In recent weeks we have noticed several visitors to our services. In some cases, they are truly new to St Francis while others are known to many of you but “new” to me. Despite the challenges of these days it is good to see new faces joining us for worship.

Thank you to the many who have greeted these people with your typical St Francis warmth and enthusiasm. I have not always seen that quality in churches, and I think it speaks of the love that you have for people.

I am reminded that Jesus did not always receive welcome. He was not laid in a proper cradle but in a manger (Lk 2:7). He was often despised and rejected (Is 53:3) and his own did not receive him (Jn 1:11).

In this Advent season we “Prepare the Way of the Lord” (Lk 3:4) and we should remember that Jesus said, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). Let us, therefore, continue to welcome our visitors and guests, for when we receive them, we welcome Jesus.

Let every heart prepare him room!

Advent Taizé - Back In Person!

Our Taizé service returns for an evening of contemplative music and prayer in our candlelit chapel beginning at 7:00pm and wrapping up with a reception on our heated chapel patio.

Come let the Peace of this Advent Service of Wholeness & Healing wash over you, then join us for a cup of warm wassail and light refreshments afterwards! Any questions, please email or call Kristina Pelá 310-941-2498.

Now is the time to make a donation to our Christmas Flowers and Music. Write a thanks or memorial to a loved one for inclusion in our Christmas bulletins.

Download a form here and return it to Mary in the church office by December 19.

Harbor Interfaith works to fill the void for the homeless and working poor during the holidays. They distribute holiday food baskets and provide social connection. Your help with the following items will make the holidays much brighter and full of hope.

OR Grocery Gift Cards

Unwrapped toys for any age range from 1 month to 18 years.

$20 Gift certificates to stores, movie theaters, or juice/yogurt shops in the area help a teen know that their community cares

Please bring non-perishable gifts and leave them on the coffee cart in the Narthex.

*Spiral hams need to be placed in the refrigerator in the kitchen.

Please ask in the office if you need help on a week day. Office hours are 9-3pm Monday through Thursday.

And/or bring donations on Sunday, Dec 19, after the 8 a.m. service and before and after the 10 a.m. service.

Questions? Contact Gayle Taylor.

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. 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 (masks must still be worn). No set fees - classes are free-will offering. Questions? Jill Fenske

Meditation, followed by a quiet time of conversation.

Contact - Susie Zimmerman

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

Mark Bennett 310-594-7416

Susan Marshall 310-594-8427

Elaine Mistele 310-594-8268

Mary Sanchez 310-375-4617