Sts. Clare & Francis
Join Our Mailing List
In This Issue
Thank you, Peggy!
Invitation to 2010 Synod
Volunteer at the Synod
Convocation May 15
Silpada Fundraiser
Summer BBQ's
Retreat Opportunity
Ushers Needed
Fair Trade
Events Sponsored by Friends of SCF
Quick Links
 Find us on Facebook
 This Week
 "At A Glance"
Friday, May 7
10:00am Lectionary small group
Saturday, May 8
5:00pm Eucharist
Sunday, May 9
Mother's Day
Tuesday, May 11
12:00pm Al Anon
4:30pm Pastoral Team
Wednesday, May 12
4:00pm Women's Spirituality Small Group
5:30pm Eucharist
 

calendar

 
Want to add an event to the calendar?  Contact Jessica  (314.918.2766).

General Info

The Parish Council meets on the third Wednesday of the month. Members: Steve Campbell, Anne Knight, Frank Krebs, Sheila Leander, Sue Stolze, Nancy Wamser, Jessica Rowley, George von Stamwitz.
 
We frequently have community gatherings called Convocations where we discuss the
vision of the community. Dates and times are announced in this newsletter. 
 
The Parish offices located at Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood, Saint Louis, MO 63119. Frank and Jessica are available for appointments 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday through Friday. Jessica: 314.918.2766, Frank: 314.918.2767.
 
We have an initiative to connect people to small faith sharing groups. If you are interested in joining a small group, please contact Jessica Rowley (314.918.2766 or email).

 Do you have friends who would like to know more about Sts. Clare & Francis?
Would you be willing to invite them to your house for an hour or so to hear about us? Frank is willing to come to your home to share the story of SCF with your friends. 
 
We Tithe as a parish and we need your recommendations 
We have committed to tithing as a parish. We donate 10% of all that we collect in our offerings to worthy causes. We do this as an act of faith, trusting that, in doing this, we will still be able to meet our financial needs. We have received a number of wonderful suggestions. Please continue to let the Parish Council know about worthy organizations that you would like us as a community to contribute to. Information needed: your name, name of organization you are suggesting, to whom check should be made payable, where to send check and to who's attention.  Please send your suggestions to Marilyn Tenholder.  
 
Matthew 25
The Matthew 25 Fund helps members in our community who need financial assistance. All information concerning the people with whom we work is held in the strictest confidence. If you would like to contribute to this fund, make your check payable to Matthew 25, and place it in the collection basket. If you would like to donate cash, put it in an envelope labeled "Matthew 25" and place it in the collection basket.  If you need assistance, you can contact Peggy Montgomery

Membership Care Prayer List
If you have a joy or concern you would like to share on the prayer list please contact someone on the pastoral team (Jessica Rowley, 314.918.2766; Lisa von Stamwitz, 314.795.0114; Frank Krebs, 314. 740.1160; Steve Campbell, 314.603.9991).  

 

Fundraising
Do you shop at Schnucks?
Please keep our Schnucks E-Scrip fund raiser in mind when you shop.  If you don't already have an E-Scrip card, please call me (314.323.1467) and I will get one to you. There is no charge and all you have to do is activate it by either a phone call or by going online.  Simply show the card when you check-out and a percentage of your purchase cost will be rebated back to Sts. Clare and Francis. Thank you! 
-- Marilyn Tenholder
 
SCF Online Booksale
Please consider donating books to the Sts. Clare and Francis Online Book sale Fundraiser.  All proceeds, net of fees, will go to Sts. Clare and Francis.
 
We are looking for good quality new or used books on religion, spirituality, self-help, business, textbooks, cookbooks, psychology, books signed by the author and children's books.  We will accept books from other categories, too, but fiction (especially paperback) doesn't sell very well. You can bring your books to the weekly Mass on Saturdays at 5:00 pm or you can arrange for pickup by calling Art Maines at 314.518.1973. If you have questions about the sale or books you'd like to donate, you can call Art at the same number.

Donate

COMMUNITY CORNER...our family news
 
I wanted to share the good news of my graduation with a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Aquinas Institute of Theology with my church family.
 
Peace and blessings,
Michelle Smith
 
(It is good for us to know what's happening in each other's lives.  If you have any news you'd like to share with the community, please email Steve ).

presentation of gifts 
The Weekly News
May 6, 2010
Dear "Weekly News" Subscribers,
 
Welcome to our new newsletter format!   We hope you like it.  Here are a few tips to help make it more user-friendly.
  • All of the week's articles are previewed in the table of contents in the left hand column titled "In This Issue."  These are clickable links that will take you directly to the text of the articles.  
  • The "Quick Links" (also found in the left hand column) will take you to pertinent information on our website.  
  • You can also find "General Info" (i.e. Parish Council meetings, Convocations, Small Groups, etc.), Fundraising information, and our "Community Corner" in the left hand column.   
  • If there is information in a given newsletter that you would like a friend to know about you can easily forward the newsletter using the link at the bottom of the page. 
  • Subscribing and unsubscribing will be a snap.  You can "Join our Mailing List" with the link at the top of the page or "Unsubscribe" with the link at the bottom.
Steve Campbell will administer this new format.  If you have articles to submit you can call (314.603.9991) or email Steve.   
 
We would love you feedback about this new format.  You can contact Steve or Jessica with your comments.
 
Blessings,
The SCF Pastoral Team
 
 
Sixth Sunday of Easter and Kay's First Mass 
Saturday, May 8, 2010  5 p.m.

Readings: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14: 23-29
 
Presider/Homilist: Kay Schmitt
Lectors:  Art Maines, Gretchen Schiltz Brenner
Eucharistic Ministers: Mary Jordan, Joan Switzer, Barb Winkler
Children's Liturgy of the Word: Sue Stolze, Gerardette Groll
 
If you are unable to serve in your scheduled ministry, please let Jessica know when you get a substitute so that we can publish the correct names in the newsletter.  Thanks so much.  Jessica Rowley (314.918.2766).
 
Thank you, Peggy!
Did Peggy know when she volunteered to create and oversee the first "Weekly News of Sts. Clare & Francis" that she would be managing hundreds of contacts and become the main hub for all communication in this growing bustling faith community?
Perhaps not, but skillfuly and faithfully she did just that.  We thank Peggy for offering her gifts and dedication.  The Community of Sts. Clare & Francis would not be where we are today without her!
An Invitation to the 2010 Synod
from Bishop Peter
Bishop PeterGreetings to my beloved Sisters and Brothers of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion!
 
Dear Co-workers and Fellow Ministers of the Gospel of Christ,
 
          It is with great joy that I invite delegates of the House of Laity, the House of Pastors, other ECC members, communion partners, as well as our many friends and visitors, to the 2010 Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion on October 26-29 in St. Louis, Missouri! You will be receiving forms for registration by email and they will also be available on our ECC website: www.ecumenical-catholic-communion.org.
 
          The theme for the Synod is "Being Built Together into a Dwelling Place for the Spirit." (Eph 2:2). It occurred to the planning committee that recent Synods have focused on our framework, such as in 2007 creating a legislative pathway toward a more relational communion though a process of regionalization. This Synod will help us take another step by celebrating the bricks that are now being put onto this framework: new communities, new communion partners, two new regions with proposed regional bishops, a proposed auxiliary bishop, and a new suffragan bishop.
 
           Please consider this letter as a call to any legislative ideas. I have asked George von Stamwitz to chair the legislative committee. Please have any ideas submitted to the legislative committee by June 30, 2010 at gvonstamwitz@armstrongteasdale.com.  George has committed to have a legislative report to all the delegates by July 31st for consideration and feedback prior to the Synod.
 
           I so look forward to seeing you, sharing our faith together and cooperating with the Holy Spirit in the building of our beloved communion!
 
 
In the Peace and Love of Christ,
 
+Peter Elder Hickman
Presiding Bishop
Ecumenical Catholic Communion
 
Volunteer Opportunities for the 2010 ECC Synod in STL
FrankWe are looking for people who would like to help out on publicity, hospitality, and liturgy for the synod.  Let us know too if you are willing to offer a spare bedroom for one or two of the delegates.  If you would like to be an active part of this event that will shape the future of the ECC, and SCF in the process, please let us know.  We would love to include you; and we need your talent!  Please contact Therese and Judy to sign up at synod.team@stsclareandfrancis.org.   
 
Your brother, Frank
 
Convocation May 15: Creating Communion beyond our Community
MandalaJoin us Satuday, May 15 at 3 p.m. in the fireside room for a conversation on the creation of an ECC Midwest Region.
 
Learn and discuss:
 
· what is going on in the ECC regarding bishops,

· the difference between bishops in the Roman church and our bishops,

· the point of bishops, and

· the emerging "markers for the roadmap" to a Midwest region.

George and Frank will present for the first half hour and then we can converse with each other for the remaining hour or so before mass.

Please join us for this crucial conversation about our future together.
Silpada Fundraiser
Bible Thank you to all who participated in our potluck/fundraiser last weekend!  Lonnye Clarke, friend of SCF and Silpada jewelry associate, will keep a tab open through the end of May for anyone who would still like to purchase jewelry.  You can peruse the catalogues available at church and contact Lonnye at 314.369.1139 to place your order.  These purchases will also be part of the fundraising effort.  Thank you, Lonnye!
 
Summer Barbeques
It's time to begin planning for the third annual summer barbecues for the Sts. Clare & Francis community.  The last two years of summer barbecues were a great success and enjoyed by all who attended. If you'd like to get to know your faith family better, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, this is a place to do it. We are beginning the scheduling and organizing for this summer. The host/hostess supplies the atmosphere, plates, utensils, napkins, etc. The attendees each bring a dish to share.  If you would like to host a barbecue in June, July, August or September please contact Linda Bennett at 314-965-8709 or wbennett301@sbcglobal.net. Linda will be the contact person to organize scheduling and items brought by the participants.  
 
Retreat Opportunity
Experience the Silence Within
June 4, 5,& 6 at Unity Church of Peace.
Call Asoka at 314.259.1542 to sign up or for more information.
 
Experience a retreat weekend to learn Meditation Techniques that help you quiet your mind and spend time in the Presence of God.  Based on Praise, Gratitude, Love and
Compassion.  Gently clearing the central nervous system and restoring it to its natural and healthy state.  Effortlessly moving the mind inward, bringing it to its natural state of peace, harmony and coherence.  Special postures, positions, preparations or belief are not required.  
 
 
Additional Ushers Needed
Looking for a way to participate in our Saturday liturgies?  We are looking for a couple of extra ushers to take the collection, organize the presentation of the gifts, and generally be a helpful presence to members and guests.  If you're interested in serving in this way, please contact Jessica (Jessica.rowley@stsclarenadfrancis.org or 314.918.2766).  
 
 
Fair Trade is back at SCF!
We have a new shipment of coffees and other items for your gustatory pleasure, purchase of which fairly support small farmers in far-off  places.
 
Now available:
Coffee-decaf or regular; beans or drip-ground.
Chocolate-yummy bars-both milk and dark chocolate, just in time for Easter.
Organic, dried cranberries.
 
See Sue Stolze after church.
Events Sponsored by Friends of SCF
 
SINGING THEM HOME

Bethesda Dilworth, 9645 Big Bend Blvd., 63122
For additional information, please call Dorothy Gannon, chaplain, at 314.373.7032 
 
Bethesda Hospice Care seeks people who like to sing, and who might be interested in singing to people at the end of their lives. No special musical training required. Members come to 8 weekly rehearsals to learn a capella music as a group, and then go out, as they are available, in teams of 2-4 singers to share the music with persons nearing the end of their lives. After the initial 8 weeks, the choir will meet monthly to increase the repertoire and to incorporate new members.
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Vigil for Justice, not War
Every Sunday 7:00-7:30 pm
College Church-Grand and Lindell
Rain or shine, a place to gather for peace.
314.721.2977or 314.725.5303
http://www.insteadofwar.org/site/calendar/events.php?id=E2241 
 
******
 
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is the nation's largest, oldest and most active support group for the women and men wounded by religious authority figures. SNAP is an independent self-help and confidential organization, with no connections to the church or church officials. It is a non-profit, certified 501(c)3 organization. To find out more information on SNAP or how you can help, contact us on our website at www.snapnetwork.org or call 314.862.7688 
 

*****
 
Feed My People needs volunteers. Please join your friends and neighbors and become a volunteer. Volunteers are needed Monday through Saturday. Contact:
 
Kathie Spross 
171 Kingston Drive
Saint Louis MO 63125
314.631.4900 or 
 
Mary Hettenhausen 
3295 Ottomeyer Road
High Ridge MO 63049
636.677.9885
 
*****
 
Latin American Forum
 
Are you interested in Latin America? This is an exciting opportunity to come together with other people to watch films, attend panel discussions, hear guest speakers, join delegations to these countries, and network with others interested in helping out brother and sisters while rediscovering for ourselves the value of connection and solidarity. Weekly meetings. Please visit www.latinamericanforum.org for directions and more information.
 
 
*****
 
Woman's Place in Maplewood is collecting cell phones for women's safety! Through an arrangement with a recycler, we are able to provide a pre-programmed phone to women in crisis. Plus, each phone brings a small donation to help keep our programs and services running. If you can donate or collect cell phones for women's safety, we'd be most grateful! Call 314.645.4848  for more information. (If any of you have an old cell phone that you'd like to donate to Woman's Place, you can just give it to me after Mass and I'll make sure that Woman's Place gets it. -Peggy)
 
*****
 
A Time for Refreshment
7372 Marietta Avenue St. Louis, MO 63143
For information, call Sr. Irma at 314.645.4848 and visit our website at www.womansplacestl.org.
 
Woman's Place in Maplewood offers an opportunity for women to come together for Spiritual Reflection the second and fourth Fridays at 10:30 a.m. at Woman's Place.
 
Slow down, pause, and give attention to the spirit within. Share in a reflective, reverent way and become refreshed at this event designed for women. You are most welcome!

Woman's Place is a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary and is a safe and welcoming drop-in center for adult women, especially women who are experiencing
or have experienced relationship violence.
If you have an item that you wish to submit for publication in the Weekly News, please send it to Steve Campbell no later than Wednesday of the week you'd like for it to appear.  If you cannot send an email, you may contact Steve at 314-776-7465