Weekly News from St. Francis Lutheran Church for February 1, 2009

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

First Reading:      Deut. 18:15-20 Second Reading  1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Holy Gospel:        Mark 21:28 Psalmody:           Psalm 111
	WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER:
the father of Ted Hyrons Jan, sister of Pastor Anita Hill Ron Merk Bruce Jervis Bill Hunter Bob Douglas Sophie Barron, mother of James Barron Lisa's daughter Amber, with addiction problems, and son Aaron serving in Iraq Humberto Valle, friend of Dale Leininger, diagnosed with lymphoma Mary, cousin of Michael Petrelis our shut-ins Robert Gardiner, friend of Pastor Robert Those who use our facilities, especially our Seniors, and those attending the 12-step programs that meet here. We pray for their continued health, happiness and success. 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; Catharine Coon and the Hope Alive Project in Uganda. The congregation of Holy Cross Lutheran, Newmarket, Canada, and their Pastors Hutchings and Ketola, recently suspended by their synod of the Evangelical Lutheran of Canada for installing Pastor Lionel Ketola who is openly gay

Next Sunday, February 8th after worship, St. Francis Lutheran Church will hold its Annual Meeting in the Parish Hall. Copies of the Annual Report are available in the Parish Hall today so that you may take one home and read it during the week. Take a copy of the annual report with you today, bring it back next week and join us for the election of council members, approval of 2009 budget and business.

GREAT NEWS FROM JESSICA PRENTICE

Jessica and Jake went to the hospital at 2 PM last Wednesday, and a healthy beautiful baby boy was born at 6:20 PM on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. Jessica was supported by a wonderful birth team and did not take any medication. Their son was born alert and strong as an ox and is breastfeeding like a champ. He is 7 lbs. 11 oz. and 21 inches, and has no name as of yet. Papa Jake is quite adept at comforting his son on his chest during the moments Jessica is being attended to by the nurses, and has already changed two bountiful diapers. The family was planning to return home from the hospital late Thursday.

Congratulations to Rachel Markel Catt and her partner, Cassie Rubald who were married yesterday, January 31st by Pastor Dawn. As previously reported they have a baby girl, Anna Rubald Catt, born November 15, 2008, 9lbs and 21 inches. Congratulations Rachel and Cassie.

Anna Rubald Catt will be baptized on February 8 during worship. Join us as we celebrate this joyous event! Come and see as we receive Anna through baptism.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF ST. FRANCIS?

We invite you to attend membership inquiry classes that will take place on Saturdays February 7, and February 21^st in the Saint Clare room from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. The new members will be received on Transfiguration Sunday February 22. For questions contact Pastor Robert or Pastor Dawn.

The schedule for the SVDP Saturday food sorting is on the St Francis website under the Programs page. Thanks to all who have volunteered to help with this program.

From the January 20^th Meeting:

1. Council is completing its work in preparing the 2009 budget. If you have already pledged for 2009 - thank you! If not, please submit your financial pledge right away. Visit the website for pledge forms or ask Dave Walda at 415-621-2635.
2. Annual Meeting is on Sunday, February. 8^th, after worship. Please plan now to attend this important meeting to vote on the budget and elect new Council members to lead the congregation.
3. Become a Fan of St. Francis on Facebook - search for organizations and connect to the congregation virtually. Contact Pr. Dawn with any questions or suggestions.

ADDRESS CHANGE FOR ROB

Rob Zampetti and Roy Matlofsky have moved. Members that would like their new address should contact Dave at the office.

PHILADELPHIA ORDINATION

Steve Keiser was finally ordained into the ministry of Word and Sacrament. Having waited patiently and persistently for several years the congregation of Holy Communion Lutheran Church in the heart of Philadelphia took the bold step of extraordinary ordination.

The excitement was palpable as the huge nave was filled by over 500 people to celebrate the first extraordinary ordination on the East coast. Pastor Robert was present representing St. Francis on this historic occasion. Many people thanked me and St. Francis for coming from St. Francis to be with them.

During Lent, several of our members will host small group discussions in their homes. The discussions will take place once a week for three weeks. Those who took part in last year's Lenten discussion groups felt that the gatherings  provided a meaningful way to connect with other members and observe the Lenten season.

If you are interested in hosting a discussion group in your home or at the church, please contact Brandee Marckmann or notify the church office. Further details about this program will be included in future editions of The Times.

The Friends of St. Francis Childcare Center's Spring Fling will be held on the evening of May 2nd, 2009 at the Swedish American Hall. More information to follow.

The Sign-up list for January through March 2009 is on the Parish Hall bulletin board. Please take a moment to sign up and help at worship service. Thanks.

Can You Give a Ride?

Bob Douglas is now living at Grove Street Extended Care at 1477 Grove Street in San Francisco. Both pastors have been visiting him. Bob would like to hear from others too. His room number is 310, bed A and the phone number is 415-563-0565. Bob would like to attend service at St Francis but needs a ride. Can you help? If you are willing to pick up Bob and take him to church and back, please contact one of the pastors.

EXTRAORDINARY LUTHERAN MINISTRIES GATHERING
Saturday, February 14, 2009 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 1111 O'Farrell St., San Francisco
9 A.M. - 5 P.M.

9:00---Coffee & Gathering
9:30---Welcome from ELM
10:30--Worship led by ELM roster members
11:30--Guided Movement with Judith Dancer 11:45--ELM Ministry in Action (Stories from ELM congregations and ministries)
12:30--Lunch
1:30---Guided Movement with Judith Dancer 1:45---ELM Ministry in Action
2:30---Small Group Conversation
3:15---Guided Movement with Judith Dancer 3:30---Celebration Concert with Coyote Grace 4:30---Closing Prayer  

There will be a service opportunity that evening from 5-7 pm for up to 20 interested volunteers. We will be serving the Saturday Community Dinner at the Welcome Ministry.

There is no charge for this event and all are welcome. Please bring a friend to introduce them to ELM. Coffee and lunch provided. Donations gratefully accepted.

Please register in advance by Monday, February 9 to ensure accurate food count.

Email Rachael at operations@elm.org to register.

Lectionary for next Sunday

• First Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31

• Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23

• Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

• Psalmody: Psalm 147:1-11, 20c

Safeway parking permits are available in the back of the church. The permits allow parking for Sunday services ONLY.

St. Francis Lutheran Church

A Place for Gathering: Memory, Presence and Promise

152 Church Street, San Francisco, CA 94114-1111

(415) 621-2635, FAX (415) 621-8819

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Deadline for Times material is Wednesday at 2 p.m. Every effort will be made to accommodate all submissions according to space availability.
 

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