As is God's way, I was inspired to preach a sermon last Sunday that invited a Christian response in this season of a charged political climate. The sermon was not political but rather a call for each of us to be the light of Christ we can be. I invite you to listen to the sermon. The responses I received were so positive that I believe by listening to the sermon we are aware of an important movement of grace and can discern together how to foster acceptance of our diversity inside and outside our church and to vision ways to move forward in love.
This is the sermon link - click to listen
(the Gospel reading precedes the sermon in the recording). 
With love and care for each of you,
Paula+
The Different Ways Christians and Jews Read Prophets
Dawn's annual Interfaith Bible Lecture
This Sunday February 12, 7:30pm   Rolling Hills United Methodist Church, 26438 Crenshaw Blvd.
Some portions of the Hebrew Bible are read similarly by Christians and Jews while others are viewed completely differently, and the books of the prophets are perhaps the most divergent of all. This difference is not often presented and analyzed, so it will be a very special informative evening when two respected Biblical scholars and teachers will do so. Bob Rothman will moderate the discussion as Prof. Daniel Smith-Christopher, Loyola Marymount University, and Prof. Marvin Sweeney, Claremont School of Theology, both of whom are widely published and lecture internationally, will make this a memorable evening of Biblical insight. There is no charge for the 90 minute program. For any questions call  (310) 833-7008 .   
Sacred Conversations 
Next Sunday February 19, Board Room, After Both Services
Are you a good listener? How does one seek to understand another person? What are the ingredients of sacred conversations? Rev. Peter will teach this adult education class on the art of sacred conversations.
Donate your "Treasures" to the SFOSF
Designs for Dining Silent Auction! Donations due by Tomorrow - Friday, Feb 10 
Do you have lovely party platters taking up space in your cupboards?  Did you pick up the latest kitchen gadget and it is still sitting in the box?  Or, did you receive gift cards to restaurants or local service vendors that will go unused?  Well, you can donate your items to the Designs for Dining Silent Auction!  We are looking for entertainment related items and gift certificates to include in our Silent Auction benefiting the St. Francis Outreach Scholarship Fund.  Donations should be in good condition suitable for auction.  We will provide you with a receipt for tax purposes.  Please email or call Mary Deley 424/212-9958   -  thank you for your support! 
Confirmation at St Francis
May 21, 2017 - Adults And Teens
On Sunday, May 21, Bishop Diane will be in our parish to celebrate Eucharist with us, preach and administer the sacrament of Confirmation at 10am. Confirmation is a "public affirmation and commitment to the responsibilities of Baptism" and it is a renewal of a commitment to Jesus Christ. The teen and adult Confirmation are separate programs that explore an understanding of the Baptismal Covenant and what it is to be in the Episcopal branch of Christianity.  
'reception' into the episcopal church
(adults who have been confirmed in another denomination)
If you received the sacrament of confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church or Lutheran Church, on May 21, you can be "received" into the Episcopal Church by the bishop. Those who want to be received into our church will participate in two preparation sessions.  Another opportunity for renewal of your faith is the "reaffirmation of baptismal vows."
Please contact Paula+ if you have any questions or would like to register for any of the above.
Organ Fundraising Campaign
At our Annual Meeting in January, we launched a campaign to raise funds to repair and upgrade our 50 year old church organ. The repair and upgrade of the organ is about $150,000.  We have received promises of $25,390 so far. We are on our way! If you have already designated a donation, THANK YOU.
Your generous gift will help us continue being worthy stewards of our musical heritage!
Please make cheques payable to St Francis Church, with Church Organ Fund in the memo line, and drop in the collection plate, or with Mary in the church office, or mail to Elaine Mistele, St Francis Church, 2200 via Rosa, PVE, CA 90274.
Or email Elaine to ask about electronic gift or credit card donations. Many thanks. 
Coming Up!
Designs for Dining 
St Francis Scholarship Outreach Fundraiser - Friday February 24
NEW this year - 5:30 - 7:30pm - social with music and food.
Parking  - Could you help be a parking assistant Friday morning any time between 9:00am and 12:45pm? You will be fully trained. Please call Cheryl Gutierrez at (310) 791-7038 or Robin Pano (310) 779-0486 .
If you are working a shift, please use street parking north of Paseo de la Playa (north of the upper parking lot).  There is plenty of parking with no time restrictions. Of course you may park to drop off items, but then please re-park. We need our on-site parking for guests.  Some years guests have been unable to attend, simply because they couldn't park! Thank you!
Staffing - There will be staffing lists in the office and kitchen.  If you'd like to volunteer, please call the office and leave your name, and someone will contact you.
Food Donations - We are very grateful for donations of cookies, bars, brownies etc.  Please bring to the kitchen either Feb. 23 or 24.  Frozen items may be brought sooner-please label them for Designs for Dining. Questions - call Janet Laudeman, (310)316-7493.
Invitations and Flyers
Pick up an invitation for yourself or to share with neighbors and friends.  There are also flyers to take to a business that you frequent.  We need all the advertising that we can get. Thank you!
Click here for your flyer... 
Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Diocesan Annual Meeting
Becca Stevens of Thistle Farms will keynote 
Friday and Saturday February 24 & 25, All Saints Church, Pasadena.
Friday evening's speakers will be the National ECW president and the Diocesan Girls Friendly president. On Saturday, the keynote speaker is the Rev. Becca Stevens, founder and president of Thistle Farms. This organization is run by and for survivors of human trafficking and prostitution. There is a registration fee. Click here for full details...
A car pool is forming or contact Anna Eakins at 310-297-0701.
SAGES on the Move! - Upcoming Art Gallery Tour  
Chen Art Gallery, Torrance*. 
Thursday, March 2nd, at 1:45pm. Free. 
SAGES (Senior Group of Episcopalians) and friends - visit perhaps the best kept secret in the South Bay! The Chen Art Gallery holds 500 Chinese art pieces from 2100 BC to 1911 AD.  See exquisite examples of Chinese furniture, jade, bronze, snuff bottles, porcelain, and more. Please sign-up in the church office.  If interested in a self-pay lunch nearby with other SAGES, please check the "lunch box" on the sign up sheet - details to follow.  There are no seats or benches in the gallery so please feel free to bring your walkers, rollators, portable stools, and wheel chairs, and join other SAGES and friends for a memorable afternoon at this free museum.
Meet inside the lobby and advise the receptionist that you are part of the 2:00pm Chen Gallery tour for St. Francis, arranged by Hank Gatlin.
*located inside Sunrider International at 1625 Abalone Avenue, Torrance. 
Click here for map.  
VBS: Be a part of God's Heroes! 
Sunday, March 19 after 10am service
I am looking for 10-15 adults/college youth to help lead in various capacities before, during and after our week-long VBS that will happen from JUNE 26-JUNE 30 in the mornings.

We need to meet in MARCH to begin the planning of this worthwhile ministry to our children and our neighbors.   Please come to the boardroom for a brief meeting to get the creative juices flowing!
If you cannot make it on that day, but are interested in volunteering, let Kate Buchen know.

Sermons and Bulletins
Worship Bulletins online.
Sermons Online Archive
Paula+ -  readings for February 5 - Epiphany 5
note - sermon recordings may be preceded by the reading of the Gospel for that week.
Episcopal Weekly Update February 12 - news from the Diocese.

Need a prayer, or to talk with the clergy?
Email Mo. Paula, 310-375 4617 x223
Email Rev. Peter, 310-375 4617 x225.  
 
You are not interrupting our work - you ARE our work!
10am coffee hour- bring your favorite snacks!
Many thanks to the Friars (men's group), for sponsoring coffee hour for this year-but they'd still love some help with taking a plate home and bringing it back the following week with goodies to share! Thank you!

Electronic Giving at St. Francis
Give by checking account, credit or debit card.
Prioritize your finances, helping you give to God's mission first.
Help you manage your giving, and access your giving account at your convenience.
Questions about our electronic giving?
Email Elaine Mistele. Or call her at the church office at 310 375 4617.
Moved? Changed your Name?
New email or phone #?
Please send new details to the Mary in the office at 310 375-4617.