We are amid the Dog Days of Summer – much of the country is experiencing extreme heat and forest fires, COVID is resurgent with the Delta variant, and we all face uncertainty about the future. But through it all we claim the promise of God: “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Truly, God is strengthening St Francis. I am continually impressed by the talent, commitment, and devotion demonstrated by this parish. Thank you all for the many ways you contribute to this dynamic community of faith.  

This edition of our e-news highlights some of the great things happening at St Francis.

This Sunday’s focus is praising God through music. We have enjoyed the recorded versions of our choir anthems over the summer and look forward to the return of our choir in a few weeks. Our guest cantor/soloist this week will be Femi Knight. She will be socially distanced while singing. Please join us for this special celebration service.

Your profile committee held initial planning meetings and is hard at work on their various tasks. Over the next several weeks you can expect to hear about opportunities for you to provide input including a parish survey and a history day. Please pray for this team helping to prepare our church for the future.

Get Connected Sunday is scheduled for September 19. This special day will celebrate our various ministries and give you an opportunity to explore how you can get involved. All St Francis members and friends are invited to this celebration that will conclude with a food truck fellowship meal. Mark your calendar for this one – you don’t want to miss it!

Our children’s Sunday School is scheduled to start on Sunday, September 26. Six amazing volunteers have stepped up to help but we could use more. Want to know how you can help? Please call Kristina Pela for information.

The rumors are true – we are planning a rummage sale! Unfortunately, due to COVID we have slipped this to the right, hopefully in the latter part of October. Please do not bring any donation items to the church, we are out of storage space. If possible, please hold donation items at home and we will let you know when we are able to receive them. Thank you for your understanding and generous support.

Interim Priest

Youth Group is on hiatus over the Summer. Our first session of the new program year will be Sunday, September 26 at 4:00pm.

Youth Group is open to all Middle and High School students.

Learn more about Youth Group at St. Francis on our website or contact Wayne Hastings.

Confirmation classes will begin soon!

If you wish to be confirmed or received into The Episcopal Church, contact the church office at 310-375-4617 or email Jerry+. for details.

For general information about Confirmation in The Episcopal Church, go here.

Memorial Service in remembrance of those we lost on 9/11/01, and those we have lost in the last 18 months, featuring the beautiful Requiem by Johannes Brahms.

Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 4:00 PM

St. Peter’s By The Sea Presbyterian Church

6410 Palos Verdes Drive South

Rancho Palos Verdes

Featuring a 70-voice choir from the community and chamber orchestra conducted by Dr. Jeannie Cobb.

St. Francis has been helping feed and clothe the homeless in Long Beach for many years. During Covid, St. Luke’s received a lot of clothing donations, but those are almost exhausted now. If you wish to help out, ask friends and neighbors for donations, or go online to buy packages of underwear and socks.

You can leave the donations in the St. Francis office, or contact Gayle Taylor at gaylentaylor@gmail.com or text at 310-413-2083. She will take donations to Long Beach.

Especially Needed Items that are Best Purchased Online

Clothes should not be ragged or torn because there are no resources for mending them.

Please also see the letter from Gail Mutke, coordinator of the program for the homeless at St. Luke’s. (Download: Shower Program Update July 2021 PDF) St. Francis will continue to provide food on the third Saturday of odd-numbered months. Contact Gayle Taylor if you wish to help.

8:00 a.m. - Rite I in person worship in the Chapel.

10:00 a.m. - Rite II in person worship in the main church with music.

10:00 am Sunday worship will continue to be live streamed on Facebook and YouTube, and available for watching later.

Please contact Kristina Pelá to arrange for a Lay Eucharistic Minister to safely bring you communion.

Our Facebook Live Compline service is held on Tuesday and Friday at 7:00 pm for the month of August.

Live on the St Francis Facebook Page.

What is Compline anyway? Read more here.

Our Tuesday Bible Study team are working on plans for a new program series.

Email Suellen Eslinger or Jack Hailwood for details.

We are here to do our best to help you with whatever you may need. We know circumstances are difficult for many at this time. For help of any kind, or just for a Zoom or Facetime or phone call, please email or call Jerry+ at any time.

You are not interrupting our work - you ARE our work!

Peter and Susan Marshall will both be away for the next few weeks, attending the wedding of their daughter Zoë in DC, and then (travel regulations permitting) visiting their mothers in the UK. All for the first time reuniting since the pandemic began.

A huge thank you to everyone who is stepping in to cover for Susan.

Enews is sent weekly on Thursday afternoon: email Wayne with your requests.

The church office is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The office is closed on Fridays.

Click here for The Episcopal News Update for August 15, 2021