Message from Jude+

Hello to all of you. I wish you a Holy Lent on this first Lenten weekend. In some ways, this whole year has felt a bit like Lent, where our usual lives have been restricted and we have had to slow down and do without many of the things we love. But our season of Holy Lent is about more than that. It is a time of prayer, a time of taking stock of how we live our lives as Christians. Lent includes becoming intentional about what we eat as a way to remember those who struggle to find enough to eat. Lent is a time to listen again to Jesus teach us about how to love others as ourselves. Lent is an opportunity to become more aware of what we do in the name of love and what we do not. Lent is not to be a particularly somber time, but rather a spiritual time of prayer, repentance, forgiveness and love.

Below is more information about our Lenten Series beginning on March 3rd. I hope you will read about it all and mark your calendars for the four Wednesday evenings !!!

Blessings,
Jude+, 310-375 4617 x225, cell 310-701-5966.
Lenten Series - The Road to the Cross

Dr. Bill Creasy will lead us through the last days of Jesus, from his entrance into Jerusalem to his crucifixion on the cross. Six video presentations will be followed by four live 90 minute zoom discussions with Jude+ and Dr. Creasy. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and discuss the most profound moments in our walk of faith with someone who has devoted his life to bringing the fruits of his study, travel and teaching to students all over the world.
Look for the video links in the enews and on the website. You can watch them any time and as often as you would like !!!

I have known Bill for over forty years. When I met him, he was an English professor at UCLA and also taught a course called “5 Years Through the Bible” at various churches on the Westside of Los Angeles. I met him originally because I taught with his wife, Lynetter, and taught both their sons, Adam and Jonathan. Knowing very little about the Bible, I decided to attend his classes at St. Monica’s church in Santa Monica, and it was, in fact, life changing. I credit Bill with being one of the influences that led me back to church, and ultimately into the priesthood.

Bill grew up in coal country in Pennsylvania, served in the marine corps for 6 years, returned to school, converted to catholicism, and eventually earned his Ph.d. in English, learning Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic along the way. He was a professor at UCLA for 30 years. He is also an accomplished scuba diver and mountaineer, among other things! If you wish to see his full bio, click here.

The series is open to all, and you do not need to register, but it would be helpful if you could let me know if you are planning to attend, just so I can get some idea about it. Tell your friends!!

I so look forward, with joy, to spending time with you in this study and reflection series.
Jude+

And Here is Your Lent Devotional for 2021
For each of the last five years, the congregation and clergy of St. Francis have created a deeply personal daily guide for Lent. Each contribution is in response to the daily readings assigned by the Common Lectionary for the Lenten Season. The thoughtful reflections published in these booklets have been at the center of a Lenten practice for many in our community, and we hope that this year these writings will continue to challenge and inspire.
Dear St. Francis Family,

As we begin our Lenten journey together, I am inspired by prayers of gratitude for all the blessings that being part of our parish has brought to my life over 2 decades. I have been reflecting on all the people who give so much of themselves to create our wonderful community of faithful.

One group of people that I am especially grateful for is the staff of St. Francis, who have been tireless in doing a tremendous variety of tasks to make sure that our community continues to thrive in pandemic times. This small group of exceptionally dedicated staff members support the people-young and old, the programs, the clergy, the campus, and the music, moving with a quiet force that is a true blessing to us all. As you spend time in prayer this Lent won’t you consider joining me in reflecting on all that happens behind the scenes to make church and worship what they are and in asking God’s blessings for those unsung heroes who give so much to us?

I’d also like to share my gratitude for the blessing of Jude+. St. Francis is a rare parish in having a full-time Associate Rector and even rarer still to have one as talented and loving as Jude+. We are fortunate beyond measure to have such wonderful pastoral support during our transition. I hope that you will find time to pray or study with her, it will bless you immensely.

Finally, I am grateful for each of you. St. Francis is a parish filled with devoted stewards of God’s mission for us. Thank you all for the innumerable ways you give of your time, talents, treasure and prayer. Each of you contributes to the beautiful mosaic that is our St. Francis family.

Peace,
Senior Warden
Help Habitat for Humanity as Part of your Lenten Practice
This year, as we can't use our hands, we will use our hearts and souls to support this wonderful cause. Here is how you can donate if you would like to:
(Click the Donate button, not Register)
For more information on Habitat here are two links for your interest:
  1. Covid-19 Emergency Relief Website
  2. Video on the work of Habitat for Humanity
Watch Our Services Live via Facebook
You do not need to have a Facebook page to view our content. Just click here to view our page. If you don't have a facebook account, or have forgotten how to log into it, just ignore any prompts to log in etc. The page should be visible to anyone. Still having trouble? Email Susan Marshall, for help.

Weekly Worship - all via our Facebook page
  • Sunday Readings, Music, Sermon, and Spiritual Communion – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Worship bulletins are here.
  • Compline (prayer for the evening) - Monday, Wednesday and Friday Evenings, 7:00 p.m.
Livestreams are also saved to our Facebook page, so you can watch again at any time if you miss one. Plus our sermons are also available as separate audio recordings here.

Other Offerings and Meetings
Zoom groups -
Road Work Warning - we are working on the back road up from the parking lot, so for the time being, do not try to drive up there to park behind the Chapel.
Do you need help of any kind?
Physical, Spiritual, Psychological, Material?
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 Jude+ at any time.

If you are in a position to do so, (only if - no guilt), you may also donate to Jude+'s Discretionary Fund to help those at St. Francis in financial need. Send checks to 2200 Via Rosa, PVE 90274, made out to St. Francis Church, with 'Associate Rector's Discretionary Fund' in the memo line. Thank you!

Email Jude+, 310-701-5966.
Simplify Your Giving!
Use automatic bill pay for your pledge to St. Francis. You choose the payment frequency and date that works for you.

Look for Bill Pay or similar when you’ve logged in to online banking. Then add St. Francis as a new payee. You don’t need the church bank details - only the address and phone number: St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274. 310 375 4617. And thank you!!
View or download our bulletins - bulletins will be posted in time for livestreaming.

Sunday's Sermon

Contacts:
The Rev. Jude Lyons, 310-375 4617 x225, cell 310-701-5966.
You are not interrupting our work - you ARE our work!