We have had one big celebration after another since last Advent. Most of the celebrations have been happy affairs. Some of them, not so much. Too often, we have "Cele-brated the Life" of someone dear to us. Our coffee hours are like parties. Our choral anthems are like concerts.

More celebrations await us. There is Pentecost, which in many ways marks the beginning of summer, and Trinity Sunday. Then, hopefully, a long season lasting clear to Advent, of Ordinary Time.

That's when we really become a laid-back, island church. We look the part and act it. We spend a lot more time walking and sloshing on the beach, and the rhythm of the waves slows us down. We bask in the rich colors of sunset when the sky becomes, to use Peter's image, a stained glass window, and all the world a cathedral. The hurry sickness eases even more as we find our places among the great sea birds and the Sandpipers, the dolphins and Laughing Gulls.

Families will gather in cottages and restaurants, and on Sunday morn-ings many of them will be with us.

Generations will become one again, the magical mingling of grand-parents and grandchildren will gladden this island, and flags on golf course greens will hang languidly in the summer air. Worries and cares will further attenuate.

Therefore, I want to warn you, every single one of us, that relaxation is a powerful elixir. Moving from doing to undoing can be transformational.

When you be-come still enough to hear the smallest voices, includ-ing the soft calls of Spirit, it may be the end of the world as you know it. It is not uncommon for quietness, solitude, to

open your heart to new life, allow-ing you to know and move toward your life purpose.

Everything you need is here; ocean and vaulted sky with cumulus clouds, birds and children flying kites, sand and spartina, turtles and trails. I hope you will luxuriate in this paradise. I want you to slow a bit and open your heart.

There is a message for you. God is calling.

Everett+

Ordinary Time: We'll Take It Ordinary Time: We'll Take It Ordinary Time: We'll Take It Ordinary Time: We'll Take It

The Song of Saint FrancisThe Song of Saint FrancisThe Song of Saint FrancisThe Song of Saint Francis

It’s a Date!It’s a Date!It’s a Date!It’s a Date!

6/7 Art Gallery Opening

and David Leahy,

organ concert

6/18 Salisbury Youth

Choir concert

7/14 Familiar Favorites

concert

8/11 String Quartet

concert

8/20 Three Triangle

Tenors concert

9/24 Lopez Tabor Duo

concert

10/14 Lobster Fest

12/26 Messiah Sing-Along

6/6 ECW Bunco

Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church ● Salter Path, North Carolina June 2017

Why Give? by George HirasawaWhy Give? by George HirasawaWhy Give? by George HirasawaWhy Give? by George Hirasawa

The short answer is 2 Corinthians 6-15.

6, Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7, Each man should give what he has

decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

I have struggled in giving. There was always an unexpected expenses, bills or wants. And it seemed that God always got the leftovers. This changed when I realized that all my possessions, my job, my wife and my life are gifts from God.

Just as I paid myself towards my retirement. I started to pay God first. Yes it was hard in the beginning, but as time past, I received many blessings and has strengthened my walk with Christ.

We are all a work in progress. Allowing God in our lives will change us in wonderful ways. It is my hope that you will also receive his blessings.

8, And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Blessings, George

Page 2

If It’s June, It Must be Time For...If It’s June, It Must be Time For...If It’s June, It Must be Time For...If It’s June, It Must be Time For...

Trinity Campers. Each May through late June we help Trinity Center campers have a great camp experience regardless of their ability to pro-vide their own gear. Cash is most helpful, but you may also leave towels, flip flops, swim clothes, or other beach gear on the table in the parish hall. Checks made out to St. Francis by the Sea noted for Trinity Campers may be placed in the collec-tion basket or mailed to the church.

The United Thank Offering. UTO is a ministry of The Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Through UTO, men, women, and children nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God. These prayers of

thanksgiving start when we recognize and name our many daily blessings. Those who participate in UTO discover that thankfulness leads to gener-osity. UTO is entrusted to promote thank offer-ings, to receive the offerings, and to distribute the monies to support mission and ministry through-out The Episcopal Church and Provinces of the Anglican Communion.

At St. Francis, we will be collecting coins and or bills for United Thank Offering during the month of June. Please pick up an envelope or UTO box

at the back of the church next to our votive stand.

The UTO motto is “Our change changes lives.” The very first offering was collected in 1889. Since that time millions of dollars have been raised to benefit worthy causes all around the world and in the United States. Please sup-port St. Francis in our effort to raise money for this ministry. Please return all monies collected by July 2nd.

Page 3

Wednesday, June 7 at 7pm David Leahey presents a concert of organ music from around the world.

David serves as Organist and Choir Master at Christ Church, New Bern. He was brought up musically in the Liverpool Cathedral chorister tradition where he participated in services for Her Majesty

Queen Elizabeth II, HRH Princess Diana and Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major . He toured in Spain and Japan performing Paul McCartney's Liverpool Oratorio. As a teenager, he became organist for a number of churches throughout Liverpool. At age sixteen he was appointed as Organ Scholar at Liverpool Cathedral under the tutelage of the world-renowned Professor Doctor Ian Tracey, and there began his vocation as accompanist, conductor and choral trainer.

David came to America in 2003 where he served as Director of Music at two high profile churches in the DC Metro area. During his time there, he worked with George Mason University and performed recitals at the White House, the Blair House and Washington's National Cathedral, among other venues throughout the US. David is accompanist for the Encore Group at Craven Community College, accompanist for the Schola Cantorum of the Diocese of East Carolina, and continues to travel and perform recitals worldwide; not the least of which is his flawless performance of Handel's MESSIAH each year at our MESSIAH Sing-Along.

The concert follows the art gallery opening featuring oil paintings by Pete Johnson of Morehead City. The gallery opening begins at 5:30; concert seating

begins at 6:45. Both are free, open to the public, and refreshments are served.

All are welcome!

Sunday, June 18 at 5pm The Salisbury Youth Choir presents a concert of traditional sacred choral music.

The Salisbury Youth Choir is made up of 6th - 12th graders from Salisbury Presbyterian Church in Midlothian, Virginia. For their summer choir tour they are singing and serving in the Crystal Coast area and will combine with The Choir of St. Francis by the Sea in worship on Sunday, June 18 (Father's Day). Some of the group's activities while on tour include singing concerts for the Boys and Girls Club of Morehead City, Brookdale Retirement Center, and the Carteret County Aging Services Adult Day Program. They will also be working in the kitchen and thrift store at Hope Mission of Morehead City and will help serve dinner at the Five Loaves Mission in Beaufort. The choir is led by Dr. Mark Patterson who is a nationally acclaimed composer, conductor and teacher . He has worked with choral groups of all ages in public school, university, and church music settings. Dr. Patterson received his PhD in Fine Arts-Music Education with an emphasis in Choral Conducting from Texas Tech University and Master of Music and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. He currently serves as the Director of Music at Salisbury Presbyterian Church in Midlothian, Virginia, where he leads a comprehensive music program for adults, youth and children. The choir accompanist is Suzanne Krauss, and tour coordinator is Laura Miles. For this concert, the approximately 45-minute performance will include some a cappella pieces. Donations received at this concert benefit Camp Trinity at Trinity Center in Salter Path. Reception follows. All are welcome!

Stay Tuned! ~~ Linda

Grace Notes by Linda LaughtonGrace Notes by Linda LaughtonGrace Notes by Linda LaughtonGrace Notes by Linda Laughton

Page 4

“Reaching out with the Love of Christ to others in need” “Reaching out with the Love of Christ to others in need” “Reaching out with the Love of Christ to others in need” “Reaching out with the Love of Christ to others in need” ---- St. Francis OutreachSt. Francis OutreachSt. Francis OutreachSt. Francis Outreach

HEELING OUR WORLD On Thursday, May 25 an enthusiastic group of 8 (including some cottagers) amateur cobblers gathered to begin sewing KLEM shoes as part of St Francis’ participation in Heeling Our World. We will meet again on Thursday, June 1 at 1:00 PM to continue working. Heeling Our World addresses the issue of children in African nations who develop sickness from jiggers which are painful and can lead to death . Our shoes will eventually make their way to children in Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Uganda . If you wish to participate please sign up on the sheet posted on the Parish Office window . Any questions, see Denise Throckmorton or Barbara McCreary . Please bring a pair of scissors if you can. All other materials will be provided and no sewing skills are required . Other ways that you can get involved include visiting the web site at artstoendgenocide.org and donating a financial contribution to the church with "Heeling Our World in the memo line.

TRINITY CENTER CAMPERS It’s summer camp time again! Please help Trinity Center Campers have a great camp experience by donating new beach towels, flip flops, swim clothes, sun screen, other beach gear, or cash, which is most helpful . There is a table in the parish hall set up to accept your donated items . If you prefer to contribute money, please make checks out to St Francis by the Sea with “Trinity Center Campers” in the memo line and place your check in the collection basket or mail it to the church. Donations will be accepted through the end of June.

HOPE MISSION If you’d like to continue to help support Hope Mission through non-perishable food donations, please leave them in the Parish Hall in the tub labeled Hope Mission. Special needs for this month include: jars of pasta sauce, boxes of spaghetti, bags of fresh onions, and toilet paper.

FAMILY PROMISE The Family Promise donation basket has been removed until the end of June when we will once again be collecting for them . Items needed include toiletries and cleaning supplies, gently used twin sized sheets and blankets.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY Carteret Landing, an assisted living and memory care facility, is looking for volunteers to help in the following areas: music with residents, piano or choral performance; Bible study; knitting or crochet, sharing needlework supplies; building a raised bed garden, birdhouses or bird feeders; painting, crafts, basket making; nail polishing; or Bingo. If you are interested, please let Denise Throckmorton know.

The Simple Path Silence is Prayer

Prayer is Faith Faith is Love

Love is Service The Fruit of Service is

Peace” ― Mother Teresa

Denise Throckmorton

and the Outreach Committee

Page 5

ECW NewsECW NewsECW NewsECW News The St. Francis by the Sea Outreach and Episcopal Church Women will host Bunco for all church women and their guests from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, in the parish hall. We will have our traditional build-a-salad lunch. All participants

are asked to bring salad toppings or additional ingredients, and/or dessert. Lettuce and drinks (tea, lemonade, and water) will be provided.

From now through June 4, we will begin collecting card tables (need 11), tablecloths, and door prizes. Each player is asked to donate $15.00 to benefit the Beach Towel Ministry.

To reserve a spot sign up in the parish hall, call, or email Geraline Castle (726-7452, shagcastle@ec.rr.com)

9—Marion Morris 10—Jami Turner

14—Harold O’Briant 23—Mary Hartman 26—Mary Kurek

1—Andy Smetana 3—Eric Ellis 9—Stephen Elkins-Williams

JuneBirthdaysJuneBirthdaysJuneBirthdaysJuneBirthdays

Lay Ministry ScheduleLay Ministry ScheduleLay Ministry ScheduleLay Ministry Schedule

June 6/4 6/11 6/18 6/25

Youth Sunday

Vestry Barbara McCreary Romaine Riddle Tim Bradford Terry Smith

Lector Marian Goetzinger Joe Nelson Linda Davies Kids

Prayers Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton

Chalice Jolene McCann

Marian Goetzinger Jolene McCann

Marian Goetzinger Bob Gallo Pat Jones

Pat Jones Martha Edwards

Altar Guild Meg Bradford

Bobbie Hill Meg Bradford Terry Griffin

Meg Bradford Bobbie Hill

Betsy Randall Linda Davies

Crucifer Marian Goetzinger Larry Castle Pat Jones Kids

Torch Bearers Larry Castle

Scott Shelton Terry Griffin Linda Davies

Scott Shelton Martha Edwards

Kids

Sound System Stover Morris Gary Keeter John Clarke Larry Castle

Nursery Bobbie Hill Jeannie Baxter Beth Beswick Betty Watson

Coffee Hour Libba & Scott

Shelton Betsy and Jay Randall Linda & Richard Seale Jean & Jami Turner

A membership to the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University was given to St. Francis by the Sea in memory of Mary Anne Ragland. Anyone representing St. Francis may attend free of charge and participate in all membership privileges, including receiving free plants.

Contact Larry Castle or Martha Edwards to sign up and receive the membership number.

JC Raulston Arboretum MembershipJC Raulston Arboretum MembershipJC Raulston Arboretum MembershipJC Raulston Arboretum Membership

The Song of St. Francis is a monthly publication of

St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church.

Sound side of NC 58 between Mile Marker 10 and 10½

920 Salter Path Road ● Salter Path, North Carolina ● 28512

(252) 240-2388 ● © 2017 All rights reserved

stfrancisbts@gmail.com ● www.stfrancisbythesea.org

St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church

920 Salter Path Road

Salter Path, NC 28512

First Class Mail

Save the dates!

Rector The Rev. Everett Thomas, Ph.D.

Deacon The Rev. Carol Eaton

Vergers Tim Bradford Marion Morris

Parish Administrator Kathy Nesline

Treasurer Dan Riddle

Sexton David Shapiro

Vestry Class of 2017 Tim Bradford

Larry Castle, Junior Warden Romaine Riddle

Vestry Class of 2018 Beth Beswick

Pat Jones Terry Smith

Vestry Class of 2018 Layne Helwig

George Hirasawa Barbara McCreary, Senior Warden

Clerk of the Vestry

Open

Music Director Linda Laughton

Art Gallery Director Tim Bradford

ECW Chair

Bobbie Hill

Outreach Chair Denise Throckmorton

Director of Youth Ministry Open

Sunday Schedule:

9:00 am — Adult Forum; 10:00 am —Eucharist Service

Nursery available; casual dress welcome

Wednesdays — 12:00 noon — Celtic Eucharist

St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church is a parish in the Diocese of East Carolina

The Right Reverend Robert Skirving, Bishop