January 2019

Pax et Bonum

A NEWSLETTER FOR

ST. FRANCIS’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH

From the Interim Rector

Go to the gym. Lose extra weight. Develop a prayer discipline. Have you made a resolution or resolutions for 2019? Some people take on resolutions to develop a good habit in the new year. But most will not keep up the habit. Statistics vary on how long it takes to embed a new hab-it. Studies vary saying it takes from 18 to 254 days. That’s a pretty wide margin! Here are some strategies for keeping a habit. Here are 6 steps to take suggested in an article by Catey Hill.* 1–Practice “temptation bundling.” Let’s say your resolution is to go to the gym but you don’t love doing that; meanwhile, you do love listening to podcasts. If you only allow yourself to listen to podcasts while at the gym, you’re more likely to keep up your resolution to go to the gym, research in the journal Management Sci-ence shows. That’s called temptation bundling, and in the study it significantly boosted participants’ compli-ance with their resolutions. 2–Make yourself cheat. One study found that when people aimed to do something for seven days a week, but allowed themselves a couple of days to not do it if they needed, they were more successful than even those who just planned to do it for just five days. 3–Create manageable expectations. “I will give up all sugar forever” is probably not going to happen. So how about “I will only have dessert on weekends” or “I will replace my soda with sparkling water” says psycholo-gist Elizabeth Lombardo, author of Better Than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love. And make sure they’re specific, says Itamar Shatz, author of Solving Procrastination. “I want to spend less money” is a relatively vague goal, which isn’t associated with any actionable items, which is why you’re un-likely to successfully stick with it in the long term. Accordingly, a better resolution in this case would be: “I want to spend less money, so over the next month I won’t eat out more than once a week at most, and I’ll prep food at home each night before I go to bed so that I have a meal ready to take with me to work the next day,” he explains. 4–Focus on why you’re doing it. “Stop focusing on what you don’t want (‘I hate the treadmill’) and, instead, focus on the benefits,” says Lombardo – like visualizing a better body and a life with lower stress. That can help you remember why the goal is so important – and thus stick with it. 5–Be accountable. “Tracking your resolution can be a powerful way to stay the course. If you’re trying to lose weight, write down everything you eat. If you’re trying to get out of debt in 2019, you need to write down all of your expenses and income,” says Keith McArthur, author of Winning Resolutions and creator of the My Instruction Manual podcast and website. (Continued on page 2.)

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Pledging Update

As we start the new year of 2019, the following numbers represent the latest update in pledging for 2019: 62 households pledging a total of $205,278 (Last year 71 households pledged $203,504) 33 households increased their pledges 9 new pledges 17 households gave last year but not this year Your pledge allows the leadership of the parish to make decisions about program and staffing. Any size gift is welcome and greatly appreciated.

(continued from page 1) 6–Get a friend, partner, or someone else to do the resolution with you, recommends Caleb Backe, a health and wellness expert for wellness company Maple Holistics: “Carrying out a commitment with someone else will encourage you to keep going when times get tough, and it will also make you more invested in the task by hav-ing to be their cheerleader too.” Whether your goals are physical, financial, psychological, or spiritual, I hope these tips will help you live a more whole, wholesome, and holistic life in 2019.

Whether your goals are physical, financial, psychological, or spiritual, I hope these tips will help you live a more whole, wholesome, and holistic life in 2019.

*The exact number of days it takes to turn a resolution into a habit (and no, it’s not 21) by Carey Hill in Market Watch, January 2, 2019

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Search Update As Lent and Easter lie ahead and the program year has commenced, this time presents a good chance to check in with the parish with an update on the Rector Search. Our Interim Rector has settled into her first two quarters with us. The vestry is beginning to gather names and define characteristics of search committee members. They would like to put together a representative group and are taking time and care to think through the composition of a committee. If you have suggestions for names, please talk to a member of the vestry. In the meantime, the vestry will review the previous parish survey as they compile an updated survey. This survey will be distributed in the parish and its results will help in producing the Parish Profile. We feel good about the timing and unfolding of the process. Please continue to pray for this congregation of St. Francis’ now and as we move forward: O God of patient and gentle strength, who knows our needs even before we ask, may your loving presence guide us as we seek the next settled rector for St. Francis’. Give us an open spirit, discerning hearts and clear minds, that we may trust your will for us and become ever more united as we walk the way of Christ. Inspire our conversation, deepen our prayer, and make us a community of humility and grace. Bless our current leadership and encourage us in transition. All this we ask through your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Giving Tree

Mid-December a beautiful evergreen tree was erected in the church. It was decorated with ornaments from Episcopal Community Services (ECS) and each ornament had a gift request from a client of ECS. People took ornaments with them and bought the gifts. A merrier and more meaningful Christmas was had by all observing this tradition.

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Santa Lucia Carol Thollander

On December 9th we held our annual Santa Lucia Celebration to enjoy this lovely holiday tradition and to raise money for our St. Francis Food Pantry. It was a fantastic event with a record number of young ladies participating. Our lovely Lucia was Riley Brown and our story narrator was Justice McHenry. We had 12 attendants with five of them making their “Lucia debut”. They were: Chelsea and Megan Becker, Violet Cole Farrell, Imogen Cornes, Stella Merono, Calli and Nevaeh Davidson, Edina Florio, Amy Williams, Sarah Salinas, Hanna Hart, and Alyssa Obst. (Alyssa will be next year’s Lucia). Thank you to all the girls and their families for their support and participation. Thank you to Dale Richard and the St. Francis Ladies Choir for the lovely singing. Thank you to Ellen, Baker, and Kevin for their musical contributions. Thank you to the “behind the scenes” workers: Janet, Johanna, Ron and Jeff. Thank you also to the Food Pantry Leadership who helped with the food preparation and presentation and with the clean up, add Melinda Lee to the clean up crew. Every aspect was beautifully presented and executed. A complete report on our fund raising success will come in January after all the donations have been received and counted. We did hear that the St. Francis Food Pantry received a $1000 grant from the Deanery. We are thankful for everyone who made a donation to keep this needed community outreach funded for another year.

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Advent Wreathmaking

On Sunday, December 2, following the 10 am service, members of St. Francis‘ and friends from The Ecumenical House at SF State gathered in the parish hall to make Advent wreaths. With evergreens, pine cones, berries and more, beautiful holiday creations emerged. Wreaths were festooned with four candles to be lit on successive Sundays to mark the season’s approach to Christmas. Thank you to Wendy Dwyer for spearheading the activity.

December Safe Harbor A fun, laughter-filled evening was had by all for Bingo at Safe Harbor. We had nachos with extra cheese and lots of prizes beautifully decorated for residents of the shelter. Thank you David and Frances Krieg, Wendy Dwyer, Claudia Quinn, and Christine Trainor. Safe Harbor Shelter offers emergency and short-term housing options in a 90-bed and 10-cot shelter: safety, warmth, sustenance, and healthcare are the essentials we start with to help the homeless become self-sufficient. Comprehensive, personalized case management and services include: counseling; Redi-clinic care; meals; job search assistance; financial coaching and assistance; transportation assistance; permanent housing placement; and various community gatherings to encourage socializing and to build clients’ self-esteem. More than 400 homeless individuals are served at Safe Harbor each year.

Christmas Eve Dinner At 7 pm on Christmas Eve, thirty or so people gathered in a fire lit Guild Hall for a delicious feast between the services. Many hands made light work at this festive potluck. Thank you to all those who brought dishes, who organized the event, who made sure that everything was served with a graceful welcome, and who cleaned up. It was a wonderful event. Images can be seen on our Facebook page

Christmas Caroling On Sunday, December 16, a group of carolers from St. Francis’ sang Christmas favorites at The Avenues— an assisted living facility on 19th Avenue. Thank you John Duus, Kaysea Ray, Edina Florio, Kate Kassuba, and Christine Trainor.

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Epiphany

January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany traditionally marks the arrival of the magi to Bethlehem and the manger where newborn Jesus lay. Scripture tells us very little about the magi other than they were wise men from the East. It does not say that they were kings, or even that there were three. Common tradition has grown up around these figures, adding in details. One tradition names them Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar and says that their skin varies in color, represent-ing the nations of the world. Epiphany means “manifestation” and the holy day celebrates the manifestation of Christ’s presence in and to the whole world.

Baptism, January 13

On January 13 we will baptize Elsie Jean Rothwell, daughter of Jessica (Fine) and Antony Rothwell. The next date for baptism is Saturday, April 20 at the Easter Vigil. If you would like baptism for yourself or another, please contact the Interim Rector, Christine Trainor 415-334-1590.

Flowers

If you would like to give flowers in January or beyond, please sign up at the station near the front door. Giving a donation for flowers enhances worship for all and is a great way to celebrate an anniversary, a special event, or mark a memorial.

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The Annual Meeting

Save the date! January 27 will be the highlight of the January Social Season—the Annual Meeting

There will be a combined service at 9:00, followed by the Annual Meeting

The Faces of St. Francis' Janet Giannini

St. Francis' has welcomed a number of new folks to our community recently. So that we can all get better acquainted, the Membership Committee hopes you will participate in our new project,

“Getting to Know You.” Here’s how:

• Take a “photo frame paper” home with you (available in the back of the sanctuary).

• Find or take a photo you like (individual or household group).

• Attach it to the photo frame paper (double-stick tape or glue work fine).

• Write the names of your household members and something about them, if you wish. Return it to church and put it in the designated box in the back of the sanctuary. Look for the “Getting to Know You” display boards in the back of the Parish Hall. Questions? Talk to Janet Giannini or Carol Thollander.

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Worship Notes

During the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany we will use Eucharistic Prayer B from The Book of Common Prayer. The language of this Eucharistic prayer has more references to the incarnation—Jesus made flesh—and makes it particularly apt for these seasons. In our continued trial use of different creeds, we will use the Apostles’ Creed during these seasons. A brief note on the Apostles’ Creed: The Apostles' Creed, sometimes entitled Symbol of the Apostles, is an early statement of Christian belief. It is widely used by a number of Christian denominations for both liturgical and catechetical purposes, most visibly by liturgical Churches of Western tradition. The Apostles' Creed is Trinitarian in structure with sections affirming belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son and the Holy Spirit. The Apostles' Creed was based on Christian theological understanding of the Canonical gospels, the letters of the New Testament and to a lesser extent the Old Testament. Its basis appears to be the old Roman Creed known also as the Old Roman Symbol.

Akureyrarkirkja Akureyi, Iceland

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

There are many opportunities to join in the ministry of St. Francis’. We have a wide range of ways to get in-volved. The following is a list of activities, organizations, and outreach opportunities with a contact person for each. Please call the parish office if you need contact info:

Acolytes – Susan Reamy/Keith Smith

All Saints’ Guild (women) – Norma Young, Mary Beth Paul

Altar Guild – Ed Splichal

Book Cart – Alice Gates

Building and Grounds – Ed Splichal

Choir – Dale Richard

Christmas Eve Children’s Service – Amy Cole-Farrell

Coffee Hour Coordinator – Lisa Napoli

Communications – David Kriegh, Christina Stephen, Drake Pike

Eucharistic Ministers – the Interim Rector

Food Basket -- Alice Gates

Food Pantry – Carol Thollander, Sally Oh

Friends of Francis (men) – Ron Giannini

Fundraising --Debbie Jasso, Wendy Dwyer

Godly Play -- Amy Cole-Farrell and Beverly Popek

Greeters--Carol Thollander

Laguna Honda Ministry – the Interim Rector

Membership – Carol Thollander

Outreach – Wendy Dwyer, Claudia Quinn

Readers – Keith Smith

Stewardship – Bob Powell, Kevin Reamy

Teen/Tween Class – Beverly Popek

Ushers – Richard Young

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Ongoing Formation Offerings Children and Youth Programs Our Godly Play group has returned from its summer hiatus and is meeting at 10 am in the courtyard classroom. For ages K-5th grade, this gathering uses a Montessori-style method to bring the biblical stories to life. A new Tween and Teen Youth Group is also meeting at the same time in the Guild Hall for games, food, and discussions about real-life stuff. This group will also learn about the Bible and how its principles affect our lives. Topics include parents, social media, friendships, Jesus, trusting God, and dealing with doubt, fear, and stress. Contact Beverly Popek if you have questions. Adult Bible Study An adult Bible study group meets every Sunday between services from 9:00 to 10:00 in the Guild Hall. The group is led by Sr. Ruth Hall. The current topic is the book of Genesis.

GIVING GIFT CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS? PLEASE SUPPORT ST. FRANCIS’ TOO – THIS EASY WAY!

Claudia Quinn As you start to make holiday plans, please remember the St. Francis’ Gift Card Program. It’s an easy way to give to the church and take care of your Christmas shopping list at the same time. Need family gifts? Macys, Nordstrom, Bed Bath Beyond, Zappos, Bests Busy, Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic, Carters, Gymboree, J. Crew, LL Bean, Nike, Kohls are all available. Gifts for the Office Party or Office Appreciation? Starbucks, Target, I Tunes, See’s Candies, AMC and UA Theaters, Walgreens, CBS Ulta, Sephora, Hallmark. For that Hard-to-Buy-for Relative – Amazon.com – the universal perfect gift! Christmas Dinner? Safeway/Luckys, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Raley/Nob Hill/BelAir are available (sorry no Trader Joes or Costco). And if you’re dining out in the busy days – Red Lobster, Chilis, Olive Garden, Red Robin are great places to grab that bite to eat. If you’re doing any holiday decorating or repair – JoAnn’s, Michaels, Home Depot or Lowes. Travelling – there’s gas credit cards and fast foods – Taco Bell, Subway, Wendy’s Burger King And don’t forget the family pet – Petsmart. It’s as easy as filling out an order blank – available at Coffee Hour. Return the order form, along with a check made out to St. Francis’. In general, we can have your gift cards to you the following Sunday. Please try to order early. (Actually, there are even more cards available – don’t see what you need – please ask). Questions – call, email or text Claudia Quinn – claudiaquinn819@gmail.com 650-228-4698. Many thanks for supporting! This project is in our budget as revenue so we need everyone’s help!

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CALENDAR

Ongoing Weekly Events . Monday to Friday YMCA Preschool in Session—8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday Lynn Douthit School of Dance 3;00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.-Parish Hall Monday to Thursday Julie Vernon tutoring 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.-Godly Play Room Tuesday INTO Bible Study and Lunch 11:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m.—Guild Hall Tuesday Café Shalom—Israeli Folk Dance 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.—Parish Hall Wednesday Music Together Classes—9:00 a.m.to a.m., 11a.m.—Guild Hall T u e s d a y Café Shalom Israeli Dance Group--Parish Hall--8:00-11:00 p.m. Wednesday Food Pantry, 3:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. Courtyard/Kitchen/Guild Hall Thursday St. Francis’ Choir Rehearsal—7 p.m.—Church Friday INTO Youth Group —7:00 p.m.-9:00 pm—Guild Hall Friday Tai Chi--10:00-11:30--Parish Hall Saturday Yoga class—8:00 a.m., 9:15 a.m.,10:30 a.m.— (Guild Hall) Sunday 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Church) and Coffee Hour—Kitchen 9:15a.m., Bible Study in the Guild Hall 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Church) and Coffee Hour, Parish Hall 10:00 Godly Play—Sunday School room Teen and Tween Class, Guild Hall 1 p.m. Church Service, INTO , and Coffee Hour /Parish Hall

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Birthdays Please contact the Parish Office

if you would like to list a birthday.

David Jasso—January 1 Justice McHenry—January 2 Brigid Cooper—January 3 Bob Kossler—January 4 Fizzy Fyfe—January 5 Mike McGinley—January 6 Gabe Jasso—January 8 Robert Salinas—January 9 Elizabeth Unkovic—January 10 Betsy ZoBell—January 10 Robert Azevedo—January 12 Lynn Douthit—January 12 Melinda Lee—January 13 George Westfall—January 13 Christine Trainor—January 14 Bright Winn—January 15 Dalton Brown—January 17 Antony Rothwel—January 17 Anton Lethin—January 25 Solomon McHenry—January s9 Sarah Schoellkopf—January 29 Todd Powell—January 31 Mariette Siczewicz—January 31

Red Garnet Green Garnet Snowdrop

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READINGS

January 6—The Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 Psalm 72:1-7,10-14

January 13

Isaiah 43:1-7 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Psalm 29

January 20

Isaiah 62:1-5 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 John 2:1-11 Psalm 36:5-10

January 27

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Luke 4:14-21 Psalm 19

Samaritan hill country (Acts 8:14-17) Nehemiah Rebuilding Jerusalem

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St. Francis’ Episcopal Church 399 San Fernando Way

San Francisco, CA 94127 www.stfrancisepiscopal.org

Office: (415) 334-1590 Email: retcor@stfrancisepiscopal.org Keith A. Smith, AHC Parish Administrator Office: (415) 334-1590 Fax: (415) 334-1591 Email: administrtor@stfrancisepiscopal.org

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: M-TH: 10am to 5pm

F: 10AM to Noon

2018 Vestry Diane Dick (2018) Sr .Warden Ed Splichal, (2020) Jr .Warden Class of 2018 Wendy Dwyer Michelle Herrera Debbie Jasso Kevin Reamy Class of 2019 Nicholas Cole-Farrell Meighan Merono Class of 2020 Shae Brown Kate Kassuba David Kriegh Drake Pike, Treasurer Deanery Delegates Alice Gates Richard Young Betsey Zobell Sally Young (alt)

Staff Interim Rector The Rev. Christine Trainor Assisting Clergy The Rev. Dominic George, T.S.S.F. The Rev. Robert Kossler Music Director Dale Richards Organist Jason Jia Parish Administrator Keith A. Smith, AHC Sunday School Coordinators Amy Cole-Farrell and Beverly Popek Nursery Caregiver Carol Fine