Sundays after the Epiphany, January 11 through February 15, 2026. 

Funeral Service for Katharine Epstein

We will celebrate the life of Katharine Epstein on Saturday, Jan 10, at 4 pm. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

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. February 1st.

William Temple House

Please continue to drop off your items in the boxes in the hallway; people receive help from William Temple House year round. From the webpage: “100% of the proceeds from the Thrift Store support the community services offered at William Temple House [including the provision of] food, counseling, clothing, and household items to Portland-area neighbors to strengthen our community.”

Susan Huffman