APRIL 8, 2018
ST. FRANCIS WEEKLY WORD NEWSLETTER
My Word

April 4th marked the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination. How can that be, I asked myself? I can clearly remember those days, and the times of stress and unrest that followed. Being a bit of an amateur historian, I wondered about how far we have come as a nation. In some ways, I am so very pleased by the progress of our nation. Yes, there is still much to do to help America live into its promise of “liberty and justice for all.”

And how are we doing at St. Francis? In 1971 a small group of folks established this church with the mission of making “God known through Worship and Service to others as a loving community.” I wonder if you can see ways in which this happens here? Can you remember times that were particularly fruitful, not just in terms of numbers (lots of folks coming), but in terms of actually doing what we said we were about?

In coming to St. Francis, I’ve been particularly impressed by many aspects of our life together. But which ones seem to you to really fulfill that mission statement? Can you recall moments of pride of being members? Yes, there have been times of struggle as well. But as a community, it sure seems to me that you pulled together to come through them. Did we do all in our power to live out the Gospel of God’s love for all?

This coming Sunday is sometimes called “low Sunday.” I suspect it got that title due to the low attendance that normally comes right after the high of Easter. And I can quite understand that. Family and friends who are visiting from out of town often go back home, and the normal pattern is to drop a bit. But what if….

But what if this Sunday were considered a far better gauge of how we were doing as a community? Not just in how many folks show up, but in how we choose to live into the Gospel calling to Worship and Serve? What if how we respond to the need for Feed My Sheep were a better measure of where we are as a community of Followers of Jesus?

-Fr David
PRAYER DURING THIS TIME OF TRANSITION
As we continue to let the work of listening to God to discover His desires for St. Francis, let us pray:
Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, Page 816 )
PRAYER REQUESTS
Open to All
You are invited to submit to your prayer requests here, which will be received by office staff and included in the Parish prayer list. If received after 4:00pm on Wednesdays, of your indicate that you would prefer to keep your prayer confidential, a member of the clergy will address your prayer privately.
SUNDAY SERVICE TIME
All are Welcome
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9:30am: Holy Eucharist Rite I

9:30am: Children's Chapel

10:30am: Hospitality
(Coffee and Conversation)
Bishop Doyle's Easter Message 2018
Please Consider Lay Reading
Serving as a lay reader is an important Church Ministry. At each service, we read scripture and usually assist clergy with Holy Communion. It's a wonderful way to the Lord and our Church.

We are looking for readers for the 9:30 service. Most lay readers serve once a month. It is perfectly fine if you wish to just read and not serve Holy Communion.

Please contact Fr David or speak to or email John Dieter .

VESTRY WISH LIST
Looking for ways to Help?
Tell a Vestry member if your are going to take care of one of these or would like to pitch in toward one :


  • Major Organ Revamp (About $700—See Lyn Miller)

  • AED (automatic external defibrillator) (About $1,700—See Heidi Couchman)
HOLY COW ASSESSMENT REMINDER
Please Complete Your Assessment

A great big THANK YOU to all who have turned in your survey!!

If you have not yet filled yours out, please do so ASAP ! We need to get this step finished and the results tabulated so that we can move on with the search process.m If you have any questions please call Ruth Henry at (254) 541-0060.

Thank you,
Your CAT Team
CONGRATULATIONS SUZANNE BURROWS
On April 4 th Suzanne was surprised when Mayor Pro-Tem, Tim Davis, presented her with a City of Temple Proclamation recognizing her for 30 years of exemplary service to the St. Francis Episcopal Preschool. Suzanne, we are grateful to you for your dedication and servant leadership. Well done!
Confirmation
Preparation to Begin
One of the ways we are able to step up to our responsibilities, one way that we can learn about our faith, one of the ways that we deepen our understanding and develop our faith is Confirmation, the sacrament of grown up life in Christ. It is perhaps one of the least understood, but most important moments of the life of Grace. Interested? Confirmation can only be administered by a Bishop, we happen to have one coming in the Fall, and now is the time to prepare. A course of preparation will start soon, but if you are interested please contact Deacon Tamara or Fr David .
VESTRY THANK YOU'S
Thank you for gifting us this need from our wish list!
You are a blessing to us all.

  • John Millican provided us with a new computer for Frances' office.
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay up to date with the latest news, photos and events! Have photos of an event you attended? Please send them along so that we can share them!
Collect

Almighty & Everlasting God who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant all those who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen .
St. Francis
Weekly Schedule

Sunday, April 8

  • Feed My Sheep!
  • Holy Eucharist Rite II


Thursday, April 12

  • 9:00am: Garden Day
UPCOMING EVENTS
MAY 5:
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to Speak

All are welcome in Good Shepherd, Austin on Saturday, May 5 to hear Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to speak about discipleship. The Church will have formation opportunities leading up to this event, as well as following, centered on "Becoming Disciples." Contact the Church for more details.
MAY 4–6:
Discovery Retreat. Have you felt a call to leadership or ordination?

The Discovery Retreat is a weekend gathering about discovering how God-given gifts and talents might be used in the mission of the Church. The retreat is open to all confirmed members of EDOT who wish to take the time and make a commitment to discern their vocation. For more information on the retreat click here; to register visit this  page .

UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS
APRIL 13-15:
Happening

Happening provides a method through which one's spirituality may be developed, nourished, lived and shared in fellowsip. High School students through adults attending listen to thought-provoking and challenging talks given by member of youth staff and clergy. These talks are designed to help the participants get to know God. After each talk the opportunity is given for question and discussion in small groups. Registration is closed.
APRIL 13-15:
Youth Encounter Spirit (Y.E.S)

This event brings together members of the 6 th through 8 th grade youth of the Diocese of Texas as a Christian community. The focus is on who Christ is.YES helps foster a clearer appreciation of self, richer relationships with others, and a deeper experience with Jesus. The weekend is designed to provide an atmosphere of openness where participants can ask questions and have the freedom to explore answers without fear of judgement. Music and games are an important part of the weekend. Registration is closed.
ONGOING MINISTRIES
TUESDAY SOLACE
Tuesday Solace is a free service supporting families affected by Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia and takes place from 1:00-4:00PM at the Parish Hall. Allowing caregivers respite time, the program provides music and singing, fun, social activities, and loving care to the participants.

FEED MY SHEEP SACK MEALS (FMS)
On the 2nd Sunday of each month, all are invited to gather in the Parish after the 9:30 service to prepare 100 sack lunches for our neighbors who have limited access to food. The lunches are delivered to Feed My Sheep. Our next schedule sack meal preparation is Sunday, April 8th .

CHURCHES TOUCHING LIVES FOR CHRIST (CTLC)
The collection item for April 2018 will be Cereal . Items may be brought to the narthex on Sunday or to the Church Office during weekdays.

ST. FRANCIS GIFT SHOP
As most of you know, the gift shop must have two workers at all times. We are in desperate need of volunteers. This is a great time to ask your best friend to sit with you and a great time to socialize and catch up. Please consider, just 3 1/2 hours a month and we will put you on the schedule.

ST. FRANCIS CHOIR
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!” Notice the passage does NOT say we have to have a beautiful voice to praise God! We are looking for new choir members. We practice at 8:30am before we sing at the 9:30am service. So come join us!
MINISTERS IN THE LORD'S SERVICE
Altar Guild:
Ruth Henry, Ethelene Rodriguez & Kim Carpenter                                

Readers :
John Dieter & Kay Callin

Acolytes:
John & Noelle Dieter   
Ushers :
Philip Okeson & Chip Schaefer

Hospitality :
           
                                      
Children's Chapel:
Heidi & Glen Couchman
Vestry Greeter:  
Marjorie Lewis


Organist:
Debra Johnson

APRIL BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
APRIL 9 BIRTHDAY
Morgan Culp
APRIL 21 BIRTHDAY
Chip Schaefer
APRIL 22 ANNIVERSARY
Pat & Roiann Ludlow
APRIL 25 BIRTHDAY
Dr. Stewart Smith
APRIL 25 ANNIVERSARY
Allen & Julia Ann Popelka
APRIL 26 BIRTHDAY
Dr. Vivian Baker
APRIL 26 ANNIVERSARY
Mark & Nida Brown
APRIL 27 ANNIVERSARY
Nick & Erika Graham
APRIL 29 ANNIVERSARY
Larry & Rose Bednarczyk
Make sure to check out our Facebook and other social media to see some of the photos from this past week's Easter services and brunch!