We all have a story. My story has its origins in a small town in Montana. It includes meeting a young woman from London who would become my wife, and travelling around the world with the U.S. Air Force. I came of age with the rise of Star Wars and disco. World events helped shape my story too – the resignation of Nixon, the fall of the Iron Curtain, and the attacks of 9/11. Your individual story is different from mine. I wonder what cultural trends and world events shape your story? How is your story similar or different from others?

We all have a church story as well. Church stories can identify rites of passage like baptisms and marriages. We often remember a favorite pastor or priest, hymns, and programs. Maybe you came to faith as a child or youth. Perhaps most of your faith journey is shaped by one particular parish like St Francis, or maybe, like me, you have worshiped and served in many different places.

As with every story, there are parts that we look on with joy, and others that we recall with sorrow or pain. That is not only true in our personal life, but also in our church life. As you think about St Francis, what were the glory days for you and what were they like? What are the things that you thought could have been better?

I ask you to take time over the next several days to consider your story – both your personal story and the story of your life at St Francis. I encourage you to write down your thoughts and bring them to our Story Day event on All Saints Sunday, November 7th. See below for more details.

Following our worship service, we will enjoy a meal together and enjoy a couple of hours sharing our stories of St Francis. As we come to understand our past, we will help to shape our future. Please join us – we want to hear your story!

As our church plans for the future, the Vestry invites ALL those involved in the parish community to share their expectations for our mutual ministry and their perceptions on how these expectations can best be carried out.

The survey is intended for all those 16+ years of age participating either in-person or remotely in our parish community of worship. Responses are anonymous.

We'll enjoy lunch together on the Loggia (beside the Parish Hall), and then look back; look to the present; share our stories and wonder aloud about the future of our faith community. During the session you'll get to:

As well as in-person, we'll have a zoom link (coming soon), so you can take part and see and be seen, from wherever you are. This is a really fun part of our Rector Search Process. Don't miss it! Childcare will be available at no charge. No reservations needed.

On this day we remember our loved ones who have died. May God’s strength and peace be with us as we remember parishioners and family members who surround us in the communion of saints - those we shall always love, but see no longer.

If you would like, please send the names of your loved ones who have died in the last 12 months to Rev. Jerry so they can be read aloud and acknowledged in worship.

A service celebrating the life of long-time parishioner Derek Steel. We pray to you for Derek, and for all those whom we love, but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Stewardship - What is a Pledge Anyway?

Without your time and talents there would be no St. Francis.

Financially, our church is required to be self-supporting; from campus maintenance, staff and clergy salaries, and our Ministries both within and beyond our walls. We do this in part by donations, fundraising, plate collections etc.

Absolutely vital support comes from families or individuals who make a 'pledge' to donate a certain amount in the year ahead. Pledges may be given weekly, monthly or even annually, by envelopes on Sunday, or manually or automatically via Bank transfer. This is crucial to help us budget for the coming year.

We know that times are difficult for all sorts of reasons, including the pandemic. But if you can, please consider making a pledge for 2022. If your situation changes during the year, pledges can be changed or stopped at any time.

Place the completed card in the collection plate on Sunday, or bring or mail it to the church office - c/o Elaine Mistele, St. Francis Church, 2200 via Rosa, PVE, CA 90274. Contact Elaine with any questions.

A spiritual mind and body practice! Following feedback from students, Jill is now offering a new class:

Both classes are now able to meet in the Parish Hall instead of outside (doors will be open for ventilation and masks must still be worn).

No set fee for either - classes are free-will offering.

Questions? Jill Fenske

You don't need words to have a conversation with God. Just 'being' in silence, gives space for your mind and heart to speak and listen however God leads.

Starting again on Thursday mornings from 9:30 - 10:30am two meditation groups will meet. One on Zoom, and simultaneously, a second, in person in the main church (with masks). Each period of meditation is followed by a quiet time of conversation and sharing (if you wish).

Contacts - Zoom sessions - Gayle Taylor

in-person - Susie Zimmerman

Register to attend: https://bit.ly/STFDRAMA

Contact Jack Hailwood or Suellen Eslinger for more info.

8:00 a.m. - 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.

10:00 am Sunday worship is 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.

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

Our staff all now have their own direct lines.

You can still reach them by calling the office on 310 375 4617, but the direct lines are as follows:

The Rev. Jerry Sather 310-594-7984

Mark Bennett 310-594-7416

Susan Marshall 310-594-8427

Elaine Mistele 310-594-8268

Mary Sanchez 310-375-4617