St. Francis E-Blast June 4, 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: Chris Onstad and Peggy Danford

Intercessor: Mary Kirk

Lector: Chris Onstad

Lector: Peggy Danford

Ushers/Greeters: Peggy Danford and Don Nash

Altar Guild: Jean Atwell and Traci Cronkrite

Serving at 10:30 am

LEMs: John Wisecaver and Par Brett

Intercessor: Gaby Vaught

Lector: Oliver Meskell

Lector: Ann Frazier

Ushers: Ed and Marianne Burnside

Usher/Videographer: Jim Warram

Welcome Table: Paul Kyllo

Altar Guild: Linda Ocheltree and Joe Schiwek, Jr.

Flower Guild: Maureen Hamlin and Nancy Stephenson

Coffee Hour Hosts: Ellen Kaiser, Ann Frazier, and the Warrams

Click here for the Full Church Calendar

This Week at St. Francis

Thursday, June 4

7:00 pm - AA Men’s Group

Saturday, June 6

2:00 pm - Clarissa's Graduation Party

Sunday, June 7

8:00 am - Spoken Eucharist

9:00 am - Adult Formation

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

12:30 pm - Misa

5:00 pm - Taize

Monday, June 8

7:30 pm - AA

Tuesday, June 9

11:00 am - SpringRidge Service

1:30 pm - Mahjong Group

Wednesday, June 10

1:30 pm - Finance Committee Meeting

7:30 pm - AA

Thursday, June 11

12:00 pm - Threads of Love

5:00 pm - Guys and Gals Nite Out at Ram Restaurant

7:00 pm - AA Men’s Group

Sunday, June 14

8:00 am - Spoken Eucharist

9:00 am - Adult Formation

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

12:30 pm - Teen Social Hour

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

Happy Pride Month!

When I was vicar of Christ Church in St. Helens, I learned that some members of other churches in town called us “the gay church.” They meant it derogatorily. They believed that if someone gave their heart to Jesus they automatically became heterosexual. I knew better. I knew better because some of the best Christians I know – some of the people who have taught me about God and Jesus and living a Christian life – are gay.

The church as a whole has a long tradition of being enriched by the gifts of its gay members. Without gay men we wouldn’t have The Messiah or the King James Bible, for example. But for many years we didn’t tell the truth about this. We forced men and women to lie about and hide their deepest selves and hearts, and to live alone rather than with someone they loved. I am old enough to know people whose lives were twisted by these secrets and lies, and young enough to know people who have been free to be honest and to be married to the person they love. I have seen for myself the difference.

That is why I am proud to be in a church that allows me to recognize love and commitment of one person to another without discrimination as to gender. I know that past rectors of St. Francis have varied in their attitudes to marriage between people of the same gender. I want the congregation to know that I am happy to officiate at any marriage allowed by the Canons of the Episcopal Church, and that I would rejoice at a union of true hearts made possible by the Pride movement.

Jaime Sanders+

Interim Rector

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.

Summer Adult Education

In June and July, the Rev. Jaime Sanders will be teaching a class, “Welcome to Worship: Understanding the Eucharist.” Have you ever wondered why St. Francis worships the way we do? Do you have questions about changes in the service? Would you like to participate in planning a service or writing Prayers of the People? Come to Adult Education between services in the Cummins Hall Classroom. June 14: What is “liturgy?” June 21: Who writes the Book of Common Prayer? June 28: Instructed Eucharist in service. (Mtr. Jaime not teaching in class time.) July 5: Unpacking the Eucharist. July 12: Designing experimental Eucharist. July 19: Prayers of the People. July 26: Experimental Eucharist in service (no class). August 2: Reflections on Experimental Eucharist.

Adult Formation THIS SUNDAY

At Adult Formation today, will finish up our conversations about the developing paradigm for Christianity in the 21st century. Even if we can’t figure it all out (we can’t!), the exploration will be fruitful. Grab a drink and maybe a snack and meet us in the Parish Hall conference room. We’re better with you there.

Beware Scams

Unfortunately, much of our private information is more available than we think. Email addresses, cell phone numbers, addresses of property we own – it is bought and sold by enterprising people, some of whom are criminals. Sometimes those criminals can also find out what church we attend. Maybe you post something on Facebook about a church event. Maybe your name appears in the bulletin.

Scamming enterprises are big business, and sophisticated in their tools. One tried and true method of getting money from church members is to pretend to be the pastor and send an email asking for help with some need. It might be someone in the hospital. It might be staff appreciation. It might be a family in need. Whatever the purported need, there are two elements that don’t change: (1) a sense of urgency, and (2) an “ask” of gift cards.

If you get such a request, please ignore it! Whatever it says, it isn’t from your rector, or deacon, or other minister at your church. It is a criminal trying to prey on your compassion.

Jaime+

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 on June 28 at 5 pm in the Parish Hall. We will have a Fourth of July BBQ with hot dogs and hamburgers. Mtr. Jaime will make the main dish and we will have a potluck for sides, salads, and desserts. We will pray, share about scripture, and have dinner. After June, we will take a break for July and August and resume in September.

Alzheimer's Presentation:

Sunday, June 28th, 9 - 10 AM in the Parish Hall.

Most of us experience forgetfulness at some point, and we may wonder if it's dementia or the normal process of aging. What is dementia? What is Alzheimer's Disease? Answers to these and other questions will be addressed during a special presentation for St. Francis parishioners by a representative from the Oregon Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Please join us! Questions? Please contact Chris Stelloh-Garner.

Gals and Guys Night Out

On Thursday, June 11th, we will meet at Ram Restaurant 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

Memorial Garden Remembrance

The Memorial Garden Remembrance Day on May 31st was beautiful in every way. The day was bright and shining, the spirit was sweet, and many memories were shared. St. Francis is so blessed not only by the beauty of our space and surroundings, but also by the deep, spiritual, loving spirit of our people. We are very grateful for those who have gone before us, and who have shared with us their wisdom, faith, and experience. Last Sunday, we honored the people interred in our two church gardens with roses, music, and memories. We placed roses on the graves, enjoyed lunch provided by the Hospitality Ministry, and heard the gentle harp music from Barbara Cabot of the Sacred Flight Ministry. Many people made this the special day that it was - a day to remember, a day to give thanks, and a day to cherish.

If you spent hours in the kitchen, set up or took down tables and canopies, were a part of the beautiful music, greeted families, placed a rose on a grave, created bouquets, read the names, rang a bell, or just remembered, this was our St. Francis time to welcome and comfort families with their losses.

Thank you for all the time you gave, all the work you did, and all the love you showed.

You Are Invited!

There will be a graduation celeration for Clarissa (our nursery teacher) on Saturday, June 6, from 2-4 pm in the Parish Hall.

Congratulations to Clarissa!

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, June 7.

Treasurer’s Report

Pledge income for April 2026 was $2,877 under budget.

April 1 – April 30 Income from all sources:

Budgeted: $33,850

Actual: $35,673

Difference: over budget $1,823

April 1 – April 30 Expenses:

Budgeted: $33,767

Actual: $34,452

Difference: over budget $685

The bottom line: For April, our income from all sources was OVER our expenses in the amount of $1,221.

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.

This year, the Outreach Committee will be featuring one or two programs each month supported by St. Francis through your generous contributions. This month, we're focusing on Hogar Infantil and William Temple House.

Hogar Infantil, Chiapas, Mexico

This non-profit organization was founded in 1963 by Nicholas Anderson, an American expat who was living in Chiapas. With just a handful of U.S. donors, Don Nich began taking in children who were living on the street. After Nich’s death in 1977, others stepped in to ensure that Hogar Infantil would survive and carry on its mission. Hogar Infantil provides shelter, food, health care, and educational opportunities to children who otherwise would not have access. It is a “home away from home” for the children who live and work together in a family-type environment. Many of the young people earn degrees in higher education or complete trade training so they can support themselves as adults. The work of Hogar Infantil is made possible by local and international donors including dedicated staff and two volunteer boards – one in the U.S. and one in Mexico, ending the cycle of poverty for children through education. St. Francis has supported this organization for many years and made a donation of $1,500 in 2025.

William Temple House, serving the greater Portland area.

William Temple House provides food, counseling, clothing, and household items to Portland-area neighbors. For 60 years, Willliam Temple House has been a leader in accessible mental health care in Portland offering sliding-scale counseling services starting at $1 per session. Households may visit the shopping-style food pantry twice a month getting fresh produce, meat and dairy, bread, spices, grab-and-go meals, and staple ingredients. The William Temple House Thrift Store features a great selection of clothing, furniture, housewares, and more. Purchases from the Thrift Store support low-cost counseling and free food for Portland-area neighbors. Donations to the Thrift Store are collected at St. Francis and delivered to William Temple House Thrift Store. Donated items may be dropped off in the cardboard boxes in the church hallway. In 2025, in addition to donated items, St. Francis sent $1,000 to William Temple House’s Help Spread Hope campaign.

Thank you for supporting our St. Francis Outreach programs through your in-kind and financial contributions. For additional information on these programs, view our display on the easel in the Narthex.

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 for rising to the challenge to increase food donations for this month! Nothing that was donated went to waste. In fact, the food that was taken to the food bank on Tuesday was quickly placed on the shelves and within the first half-hour of open shopping hours, the food was taken. The food bank was especially busy yesterday resulting in the administrative staff stopping their work to help the clients with shopping. The need is increasing each week. So, please continue to bring food items to church as often as you are able. During the summer, the quantity of donations drops significantly. We also had one person from St. Francis submit a recipe for a bean salad. The salad was brought to dinner church and we all enjoyed eating it. The recipe will be shared with the food bank clientele.

A brief guidance on fresh produce: If the produce is in very good condition and will last at least 2 days on the shelf (without refrigeration or water), then please bring to church and leave in a box or sturdy bag. If a fruit or vegetable has already reached peak ripeness on the Sunday it is donated, it is best not to donate it. Items fresh off the vine or tree should be lightly rinsed and allowed to dry before donation.

May you have plenty of opportunity to eat the bounty of God's world and thank you for sharing it!