A Message From Your Wardens

 Interim Search

We are pleased to tell you that the interim rector to whom we have made an offer has accepted our call to serve St. Francis! A few minor details still need to be worked out before we formalize our relationship with our new interim, but this is very good news indeed.

Just as a reminder, the interim rector's prime function is to prepare us for the calling of our new permanent rector.

Minster of Music

St. Francis Minster of Music, Charles Nwachukwu, formally announced his resignation from St. Francis at our services on the weekend of July 26th and 27th. Charles will be leaving in late August to further pursue medical education so that he will be able to practice medicine in the United States. Not only has Charles been an outstanding Minster of Music, he has been a loyal member of St. Francis for several years and we will all miss him greatly. You will hear more from us on Charles and the Minster of Music in the very near future.

Supply Priests

Our supply clergy for August is as follows (supply priests are in bold):

We invite you to contact us with your questions and thoughts as we continue navigating the transition.

Bev Giarusso, Junior Warden     

bgiarusso@verizon.net

Craig Stanovich, Senior Warden

cstanovich@austinstanovich.com

Profile Committee Update

The Profile Committee's mission is to write an up-to-date, accurate and honest profile of St. Francis, of who we are today.  The Profile will be used to communicate who we are to clergy who may feel called to serve as our next rector.

This summer, we've been interviewing chairs and members of the many ministries and missions of St. Francis to learn more about what each group does well, what they feel they could do better, and what they might like to try that they've never done. 

We have also confirmed with Ed Farrell, the Transition Ministry Officer for the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, that he will facilitate congregation-wide listening events following the services on the weekend of September 21/22. Please save the date as we need your input to create a St. Francis profile. Thank you!

Cynthia McIntyre, Chair

Dick Delorme, Caroline Galvinhill, Jane Howell, Julie Mankowsky, Greg McGurin, Nancy Pope, Dawn Rooke 

It's Picnic Time! 

Join your St. Francis family for a picnic on the church grounds right after the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, September 15th 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 St. Clare House. Cost is $5 per person, $10 per family, and all you need to bring is a salad or dessert. 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! 

Confirmation Class 2013/2014

Confirmation at St. Francis is open to those going into the 10th grade or older.  Letters were sent out in June to this  fall's 10th graders.  If you are going into the 10th grade or higher and did not receive a letter, and would like to be in this year's class, please contact Karen H. in the church office at 508-829-3344 or email stfran@verizon.net.

Monthly Lectionary

If you enjoy reading the scripture readings ahead of time they can be found by clicking here.  You will find the Propers that we use for each weekend, as well as the Lesser Feasts and Fasts that happen through the week.

Skype Calls with Tom and Dianne Wilson

We are planning to have calls with the Wilsons via Skype every other Monday night at 7:30 p.m. from the library at St. Francis to maintain fellowship and to learn more about their mission work in El Salvador. Technology not necessary. A PC will be set up in the library for this purpose. Our next call will be Monday, August 5. Anyone who is interested in participating is welcome to attend. If anyone has questions, they can contact Dick Welch , Julie Mankowsky, or Lori Churchill. 

Summer Picnic 

The Saturday Night Musicians are hosting a picnic after the 5:00 p.m. service on August 10. All are invited to bring your own sandwich, a dish to share (i.e. appetizer, salad, chips, dessert, or beverage), and a lawn chair to sit on. Do you play an instrument? Please bring it! There will be a sing-along after the meal as we gather around the fire bowl for music, stories, and s'mores (s'mores will be provided).  Please sign up on the list in the narthex to let us know how many are coming and what dish you will bring to share.  

Military Packages - Thank You

Three large packages were sent to service men and women on the prayer list who are currently deployed overseas. There are plenty of items for a fourth package that will be sent after a fall deployment.  Thank you for your generosity and support of these individuals during their time of service away from home.
 - Ruth Webb 

Thank You.....

Ms Webb and St. Francis Episcopal Church:

I want to express my sincere appreciation for the care package you sent to me.  I wish I had pictures of all the smiling faces I saw when I offered my tired sailors a granola bar or pack of gum.  We have it pretty good our here on an Air Force Base in Japan, but your act of charity was a blessing to dozens of young men and women.

For me personally, I am most comforted by the fact that we are in your thoughts and prayers.  Please continue to ask God's blessing for our safe return home to our loved ones.

Thank you and God bless you,

Greg Smith, Executive Officer VP-26