Weekly News from St. Francis Lutheran Church for September 27, 2009

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Sunday's Readings

• Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
• James 5:13-20
• Mark 9:38-50
• Psalm 19:7-14

WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER:

• Richard Copperud
• Jack Kling
• Glenda Lisk
• Susan Tucceri
• Bill Hunter
• Bob Douglas
• the family of Christian Sorensen (Janet Thuesen’s uncle) who recently passed
• Les, father of Richard Peterson
• The father of Rob Zampetti
• Sylvia Beckerley, stepmother of Scott Beckerley,
• Sophie Barron, mother of James Barron
• Mary, cousin of Michael Petrelis
• Eileen, the mother of a friend of Ken Hedrick
• Debby Schert, friend of Paster Paul
• our shut-ins
• 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.
  

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  BISHOP'S ASSISTANT TO VISIT ST FRANCIS

  

  Next Sunday October 4th will be the Festival of St. Francis. Present that morning will be the Assistant to the Bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod, Nancy Feniuk Nelson. Pastor Nelson will speak at an Open Forum at 9:30 AM, preach at 11 AM and meet with the Church Council for lunch afterwards. Make plans to come and meet Pr. Nelson and to discuss with her St. Francis and the ELCA.

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  ELCA NEWS AND ST. FRANCIS

  ELCA News Service

  The ELCA News Service published an extensive article on the impact on St. Francis and First United of the ELCA Churchwide decisions on ending injustice against sexual minority laity and clergy. Here are selections:

  “The 2009 Churchwide Assembly approved a series of proposals to change the denomination's ministry policies, including a policy to allow Lutherans in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as ELCA associates in ministry, clergy, deaconesses and diaconal ministers.

  “What does this mean?” was a question asked at council meetings for both San Francisco congregations. ‘At this point there really were just more questions than anything else,’ said the Rev. Susan M. Strouse, an ELCA pastor "on leave" while serving as pastor of First United.

  “The Rev. Robert M. Goldstein, a retired ELCA pastor, serves St. Francis. He said that the congregation's council is waiting to see how the ELCA Church Council, which meets [in Chicago] Nov. 13-15, implements the assembly actions. The Church Council serves as the legislative authority of the church between biennial Churchwide assemblies.

  “Steven G. Johnson, president, First United, said he was ‘baffled by the ELCA's decision to take the extreme step of expelling us in 1995 for opposing a policy that we believed was unjust. This is an issue that has caused a great deal of pain for many people over several years. I believe that the decision (of the churchwide assembly) was long overdue,’ Steven Johnson said. ‘I do hope that some form of reconciliation can take place.’

  “Robert W. Byrne, a council member at St. Francis, said he joined that congregation because of its ‘historic principled stand within the institutional church (against the church's) discrimination against clergy and seminarians in committed same-sex relationships. I truly believe that being Lutheran calls each of us to be reformers, whenever and wherever we see injustice -- as (Martin) Luther himself did.’ ‘I have always hoped for and voiced my support for eventual reunion with the ELCA,’ Byrne said. ‘Others in this congregation hold different beliefs at present, and value the traditions and practices we were forced to create for ourselves over the past 20 years,’ he said.”

  http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?SearchCriteria=st.+francis#&&a=4288

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  ST. FRANCIS AND THE ELCA

  This is the last week of the small group discussion series Greeting the Fall with Thought and Purpose, where, in the context of Bible Study, we can begin to dialogue about the outcome of the ELCA's new policy of ordaining LGBT clergy in committed relationships and what that may mean for St. Francis. The groups give us the opportunity to discern our faith community’s identity and purpose, to grow in our spirituality and to learn about one another. The groups meet at 6 p.m. If you would like to participate in one of the groups, please contact the host directly:

  Keith Skelly and Bob James: Tuesday, September 29

  Paul Johnson: Wednesday, September 30

  Gene Clark: Thursday, September October 1

  The weekly Adult Forum is also discussing the future of St. Francis and the ELCA.

  
  
  
  
  

  GALA EXCITEMENT GROWING

  You will receive your invitation to the Saturday, October 24 GALA this week. This year the Lydia Circle ladies are coming out of retirement from Norway for this one night event. There are rumors abroad that even Julia Child may be there. And, a possible makeover of a Lydia Circle candidate from dowdiness to elegance.

  Don’t miss out on the raffle, silent auction and good food and drink —and the fun!

  Reservations are $50 ($35 for seniors 70+). Checks, Cash or Credit Card. Credit charges can be made on Sundays, Oct. 11 & 18 and at the door.

  
  

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  Hosts for the table are still needed for: 10:45 AM - 12:45 PM 1 person 12:30 - 2:30 PM 2 persons Contact Pr. Dawn or Brandee

  
  

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  SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

  Due to Chuck Hancock’s retirement, and Rose Woodvine’s new work schedule, a volunteer is much needed to help set up for Sunday morning’s Hospitality Hour. This involves making the coffee, arranging food on the plates, and tasks such as putting sandwiches together.

  This help is needed Sunday mornings from approximately 7 to 8 AM. This is a wonderful and fulfilling outreach to those in our community! Come and join us.

  Questions? Call Pr. Dawn at (415) 621-2635 ext 12.

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  Love Loaf Boxes will be available next week. Start saving your change.

  HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RECENT CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

  * Susan Tucceri's resignation as council president was accepted with regret. The council thanks Susan for her many years of wonderful leadership and continued recovery from her recent injury. Brandee Marckmann was appointed president by the Council.

  * Our budget is on track thus far, with expenses lower than expected.. The council is grateful to members who have honored their pledge commitments.

  * Council is looking forward to the October. 4th guest preaching of the Reverend Nancy Feniuk Nelson, Bishop’s Associate of the Sierra Pacific Synod, and the pre-worship discussion she will be participating in for that day regarding our congregation's connection with the ELCA.

  * Pastor Dawn, Pastor Robert, and council members Rob Byrne and Brandee Marckmann attended a potluck with the five members of San Francisco's Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) community at their residence, the Joel Workin House in Potrero Hill. The LVC is a one-year domestic volunteer service program for men and women who want to explore their spirituality while working for social justice, living in intentional community with other volunteers, and simplifying their lifestyles. The council is exploring opportunities for St. Francis to become more engaged with the LVC.

  
  

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  AFTER-WORK ORGAN CONCERT

  This Thursday, October 1, is second of the 2-concert series of after-work organ concerts performed by David Schofield. The concert begins at 6:30 PM. Seating in the organ loft will be available. The concerts are free. Donations will be accepted to benefit the St. Francis music program. Please plan to attend and invite your friends.

  CHOIR AUDITIONS

  David Schofield, director of the St. Francis Choir is currently auditioning for choral singers of all voice parts.

  FOR MORE INFORMATION, go to www.stfrancischoir.org or contact David Schofield

  Concerts this year include:
  
  Jean Richafort, Requiem in Memorium Josquin
  DesPrez
  Annual Carol Concert
  Choral Favorites Concert

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  USHER TEAMS Click here

  
  

  HOUSEBOAT TOUR!!!

  Come for a fun few hours on Saturday September 26, and see what “sitting on the dock of the bay” really is like! The well organized floating homes tour in Sausalito is a big one this year, and it is great fun. About 20 homes will be open for viewing from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM for this self-directed tour. Janet Thuesen’s houseboat is one of the houseboats on the tour!

  There will be music, food, art and joviality! Shuttle service will be available from Gateway Shopping Center to the center of the houseboats. It is recommended you get reservations for your tickets as this event often sells out fast— $35 for reserved tickets, $40 purchased on-site. For information and tickets, go to www.floatinghomes.org, or call 415-332-1916.

  
  
  
  

  • September 27 Alex Spehr
  • September 27 Jessica Prentice
  
  
  

  Lectionary for next Sunday

  • Genesis 2:18-24
  • Hebrew 1:1-4, 2:5-12
  • Mark 10:2-16
  • Psalm 8
  
  

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  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

  Contact us:

  Directions to St. Francis: Ext 21
  Worship Service schedule: Ext 20
  Pr. Robert Goldstein: Ext 11
  Pr. Dawn Roginksi Ext 12
  Senior Center Coordinator: Ext 12
  Dave Walda, Senior Parish Administrator: Ext 10
  Clifton King, Sexton
  Brandee Marckmann, Congregation President
  Janet Thuesen, Treasurer

  Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

  General Email: St.FrancisSF - at - sbcglobal.net

  The Rev. Robert Goldstein: RevRGoldstein-at-sbcglobal.net
  The Rev. Dawn Roginski RevDRoginski-at-sbcglobal.net
  Dr. David Schofield StFrancischoir-at-sbcglobal.net
  David Walda, Senior Parish Administrator: St.FrancisSF-at-sbcglobal.net

  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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