eClare

 

News from St. Francis by the Sea
Blue Hill ~ Maine
 
December 15, 2016 

Merry Christmas, St Francis by the Sea!



St. Francis By The Sea

 
The Calendar  
Sunday Services

10 AM

Thursday
2:30 pm
Knitters Group
***
5 pm
Choir
****
Sunday, December 18th
Gifts for the children of Emmaus to be placed under the tree
***
Saturday, December 24
Christmas Eve Service
5 PM
followed by our annual Potluck Dinner
***
Sunday, December 25
Christmas Day Service
10 am

(There will be links to messages by our Bishop and the Presiding Bishop on our website very soon. You can click on our website on the bottom right of every eClare)

We pray for
Anya
Brenda
Daniel
Joseph
Hazel Greene
Blair Hansen
Cathy Husted
Jane
Gretchen Lane
Lyn
Joe Lendvai
Susan Logan
Clyde Mc Elrath
Sonja Olson
Corinne Pert
Gabe
Jamie and Liam Semple
Peter Smith
Barbara Sorlien
Carter Taylor
Theresa and David
Kin Utzinger
Katie
Clinton Whiting  

Those in the Armed Services   
Andy Ditmer
Kyle Carino Mings
Brian Haley
Sean Haley
Peter McGuyer
Eric Partridge

Those with December Birthdays

Harry Bissell
Tom Boardman
Maxwell Coolidge
Priscilla Denny
Nancy Doane
Annie Johanson
Will Rosborough

Christmas Altar Flowers 

Please consider remembering your loved ones with flowers on the altar this Christmas, either as memorials or thanksgivings.
 
 The Altar Flowers Form is inserted in the bulletin. You can make your check out to St. Francis  and place it with the completed from with the collection plate, mail it in, or leave on Barbara's desk in the office. Extra flower forms will be located in the Narthex or downstairs in the Parish Hall. 

Thank you!


 
Nancy, thank you and everyone!
The Christmas Fair resulted in $2,000 for our rector's discretionary fund!

 

 

 

Christmas Eve Potluck Dinner


The annual St. Francis Christmas Eve potluck will once again start right after the Christmas Eve service. Every year this is one of the more meaningful dinners we have at St. Francis as it gives those of us who don't have family members nearby to have the opportunity for some festive holiday fellowship. 

And, of course, the table is always laden with delicious food and treats!! If you do have family or friends with you, they are certainly welcomed to join us. 

A sign-up sheet is downstairs. Please indicate what you can bring and how many will be in your party. If you haven't come before, please consider adding this event to your holiday calendar.
 
  Christmas Day Service

Join us for "A Quiet Service" at 10 am
 
 St. Francis Giving Tree for 
The Emmaus Shelter
Lovely gifts for boys and girls under the tree last Sunday!


 All gifts are due this 
Sunday, December 18th 


  Please  Do Not  Wrap gifts, place each one in a bag with the appropriate tag, some wrapping paper and ribbon. A maximum of $20 is suggested for a gift.

All gifts will go to the Emmaus Center 
in Ellsworth.



From Judy and Tim Thomas--
   
"A Message from the Planned Giving Committee; as the New Year approaches, please think about ways of supporting St. Francis.

           Among the many are volunteer services which are important and needed. A pledge of annual financial support is also needed and appreciated.

           Another way, that supports the future, is by a planned gift under a will or other method taking affect at death. The committee  asks parish members to consider such a gift, and it reminds them that planned giving is possible for most parish members and not just the wealthy.

Call if you have any questions.  Thanks." 

Judy and Tim

Searching for a special gift?


From Maurine and Bob Tobin--

HOLY LAND OLIVE OIL is AVAILABLE

Fair trade, extra virgin, organic Canaan Olive Oil is produced by Palestinian farmers in the northern West Bank from olive trees, many of which date back centuries. 

 Proceeds from the sale of this excellent oil go to support Al Ahli Anglican Arab Hospital in Gaza City, a remarkable institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem that serves thousands of Gazans without other sources of medical care.

Oil is available in 16.9 ounce (550 millleter) bottles for $20 per bottle and makes great gifts as well as being wonderful for personal use.  

For information, contact Maurine Tobin at 348-9976 or stop by coffee hour any time!
 

Links to Websites of
 Special Interest:



From our church office: W e now have a St. Francis Facebook Page!  Link below...   "LIKE" our page and keep up to date on all the news and happenings!!!