Weekly News from St. Francis Lutheran Church for October 4, 2009

FESTIVAL OF ST FRANCIS

Sunday's Readings

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

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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  WELCOME PASTOR NELSON

  

  This morning the Assistant to the Bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod, Nancy Feniuk Nelson will speak at an Open Forum at 9:30 AM, preach at 11 AM and meet with the Church Council for lunch afterwards.

  Plan to come and meet Pr. Nelson at 9:30 AM and to discuss with her possibilities for 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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  GALA EXCITEMENT GROWING

  You should have received your invitation to the Saturday, October 24 GALA this week.

  Can you go to your favorite vendors and ask for a gift for our silent auction? Please see Sarah Wells, Jim Kowalski or Pastor Robert.

  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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  HOSPITALITY HOUR IN PERIL

  Due to Chuck Hancock’s retirement, and Rose Woodvine’s new work schedule, new volunteers are absolutely necessary for the Sunday morning Hospitality Hour to continue. This program has been operated by a few members for 10 years, but those few are even fewer now. Two persons cannot do it alone.

  Carl and Max will get to church at 6:30 in the morning, and would like to open doors at 7:30. So two new volunteers are required from 7:30 to 9:30 AM. Activities will include covering the front door, and handing out tickets to the guests, serving food, and clean up.

  The early Sunday hour is not ideal for most of our members, but if we cannot find two more volunteers, the program will close.

  If you can help each Sunday, if you can help one Sunday a month, or if you know a reliable person willing to help, contact Max Kirkeberg at 415-282-6022.

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  THANKSGIVING IS ALMOST UPON US!

  As Thanksgiving approaches, we are again handing out the love loaves (boxes) to collect your coins. You will find a box in this Sunday's bulletin. Please place your coins in it and bring it back on November 22nd.
  
  We are also collecting the following food items:
  Bags of stuffing
  Cans of cranberries
  Apple juice, canned
  Boxes of mashed potatoes
  
  Bring any food donations to Sunday worship and place them in the food basket.

  
  
  

  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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  LUTHERAN VOLUNTEER CORP

  On Sunday, October 11 the Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) community in San Francisco will worship at St. Francis and introduce themselves to the congregation during coffee hour.

  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. Please join us in extending a warm St. Francis welcome to these amazing volunteers!

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  HOPE FOR HOUSEKEEPERS' QUILT

  “Hope for Housekeepers” is a national campaign of women, founded by Hyatt housekeepers to stop the abuse of women in the hotel industry. Nearly all hotel housekeepers are women, and the work they do is difficult and sometimes dangerous. Every year, conditions for housekeepers get worse, as big hotel corporations reduce staff levels and push women to work harder and faster.

  To bring a message of hope to these women , Hyatt housekeepers are organizing a seven-city tour of the Hope for Housekeepers quilt. This quilt stitches together the stories of Hyatt housekeepers , showing the pain they endure everyday just to provide for their families. As the tour progresses, each housekeeper and supporter will add a new patch to the quilt, making the lives of housekeepers visible.

  As people of faith, we are being asked to sign patches that offer prayers of hope and healing for the housekeepers. Our squares will be added to those of other people of faith and community leaders.

  We are also being asked to sign a pledge for the housekeepers which is online at http://action.unitehere.org/campaign/hop.

  
  
  

  USHER TEAMS Click here

  
  
  
  

  • October 5 Alma Petersen
  • October 8 Randy Thueme
  • October 10 Anika Orun
  
  
  

  Lectionary for next Sunday

  • Amos 6: 6-7, 10-15
  • Hebrew 4:12-16
  • Mark 10:17-31
  • Psalm 90:12-17
  
  

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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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  Go back to the St. Francis home page

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