This past Sunday I preached from John 15:1-8 where Jesus describes God the Father as a vine-grower (gardener), himself as the vine, and the disciples (that means us) as branches. It is only as we abide/ remain in relationship with Christ that we have life and produce the fruit of love.

In the movie, Sideways, a character is asked why he grows the Pinot grape. He answers:

I said that the fruit of a life in Jesus includes many things... faith, obedience, evangelism... but ultimately it is about love. But most of you probably have experiences of trying to love someone even when it is not easy to love them. Love requires constant care and attention. Love requires patience and nurturing. Love takes time...to coax it into its fullest expression. 

Fortunately for us...it is God who has done the work! God so loved the world that he sent his Son (Jn 3:16) and Jesus lovingly laid down his life for us (Jn 15:13) all so that we would bear the fruit of love. 

If St Francis would reach her full potential, the fullest expression of love – what would that look like? How will you nurture love in our community?

We encourage you to pray for our nation during the day. Here is a model from the Prayer Book:

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly ask that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful your favor...More.

Some of my favorite images of Jesus are as mother. The best known is from Matthew, when Jesus says, “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings…” (Matt 23:37) In the service of Compline, we say this from Psalm 17:8: “Keep us, O Lord as the apple of your eye; Hide us under the shadow of your wings.’’ As we celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, honoring mother love, I am reminded of Julian of Norwich who often prayed to "Mother" Jesus.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day give us opportunities to celebrate the vastness of God’s love as it comes to us in all its forms. Let us reflect on those who have loved us as we are, flawed and unfinished, but whose love has strengthened us to grow in our own abilities to give love. Thank those people if you can and tell someone else about one or more of those people as part of your remembrance of Mothers and Fathers.

Thank you, in advance, to the youth who are participating in Sunday’s service.

Blessings,

Two options - a large diocesan service available on-line (Click here and scroll down for details), and the other will be a small remembrance held in person, outside, in the St Francis Memorial garden, also at 5:00 p.m.

Please send to me any names of people you know who have died of Covid or suffered great losses because of Covid. I will submit those names to the Diocese. Then I invite you to join Jerry+ and me in the St. Francis Garden at 5:00pm May 23rd for a short service of prayer and remembrance.

RSVP via Text: 310-701-5966 or email.

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

Please don't hesitate to contact her by email, phone, text 310-701-5966, or in person, with questions/prayers/requests/ideas for other groups or practices. We deeply want to continue to support all of our church family as we navigate these 'in-between' times with regard to the pandemic, and as we move forward into a new normal.

Every Monday-Wednesday-Friday evenings at 7:00 pm. Live on the St Francis Facebook Page.

Led by a group of lay leaders - and we have some new faces joining the team!

Watch and comment with others live, or watch later in the evening before you sleep.

What is Compline anyway? Read more here.

Contact Jude+ for the zoom link.

Become part of an intimate group who spend a while in meditation together followed by a time of Bible Study and discussion. On zoom it's easy! No driving; bring your own coffee; come and go as you need.

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

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

Jude+, 310-701-5966.

Sunday Morning Worship – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Worship bulletins are here.

Prayer for the evening - Monday, Wednesday and Friday Evenings, 7:00 p.m.

Zoom groups -

Gayle Taylor needs a sub for the day. (she will be out of town).

Please email Gayle to find out more if you think you can help.

The breakfast and showers program for the homeless at St. Luke's in Long Beach has continued during the pandemic. In the past year, St. Francis parishioners have made over 1100 bagged lunches that are distributed on the third Saturdays of odd months (January, March, May, July, September, and November.) Great thanks to Susie Zimmerman, Susan Egan, Joyce Alley, Alyce Metzroth, Alison and Ethan Kral, and Gayle Taylor for providing lunches; and to Gayle for getting the lunches to St. Luke's and finding a few people to help with serving.

We'd like to acknowledge and give thanks for two gifts the Church received this week designated for the Operations Endowment Account.

Raytheon Technologies Charity Custodial Fund issued a check to the Operations Endowment Fund at the request of Michelle Ogle Zak. Thank you Shelly for choosing St. Francis as your “charity of choice”.

The Betty Strauss Trust issued a check to be deposited in the Operations Endowment Fund. Betty was a very active long time member of St. Francis Church who passed away on April 18, 2019.

For more information on our Operations Endowment Fund, contact Elaine Mistele via email or phone 310 375 4617.

Enews Submission Deadline - 3pm on the Wednesday before the Thursday when the enews is issued each week. Email Susan with your requests.

View or download our bulletins - bulletins will be posted in time for livestreaming.

Contacts:

The Rev. Jerry Sather, 323-204-5045

The Rev. Jude Lyons, 310-375 4617 x225, cell 310-701-5966.