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We Celebrate our Patronal Feast Day at all three services on October 6th and 7th
Saturday 5:00 p.m. ~ Holy Eucharist and Celebration of Holy Baptism
Sunday 8:00 a.m. ~ Holy Eucharist
10:00 a.m. ~ Holy Eucharist and Commissioning of Confirmands
3:00 p.m. ~ Blessing of the Animals (Memorial Garden)
The Rev. Douglas Fisher, our new bishop-elect, will be our preacher at the 10:00 a.m. service. (The rector will be preaching at the 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. services.)
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, ordinations and so forth.
Church Mouse Fair ~ Saturday, October 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
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Little Portion |
October 2012 |
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A Message from the Rector |
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Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.
This past year I was privileged to serve as a deputy to the 77th triennial General Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. In the midst of the work we did over eight days, we authorize new rites and prayers for the care of beloved animals including a service for the loss of a pet and prayers for the adoption of an animal, missing animals, sick and suffering animals.
All of these prayers seemed like a natural extension of the annual "Blessing of the Animals" service that we have at St. Francis Church each year to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis. In the Christian calendar, a saint's "feast day" falls on the day of her or his death. In the case of St. Francis, that is October 4.
At St. Francis Church we will remember Francis' life and witness on the Sunday closest to that day; this year that will be on Sunday, October 7. That weekend our bishop-elect, the Rev. Douglas Fisher, will be our preacher at the 10 a.m. service. (You are stuck with me at 5 p.m. and 8 a.m.) Later in the afternoon, at 3 p.m., we will be blessing animals outdoors in the Memorial Garden. All who love their pets and would like to have them receive a blessing are welcome to join us. This is a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors as well.
Peace and all good,
Rich |
Adult Ed
Faith and Politics - A Book Study Led by the Rector
Four Tuesday Evenings in October, October 2, 9, 16, 23 at St. Clare House at 7:00 p.m.
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.
Click here to order it online. Please sign-up on the table in the narthex.
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 7:00 p.m. 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.
Israel/Palestine: Teaching Our Children to Become Citizens of the World
Saturday, November 3rd at 9:00 a.m.
Tree of Life Conference ~ Springfield, MA
Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal)
35 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01103
www.cccspfld.org 413-736-2742
Admission: $10 per person, $20 per family
Program
8:30-9:00 Registration
9:00-9:15 Traditional Palestinian Music:
Tamar Alshouri & Cristina Awad
9:15-9:30 Welcome and Introduction
Dean Jim Munroe & Donna Barten
9:30-10:00 Teaching Our Children to Move
Beyond Tragedy: George Saadeh- Principal of Shepherd's Field Greek
Orthodox School
10:00-10:30 Ultimate Peace: Forging Youth
Relationships for a New Future:
Linda & Bob Sidorsky
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-11:15 The Taybeh Story: The View as a
Christian, a Mother, and an
Educator: Dr. Maria Koury
11:15-11:30 Question and Answer Period
11:30-11:50 Traditional Palestinian Music
11:50-12:00 Closing Prayers
12:00 Luncheon in Kendrick Room
Have You Had Enough?
Our society sends us constant messages that we just don't have enough. We are told repeatedly that we need to possess more and more in order to be happy. Unfortunately, for too many of us, what we end up finding is that no matter how much we obtain it never seems to be enough and we always end up feeling like something is still missing. If this sounds familiar, you are invited to join the associate rector for a discussion of Adam Hamilton's Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity on Wednesday, November 7th at 7:30 p.m. in the library. The book is a quick read at around 100 pages and our discussion will focus on the struggle to live a life of faith which embraces contentment and generosity in a consumer culture. Click here to order it online. Sign up on the table in the Narthex or contact Karen (karen.safstrom@gmail.com) by October 24.
The 42nd Annual Trinity Institute
(at St. Francis)
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 click here. Please sign-up on the table in the narthex.
Friday, November 9th
7:00-8:30 p.m. Welcome, Opening Address
Joan Chittister, OSB
Saturday, November 10th
8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:00-10:15 Creative Work Session #1
10:45-12:00 Creative Work Session #2
12:00 Lunch
1:30-3:00 Address and Interactive Forum
Joan Chittister, OSB
3:30-4:45 Creative Work Session #3
Sunday, November 11th
11:15 a.m. Eucharist and Ritual of
Commissioning
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, preacher |
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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. |
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 27 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. to take down tables and chairs 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.
For more information, questions, suggestions, etc., please call Donna Alarie at (508) 847-8574 or email at Donnachesspals@gmail.com |
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Senior's Birthdays in October
4 Richard Nylen
5 Elaine Graves
5 Chuck Miller
10 Blanche Nylen
11 Peg Richardson
15 Allen Beck
17 Thomas Lehans
18 Joan Nack
19 Roz Glanville
23 Rita Martel
23 Russ Dye
26 Bruce Barton
30 Doug Turner |
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Thank you to
Melanie Amaral and all who helped to make the Parish Picnic a great success. Beautiful weather, great food, and wonderful fellowship! |
Fall 2012 Telephone Directories Now Available
A newly updated version of our parish directory, including phone and email contacts, is now available on the table in the narthex. Please take one and also please inform Karen Heath, our Parish Administrator, if ther is inaccurate information or if you are missing! You can email her at stfran@verizon.net. |
Acolyte Training and Pizza
Sunday, October 14th
11:30 a.m.
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.
Please sign-up on the table in the narthex. |
Grief Recovery Series Offered by Miles Funeral Home
Saturday, October 20, 2012 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Holden Senior Center
1130 Main Street, Holden
Healing a Spouse's Grieving Heart and Finding Your Way
This seminar is designed to assist individuals through their experience of loss, and the journey following the death of a spouse or partner. We will discuss the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of grief that are unique to this type of loss. We will share ideas on how to support, cope and care for ourselves as we move toward healing in your personal grief journey.
Terri Philbrick, LICSW
Licensed Independent Social Worker, Grief Counselor and Bereavement Coordinator
Richard S. Mansfield, Funeral Director
Seating is limited. Seminar is free and open to the public.
Light refreshments will be served. Please call 508-829-4434 or 978-422-0100 for reservations. |
CROP Walk
Sunday, October 21, 2012
1:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church
St. Francis has a long history of participating with local churches to raise money for the hungry through CROP Walk/Church World Services and this year our fundraising goal is $1500.
Walkers can sign up after the 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. services or contact Lori Churchill at 978-928-4159 or lchurchill@mac.com. Donations can be made online through the St. Francis website at www.stfrancisholden.org.
We also need bread bakers and help with hosting the mid-walk refreshments. If you can help, please see the sign-up sheet in the narthex. Thank you!! |
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. |
Election Day Eucharist
Tuesday, November 6 at
7:00 p.m.
On November 6, 2012, Election Day, we will exercise our right to choose.
Some of us will choose to vote for Barack Obama.
Some of us will choose to vote for Mitt Romney.
Some of us will choose to vote for another candidate.
Some of us will choose not to vote.
During the day of November 6, 2012, we will make different choices for different reasons, hoping for different results.
But that evening while our nation turns its attention to the outcome of the presidential election, let's again choose differently. But this time, let's do it together. Let's meet at the same table, with the same host, to remember the same things.
We will join a broad cross-section of ecumenical communities across the nation at the Table. Check out this website at for Election Day Communion www.electiondaycommunion.org |
Organ Dedication
Sunday, November 25th
4:00 p.m.
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. |
Ordination and Consecration of Bishop-Elect Fisher
The Diocese of Western Massachusetts will gather in celebration on the occasion of Doug Fisher's ordination and consecration as the 9th Bishop of Western Massachusetts. Save the dates; more information will be shared in the coming months.
Friday, November 30th
Join us for a diocesan dinner honoring Doug Fisher, his family, and out of town guests. This event will take place at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, and will include a reception, cash bar, buffet dinner, presentations by Bishop Scruton, Bishop-Elect Fisher, and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, as well as admission to the exhibits at the Hall of Fame. Tickets will be available for purchase by October 1st.
Saturday, December 1st
The ordination and consecration of Doug Fisher as the 9th Bishop of Western Massachusetts will take place during a festive service held at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, at 11:00 a.m. The service is open to the public, with everyone welcome, and will be followed by a reception. Be sure not to miss this historic moment in the lie of the diocese.
Your Transition Committee is working hard to ensure a smotth and spirit-filled transition. We thank you for your support and responsiveness through the Walk Abouts and the election, and look forward to celebrating with you in the months to come! Please be in touch if you have questions: wmasstransition@gmail.com.
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A quote from a very nice Thank You note:
"Dear Prayer Shawl Ladies,
The shawls that you beautifully knit are really appreciated by everyone who receives them. And, it is such a wonderful feeling to be able to give them the shawl and your message that is attached. It is like a ray of sunshine in their day. It is a win win! Thank you for making it all possible" Ladies - take a bow.
PS4FS (Prayer Shawls for Fallen Soldiers)
Our new Chaplain is overwhelmed with the number of families traveling to Dover for the Dignified Transfer ceremony. He faces a tough job but has immediately realized the huge benefit of the prayer shawls to each family. Every family member is consoled by the prayer shawl. Please continue your prayers for our military and for their safety, to return home soon and for world peace. It's a tall order but worth praying for. Hats for Troops This is an extremely busy time. Getting organized and ready to start packing supplies to our Troops. We are hoping to gather more donations, especially for our many four legged friends working on the front line. Beryl Turner |
Memorial Altar Flowers
The flowers or greens that adorn the altar area each week are provided through donations given by parishioners in memory of a departed loved one, or in thanksgiving for a blessing.
If you would like to make a memorial contribution, please pick up a form from the table in the narthex or click here to download a form.
Please return the forms to the church office with your donation. |
Monthly Lectionary
October 6/7 ~ Feast of St. Francis
October 13/14 ~ 20th Sunday after Pentecost
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
Psalm 22:1-15
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31
October 20/21 ~ 21st Sunday after Pentecost
Job 38:1-7, 34-41
Psalm 104: 1-9, 23, 35c
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10: 35-45
October 27/28 ~ 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52 |
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