St Francis Bulletin
November 2017, Volume 24, Issue 9
From the Rector
Fr. Len Giacolone
Wednesday, November 1, is the Feast of All Saints, a day of obligation in our liturgical calendar. Therefore, there will be a Holy Communion service at 12:00 noon on that day. Please try to attend to honor our ancestors in the faith. There will also be a 10:00 am Holy Communion service on Thanksgiving Day, November 23.
Diocesan Convention
On Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4, the Diocese of Fort Worth will hold its annual Convention at the Conference Center in Hurst, Texas. As is the custom of the diocese, there will be a Eucharistic celebration on Friday evening at St. Vincent's Cathedral in Bedford. Bishop Iker will be the celebrant and Bishop Keith Ackerman will be the homilist. Please pray for the meeting as well as for the safety of all who are traveling to the meeting. If there is anything of importance that happens I will let you know. Amy Crandell is also attending as the lay delegate.
The Diocesan Customary
In the past I have mentioned to you the Diocesan Customary. In addition to the Canons of the diocese, the Customary is a set of norms established by the bishop on different aspects of diocesan life. These include the clergy, the laity, the sacraments and activities that take place as a matter of parish life. From time to time, I will be sharing with you certain passages from the Customary to help explain what we do and why we do them. This month I'm going to mention something about funerals. I know that that is not everyone's favorite subject, but it is something that all of us have to deal with in our lives.
The Customary says the following about funerals:
The priest is in charge, not only of the funeral service, but also of the decoration of the church and the choice of music. Due consideration of the desires of the bereaved should be given in a pastoral, sensitive way. Funerals for communicant members of the church are normally celebrated in the context of the Requiem Mass, during which all communicants are to be given the opportunity to receive the Blessed Sacrament during the Communion of the people. Homilies by the clergy are appropriate at funerals in the church, but eulogies are inappropriate and are to be discouraged.
Some of these regulations may seem new to you and even overly restrictive. However, let me try to explain the reasons for them. First of all, as with any liturgy, the focus must be on God and our worship of Him. This is why it is suggested that the Eucharist be celebrated for communicant members. The Eucharist is the pinnacle of our worship of God and is the most fitting way of honoring Him. What the Eucharist emphasizes is what God in his mercy has done for the deceased and in fact all those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus.
You may be accustomed to hearing eulogies at funeral services, perhaps even several of them. Oftentimes the problem with eulogies is that they take the emphasis away from the worship of God and place it elsewhere. That's the reason why they are to be discouraged.
I will always work with you in any given situation. But I think it is important for us to focus on what is important in our liturgical celebrations, and I would appreciate your cooperation.
Finally, Daylight Saving Time goes away on Sunday, November 5. Please turn your clocks back one hour before you retire on Saturday evening.
Steve McCown
“It's too late.” We are, unfortunately, all familiar with the chilling sense of regret that comes with these words. But there are few people who know regret more deeply than women who have had abortions. However, for women who have taken the RU-486 abortion pill, it may no longer be too late for their babies, as the process can now be reversed.
RU-486, also known as mifepristone, blocks progesterone, which is necessary for sustaining pregnancy. The mifepristone blocks the nurturing effects of progesterone, leading to the death of the developing baby. A second medication, called misoprostol, is taken two days later, which causes the contractions that expel the baby.
The Culture of Life Family Services in San Diego, CA, discovered that high doses of progesterone can override RU-486 if given soon enough after the first pill was taken and before the second. And lives have been saved by this treatment! As of August 2017, nearly 300 women who chose to take RU-486 and then reverse the procedure have successfully delivered their healthy babies! You can view one woman's experience reversing RU-486 here: https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/
What does this have to do with you? Spread the word! Alert everyone that abortion pill reversal is possible. Don't let another woman know the pain and regret of “too late.” Keep this abortion pill reversal hotline number in your purse, wallet or contact list so you can provide it when needed: 877-558-0333.
Source: https://anglicansforlife.org/2017/09/21/action-ideas-life-ru-486-abortion-pill/
Possible Church Bazaar
John Hatley
How's this for a fundraising idea? A St. Francis Church Bazaar on the lawn and the parking lot on Dec. 2 from 8 am to 4 pm.
Each family goes through their house to identify items worth selling and brings the items and any other part needed (tent, table, signs, display boxes) to the church parking lot and sets up and operates their own booth outside the church. At the end of the day, all monetary proceeds are donated to the church to benefit our building fund. Each family is responsible to take their left over items home. This is a great way to clear out all the items in your house that you no longer need before Christmas, build community as we jointly work together, and to benefit the church. Are you interested in such an endeavor? Let John Hatley know by speaking to him or emailing @ bjmh81@protonmail.com
Missy Bernard
Sunday School is off to a great start! Denise Gentsch, Sue Orr, and Missy Bernard have been teaching the younger class on a variety of lessons, beginning with Genesis. The new classroom setup is working well, and the kids enjoy being close to our youngest parishioners in the playroom.
Doug Cooper has a larger group this year in the older class, and that is wonderful, too!
Please welcome our new nursery aide, Gabi Velasco. Gabi has several years of experience as a Christian camp counselor and as a family babysitter. She is doing a wonderful job with the children! Gabi and Tonia Wu are working together to make sure that both the nursery and the playroom are fully staffed, so you will see them in either room depending on need.
Since 2002 - making this the 15th year - the St. Francis youth have packed shoe boxes for the Operation Christmas Child ministry. Filled with toys, school supplies, clothing, hygiene items and a Gospel message in the child's native language, these boxes go out to needy children all around the world. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes for children in more than 150 countries and territories. In 2016, Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach another 12 million children. More information is available here.
Last year we filled 84 boxes thanks to your generous support, and we hope to as well again this year! The children really look forward to this activity each year.
Contributing is very easy. Beginning October 29th, you will find a list of suggested items at the back of the Narthex and on the OCC donation table. You can also find this information here.
Please note that as of this year, OCC is no longer accepting food/candy items, lotions/liquids, or toothpaste.
Alternately, you may donate funds toward the purchase of gift items, or toward shipping costs for the boxes (OCC suggests a donation of $9 per box for shipping).
Items for the boxes are needed by 9:30 am on our packing day, Sunday November 19th, but funds may be donated after that date.
If you have any questions, or if you'd like make a donation by cash or check, please feel free to contact Missy Bernard at 512-585-2890. Please make checks out to St. Francis. Thank you!
Daylight Saving time ends on November 5th. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before you go to sleep Saturday night, or you will be quite early to church.
- We the People of God as Saint Francis Anglican Church are a community of believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ whose mission it is to spread that Gospel in what we preach and in the way we live.
- We are called to know the Word of God, to act on it in our lives and to share it with our brothers and sisters in the world.
- We are determined to hold the ancient faith of our ancestors in the Anglican tradition, to uphold traditional Christian values based on the Holy Word of God and to be faithful witnesses to the person of Jesus in the Austin Community.
- St. Francis parish is dedicated to the presence of Christ in the lives of the poor, the needy, the sick, to each other and to all those to whom Jesus comes to minister in His life on earth.
- As a community of believers, we intend to entrust our growth in love, in faith and in resources to the generosity of God.
3 Mark Rambin
8 Rory Motl
10 Jimmy Parker
11 Katya Kristo-Reinking
12 Michael Adams
14 Beverly Scheer
15 Don St.Martin
25 Steve McCown
Mary Boswell
27 Becky Hunt
17 Kerry Manning Adams
22 David & Adriane Kristo-Reinking
30 Glenn and Becky Hunt
Readings for November
11/1, All Saints Day (Lessons)
- Ecclesiasticus 44:1-10,13-14
- Psalm 149
- Revelation 7:2-4,9-17
- Matthew 5:1-12
11/5, 21st after Trinity (Proper 26)
- Micah 3:5-12
- Psalm 43
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13,17-20
- Matthew 23:1-12
11/12, 22nd after Trinity (Proper 27)
- Amos 5:18-24
- Psalm 70
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
- Matthew 25:1-13
11/19, 23rd after Trinity (Proper 28)
- Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
- Psalm 90:1-8, 12
- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10
- Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29
11/23, Thanksgiving Day (Lessons)
- Deuteronomy 8:1-3,6-10
- Psalm 65:9-14
- James 1:17-18, 21-27
- Matthew 6:25-33
11/26, Sunday before Advent and Christ the King (Proper 29)
- Ezekiel 34:11-17
- Psalm 95:1-7
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
- Matthew 25:31-46
St. Francis follows the 1979 BCP Lectionary for the lessons (we are finishing up Year A) with the text read from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible.
The Sunday collects and text of the psalms are from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.
On the second and fourth Sundays, the psalm is chanted at the 11:00 service. The psalm markup is based on the Cathedral Psalter and is a part of the St. Francis Psalter - a multi-year project to post the psalms for chanting on our website.
November Calendar
Staff
Rector: The Rev. Canon Len Giacolone
Music Director and Organist: Paula Blaha
Church Groups Leadership
Our parish has many groups to carry out our mission. Here are more details on most of the activities
Vestry
Our vestry is our governing board and is comprised of 9 members 8 of whom are elected to a 3-year term. The elections are staggered so that we elect 2-3 members each year at the January annual meeting. The Vestry meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6 pm In general, the Vestry is responsible to make decisions on behalf of the parish. Anyone can come to observe a meeting.
Senior Warden, David Norris
Junior Warden, John Hatley
Secretary, Kevin Burnette
Treasurer, Grady Collins
Vestry Members
Class of 2018: Don St.Martin, Ed Sandlin, John Hatley
Class of 2019: Brendle Glomb, David Norris, Kevin Burnette
Class of 2020: Missy Bernard, Dinah Arce
Fr. Len Giacolone
Acolytes
An acolyte serves at the altar during the Sunday services - lighting the candles, carrying the processional cross, helping prepare Communion, and assisting the Priest. Under the direction of Fr. Len, we have a team of five who serve periodically.
Altar Guild
Led by Becky Hunt, this group of 14 is responsible for assisting the Priest in preparing for services at St. Francis. They are divided into teams and setup and cleanup the altar (among many other duties) for all the services that week. New members are always welcome. Email Becky Hunt with questions.
Anglicans for Life
Formed in April of 2009 and affiliated with the global organization, the St. Francis chapter generally meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 12:30 pm. Anglicans for Life is the global Anglican ministry that educates, equips, and engages the Anglican Church in fulfilling Scripture's mandate to protect the vulnerable, defend the fatherless, and plead for the widow. Rory Motl leads the group.
Choir
The all-volunteer choir was formed in 2008. Amy Crandell organizes the music and leads the rehearsals. Currently, seven St. Francis members devote 45 minutes each Sunday to rehearsing. Our goal is to enhance the music at the 11:00 service with music sung to the glory of God.
Along with the choir, instrumentalists and smaller vocal groups occasionally offer music during the 11:00 service or other special services. Let the music director know if you have a talent to offer.
Christian Education for Youth
Sunday school classes for the youth of St. Francis are held each week at 9:30 between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Classes always center on Biblical stories with activities designed to help the students live the lessons. Missy Bernard leads the program and, along with Denise Gentsch, Sue Orr and Doug Cooper, teach the classes.
Christian Education for Adults
Periodically, Fr. Len leads a class for adults. Typically held on a weekday evening, in past years, the class has been on prayer using Pray in Faith and on the Holy Spirit using The Holy Spirit and You.
Evening Prayer
A weekly Evening Prayer service has been said at St. Francis since at least 2006. Currently led by Jim Crandell with 7-9 in attendance, the service is held at 7 pm each Thursday, using the order of service from the 1928 Prayer Book. Prayers and lessons are said, but Hymns, the Gloria and the canticles are sung without accompaniment.
Games Night
On the first Friday of each month (with some exceptions), a small group of St. Francis friends (generally 4-8 folks) gathers for a light potluck supper followed by a time of a board game or two. All are welcome to join the group for an enjoyable social evening.
Home Groups
The St. Francis Home Groups were formed in 2005 and are still meeting nearly 12 years later - some with the original members! We currently have two home groups with between 4 and 12 members which meet bi-monthly at the private home of one of the members. The format of each group's sessions varies, but prayer, Bible reading, discussion and support are typically present. Currently Claire Ducker and Doug Cooper each host a home group.
Anyone can form a home group. Let Fr. Len know your plans and visit the current home groups to see how they are organized.
Hospitality
Having a bit to eat while visiting after the services has been a St. Francis activity ever since the church first formed. Kim & David Norris volunteer the coordination of the coffee hour, potluck luncheons, and other receptions and gatherings, but a variety of volunteers are needed to supply the snacks. There is a sign-up notebook on the table that always has openings for someone to bring some snacks.
Intercessory Prayer Group
Prayer is the top activity at St. Francis. Towards this, St. Francis has an active Intercessory Prayer Group. Fr. Len and Nancy Giacolone maintain the church's prayer list, receiving requests in a variety of ways - discussion, email, telephone call and by putting a request in the prayer box. Members of the group receive updates via e-mail and all vow to pray each day for each person on the list. Contact either Nancy or. Fr. Len if you wish to be an intercessor. There is a prayer intention box in the back of the Sanctuary if you would like to submit a prayer request.
Mothers' Prayer Group
On the 3rd Thursday of each month, this group of mothers meets to offer prayers of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Petition - with the petition prayers concentration on the families. Contact Charlotte Ready for more information.
Newsletter & Bulletin
The St. Francis Bulletin is published each month. This newsletter is distributed primarily via email, with some copies mailed.
A service bulletin is prepared for each service held at St. Francis to use in the worship service.
Amy Crandell prepares both documents.
Nursery
St. Francis is blessed to have children who love to play in the nursery during the Sunday services. Nursery coordinator Missy Bernard makes sure that there is always an attendant to watch the children. We are blessed to have Tonia Wu and Gabi Velasco as our attendants. The nursery has a downstairs location for infants and and upstairs room for the older children.
Prayer Service for the Nation
On the first Saturday of each month, a prayer service for our nation is held at 9:00 am in the fellowship area. This group of 4-8 St. Francis members and friends begins and ends with singing a gospel-style hymn. Along with the singing is an opening and closing prayer 7 centers of prayer sandwiched in the middle (Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church, and Family) with each beginning with a jointly read collect, Bible verses and ending with extemporaneous prayers. All are welcome to join us.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Led by Charlotte Ready, this group of men and women work to knit or croquet shawls. Prayers are said while the shawl is being created and then are blessed by the Priest before being given out to anyone who is sick. The recipients are astounded at the power from the shawl when it is wrapped around the shoulders.
Readers or Lectors
At each of the services, a member of the congregation reads the first lesson and the Epistle. Mark Rambin schedules the five readers who take turns reading at the 11:00 service.
St. Claire's Guild
While we all hope that life goes smoothly, St. Clare's Guild is a group of women whose ministry is dedicated to serving our parish family in times of celebration, need, illness or loss. Eileen Cole leads the group.
St. Polycarp's Guild
Originally formed over 10 years ago as an opportunity for the men to gather to smoke meat together for the congregation to enjoy on Memorial Day and Labor Day, the group currently "meets" virtually to organize these events. Jim Crandell has ended up being the organizer, but is looking for other men to step up to actually have events where the men can meet in person.
Ushers
Service as an usher is an important lay ministry of our parish. By their service, the ushers help to establish a welcoming and reverent atmosphere for worship, they assist in the orderly conduct of the service and they perform record keeping vital to the ongoing operation of the parish. Contact Al Parker if interested in serving.
Webmaster
The St. Francis website is maintained by Jim Crandell and serves as a portal of information to the outside world. Times of upcoming services, our location and the main activities are listed. Most importantly, recordings of sermons are available from the most current recorded Sunday back to January 2002 for anyone to listen to. Click here to email Jim.
Women's Bible Study
From time to time, Becky Hunt conducts a women's Bible study during the day. The Bible study has in the past studied several books of the Bible, mostly in the summer in 8 or 9 week sessions, as well as a couple of Barbara Mouser studies, such as Knowing God and Understanding Men, a study of Genesis and the Patriarchs.
Women of the Church
Led by Susan Rambin, all the women of St. Francis are members of this group. Currently, it functions as the parent group of the St. Francis smaller groups as St. Clare's Guild, Altar Guild, and Women's Bible Study.
Associated with this group are the altar flowers. Every two weeks, fresh flowers are placed on the altar. The current set is then taken to the Retirement and Nursing Center on Burnet Lane for the residents to enjoy. Anyone can make a remembrance for a loved one or a thank offering with the altar flowers at any time during the year, by simply filling out an envelope from the table in the back, then enclose a donation, and leave it in the box on the right side of the back of the Sanctuary.
5th Sunday Nursing Home Service
For the past 10 years, St. Francis has presence at the Retirement and Nursing Center on Burnet Lane. On the afternoon of the 5th Sunday, a small group - currently, Amy & Jim Crandell, Martha Freeman and Claire Ducker - meet the interested residents for an hour of hymns, prayers and Bible readings. All are welcome to join.
Newsletter Submissions
Newsletter articles are gladly accepted for inclusion in the next month's newsletter. E-mail to StFrancisAustin@gmail.com by the 20th of the month.
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