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St. Francis Times

February 5, 2006
The Commemoration of Saints Ansgar & Henry

Presiding Minister Fr. Evan Ardley
Preacher Pr. Robert Goldstein
Assisting Minister Jack Kling
Lector Rachel Hoobing
Healing Minister Pr. Robert Goldstein
Crucifer Arthur Morris
Torchbearers Marsha White & Ted Hyrons
Sacristan Patrick Brown, Jr.
Ushers Leona Lee & Gloria Siech
Counters Richard Penrose & Brad Hubert
Organist Dr. David Schofield
Coffee Hour Hosts Wei Haur Lau & Rachel Hoobing
Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God by Robert Zampetti in celebration of his mothers birthday.

Hebrew Lesson:  Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalmody: Psalm 147:1-11
Holy Gospel:  St. Mark 1:29-39

WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER:

• Ken Hedrick, whose mother was buried in West Virginia, February 3;
• Karen, sister of Paul Groth, as she struggles with the side effects of chemotherapy;
• Esther Boyd, Scott Beckerly's Grandmother in Lawton Rehab Center;
• Tom Tragardh as he recovers from surgery;
• three of our Seniors: Edna Gourley, who is in serious condition at St. Marys Hospital, Rose Mitchell, who is in St. Francis Hospital, and Rose Wong, who recently suffered a stroke;
• John Ross, resident at Maitri;
• Robert Zampetti's father, George, who is recovering from illness;
• Ollie Payne as she recovers from a long illness;
• John Duffy, uncle of Dann Cantrell, as he goes through serious treatment:

Those serving in the world:

• The Rev. Pieter Oberholzer and his partner, Fanie Zondagh, and the staff at Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (I AM) in South Africa, serving LGBT people and allies;
• Catherine Coon and the Children of Hope Project in Uganda;
• the St. Francis Transitional Ministry Team;
• all who work for justice and seek peace in the world.

ANNUAL MEETING: The annual meeting will be held after church next Sunday, February 12.  We will discuss and approve a 2006 budget and elect council members, council officers and candidates for the nominating and audit committees.  The annual meeting material booklets will be available at coffee hour today.  Please contact the church office if you would like the materials to be mailed to you.

DEMONIZATION OF DARWIN dominates the political language of our country on the issues of science and religion.  Next Sunday, February 12, the birthday of Charles Darwin, churches throughout North America are presenting a different kind of language that affirms the vocation of scientists as seekers of truth within creation.  On that Sunday at St. Francis a class will meet at 9:30 AM in the Parish Hall at which Robin Ressler will present some of her research into the topic followed by an open question period.  Come to learn the language of faith that both honors and is challenged by scientific discovery.

INSTALLATION.  The Installation Eucharist for Pr. Goldstein will be held the Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 26, at 2:30 PM.   This important event for undertaking our vision is also an opportunity to witness to the larger Lutheran and religious community.  Bishop Landahl from Chicago will be the preacher, Pr. Dan Solberg, Dean of San Francisco Conference, will be installing and Pr. Susan Strauss, First United Lutheran Church, will preside.  Invitations will be extended to churches and synagogues for participation.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE.  All are invited to attend a meeting of the Worship Committee on Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 PM in St. Clares Room, to select hymns for Lent.

SCREENING OF BONHOEFFER.  The Documentary, Bonhoeffer, directed by Martin Doblmeir, will be screened at Grace Cathedral, Wednesday, February 15, 7:00 PM, $10.  The director will be in attendance, speak and answer questions.  In addition, representatives from Harper/San Francisco will be displaying their newly published volume, A Year With Dietrich Bonhoeffer:  Daily Meditations from His Letters, Writings and Sermons.  Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor who was executed in the closing days of World War II at the age of 39 for participating in the plot against Hitler.Among his many books, Cost of Discipleship, was specifically addressed to a Lutheran audience, challenging in-activism and laise faire Christianity.  We have observed his day as part of our liturgies frequently.  Plan to attend.

A TEMPORARY MCC HOSPITALITY meal program will begin this Friday, February 10 at St. Francis.  Metropolitan Community Church is undergoing major repairs and will not be able to provide their long-standing Friday meal for Gods homeless persons for four months.  The Property Committee approved this program at St. Francis because Friday was a free day here.  MCC has had extensive planning and training underway in anticipation of this Friday.  They are preparing the weekly meals in partnership with the Ammas Hindu community (Amma is the internationally renowned Hugging Guru from India).  We thank God that peoples of God can work together to care for Gods marginalized people.  ~  Pastors Robert and Paul.

PASTOR ROBERT'S NEW CELLPHONE NUMBER is 415-516-5878.  His residence phone is 415-558-8978.  You can reach him any time except Mondays, his day off unless, of course, you have a pastoral emergency.

HOSPITALITY HOUR serves about 60 to 65 people each Sunday morning at 8:45 AM.  Volunteers are needed to help with welcoming, serving juice, preparing breakfast, and cleaning up.  Speak to Chuck Hancock, Gabriel Proo, Max Kirkeberg, Michael Callahan or Pr. Brenner.

HOUSE BLESSINGS DURING EPIPHANY.  In Matthews Gospel when the magi saw the shining star stop overhead, they were filled with joy.  On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother.  In the home, Christ is met with partners, spouses, children, friends and visitors.  In the home love is lived out day by day.  Invite the pastor to lead the blessing of your home or make the blessing a family affair.

HELP US UPDATE OUR MEMBERS BOARD:  Max Kirkeberg will be available over the next several weeks to take your picture during coffee hour.

PARTICIPATION IN ST. FRANCIS CHOIR. Each Sunday morning rehearsal is at 9:00 AM.  (Yes, you can do it!)

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP A YOUNG WOMAN THROUGH COLLEGE?  A good friend of Sylvia Braselmann and Kathy Emery and a science teacher at Mission High School, Derrlyn Tom, is setting up a scholarship fund for Jacqueline, one of her students.  Scholarship donations will be tax-deductible, and any amount is appreciated.  Talk to or email Sylvia (sbraselmann@rigel.com). Thank you!

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY  Nancy Record is the St. Francis contact person and can help you find a time to participate in this project to make affordable housing available to needy families (415-346-3029). Choose your day:  February 9; March 2, 3, 11, 12.

CHINESE NEW YEAR & BLACK HISTORY MONTH reminds us that our society is polycultural and provides opportunities to learn about the contributions of different cultures.  We wish good fortune to our Chinese friends and neighbors and salute our African American friends and neighbors for their accomplishments.

Weekly Schedule

Sun 5	Mon 6	Tue 7	Wed 8	Thu 9	Fri 10	Sat 11	Sun 12
8:45 AM Community Hospitality (PH) 9:00 AM Choir Rehearsal (S) 9:45 AM Adult Education Class (CR) 11:00 AM WORSHIP (S) 12:15 PM Coffee Hour (PH)	.	.	10:00 AM St. Francis Senior Center (PH) 11:00 AM Wes Winters hosts a Bob Hope Special (PH)	.	.	.	8:45 AM Community Hospitality (PH) 9:00 AM Choir Rehearsal (S) 9:45 AM Adult Education Class (CR) 11:00 AM WORSHIP (S) 12:15 PM Annual Meeting Cost Lunch (4$ donation) (PH) 2:00 PM PFLAG (S)

Participants for Sunday, February 12
The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Presiding Minister Pr. Robert Goldstein
Preacher Fr. Evan Ardley
Assisting Minister Grant Burger
Lector Lee McCormick
Healing Minister Pr. Paul Brenner
Crucifer Mark Pritchard
Sacristan Patrick Brown, Jr.
Ushers Scott Beckerley & Karen Custer
Counters Jane Moyer & Paul Knutson
Organist Dr. David Schofield
Coffee Hour Hosts Faith and Life Group
Altar Flowers Faith and Life Group

Do you have an article or event you'd like included in The St. Francis Times? Please inform the Church Office by Thursday mornings. The Times is prepared on Thursday so our volunteers can duplicate and stuff it early Friday mornings. Articles may be submitted via fax or e-mail, short items or "Save the Date" entries are welcome via phone.

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