What's Happening! Readings for Second Sunday of Advent - December 9

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.

The Seasons of the Church This Sunday, December 9, after both services in the Board Room What is your favorite season of the church year? Did you know that our "church year" begins with the first Sunday of Advent (and not January 1st)? Paula+, Rev. Laurel, and Peter+ will lead this class on the liturgical calendar and the different seasons of the church year. We will talk about the different days that mark the seasons as well as other practices that help us to get into the spirit of each season.

Support Our Scholarship Fund Pottery Barn Private View and Shopping! Friday, December 7 at 9 a.m. Our annual shopping trip to Pottery Barn in Rolling Hills Estates ! Store presentations, refreshments, and discounts. It's fun, and is a great thank you for Pottery Barn's support of our scholarship fundraiser - Designs for Dining (March 1st, 2019) ! Please join us. Questions? Contact Cheryl Gutierrez (310) 791-7038.

The Crash! and eMerge Holiday Party Holiday treats, White Elephant Gift Exchange and Lots of Fun! 4pm - 6pm. What is a White Elephant Gift Exchange? With a $10 limit, each participant supplies one wrapped gift, and everyone takes turns to either unwrap a gift, or ’steal’ another’s! The game is over when everyone has a present! Can’t wait to see you!! Rev. Laurel .

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.

Sages Christmas Party Tuesday, December 11, 11:30 am - 1:15pm Parish Hall.  Lunch will be provided and our festive Christmas entertainment will be provided by the South Bay Strummers Ukulele Band featuring St. Francis parishioner Art Grant. Merry Christmas indeed! Please sign up in the church office. All welcome!

Help Harbor Interfaith On the first Thursday of every month, our Harbor Interfaith Volunteer Team works in the food pantry at Harbor Interfaith from 1:30-3:30pm packing food bags for the working poor and homeless in our community.  Our next volunteer afternoon will be Thursday, January 3rd. If interested in helping out, please contact Hank. Last but not least, Harbor Interfaith is in urgent need of toiletries to hand out to their clients. They are especially in need of toothpaste/brushes, shampoo, conditioner, bath soap or gel, deodorant, and razors & shaving cream. Thank you in advance for your generosity. All items should be placed in the Harbor Interfaith baskets, located in the narthex and the church office. Together we truly can make a difference in the lives of others! Godspeed! Plus - help a child celebrate Christmas!

A-men’s Corner - Mens' Fellowship Group Next Wednesday, December 12th, from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at the Corner Bakery, 1868 S. Pacific Coast Highway Come join Peter+ and Canon Hank and connect with other men at St. Francis over a meal or cup of coffee. Let us know if you can join us – or just stop by! Contact Peter+ or Hank for more information:

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...

Flower and Music Donations for Christmas As always, our church buildings and services are made even more beautiful when we celebrate the Christmas Season. Now is the time to honor or remember loved ones, or just contribute to the costs that are required to fund this special time. Download a form here, and then print it out and bring to the church office, or place in the offering plate on Sundays.

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.

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+

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.

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 The Very Rev. Paula Vukmanic Readings for First Sunday of Advent Episcopal News Weekly Email Paula+, 310-375 4617 x223 Email Peter+, 310-375 4617 x225.  Email Rev. Laurel , 310-375 4617 x226 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.