That Money Verse      

This Sunday we arrive at what may be the most famous saying about money, I Timothy 6:10a: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

It may surprise you how much money is mentioned in the scriptures – usually with a warning. This Sunday’s verses from Amos warn of impending destruction for “those who lie on beds of ivory, and lounge on their couches” (Amos 6:4). Likewise, the parable of Lazarus and Dives (Luke 16:19-31), is a caution against neglecting the poor and needy. There are more than 2000 verses in Scripture referring to money, wealth, and possessions and the right use of money was one of Jesus’ favorite topics.

Money consumes much of our day to day lives and most of us find ourselves enslaved to the pursuit of money at some point in our lives. But Jesus wants to set us free. He says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13, NIV).

The love of money is a trap. Our world wants us to believe that money leads to “the good life” but the good life is found in God from whom all blessings flow. May you lay hold of the life that is really life – trust in God alone.

Grab your coffee and a snack and then join Olufemi Gonsalves Knight for a conversation on the life and contributions of Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, the first African American woman to be ordained in the Episcopal Church. "Shrewd" in rhetorical gifts, Murray was a poet, essayist, professor, lawyer, and activist. S/he was dedicated to race and gender justice and equality, coining the term "Jane Crow" to articulate the particular experiences of Black women in the United States.

As a non-binary person, Murray advocated for LGBTQ equity and inclusion and is a key figure in the development of Queer thought. This October 5th, Femi will present a paper arguing for Rev. Dr. Murray to be recognized and celebrated as a Womanist Public Theologian at the Global Network for Public Theology in Curitiba, Brazil.

Saturday October 1, 4:30pm. Informal and friendly. Outdoors in the St. Francis garden.

So much fun. Bring your companions for a blessing (securely caged, leashed, or even in a hamster ball!). Or bring a photo of the people-shy members of your family. Or ask for a blessing for those who have passed on in this year. All welcome. Tell a friend!

Sunday October 2 - ONE service only at 10am. Followed by a free, festival lunch of sausages, onions & peppers, pasta salad and beans, with ice pops and ice cream sandwiches to follow!

Catch-up Photos - Harry Bellows will also be back on St. Francis Day to take beautiful, professional photos of you and your household - to help us get to know each other, and for your personal use!

Come to Taizé next Tuesday September 27, 7:00pm. Angel-themed this month in honor of Michaelmas. Candles and peace with a reception to follow. Plus time to pray confidentially with a member of clergy.

For many years St Francis has supported St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Long Beach in their ministries with our unhoused neighbors of whom there are many.

Every Saturday at the church, a fully volunteer team offers showers, food, and clothes to about 150 people. Please donate with this link so that we can continue providing our community with compassionate hospitality and care.

Bring to St. Francis - Diapers, Baby & Toddler Clothing, Toys, Books, Cookware, Meal Prep tools, Bathtubs, Strollers, Cribs, Dishes, Bedding, Gift cards ($25) to Target & Walmart.

Kristina Pelá spoke on Get Connected Sunday about listening to your heart and considering how you can serve and also be served, as part of our community. In the following weeks we'll be highlighting individual ministries so read each newsletter carefully and ask yourself, 'I wonder if this might be for me? The Shepherds for every ministry will be happy to answer questions with no obligation, and help you find out more, including if you have needs they can meet for you.

September is Hunger Action Month. Bring food all month for Harbor Interfaith.

Either to the office during the week, or to church on Sunday.

Please bring: Peanut butter and cracker packages, fruit cups , pop-top canned foods, granola bars, cups of noodles, jelly, instant oatmeal, microwaveable foods, packets of raisins, pasta and rice, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lip-balm, deodorant, travel size shampoo, soap, conditioner, lotion.

Questions? Contact Gayle Taylor.

Please REGISTER your child(ren) for Sunday School. Note - We've moved the start date for indoor Sunday School classes to St. Francis Day, Oct. 2nd, so for this Sunday, Sept. 25th, the children will enjoy supervised play on the Town & Country playground.

Paper forms will be available on Sunday, or fill in the form online here.

8:00 a.m. - Rite I in-person worship in the Chapel, with hymns. This service is not live-streamed.

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

A spiritual mind and body practice!

Parish Hall. No set fees - classes are free-will offering. Questions? Jill Fenske

Thursdays from 9:30-10:30am in our church sanctuary has re-started; masks optional. Please join us for meditation, followed by a time of conversation.

Contact - Susie Zimmerman

It's quick and easy to sign up - just pick a day. More than one person or household can sign up on the same day, so you don't have to be on your own.

Need someone's email, or even map directions to their home?

Go to https://servantkeeper.com/directory/sfc/login

The password is Romans12:4-5

Bookmark the link on your phone or computer and let your browser save the password and you will always be up to date with information!

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

310-594-7984

Enews is sent weekly on Thursday afternoons: email Susan with your requests.

Click here for The Episcopal News Update

Office main line - 310 375 4617

The Rev. Jerry Sather 310-594-7984 - Priest in Charge (Interim)

Mark Bennett 310-594-7416 - Director of Music

Claire Erbeznik 310-375-4617 - Office Administrator & Receptionist

Susan Marshall 310-594-8427 - Communications Specialist

Elaine Mistele 310-594-8268 - Business Manager