June 21, 2018
ST. FRANCIS WEEKLY WORD NEWSLETTER
My Word

June 21st. Tucked right between the feast days of St. Edward the Confessor and St. Alban (two really important saints for our British brothers and sisters, but not terribly well known here in the States) is the Summer Solstice. It’s the longest day of the year. Hard to believe that the days have been getting longer and longer ever since Christmas, and after Thursday they will start getting shorter and shorter. It sure seems like the Summer vacation has just gotten started, and here we are at the halfway point.

I’ve just had the opportunity to sit with a member of our Vestry and talk over the Holy Cow! results that I’ve mentioned previously, and that we received on the 6th of June. I’ve mentioned how much information was contained in that survey, and how our consultant really was able to draw out some surprising and insightful conclusions. It makes me appreciate halfway points, like the 4th of July. It gives us a chance to really see where we are, and where we hope to go in the coming future.

One of the insights of Holy Cow! was to be able to see that St. Francis has really been working with a long line of interim clergy. Some were, like me, identified as interims. Others may have thought that they were coming for a longer period, and even had the title of Rector, however, for whatever reason, their periods of service have really been temporary. In this time, the people of St. Francis have survived, and seen to it themselves that things got done.

Your Vestry’s hope, and that of our Bishop, your fellow members of the Diocese of Texas, as well as mine and yours, is that we see if that pattern can be reset. In calling your next Rector, wouldn’t it be nice if a real sense of vision and calling took hold? That this place, which is filled with such nice and wonderful folks, began to realize the depths and vitality of which you are fully capable, and that it might lead into a longer period of vitality and mission?

So, as a part of that process, our consultant recommended that we take our time with our search process, and make sure that we get our search done right. This is not to say that we want to slow down, nor that we want to simply settle for what we have. But, as we approach the midpoint of Summer vacation, don’t worry if not much seems to get done with the search. Your Vestry and your Interim Rector are taking advantage of longer days, we are taking advantage of time that stretches out before us. We’re not ready to name the search committee just yet. But, quietly and behind the scenes, just as the days almost imperceptibly lengthen and shorten, we are working away.

I’m hoping your Summer is just as productive. 

-Fr David Krause
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:
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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 II

9:30am: Children's Chapel

10:30am: Hospitality
(Coffee and Conversation
WHAT'S GOING ON AT ST.FRANCIS?
A Note from Deacon Tamara
On Saturday, June 23 rd , The Right Reverend C. Andrew Doyle will ordain to the sacred order of Deacons, nine individuals who have spent their last three years attending Seminary or the Iona School of Ministry. Two of those individuals, Rebecca (Becky) Jo Sparks and Nancy S. Wilkes, will be ordained as permanent or vocational deacons. The remaining seven will serve in parishes as transitional deacons for at least six months before being ordained to the sacred order of Priests.
Becky has been assigned to serve at Christ Church in Temple! I am delighted and thrilled to know that there will be two deacons in the Temple community. You can expect us to joyfully join forces as we live out our ordination promises to look for Christ in all others, ready to help and serve those in need, always remembering that whoever would be great must be servant of all.
Property Committee
Project Update
Jerry Allen will take the lead on the Sheetrock repair of the vesting room. We’ll also freshen paint and clean carpet while the room is cleared out. Let Mickey Kerr or Jerry Allen know if you’re willing to help. Time for this Workday has not yet been determined.

We also still need help with a smaller project:  we need someone to mount our new defibrillator. No, you don’t have to make it work, just mount the box in the hall outside the church offices, more or less midway down the hall.In-service training for use will be provided later this summer.
2018 Backpack Buddies
We Have Been Asked This Year to Provide for 50 Elementary Students
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For a number of years, St. Francis has participated in a community wide project to provide backpacks and school supplies for some of the less fortunate children in the Temple school district. We have been asked this year to provide supplies for 50 first grade boys and girls.

The cost of an average backpack and supplies is approximately $40.

We ask that you consider sponsoring a child or several children. Having a new backpack and a complete set of supplies will enable these children to feel special and will give them a great start to their learning experience. There will be a sign-up list in the parish hall after each Sunday service beginning this Sunday, June 24th and continuing until July 29th. When you sign up, you will be given the supply list, and an identification card to attach to the backpack.

If you prefer, you may give a check donation with "BACKPACK BUDDIES” written in the memo space, but we encourage you to shop for your student.

Thank you for your continued support of this ministry.
God Bless, Backpack Buddies Chairs
Karen Fredenburg & Heidi Couchman
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST:

THE COLLECT:

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving­kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

( Book of Common Pray e  r Page 230 )

Lectionary for this Sunday

  • Old Testament: 1 Samuel 17:
  • Psalm: Psalm 9:9-20
  • Epistle: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13
  • Gospel: Mark 4:35-41
ST. FRANCIS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, June 23

  • The Right Reverend C. Andrew Doyle will ordain to the sacred order of Deacons, nine individuals who have spent their last three years attending Seminary or the Iona School of Ministry.

Sunday, June 24

  • 9:30am: Holy Eucharist Rite II
  • 11:00am: Vestry Meeting

Thursday, June 21
  • 9:00am: Garden Day
Do You Have a Favorite Hymn?
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Do you have a favorite hymn that you really enjoying singing? Something that we don’t do often enough? Or even something that is not in the Episcopal Church Hymnal of 1982? 

On the 5th of August, during Sunday worship, St. Francis will host a good old fashioned, Hymn Singing Eucharist. We will play with the liturgy just a tad bit, and I’m hoping that you might suggest favorite hymns to sing.

Wouldn’t it be fun if we sang 10, 15, or even 20 hymns? OK, maybe not all of the verses of each one. But I really enjoyed some old chestnuts that we sang the other week, and I’m sure that you have a favorite as well. Suggestions are welcomed in the office, sent along as an email , or even written on a piece of paper and handed to us. Let’s have some musical fun! Suggestions are due by the 29th of July
THE VESTRY WISH LIST

A new set of green vestments and hangings (chasuble and stole along with a veil, burse and pulpit/lectern fall) for the priest and church.

See Kyla Sherrard for information

Six sets of shelves at $70.00 each for organizing the contents of the metal building.

Thank you to:
  • Jerry and Cindy Allen
  • Heidi and Glen Couchman for donating for Solace.
Meditation Garden
In lieu of featuring a specific plant this week we are just going to feature some beautiful photos of the garden, and in the words of Ruth Henry "Thanks be to God for some rain and cooler temperatures this week!" Remember, a fountain and benches provide a pleasant environment for meditating on God's love and care—and listening for his voice.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July Events
JULY 5–JULY 13, 2018:
The 79th General Convention
of The Episcopal Church



Watch videos about various aspects and history of the General Convention HERE . I highly recommend the Keynote Welcome by The Most Reverend Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop.

Registration is $130 or $50 for individual days. For Housing, Registration, Attendee, Children's Programs, Counseling, Accessibility, Transportation and Volunteer information visit the Attendee Information Page .
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JULY 7, 7:00–9:00pm:
TX BBQ Night at General Convention



EDOT Heartily Invites You to Attend a Texas Backyard Barbecue
On tap for the evening :
  • Live music
  • Incredible hospitality
  • Tall tales
  • A warm evening
  • A Texas sunset

Dress for the weather. Layers suggested. Seersucker and sundresses encouraged. Bermuda shorts applauded.

Water, lemonade, and tea, Beer and margaritas (cash bar), Local snacks
Optional pre-paid supper (More details to come but the rumor on the street says something about maybe tacos and fried chicken baskets and, e mpañada s! Shhh)
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FRIDAY, JULY 13:

Join us at the Minute Maid Park as the World Series Champs Houston Astros face the Detroit Tigers. Christ Church Cathedral Houston will host a free hotdog cookout from 5:00–6:30pm, so make sure to come early as food and drink are on a first come first serve basis. Parking is available in the garage on San Jacinto St, across from the Cathedral. For tickets, email Astros rep Brent Broussard or call (713) 259-8316. Download to Calendar
Summer camp is not just for kids and youth, Camp Allen is hosting several events for adults this summer. Birds and Blooms, Man Camp and Summer Camp for Moms are several retreats available. Reserve your spot now! For more information and to register, please visit www.campallen.org
VIEW A FULL LIST OF EVENTS ON THE DIOCESAN CALENDAR
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, July 8 .

CHURCHES TOUCHING LIVES FOR CHRIST (CTLC)
The collection item for June 2018 will be Instant Drink Mix . 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!
Did You Know?
WHAT BECAME OF THE SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE? (Part three of a four-part series)

Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, by N. Dwight 1852

From Connecticut

Roger Sherman - Great Grandfather came to America from Dedham, and settled in Mass. Roger was born in 1721, At the age of 19 he became responsible for his family, upon his father’s death. He was apprenticed to a shoe maker. Always reading, he had a book placed so he could work on shoes and read at the same time. Active in his church, chosen as a colony representative in 1755. Read his way into the practice of law. Appointed a Justice of the Peace, then magistrate, then treasurer of Yale, Elected to the state senate in 1766. By 1776, he was appointed a judge of the highest court, and sent to the Continental Congress. Signed the declaration, and served as a representative or Senator for the rest of his life, dying in 1793.

He served on the committee to oversee the writing of the Declaration. Married twice, he had 15 children. Self taught scholar, jurist, with an outstanding reputation. (Congregationalist)


From New York

Philip Livingston - grandfather was a Scottish minister. His father came to America in 1672. Philip was the oldest of three sons, born in 1716 Went to Yale, graduating in 1737, when he was 21 yrs old. He became a New York City businessman. He was elected an alderman 9 times. He corresponded greatly with public relations agents in England. He was an early critic of British policy in the colonies. Speaker of the NY assembly, and first representative to Continental Congress in 1774. While there he was appointed to the treasury board, and the marine committee. By 1778 the British were in possession of Philadelphia, and Congress was in New York. In very poor health, and feeble, he resumed his seat in Congress. Died in 1778, while on the road for Govt. Business. Founded the New York Public library, was on the board of directors for Chamber of Commerce, the New York Hospital, and Kings College (now Columbia University). (Presbyterian)

From Maryland

Samuel Chase - father an Episcopal clergyman, he born 1741. Taught at home in Baltimore, and later admitted to the Bar in Annapolis. Samuel was a member of the provincial legislature. Prudent in his personal life; after the Stamp Act, he became connected to the Sons of Liberty. Sent by voters to the Continental Congress in 1774. Samuel had no stomach for half measures. Instructed by his state legislature to NOT vote for independence, he and his fellows did anyway. He found out that a member of the Continental Congress from GA was an agent of the royal governor, and denounced him openly. That member fled. Headed up the committee on Internal security, and rounded up some wealthy Quakers who did not promote the war, but campaigned against it. Retired from politics to attend to a neglected career. Sent to England to collect state funds on deposit with a bank there. He was successful and returned with a great deal of money for the government. He took on an apprentice, William. Pinckney - later attorney general of the US. In 1788 became a judge in Baltimore, and then in 1796 a member of the Supreme Court of the US. Twice married, he had four children. Died in 1811, in frail health, but wealthy and very well respected. (Episcopalian)

From North Carolina

William Hooper - born in Boston in 1742. His father was a graduate from Edinburgh. William entered Harvard at age 15. Feeble health all of his life. Practiced law after a short internship, moving to North Carolina. Representative of Wilmington to the state legislature. By 1774 he was sent to the Continental Congress as North Carolina’s first representative. A younger member, he reported on the state of Jamaica, which some thought should be a part of the United States. He was the Congressional committee man for the post office. His personal affairs suffered by his absence, and the presence of the British, so that he had to retire from politics to attend to them. His home was attacked by British troops. Continually harrassed by the British, he finally had to attend to family business himself. By 1786 he was appointed a judge of a federal court. Died at age 48 in 1790. He left a widow, 2 sons, and a daughter. (Episcopalian)
MINISTERS IN THE LORD'S SERVICE
Altar Guild:
Lyn Miller, Ethelene Rodriguez & Kim Carpenter                          
     
Readers :
Kay Callin & Cindy Allen

Acolytes:
John & Noelle Dieter
Ushers :
Philip Okeson &
Len Henry


Hospitality :

                   

Children's Chapel:

Vestry Greeter:  
 Lyn Miller



Organist:
Debra Johnson

MAY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
JUNE 25 BIRTHDAY
Nick Graham
JUNE 25 BIRTHDAY
Truman New
JUNE 26 BIRTHDAY
Barbara Timmermeyer
Take time to walk around the gardens and see if you can find the plants we have featured so far: Aloe, Sweet Gum, Bitter Herbs, Society Garlic, Arizona Blue Cypress, Day Lily, Rock Rose, Little Bluestem Grass, Desert Willow & Brown Turkey Fig . Thank you to the Wildscape Guild for working so hard to maintain such a beautiful, natural, meditative space for us.