Weekly News from St. Francis Lutheran Church for February 8, 2009

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

First Reading:      Isaiah 40:21-31 Second Reading  1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Holy Gospel:        Mark 1:29-39 Psalmody:           Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
	WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER:
Sylvia Beckerley, stepmother of Scott Beckerley, Nancy Burns, preparing for surgery on February 12th 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

Today, after worship, St. Francis Lutheran Church will hold its Annual Meeting in the Parish Hall. Copies of the Annual Report will be available. If you picked up a copy last Sunday, be sure to get a copy of the additional report inserts. The inserts are also available here. Council members will be elected, a 2009 budget will be approved and any other business appropriate to the day will be discussed.

UPDATE ON JESSICA PRENTICE'S BABY

Jessica and Jake had a baby boy on Wednesday, January 28, 2009: Thorston Silas Prentice Wright.

Thorston is pronounced "Torsten" (the "h" is silent, just like in "Thomas") and is an old Scandinavian and Germanic name meaning "Thor's Stone." Thor is the Norse god of thunder, rain, and agriculture, and is where we get our word Thursday (from "Thor's Day"). Silas is an English variation of Sylvan, from the Latin silvanus, "Forest Dweller." Prentice is an English name shortened from "apprentice" and means a helpful student, or assistant learner. Wright is an English name that means craftsman in general, specifically someone who makes, constructs, or repairs. The possibilities for nicknames are many, but at the moment we are often calling him "Tor”.

Congratulations to Rachel Markel Catt and her partner, Cassie Rubald who were married January 31st by Pastor Dawn. Anna Rubald Catt will be baptized today during worship. Join us as we celebrate this joyous event!

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

We invite you to attend the last membership inquiry classes that will take place on Saturday 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.

THRIVENT AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILDS AGAIN

Thrivent will build a Habitat for Humanity house here in San Francisco this year. The first Thrivent Builds Day when volunteers can help with hammers and nails will be February 21. Interested people should talk with Diane DeLange about getting on the list of workers.

Austin Alldredge, the president of the local Chapter Board would like to speak to our congregation at Coffee Hour on March 1.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE NEWS

The Personnel Committee: Bill Mooney, Jim Kowalski, Susan Tucceri and Gabriel Proo has begun to evaluate, support and provide feedback to our staff. A secure email address stfrancispersonnel@gmail.com has been set up and managed by Bill. If you are contacted by the committee, your information will be held in confidence. Hopefully, the evaluation process will be completed by late Winter. You are welcome to contact any member of this committee.

The Stewardship Committee will be sponsoring small groups to discuss topics relating to faith, telling the stories of our journeys and talking about how we share our personal gifts with each other. Details with dates and times will be included in next week's Times. If you are interested in hosting a group, please contact Brandee Marckmann.

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.

ADDRESS CHANGE FOR ROB

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

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: Genesis 1-10, 26-28, 31

• Second Reading: Colossians 1:15-20

• Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

• Psalmody: Psalm 8

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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