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St. Francis Times

January 21, 2007
Third Sunday after Epiphany

Presiding Minister Pr. Robert Goldstein
Preacher Rachel Hoobing
Assisting Minister Rachel Markel
Healing Minister Pr. Paul Brenner
Sacristan Timur Muhrlin
Crucifer Michael Mallory
Lector Stephen Lawson
Ushers May & Eric
Altar Flowers Leona Lee
Coffee Hour Host Leona Lee & Kirsten Havrehed
Counters Rob Byrne & Dale Leininger

First Reading:  Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Holy Gospel: Luke 4:14-21
Psalmody: Psalm 19

WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER:

• Bill Hunter;
• Ollie Payne;
• Parker Nolen, hospitalized;
• Ollie Payne;
• John Duffy;
• Rick Anderson;
• Mary, cousin of Michael Petrelis
• Dorothy Smith, of the childcare center, recovery from major surgery;
• Pastor Bradley Schmeling and St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, Georgia, as Pastor Schmeling challenges the Southeastern Synod and the ELCA for their unjust policies against gay and lesbian persons by declaring his committed relationship to Darin Easler, already removed from the clergy roster because of their relationship.

Those serving in the world:

• The Rev. Megan Rohrer, Missionary to the Homeless of SF through The Welcome Ministry;
• The Rev. Pieter Oberholzer and his partner, Fanie Zondagh, and the staff at Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) in South Africa, serving LGBT people and allies;
• Catherine Coon and the Children of Hope Project in Uganda.

CONGREGATION ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting for 2007 will be held on Sunday, February 11, following worship service in the Parish Hall. All voting members are encouraged to attend.

Reported by Emily Eastwood, Executive Director of Lutheran Concerned

The defense team for Pastor Bradley Schmeling is assembled here in Atlanta preparing for opening arguments, witness questions and cross examination. The hearing begins on Friday. I want you all to know that I will be sequestered with the defense team during the trial itself. I will not be able to talk to the media or send substantive messages to you during the trial which runs from Friday 1/19 through Tuesday 1/23.

The hearing officer has granted Pr. Bradley Schmeling's request to allow his mother, Judy; his partner, Pr. Darin Easler; and the president of St. John's, Laura Crawley, to be present throughout the hearing. I ask your prayers for all involved with this hearing, especially for Bradley and his family, Pastor Robert Rimbo (former Bishop and now pastor of Holy Trinity, NYC) and Pr. Jane Fahey who will represent Bradley, Jeremy Posadas, our constitutional guru, the witnesses, the hearing officer and the members of the hearing committee. I also ask your prayers for Bishop Warren and his representatives.

With this case we have reached a kairos time in the life of the church, a time when Peter is about to engage Cornelius in the presence of the believers from Joppa. I pray that the Holy Spirit will infuse the room and wash over all involved, leading the hearing committee to finally say that it is good to the Holy Spirit and to us that Bradley should remain a pastor of the ELCA. Time will prove the import of this moment in the movement for full participation, but from this hotel room in the wee hours of Thursday, the whole thing feels loaded with possibilities. We expect a roller coaster of a ride for the next six days. Pray for peace in our hearts, clear minds, powerful words, just the right amount of anger, and most of all the gifts of the Spirit that can move even the hardest of hearts.

During this week, I will pray for you, my partners in this ministry we share. Do not be afraid. No matter the verdict, God has claimed and called us to this time and place, to lives of integrity and wholeness. Bradley and St. John's have acted in faith. Miracles will occur. The ultimate outcome is assured. Only the hour is in question.

During the hours that the trial is in session, members of St. John's will keep vigil. Those wishing to keep watch and pray in solidarity during this time with others around the world may register online at http://www.stjohnsatlanta.org/prayervigil.

On Friday evening, Jan 19 at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary at St. Francis we will hold a Service of Prayer and Solidarity with the people of St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta.
More info: http://www.stjohnsatlanta.org.

Dear members of St. Francis, do sign up for the Prayer Vigil on the above site. It is very easy to do. Ask Rob Byrne and Pastor Robert who have. And do bring our spiritual energy in the Holy Spirit to bear on the people and proceedings in Atlanta by attending the Vigil here on Friday.

ROB & ROY RELOCATING

Rob Zampetti and Roy Matlofsky are moving to London shortly. Their last Sundays at St. Francis will be January 28th and February 4th. They are also selling TV’s, appliances and furniture, should anyone have a need for these items.

NEW MEMBERS

We will be receiving new members on Sunday, February 11th and then at Easter. If you would like to consider joining in the mission and vision of St. Francis please see Pr. Robert.

YOUR INPUT WANTED

The 100th Anniversary Committee asks for suggestions of what chould be included in the foundation stone for the next 100 years. We will consider all suggestions but space is limited. Contact the office.

PENNIES FROM HEAVEN

The church office requests that those giving large amounts of pennies in the collection plate put them in penny rollers first. Thanks.

Preacher for Feast of the Expulsion, Pr. Heidi Neumark (2nd from right) her husband and two children

BIRTHDAYS

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE WEEKLY CALENDAR

LECTIONARY FOR NEXT WEEK Epiphany 4C