  September 25, 2025 From Rev. Erin What is a Patronal Feast Day? The custom of naming churches after saints harkens back to the ancient tradition of building churches over the tombs of martyrs. A saints' feast day is often celebrated on the anniversary of the their death. (Often, the saints we celebrate lived so long ago, we don't know what day they were born. In the case of our own Saint Francis, we don't even know what year he was born.) A feast day is an opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of the saint being remembered, as well as an opportunity to rejoice at the community which has been built in honor of that saint. As the term implies, sharing a meal together is a part of the tradition. We hope you'll join us for worship followed by brunch on October 5. During worship that Sunday, we'll honor our patron, Francis of Assisi, and reflect on the example of a faith-filled life he provides for us. Afterwards, we hope you'll join us for a delicious brunch -- our own special feast -- provided by the Episcopal Church Women of our parish. ________________________________________________________ The beginning of the new school year marks the beginning of a new year of learning, growing and community building with Youth Fellowship! This year, we're working and serving in partnership with youth and staff from Saint Francis, First Presbyterian and Calvary Lutheran. Youth ages sixth through twelfth grades are welcome and needn't be a member of any of our partner churches. We begin with dinner at 5:30 on Sunday evenings followed by an hour-long activity or program. We're looking for individuals and families willing to donate a meal for fifteen people, most of them hungry teenagers. This meal can be purchased from a local business or homemade. Please contact Rev. Erin if you're interested in helping. ________________________________________________________ A Message from Mary Greetings! As I write this note, I am thinking about how dynamic and compassionate you are! I am reminded that God uses our gifts to do “more than all we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). This week, members of our parish assisted folks in our community with our Laundry Love ministry. On Tuesday and Wednesday, other members will make, pack and distribute Sack Lunches to those in need. On October 30, we will serve an evening meal at the 5th Thursday Soup Kitchen. Each Sunday you serve in various capacities - Altar Guild, Greeters, Eucharist Ministers, Lectors/Intercessors, Media Team, Acolytes, Sunday School Teachers, Coffee Hosts – making our worship more meaningful. Each week there are many opportunities for fellowship, worship and study with small groups, including our newest time for Centering Prayer. Your Stewardship & Engagement team has recently undertaken two “housekeeping” projects that are not very glamorous, but are necessary. The first was an effort to contact everyone who is listed in the Church Directory to make sure your information is current and accurate. If, by chance, you were not contacted and need to make any corrections to your information, please let Ann (in the Church office) know. The second big job we have undertaken is a thorough review and update of our website. We expect to have this work completed by the end of October. Through your devotion to giving of your financial resources, we are holding our own. Your giving is ahead of what we budgeted. Thank you for your gifts! In addition to your tithes, we also received a substantial gift from the estate of a member who recently died and a generous gift from a member who is underwriting the cost of printing our weekly worship bulletin. As I list our blessings, I want to let you know that we have a new Treasurer. Carol Berg has graciously accepted this role. She is being trained by Diane Morrison who is moving on to other ministries. Diane has been dedicated and conscientious in the Treasurer role for the past three years. I thank her for quiet service to our parish. Now, for my ask – Your Vestry is beginning to dissect our budget to see where we can make cuts, changes, and savings. This is important work. I ask you to keep your Vestry members in your prayers and implore God to give us wisdom and discernment. For His Sake, Mary ____________________________________________________________
From the Office—Ann’s Announcements  Photo by Rick Myers
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