eClare
St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church
Blue Hill ~ Maine
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A New Season Begins!
"Birds in flight, claims the architect Vincenzo Volentieri, are not between places - they carry their places with them. We never wonder where they live: they are at home in the sky, in flight. Flight is their way of being in the world" -Geoff Dyer
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From Fr. Brent
...and Windy! (see within the message)
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...
Ecclesiastes 3:1
We all know the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, if not from Sunday school or your own Bible studies, then from the Byrds’ 1965 hit. It is like 1 Corinthians 13’s “Love is patient; love is kind...” in that it is so familiar as to be trite, but when we try to look at those old familiar words with fresh eyes, the wonder can return.
What is this time for you?
I’m having trouble figuring out what this time means for us as a church family. Our summer regathering went swimmingly. We were safe, we prayed well together, we had coffee, ate cookies and sang our hearts out. Good church! Plans were being made for Adult Forums, Wednesday Seekers, another session of Sacred Ground, Sunday School and Confirmation. And then the Delta variant arose...
I am new to sailing, and my boat is small enough that the oars save me from getting stuck when the wind dies, but I know what it feels like to be sitting there, sail slack, sun beating, everyone on the dock waiting to see what you will do next. It feels a bit like that at church as the pandemic drags frustratingly on. Wednesday seekers works on Zoom (the Julian of Norwich class is off to a good start), but I am loathe to subject kids on to Zoom after last year. Coffee hour was off to a good start, and that ended. I am glad the choir can keep singing, but hymns are a real loss for us all. And the annual giving campaign is going well. (Thank you)!
The vestry and I are working on how we handle church as the weather changes and the essential ventilation provided by open windows begins to cause its own problems. If it is a chilly Sunday morning, dress appropriately and bring a lap blanket. It will be just like the olden-days. (If anyone has buffalo robes to share, let me know).
What season do you find yourself in?
On a personal note, my family and I are in a season of great change. Hannah Maeve and Lucille, after a lifetime of homeschooling are now 8th and 5th graders at Brooksville Elementary. And happily. While they are off on that adventure, Windy has just joined the team of local heroes at Tinder Hearth (croissants, above photo!) as the morning pastry baker. With all of that happening, I am changing my schedule. From now on I will be in the office Tuesday thru Thursday, Friday I will be writing, and then Church on Sundays. I am available for emergencies on Saturdays and Mondays, but if it is not urgent, I’ll get back to you when I am back in the office.
A lot is up in the air as the season shifts from Summer to Autumn. You all remain in my prayers.
In Christ,
Brent
*Ed note: Many St. Francis parishioners were involved in the early beginnings (2007) of Brooksville's Tinder Hearth, the dream-child of Lydia Moffet and Tim Semler, Mary Semler's grandson. We continue to celebrate their tremendous success with Mary! Delicious bread and much more!
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Gratitude
"THE ROOT OF ALL JOY IS GRATEFULNESS"
― Brother David Steindl-Rast
"I was researching GRATITUDE for the umpteenth time and came across this article in Harvard Health. I found it quite enlightening!
GRATITUDE is the thankful appreciation of what we receive, whether tangible or intangible. With GRATITUDE, we acknowledge the goodness in our lives. We usually discover that the source of that goodness lies partially outside ourselves. Being grateful helps us connect to something larger than ourselves whether other people, nature, or a higher power.
GRATITUDE is strongly associated with greater happiness. I LOVE that line!!! GRATITUDE helps us feel more positive, relish good experiences, improve our health, deal with diversity and build strong relationships. So there you have it!
Giving thanks and showing your GRATITUDE can make you happy!!!
SO…GET HAPPY!! Show your GRATITUDE thru your stewardship!
The bonus………. Stewardship grows your faith!!!
Keep those pledge cards coming!!!
Thank You,
Lynne Yurosko, Stewardship Chair
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The Calendar
Sunday Worship Services
10 AM
(8 am services are finished for 2021)
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We are masking for all in-person services at St. Francis Church
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Please continue to attend Zoom church services if you are not Covid vaccinated
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Contemplative Prayer
Fridays at 9:15 am.
Join us in person in the Sanctuary or on Zoom.
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Wednesday Seekers 10:00 am, Wednesday on our regular Zoom Link. We will be reading The Showings of Julian of Norwich by Mirabai Starr
(below right)
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Morning Prayer
Wednesday - Saturday
8:45 AM
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Fr. Brent's Office Hours
"Tuesday thru Thursday, Friday I will be in the church office writing, and then Church on Sundays.
I am available for emergencies on Saturdays and Mondays, but if it is not urgent, I’ll get back to you when I am back in the office."
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We Pray for:
Amelia
Andrea
Art
Arthur
Harry and Marie Bissell
Mary Boyd
Edward Dufresne
Giffy Full
Roger Grindle
Brinley Hall
Grace High
Bethany Hill
Jack Hooper
Jill
Justin
Jenni
Kayla
Keagan
JoAnn Krestan
Alix Kirkpatrick
Kira and John Klinger
Fred Marston
Sophia Partridge
Diana Robson
Dennis Robertson
Ronan
Carla Rosenzweig
Mary Semler
Linda Slaven
Cathy Smith
Donny Smith
Marshall Smith
Peggy Smith
Terri Stephens Smith
Fred Stine
Marilyn Stewart
Carl and Carolyn Taylor
Judy Thomas
Holly Whelan
Cecile Wiley
Persis Williams
Those with September Birthdays
Denny Bacon
Nathaniel Boechat
Emma Brown
Diana Bui
Anne Cassatt
Becky Cariño
P. J. Curtis
Richard Duffield
Sally Falck
Vesta Kowalski
Jo-Ann Krestan
Steve Marek
Linda Slaven
Gail Williamson
Lynn Yurosko
Linda Sturtevant
Those in the Armed Services
Abigail
James Crowe III
Andy Dittmer
Brian Haley
Sean Haley
Douglas Hamilton
Kyler Hall
Peter McGuyer
Kyle Carino Mings
Eric Partridge
We pray for the repose of the soul of Russell Dischinger and for Marty and his family and friends
We pray for the repose of the soul of Nell Whiting and for her family and friends.
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The Emily Award
was proudly presented to
Bob Publicover
Former Washington Journalist, current Zoom Technician, Editor and Manager of St Francis' website, friend of all!
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Amazing work being brought to us from The Bahamas by Aletha Langham where she and her husband have a home
ECC
(Every Child Counts)
"Every child counts now, but it was not always so. Over twenty years ago a small school in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas was born. There were only three students. All boys, twin brothers with profound autism and another mentally and physically challenged friend.
These children were not allowed in the public schools in the Abacos because there were no provisions and no funding for their special needs. They were seen as a distraction to the normal students.
The mother of the twins, Lyn Major, decided that her sons were going to have an education and do all they could in life. She started a school called Every Child Counts.
Soon the word spread and students were coming from all over the Abacos. Children with physical and mental challenges, and Haitian children. Some never educated, some abandoned when their parents were deported.
Before hurricane Dorian ECC was educating over 100 special needs children. The hurricane wiped out the entire campus and took the life of one teacher. Many did not think the school would survive.
Lyn, who should have been retiring, started again. Volunteers rebuilt the campus and now we are waiting for Covid to abate so the kids can return.
This school has changed the lives of so many physically, mentally and environmentally challenged children and has done so by donations and volunteers. It is worthy of your help. I can assure you that every penny works for these kids.
Every Child Counts and deserves a chance in life. That is what ECC does."
Contact Aletha at:
mtaletha@yahoo.com
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From our Senior Warden
Dear Friends,
I don't know about you, but in my life I am running into more and more situations in which people are really struggling! Some are feeling depressed by world events, some are afraid of those who are unvaccinated, some are behaving unreasonably, some are experiencing anxiety, some are turning against family, some are worried about elder care options, and I've heard and read about many instances of rude and abusive behavior toward service workers.
I think the collective stress of the last 18 months is getting to us!! The stress of covid on so many levels, the stress of income divide, of the election and its aftermath, climate change and an inability of our leaders to compromise and work together.
I think we need to stop and remember who we are. We are people of God who need to turn to God. Please pray for ourselves and those around us, that we may be the community that God wants us to be.
With love,
Milissa
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From Outreach Chair, Sue Grindle
Wanted! New members for the Outreach Committee. Experience not needed. Simply bring a desire to help others, whether around the corner or around the world. New ideas and a fresh insight a plus. Imagination for project fundraising desirable, but not a barrier for welcomed acceptance. Please contact Sue Grindle (susangrindle8@gmail.com / 374-5046). Thank you!
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We have Eucharistic Ministers!
Look for new faces at the altar!
Training has been completed for several Eucharistic Servers. Thank you, new Altar Servers- Andrea Lopez, Aramis Lopez, Kate Mulrenin and Heath Wall.
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From John Paul LaLonde-
St. Francis By the Sea Episcopal church is pleased to announce the receipt of a grant from The Maine Steeple Fund to help with the restoration of the church steeple. The Maine Steeples Fund supports local efforts to restore church steeples of historic, cultural, and community significance to cities and towns in Maine. St. Francis church certainly met these criteria as it originally was built in North Penobscot (1837) and then was moved to its current prominent location on the Hinkley Ridge Road in Blue Hill (1990).
Work began on Monday September 13th and will continue for 3 to 4 weeks. During this time the front entrance will be blocked off during the week but open for Sunday services.
(This article will be printed in full on our website)
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From Tyler Knowles-
St. Francis Church has given $2,290.52 to the Ah Ahli Hospital in Gaza via the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese in Jerusalem in 2021.
I know that several have given directly so that the total of our generosity goes beyond even the over two-thousand amount I specified. That is a great deal of Jenin Olive Oil bought and sold (with 20% going to the hospital for each sale) Because the price of a case has gone from $120.00 to $192.00 and each bottle from $20.00 to $32.00, we decided we must stop selling it. One parishioner asked me to buy a case even at this steeper price. I did and his $38.40 is reflected in the above!If anyone wants to make a direct donation, they should go to AFEDJ on line and specify Ah Ahli Hospital as they give. Also it's possible to name one's church affiliation.
Thanks to all and, especially, to Maurine and Bob Tobin who did this olive oil ministry wonderfully for many years before handing it over to me.
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(Heather Ford, AKA Madam Zulu)
St Francis Choir is fabulous!
From Lorna:
Heather got that nickname from us the very first winter Sunday she came to St. Francis. We were singing Siyahamba and the kids (young Heilner’s and young Boëchat’s) suddenly became too shy to pronounce it for the congregation. Claudia looked out and asked if anyone spoke Swahili and Heather raised her hand. She went up to the lectern and… the rest is history, as they say!
Here is a link to the music last Sunday. We were supposed to behave, not clap, but that didn't go so well!
Thank you, as always, Bob!
Click below!
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A New Wednesday Seekers Study!
A fresh and contemporary translation of one of the best loved and influential mystical texts of all time, The Showings of Julian of Norwich brings the message and spirituality of this 14th century mystic to 21st century readers.
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(Just in from Fr. Brent)
Our area churches need some help...
The Simmering Pot is looking for volunteers for substitute and regular positions to help with its weekly soup delivery program. The original Simmering Pot crew cooks on 2nd and 5th Mondays. There are 3 shifts: 1) Kitchen Prep/Cooking - 8:30/9:00- 11:30 2) Clean-up/prep for delivery 3) Delivery. Subs are needed in all areas, particularly for 2nd and 3rd shifts.
The Blue Hill Co-op cooks every third weekend. They need 2 or 3 people on Saturdays at 10:00 for up to 3 or 4 hours.
St. Brendan's in Deer Isle cooks on the 4th Mondays and they need subs as well for their kitchen.
If you are interested in subbing or just learning more about what the Simmering Pot does, please contact Maria Matthews at mbmatt96@gmail.com (207-812-8691)
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Links to Websites of
Special Interest: droppable-1619627234904
bwas@riseup.net (Fr. Brent Was)
From our church office: We have a St. Francis Facebook Page. Link below... "LIKE" our page and keep up to date on all the news and happenings!!!
NAMI Maine
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