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St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church
Blue Hill ~ Maine
May 19, 2023
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A daffodil pushing up through the dark earth to the spring, knowing somehow deep in its roots that spring and light and sunshine will come, has more courage and more knowledge of the value of life than any human being I’ve met. ~ Madeleine L’Engle.
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From The Rev. Allan Sandlin-
"At the April meeting of the St. Francis Vestry, a motion was made to paint the doors of church with the color red. The idea had been discussed at previous vestry meetings and thus, following some discussion, the motion passed unanimously. The work will take place sometime in the near future and is offered in memory of long-time parishioner Mary Semler. Mary served as chair of the Altar Guild, needle pointer extraordinaire (she was responsible for the artistry of many of our kneelers) and Senior Warden. She died in 2022 at the age of 99."
From Vestry member, Bill Gould-
"Every Episcopal Church I ever attended or was a member of had a red door including the one I was baptized at by my grandfather who was the priest at the Church the Crucifixion in Philadelphia.
Historically, churches painted their doors red to signal those fleeing violence that they were places of sanctuary. The present world is full of people who are looking for places to find peace, comfort and forgiveness. Some call it tradition, but the deeper reason is the firm belief that these churches are places of refuge.
Many people come to the Episcopal Church from other traditions and denominations in the belief that churches are not clubs for saints but hospitals for sinners. So, just as hospitals display a red cross, they use red doors to announce that we are a place of healing and restoration. These parishes help the wounded put their lives back together and provide comfort in time of need. These doors are open wide to welcome all people in.
In the beginning of cathedral architecture, as it was believed that red stood for the Blood of Christ, red was painted on the north, south, and east doors of a church. In other words, they were making “the sign of the cross” which ultimately marked the church as a safety zone from spiritual dangers in addition to protection from physical harm.
The tradition of red doors originated in England during the Middle Ages. If you were being pursued by someone, you would be safe if you could reach the church door. No one would dare commit violence on holy ground; furthermore, the Church didn’t have to abide by civil law. Pursuers could proceed no further, and victims knew that the red doors meant sanctuary, refuge, and safety. The person who claimed sanctuary like this could state his case to the priest and ask for justice to be served.
Today many Episcopal churches, as well as Lutheran, Methodist, Roman Catholic and others, paint their doors red to symbolize that they are a haven for emotional and spiritual healing, a place to seek physical safety and a place for forgiveness and reconciliation."
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Our Prayers
Arthur, Mary Boyd, Bill Casale, Cynthia, Fr. Brent, Charles Farenelli, Debbie Jones, Jo-Ann Krestan, Liz Mathewson, Ray Mathewson, Lorelei McKinnon, Susan Reddy, Susie, Margaret Smith, Marshall Smith, Carolyn Taylor, Page Williamson, Persis Williams, Ray Yardy and family
~~~
We pray for the repose of the soul of Dixie Chapman, a beloved summer parishioner of St. Francis Church and for her family and friends
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Those Celebrating May Birthdays
Jim Caggiano, Dennis DeSilvey, Sarah Everdell, Marilyn Heinemann, John Paul LaLonde, Victor Lopez, Elaine MacLean, Abby Martin, Jane Nesbitt, Carla Rosenzweig, Susan Schneider, Donny Smith, Mary Ann Taylor
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Come one, Come all!
Church Clean-up is this Saturday, May 20
9-Noon
A free-for-all good time, guaranteed!
Stay for lunch and good
conversation!
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From Outreach Chair, Sarah Everdell
- and Ruth Billings, Kathy DeSilvey, Anne Follweiler, Anne Gilchrist, Marty Hamblen, Mary Hartley, Prudy Heilner, Elizabeth LaStaiti, Maribeth Payne, Chris Ramsay, Jane Reinoso, Judy Rountree, Marshall Smith, and Cathy Thompson
"Outreach has had an active role in the community recently. In February we became a part of the Simmering Pot crew which started as a soup-based meal at the Congregational Church and during Covid became a weekly delivery service. Although the Congregational Church has started up their in-person meals, Simmering Pot still delivers every Monday to over 150 people. Once a month, Brooke Dojny and Fred Heilner head up a team of eager choppers and ladlers to make a delicious vegetarian alternative soup. It’s a wonderful way to be a part of the greater community.
We also just received a $1500 grant from the Brooklin Garden Club to purchase K-8th grade books on gardening, nature, conservation, and healthy eating. These will be distributed this summer by the Magic Food Bus to local students on the Peninsula and Deer Isle.
We began an exciting new project last Christmas by purchasing 60 $25.00 Hannaford gift cards and gave them to Tracey Hair, Executive Director of H.O.M.E. These have been hugely successful. The gift cards have been distributed to people who need immediate access to food at H.O.M.E., the Emmaus Center, two warming centers, and the Recovery Center. As Tracey wrote, “Your cards each have a story”. We are hoping to replicate this program state-wide throughout the Diocese. But in the meantime, Tracey has only 4 cards remaining. We have been planning on doing this again at the end of the year but realize that there is a real need now since hunger is getting worse. If you are interested in donating to this fund, you may send checks to St. Francis Episcopal Church, attn: Kevin Hunt, with “Hannaford Cards” in the memo line. Thank you in advance.
And this is not all. For the past seven years we have given half of the Outreach budget to the Magic Food Bus which delivers vegetables and books to all towns on the Peninsula and Deer Isle. Last year they reached over 6,000 people. We also have given backpacks and school supplies to a small village in Ecuador through Jane Reinoso. She recently visited there and photos of her on her journey with lots of kids are posted downstairs in the church. Be sure to take a look.
St. Francis Outreach continues to be open to the needs of the community. Last year for instance, in addition to the Thanksgiving Baskets and the toys for children, we helped with a woman who was experiencing domestic abuse. We gave tents and sleeping bags to H.O.M.E for distribution. And we supported Peninsula Ambulance Corps, Community Compass, Volunteers for Hancock County Jail, Sedgwick School Backpack program, and the Free Medical Clinic. We also were able to provide funding for heating oil. This went way over our budget, and we could not have done any of this without the generous financial support of the members of St. Francis. Thank you.
Outreach is a vibrant, active, and engaged ministry at St. Francis. Its work reflects the church’s mission to be “dedicated to the spiritual, physical, and social well-being of ourselves and our neighbors.”
Many thanks to the members of Outreach!"
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Sunday, June 4th, the Rev. Suzanne Roberts, Acting Transition and Deployment Officer of the Diocese of Maine, will preach and celebrate the Eucharist with us. She will meet with the congregation at coffee hour to talk about the process of calling a new rector. She is very much looking forward to being with us. We welcome Suzanne!
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Addie Lee Wall
6 lb, 12 oz
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Congratulations to the Wall Family!
(whew)
Meet Addie Lee, daughter of Clare and Heath Wall, sister of Fox!
From Heath-
"It sure was an entrance she made.
Little Addie Lee Wall was born en route to the hospital at the top of Main St. in Ellsworth at 6 am. Addie and her mother Clare, are both doing great after the incredible events that brought her here."
With love from the Walls,
Heath & family
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From Kathy DeSilvey-
I would love to start up where we left off with Richard Rohr! An announcement will be made this Sunday, and we can begin on Sunday, May 28. We look forward to gathering following the 10 AM service!
Please speak with me if you want more information.
Love and Cheer to All,
Kathy
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