Sunday, October 24th 2021
… Our Lord Jesus Christ took bread;
… he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said,
“Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you.”
Luke 22:19
During the past two years, life at St. Francis has moved along in strange new patterns. Some of that strangeness has been a result of the dislocation caused by the pandemic, and some of the strangeness is that our patterns of behavior and life have been disrupted. Common things like gathering on Sunday or for a meal, or visiting loved ones involves so much more thought, effort, and care.
But, even with these dislocations and disruptions, I have gained a sense that we have, as a community, been “broken open.” This breaking open is a revealing of our true spirit as a community and our true guide as a people of God. Being “broken open” is the theme of our annual fund drive, which is a component of our Stewardship care. This year we will also highlight how our stewardship asks for care above and beyond financial commitments alone.
Our vulnerability in being “broken open” to the world around us reflects the vulnerability of Christ in his handing the Eucharist to us and in his death upon the cross. The vulnerabilities of these past twenty months have also been a strength. Thank you for your prayerful commitment to St. Francis and its mission.
I ask that you, now, consider how you can continue to meet the needs of St. Francis Church to continue to provide the ministry of God’s love, as outlined above, on the back of the pledge form, and on our website, through your financial pledge. You can fill out the enclosed pledge form in the mail you will recive or use the form found on our website or by CLICKING HERE to make your annual commitment to the work we do to present Jesus’ face to the world.
Yours in Christ,
David J, Lucey
Your Pledge Supports:
- Vital Worship and Pastoral Care in the Anglican Tradition
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- A 12-member choir, directed by a trained musician, and a trained organist.
- Baptisms of new church members who covenant themselves to the Church life.
- Pastoral care via weddings and funerals
- Eucharistic sharing
- Daily offices of prayer and readings via zoom services
- Our annual Blessing of the Animals
- The Creche School – St. Francis’ primary ministry to our surrounding communities.
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- Pre-school formation for 60 children aged 2 to 5.
- Nature’s Classroom exploration of our local environment.
- Our Creche School director and 10 highly qualified teachers.
- Weekly Chapel
- Annual Christmas pageant
- Outreach Ministry – Domestic and International
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- DOMESTIC
- Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington setting clients on the road to full employment.
- Second Story – Backpacks, school supplies, Sunday night dinners for group home members and families associated with it.Nature’s Classroom exploration of our local environment.
- Cornerstones – Food source, Emergency Shelter, and Job Counseling.Weekly Chapel
- Habitat for Humanity, Shepard Center Ministry, Great Falls Senior Center.
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- INTERNATIONAL
- Diocese of Ezo’s Bishop’s fund and well water project
- St. Francis Basic School in Juba.
- Care of God’s creation on our grounds
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- 7.9 acres of fields, trees, and buildings.
- Three buildings for worship, meetings and events, pre-school, and Scouting.
- Memorial Garden for spreading of ashes and contemplation.
- A labyrinth for quiet meditation.
- Technology improvements – Audio / Video improvements and equipment.
A MESSAGE FROM THE TREASURER
The 2022 Stewardship Giving Campaign materials are coming to your mailbox soon. Please look it over carefully and be generous with your 2022 pledge response. In the meantime, are you wondering where you stand on fulfilling your 2021 Pledge? Contact me and I will be happy to send you an updated Giving Statement for 2021. As we approach the end of the year, it is most important that we receive all promised pledges so that we can continue with God’s work in the church and in the world.