APRIL 29, 2018
ST. FRANCIS WEEKLY WORD NEWSLETTER

My Word

 I About the fourth or fifth Week of the Easter season, it begins to hit. Jesus is raised from the dead, the Disciples have run to tell folks the news, and now what? Or as a (non believing) friend of mine says, “think the resurrection is real? Look out the window.” I suspect he means that somehow life goes on, and what has changed?

But something has changed, something so small and yet so real, that just as a lever makes just a slight adjustment, it builds and builds. You and I are part of that ongoing change. Have you heard the quote “Be the change you want to see in the world?” I would also phrase it, “Be the Resurrection that we so often proclaim.”

So many folks think of resurrection solely as something that happens after we die, and I will clearly and definitely sign up for that part. But resurrection is also the way that the world works. Things get old, come to their fruition, and then yield the very seed that is their continuation. Don’t believe me? Look at the weeds in my garden. Or more importantly, look at how often we get up and get going again, after having fallen or stumbled.

Yes, the world has changed since the Resurrection of Jesus, because I’ve changed. We have changed, and that change is not just for the better, but for the salvation of the world.

We are Resurrection People!

-Fr David
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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)
WHAT'S GOING ON AT ST.FRANCIS?
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
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.
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
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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.

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COLLECT FOR THE FOURTH
SUNDAY OF THE EASTER SEASON

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of 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, April 29
  • Holy Eucharist Rite II

Thursday, May 3
  • 9:00am: Garden Day

Friday, May 4


Saturday, May 5



Sunday, May 6
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.

BITTER HERBS
( PROSTRATE ROSEMARY )


That night the meat is to be roasted, and eaten with bitter herbs and with bread made without yeast.
VESTRY WISH LIST ITEMS:
Looking for a way to help around the parish?

Tell a vestry member if you would like to take care of this, or if you would like to pitch in towards it, let Frances know:

  • AED (automatic external defibrillator) (about $1,700—talk to Heidi)
THANK YOUS TO:

  • Mickey Kerr, who has taken over round up duty of the labyrinth, chapel walks and parking lot and other odd bits. We are looking great!

  • Jeff Callin and Tom Miller for stump and sucker discouraging duty on the Bradford Pears remains.
NEW NEW ADDRESS FOR NOAH SCHAEFER
Noah was moved, again and then again. **Sigh** Keep those cards and letters going to him. He is going to be the new kid on the block and we all know how hard that is.

Noah Schaefer
TDCJ#02178942
Smith Unit (SM) – Texas State Prison
Lamesa TX  79331-1898
DID YOU KNOW?
Perhaps many of you noticed that Barbara Bush’s funeral was at St. Martin’s in Houston, where she and her husband were active members of the congregation. But there are other famous Episcopalians:

10 FAMOUS EPISCOPALIAN PERFORMERS:

  • Robin Williams. He was raised in a parish in suburban Detroit, thought by many to have originated the phrase: Episcopalians are Catholic Lite—same rituals, half the guilt.

  • Judy Garland. Her father served as choir director for their parish in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

  • Courtney Cox Arquette. Active in St. Stephen’s Church in Birmingham, AL. At the baptism of her daughter, Coco Riley, Jennifer Aniston served as Godmother.

  • Bono. While not formally a member, he is active in both the Roman Catholic and the (Anglican) Church of Ireland. Married in a Church of Ireland service, his family attends there most often.

  • Rosanne Cash. Daughter of Johnny Cash, and a well known singer in her own right, her mother was Roman Catholic, her father a Baptist—the Episcopal church is a natural fit. Her faith shows clearly in her music.

  • Sam Waterston. Most well known for his acting roles in the TV show Law and Order. He is very active in working for the support of the General Theological Seminary in New York. 

  • Fred Astaire. Confirmed at Church of the Transfiguration in New York, he was later active in All Saints’ Beverly Hills.

  • Judy Collins. Her version of Amazing Grace was a Top 20 hit. Chelsea Clinton is named after one of her songs. Married at St. John the Divine in New York City, she is often seen there for quiet times of prayer.

  • Cecil B. DeMille. Perhaps one of the most successful filmmakers in history, his father was a Lay Reader, and he was active in St. Stephen’s church in Hollywood. His funeral was held there. The stone tablets used in the movie The 10 Commandments were on display at St. Stephen’s for many years.

  • David Hyde Pierce. May be best known for his role in the long-running TV program Fraiser, he spent some time as the organist at Bethesda Episcopal Church, located in Saratoga Springs, NY.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May Events
MAY 4–6:
Discovery Retreat. Have you felt a call to leadership or ordination?

The Discovery Retreat is a weekend gathering about discovering how God-given gifts and talents might be used in the mission of the Church. The retreat is open to all confirmed members of EDOT who wish to take the time and make a commitment to discern their vocation.

For more info on the retreat click here. Download the brochure . To register, visit  this page . RSVP taken until last minute.
FRIDAYS, MAY 4–25: 10:00-11:00AM
Forming Adult Christians Online Workshop

Christian Formation is a life-long endeavor, yet the church often drops the ball after Confirmation. In this discussion-based workshop we will study techniques, theory, and research, and then use these to create plans for our individual churches. If you are interested in applying, contact Rebecca Hall .

Cost: $100
Limit: limit 6 participants
SATURDAY, MAY 5:
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to Speak

All are welcome in Good Shepherd, Austin on Saturday, May 5 to hear Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to speak about discipleship. The Church will have formation opportunities leading up to this event, as well as following, centered on "Becoming Disciples." Contact the Church for more details.
SATURDAY, MAY 5:
Woman to Woman Retreat
St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church,

Learning to dance with God through the pain isn’t easy. The dance steps won’t make the pain go away like a magic formula, nor does it mean there won’t be any more times of suffering. We learn to be brave because we are with the Lord of the Dance. Email Sisters of the Promise to RSVP. Space is limited, so hurry!
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. 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:
Backyard BBQ



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

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
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:
Sharon Hughes & Lyn Miller                                 

Readers :
Cole Mooney & John Dieter

Acolytes:
Garrett Mooney & Noelle Dieter

Ushers :
Frank Pugliese & Bob Henry

Hospitality :
Len & Ruth Henry            
                              
Children's Chapel:
Shelley Smith & Peggy Hughes
Vestry Greeter:  
Ann Chastang


Organist:
Debra Johnson

MAY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
APRIL 29 ANNIVERSARY
Larry & Rose Bednarczyk
MAY 1 BIRTHDAY
Andre Avots
MAY 1 BIRTHDAY
      Jana Deakins
MAY 1 ANNIVERSARY
Jamey & Jan Wilson
MAY 2 BIRTHDAY
Jilene Gendron
MAY 5 BIRTHDAY
R
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
Make sure to take some time to walk around the gardens, see if you can find the three plants we have featured so far: Aloe, Sweet Gum and Bitter Herbs.