St. Francis has again agreed to make the Christmas of abused and neglected children in Western Worcester County a little brighter by participating in the 'giving tree'. The names of fifty children were submitted to us by DCF caseworkers. These children are unlikely to get many gifts this year and, in some cases, the gifts given to them from us are the only gifts they receive. To participate, please choose an ornament (in the Narthex). On the back of the ornament is the description of the child's age, sizes and Christmas wishes. Purchase the gifts for that child and return them to the church by the first week in December with the ornament attached. If you do want to participate but do not want to be responsible for all the presents for a child, feel free to purchase a toy or clothing gift and leave it under the tree. There are children who come into care days before Christmas and these toys will be distributed to them. Any questions, call Carrie Grinstead at 508 799 5756. Thank you for your generosity (four years in a row) 

We are again seeking new acolytes to carry the cross and torches at the weekly 10:00 service.  Being an acolyte is a rewarding and enriching experience - you will learn the deeper meaning of the rituals we perform each week while knowing that you are making an important contribution which benefits the whole congregation.  Parents of children in 6th grade and up are encouraged to discuss this important ministry with their youngsters.  Adults are welcome too. A training session will be held on November 23rd after the 10:00 service. 

We will also be starting up the Acolyte-in-Training program again this year.  In-Training acolytes process down the aisle with the senior acolytes and observe and listen during worship. The goal is to get current 4th and 5th graders to start thinking about whether they might want to serve as an acolyte when they reach 6th grade.  A sign-up sheet will be placed in the Narthex.  For more information, please contact Acolyte Coordinator, Brion Keagle (bpkeagle@gmail.com) or 978-928-5297. 

NuDay Syria... there is a vital need for blankets for the NuDay Syria Refugees. They may be brought to the church and placed in the narthex.  Many Thanks.

Annual Heifer Living Gift Market... on the weekend of December 6th/7th following all worship services with live animals after the 10 a.m. service. Offered by Heifer Project, Rutland, MA. Take this opportunity to 'purchase' animals like pigs, chickens, or goat as a great alternative to commercial gifts. Give a gift that keeps on giving!

Church Mouse Mini Fair...on the weekend of December 13/14 following all worship services there will be crafts and baked goods for sale.  A great opportunity for last minute gifts and baked goods for the holiday.

Hope for Housing Cards... Available for purchase every 2nd and 4th weekend of the month in the narthex.

Mustard Seed... The second Wednesday of each month. Finger desserts are always welcome and needed. Please deliver them to the church by 5:00 p.m.

Mission Opportunities... As the holiday approaches Urban Missionaries needs volunteers to help with the Christmas gift sorting and distribution. There are opportunities for computer data entry, compiling wish lists, and later in the season actually sorting gifts. Volunteer Opportunities with schedules and contact information are on the Mission table in the narthex.

Just a reminder that if you've forgotten, please return your Stewardship Pledge Card,  or you may email your name, amount pledged, and frequency (weekly, monthly or annually) to stfrancisholden.stewardship@gmail.com. 

To read about our Stewardship click here. 

A Memorial Service for the Rev. Darrell Huddleston will be held on November 14, 2014 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Concord, NH, the Rt. Reverend A. Robert Hirschfeld presiding. Anyone planning to attend the service and would like to either carpool or drive please sign-up on the sheet in the narthex. 

Fall is here and we need to plan a Blue Jean Sunday. I am hoping for all the leaves to be off the trees and on the ground by November 16th. So let's gather as a family and rake our leaves!  Let's plan on November 16th after 10AM service to wear your BLUE JEANS, bring your rakes, tarps and blowers to remove the leaves and make our property look great! With many hands it should be done in an hour or so.

Douglas Rayworth, Property Manager 

Servers this Weekend:

Saturday, Nov 8 - 5:00 p.m.

in November...

03 Dick Delorme

04 Anita Cole

04 Michael Foust

05 Roger Wilson

06 Ed Holden

07 Sarah Ribeiro

08 Rita Johnston

11 Robert O'Connor

12 Susan Williams

12 Michele DeForest

15 Persis Hamilton

16 Nancy Rogers

17 Marje Tremblay

24 Ruth Webb

27 Phyllis Pomerleau 

St. Francis Webpage 

Sermon Archives 

70 Highland Street, Holden, MA 01520

Office Phone: 508-829-3344  

Email: stfran@verizon.net  

Web page: www.stfrancisholden.org

Worship Schedule

Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.  | Sundays at 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. | Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.