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PROGRAMS AND MINISTRIES See the Franciscans Newsletter for current program information. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND FORMATION The Sunday Church School is available during the program year, September through May at 9:30 a.m. Other opportunities are offered during the year. NURSERY A year-round staffed nursery is provided for infants, toddlers and preschoolers during Church School and the 10:30 service of the Holy Eucharist. CHILDREN and YOUTH Church school is offered each Sunday during the program year for children and youth. Times for leisurely fellowship are also planned. EYC for teens The 6th – 12th grade EYC (Episcopal Young Church People) meets for education, service projects, and fun. ADULTS Christian education is offered for adults each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. during the program year. Periodically Bible studies and other adult classes are offered. LENTEN/ADVENT PROGRAM A multi-generational study is always offered on the Wednesday evenings during Lent and Advent, beginning with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and a simple soup and bread meal. A nursery is provided. STEWARDSHIP Serving God through sharing one's time, talent, and treasure Stewardship begins with the very beginning - the Creation. We understand that God has made us in His image and has provided for all of our needs through the acts of creation. He placed the first man and woman in the garden to be caretakers of the creation. In time, God affirmed the goodness and necessity of the creation when God in Christ took on the flesh of our humanity and became one of us. The mystery of the Incarnation is the focus of the Church's mission and witness to the world. When God created each person He also blessed each of us with unique talents or skills. As we dedicate ourselves to the service of God in the church and in the world, we should rightly use our individual talents in that service. God, through the acts of creation, has given us three of our most cherished possessions - talents, time and treasure. Each of these possessions was made by and belongs to God. They have been entrusted to each of us so that we might be stewards or caretakers of these gifts as we share the good news of Christ with all people. As you become involved in the life of this parish, please recognize that all you do in the church and in the community is stewardship. Want to learn more? Here's how. - Every month in the parish newsletter, The Franciscans, opportunities to serve are listed, along with the names of the coordinator and contact person of each program. These opportunities will provide ways for you to invest your time and talent in the ministry of our Lord. - If you wish to give a portion of your treasure through a financial offering to the church, please contact John Pegram or Bob Biggers, our stewardship coordinators, or call and request a Pledge Card from the parish administrator, Corinne Stewart, who works in the church's office. Throughout the year programs are offered which focus on various aspects of stewardship. Many of these programs highlight special offerings which are collected during various seasons of the year, which go to fund outreach ministries in the parish, the community, the diocese, and the national church. Remember, stewardship - the sharing of one's time, talent, and treasure - is a major way each of us says "thank you" to the God and Father of us all, who made us in His image, and provides for all that we need. OUTREACH MINISTRIES Relieving the suffering of others is a primary ministry of the Church. St. Francis offers several opportunities to help the poor and homeless, to refugees and migrant workers, and to children with special needs. Below is a list of outreach ministries:
In addition St. Francis offers financial support to these and other ministries, such as, Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, the Women's Shelter, the Empty Stocking Fund, the United Thank Offering and the Millennium Development Goals. PASTORAL CARE TEAM The rector is the primary pastor of the parish. In addition, a team of lay persons shares in the ministry of pastoral care. The dedicated team members respond to the needs of parishioners in three areas:
LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS In recent years, bishops have been empowering members of the laity to share in a unique ministry, which in the past was performed only by the clergy. Now, through a special license, Lay Eucharistic Visitors carry the Reserved Sacrament of the Holy Communion to the sick and homebound. Training for this special ministry is offered throughout the year. If you would like more information about the Lay Eucharistic Visitors at St. Francis, please contact the coordinator through the parish office. EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN Every woman in this parish is invited to become active in the Episcopal Church Women (ECW). This organization at St. Francis has traditionally led the parish in strong outreach ministries in the community, the diocese, and beyond. In addition, the parish ECW is affiliated with regional, diocesan, and national Episcopal Church Women. In addition to occasional meetings, the ECW sponsors fund-raising activities, including Christmas in the Forest (a juried crafts bazaar each fall) and a White Elephant Sale at Epiphany. Monies generated from these events fund various outreach projects, as well as the church scholarship fund and occasional purchases for the church. A book study club has begun. For more information, contact the parish office.
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