Thursday's Announcements for September 24, 2020

FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. COVID-19 Parish Update -- As of this writing we are still online only and still pointing toward Sunday October 4th to be able to regather in the sanctuary. However, the Bishop will be sending some new direction and guidelines this week which may affect this timing, so as soon as I know more I’ll share what I know. What I think is that the new guidelines may be less strict on the local cases metric while still keeping all the mask and social distancing precautions in place. If so, then we may be able to return sooner. I know this is confusing but I promise that we will reopen again as soon as we are able and we will always do so in the safest way possible. Watch for another email soon on this.
2. Last Sunday we were blessed to have Alyssa Harvey’s parents, Janet and Steve, join us for our online service, and they sang a hymn that Janet’s mother wrote and published in 1976 titled “Feed My Sheep.” Janet graciously gave permission for me to share the hymn, which you can find and download from our website. ​ ​
3. Oregon Fire Assistance – many of us are watching with sadness and grief over what is happening on the west coast, with fires destroying so much and threatening so many. Parishioners Dan and Cindy Dickinson’s daughter and her family are very near the Almeda fire in Jackson Co., and while their family is safe, many in that region will be devastated. If you would like to help, here is a link to a local effort that will match any cash donations, thereby doubling your gift.

https://www.roguecu.org/community/donate?utm_campaign=later-linkinbio-roguecreditunion&utm_content=later-10024205&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram

GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Happy Birthday!! 
Rebecca Brenner  September 27      Allie Cawiezel             October 4
Pati McLellan               October 1      Shawn Hergenreder   October 5  
James Nielsen             October 1      Chris Kelley                October 5
Alena Kennedy            October 2      Dennis Mitchell           October 5
Johnny Selzer              October 2      Lucretia Green           October 6

Bible Study: John and Peggy Wymore will be leading a bible study on the book of Hebrews beginning Thursday, October 1st from 6:00-7:30 P.M. in the parish hall (10 or fewer, masks required). For more information contact John and Peggy at jpwymore@charter.net. 

Prayer Requests: The prayer request sheet is still just outside the office in the church and is updated weekly. Anyone may still email your prayer requests to me at stfrancis@allophone.com. If you do not have email, just call the church and leave a message. Since, I am back in the office, the requests must be received on by Wednesday at the latest, for them to be included in the Sunday Bulletin for that week. If the request is received after Wednesday, they will be added to the next Sunday Bulletin. We will follow the same process and keep the names on for two weeks.
Once the prayer request is received, it is added to the prayer list and then I email the names to have them added to the Prayer Chain and to the Daughters of the King.

**Daily Devotion for Thursday September 24, 2020**
Humility and Authority
The 5 Steps – Pause * Listen * Think * Pray * Go

Pause
Approach God with quiet, gentle movements.
Refuse to be “loud” and eager to do the talking.
Come ready to bow down . . .
and listen . . .
and find purpose,
as one who remembers what it is to be less than holy.

Listen
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. 
Philippians 2:1-4

Think
Do we have any milk left? Is there any leftover pizza?
Maybe you’ve asked a question like this in the past. Sometimes, any amount will do. We just need a little bit, just a piece. Keep this mindset as you think about today’s passage.
The Apostle Paul encourages the church in the city of Philippi to rally around some areas of overlap or commonality within their congregation. He guides them to imitate Christ. Paul asks them to consider if any encouragement, any comfort, any sharing, or any sympathy characterizes their fellowship. Any at all? Just a little bit?
Identifying such an overlap within a youth group or church family creates a powerful sense of unity. Learning how to “watch out” for others evolves to including neighbors, strangers, and even enemies. Jesus made a space for the needs of others without worrying about himself. Paul believed in the ability of the Philippians to follow the example of Christ. Now it’s our turn. Any chance you want to “watch out,” too?
Brian Abel

Pray
God, any moment when I pause to pray, you are ready to spend time with me. Any time I see a need while driving around, watching TV, or checking social media, you can guide my response. Increase my willingness to “watch out” for others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Go
Rise from a kneeling place.
Embrace God’s call to put others first today.
Resist the urge to find a spotlight.
Allow the light of God’s love to shine brightly, even boldly, through you.

Gina’s Office Hours
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday  9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Thursday  9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.