|
|
Bishop's Visit and Confirmation
Saturday, May 19, 2012
5:00 p.m.
The Rt. Rev. Gordon P. Scruton, Bishop of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts will make his annual visit to St. Francis and to confirm and received those who have been preparing to become members of the Episcopal Church from St. Francis and surrounding Worcester Corridor churches.
A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. Please sign-up on the sheet in the narthex to help out.
|
|
|
|
A Message from the Associate Rector
In one of the early scenes in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the viewer finds a cart heaped high with the bodies of the dead being pulled through a medieval village. The worker walking alongside the cart clangs a bell as he calls out, "Bring out your dead." As they move slowly down the road, a man from the village walks up to the cart with a body slung over his shoulder and says, "Here's one." But before he can toss the body onto the cart the "deceased" hung over his shoulder calls out, "But I'm not dead!" What follows is a humorous back and forth as the "deceased" protests his premature classification as a corpse and the man carrying him tries to make the case for his current, if not imminent, corpse status.
This scene has come to mind a lot lately as there has been much discussion in the media about the "death" of the Church. I see and hear over and over again how the Church is irrelevant and focused on the wrong things. How the dwindling numbers of parishioners and the declining finances of many congregations indicate the imminent death of the Church as a whole. However, like the very much alive man in the movie who was written off as dead, I think we as the Church are called to speak up to tell the world how we too are quite alive.
As I prepare to begin my ministry at St. Francis, this is an issue that I look forward to us exploring and working together on. The Church IS undergoing a great deal of change today. Many even say we are going through another time of upheaval like the Protestant Reformation that took place almost five hundred years ago. But while we are changing, we are not dead. To some, what the Church is going through might look and feel a lot like death. However, our Christian faith tells us that just when all looks lost and hopeless, that is exactly where we find God is at work, doing something new, and bringing life once again from the ashes.
While St. Francis isn't undergoing any cataclysmic changes and still looks pretty much like a traditional thriving mainline congregation, by calling me as Associate Rector you have endeavored into some new territory to join with God in doing a new thing here. I say this because as Rich has already informed you, I am bivocational and Lutheran. Among the differences this will mean for you is that like St. Paul supported his ministry in the Church by being a tentmaker, I support my ministry in the Church by being a pharmacist and thus working about half my time in a non-clergy role. It means that while your previous associates were present in worship every Sunday, I will only be present two Sundays a month as I work the other two Sundays at the pharmacy. It means that while we both may have worked ecumenically on a limited basis in the past, we are now committing in the long-term to intentionally work together in ministry by seeing beyond our theological differences and focusing on our unity in Christ. Finally, it means that we are entering into a lot of uncharted waters together and it will take some compromise, patience, and a huge learning curve for me and for you as we do ministry together.
As we set sail in these uncharted waters, I am thrilled to join with you on this new and exciting journey. I know it will have its challenges, but I also know it will provide many blessings as we join together to share the Gospel and reveal just how alive the Church really is today!
In Christ's Peace,
Karen |
Episcopal Polity 101 ~ Led by the Rector During this Easter Season, the Adult Confirmation class has been meeting Thursday nights at St. Clare House. So far we've covered topics like "Spiritual Autobiographies" and "The Sacrament of Holy Baptism" and "The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist." Next we'll be "Opening the Bible" and "Opening the Prayerbook." And then on Thursday, May 10, we'll have a discussion about Episcopal Polity and Governance.
Given that we have an election for a new bishop coming up on June 2 and the rector will be attending General Convention in Indianapolis this July, it seemed like it might be a nice idea to open this meeting up to the wider parish. Some who have been confirmed for a long time may need a refresher in what vestries do, what it means to be a warden, how deputies to General Convention are elected, and how bishops are elected. We'll cover these and other questions on Thursday, May 10. We normally meet at St. Clare House so it would help if people would sign up for this class; if it becomes too large for St. Clare House we'll move into Fellowship Hall. See the table in the narthex to sign up. |
Youth Group News
The youth group is still celebrating a successful 30 Hour Famine! Thanks to everyone who donated either their time or money to this great event. All together the youth from both St. Francis and Immanuel Lutheran raised over $2,000 dollars to help put an end to world hunger.
The Rite13 group is going to be putting on a charity drive beginning May 12th and ending May 20th. The drive is to help the nonprofit organization Why Me, which was created to help Central New England families cope with childhood cancer. The organization needs gift cards, food items and other miscellaneous items. For a full list of requested items check out their website www.whyme.org/wish-list.php or email Liz at lizkorandanis@gmail.com. Please no used items, the organization will only accept new items.
The year end trip to Six Flags has been cancelled. Instead both groups will celebrate the end of the year with a cookout on May 20th. More information is to come. |
Hook and Hastings Organ Possibility
 | |
Charles trying out the Hook and Hastings Organ on our recent visit to Christ Church, South Barre |
We hope you have had a chance to read the letter we sent last week explaining the possibility of St. Francis acquiring the pipe organ from Christ Church in South Barre. In case you did not get a chance to see our letter or would like to see it again, click here.
The responses thus far from parish members have been very positive and enthusiastic. We now have a video clip of Charles playing the Hook and Hastings Organ during our visit last week that you may view by clicking above. We ask that you continue to pray with us as we explore this rare opportunity. Below are a few of the comments we have received from parishioners.
This organ sounds like a good fit for our church. I'd say go for it. It's quite an opportunity & the timing seems right. I'll bet the folks from S. Barre would appreciate having a piece of their history come along.
I listened to this beautiful instrument for many years while attending services at Christ Church, South Barre. It has a magnificent sound!
I will be glad to help in any way I can to get this moved to St Francis. I personally would vote on us going ahead and purchase this beauty. Too good an opportunity to pass us .
This is a great opportunity. I think it is meant to be. Go for it! Anything I can do to help with this project just let me know.
Dear Bev and Craig, What wonderful and amazing news about the Hook and Hastings organ! I do hope it becomes a reality that we have it at St. Francis. It would be a real thrill to hear Charles play it and would add immeasurably to worship services.
Please continue to forward any comments or questions you may have.
Faithfully,
Craig Stanovich and Bev Giarusso
cstanovich@austinstanovich.com
bgiarusso@verizon.net |
St. Clare House Labyrinth
The late B. Jeanne Schutte, a former Warden and Chair of the Mission Committee at St. Francis, often spoke about us building a labyrinth at St. Francis. When that goal was realized last summer, as our youth built a labyrinth behind St. Clare House built with the stones that had previously been used for the labyrinth at Bement Camp, it seemed fitting to honor Jeanne's memory and vision by dedicating it to her. Jeff and Karen Heath donated the stone upon which a plaque is now mounted. In addition, when the youth built the labyrinth they wanted to honor the memory of Josh Thibodeau by adding a bench that sits just outside the labyrinth.
Now that spring has sprung in New England, take some time to check out this peaceful spot where you can walk anytime you like. There is no "right" way and you can't get lost in a labyrinth, there is one way in and one way out. You go at your own pace. All of us are on a journey, on a sacred path; the labyrinth serves as a metaphor or model for that journey. By combining the imagery of both circle and spiral into one, the labyrinth symbolizes wholeness and also reminds us that sometimes our journey may meander, but that does not mean that it ceases to be purposeful.
A labyrinth is not a maze. A maze is like a puzzle to be solved; it is a left-brain task that requires logical, sequential, analytical activity to find the correct path into the maze and out. A labyrinth is a path that leads you to the center and out again. It is a right-brain task that involves intuition, creativity, and imagery.
Check it out!
|
From the Transition Committee:
Walk Abouts and Collecting Questions for the Candidates
The Transition Committee has planned four "Walk Abouts" during the week of May 21 to allow delegates to the electing convention (to be held June 2nd) and other interested members of the Diocese to meet and hear from those individuals presented as candidates for Bishop of Western Massachusetts.
During the Walk About events, a variety of questions will be asked of the nominees so that attendees may get to know them. We are currently soliciting questions to be used at these events. Questions may be submitted via the Bishop Search website, found at www.wmassbishopsearch.org. Click on "Do You Have Questions for the Candidates?" The deadline for submission is Tuesday, May 1. There will also be opportunity to submit questions at the Walk About registrations.
Walk Abouts are scheduled as follows:
Monday, May 21
St. Stephen's Church, Pittsfield, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, May 22
Church of the Atonement, Westfield, 10 a.m.
St. James Church, Greenfield, 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 24
Church of the Nativity, Northborough, 7 p.m.
*A group will be carpooling from St. Francis to Church of the Nativity and planning to leave Holden not later than 6:15 p.m. If you wish to join this group, please sign up in the narthex.
Registration begins one half hour before the time of the event. All venues are handicapped accessible and have ample parking.
All are welcome!
The Rev. Tanya R. Wallace
Rector, All Saints' Church, South Hadley
Chair, Transition Committee |
Weekly Memorial Altar Flowers
The flowers or greens that adorn the altar each week are provided through donations given by parishioners in memory of a departed loved one or in thanksgiving for a blessing.
Flowers are used each week except during the Lent and Advent seasons when we use greens.
If you would like to reserve a weekend for a memorial or thanksgiving please:
- Email Karen in the church office with your request;
- Pick up a form from the table in the narthex;
- Click here to print a form.
Forms may be mailed or put in the offering plate along with a check. The weekly cost for flowers is $50. Just as is our practice at Christmas and Easter a donation of any amount as a memorial is acceptable. |
From the Standing Committee of the Diocese
A Prayer for the Election of a Bishop
Loving God, we thank you for the gift of your Church. Empowered by your Holy Spirit, guide us as we seek the bishop of your choosing who will guide and equip our diocese in its mission, shepherd us as we seek to worship you and preach your Holy Gospel, and walk with us as we strive to be your hands and heart in the world. All this we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clergy Renewal
Last month, St. Francis Church and our Rector, Rich Simpson, celebrated our fifteenth Holy Week and Easter together. Rich's ministry among us began on February 1, 1998, which means that at the end of January 2013 he will have completed fifteen years as our Rector.
Our diocesan policy for Clergy Study Leaves can be found here. The underlying reason given for this policy is that "research has demonstrated that study leaves provide an opportunity for growth and health for both the priest and the congregation. The expectation is that clergy are eligible for a three-month leave after every five years of completed service.
Lilly Foundation Clergy Renewal Grants award as many as 150 grants a year of up to $50,000 to clergy and congregations to support this effort toward the overall health of the Church. St. Francis is in the process of applying for a grant; while the competition is great, it affords us an opportunity to begin a parish discussion about this now-regardless of whether or not we are selected to be a grant recipient.
At this point the vestry and rector have been in conversation about this and tentatively made plans for a Renewal Leave to begin sixteen months from now, from September 2013-November 2013. The following persons have agreed to serve on a committee that will initially work with Rich on writing the grant proposal and then on helping to communicate with the parish on the details of this plan, regardless of whether or not we are selected to receive a Lilly Grant. Those persons include: Dawn Rooke, Mary Jude Pigsley, Dick Delorme, Cynthia McIntyre, Robin Carlo, and Jan Moran.
What can you do as parishioners? For now, we ask for your prayers as we embark on this work. And if you have questions or feedback, please feel free to speak with Rich, or any member of the vestry, or any member of this committee. |
|
Memorial Garden
We hope you will all enjoy the beauty of the Memorial Garden from the windows of the worship space in all seasons, but particularly in the warm weather. We encourage you to come and use it for prayer and meditation, for small meetings, and for remembering those who have gone before us. We also remind you that the vinca beds are burial spaces and therefore sacred grounds. The vestry has entrusted the elected committee with the responsibility, in cooperation with the property committee, for the areas of the walkway, the garden and surrounding grounds and we do our best to keep it beautifully maintained. The garden and surrounding areas are a work in progress. We are working on further enhancements with our landscaper. Please read more information about the garden on the church website and address any questions to any of us.
Kathleen O'Connor
Jen Stanovich
Dianne Thibeault |
|
Gardeners Needed
Anyone who is interested in volunteering a few hours - or even in "adopting a garden" for the summer - is invited to be in touch with Bryan Diehl to discuss any ideas or interest. The Memorial Garden area has an established care program under the Memorial Garden Committee, but the rest of the gardens around the church and St. Clare House could benefit greatly from your care. We are always trying to keep the property as low maintenance as possible so please consider this with any ideas you may have. Please contact Bryan Diehl bdiehl@wm.com (508) 829-4835 or see him most Sunday's after the 10:00 service. |
| Graduation
It's that time of year again, and we always like to congratulate our graduating high school seniors.
Please let the office know if you are graduating, and what your plans are after graduation. You can call 508-829-3344 or email stfran@verizon.net
Thanks! |
|
St. Francis Men's Service Ministry
The mission of the Men's Service Ministry is simply: To serve those who aren't able to keep up with tasks around the house and who have insufficient means to cope on their own. We need assistance in identifying those who could use our assistance within our congregation or anyone in Holden and the surrounding towns. Please contact Bryan Diehl at bdiehl@wm.com (508) 829-4835 or Rich Simpson if you know of anyone that needs a hand. |
|
Mission Matters
Hello all,
In May please remember these dates. the Annual United Thank Offering will be collected on Saturday, May 19th and Sunday, May 20th. The UTO is a ministry of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. If you would like more information about UTO, go to: www.episcopalchurch.org/uto/.
On the weekend of Saturday, May 5th and Sunday, May 6th Abby's House pins will be sold to help support the continued efforts of Abby's House. This is an annual fundraiser we have done for years and is a wonderful way to honor our mothers while supporting women and children trying to escape from abusive relationships. If you would like to know more about Abby's House and their work go to www.abbyshouse.org
Tom Wilson
Mission Chair |
|
Holy Baptism
The Feast of Pentecost is one of the occasions recommended in The Book of Common Prayer for celebrating Holy Baptism. (See BCP 312) Pentecost, the fiftieth day of Easter, falls this year on the weekend of May 26/27. At this point we have no Baptisms scheduled for that weekend but it is not too late to be in touch with the Church Office (stfran@verizon.net) if you have been wanting to explore this Sacrament further.
The next date after Pentecost has already been set: Sunday, June 17. Here, too, please be in touch with Karen in the office if you wish to be Baptized or have a child baptized on that weekend. |
|
Memorial Day
The office will be closed on Monday, May 28th, for Memorial Day. |
|
EfM Open House
June 2nd and 3rd following the 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. services
For adults interested in an in-depth program of Bible study and theological reflection, St. Francis offers the Education for Ministry program known as EfM. EfM is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South at Sewanee. This course covers the basics of theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. The class meets weekly from September to May. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program, and it is not necessary to commit to all four years. The program grants a certificate at the completion of the four years and 18 Continuing Education Units for each year's work.
The Open House will provide the opportunity to speak with current EfM students and mentors, take a look at the materials and ask any questions you may have about EfM. If you like to attend, or would like more information about the program, contact Robin Carlo at rcarlo5@mac.com or 508-829-0363 or Deborah Johansen Harris at debjohansenharris@gmail.com or 508-829-0980. You can also check out the EfM website at www.sewanee.edu/efm. |
|
Habitat for Humanity
Worcester Build Project
June 16th from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
St. Francis Episcopal Church is sponsoring the Habitat for Humanity Worcester Build at 16 Fales Street, in the Greendale section of Worcester. We will be building on Saturday, June 16. Please consider joining us. No experience is necessary. The Build Day is from 8 am - 4 pm with a catered lunch. If we have more than 10 interested volunteers, we will split the day into a morning shift and an afternoon shift - and everyone can join the catered lunch! A sign-up sheet is on the Mission Table as well as brochures on Habitat for Humanity and the Worcester Build Project. Please consider supporting our mission efforts locally by joining us as we put our faith into action and help to provide a safe, decent, and affordable home for a deserving family. This is Habitat's 34th home they have built and their 19th home in Worcester. For more information on this Build, please go to http://www.habitatmwgw.org/our-builds/fales-street. |
|
Prayer Shawl Ministry
There are three shawls for blessing this month. Thank you to all the diligent workers
PS4FS (Prayer Shawls for Fallen Soldiers)
In a mere four and a half years we are very close to the 6,000 milestone for our Prayer Shawl activity. Wish we could say there will be no more Prayer Shawls because there will be no more casualties. Please continue to pray daily for the safety of our military and for the families who suffer a terrible loss. May our Prayer Shawls bring them comfort and love.
Hat for Troops
It's been a very busy time preparing boxes for the Easter distribution. All very successful and received with enthusiasm.
Keep up the good work. Looking forward to seeing you all next month.
Beryl Turner |
|
Thank you!!
To all of you at St. Francis -
Many thanks to the bunny who hopped up here with a bag of Easter goodies. I almost felt like a kid again as I examined all my "treasures."
All things considered I get along very well and I am happy to still be a part of the church I love so well and helped to found.
Alice Carr |
|
Monthly Lectionary
May 5/6 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 22:25-31
1 John 4:7-21
John 15:1-8
May 12/13 - 6th Sunday of Easter
Acts 10:44-48
Psalm 98
1 John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17
May 19/20 - 7th Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Psalm 1
1 John 5:9-13
John 17:6-19
May 26/27 - Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Romans 8:22-27
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 |
Seniors Birthdays ~ May
4 - Loretta Haynes
12 - David Dill
16 - Jeanette Dill
17 - Herb Peterson
23 - Helen Estabrook |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ST. FRANCIS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
70 Highland St., Holden, MA 01520
Worship: Wednesday - 7:00 p.m., Saturday - 5:00 p.m., Sunday - 8:00 &10:00 a.m.
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday
Office Phone: 508-829-3344 Fax : 508-829-6211
Rector: stfrancis_rector@charter.net
|
| |
|
|
