Dear Friends,

It is hard for me to imagine but Lent is upon us! "Lent" is from an Old English word meaning "lengthen," and refers to that time of year when the days grow longer. Chaucer writes it is the time of year, "thanne logen folk to goon on pilgrimages, and palmeres for to seken straunge strondes [shores]." Of course, Lent is that time of the year when people interested in the spiritual journey take extra time for prayer, for penitence, for growing in Christ. You may take a spiritual pilgrimage this Lent by participating in of our Lenten activities. Elsewhere in this edition of the Faithway you will find our schedule for Lent.  Since we have three weekday Eucharists and daily Evening Prayer, we will encourage you to attend what is already available. On Wednesdays, after Evening Prayer at 5 pm, we will be walking the Stations of the Cross.

You may also want to join one of the several Bible Studies offered on Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays, as well as at the Adult Forum on Sunday mornings.

On Wednesdays, our wonderful Hospitality group will also offer a soup supper at 6:00 pm, and that will be followed by the continuing Alpha Course in Palen Hall, and A School for Prayer, a five week series in the Kinsolving Room. Please sign up for the soup suppers, regardless of which class you plan to attend. I will be speaking on prayer: the first week will be a general talk and introduction to prayer, the second week, a study of the Anglican Daily Office. The third week I will focus on corporate prayer; the fourth week on private prayer, specifically meditation and centering prayer; and the final week on intercession, confession, and healing.

On Ash Wednesday we will invite you to the observance of a Holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; "by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditation on God's holy Word" (BCP, 265). I pray you will join us in this holy time and in ever deepening relationship to Jesus Christ our Lord.

God bless you,

Kenneth J.G. Semon

At the Annual Meeting, held January 24, 2010, the parish elected Guy Gronquist, Ray Wallace and Webb Wallace to fill the three seats vacated by our retiring members Ashley Margetson, Don Pattison, and Mike Ward. Thank you all for your service to the Church of the Holy Faith!

In January we overlooked one very important acknowledgement - the participants in the 2009 Children's Christmas Pageant! Thank you to all who helped plan, organize, direct and who participated in the Pageant, and our parish celebration of our Lord's Nativity!

On Christmas Eve our young people, age three and up, offered their birthday gift to the baby Jesus, the eighteenth annual Christmas Pageant. Some of the participants have  worked their way up from original roles as sheep.
  

 Readers:  Kathryn Wallace and Claire Kendall.
 Joseph,  Benjamin Ronquillo; 

 Mary, Kimberley McSweeney;

 Angel Gabriel,  Blake Trevisani.

 Three Kings:  Sarah Ronquillo, gold; 

                        Samir Morrow, frankincense;

                        Neil Wilkerson, myrrh.

 Shepherds: Juan and Karina Lira, seniors;

                    Edson Lira and Carlos Gonzales, anchors;
Sergio Lira, Mary Ren and Beatrix Talbot, Luke Trevisani, Jasmine                     Velazquez,

 Angels: Emma Smith (senior), Gussie Gronquist (anchor),  Jolene Bowannie, Georgie Iverson, Madison Kirkbride, Karina Norman, Reveille Rothschild.

Sheep: Hugh and Harry Browning, Owen Lock, Ida Rothschild. Alexandra Poe, special  assistant shepherd to Miss Alice.

Stage Crew:  Michael Kaye, Brian Murphy, Richard Kendall, Bill Adrian.

Directors:  Janet Kaye and Janet McCroskey, assisted by Julie Rothschild, Linda Richards, Cindy Murphy, and all the mothers. As always, Alice McSweeney directed the sheep.

Thank you, everyone, with special thanks to the parents for giving their children the chance to be included!

We are still reconciling the books, but we keep a running log in the Property Office of the capital fund that indicates we carried over $1,952.91, remaining into 2010. Combined with the $75,000, allocated this year, we started the year with $76,952.91.  $14,591.11 has already been spent and $47,725 has been designated for projects in process or on the planning table for this year. A more detailed list of projects for 2009 and 2010 is noted in the annual report. That leaves us with $14,637.80, unallocated which we can use for those unexpected expenses we encounter. We hope to always keep a small amount unallocated for just such costs.

One unknown cost for which we are holding this reserve is the air conditioning system.  Based on the increase noise that was coming from one of the compressors last fall, we anticipate that we may need a major repair on the system within the next year or definitely within three. It is our understanding that if an AC system is installed properly; it should last longer than the 8 years ours has been in use. But, our service tech has some questions as to quality of its installation.

Another cost we are trying to plan ahead for is all the different computers and computer systems that we are becoming dependent on. We recently, unexpectedly, had to replace one of the main business computers when it crashed. Our phone system is a digital system, which means you can consider it another computer system.  It is outdated and the phones themselves are no longer available. You might remember that in 2008 we had to upgrade the software program in the fire alarm system when that crashed. Our buildings are wired for data transmission, but the hardware that the wires run to is of various brands and vintages, as is the software found on the individual computers. Our long range planning includes development of an IT plan for upgrades for both hardware and software.

One of the categories of assets belonging to church that has suffered neglect is our art.  We recently had the Gustave Baumann model of the reredos in the Church repaired and restored.  It is on display in the Parish Office.  Please check it out, it looks great!  August 12 this year will be the 65^th anniversary of its dedication by Bishop Stoney.  It was dedicated in memory of Bishop Howden.  And I am told that Bishop Kinsolving was a model for Baumann as he carved it. 

Another valuable asset is our stained glass windows.  This year we hope to put together a task force to help formulate a long range plan for their preservation and restoration. $50 was dedicated last year to the stained glass windows which we will use to purchase some recommended resources for such a group as this. This year we have dedicated some capital funds to finish covering all of the stained glass windows with a protective cover, and to replace several covers that have become clouded. If you are interested in being on this taskforce, please contact me or Scott Bernard, Junior Warden. It will have its first meeting this summer.

Another piece of art we have is our natural art; i.e. the grounds.  We have had a dedicated small core of volunteers that have tried to help nurture the plants we have in the various garden beds.  But many of them are also our dedicated volunteers for many other ministries at the church, and they can only do so much.  We have noted that since we had to drop the landscaping service contract two years ago as a cost savings, the grounds have suffered.  

During the month of February we will be accepting applications for a temporary part time position that will start in the spring and end in the fall to help with the outside grounds care and some inside cleaning projects. Ideally we hope to find someone who can use the short term extra income and would have both the flexibility for a variable work schedule and the "strong back" needed for this type of work. Please pass the word to anyone that you know would be interested.

Bill Adrian

Adult Faith Enrichment - The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis will present two programs this month: February 4 - Inculturation: A Look at the Changing Face of Indian Christianity. Father Oscar Coehlo, Associate Rector of the Cathedral Basilica, will examine the circumstance of Christians living as a minority in his native India; and February 25 - New Mexico's Penitentes. Monsignor Jerome Martinez y Alire, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica and an hermano himself, will explore the history, practices, and contributions of this little understood brotherhood. 

All events in the Cathedral's Adult Faith Enrichment Series are free and open to the public. For more information, call 982-5619.

The Holy Faith Gift Shop will reopen on Sunday, February 28, with our new spring merchandize - lots of surprises- and the new 2010 signed, numbered and dated Lawrence Baca crosses. Please stop by!

Albertson's Community cards - Temporary cards are here! Help raise funds for youth programs at Holy Faith by using a "Community Card" when you shop at Albertsons. Simply scan it at the register and Holy Faith will receive 1% of the total of all purchases up to $50,000; 5% on everything over $50,000 per quarter. The pink temporary cards will be on the table next to piano in Palen Hall - please pick one up the next time you're at Church! We'll let you know when the permanent cards arrive.

Royal School of Church Music - Enrollment is open for the Royal School of Church Music. Please call the RSCM Director, Monika Cosson-Sheppard, at 982-4447 ext. 112, to learn more about this exciting program for children's musical training and choir.

If you would like to be added to the prayer list, or if you wish to add someone, please contact Amy at amy@holyfaithchurchsf.org, or 982-4447, ext. 105.

Congratulations to: Frank & Nancy Hart who celebrate their 25 anniversary February 2; Richard & Nancy Hawkins who celebrate their 28 anniversary February 5; Joe & Anne Ponce who celebrate their 55 anniversary February 5; Richard & Lise Hilboldt Stolley who celebrate their anniversary on February 8; and Moses & Katherine Attrep who celebrate their 45 anniversary February 20.

4 - Food Packers, 9:00 am in the Palen Hall kitchen.

5 & 6 - Vestry Retreat

9 - Ministries Council at 3:30 pm in the Kinsolving Room.

11 - Finance Committee meeting at 4:30 pm in the Campbell Room.

15 - Office closed - President's Day.

16 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at 4:45 pm in Palen Hall.

17 - Ash Wednesday services at 7:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 7:00 pm.

18 - Vestry meeting at 5:30 pm in the Campbell Room.

19 & 20 Alpha Retreat

23 - Daughters of the King meet at 3:00 pm in the Kinsolving Room.

24 - Soup Suppers begin Wednesday evenings in Lent.

         Alpha continues; Father Semon's "School for Prayer," begins.

25 - St. Elizabeth's Cooks, 12:00 pm in the Palen Hall kitchen.

28 - Feed the Hungry 9:00 am in the Palen Hall kitchen.

Soup suppers Wednesdays March 3, 10, 17, and 24, at 6:00 pm.

4 - Food Packers, 9:00 am in the Palen Hall kitchen.

9 - Ministries Council meeting at 3:30 pm in the Kinsolving Room.

11 - Finance Committee meeting at 4:30 pm in the Campbell Room.

18 - Vestry meeting at 5:30 pm in the Campbell Room.

23 - Daughters of the King meet at 3:00 pm in the Kinsolving Room.

24 -- Eve of the Feast of the Annunciation - Solemn High Eucharist (with incense) at  7:30 pm in the Church.

25 - St. Elizabeth's Cooks, 12:00 pm in the Palen Hall kitchen.

28 - Palm Sunday - We continue our tradition of joining with the Basilica Cathedral of St. Francis and First Presbyterian Church in a Palm Sunday Procession to the Plaza where palms will be blessed and distributed in a public affirmation of Christian faith.

Our last service on Palm Sunday take place at approximately 11:30 am. The procession will depart from Holy Faith at 10:40 and arrive at the Plaza by 11:00 am.

28 - Feed the Hungry 9:00 am in the Palen Hall kitchen.

March 29, 30 & 31 - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week. Holy Eucharist will be offered at 6:00 pm each evening.

On Holy Tuesday, March 30, Father Lanum will lead Holy Faith's annual Pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayo.  

1 - MAUNDY THURSDAY

7:00 pm           Foot Washing and Stripping of the Altar

9:00 pm           All-night Vigil in the Garden of Repose (the Chapel of the Good Shepherd).

2 - GOOD FRIDAY

7:00 am           Mass of the Pre-sanctified (in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd).

12:00 pm         The Seven Last Words from the Cross

7:00 pm           Good Friday Liturgy and Veneration of the Cross.

3 - HOLY SATURDAY -

7:00 pm           The Great Vigil of Easter and festive reception

4 - EASTER DAY -

8:30 am           Sung Eucharist

10:00 am         Children's Easter Egg Hunt and Reception in Palen Hall.

11:00 am         Solemn High Eucharist

And...

1 - Food Packers, 9:00 am in the Palen Hall kitchen.

5 - Office Closed

8 - Finance Committee meeting at 4:30 pm in the Campbell Room.

13 - Ministries Council Meeting at 3:30 pm in the Kinsolving Room.

15 - Vestry meeting at 5:30 pm in the Campbell Room.

24 - Electionof the 9^th Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande.(Albuquerque)

25 - Feed the Hungry 9:00 am in the Palen Hall kitchen.

27 - Daughters of the King meet at 3:00 pm in the Kinsolving Room.

29 - St. Elizabeth's Cooks, 12:00 pm in the Palen Hall kitchen.

Jane Amos

Mitzi Barker- Vestry Clerk

Scott Bernard - Jr. Warden

Guy Gronquist

Chuck Miller

Jim Overton

Mike Shirley - Sr. Warden

Ray Wallace

Webb Wallace

Robert Jones - Treasurer

Mission Statement:

To welcome all people into an ever-deepening personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our Vision:

To be a vibrant community of Christian faith and worship, to educate and serve, and to offer fellowship and support to all who seek Jesus Christ as Lord.

Our Core Values 

·         We believe in God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

• We profess that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord.
• We preach and teach that the Holy Scriptures are the authoritative Word of God.
• We encourage and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ through abiding in his Word.
• We believe the Holy Sacraments, daily prayer, and the healing power of Christ are fundamental and necessary.
• We offer comprehensive pastoral care.
• We offer Christian education for children, families, and people of all ages.
• We provide music and liturgy that praise God and exalt the Spirit.
• We welcome all people into our vibrant fellowship.
• We strive to be living examples of Christian love, truth, honesty, integrity, and excellence in all we do.
• We share the gospel of Jesus Christ through service to the community of Santa Fe and beyond.