What's Happening! Readings for December 15 - 3rd Sunday of Advent Trouble viewing email? Open as Webpage.

Meeting the Episcopal Church for the First Time - "Jesus - more than a Christmas Baby?" This Sunday - 15 December, after both services, Board Room led by Paula+, Jude, and Hank Come to this timely Adult Christian Formation session to deepen your Advent journey and remember what is truly at the heart of the Christmas message.

Pottery Barn Christmas Shopping Fun Trip TOMORROW - Friday, December 13, 9:00 am (one hour before store opens). Support the St Francis Scholarship Outreach Fund Pottery Barn Rolling Hills Estates Come along to a private hour in the store, with refreshments and discounts. A perfect prelude to all the Christmas festivities. Questions? Contact Cheryl Gutierrez.

Free Workshop for Mothers of Anxious Young Women ages 16-29 Overcoming Anxiety - 3 tools to build your girl’s courage and resilience. Monday, December 16, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Board Room In this workshop you will learn how to tame the harsh inner critic, explore how to be more joyful and brave and discover anxiety-busting lifestyle choices. The workshop is interactive with games and fun to help you learn. Refreshments served. Daughters are welcome but NOT required. RSVP required as space is limited. Alison Houghton, 310-218-8431

Avent Taizé Tuesday, December 22, 7:00 p.m. Join us for our beautiful Advent Taizé service full of seasonal music. This service, filled with music and candlelight, also provides the option for intercessory prayer with a Prayer team leader. We pray that the time will be a healing comfort for whatever you face or hold in your heart.

Next Sunday—December 22 - Lessons and Carols Next Sunday is the last Sunday of Advent. We light the last of the outer candles on our Christmas wreaths. Then enter into the full spirit of Christmas with services of lessons and carols at both 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m..

And if that’s not enough—after 10:00 a.m. worship enjoy a feast of Christmas cookies for all the family!

Remember to Return Your Pledge Cards It's that time of year! In order to plan our ministries and programs for 2020, it's very important that we have an accurate idea of our pledge income, so you can really help by returning your pledge cards - or even by becoming a new pledger - which means you pledge to give a certain amount in the coming year. Pledging can be adjusted during the year if circumstances necessitate, and you can give electronically either weekly or monthly. Click here to find out more. Download a card here, and return it to the church office as soon as you can. Your generosity matters - it's what enables St Francis to proclaim the Good News, within and beyond our walls.

Celebrate and Honor Family and Friends This Christmas - Last Chance! Contribute to the Christmas flowers and/or music which make St Francis an extra-special place at Christmas-time, and have your dedication printed in our Christmas bulletins! Give thanks, remember, and be glad! Download your form here and return to the office before Monday 16.

Last Chance to Donate to Harbor Interfaith - Christmas Food and Toy Drive Please donate by next Thursday December 19. Click here for full details. All food and toys for Christmas can be dropped off in the office. Thank you all for your generosity and support of this annual holiday collection effort!

Other News, and Coming Up!

Invite, Welcome & Connect invites YOU to be a part of this hospitable and special parish ministry. We are looking for engaging, welcoming, friendly people (which means everyone at St. Francis is eligible) to gather on the patio, the boardroom, or under the arches on Sunday mornings to welcome and engage newcomers to St. Francis. We will plan to meet quarterly, as needed, and we will have Welcome Conversations in the board room twice a year.  Part of what makes St Francis parish so special is the warm welcome, Christian fellowship and our “Big Family” atmosphere. To be “Welcomed” as part of this fun ministry, contact Hank Gatlin. Thank you and Godspeed!

You Are Invited to the Ordination to the Priesthood, of Judith Forman Lyons Saturday, January 11, 10:00 a.m. St John's Cathedral, 514 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. Your prayers and presence are requested for the above. Reception to follow.

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+

Ongoing Spiritual Groups Meditation Group - Thursday Mornings, 9:30—10:30 a.m. in the main sanctuary. No charge. Come and sit quietly with God for half an hour—however you choose to do that—followed by half an hour of bite-sized Bible Study and great conversation. All are welcome! No experience necessary! Drop-in when you can! Yoga - Monday and Wednesday mornings 9-10:30am. All Levels Hatha (open to the public, free will offering). Contact Jill Lynch for more info.

Sunday Worship Bulletins - download your bulletin to your phone or tablet and help us save the planet! Sermons Online Archive The Very Rev. Paula Vukmanic Readings for December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent Episcopal News Weekly Email Paula+, 310-375 4617 x223 Email Rev. Jude, 310-375 4617 x225. You are not interrupting our work - you ARE our work!

Support Our Ministries 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? 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 Mary in the office at 310 375-4617.