What's Happening!
Christmas Worship and Celebrations!
Sunday, Dec. 23
NEW 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services— “Lessons and Carols” with Holy Communion , Chapel for both.
11:30 a.m. – Christmas Caroling with hot chocolate and cookies in the Parish Hall.

Monday, Dec. 24—Christmas Eve
4:00 p.m., Children’s Pageant with Holy Communion - any child can pick out a costume and be in the pageant.
8:15 p.m., Choral Prelude.
9:00 p.m., Candlelit Holy Communion.

Tuesday, Dec. 25—Christmas Day
10:00 a.m., Holy Communion, Chapel.
Next Sunday—December 23
Cookie And Caroling Time!
Join us for our fourth Sunday Family Coffee Hour on Sunday, December 23rd. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the season with Christmas cookies, hot cocoa and caroling! Bring your favorite holiday cookies to share while enjoying some fellowship with other families and parishioners at St. Francis! Wear your favorite Christmas sweater if you’d like!
Christmas Pageant Time and all children and youth are invited to participate!
Our Christmas Pageant will take place on Monday, December 24th at 4pm, as a part of the St. Francis Family Christmas Eve Service! If your child would like to participate, you can pick up a costume after the 10:00 a.m. service in the Parish Hall this Sunday, December 16th, next Sunday, December 23rd, or at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 24th, just before the service begins. Who wants to be an angel, a shepherd, an animal, or just wants to be a part of the story in a costume?! All are welcome to come and help celebrate Christmas and the arrival of Jesus!
California Fire Relief
For all who have been asking how we can help those affected by the recent devastating wildfires in California, the best way we can offer support is to send money (please do not send physical items). There are a couple of ways:
One is through our own Diocese’s fire fund -  www.edlagives.org .  
The Diocese of Northern California has their own similar fund - http://www.norcalepiscopal.org/disaster-relief
Thank you for your generosity and prayers for all of those affected by the fires.
Help for Mama Hill’s Help
If you would like to donate a gift card or check made out to Mama Hill’s Help this year, you may place the gift card or check in an envelope marked Mama Hill’s and send it or leave it in the office in the Outreach Box (Gayle Taylor). Alternatively, you can place it in an envelope to be picked up during the offering on Sundays. Gift cards and checks will be accepted until December 23. Questions? Email Susan Egan.
Thank you for Pledging!
Please continue turning in your pledges as soon as possible - it helps so much to plan ahead for 2019. Please consider pledging if you haven’t before and increasing your pledge if you are able. Let’s keep supporting the mission of St. Francis. Thanks to everyone for your generosity. Can't find your pledge form? Download one here...
Vestry Nomination Time
Please pray about nominating yourself or someone else to be on our Vestry, the governing board of our parish. We share in the mission and leadership of our parish through our variety of gifts. Please talk to one of the Vestry members or Paula+ about this rewarding service. (The Vestry meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and is a 3 year commitment. Election of 4 new Vestry members will take place at our January Annual Meeting.) Gratefully, Paula+
Sound System Update
Thankfully our wonderful St. Francis Sound Ministry have been able to restore our system in plenty of time for Christmas, after some mischievous elves caused a few difficulties with our speakers last Sunday at 10am worship! If you had trouble hearing the sermon, you can listen clearly here.
Staff Vacations and Pastoral Care Information
Paula+ will be on vacation Dec. 26-Jan 1 . Peter+’s cell is 626 375 1446. If there is a pastoral emergency please call Rev. Laurel, our transitional deacon, who can respond locally to a pastoral emergency. Laurel’s cell is 310 562 5746.
Hank Gatlin, our Coordinator for Shared Ministries, will be away from the office, Dec. 26 – Jan. 3
Rev. Laurel will be away from the office, Jan. 2-5.
 
Office Hours over Christmas and New Year
December 26—28—9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
December 31 and Jan 1—closed.
Estate Sale
6 cabinets available for purchase $25 each. Great for kids room or hobby sewing room. Call Gloria to see 310-375-8916
Other News, and Coming Up!
Lenten Devotionals - You Can Contribute...
Due to overwhelmingly positive responses, Peter Huang & Kristina Pel á are heading up the creation of a Lenten Devotional Booklet for 2019 and we ask that YOU consider writing a submission.  No writing experience necessary!  All you need is a willing heart to try something new … Please contact Kristina Pelá via e-mail , text (310-941-2498) or home phone (310-375-9823) with your interest or any questions you may have. Lent begins March 6 2019.
Ordination Announcement
Laurel Eileen Coote
Saturday, January, 12, 2019, 10:00 a.m.,
St. John's Pro-Cathedral 514 West Adams Boulevard
Our very own Rev. Laurel has been serving with us here at St. Francis for the last six months as a Transitional Deacon, and in just a few weeks, she will be ordained a priest! The formal announcement is found below and all are welcome to attend to support Laurel on her ordination day.
God willing and the people consenting, The Right Reverend Diane Jardine Bruce, Bishop Suffragan , will ordain Laurel Eileen Coote to the Sacred Order of Priests in Christ's One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Your prayers and presence are requested. Valet parking available and a reception will follow.
Ongoing Spiritual Groups
Meditation Group - Thursday Mornings, 9-10:00 a.m. Nason Chapel, main church. No charge.
Yoga - Monday mornings 9:30 a.m. and Wednesday mornings 8:45 a.m. Free-will offering.
Sermons and Bulletins Online
S unday Worship Bulletins - download your bulletin to your phone or tablet and help us save the planet!
Sermons Online Archive



Email Paula+, 310-375 4617 x223
Email Peter+, 310-375 4617 x225. 
Email Rev. Laurel , 310-375 4617 x226
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Questions? Email Elaine Mistele. Or call her at the church office at 310 375 4617.

Moved? Changed your Name?
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Please send new details to Mary in the office at 310 375-4617.