MAY 6, 2018
ST. FRANCIS WEEKLY WORD NEWSLETTER

My Word

 I am away from St. Francis for just a bit this week. I’m taking the opportunity to reconnect with family before we find ourselves at a gathering and saying to one another, “I wish we had gotten together before this….”

It may seem like I’m just here, and already taking some vacation time. And yes, that is certainly true. But maybe it’s a good lesson for us all to learn. I love the people of St. Francis, I love being here with you all in this time. But I’ve also had times in my life when I allowed my love for the people of God, and the Church of God, to become so all consuming that I took almost no time for family. It’s not a healthy mix, and it sure does not make for a healthy priest. Nor for a healthy congregation.

You might think that taking some time off is attending to little things, having fun, and in my case, seeing some baseball games. Yes, it is all of that. But it’s also saying clearly and loudly that sometimes we forget what the healing and redemptive work of God in Christ is for. It is for our living into the Joy wherein we have been made free. God does absolutely delight in St. Francis. But balance is part of the Anglican way. I’ll be back this coming Sunday. And for days, weeks, and months to come. And I’ll be a better priest for taking some time. See you all on Sunday.

-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:
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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)

Tamara will be available to sign folks up to volunteer for or attend (or both) General Convention
WHAT'S GOING ON AT ST.FRANCIS?
General Convention Volunteers Needed!
The Diocese of Texas needs to fill 600 additional shifts at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention, Thursday, July 5–Friday, 13 in Austin.

Please sign up directly at our Registration Page or find us on Facebook. You can sign up for one or more shifts—whatever best fits your schedule. If you are interested in staying in Austin here is a link to our Hotel Block .

Come and help show the rest of the Church our Texas hospitality.

Deacon Tamara will be available after church during the Hospitality Hour to help folks sign up to volunteer or attend the General Convention. Working volunteer hours can earn you free credentials to attend!
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WE NEED WORKDAY HELP!   

The St. Francis Property Committee will be having a workday on Saturday, May 19th from 8:00am to finish. The main project will be needed preparations and painting the outside of the school building. There are other maintenance tasks to be done as well. Please see Mickey Kerr, Tom Miller or Len Henry for details.
ST. FRANCIS GIFT SHOP
DISCOUNT THIS SUNDAY  

St Francis Gift Shop will be open this Sunday, May 6 after the 9:30am service. 

20% off on your purchase

Thanks!
The Junior Warden Team
A New, more Efficient Way of Dealing with Physical Plant Needs at Church?
Who knew that nationally, we struggle with the way we have been appointing and over using our junior wardens, and gradually a new solution seems to be emerging.

Episcopal Churches are appointing teams of folks who can work together or decide to call in a pro. One vestry member, in our case, Mickey Kerr, wears the official junior warden hat, and is our initiating point for prioritizing needs and how we’ll deal with them. Mickey can call on Len Henry or Tom Miller to organize a group, or call in a pro or his team RIchard Macchi, Jeff Callin, Chip Schaefer, Lawson Grant, Cindy Allen or any parishioner with the skill and the will to help.

If you’re interested, you’ll get a call or email when skills are needed. You can help evaluate and solve the problem, recommend a pro be called or just say you can or can’t help this time.

RSVP to Mickey if you would like to be on the team. 
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COLLECT FOR THE SIXTH
SUNDAY OF THE EASTER SEASON

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; 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 Prayer Page 225 )
( Lectionary for Fifth Sunday in Easter)
ST. FRANCIS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, May 6
  • 9:30am: Holy Eucharist Rite II

Tuesday, May 8
  • 6:00pm: St.Francis School Program

Thursday, May 10
  • 9:00am: Garden Day

Friday, May 11
How to Get in Touch
with Father David
Fr. David has been with us at St. Francis now for almost a month. Probably worth keeping for a bit. But you may be wondering how to get in touch with him. Or even when he is with us. So, just for the record, and to help getting in touch with him. Fr. David Krause is at: (972) 838-3603. That’s his mobile number and feel free to get in touch with him at any time. (It’s why we pay him the big bucks.)

His email is: frdavidkrause@gmail.com . He’s usually in Temple on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, but that does occasionally change with weekly events. And, of course, you can always get a message or call to him through the church office. 
THANK YOU FROM THE CAT SURVEY TEAM

A great big thank you to the 79 St. Francis folks who took the time to submit your Holy Cow Survey!

You all are awesome ! Now we just sit back and await the interpretation of results in early June. Your input in this process is immeasurable.

Blessings to all from your CAT Survey Team: Cindy Allen, Linda Collins, Ruth Henry, Marjorie Lewis, Lyn Miller
Evangelism Tool Kit
Every baptized Episcopalian has vowed to proclaim with our words and our lives the loving, liberating, and life-giving good news of Jesus Christ.

Through the spiritual practice of evangelism, we seek, name and celebrate Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of all people—then invite everyone to more. The Evangelism Toolkit helps us to live into that call.

VESTRY WISH LIST ITEMS:

A couple of our wish list items have been put on hold, while we do some further investigating. But we are very close to having enough for the AED (defibrillator)
that you are seeing in most public buildings these days. It will be just under $2000 by the time we get a mounting box, the children’s adaptation and a few supplies. We have donations from the Don Millers and the St. Francis Gift shop totaling $1000, and are expecting a donation from the school and a couple of Franciscans. Holler if you want to
pitch in a bit on this one.
THANK YOUS TO:

  • Master craftsmen Richard Macchi, Lawson Grant and Jerry Allen and Master painters, Roiann Ludlow, Lyn and Tom Miller and Cindy Allen for staining the lattice and finishing out the deck exterior. It looks great!
Meditation Garden
Featured Plant of the Week
In the Meditation Garden near the Columbarium plants mentioned in the bible have been placed, along with signs with the Biblical source.

GARLIC
( SOCIETY GARLIC )


The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the Israelites also wept again, and said, “If only we had meat to eat!  We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”
UPCOMING EVENTS
May Events
MAY 13:
Feed My Sheep Sunday

Yes, I know it is also Mother’s Day, a day we celebrate those who nurtured, cared for, and loved us. Everyone who is homeless or in poverty had, at one time, someone who cared and loved them. Someone who nurtured them. Many of the women who I visit with at The Well each Monday talk about their children. Children who they no longer can see or can only be with for a short time. It is a source of pain. Our providing a meal honors Mother’s Day and is a form of nurturing and caring for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Even though I know there will be plans after the service to celebrate, I hope you stay for the 30–40 minutes needed to make sandwiches and prepare the sacks. Due to the absence of Mickey Kerr, volunteers will be needed to take the sacks down to Feed My Sheep . Grace & Peace, Deacon Tamara
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SUNDAY, MAY 20:
Pentecost

The “birthday” of the church, is the promised arrival of the Holy Spirit, to inspire and empower the witnesses to Christ. It’s customary to wear red to church this day, as well as to hear the faint rustling of the wings of the Holy Spirit. 

Acts 2: The Coming of the Holy Spirit
2 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability . Read more .
MAY 2018:
Spring Events at St. Francis School

  • May 8: School Graduation Ceremony: This is an evening service, and space will be at a premium. Should you wish to attend, consider parking in the gift shop lot, or even as far from the church as possible. Seating in the choir loft is available to make our guests feel welcome.


  • May 13: Mothers’ Day and A Thank you for St. Francis Students: The last Sunday before the end of the school year falls on Mothers’ Day. What a great way to celebrate and give thanks to those who nurture and support us! Teachers, staff, students and parents are all invited to a special day of Thanks.

  • May 16: Final Pick Up Day for Students, A Thank You for Parents: On this day, we give thanks to the parents who entrusted their children to us for the year. On the first day of school, we had folks welcome and meet the parents as they dropped their children off. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to not only say thank you, but when they came to pick up their children, we likewise met the parents in the parking lot with our best wishes for the Summer?

  • May 17: Year's Final Day of School: Thursdays are not “full school days”, as some students don’t go all 5 days during the week. So, this is the actual last day of classes, but not all students will be there.
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June Events
JUNE 16:
4th Annual St.Francis Episcopal Church and School "Night at the Ballpark"

We are looking forward to a great night of fellowship with Church and School members when the Round Rock Express takes on the Fresno Grizzlies on Saturday, June 16th at 6:05pm at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock.

We will meet at St. Francis Episcopal for anyone wanting to carpool at 3:00pm, and then proceed to the ballpark where we will tailgate prior to the game. We plan on having hotdogs, chips, cookies & drinks.

For more information please contact
Chris Sedonic or (254) 624-1759; or
Tammy Schaefer or (254) 721-6907.
Tickets are $12.00 each, please return your order ( download here ) and payment to the Church or School office by June 1 .
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 .
JULY 7, 7:00–11:00pm:
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
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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
Fall Events
FALL 2018:
Pastoral Care Course for Youth and Children's Ministers

Youth ministers and Christian educators consistently provide pastoral care to young people, to their complex family systems, and to adult volunteers, usually without systematic training or education. In Fall 2018 the Iona Center will offer a pastoral care course specifically for youth ministers, Christian educators, and family ministries coordinators.

Meeting in person at the beginning and end of this course, the rest of the classes will meet via videoconference. Participants will set personal educational goals and present pastoral encounters for feedback from peers and instructor.
If you are interested in learning more, contact The Rev. Sarah Knoll Sweeney sarah.knollsweeney@iona.ssw.edu

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Stay up to date with the latests news, photos and events by following us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . It is also a great way to stay in touch or make friendships with your fellow parishioners. Have photos of a St. Francis event you have attended? Email them along so that we can share them with others
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS
JUNE 25–July 1:
Diocesan Music Camp

Camp will be expanded this year with more options for instrumental music (including hand bells) for youth in rising grades 6-12. Campers live in the college dorm at Blinn College . Tuition includes room, board, all supplies, local trips to the Blue Bell Aquatic Center, Horseshoe Junction Fun Park and outreach music performances. Scholarships available . Pottery and art are part of the week's fun. Call Dr. Linda Patterson with questions at (979) 836-7248 extension 13 or Register here Add this event to your Calendar.
JULY 4–9:
Episcopal Church Young Adult Festival

The festival is scheduled to run concurrently with the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Austin this summer. The Young Adult Festival is designed for 18–30 year olds to meet peers from across the globe, pray and learn together, engage in the church’s legislative process and help discern God’s call for the Episcopal Church. Register !

The cost for the event ranges between $300 and $675 depending on the housing choices. Registration deadline for those traveling to Austin is May 1 and includes five nights of housing, a Sunday morning brunch, General Convention registration, and all Young Adult Festival programming. Registration deadline for commuters is May 31 . Space is limited; registration will close registration when spaces are filled.

If you wish to stay up-to-date on Festival, Young Adult news, and Campus Ministry news, please join their Facebook page and make sure to also follow it so it will appear in your feed. You can also sign up for their newsletter .
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JULY 17–25:
SUMMA Student Theological
Debate Society

SUMMA provides a way for high school students to build their faith through intellectual channels. Founded in the confidence that knowledge and reason are foundational to faith, SUMMA offers fun, friendship and the opportunity for a deepened and more thoughtful faith. Held at the Univ. of the South, applications open until July 1. Register Today !
JULY 22–28:
Reach Mission Trip

St. Andrew's, Pearland is hosting youth and their sponsors, along with Reach Mission Trips who will be repairing storm damage in Brazoria County. Partial scholarships available through the Diocese.
  • $419 per person
  • Entering 6–Graduating 12 grade

Contact Reach Mission Trips. Visit their page for more info. View their video about the trip above.
AUGUST 3–5:
Intermediate Urban Mission Retreat: Houston by C.U.S.E.

All rising 4th–6th graders are invited to spend the weekend at their Cathedral. Activities include serving in the community, riding the Metro, sleeping over in the Tree house youth space and worshiping at the 9:00 service along with their families Sunday morning. This weekend will introduce our intermediate students to the life-long call of service and worship while learning the value the Church and world place on their unique gifts and talents with Cathedral Urban Service Experience C.U.S.E . in downtown Houston.

SEPTEMBER 7–9:
Happening #160

Camp Allen:

Cost: $75.00


A Happening is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Through this experience the Happening encourages participation in one's own parish and youth group. Is Christianity relevant to youth today? Can it penetrate the many areas of school life? Can it transform the world and keep up with changing times?

The Happening movement thinks so. It does not propose a new type of spirituality, but provides a method through which one's spirituality may be developed, nourished, lived and shared in fellowship with Christians willing to dedicate their lives to God in an ongoing manner. The Happening movement believes that Jesus Christ has and will continue to make a difference in the world and in individual lives.

Those attending Happening listen to thought-provoking and challenging talks given by members of the staff and clergy. These talks are designed to help the Happeners get to know God. After each talk, the opportunity is given for questions and discussion in small groups.

Contact Stephanie Townes or call (713) 353-2138 for more info.

NOVEMBER:
Texas Episcopal Service Corps

Texas Episcopal Service Corps invites young adults from across the country to apply for a year of service, community engagement, and vocational discernment in and around the city of Houston. Texas ESC communities provide a place where young adults live alongside one another in intentional community while thoughtfully and critically serving both the church and the world. Apply here.
VIEW A FULL LIST OF EVENTS ON THE DIOCESAN CALENDAR
DID YOU KNOW?
FROM THE BOOK 101 REASONS TO BE EPISCOPALIAN :

  • #22. I love Anglicanism for its basic humanity, its sense of decency and order, its freedom of thought and its insistence on the corpus of faith, “those things necessary unto salvation.” I love it for its tradition and for the women and men of faith who have been lights of the generations in whose company we worship. I love it for its quirkiness, its untidiness, its comprehensiveness and for its ability to receive, accept, alter or jettison new things, while being always merely and astoundingly the Church

  • #43. We welcome the faithful, the seeker, and the doubter.

  • #92. Many whom we know well are starved for the spiritual food e receive daily.
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, May 13 .

CHURCHES TOUCHING LIVES FOR CHRIST (CTLC)
The collection item for May 2018 will be Protein Bars . 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:
Karen Fredenburg & Chris Sedonic                                

Readers :
John Dieter & Peggiann Jones

Acolytes:
Collin & Ian Wilson
Ushers :
Philip Okeson & Bob Henry


Hospitality :
Cindy Allen            
     
                         
Children's Chapel:
Heidi & Glen Couchman
Vestry Greeter:  
Lyn Miller


Organist:
Debra Johnson

MAY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
MAY 10 BIRTHDAY
Sharon Hughes
MAY 11 BIRTHDAY
Gabby Bates
MAY 14 BIRTHDAY
Rose Bednarczyk
MAY 18 BIRTHDAY
Hanes Brindley
MAY 18 BIRTHDAY
Jeff Callin
MAY 19 BIRTHDAY
Helen Ratliff
MAY 20 BIRTHDAY
Al Dusek
MAY 22 ANNIVERSARY
Evan & Amy Longfield
MAY 26 BIRTHDAY
Bob Henry
MAY 26 BIRTHDAY
Chris Sedonic
MAY 26 ANNIVERSARY
Frank & Jan Pugliese
MAY 30 BIRTHDAY
Mike Ludlow
MAY 31 ANNIVERSARY
Andre & Gail Avots
Take time to walk around the gardens, see if you can find the three plants we have featured so far: Aloe, Sweet Gum, Bitter Herbs and Society Garlic.