August 7, 2025 Newsletter

This week we gather for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost on August 10. Worship will be held at 8:00 a.m. (Rite I) and 10:00 a.m. (Rite II with music), with the Rev. Weston Mathews celebrating and the Rev. Joy Warburton preaching. Coffee Hour follows both services in Millen Hall, and the 10:00 service will be livestreamed on YouTube.

We joyfully welcome Rev. Joy Warburton as the new Associate for Family Ministries, who joined our staff on August 1. Her first Sunday with us was August 3, and we are grateful for her leadership and care for our families and youth. The parish also extends thanks for the many generous donations to the school supply drive, which provided 32 backpacks filled with essential items for high school students in need.

Highlights from this issue include:

• The Fall Sunday Forum schedule, beginning September 28 with the Rev. Linda Calkins leading a labyrinth walk.

• Reflections from parishioners and leaders including Dr. Michael Hattwick, Joe Reynolds, Kristin Clark Taylor, and others who will guide fall forums on prayer, creation, and faith.

• Deacon Nancy Searby’s upcoming Sunday Forum on her ministry with the Ezo-Link Team in England.

• Outreach opportunities including Feeding the Homeless on August 16 at Embry Rucker Shelter and Scout Troop 55’s cleanup efforts at Great Falls Park.

• News from the Pine Ridge Episcopal Mission, where a United Thank Offering grant of $69,050 will finally bring water and plumbing to the Church of the Mediator, supported in part by St. Francis’ outreach funds.

• Upcoming events such as the “Songs of Devotion and Dedication” concert with Olivia Vote and Sasha Beresovsky on September 27 and preparations for the Fall Marketplace on October 18.

Regular opportunities continue, from Living with Grief and contemplative prayer to Bible study, men’s and women’s fellowship, and Second Story dinners.

Closing:
This edition is full of milestones, from welcoming new clergy to celebrating answered prayers in mission outreach. Join us as we continue in worship, fellowship, and service.