eClare

 

News from
 St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church 
Blue Hill ~ Maine
 
March 23, 2018    


-Spring is "officially" here!

(Photo with thanks to Joe Lendvai) 

I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers, and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen.--- Anne Lamott




St. Francis By The Sea

 
T he Calendar 

Sunday
Worship Service
10 AM
***
Thursday
5 PM Choir

 
March 25
10 am

March 297 pm
 March 30
 Noon
(The Congregational Church
Blue Hill)



Saturday, March 31
7 pm


Sunday, April 1
10 am

We pray for
Barbara Billings
Claudia
Daniel 
Dianne
Edward Dufresne 
Brinley Hall
Dorine Harris
Joseph
Kaden 
Jennifer Hulsey  
Corinne Pert
Cal Peters
Chris Ramsay
John Remick
Diana Robson
Linda Slaven
Jane Story
Lauri Vainio
Galen Vainio

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


Those with March Birthdays
Julie Boardman
Mary Boyd
Libby Buck
Ambrose Chung
Jennifer Coolidge
Suzanne Decrow
David Falck
Steve Hayward
Fred Heilner
Prudy Heilner
Jane Heizmann
Billy Love
Ed Manuel
Melanie Moore
Pam Peters
Maren Rosborough
Peter Smith
Colleen Spangler
Jillian Weed
Gerald Wheeler
Bob Wilson



St. Francis' traditional Salt Bowl is available now and throughout the Lenten Season. All are welcome any weekday morning (Tuesday-Friday) or after worship services on Sundays. 



AS LENT COMES TO A CLOSE...






 



St. Francis by the Sea
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 29
 - 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service will be held to
commemorate Jesus' last supper with his friends (John 13:34). Following the  ancient tradition, based on Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet, the congregation  will be offered the option to participate in having their feet washed as well. The  service ends on a poignant note as the congregation recites Psalm 22 in unison  "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" as the altar and all decorative  furnishings are removed and the lights go dim; communicants will leave in silence.

Friday, March 30
  - Noon at the Blue Hill Congregational Church. The two  churches will be joining for The Good Friday Ecumenical Service. It will be held to  commemorate Jesus' crucifixion. Join us for a deeply meaningful service of The  Stations of the Cross. Using the various medium of art, music, prayers and  meditation, this service enables participants to walk the final steps of Jesus on his
way to the cross, without ever leaving their seats.

Saturday, March 31
 - 7 p.m. Easter Vigil. The service begins in darkness as the  new light of Christ's radiance is ignited marking Jesus' passing over from death to  life. It is by this light that the sacred story of God's saving acts are told, and  prayers and praises are offered. Drawing on this ancient tradition therefore, this  service becomes the first Eucharistic celebration of Jesus's resurrection at Easter.

Sunday, April 1- 10  a.m. Easter Sunday. A Festival Eucharist will be held as the  high point of the week. Jesus' resurrection will be celebrated with word, special  music and flowers symbolizing Christ's new life among us.


Easter Flowers are a really big part of our Easter Morning Festival Service. If you would like to contribute, honor a loved one, or gift in memory, please contact the church office.

Flower forms can be found in the narthex and downstairs in the parish hall.

 




Guest Speaker,  Jim Bergin, Volunteers for Hancock County Jail Residents (VHJR) spoke to Outreach last week. 


Everyone was fascinated with Jim's information about the jail. We hope to be able to invite him and his wife, Judy Garvey, to a future Sunday Forum so that the congregation can learn about this important mission and the opportunities to become involved.

 


 
Positive changes have been made in the jail administration that are expected to be helpful to the inmates and VHJR. Programs that had been discontinued, such as Carla's popular art program, will be re-instituted.


 
St. Francis has had a long history supporting VHJR both with monetary donations and volunteers, such as our choir performing Christmas carols for the inmates.

*****


March/April Needs for the Tree of Life:  

Now that St. Francis has stocked the shelves with dental items at TOL, it is time to move on to other essential items not covered by SNAP: hair products. Items needed include shampoo, conditioner, barrettes, combs, brushes....anything to do with hair.  The dental items were (and continue to be) very much appreciated....as are the diapers which we shall continue to collect. On behalf of the Outreach committee, thank you so very much for your generosity. --Sue Grindle

 
An opportunity which is proving to be a great success for those who have had these windows installed!  Thank you, Ray Yardy, for all your work on this! Please share this with your friends and neighbors. Ray is available with details and this new poster!


 
Sent along from the Decrows...up in snow country!

 

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!!!