2013 march franciscan

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March 2013 As we approach the midpoint of Lent, it is good to recall the words of the Book of Common Prayer, "to prepare with joy for the Pascal Feast." It seems a strange thought to combine these two words Lent and joy. Our music takes on a more somber tone. We move the Confession to the beginning of the Service, while avoiding the use of Alleluia's in word or song. Let's not forget the beginning of Lent, Ash Wednes- day. We talk about giving up things like chocolate or taking on a spiritual discipline like working being less judgmental or listening more and debating less. How does this add up to a joyful journey through the wil- derness? Getting in touch with our mortality can set us free to live less fearfully. Acknowledging that we hurt each other, and that we don't seek and serve Christ in all persons, may set our feet on a more faithful path. Giving alms can bring a new generosity into our hearts. Not having something helps re- claim gratitude for what is most important. Lent is joyful because if we truly embrace our Lenten discipline, we grow in faith and character. We discover some forgotten things as we turn over various rocks. Lent leads us on a path through wild places of a wilderness in order to encounter the surprise of Easter. Lent is not like a Greek tragedy that ends in darkness and despair. The Lenten journey is more like the Christian version of a Greek comedy that ends amazingly joyful. In the process we walk with Jesus and finding an intimacy with the Son of God. We travel with other companions the result of which is a deeper community. Finally, we walk with ourselves discovering in that solitude new aspects of who we are and why we have been planted on this earthen coracle as it moves through time and space. Have a joyful Lent, Michael+ MICHAEL MOULDEN RECTOR

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St. Francis Franciscan Newsletter

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Page 1: 2013 March Franciscan

March 2013

As we approach the midpoint of Lent, it is good to recall the

words of the Book of Common Prayer, "to prepare with joy

for the Pascal Feast." It seems a strange thought to combine

these two words Lent and joy. Our music takes on a more

somber tone. We move the Confession to the beginning of

the Service, while avoiding the use of Alleluia's in word or

song. Let's not forget the beginning of Lent, Ash Wednes-

day. We talk about giving up things like chocolate or taking

on a spiritual discipline like working being less judgmental

or listening more and debating less.

How does this add up to a joyful journey through the wil-

derness? Getting in touch with our mortality can set us free

to live less fearfully. Acknowledging that we hurt each other,

and that we don't seek and serve Christ in all persons, may set

our feet on a more faithful path.

Giving alms can bring a new generosity into our hearts. Not having something helps re-

claim gratitude for what is most important.

Lent is joyful because if we truly embrace our Lenten discipline, we grow in faith and

character. We discover some forgotten things as we turn over various rocks. Lent leads us

on a path through wild places of a wilderness in order to encounter the surprise of Easter.

Lent is not like a Greek tragedy that ends in darkness and despair. The Lenten journey is

more like the Christian version of a Greek comedy that ends amazingly joyful.

In the process we walk with Jesus and finding an intimacy with the Son of God. We travel

with other companions the result of which is a deeper community. Finally, we walk with

ourselves discovering in that solitude new aspects of who we are and why we have been

planted on this earthen coracle as it moves through time and space.

Have a joyful Lent,

Michael+

MICHAEL MOULDEN RECTOR

Page 2: 2013 March Franciscan

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As of February 26, we have 69 Franciscans taking the Bible Challenge,

what a great endeavor! It’s not too late to join us, you can try to catch up

or you can just start a bit later and finish a bit later in 2014. If you are tak-

ing the Challenge and haven’t yet told me, please send me an email

([email protected]) so I can add you to the list.

Reading the Bible is a great spiritual discipline that will transform your faith and life. The Bible

tells the powerful story of God’s creation of the world, interactions with humanity, and hope for

the coming of the Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. But it is also a collection of books written

in cultures, times, places that are very different than ours. Furthermore, not every book of the Bi-

ble even has the same overarching theology or concept of God, and some books even have multi-

ple authors within them. I remember reading Shakespeare in English classes in high school, after

reading a section, the teacher would then have to explain to us the irony or historical situations to

which the text refers. The Bible is no different, though through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we

might discern some meaning, but the deeper meanings of the texts are obscured from our modern

eyes. Many parishioners have approached me with questions about the Bible since the Challenge

began, and others expressed a desire for an opportunity to discuss what has been read.

Toward that end, I am adjusting the topic of our March forums. The subject matter was to be a

Bible study on the Holy Week readings, but given that the Bible Challenge is on the minds of

many people and there is a lot of energy around those topics, we will spend March 10 and 17 dis-

cussing what we have been reading in the Bible Challenge. If you have questions or comments and

would like me to address them, please send me an email to let me know. Or, just show up and ask

them and put me on the hot-seat. Even if you aren’t partaking in the Bible Challenge, all are wel-

come at these forums. Hope to see you all there.

Blessings,

The Rev. Robert Black

F R O M R E V . R O B E R T B L A C K

ROBERT BLACK ASSISTANT RECTOR

Bible Challenge Forums

“Jacob tricks Esau to get the birthright, what was that about?”

“Why did Abraham lie, saying that his wife was actually his sister? Twice!”

“I was surprised how harshly Jesus spoke about divorce.”

“I am enjoying the readings, but wow, strange stuff.”

-Quotes from Parishioners who are taking the Bible Challenge

Page 3: 2013 March Franciscan

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The Historical Jesus

THE EVIDENCE

The Resurrected Christ

Did Jesus really exist? At the turn of the millennium, a number of writers suggested that the answer is a resounding,

“No!” Among them were Robert Price (The Incredible Shrinking Son of Man) and Timothy

Freke & Peter Gandy (The Jesus Mysteries). How should this claim be answered? Outside of the

Bible, what does the evidence suggest? And how reliable is the evidence of the Bible itself to the

objective historian?

How do we interpret the Resurrection? In the context of the biblical narrative, what does it mean to say that “Jesus was raised from the

dead,” or that “Christ arose?” What is the meaning contained within the fascinating (and often

conflicting) stories of the Resurrection?

Join us on Monday evenings…as we explore…The Evidence.

Jewish & Christian Explorations Saint Francis Parish Hall

Monday evenings @ 7:00 – 8:30pm

April 8 – May 20 (exclusive of April 22)

J E W I S H & C H R I S T I A N

E X P L O R A T I O N S

Page 4: 2013 March Franciscan

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Spring is coming and it is time to get our

grounds spruced up for the Easter sea-

son. We will be having our next spring work-

day on Saturday, March 23rd from 9:00am

until about 2:00pm. A continental breakfast

and a hot dog lunch will be served at St.

Mike's. Bring your rake and work gloves and

beautify our campus with your presence.

A R O U N D T H E C H U R C H

The Vestry is having a Parish

Meeting after Palm Sunday ser-

vices on March 24th to celebrate

Michael's return to being full-

time at St. Francis. The Vestry

will present a short report and the

2013 budget will be made avail-

able. Details are still being

worked out so look for more in-

formation very soon.

New Pastoral

Care Number

336-207-2899

Page 5: 2013 March Franciscan

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H O L Y W E E K

WORSHIP

Palm Sunday: March 24 8:00 am Holy Eucharist

10:30 am Procession with Palms, Holy Eucharist

Maundy Thursday: March 28

7:00 pm Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar

Good Friday: March 29

12:00 pm Good Friday Liturgy

Easter Sunday: March 31

9:00 am Holy Eucharist with Flowering of Cross

11:15 am Holy Eucharist

D A Y S C H O O L

Our Pre K classmate, Hagan,

dressed up as the Lorax complete

with his very own Truffula Tree!

As part of our President's Day Celebration, we voted on how

many pennies were in our Presidential Jar. Featured in this

photo Mrs. Allison Mize, Pre K Teacher, is assisting the chil-

dren in tallying up the votes!

Featured from left to right are: Hagan, Oliver, Madeline,

Gianna, Indigo, Austin, Sai and Mrs. Allison Mize.

Page 6: 2013 March Franciscan

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V E S T R Y H I G H L I G H T S

FEBRUARY 2013

Dennis Barry was elected as The Parish Treasurer.

The 2013 budget was approved, with revenue projected at $647,200 and expenses estimated

at $660,894.

The day school’s current enrollment is 79. Registration for the 2013-14 school year is under-

way.

Outreach disbursements were approved for Backpack Beginnings [$4,300] and Clara House

food needs [$3,000].

Bishop Michael Curry led a positive conversation regarding Rector Michael Moulden’s im-

proved health, promising prognosis and return to fulltime service on March 1st. A March

24th Parish Meeting is planned to celebrate these blessings.

C H A P T E R S I N O U R L I V E S

DEATHS:

Betty Taylor, Parishioner

David W. Reich, Sr., father of David Reich

Jane Goodson, Parishioner

Lib Morrison, Parishioner

John Isaacs, Former husband of Cathy Isaacs

TRANFERRED OUT:

Celeste Dare London to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Greensboro

David Wayne Morrissey to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Greensboro

Robert Baxter Leonard to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Greensboro

Tiffany Avis Matthews to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Greensboro

TRANSFERRED IN:

Diana Sund, Nova Stairs and Calvin Stairs from St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Sparta New Jersey

Page 7: 2013 March Franciscan

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T R E A S U R E R ’ S R E P O R T

The following is a summary report of our 2013 approved budget and the financial results of

January, 2013.

2013 Budget January 2013 Actual

Total Revenues $647,200 $48,040

Total Expense 660,000 59,237

Net Total ($13,694) ($11,197)

Contingency $13,694

TOTAL $0

The Vestry approved the above budget with the understanding that the shortfall would be cov-

ered from contingency reserve. The above budget forecast projects a small increase over last

years’ revenue of 2.1%, due to a 5.3% increase in 2013 Pledges versus last year. Unfortunately,

expenses are projected to increase by 5.2% driven mainly by increased personnel costs and re-

lated health coverage.

The 2013 budget does not contain any significant funds for capital projects. The Vestry is in the

process of evaluating the capital needs of an aging facility. You will learn more about these

needs once they are properly evaluated.

The January actual report indicated a less than desirable start for 2013, however, it is much too

soon to draw any conclusions.

Finally, the Day School currently has 78 students, which is the number that was budgeted for the

school year which is July 1, 2012 until June 30, 2013. There are currently 53 students who are

already registered for the next school year starting in September which is ahead of last year at

this same time. After a recent and careful review of the Day School financials through the first 7

months, we continue to project we will end this school year at breakeven or slightly better.

If you wish to have more detailed information, please feel free to e-mail me at

[email protected].

Peace

Dennis

Page 8: 2013 March Franciscan

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It's that time again: time to clean out those

closets! Now that spring (and Spring Clean-

ing!) is fast approaching, if you have any

long sleeved shirts and/or long pants (any

size, any condition accepted!) that you're not

wearing anymore, please donate them to the

Youth Group's Clothes Drive! Our Clothes

Drive benefits the Episcopal Farmworker

Ministry, and clothes can be dropped off in

the back of the church or in the church office.

If you have any questions, contact Amanda at

[email protected].

Y O U T H U P D A T E

This year, our annual Mission Trip will be to

the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry in New-

ton Grove, NC. This trip will be from July 7-

12, so please mark your calendars! We will

have the opportunity to serve those who are

living in deep poverty, learn more about the

hardships these farmworkers face every day,

and engage in ministry to help them in any way

we can. For more information on this important

ministry, please go to: Episcopal Farmworker

Ministry. More details will be coming on this

Mission Trip soon!

EVERY WEDNESDAY at 7am,

St. Francis youth will meet at Tex

and Shirley's Family Restaurant in

the Friendly Center for a Bible

Study! We offer this in partnership

with the Youth Group from St. An-

drew's, and would love to see a big

turnout! All are welcome!

Page 9: 2013 March Franciscan

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Clockwise from left: Amanda, Michelle, Brian, Sydney, Sean, Kyle, Jeremy, Erik, Mariam, Matt, and Molly

Molly and Mariam on the chair lift.

Sean, Sydney, Erik, Matt, and Kyle enjoying lunch.

The high school students had a great time on their ski trip! We had 8 students and 4 chaperones

travel to Wolf Ridge Ski Resort for the weekend. We skied (and fell!) and had a lot of fun!

Brian, Sean, Jeremy, Matt, Kyle, Molly, Sydney, Erik, and Mariam

Y O U T H S K I T R I P

Page 10: 2013 March Franciscan

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It’s only two months away – the annual event for which St. Francis is

known and appreciated in the Triad community and beyond. Volun-

teer requests will go out after Easter for the 55th St. Francis Book

Sale, to be held April 25th-27th.

Proceeds from the book sale will benefit community organiza-

tions that in the past have included EYC Mission Trips, Day

School Scholarships, Habitat for Humanity, Guilford Interfaith

Housing Coalition, Stop Hunger Now and Crop Walk.

A preview party for parishioners will be held on Wednesday,

April 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the St. Francis courtyard. Admission to the party costs $8

and includes wine, hors d’oeuvres, and first choice of the sale’s treasure trove of books.

Mark your calendars. We will need all hands on deck to make this year’s fundraiser the

most successful yet!

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

It's time to sign up for the 1st Annual St. Francis "Eat, Play,

Love" Team Tennis Tournament and Social!

When: April 27th 6pm-10pm

Where: Green Valley Swim and Tennis Club

Cost: $12 per player includes court fee and balls. (No

cost for spectators!) Tournament T-shirts are available for

an extra $12 per person.

Format: This will be a team tennis event. The teams are the

"Saints" and the "Sinners". Each player will participate in at

least 2 rounds of tennis, 9 games each round, no ad scoring.

We will have women's doubles, men's doubles and mixed

doubles matches.

Spectators are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED and WELCOMED! Socialize with teammates, friends

and spectators in between rounds! Bring your own cooler and favorite beverages and an appe-

tizer to share! Sign up by APRIL 7th: Please email Jennifer Mangrum at jman-

[email protected]. Subject Line: Eat, Play, Love. Please give her your name and your USTA

rating. If you don't have a USTA rating, select "Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced" If you

have a preference of partner(s), let her know that as well. If you'd like a Tournament t-shirt, in-

clude your size preference in the email. T-shirts are an extra $12 and should be picked up at the

event. All payments should be made at the tournament. Any proceeds will go to St. Francis Day

School.

SEE YOU ON THE COURTS!

Page 11: 2013 March Franciscan

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Child’s full name: _______________________________________________________

Child’s birthday: _______________________ (Must be class age by August 31, 2013.)

Check one: _____ male _____ female

Please indicate your first and second choice.

_____ Twos M/W/F ($210) or _____ T/Th ($175)

_____ Threes M/W/F ($210) or _____ T/Th ($175)

_____ Fours M-Th ($235)

_____ Pre-K* (ages 4 & 5) M- F ($270)

*Placement in the Pre-K class is subject to director approval.

Parent names: ___________________________________________________________

Street address: __________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________ Zip code: ___________________

Email address: __________________________________________________________

Home phone: _______________________ Cell phone: __________________________

Questions? Call (336)288-4740 or email [email protected]

The registration fee of $65 is due in full at the time of registration. This completed form

and the registration fee will hold your child’s place for the 2013/2014 school year. Please note

that teacher and class placements are based upon enrollment. The registration fee is non-

refundable. Checks should be made payable to St. Francis Day School and our mailing address

is 3506 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro, NC 27408.

In early April, you will receive the SFDS Enrollment Packet and a statement for September

2013 tuition. The completed forms and tuition are due May 10, 2013.

Registration Form

2013/2014

D A Y S C H O O L R E G I S T R A T I O N

Page 12: 2013 March Franciscan

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S T . F R A N C I S E P I S C O P A L C H U R C H A Parish of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina

The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop

The Rt. Rev. Albert (Chip) Marble, Assisting Bishop

The Rt. Rev. William Gregg, Assistant Bishop

P A R I S H S T A F F

ST. FRANCIS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 3506 Lawndale Drive

Greensboro, NC 27408

The Rev. Michael Moulden, Rector

The Rev. Robert Black, Assistant Rector

Amanda Harmon, Director of Children's and

Youth Ministry

Rae Augustin, Day School Director

Sam Doyle, Choir Director

Pat Copley, Organist

Jane Woody, Junior Choir Director

Linda Allgood, Parish Administrator

Bonnie Thyer, Communications Coordinator

Mike Taylor, Facilities Manager

Linda Lambe, Bookkeeper

Rigoberto Bautista, Custodian

On the web at: www.stfrancisgreensboro.org

Phone 336-288-4721 Fax 336-288-4760

St. Francis Day School 336-288-4740