Welcome to St. Francis by the Sea
"Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself on your
journey of faith, you are welcome here, at God's table."
From the Rector's Study
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we approach the close of the Easter Season, Jesus prepares to leave his friends ascending to God’s presence. Ascension Thursday is this week. We will celebrate in the Sacred Space with Holy Eucharist at noon.
The ascended Jesus goes on to do the further work that God has in mind for him. Between now and Pentecost we will hear how Jesus gives his friends all they need for the unfolding of their lives.
The 2009 film entitled Up is based on fantasies about escaping life when it becomes too irritating. Childhood friends Carl and Ellie share dreams of adventure. When they grow up they fall in love and marry. When Ellie dies, Carl discovers Ellie’s childhood scrapbook from when they were children. The scrapbook is labeled, “Stuff I’m Going to Do.” In it are included things done by Carl and Ellie with a note written by Ellie. “Thanks for the adventure.” In his grief of losing Ellie, this is just the reminder that Carl needs, reminding him of all the adventures he and Ellie shared in their lives together. He realizes that part of him has gone on with Ellie when she died, while part is still present in the here and now. Ellie’s death means she now lives into her resurrected life. She does so leaving Carl with a gift that reminds him that he has all that he needs. Carl feels he may live into whatever lay ahead as he feels comfort in the memory of all he shared with Ellie when they were together.
This week through the Day of Pentecost is an opportunity for each one of us to look around. What is near us that reminds us that Jesus already has something of us with him, and all whom we love and see no longer, who have gone before us? What have they given us so that we may remember that, even so, we have all we need through faith.
In Christ,
Douglas +
Thursday, May 9 The Feast of the Ascension, noon, Holy Eucharist Rite II (Sacred Space)
Sunday, May 12
At the service we will hear about Frances Perkins’ inspiring life story as an Episcopalian, Maine resident, and first female cabinet seat as FDR’s Secretary of Labor. We’ve arranged for the traveling display from the Frances Perkins Center in Damariscotta (a National Historic Landmark) to come to St. Francis on this day for viewing in the undercroft at coffee hour. Francis Perkins is on the annual Holy Women and Holy Men Episcopal Church calendar for May 13. We thank Perkins Center Board of Directors member and Blue Hill resident Susan Kirk for obtaining the Center’s display for St. Francis on the day closes to Frances Perkins’ commemoration in our church.
Sunday, May 12 -- Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast after the service. All are invited to attend.
Wednesday Seekers—through June 26, 2024.
We are reading and discussing "Love is the way" by The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop. “We were created by love, for love, to love and to be loved. And we are at our best when we live in God's love. And I believe deep down, it's what we all want. We don't want hatred. We don't want the abyss. We want Beloved Community. The way of love is how to live it.” The book is available for free by contacting the church office to reserve your copy.
Sunday, May 19 The Church celebrates Pentecost. Wear something red.Prepare to eat birthday cakes at Coffee Hour celebrating the months of the year as we celebrate the birthday of the Church.
Summer Schedule returns on June 16 with the return of the early Rite I service at 8:00 AM and a Conversation on the Gospel of Mark at 9:00 AM.
Organ Benefit Concert for Outreach on June 18, at 7:00 PM. Who knew our Rector earned two conservatory degrees in organ performance?
Potluck Dinner (5:30 PM) and Ceilidh on July 9 (7:00 PM). Bring your favorite casserole and Celtic dancing feet for a fun midsummer gathering.
Ceilidh ˈkālē/ a social event at which there is Scottish or Irish folk music and singing, traditional dancing, and storytelling.
"It was a phone call with Allan Sandlin in spring of 1995 that birthed the idea of Gerald applying as new music director at St Francis…. G was considering “ downsizing “, retiring from Christ Church Cathedral where he had been Director of Music for 30 years, had read of the St Francis job, and I had asked him to call about it as I knew of Blue Hill from fellow sailor friends. The Holy Spirit was in charge as G and Allan talked for 45 minutes!
We visited, fell in love with the people of St Francis and this coastal peninsula. Plans evolved for the new organ to be donated, with Gerald working with old friend Karl who had built the marvelous organ Gerald played at Christ Church Cathedral. The organ at St Francis is still Gerald’s favorite small organ to play, and he delights in the practice time kindly allowed him."
--Jean Wheeler
Mission Statement
We are a welcoming, engaged and diverse community of faith dedicated to the spiritual, physical and social well being of ourselves and our neighbors. Whoever you are, whatever your beliefs, come explore and experience with us the mystery of God’s love.
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