Readings for April 28th
The Rev Kirsten Spalding, the Rector of the Church of the Nativity, will preside this Sunday April 28th.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Readings:
Greetings from the Junior Warden
You may wonder what the Junior Warden of St. Francis Church does. Going into this role in February, I posed the question and got one of those vague answers, and honestly, I was excited to find out more.
In the past month, I've managed to begin getting my feet wet - I co-signed my first check, filled out paperwork at the bank, checked references for the new music director, assisted Liz with flowers for Easter, led the opening prayer for the April Vestry meeting, attended a Ribbon Cutting party for our new Block Hall tenant, Discover Community Day Program, wrote a "Reflection" for last Sunday's service, and most importantly, I've been in charge of the Senior Warden duties while Robert is out of town.
Running a church is like running a business - there is a lot of activity behind the scenes and I'm learning more everyday. While Robert is away, if there is anything that you need or if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at evbuch@yahoo.com or 415-279-2998.
-Evelyn Ellis
Greetings from the Sr. Warden
I'm very happy to announce that last week we formally completed the Letter of Agreement necessary for hiring Rev. Dr. Lisa DaSilva as our part time Priest in Charge (aka Rector for all practical purposes). I'm going to call her Rector from now on as it's shorter, easier to say, less confusing and reflects our future aspirations.
Rev. Lisa's first official day with us will be April 29th and she will be preaching and presiding on Sunday, May 5th.
The Rev. Austin Rios (who visited us along with Bishop Marc on March 10th) will be consecrated as Bishop Coadjutor at 11 AM on Saturday, May 4th, at Grace Cathedral. He will become the Ninth Bishop of the Diocese of California when Bishop Marc retires on July 24th. Many of us will be in attendance representing our Parish. Tickets may still be available should anyone want to go. The consecration ceremony will also be live streamed. The link for this can be accessed at http://www.diocal.org/ordination/
Allison and I are out of town until May 1st. Anyone needs anything, Jr. Warden Evelyn Ellis is in charge.
-Robert Tarleton
World Labyrinth Day - May 4, 2024
World Labyrinth Day is Saturday May 4th. Many “Walk as One at 1” local time to create a rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one time zone to the next. In honor of this day, we want to remind you of the humble, simple, yet lovely labyrinth in a peaceful setting under the heritage oaks at St. Francis Episcopal Church.
Although labyrinths and World Labyrinth Day are secular, many churches, including Episcopal churches, have permanent labyrinths installed on church grounds for parishioners to use for prayer and meditation.
A webpage is being developed on the St. Francis website. Enjoy as the webpage evolves and provide any comments to Evelyn Ellis (evbuch@yahoo.com).
An informal gathering is being planned at the St. Francis Labyrinth on May 4th at 1:00, so stay tuned if you are interested or contact Evelyn Ellis. https://stfrancisnovato.org/meditation_gardens__labyrinth_b34806
Stay tuned for more information on World Labyrinth Day!
In the meantime, please let Evelyn Ellis (evbuch@yahoo.com) know if you are interested in assisting with labyrinth clean up and maintenance. We would love to breathe some life into the underutilized labyrinth at St. Francis.
A special THANK YOU! to Harry for helping to do an initial clean up! Our gopher holes are now part of the landscape.
New Tenants in Block Hall
Starting on Monday, April 22nd, the Discovery Community Day Program for Developmentally Disabled Adults began using Block Hall from 8 AM until 3:30 PM every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Their mission is to provide support resources and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. They embrace inclusivity, improvement and community support. Find out more about these tenants at discoverycdp.org.
Their main office is at 690 DeLong Avenue, Suite 150, Novato.
St. Francis Preschool News
During the month of April the Preschool is hosting a Diapers & Toiletries Drive supporting the St. Francis Community Pantry and North Marin Community Services. Donation bins will be out in front of the Preschool Monday - Friday from 8:45 am - 2:00 pm (during school hours), from April 1st until May 3rd. Here are some details regarding this drive:
We would like to thank the St. Francis Preschool Community for participating in these community outreach drives throughout the year. It is incredible to see our school make such a difference!
-Evelyn Ellis & Jesse Parish
St. Francis Community Pantry News
We had our record high for number of Pantry patrons this past week with 55 adults and 8 children for the three days that we are open. Because of that, we've been really busy trying to coordinate and keep the Pantry stocked. We've got Pat and Evelyn doing the purchasing while Kevin continues to work the front line with various volunteer hosts.
Please consider donating when you can, whether it be with non-perishable foods, personal hygiene items, or cash.
Ask Evelyn Ellis if you have any questions about the best way to make donations at evbuch@yahoo.com or (415) 279-2998. For further information see our webpage at https://stfrancisnovato.org/st_francis_community_pantry
-Evelyn Ellis
Music Notes
I am delighted to announce that Ray Hickman has formally accepted the position as our new Music Director. He brings over 25 years of experience as an Episcopal Music Director. He was seeking to continue his joy of making music in a part-time, not too stressful position, and the Holy Spirit led him to St. Francis! Ray possesses the advanced qualities we were hoping to find.’ Specifically, he knows Episcopal liturgy and the church calendar, plays piano AND organ, knows how to select music which suits a choir’s unique skills and how to coach singers to blend their sound, and how to create a community choir rich in joy and mutual ministry. Also, I was told by his former priest colleague that Ray was the ‘easier choir director’ he had ever worked with. So, please give him a warm welcome, and remember to stay seated, if you are not rushing off somewhere, to enjoy his Postlude at the end of service.
-Allison Waterworth
Rev. Rios Bishop Ordination Ceremony - May 4th
May 4th 11:00 am at Grace Cathedral.
Ordination and Consecration of the Rev. Austin Keith Rios as Bishop Coadjutor of DioCal.
Sunday Coffee Hour
This Sunday we will be having coffee hour after the service. Please join us!!
Donations to purchase snacks and coffee are also welcome!
Please contact Tony Mei (at Admin@stfrancisnovato.org) as soon as possible if you are interested in hosting a coffee hour for future dates.
Colors of Grace - Check out video
Check out this video of the St. Francis Choir performing "The Colors of Grace" on March 24, 2024.
Transitus
Curious about why our weekly e-newsletter is called The Transitus? The name comes from the most important feast day in the life of St. Francis, his death on October 3 and his entrance into the joy of our God. This is known as the Transitus, or Journey. Just as Francis was sent into new life, we pray our community worship, events and education help send you into new life - a journey - as well!
Get the latest announcements below.
Click here to view the entire latest Transitus. Click Here
Click here to view past issues of the Transitus. Click Here
Click here to subscribe to our weekly e-news. Click Here
