|
Welcome to Saint Francis!
Grace and Peace in the
name of Jesus Christ!
Saint Francis is a
dynamic and grounded community serving Christ and the
surrounding area through acts of worship, compassion, and
teaching. We encourage a sense of belonging and mutual service
within our fellowship. Family, youth and children's ministries;
short and long-term educational opportunities; and meaningful
worship are all part of our life together.
Wherever you are in your life, or whatever
interests you may have, we have a place for you at Saint
Francis.
Stewardship Emphasis
October 26-November 23
Our 2009 Stewardship Campaign kicked off on October 26.
We will focus on the four pillars of commitment in the United
Methodist Church: our prayers, presence, gifts and service.
In addition, Pastor Mark will be focusing during sermons on what Bishop
Robert Schnase identifies as Five
Practices of Fruitful Congregations1.
-
10/26: The Practice of Radical Hospitality
-
Beyond intention, hospitality practices the gracious love of
Christ, respects the dignity of others, and expresses God's
invitation to others, not our own.
(p.12)
-
11/2: The Practice of Passionate Worship
-
Through worship, God actively seeks a relationship with us,
pardons sins, restores relationships, and changes lives.
(p.34)
-
11/9: The Practice of Intentional Faith Development
-
Intentional Faith Development refers to the purposeful
learning in community that helps the followers of Jesus
mature in faith. (...) The sanctifying presence of God's
spirit works through these practices to help us grow in
grace and in the knowledge and love of God. (p.62)
-
11/16: The Practice of Risk-Taking Mission & Service
-
It
is important to look beyond one’s close social and community
circles and consider how Christ desires to use a person’s
gifts and talents and capacities to enhance the well-being
of others beyond the inner circle.
(p.88)
-
11/23: The Practice of Extravagant Generosity
-
The notion that stewardship rightly focuses on the
Christian’s need to give rather than the church’s need to
receive is not simply a money-raising strategy but a
spiritually powerful truth.
(p. 112)
Come and join us as we recommit ourselves to
our church and strive to become a more "fruitful congregation."
1
All references from Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations,
by Robert Schnase, Abingdon Press, 2007
and/or http://www.fivepractices.org
|
 |
On Sunday, October 5, we held our annual
Blessing of the Animals service on the church lawn.
Creatures of all shapes and sizes received a blessing.
Upcoming Opportunities
Confirmation
Classes - Will be held
during the Sunday School hour from September 7- November
23.
Habitat for
Humanity - Our current build
project kicked off on Sat, October 4 and should last through November. Sign-up to help build or prepare lunches.
Click
here
for more information.
Thanksgiving
Dinners - Food is being
collected for families of Bethlehem Center. Donations will
accepted through Sun, November 16. For
more information, click
here.
Children &
Youth Christmas Play -
Join us on Sun, November 16 at 4:00pm for our
first play rehearsal to select parts. Sign up sheets are
in the narthex. For more information, please contact Lisa
Richards at 704-846-6177.
Angel Tree -
Open your hearts this holiday season and provide gifts for
children in need. Angels will be available in the narthex
on Sun, November 16 with gifts due back by
November 30. Click
here for
more information.
Advent Workshop -
Join us on Sun, November 30 at 4:00pm for our
annual Advent worship and make Advent wreaths, Christ candles &
Chrismon ornaments. Come enjoy some old fashioned caroling
and fellowship. Contact Lisa Richards at 704-846-6177 for
more information.
Ongoing Bible Studies
-
Monday Morning Moms - Mondays
from 9:15-10:30am
-
Pastoral Bible Study - Mondays at
6:30pm
-
Disciple III - Mondays at 7:00pm
-
Friendship Bible Study - Tuesdays
at 9:45am
The Portico
(Pastor Mark's Blog)
| |
