The Weekly News
October 19, 2017
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29th Week of the Year
Saturday, October 21, 2017
5:00 pm
Pres ider: Jim Schratz
Homilist:  Jim Schratz
Readers: Art Maines, Karen Diehl
Eucharistic Ministers: Barbara Harris, Suzanne Schloemann, Cecelia Ann Loomer
Sacristan: Kathy Grewe
Location: 204 East Lockwood, 63119

Sunday, October 22, 2017
9:00 am
Presider:  Jim Schratz
Homilist:  Jim Schratz
Location:  17 Selma Avenue, 63119
The 2nd Annual Fall Ride and Stride

CANCELED DUE TO THE WEATHER FORECAST
Wine & Appetizer Gathering for the Ladies of Sts. Clare & Francis
 
I will be hosting a wine and appetizer party for all of the ladies in our Sts. Clare & Francis parish on Sunday, October 22 at 4:00 pm at my home in Kirkwood.  Come, relax and enjoy as we send the hot weather on its way and revel, at last, in the wonderful fall weather in St. Louis! 
 
Please bring an appetizer of your choice.  I will provide various types of drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic: various wine, beer, soda, tea and punch. Please feel free to bring a drink of your choice if you wish. 
 
My address is 830 Craig Forest Lane, Kirkwood, 63122. I live off of the west end of the Meramec Junior College campus near the Hwy 270 and Big Bend exit. My cell number is: 314.402.6769.  
 
Fall blessings,
Ann Leible
October 28, 2017
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Sts. Clare & Francis Church
Led by Emilie Collins
Registration: $35

Explore… your individual spiritual journey through SoulCollage, a creative process that allows you to access guidance through your intuition and imagination. 

Discover … more deeply, how our Soul (or Whole Self) is ignited by the spark of the Divine Within, through various parts of our self.   

To reserve your spot: Email Suzanne Schloemann ( Suzanne.Schloemann@gmail.com ).


For a flyer with more information, click here .
Save the Date: Ordination of
Bob Crecelius to the Priesthood
Saturday, October 28, 2017
5:00 pm
Sts. Clare & Francis

I would like the parish community to know that as this date approaches I am filled with gratitude for the support I have been given. I also believe this is a good time to reiterate what my role will continue to be in the community and my commitment to my current ministry.

Ordination to the priesthood will not insert me into a more visible role than I now occupy in our parish. My calling is not to parish ministry in the traditional sense, but rather to the hospital community where I now serve. My role however, will define me as a “priest in residence” per letter of agreement between myself and our parish, which stipulates I will receive no monetary compensation from the parish. It is my desire, and our understanding, that I will be available to fill sacramental needs in the event of emergencies and to fill in for Mass based on needs which may arise. I would like to continue to preach from time to time if our parish can endure it.
 
This is an ideal relationship for me at this point in life and I hope one which becomes comfortable for us all as we move forward. The model I have been working toward is that of a worker priest, to be intimately involved in some aspect of our larger community, working and sharing in labor with others and providing ministry in this way. What is important for the parish to realize is that in many ways I cannot live this ministry to the fullest expression without the prayerful support of this community. When I engage with those who are mentally ill, respond to traumas or attend to the dead, you enter this space with me. My theology and pastoral care is informed by my parish support. My hope as time moves on is that what I witness and attend to in the hospital will inform our parish community in yet another way about societal failure, the needs of those who suffer, and the amazing beauty of the human landscape in all of its diverse forms, what I might define as the poetry of God. Thank you again for your kind and gentle support.
 
Peace,
 
Bob
Wanted: Unwanted Cutlery

The Green Team and Hospitality Committee will be collecting any old flatware that you may want to dispose of for use at parish BBQ's and potlucks. We will be doing this in lieu of purchasing some for the church. If you have cutlery to donate, please bring it to church and give to Marilyn Heller, Sue Flanagan, or Mary Ellen Kruger. Thank you!

Green Team Meeting

Mark your calendars! Wednesday evening, November 1, 2017 is the next Green Team meeting. It will be at 6:30 pm in the Fireside Room at church. 
Social Justice Books and Movies

Over the coming year, the Communal Works of Service Committee is planning to sponsor several book discussion groups and movie nights. Regarding the book discussion groups, the plan is to have only two or three gatherings per book. Please send your suggestions regarding books and/or movies relevant to a social justice theme to Clarence Heller at clarenceheller@gmail.com no later than October 31. Once all the suggestions are compiled, we will vote on which ones to use.
Fr. Bob's Outreach - Christmas Baskets
St. Augustine Parish

We will again this year collect cereal for the 4000 boxes of Food that Father Bob Gettinger puts together for the needy in December.
This year the distribution will be from December 10 - 16. We will be collecting cereal after Mass thru December 9. Aldi’s has good prices on cereal. On Saturdays, please bring the cereal to Sue Flanagan, Judy DeFrank, Therese Gabriel, or who ever announces after Mass. On Sundays, give cereal to the presider. Any questions call Sue Flanagan 314.409.4899.
Communal Works of Service
Something New, Something Different
 
The Communal Works of Service Committee is soliciting suggestions for service opportunities. These may be one-time events, periodically recurring or on-going. Some examples from past service opportunities have been the work days at Fr. Dickson Cemetery and Feed My Starving Children MobilePack hosted at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Ideally, those offering suggestions would be willing to serve as a liaison between the hosting entity and the SCF Community regarding logistics, and would provide announcement information for our newsletter. Please contact Clarence Heller ( clarenceheller@gmail.com , 314.258.9066) with any suggestions or questions.
Evaluation of Sunday Eucharist (update)

We did a preliminary (mid-point) evaluation of the 9:00 AM Sunday Eucharist at the Mead Center down the street from Peace. We now have numbers indicating an 18% increase in the total (combined Saturday and Sunday) Mass attendance per week over the same period last year (for Saturday only). 

Here are the Mass attendance headcount numbers from April 23, 2017, through last weekend. Headcount Numbers
 
Toward the end of our six month trial, we will evaluate this experiment by a variety of means. If there are certain questions or issues that are important to you in this evaluation process please email them to me at frank.krebs@scfecc.org .  I am putting together a draft of a final evaluation instrument for the parish council now. Your input is more than welcome. Thanks.   
Homilies

Hear Nancy Emmel's homily from September 30:


The text of archived homilies can be found here .
Caring Ministry
The Caring Ministry at Sts. Clare & Francis brings the loving presence of God, through a caring companion on the journey, when life is difficult. When we find ourselves struggling with illness, grief, depression, relationships, stress, the Caring Ministry is a supportive and listening presence - not counseling or problem solving. Don't go it alone; contact Sue Self or one of our priests to find out more, and see if it's a fit for you. We want to care for you.
 
Prayer List
The Sts. Clare & Francis Prayer list is available for you to share prayer requests from you to your sisters and brothers who are walking this faith journey with you. Praying for one another when there are specific needs is one of the greatest ministries we can provide to one another. But, we cannot pray for events and happenings that we do not know about. Please share your prayers requests with the community. You can be as specific or general as you would like. Contact Jim Schratz with all prayer requests.
Parish Office Hours 

The Sts. Clare & Francis Office, [483 E Lockwood Ave, Ste. 3, Schultz Hall (Door B) – Eden Theological Seminary, Webster Groves, MO 63119] will be open each week on Mondays, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and Thursdays from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Although someone is here more often than that, I am in and out much of the time. So I am making a concerted effort to have posted hours to be more available to people who might want to drop by. 
Thanks! 
Jim
Sponsored by Friends...
Open House
October 21, 2017
2:00 - 7:00 pm
5718 North US 67 (Lindbergh Boulevard)
Florissant, MO 63034
Free

Sometimes you just need a little peace…

Experience Peace Tree Spirituality Center at our Open House and discover new ways to connect mind, body, and spirit. 

Walk the prayer garden, enjoy a free massage, try something new with demos by experienced spiritual leaders and instructors in meditation, yoga, tai chi and more. And bring the kids! At 4:00 pm there will be an all ages story time followed by a bonfire with food and drinks.

You may look forward to:
  • Walking the labyrinth, the peaceful hills, and garden
  • Free massage
  • Short meditation teachings and practice with Buddhist and Christian guides
  • Yoga
  • Tai chi
  • All ages story time (4:00 pm)
  • Drum circle
  • Bonfire (5:00 - 7:00 pm)
  • Food
  • New Resources and Relationships to nourish your soul
  • Planning your next retreat at Peace Tree Spirituality Center

Visit www.peacetreecenter.org for more information and a schedule of events.

Peace Tree is located just west of the Old Jamestown Mall on Lindbergh Boulevard. Call or email Jessica with questions 314.283.4697 or director@peacetreecenter.org .


The Art of Acceptance
November 18, 2017
1 :00 pm - 4:30 pm
Is there a dragon in your house, in your workplace… is there a dragon living inside of you?
Have you tried to ignore it? Asked it to go away? Yet it remains.
Acceptance can be a challenge both within and without. Let Lisa von Stamwitz guide you through story and reflection. Learn meditation tools that can lead to self-awareness gently transforming you and your dragon.

Lisa von Stamwitz is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality and training in Spiritual Direction from Seattle University. Her background is in church ministry and parish nursing, as well as professional storytelling. In her work with both individuals and groups, her focus is on sharing meditation tools that can deepen self-understanding and access inner wisdom through body/mind/spirit connections.

Click here  for more information and to register.
Questions? Contact director@peacetreecenter.org
 


.....

Mercy Center
 
The Whisperings of God: Embracing Lectio Divina (11/4),
Visio Divina and Life Lectio (11/5)
Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5, 2017
Registration 8:30 A.M. Program 9:00 A.M.—3:30 P.M.
Presenter: Mary Katherine Doyle, RSM is the Novice Minister for the Sisters of Mercy Novitiate.
Cost for both days, including registration: $120; Cost for single day: $60 (lunch included)
Total payment due October 20.

.....


Tree House

One Day Mini-Retreat
Inner Healing 101
Saturday, October 21 
9:00 am-4:00 pm
Cost: $50.
Call 314.269.3657 for information or financial assistance.
Sts. Clare & Francis Ecumenical Catholic Community
204 E. Lockwood Avenue
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Click here for a PDF flyer.


Prayer Circles  
 
First Wednesday of the month
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Sts. Clare & Francis Ecumenical Catholic Community
204 E. Lockwood Avenue
Webster Groves, 63119

Third Wednesday of the month
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Library Headquarters
East Room
St. Louis County Library
1640 S. Lindbergh Boulevard
Frontenac, MO 63131
  random sightings
 wisdom...reflection...insight...amusement
Telescope
Parish Council News

To see Parish Council meeting minutes or the Parish Constitution and Bylaws, click the appropriate link:



 
Members 
(click name to contact by e-mail) : 

Ecumenical Catholic Communion


ECC Financials

Balance Sheet , June 30, 2017

IE Statement , June 30, 2017

ECC Midwest Partner Communities 
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Chicago, Illinois
Little Rock, Arkansas
Tulsa, Oklahoma 
  All Saints ECC
Our Mission Church
 
We meet at:
Trinity United Church of Christ
47 North Douglas Avenue
Belleville, IL 62220
 
Our Metro East ECC Mission Church meets every Sunday at 9:30  am. 
Our chapel is in the lower level of Trinity UCC.
 
Directions from St. Louis: 
Hwy. 64 East to Exit 12; 
RIGHT onto #159/IL St. Continue 5 miles to Douglas Ave.
(railroad crossing)
LEFT on Douglas Ave. to church.
 
For information, contact:
Rev. Frank Krebs (314.740.1160) or Rev. Kay Schmitt (314.620.9511). Contact Kay if you wish to ride with her.
All are welcome.
General Info

Want to get connected and involved? Start by taking a look at our  Ministries Brochure  or check out our website at www.scfecc.org . 
  
The Parish Office  is located at Eden Theological Seminary, 483 East Lockwood, Suite 3, St. Louis, MO 63119.  
Frank  or Jim are available for appointments. You can also reach Frank at 314.740.1160 or Jim at 314.896.0125.
 
To Schedule Meetings at Peace UCC:
 
Contact Kelly, the church secretary, to get it on their calendar.   
314.968.1727
 
Matthew 25
The Matthew 25 Fund helps members in our community who need financial assistance. All information concerning the people with whom we work is held in the strictest confidence. If you would like to contribute to this fund, make your check payable to Matthew 25, and place it in the collection basket. If you need assistance from the fund, contact  Peggy Montgomery . 
 
We have a SafeChurch Policy to protect our children and other vulnerable populations .
The Sts. Clare & Francis
Lands’ End Store
In partnership with Lands’ End, you can now purchase clothing and other items embroidered with the Sts. Clare & Francis logo (below). Just follow the link above. If you have any questions, please contact Suzanne.schloemann@gmail.com .  
Fundraising

Please keep our Schnucks E-Scrip fund raiser in mind when you shop. If you don't already have an E-Scrip card, please call Marilyn Tenholder (314.323.1467) and she will get one to you. There is no charge and all you have to do is activate it by either a phone call or by going online. Simply show the card when you check out and a percentage of your purchase cost will be rebated back to Sts. Clare & Francis. Thank you!!
Sts. Clare & Francis offers information about other organizations and activities as a way of providing information that we feel is useful or relevant to our members and to the public. As an Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) organization, Sts. Clare & Francis is required to abide by certain rules. Sts. Clare & Francis is absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Sts. Clare & Francis is also prohibited from devoting a substantial part of its activities to attempting to influence legislation. As a result of these rules, we do not specifically endorse these organizations or activities nor do they specifically represent the views of Sts. Clare & Francis, to the extent that doing so would jeopardize Sts. Clare & Francis' standing as a Section 501(c)(3) organization.
If you have an item that you wish to submit for publication in the Weekly News, please send it to Steve Campbell  no later than noon on Wednesday of the week you would like it to appear. If you cannot send an e-mail, you may contact Steve at 314.603.9991.
Sts. Clare & Francis ECC
Church : 204 East Lockwood Avenue | St. Louis | MO|63119
Office : 483 East Lockwood Ave. | Suite 3 | St. Louis | MO | 63119