Unveiled Faces

All of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The scripture lessons for the Last Sunday after Epiphany brilliantly address our times. Moses’ face shines because he has been speaking with God (Ex 34). Jesus is transfigured before his disciples (Lk 9). Paul speaks of “unveiled faces” and our transformation to reflect the glory of God (2 Cor 3).

We all look forward to the “great unveiling” when we can remove our masks and see the glory of God reflected in the smiling faces of our brothers and sisters. We are getting closer to that day and if we keep doing the right things – getting vaccinated and tested as necessary – that day will soon be here. Even as we were preparing to post this message, we are seeing signs that requirements will soon change.

Last week, the clergy and Vestry decided Vestry decided to allow masks to be removed in limited circumstances to make our worship experience more effective and open. Anyone who has a speaking role like preachers and readers, as well as singers in certain circumstances, may perform their worship functions without a mask under the following criteria:

  • The person must be fully vaccinated and free from any symptoms of Covid.
  • Masks will be worn when not actively performing a ministry function. For example, someone reading scripture would only remove their mask to read at the lectern.
  • Social distancing will be maintained to the maximum extent possible.

We expect the new LA County guidelines will allow people to remove masks indoors with proof of vaccination. Please be patient with us as the Vestry develops a plan to check vaccination status. For now, plan to wear a mask for this coming Sunday and we will keep you informed about the way forward. We hope this will make the beginning of our Lenten journey more enjoyable for everyone while maintaining a level of safety. I pray, that as Jesus’ transfiguration was a foretaste of the glory of his resurrection, these small steps will make you eager for the great unveiling of glory at St Francis. Lord, make it so!

310-594-7984
This Sunday - February 27
As part of our observance of Lent, the youth of St. Francis prepare a pancake breakfast for the parish. For the teens, this is a wonderful opportunity for service to others. For the parish, it is an equally wonderful time of fellowship and fun. Ash Wednesday is March 2 so we'll be holding our Shrovetide Breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 27, immediately following the 10:00 am worship service. We'll need all hands on deck to arrive early for setup and to prepare pancakes, sausage, and all the fixins.


Note: There will be no afternoon Youth Group session on Sunday, Feb. 27.
Lenten Bible Study on Zoom
Tuesdays March 8 – April 5, 7:00-8:30pm
“Preparing for the Passion of Jesus”

During Lent, as we prepare for Easter, we will be holding a 5-week online Bible Study course that will dive into the stories of the final week of Jesus’s earthly life.

To supplement our studies, we plan to use a book by Amy-Jill Levine called "Entering the Passion of Jesus, A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week."

Anyone is welcome to join. Feel free to invite others you feel would be interested in participating. Simply email Jack Hailwood or Suellen Eslinger if you plan to attend so we can email you class handouts in advance of each session as well as the Zoom link.

More details to follow. See you all then!
Ash Wednesday is March 2

We have Ash Wednesday services this coming week - at noon and 7:00 p.m., and ‘Ashes to Go’.

Our theme this year is ‘Nurturing a Resolute Faith’ – something we all need after these difficult times.

Lenten Devotionals
Look out for our Annual Parish-written Lenten Devotional.
We'll be sending a special email so you can read or download your copy.
And we'll have print copies available for collection starting on Ash Wednesday.
Youth Group has returned to in-person!
With the decline in COVID cases the last few weeks, Youth Group has received the green light to return to in-person sessions. We meet in the Youth Room in the St. Francis Parish Hall from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

Wayne Hastings
Youth Group Director
901-219-6564
Youth Group Survey for Adults
We want Youth Group to be a fun and meaningful experience. But I need to hear from you. If you have a teen in your household, please take a few minutes to reflect on what you want from your St. Francis Youth Group. Click the link below to share your thoughts by taking this very short survey:

As always, please call me if you want to chat about the future of Youth Group. Or if you prefer, I would be happy to set up a Zoom session for us to talk face to face.

Wayne Hastings
Youth Group Director
901-219-6564
Sunday School
Sunday School is temporarily suspended due to the Omicron Covid variant. We'll let you know when we're back!
Weekly

Sundays - Holy Communion
8:00 a.m. - temporarily on hiatus. Rite I in-person worship in the Chapel, with two hymns (for those fully vaccinated). 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.

Masks required: LA County mandate requires masks worn indoors regardless of vaccination status.

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

Yoga with Jill!
A spiritual mind and body practice!
  • Mondays 11:15am -12:45pm - Level 1/2 Hatha Yoga
  • Wednesdays 9:00-10:15am Level 1 Gentle Yoga
Parish Hall (masks must still be worn). No set fees - classes are free-will offering. Questions? Jill Fenske

Meditation - we're back!
Thursdays from Nov 4, 9:30 - 10:30 am. Library - please continue to wear masks.
Meditation, followed by a quiet time of conversation.
Excited to start again!!!
Susie Zimmerman hopes many people feel welcome to join.
Contact - Susie Zimmerman
Remember - the Parish Directory is Online
Need someone's email, or even map directions to their home?
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!
In a later email we will tell you how to access the Member Portal so you can edit details of your own listing.
Need Help of Any Kind?
Physical, Spiritual, Psychological, or Material?

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 Submission Deadline: 3:00 pm Wednesdays
Enews is sent weekly on Thursday afternoons: email Susan with your requests.
Staff Directory
Office main line - 310 375 4617
The Rev. Jerry Sather 310-594-7984
Mark Bennett 310-594-7416
Susan Marshall 310-594-8427
Elaine Mistele 310-594-8268

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