St. Francis Episcopal Church

Bearing Witness to Christ's Love

Church Mouse Fair - Saturday, October 24 - 9 a.m. to Noon

Attic Treasures - Donations of good, clean usable items: glassware, pictures, linens, craft supplies, tools, books, CD's, DVD's, puzzles, toys, jewelry and misc. Please note: we cannot accept tires, paint, cribs, infant car seats or carriers, furniture, television sets, computers, encyclopedias, textbooks, or subscription magazines.

Re-gift Boutique - Those items which are in mint condition and/or never used. These wouldn't be Attic Treasures. These would be items which you would give to someone else, but you just can't remember who gave it to you in the first place. Or it wasn't your style, didn't fit with your decor, etc. and has been sitting in your closet taking up space.

Drop-Off Times for the above items are throughout the week of October 19-23 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Baked Goods - This is a best seller at our fair. We are looking for donations of pies, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and breads. In particular, we would like to encourage items in half sizes or smaller portions for the benefit of senior citizens who would enjoy some homemade goods without the necessity of eating a whole cake on their own. When making your donation, it would be most helpful if you would note either "nuts" or "no nuts" or if your item is "gluten-free". Drop-Off Time Friday, October 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Crafters- If you've been working on items at home please bring them to the church during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sorters- During the week before the fair, even an hour of your time would be so much appreciated. All are welcome to bring friends with you! For high school students who need service hours this coming fall, this is a terrific opportunity to fill that need and also help us to help others!

For more information please call Sarah Anderson at 40piggies3@gmail.com or 508-829-4564

Stewardship

The St. Francis Stewardship Team continues to research methods of online pledging that are prudent, both from a n internet security and financial perspective. In the meantime, if you would like to email your Fall Stewardship Pledge, the address is:

stfrancisholden.stewardship@gmail.com

Thank you,

Your Stewardship Team

Mission

WANTED - MISSION HELPERS

Over the course of the year, there are many outreach activities that require ad hoc volunteers. The Mission Committee is seeking to refresh our list of people who are willing to help if available. If you would like to be on the list, please email Dick Welch at welch96@charter.net or Kathy Diehl at khdiehl@charter.net with your contact information (email and/or phone number) or sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.

HOPE FOR HOUSING

Did you ever want to do some kind of mission but just didn't have the time? Your heart was in the right place but with work, kids, school, errands, life....well, you get the picture. What if I told you that you could help out homeless families in Worcester and it wouldn't cost you anything extra or require any time. Then please consider purchasing a Hope for Housing gift card after any of the services starting October 24-25 and going each second and fourth weekend thereafter. All you have to do is bring your check book or cash and buy a card from the Big Y, Stop and Shop, Shaw's or Panera's. You pay for the amount on the card, you receive that amount but the stores give Central Mass Housing Alliance a percentage of every card sold. The more we sell, the better for the homeless. If you would like to help out by selling the cards after any of the services, please contact Kathy Diehl at kdiehl@charter.net or Dick Welch at welch96@charter.net. Thank you!

Fall Pictorial Directory

We plan to do an updated Pictorial Directory for the fall. If your family picture is not in this directory please send us a picture to include in the fall directory. Email it to stfran@verizon.net

along with any updated info. During the month of October volunteers will also be available to take pictures at all services. If you haven't previously submitted a picture please plan to have one taken in October.

Dinner and Stories of Faith Conversation - October 28th

Did you read Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis and it changed your life? Or did you have a spiritual epiphany while reading the short stories of Flannery O'Connor? Books are often transformational in our spiritual journeys. Join the associate rector on Wednesday, October 28 at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall for dinner and conversation about the books that have shaped our faith. Bring a sandwich (we will provide beverages), a copy of the book that had an impact on your life of faith (if you have one), and your story to share about that book and its effect on your life. Even if you don't have a book of your own to share, feel free to join us to find out what books you might want to add to your own reading list. For more information contact Karen Safstrom at karen.safstrom@gmail.com.

Favorites File

It is hard to believe that Pat and Carol Perkins have been here one year! Although they have settled in and found their way around, they would love your suggestions. We are compiling a collection of parishioner recommendations of things you enjoy, and would like them to know about. Please fill out a card or two with your recommendations (restaurants, museums, hiking spots, day trips, vacation spots in New England, shopping, special events, parks, lakes, beaches, best things to do in Boston, attractions- be creative!) and tell them a bit about it- sign your name if you would like. The cards are on the sign up table for you to take, write on and put into the large envelope there. Please use a different card for each category. If questions contact Kathleen O'Connor, keomarsar@aol.com.

Calendar

Weekly

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

September to June:

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.