Thursday Announcements for June 18, 2020

FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

​1. Re-entry update:  When our local number of new COVID-19 cases declines (and stays in decline) we will ask for Bishop's permission to re-open for worship, which will now include a few modifications like wearing masks into and out of the pews, sitting in family groups 6 ft apart, taking communion in one kind, and very limited (one soloist) vocal music. These may seem like big changes at first, but in short order they'll be routine, and we are doing them for the singular reason of keeping you safe and healthy. I know it seems like we are past the pandemic, but that is simply not what the data tells us, and those who know much more about all this than I do say masks, social distancing, and sanitary procedures are still required in order to save lives. The short-term inconvenience of these modifications will be 100% worth it if our parishioners are safer. Much more communication to come on this.

2. In the meantime, our clergy, musicians, and technical crew continue to upgrade the Sunday morning online experience. We are getting very close to having all our ducks in a row equipment-wise, which I hope is noticeable on your end. As we go on, Scott and Jack and the crew will only get better and more innovative with the video and audio. Hang in there!! We aren't going anywhere and we will be together again soon!

3. The building is open for groups of 10 and under, and a few groups are starting to meet again in person for study and ministry. If your small group wants to use the church, contact Gina or myself to make arrangements. 

4. Mark your calendars for our next Deanery Meeting via Zoom on Saturday, July 25th at 10:00 A.M. Login link will be sent the week or two prior to the meetings. This will include a presentation from The Rev. Cn. Judi Yeates about Education for Ministry (EFM), an amazing theological group study program that Mo. Judi will lead online. Now may be the time for you to dig in deeply on your faith. If so, this is the exact thing you have been looking for.

5. Finally, a recommendation. Last night Jill and I watched a two-part documentary on Garth Brooks. *Warning* -- he's super dramatic and emotional, but honestly we enjoyed it and came away with a ton of respect for who he is and what is has accomplished. If you have 3 hours to kill, check it out on Netflix.

GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1) Prayer Requests: Please email your prayer requests to Gina at stfrancis@allophone.com.  If you do not have email, just call the church and leave a message. The requests must be received on Tuesday’s before 12:00pm for them to be included in the Sunday Bulletin for that week. If the request is received after 12:00pm on Tuesday, they will be added to the next Sunday Bulletin. We will follow the same process and keep the names on for two weeks.

2) ALL IN-PERSON SERVICES SUSPENDED FOR NOW SUNDAY’S 10 A.M. SERVICES WILL BE LIVE STREAMED ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE – Saint Francis Episcopal Church  (Saint must be spelled out, do not abbreviate)
If you do not have Facebook, you can go to our website www.saintf.org

3) System Updates: I am updating our information database and want to make sure I have all the correct information such as names, addresses, spouses and/or minor children, birthdays, anniversaries, phone numbers and email addresses. If possible, please send an email to me at stfrancis@allophone.com with you or your family’s current information, it would be appreciated.

 The Forward Day by Day Meditation for June 18, 2020THURSDAY, June 18                                        Bernard MizekiJeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord God! It is you who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.
From the Archives: May 12, 1941
Yesterday, you made a great promise. In the cold light of today, you may be saying, “I’ve promised, but how can I carry it out? I’ve promised, but even so, I do not see what to do.”
You and I may well be cast down if we think we are left alone to our own devices. But we are not left alone. We have God to go to for help, and there is nothing too hard for God.
Let us be patient with ourselves as God is patient with us. Yesterday was only seed-sowing. We can let that seed grow in our hearts. We can cultivate it.
Let us use this season for prayerful thought and imagination to open up the way. Let us think things over with God and take counsel with others.
Truer for Christians than for any others is the saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
MOVING FORWARD: Do you know a lost sheep? Pray for them and ask God to go and find them. Tell them you love them.
PRAY for the Dioceses of Lweru (Tanzania) and Tai Tokerau (New Zealand)
Ps [83] or 34 * 85, 86 | Numbers 12:1-16 | Romans 2:12-24 | Matthew 18:10-20

 
Gina’s Office Hours
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (at the church)
Wednesday  9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (work from home)
Thursday  9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (work from home)