We seek to be instruments of God's peace,

bearing witness to the love of God in Jesus Christ for all people.

St. Francis Episcopal Church ~ Holden, Massachusetts

From the Rector

Dear Friends in Christ,

The chilly days of January have a firm grip on our ears and toes, but the brilliant season of Epiphany warms our hearts with the light of Christ! During the Christmas season I quoted John H. Westerhoff from his book Living Faithfully, "Christmas is the mystery of possibilities, the mystery of the saving action of God in our lives." As we welcome this new year, 2015, and live in the brilliant light of Christ's love, God calls us to gather as community for prayer and fellowship (a time to consider the possibilities) and then go out into all the world to spread the Good News through our many ministries (making these possibilities become realities). January marks a time for us to reflect upon the year that has been and devote ourselves to the new possibilities that lay before us. I invite you to spend the month of January giving thought to how you might make the possibilities of God's love become tangible to others in new and exciting ways. I also invite you to join us as we gather for our annual parish meeting on January 25, following our 10am Holy Eucharist. The Body of Christ is made strong through the diversity of gifts given by the one Spirit...please strengthen us through the presence of your gifts!

I wish you all a blessed season of Epiphany and a very happy and holy New Year!

Faithfully,

Pat

Open Budget Meeting

There will be an open meeting to look at the 2015 budget on Sunday, January 11th following the 10:00 a.m. service in the library. Please join us.

Epiphany Home Blessings

The custom of blessing the home for the Feast of the Epiphany is found in many cultures. In keeping with that tradition, during the season of Epiphany Pat and Karen will offer the opportunity for members of the St. Francis community to have their homes blessed using a short liturgy from the Episcopal tradition. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact the church office to schedule a time for the clergy to visit your home for a blessing.

Official Call to Annual Meeting

Notice is hereby given for the Call to Annual Meeting of St. Francis Episcopal Church, Holden, Massachusetts, to be held in the church on Sunday, January 25, 2015 immediately following the 10:00 a.m. service.

We will meet to:

Receive reports from the Rector, Wardens, Treasurer and Parish Ministries.
Elect Vestry Members and Delegates to the Annual Diocesan Convention.
Transact such other business as may legally come before Annual Meeting.

Clerk of the Vestry, Dawn Rooke

Calendar

January 2015:

11 - Open Budget Meeting following the 10:00 a.m. service in the Library

19 - Office closed for MLK Holiday

25 - Annual Meeting following the 10:00 a.m. service in the church

Weekly

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

Choir Rehearsals: Sundays at 8:15 a.m.

Church School: Sundays at 9:45 a.m.

Youth Group: Sundays at 11:30 a.m.

Bell Choir Rehearsals: Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

Monthly

Mission Committee: First Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Vestry: Second Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Mustard Seed: Second Wednesday - Prep begins at noon. Pick-up for delivery is at 5:00 p.m.

Men's Ministry: Second Saturday at 7:00 a.m.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Third Monday at 10:00 a.m.

Dismas Farm Dinner: Fourth Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

Useful Links

Server's Schedules: Acolytes | Altar Guild | LEMs/Lectors | Ushers

Feeding Ministry Schedules: Mustard Seed | Dismas Farm

Church School Newsletters: Family Connections

Youth Group: Schedule

Sermon Archives: Sermons

St. Francis Episcopal Church 508-829-3344

70 Highland Street stfran@verizon.net

Holden, MA 01520 www.stfrancisholden.org

Services of Holy Eucharist

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