"Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul." (Acts 4:32b)

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we make our way through this glorious Easter season, we joyfully proclaim "Alleluia, Christ is risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!!" This was the same joyous proclamation that filled the hearts and souls of the earliest followers of the risen Christ; and filled with this new hope and confidence they spread the word of their new life in Christ throughout the land. This is the context of the Scripture verse quoted above, the gathering of the earliest Christians filled their lives with unity, purpose, and love. We too have been given this new life, this Easter life, and the dramatic events of the empty tomb of Easter morning fill our entire Easter season...that is, until the day of Pentecost on May 24 (so joyous we celebrate with a three day weekend, although some might call it Memorial Day...). Those early Christians formed and nourished their developing "Easter faith" by regularly gathering as community, encouraging and sustaining each other in relationship with God and each other. As the warmer weather of spring and summer entices us to spend time on the sandy beaches or the green sporting fields, I invite you to consider how you might continue to renew and refresh your spiritual soul and stay connected to your community of faith.

May this Easter season bring you many blessings of new life in Christ and may the peace of God warm your heart and soul.

Easter blessings,

Pat 

A reception in Fellowship Hall will follow. Confirmation parents are asked to sign-up for refreshments. Additional volunteers for refreshments are also needed. Please sign-up on the sheet in the narthex if you can help or speak to Nancy Pope. 

Film series Prophetic Voices: Speaking Hope to the World.   Friday, May 8th at 7:00 p.m.

The third movie, called The Vigil,  is the story of Gina and a small group of undocumented mothers on the front lines of the battle over immigration in America. Armed with their faith and tradition, the women set out to stop America's ground-breaking anti-immigration law from going into effect in Arizona. The women transform the vigil into a refuge for their community and begin a journey out of the shadows and into the heart of an intergenerational immigrant movement. Please join us.

In April/May we will have a collection of travel soaps, shampoos etc.  We had this drive last year and it was so well received we thought we would do it again.  This year the donations will go to Abby's House at or around Mother's Day. 

Dick Welch - welch96@charter.net and Kathy Diehl - khdiehl@charter.net 

Parishioners interested in developing a Senior Ministry are invited to a luncheon on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Building on the theme of Health, Wellness and Spirituality as we age, a Prayer Service, Luncheon, and an opportunity to discuss the possibilities and ideas for this Ministry are planned. Please sign up in the Narthex.

As another way to identify interests for this Ministry, there is a "Suggestion Box" in the Narthex. Add your ideas (even if you don't consider yourself part of the older age group! Perhaps you have a family member who could be helped.) And, remember, men grow older as well!

Questions? E-mail members of Sr. Ministry Steering Committee:

Betty Ann Degon bardegon@gmail.com,  Judith Morrissette pmjm2@hotmail.com,

Marge Tremblay mbtremb@verizon.net, Jane Williams janewilliams49@charter.net ,

Sue Williams smw46@charter.net.  

As an outreach from St Francis, the handbells go to Wachusett High School each Wednesday, as they have for the last sixteen years.  As a result of this, there have been a number of young people from that bell choir who have come here to play from time to time.  The Mountaintinabuleers would like to say thank you for the use of the bells. They will come to St. Francis on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. to combine with the Episcopeals for a concert of varied music, from sacred to show tunes, to some popular music. The concert will be followed by a reception.  There will be a free will offering to help defray the cost of some refurbishing work that needs to be done to the bells after 31 years of making music.  Please come to hear some wonderful music, bring friends, and celebrate the ministry and outreach of this instrument. 

The Prayer Chain is an ongoing prayer ministry that receives the weekly Prayers of the People and requests and updates via email.  If you would like to be a part of this ministry please send an email to Karen in the office at stfran@verizon.net.

If you are part of a group that uses the church building or St. Clare House at times other than worship or during office hours, please take a moment to walk through the building and be sure that all the lights have been turned off before you leave.  Thanks!

  3 - Bishop's Visit and Confirmation at the 10:00 a.m. service

10 - Mother's Day

12 - Senior Ministry Planning service, lunch and meeting at 11:30 a.m.

17 - Eucharist Instruction Class will be honored during the 10:00 a.m. service

        Handbell Concert at 6:00 p.m.
23/24 - Pentecost Weekend

25 - Memorial Day - Office will be closed

30 - Guess Who's Coming for Dinner (more details to follow)

Church School Newsletters: Family Connections

Youth Group: Schedule

Sermon Archives: Sermons

Senior's Birthdays:  Birthday list

Calendar: Monthly calendar