Monthly News & Updates

April 2024

Rector's Reflection

Join Us for a Blessed Holy Week: Your Participation Makes a Difference!

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we approach the sacred period of Holy Week, I am filled with anticipation and joy for the upcoming events that will bring our community together in worship and service. This year, we have a series of meaningful services and activities planned, beginning with the Fish Fry on Friday, April 11th, and continuing through to Easter Sunday on April 20th. Each of these events offers a unique opportunity for us to deepen our faith and experience the presence of God together.

Holy Week Schedule of Events

Fish Fry: Friday, April 11th 6-8pm
Palm Sunday: April 13th 8am and 10:30am
Maundy Thursday: April 17th- 6:30pm
Good Friday: April 18th 12pm and 6:30pm
Easter Vigil: April 19th 6:30pm
Easter Sunday: April 20th 7:45am, 9:15am, and 11:30am

Call for Volunteers

Our Holy Week celebrations rely on the generous spirit and dedication of our volunteers. Liturgy, the work of the people, is at the heart of what we do as Episcopalians, and it is through our collective efforts that we bring these sacred services to fruition. We need volunteers for various roles, including setting up for services, assisting with the Fish Fry, welcoming attendees, and more.

We are called into this Holy work together, and I encourage each of you to attend all these services and consider how you can contribute with your time and talent. This is what being the church is all about—working together to ensure that everyone who joins us can interact with God here and now.

Volunteer Opportunities

Setup and cleanup for Fish Fry
Ushers and greeters for Palm Sunday
Helpers for Maundy Thursday preparations
Volunteers for Good Friday services
Volunteers for Easter Vigil service
Support for Easter Sunday celebrations and Easter Egg Hunt

Please prayerfully consider how you can be a part of these Holy Week events. Your presence and help will make a significant difference, and together, we can create a truly blessed and memorable Holy Week.

Blessings,

Fr. Justin Yawn, Rector

Holy Week Explainer

Please check out our Holy Week Explainer for detailed explanations of all of our Holy Week services and activities!

Click Here for the Holy Week Explainer

Calendar

Our April calendar is here and full of opportunities for you to plug-in at St. Francis. Click HERE to open the PDF version of the calendar with clickable links or to print it out at home. Paper copies can be found at our parish office and at the welcome table on Sundays.

Mark Your Calendars!

Join Us On Palm Sunday!

8AM Worship Service in the Sanctuary

9AM Christian formation for all ages

10:30AM Worship Service at the Hope Pavilion

We are offering two worship services this Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Then with abruptness, we thrust into the reading of the Passion and the final moments of Jesus' earthly life.

Given the opportunities for deep reflection, we are having a special hour of Christian formation for all ages (children and adults) starting at 9AM. Children Pre-K thru 5th grade must be dropped off at the Youth & Family Building by a parent or adult caregiver. Adults are welcome to join Deacon Mark in our parish hall for a unique class and forum. Coffee, other beverages, and light treats will be available during the entire hour.

Our Nursery will be open from 8:50AM to the close of our 10:30AM service.

Fish Fry & Fellowship

Friday, April 11 6-8PM

We hope you can join us in our parish hall for a yummy, family-friendly event catered by Jax Fish Fry! Tickets are $20 each. You can pick either a fried cod basket or fried shrimp basket. Beverages and fun activities included! Feel free to bring your children something different to eat if they don't care for fish or shrimp!

All tickets must be purchased in advance. Don't miss out - get your tickets by April 9th!

Fish Fry Tickets HERE!

Volunteers Needed for Holy Week and Easter Services and Activities

Our important Holy Week & Easter services take the commitment of many parish volunteers to help set up and cleanup. Please consider giving some additional time to come alongside our staff and worship ministries. You can review all the volunteer opportunities and signup by clicking the button below.

Happy Birthday to all of you with birthdays this month!

April Birthdays

Larry Hickernell 2

Tyler Milne 2

Piper Thomas 2

Franny d'Avi 3

Oliver Herrmann 3

Lisa Klingensmith 3

Kate Valery 3

Justin Yawn 3

Marie Foster 4

Chuck Johnson 4

R Wendell Williams 4

Brooks Brownlee 5

Serajane Kaye 6

Dean Paul 7

Evan Purdy 8

Logan Turner 8

Emi Gassert 9

Evay Kappelmann 9

Dustin Latta 9

Alexa Mainor 9

Kristin Regier 10

Palmer Register 10

Ryan Welker 10

Paul Coish 11

Sharon Hull 11

Cassie Parsons 11

Jeffrey Bobbitt 12

Jay Timmons 13

Mary McAlpine 14

Jane Mcpherson 16

Beatty Muserallo 16

Jake Smith 16

Abigail Lake 17

Cameron Decker 18

Rory Ostrander 19

Jennah Rush 19

Teri Clark 20

June Herron 20

Mitchell Johnson 20

Anne Wentworth 20

Bob Yerkes 20

Kagin DiBella 21

Debby Lazoff 21

Andrus Healy 22

William Madelly 22

Sofia Martinez 23

Mason Willis 23

Melissa Ekmark 24

Ellie Henderson 24

Karen Viets 24

Beau Brownlee 25

Paula Fowler 25

Jake Lasota 26

John Myers 26

Emma Buendia 27

Neely Kelley 27

Brittany Eberson 28

Marylin Montgomery 29

Bill Trautschold 29

We hate to miss a birthday! If your birthday is missing, please check to be sure that it is in your Realm profile. Please call the office if you need assistance updating your profile.