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A Message from the Rector |
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Nine years ago when the General Convention of the Episcopal Church met in Minneapolis, Minnesota, among other things they consented to the election of the Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire. Bishop Robinson was clearly not the first gay person ever to sit in the House of Bishops, in ours or any other denomination. But he was the first one who was open about it.
I was on Cape Cod, on vacation, when that vote took place. While many people (including me) were proud of our Church for taking a step toward more fully embracing the Baptismal Covenant to respect the dignity of every human being, some were upset and even felt blindsided and betrayed. The months and even years that followed were a polarizing time globally, nationally, in our diocese and in our congregation; and quite frankly a fairly challenging time for me, the wardens, and vestry as we navigated our way through.
Bishop Robinson is now retiring, and a new bishop has been elected from our very own diocese to succeed him. (The Rev. Rob Hirshfeld, Grace Church, Amherst) A great deal has changed in the past decade not only in the Episcopal Church but in our nation as well. Massachusetts was the first state to recognize marriage equality for gay and lesbian people. Since then, eight other states have joined us, and another twelve now offer civil unions or domestic partnerships. (See the map here.) Particularly in our New England context, we've seen a rather seismic social change, and if polling data is correct, a change of hearts as well.
This change has happened rather quickly: not quickly enough, I realize, for those who have been denied the benefits of marriage. Yet, in the greater scheme of human history, it's been a whirlwind of a decade when it comes to our changing cultural perspectives on same sex relationships. This past June, a U.S. Airman and his partner had their civil union blessed at the military chapel at McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, a joint military base in Wrightstown, N.J. Their story humanizes the extraordinary journey we have taken over the past 25 years or so in both Church and society.
Three years ago, at the 76th General Convention, the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music was asked to develop liturgical and study materials to be considered at the next General Convention, i.e. the one that met this summer in Indianapolis. They did amazing work and communicated well with the entire Church about Resolution AO49: I Will Bless You: And You Will Be A Blessing. I hope that you will read the materials they developed, which can be found on this blog. Take some time to explore this site, including most especially some of the audio visual materials.
This summer, the 77th General Convention of The Episcopal Church overwhelmingly voted to approve this rite for the blessing of same-sex couples in our Church. While there were dissenters, it was nothing like 2003, and the tone of the conversation was consistently respectful and honest. Our bishop, clergy deputation, and lay deputation all voted in favor of the resolution.
Some of you have perhaps seen editorials in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times about Convention. I am not even sure those people were there, but their words do not capture the way that I experienced my first Convention. I commend to you the reflections of our Presiding Bishop (found here) as a more accurate description of what unfolded, as well as the reflections that Bishop Steven Lane shared with the Diocese of Maine. Among other things, Bishop Lane wrote these words, which I think accurately express what we agreed to do in offering a liturgy for blessing same sex couples:
The General Convention authorized a service of same sex blessing, as expected. It made clear in doing so that the service is not a marriage service in disguise and may not be used for purposes other than the blessing of same sex couples. The service must be authorized by the diocesan bishop, and its use will be reported to the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music. No church or clergy person can be required to hold such a service, and no penalty may be imposed for declining to do so. (Bishop Lane's full statement can be found here.)
This decision means that the clergy of our diocese will be permitted, as of Advent I, to share this new liturgy with same-sex couples who desire to have their relationships blessed. Such services must be authorized by the bishop, and our bishop-elect has said that he will enthusiastically do so. As Bishop Lane points out, General Convention was clear that this is a blessing service; not Christian marriage. The differences are theological and historical; but quite frankly in places like Massachusetts this is still going to be a little bit confusing as we live into this change. At this point, at least, clergy will not be able to sign marriage licenses for same sex couples, even though we do live in a state with marriage equality. Bishop-elect Fisher has promised to revisit this question after his ordination, which coincidentally falls on December 1. (See The Boston Globe article, July 16, 2012, here.)
I have been talking with our vestry for the past two years about this upcoming vote and about what it would mean for St. Francis Church. They have been incredibly open and supportive of this change that will allow for a more pastoral response to gay and lesbian people who are in committed, monogamous relationships (whether legally married in Massachusetts or not.) Both Karen and I stand ready and willing to share this rite with those who may desire it. As with marriages, this will require conversation, pastoral counseling, and planning.
Even in the midst of great joy for many, I am very mindful that people are on their own journeys and that conversations about human sexuality may trigger some deep emotional responses. I pray that we will continue to honor one another going forward, not divided as "winners" and "losers" but as God's people on a journey together; one in Christ Jesus. I felt strongly a decade ago (and still feel) that I am called to be the pastor to all members of the parish including (and most especially) those who may disagree with me on this or any other matter. It is important to me that all members of our parish know that my door is always open for further conversation. Ultimately, what binds us together is bigger than any of our theological perspectives: Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, who has claimed us and sealed us and marked us as God's own, forever.
Peace and all good,
Rich |
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New Cross Task Group
With the organ now installed, the central icon of our worship (the cross) moved to the back wall. There appears to be strong consensus that there does need to be a cross in front to gather us in. There seems to be an emerging consensus, however, that the old cross works best on the back wall and we need a new cross. A task group has been formed to explore options including the commissioning of a new cross that would, potentially, be suspended above the altar. That group is composed of the following parishioners: Bev Giarusso, Peter Glanville, Jane Howell, Brion Keagle, Gino Polletta, Nancy Pope, Sarah Ribeiro, and Laurie Sanchez. Please keep them in your prayers as they do this work, and direct any thoughts, concerns, or ideas to them.
Ultimately they will make a recommendation (or two) to vestry who will make a final decision.
Some have commented that it is hard for them to worship without a cross up front . So "in the meantime," please consider the following:
1. Please note that there are crosses on the font (actually two), on the bishop's chair, and on the lectern. While they are not "the same" they nevertheless offer an opportunity to see what is already there with new eyes.
2. Although it is a different icon, the Table is also a lens through which we see God. Perhaps as we wait for a new cross you can focus on this image of our faith and ponder how it may challenge you to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Obviously Jesus died on the cross. But he lived, according to the Gospels, at the table...even with sinners and tax collectors. We come, just as we are, without one plea, to the Table where Christ welcomes us, and nourishes us with his own body and blood. There is the font, signifying the water of Baptism and new life. There are also the candles on the table - representing the Light of Christ still shining in the darkness.
3. In the depth and breadth of Christian tradition there are two major paths to God known as the via positiva and the via negativa. The first "way" is the way through icons or symbols, like the font, or the cross, or the table, or the mother and child. The second way is the way that is without symbols, knowing all symbols (even really good ones) at best point us to God and are not God. In other words, even as we wait for a new cross. God IS present. It might be helpful even if you are clearly a person whose pathway to God is through symbols to pay attention for a season to this other way. For it, too, can lead us to God. |
Mission Discernment
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Our own Thomas and Dianne Wilson, with the Bishop of El Salvador, The Rt. Rev. Martín Barahona |
Hello everyone,
Dianne and I have spent 2 weeks in El Maizal (land of corn) discerning Christ's call to do long term mission work here. It's a 60 acre agricultural community that ERD (Episcopal Relief and Development) built 30
homes in. There is a school, K through 2nd grade, and an Episcopal Church, The Church of Divine Providence, within the property. Approx 28 families live here.
Thank you for your prayers of support and stay tuned for additional information about this mission.
Vaya con Dios
Tom & Dianne Wilson |
Christian Formation
Church School
The Church School program is available on Sunday mornings for children who are in preschool (age 3 by September 1) through grade 5. Church School registration begins on August 26th. Classes will begin with "Move Up" parties on September 9th.
Please accompany your children to their rooms each week. Classroom assignments are as follows:
Preschool: Upstairs Charity Room
Kindergarten and 1st grade: Upstairs Faith Room
2nd grade: Upstairs Hope Room
3rd: St. Clare House - Main Room
4th and 5th grade: St. Clare House - Classroom
Note: The St. Clare House is the small tan house at the end of the parking lot.
Classes begin at 9:45 a.m. It is important
for all children to be on time in order to be fully included in all aspects of the lessons. If you have any questions about this program, please contact the Church School Coordinator, Susan Bastardo, at (508) 829-0600 or SMBslp22@hotmail.com.
Youth Group ~ Rite 13/J2A ~ Liz Korandanis
Welcome Back! Hopefully everyone had a relaxing and fun summer and is as excited as I am that youth group is back! Youth Group will begin again on September 9th with regular meetings (the 2012-2013 calendar can be found online on the church's website). Meeting times are staying the same as last year with Rite 13 (grades 6-8) meeting from 4-5:30pm and J2A (grades 9-12) meeting from 6:30-8:30pm. As always all are welcome regardless of denomination or school district. This year's Rite13 leaders are Linda Letourneau, Roger Jones, and Jacqueline Galvinhill. J2A leaders are Gregg McGurin as well as Father Rich and Pastor Karen.
After many discussions with Rich and Karen over the summer, we are excited to be trying something new this year. Once a month in lieu of regular meetings, we will be offering a teen centered worship service at 5pm on Sundays. The idea being to expose the youth to different styles and methods of worship to help them better identify what works for them as both individuals and as a whole group.
Please note that all the teens will need to fill out a permission form at the beginning of the year regardless of whether or not they completed one last year. This ensures that we keep up to date contact and emergency information. Forms can be found outside of the church office or can be downloaded off of the church website.
Confirmation Informational Meeting
Sunday, September 16th at 11:30 a.m. in the Library
For potential Confirmands (those entering 10th grade or higher who have not yet been confirmed) and their parents.
Registration packets were mailed in June to those whom we know are entering 10th grade. If you did not receive a packet please notify the church office, 508-829-3344 or stfran@verizon.net, and join us at this informational meeting.
Adult Ed
Interfaith Bible Study: The Book of Genesis
Tuesday mornings at St. Clare House, 10:00 a.m, beginning on September 25
The Rector will resume studies this fall with interested Christians and Jews (and other seekers) on Tuesday mornings at St. Clare House. We'll explore the Book of Genesis together throughout the fall months. Past experience has taught us that while we read the same texts, we read them through different lenses and in addition to the text itself, this context is a blessing for all involved as we encounter one another in our unity and in our diversity. All are welcome.
Faith and Politics - A Book Study Led by the Rector
Four Tuesday Evenings in October, October 2, 9, 1 6, 23
at St. Clare House
This November, once again Americans will go to the polls to elect a President. In Massachusetts we will also be voting for a U.S. Senator and various other offices. As a society we seem to be losing the art of honest conversation and the ability to disagree without being disagreable. For some, religion is a private matter that has nothing to do with our public vision for society. But for many of us, our faith and our values inform our politics. While the IRS (and good judgment) keep us from endorsing candidates for elected office, can the Church be a place where we can have honest conversations about the issues our nation faces. Does God care about our politics?
A few years ago, Jim Wallis wrote a book called: God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It: Using that book as a starting point to guide our conversations, we'll explore the Christian faith and tradition by asking if there is a way forward, a way to better articulate God's Vision for this world, and how our politics might help us to move forward, rather than remaining stuck in polarizing and partisan rhetoric.
The goal of this study is to learn more about our faith as we explore these questions. All points-of-view will be welcomed and the goal is not a debate; there are plenty of other places where that already happens. Rather, our goal is to reflect together on how our faith might continue to inform our politics and maybe even invite us to think in new ways.
Episcopalians vs. Lutherans: What's the Difference?
Since Karen has arrived to be our associate rector we have talked a lot about the similarities between the Episcopal Church and the Lutheran Church, but we haven't talked much about what sets us apart from one another. On the Wednesday evenings of October 17 and 24 we will offer an opportunity to learn more about these differences. Our 7pm service on October 17 will offer a Lutheran liturgy led by Karen and followed at 7:30 p.m. by an evening of discussion focused on "Justified by Grace through Faith: Luther's Theological Vision." On October 24 our 7:00 p.m. service will offer an Episcopal liturgy led by Rich and followed at 7:30 p.m. by an evening of discussion focused on "The Middle Way of Anglicanism." Each program will offer some education and discussion by Rich and Karen on their individual traditions and what they appreciate of the other's tradition followed by time for questions and discussion with those gathered. And as a bonus opportunity for those interested, at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31 when the Lutheran Church celebrates Reformation Day (the day in 1517 when Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg) Karen will offer a Reformation Day liturgy followed at 7:30 p.m. by a discussion of some basic Reformation history and what led to the formation of the Lutheran and Anglican churches.
The 42nd Annual Trinity Institute (at St. Francis)
Save the date - November 9-11, 2012. The Trinity Institute is coming to Holden, via satellite. St. Francis has teamed up with Immanuel Lutheran Church to be a webcast partner for this year's Institute. The topic is "Radical Christian Life: Equipping Ourselves for Social Change."
For more information on the program and schedule, click here. Look for more details in the next issue of the Little Portion. |
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ST. FRANCIS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
70 Highland St., Holden, MA 01520
Worship Schedule
Wednesday - 7:00 p.m., Saturday - 5:00 p.m.,
Sunday - 8:00 a.m. and 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
Email
Associate Rector: karen.safstrom@gmail.com
Web Page Address
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As we go to press, 114 households have contributed to the new organ. We are very close to meeting our goal. Thank you.
If you have been planning to contribute to this effort please consider doing so now, so that we can draw this campaign to a close and turn our attention toward celebrating this wonderful instrument. (You can download a form by clicking here.)
Save the date: On Sunday, November 25th at 4:00 p.m. we will dedicate the new organ. Robert Barney, Minister of Music at Trinity Episcopal Church, Concord, MA will be with us to mark this occasion.
 Robert Barney maintains an active musical career as a choral director, performer, teacher, and church musician. In September of 2009 he was appointed to the position of Artistic Director for Youth pro Musica, Boston's oldest choral program for young singers. He also serves as Director of Music for Trinity Episcopal Church in Concord, Massachusetts, since 1994, and has taught voice, piano, and organ for more than 30 years. Mr. Barney performs organ recitals in the United States and Europe and has performed for conventions of the Organ Historical Society, The American Guild of Organists, and the Association of Anglican Musicians, focusing his attention especially on historic instruments. Mr. Barney holds degrees from Concordia College and The New England Conservatory of Music and his teachers include Ruth Taylor, Robert Owen, Robert Schunemann, Frank Taylor and Yuko Hayashi.
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Meet and Greets with the New Associate Rector
 Karen Safstrom, our new associate rector, arrived in May just as things were winding down for summer. As things are revving up again for fall we are offering opportunities for the congregation to get to know her and ask questions of her. Want to know why she is a vegetarian? Or why she is a Lutheran? What led her to seminary from her life as a pharmacist? She will answer any question you may have for her at these sessions and she has questions for you too as these sessions will also give her an opportunity to get to know the parish a little better. She would like to know, what do you love the most about St. Francis? What do you see as opportunities for growth for us? What are some topics you might be interested in for adult education/formation? What might be some ministries you think St. Francis isn't involved in and should be? Join Karen in the Scruton Library at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8 and 22 and at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 9 and 23 for this opportunity. |
It's Picnic Time!
Sunday, September 16th
Join your St. Francis family for a picnic on the church grounds, right after the 10:00 a.m. service until 1:30 p.m. It will be a great opportunity to share a meal, reconnect after the summer, play games and try out the Labyrinth, located behind the St. Clare House.
Cost is $5 per person, $10 per family, and all you need to bring is a salad or dessert and a blanket (optional). Burgers, dogs, sausage, and beverages will be provided.
Please sign up in the narthex or reply to Dawn Rooke at dtrooke@gmail.com
so that we will know how many to shop for. Let's hope for a gorgeous sunny day, but this event will be held, RAIN or SHINE! |
The Feast of St. Francis - Celebrating Our First Sixty Years
Ten years ago, when St. Francis Church turned fifty, the third rector of St. Francis, the Very Rev. Earl Whepley, came from Indianapolis to preach and the Rt. Rev. Gordon Scruton, fourth rector of St. Francis, presided at the Eucharist.
 Turning sixty will be a bit of a lower-key affair for us. There is so much happening at St. Francis this fall that we might consider part of marking this occasion: including hosting a retirement party for the Scrutons on September 30 and dedicating the new organ on November 25. But we also have something special for the weekend when we celebrate our patronal feast, on October 7. The Rev. Douglas Fisher, our new bishop-elect, will be our preacher that weekend. It will be a nice opportunity for the parish to welcome him in a less formal context than when we usually see bishops, primarily at confirmations and ordinations and so forth. We will be commissioning this year's confirmation class at that liturgy, and also blessing animals later in the day in the Memorial Garden. So save the date, and plan to be with us as we welcome the bishop-elect to the diocese. |
Church Gardens
The Memorial Garden, which extends from the parking lot to the back of the church, continues to be well-maintained over the summer months. We have a special fund, the Memorial Garden Fund, that helps us to supplement the hard work of volunteers with professional landscaping support, and it shows. The front gardens of the church have been adopted over the summer by various volunteers and that area is also looking good.
St. Clare House is a slightly different matter and could use some "TLC." If you have a half-day or day to devote to some care of the gardens at St. Clare House, especially in the front, please feel free to do so...no permission required.
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A Note from the Office to all groups regarding the calendar:
The calendar is on the office computer and is kept up-to-date with meetings and programs, however there are times when information hasn't been communicated.
Please be sure to check with Karen in the office before scheduling meetings and programs so that:
1. We are sure to get it on the calendar, and
2. We can prevent overbooking of certain areas of the buildings. |
Got Pictures?
Do you have a current digital photo of yourself or your family/household members? If so, please send one to the church office (stfran@verizon.net) along with names of those in the photo for our records. Our church administration software allows us to incorporate these photos in our files for each individual and/or household and we'd like to try to utilize this feature more to assist in our ministry. In a growing parish like St. Francis it is difficult to know everyone and we've heard feedback that people from our three different weekend services don't know each other. So, some ways this feature might be used to help us in bridging this gap is to print a parish directory with pictures, post pictures of those in the parish cycle of prayer so we all know who we are praying for, print pictures with newsletter articles to help people in identifying who Mary Ann is if we say "see Mary Ann to sign up", and to help with staff communication when putting a face with a name is needed. Don't have a digital photo? Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities before and after weekend worship to have one taken. Thank you for your cooperation in this effort. |
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Acolytes
We are in need of acolytes for this coming year. Acolytes typically serve about once per month during the 10:00 a.m. service. Being an acolyte is a very rewarding way to worship and contribute, and volunteers of all ages are invited to serve. Sign-up will be held during September with a training session to occur during October. |
Holy Baptism
The next scheduled date for Holy Baptism is the weekend of November 3/4, All Saints'.
If you are interested in scheduling a baptism please contact the church office at 508-829-3344. |
Annual Church Mouse Fair
Saturday, October 27, 2012
9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon
Opportunities for everyone!
Attic Treasures ~ Glassware, Pictures, Linens, Craft supplies, Tools, Books, CD's, DVD's, Puzzles, Toys, Plants and Miscellaneous
Donations of good, clean usable items needed. (Please note that we cannot accept tires, paint, cribs, infant car seats or carriers, furniture, television sets, computers, encyclopedias, textbooks, or subscription magazines.)
Drop Off Times for the above items: October 21 after the 10:00 a.m. service until 1:00 p.m. October 22 - October 26 - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Baked Goods ~ This is another best seller at our fair. So, if you're able to donate pies, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, you'll be creating many happy faces. In particular, we would like to encourage items in half sizes or smaller portions for the benefit of senior citizens who would enjoy some homemade goods without the necessity of eating a whole cake on their own.
Drop Off Time Friday, October 26 - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Heavy Lifters ~ Your help is truly needed on October 16 after the 10:00 a.m. service to move tables and chairs for set up and then on October 22 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. to take down same and load up the leftover unsold items into trucks.
Truck Drivers ~ At least two pick up trucks with drivers are needed to take leftovers to Savers in Lincoln Plaza in Worcester when the fair is over. We often have several boxes of books and miscellaneous items which won't all fit in cars easily.
Sorters ~ During the week before the fair, even an hour of your time would be so much appreciated. All are welcome to bring friends with you! For high school students who need service hours this coming fall, this is a terrific opportunity to fill that need and also help us to help others! Sign up sheets will be coming to a table in the Narthex near you soon!
Crafters ~ We've been crafting away during the summer and welcome all donations, ideas, and people who would like to join us on Wednesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon as we create special items. It's fun and a great way to meet others. If you've been working on items at home or would like to do so or would like to suggest another day/night for gathering, just let us know and we'll see what we can do.
For more information, questions, suggestions, etc., please call Donna Alarie at (508) 847-8574 or email at
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Bishop's Retirement Celebration
St. Francis Episcopal Church
Sunday, September 30, 2012
4:00 p.m.
St. Francis will host the second of three Celebrations for retiring bishop, Gordon Scruton. There will be lots of opportunities to help. Sign-up sheets are on the table in the narthex. For questions please contact Nancy Pope at NLPJWarden@aol.com or 508-829-5564. |
Monthly Lectionary ~ September
September 1/2 ~ 14th Sunday after Pentecost
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9
James 1:17-27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
September 8/9 ~ 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Psalm 125
James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17
Mark 7:24-27
September 15/16~ 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Proverbs 1:10-33
Psalm 19
James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-37
September 22/23~ 17th Sunday after Pentecost
Proverbs 31:10-31
Psalm 1
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Mark 9:30-37
September 29/30 ~ 18th Sunday after Pentecost
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Psalm 124
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50 |
Seniors Birthdays ~ September
01 - Helen Wisner
01 - Pauline Perry
02 - Jane Howell
04 - Jim Geneva
07 - June Henderson
21 - Dennis Pomerleau
23 - Betty Hofstra |
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