February 2012

St. Francis Episcopal ChurchPalos Verdes Estates, California

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In thIs Issue..

Contd. on p.3

Wardens’ Corner

Thank you From mama hill

Families and youTh

loaves and Fishes

sCholarship Fund-raiser - designs For dining,and an inviTaTion To ConTribuTe helping hands To The anTique shoW.

FelloWship and evenTs..

message From moTher paula

The Rev. Paula Vukmanic paula.vukmanic@stfrancispv.org

310 375 4617 ext 223

What does the beginning of a new year mean to you?

In our Church cycle, the new liturgical year began way back with the first Sunday of Advent, November 27. January 1 marked the day we began the new year of 2012. At this time of the year we are indeed invited to consider new beginnings.The author, John O’Donohue, inspires me with his thoughts on beginning anew. I share some of his ideas hoping it might fertilize your heart as you prepare for new growth in this new year.

From, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings. “A beginning is ultimately an invitation to open towards the gifts and growth that are stored up for us…Sometimes the greatest challenge is to actually begin; there is something deep in us that conspires with what wants to remain within safe boundaries and stay the same…Sometimes a period of preparation is necessary, where the idea of the beginning can gestate and refine itself; yet quite often we unnecessarily postpone or equivo-cate when we should simply take the risk and leap into a new beginning.”

I invite each of us to examine if there stirs within a desire for a new beginning in some area of life, or I invite you to make that decision that may lead you down an impor-tant new path. Remember that actualizing new gifts and growth are always the intention of God.

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5.17)

I pray that this New Year is truly a source of some special new beginnings.

One of the ways we envision a new beginning at St. Francis Church is through “Orchids and Onions”,

conversations which will take place after each service on February 19th. In our last Bellringer, I wrote extensively about what the purpose of these “Orchids and Onions” discussions are

February 2012

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sunday sermonsonline

Missed a Sunday, or want to hear the sermon again? Find them at:stfrancispalosverdes.org Sermons online.

Find ouT WhaT’s on...Go to www.stfrancispv.org Calendar.

This online calendar serves as our master calendar for the parish. Printed copies of the current and upcoming week are available in our weekly worship bulletin.

For Full Calendar For February 2012See Page 13

bellringer submissionsThe deadline For submissions is The 15Th oF eaCh monTh.

Please email to publications@stfrancispv.org or deliver to the Publications box in the Parish Office.

Worship!Sundays8 a.m. Rite I in the Chapel9:30-9:50 a.m. - Contemplative Prayer in the Chapel Baptistry - Dec 11th and 18th.9:45am Childrens’ forma-tion programs10 a.m. Rite II in the Church

Wednesdays12:10p.m. Holy Eucharist

Bring your lunch, if you’d like. Following a brief informal Eucharist in the Chapel, you are invited to eat and enjoy informal conversation with St. Francis’ clergy and staff.

phoTographyWe are always looking for photographs of the people and places of St Francis church. If you have photos you would be happy for us to use in our published materials, please feel free to send them to Susan Marshall at: publications@stfrancispv.org.Note - if you would prefer that photos of yourself (other than unidentified in large group shots), and/or photos of your minor children, not be used, please contact the church office - mary.sanchez@stfrancispv.org.

Like us on Facebook - St Francis Palos Verdes, and Twitter: @stfrancispv

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Thank you from Mama HillScholarship Fund - Fundraiser up-date

Warden’s CornerAntiques Show InvitationReport from Diocesan Convention

Families and Youth - Catechesis news Middle and Senior High School Youth Groups

Outreach - Mama Hill’s Help NewsThank yous from Scholarship Recipients

Loaves and Fishes

Operation Girl Scout Cookies

Fellowship GroupsNews on Visit from Bishop Bruce

Calendars

Mailing List

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February 2012

Mo. Paula’s Message - Contd.. from front page.

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and why we are engaging a new process of self-evaluation in ministry areas of parish life. Since our various efforts at fundraising for outreach involve a tremendous amount of time, talent and treasure, we would like to begin our self-evaluation in this area. Thus

on February 19, we will discuss how our fundrais-ers promote the Mission, Vision and Values that we believe God has called us to at St Francis Parish.Please reread the article

in the Dec/Jan Bell-ringer for an under-standing of what “Orchids and Onions” is all about.

With care and love,

Mo. Paula+

If you cannot attend the “Orchids and Onions” conversations on February 19th, please submit your thoughts in writing to Mo. Sarah or Mo. Paula and they will be included in the discussion. Thank you for your prayerful reflections and positive engagement in this process.

mama hill’s help Thanks you!Mama Hill wants all of the St. Francis family to know

how grateful she is for your faithfulness and gener-osity in support of her “Cookies.” Since the publication of the last Bellringer, there has been a great deal of activ-ity on her/their behalf, and she is so appreciative. As to Thanksgiving, with your incredible thoughtfulness, she was able to donate to 55 people, including two fami-lies of seven people each, some of the Cookies who are in foster care, five seniors who were going to have to go to a shelter to eat, and five homeless families. She was also able to provide food to the single father who is disabled and raising three children.Many of you will remember how touched Mama Hill was at the Christmas Party – tearing up as she watched the faces of the children while presents and bicycles were rolled out by our youth groups. Over 100 children and family members received gifts as a result of your gen-erosity, as well as enjoying a delicious lunch. In many cases, parishioners were able to meet the children for whom they had bought, which was especially meaning-ful. And didn’t we all love the solos done by two of the Cookies?!! What marvelous voices they shared with us! And thanks to Ray Urwin and several choir members for leading us in carol-singing. So thank you, thank you, and thank you again for your love and generosity…you touch these young lives in ways that cannot be measured.

please help The sT. FranCis ouTreaCh sCholarship CommiTTee WiTh iTs main Fundraiser, designs For dining!

Designs for Dining is coming fast! We need lots of support for the event which is taking place on Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 from 10:00 to 4:00. If you haven’t helped in the past, and would like to do so to benefit our Outreach Scholarship Program, please call Jan Kohlweck at 310 377-5029 to sign up for a shift. We will be preparing to mail the invitations on Wednesday, February 8 from 9:30 - 12:00 in the Board Room and we’re accepting all volunteers to make a big job easy! Another contribution you might like to make is baking finger dessert and morning coffee items for both days. Please label them for Designs for Dining and drop them in the kitchen on Thursday, March 1.Finally, please plan to attend the event yourself, either day! We’d love to have you bring guests as well. The ticket cost is $30.00 presale and $35 at the door. If you have any questions, please call Jan Kohlweck at 310 377-5029.

February 2012

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In the first chapter of the Gospel according to John, we receive the invitation to come and see, to come and see

the Messiah, the Christ, and to be Jesus’ disciples. It is an invitation given to each of us, and we welcome all to wor-ship our Lord together at St. Francis. I am very proud to be a part of this community of wor-shippers, and am excited about where God is leading us. We invite everyone to come and see and to take part. As we complete our stewardship campaign, I would like to thank you for supporting St. Francis and in-vite you to participate fully in the life of this parish. We often talk about the importance of giving our time, our talents, our treasure, and our prayers. We invite everyone to consider participat-ing in all four of these areas, no matter the amount:

first, by supporting each other • through your prayers; second, by spending time here at our • various worship, study, fellowship, and outreach opportunities; third, by giving of your talents, such • as by teaching Sunday school, sing-ing, participating in our worship services, taking part in the loaves and fishes program and various fund rais-ing activities; and fourth, by giving of your treasure • through pledging to our church, no matter the amount.

Wardens’ Corner By Hank Gatlin, Senior Warden

As I write this column, we are preparing for our Annual Meeting on January 29th and are excited about discuss-ing a new long-range draft plan for our parish. We’ve listened to feedback from the congregation and have discerned ways in which God is calling us as a parish to grow in areas of worship, fellowship, Christian education

for all ages, pastoral care, and outreach. We look forward to discussing this and welcome your contin-ued feedback.

Thank you for all of your support to our

parish through your prayers, your time, your talent, and treasure; and thank you for saying yes to the Gospel’s invitation to come and see.

as a reCenT gospel lesson illusTraTes... (JoHn 1:43-51)

...it takes two things to be part of a group. The first is the invitation to join, the second the physical decision to move into the group.The Antiques Show is a welcoming group. It is your opportunity to meet and work with others in the parish. The next meeting will be Tuesday, January 31, at 10 AM in the Parish Hall.The purpose of the Antiques Show is to raise money for charitable needs as well as parish projects. We need people with vision to fulfil this mission. Some jobs are small, some are large. All are worthwhile.

What does your spirit lead you to do? The show is also an interaction with the community around us. It presents St. Francis to neighbors.There will be more invitations, some by phone, some by personal invitation, some in the Bellringer or the bulletin. Heed this one, please join us on Jan. 31, to explore how you can use your talents. It is possible to observe, and not take part, but remember the disciples...they joined in fully.

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February 2012

WhiCh bishop is a mosquiTo?or - WhaT happens aT ConvenTion, does noT sTay aT ConvenTion!

On December 2nd and 3rd, 2011, in Riverside, St. Francis Diocesan Convention delegates Joy Miles, Jan Kohlweck, Susie and Albert Zimmerman, with our priests, Sarah Phelps and Paula Vukmanic represented this Parish.We were so happy to see former delegates, Suzanne and Hank Gatlin working one of the tables in the Exhibit Hall! All the delegates and priests, prayed, worshipped and sang, laughed, listened, debated, voted, pondered presentations by our new bishops, Diane Bruce and Mary Glasspool joining Bishop Bruno....... We ate and played together (during our short, free time!). We greeted old friends, including Dean Farrar and Barbara Stewart, and delegates we had met previously. We missed Father Happ at our table, who always shared wonderful stories and thoughtful insights as we had debated and voted on various issues facing the Episcopal church last year. This year we started as usual, welcoming all who served from their Parish dealing with the budget, etc. There are always presentations, I will share one with you.

Nets for Life CampaignSince 2009, The Episcopal Relief and Development has presented Nets For Life Inspiration campaign. This year there was a Lenten challenge: How many nets can be donated this year by each Parish during the 40 days of Lent? These nets are treated with pesticides to keep those who use them free from mosquito bites that carry life threat-ening diseases, like Malaria. They cost $12.00 each, and must be presented by teams who can help populations who are at risk, and set up maintenance teams and nets in their area. So, as you see, it is not only the nets that are needed, but training the villagers how to use and maintain them.

This campaign has made a huge difference in the lives of those who are using the nets. These nets save lives..This year, it was suggested that Parishes could take on this mission during Lent, but it can be presented any-time during the year. Training before the Parish starts its campaign would take place: How to set up a team, how to run the campaign, present to their congregation and encourage donations to buy the nets, etc. In a graphic presentation "Rita " Mosquito (played by giant Mosquito Bishop Bruce), complete with that loud irritating drone and a mask that looked just like a mosquito head, and other giant mosquitoes swarmed Bishop Bruno. Luckily, a "team" had a net and covered Bishop Bruno be-fore be could be bitten. More information was presented, and poor Bishop Bruno was forgotten. Finally, one of the mosquitoes uncovered him!! Well, I guess one had to be there..Hey, think about being a delegate! Then YOU can bring home Convention stories......But remember, what hap-pens at Convention DOES NOT stay at Convention, so ask those who did not write an article what are THEIR favorite presentation, or other memories of this year's Convention.. You'll be glad you did! Thanks for reading, Susie Zimmerman (for Sarah, Paula, Joy, Jan, and Albert).

Find out more about Nets For Life Inspiration campaign at: www.Inspirationfund.org, or http://www.er-d.org/NetsforLifeInspiration-Fund/

Your delegates to Convention (left to right):

Albert and Susie Zimmerman (and daughter Johanna center - not a delegate), Joy Miles, Jan Kohlweck.

Thank you from all of us!

don’T miss bishop bruCe... ...when she visits St Francis to speak to the Episcopal Church Women’s group on Valentine’s Day this year (hopefully not in her mosquito guise!)All women - and men - of the parish are welcome. See p. 12 for details.

February 2012

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aTrium updaTes...From kaThy Finley - direCTor oF Childrens’ FormaTion

Kathy Finley - Director of Children’s Formation

level one:Children will begin exploring the Parables of Jesus. Each Sunday, as the Catechist begins the presentation, a child will reverently bring forward the “Holy Bible” – the most precious book in the whole world. Before the Catechist begins reading ‘the actual words Jesus spoke,’ he/she lights a candle as a reminder that Jesus is the Light of the World. Through the parables, Jesus tells us of the Kingdom of God. Using simple, tangible, earthly elements such as mustard seeds, leaven or pearls, He offers glimpses of the transcen-dent. Children of this age are innately metaphysical and shift with ease between the material and transcen-dent realms as is often witnessed in art (a form prayer) done in the atrium.

epiphany in CaTeChesis

On Sunday, January 8th, the children of St. Francis experienced their

Epiphany Celebration in a new and won-derful way. Children met in the chapel and were expertly led in meditation by Catechist Heidi Reiber, on the “Great Light” Jesus.

The meditation began with “We know that People waited for 1000’s of years for the Light. As the prophet Isaiah tells us, “The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great Light.” When Jesus was born, the Light came to earth.The children pondered the great light of the Star that guided the Magi on their journey to offer gifts to the Light, baby Jesus, and wondered what gifts they might offer to Jesus.”

At this point our meditation took a delightful turn from our normal Epiphany celebration with the children. We pondered the miracle of the great Light that is present with us now because of Jesus’ Life and Resurrection and that we receive in a new way as a gift in the Sacra-ment of Baptism; the Light that is stronger than dark-ness. The children were then led into the main church and seated in the last few rows, next to the font, in order to be fully present during the baptism of a very special baby that each of them knew, Aidan Joseph (Mo. Sarah and Mike’s former foster baby who was known to the parish as BJ). The children watched with delight as they witnessed the delight on the face of the baby and the adults who gathered close by. The children also began to link together the importance of that Light born in Bethlehem so long ago with the Light the baby Aidan was gifted by Jesus, ever present to us all, and assuring a hope that Jesus promises for our future.

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February 2012

middle and high sChool youTh groups

c sr ha !For those of you who attended the St. Nicolas celebra-tion potluck, you’ll remember some delicious and beautifully decorated cookies! ...With fun aprons for everyone, the youth group got together for one big cookie making session - complete with a flour fight! :) Since then the youth group has been focusing on prayer in meetings, and enjoying each other’s company.Coming up in February, we have meetings on the 5th and 26th, as well as a Mulligan’s outing!!! What a won-derful start to the new year!

If you’re in middle or high school, join leaders Mary, Jen, Merideth, Mike, Katie and John twice each month in the Youth Corner of the parish hall for lunch fol-lowing Sunday 10 am services. Stay tuned for January activity announcements so you can save the dates! Questions? Please contact John Bukowski (310-594-9553/ bukowskij@interdent.com) or Katie Gatlin kgatlin33@gmail.com.

&eMERGE

level Three:ARK kids will begin their first study of the Old Testament by looking at the “Typology of Creation” and the two creation stories found in Genesis - examining important elements found in the Old Testament (Adam, the tree of knowledge, the tree of life, water, Word of God, etc.) and linking them to their counterparts in the time of Redemp-tion and Parousia found in the New Testament. Exploring typology in this way exhibits a freedom from the constraints of time; the distance between events seems to disappear, and the events merge into one uni-fied expression of God’s salvation and love, in which past and future are fused. Reading the bible in this way illuminates God’s Sacred History as it is revealed in the Old and New Testament, as one story. “A plan has always existed in the mind of God, the aim of which is to bring all of human kind into the full enjoyment of God.” (History’s Golden Thread, Sofia Cavalletti). Through explorations of typology, along other presentations in this level, children understand that their lives and actions are integral to God’s plan – they are (as we are), co-creators with God working to bring about that wonderful moment when “God will be all in all.”

level TWo:Children experience a developmental shift around the time they begin school, becoming more socially engaged. Instead of the 3 or 4 year olds’ silent request to ‘help me do it by myself,’ the child of this age seeks to find their place among their peers. This age child wants to understand and know rules of social behavior; what is right and what is wrong. In the coming weeks, children in level two will begin to explore the “moral parables.” These parables, such as the Good Samaritan, the Found Coin, The Insistent Friend, The Found Sheep, the True Vine, aim to develop a morality that springs from within. Far from being a set of rules imposed from the outside, this moral formation arises as a response to the deep in-ner recognition of God’s great personal love for them. As they recognize God’s great gifts, their natural response is to want to turn and give back to God – through their actions, and prayer that spring from their love of God. St. Francis’ maxim, “Pray ceaselessly; if necessary use words” can easily be applied to the desire of the child of this age. Level two children will also begin a great work, “The Synthesis of the Eucharist.” Through this material chil-dren will ponder the meaning and beauty of the differ-ent moments in Eucharist and their order in our service. Children will also have the opportunity to make their own prayer books.

happy birThday minisTryFor mama hill’s helpour “happy birThday” Cake making minisTry To The Children oF mama hill’s help is suCh a suCCess!

The children, who either cannot afford a birthday cake or their parents are simply not around to make one for them, are simply awed when they receive one! In many cases, this can be the first birthday cake they have ever received. Jill Fenske and Marcia Schoettle and others bake cakes for the

children according to a schedule provided by Mama Hill’s staff. If you would like to participate by baking, delivering, or making a donation toward the costs, please contact Jill (jdfenske@aol.com) or (310) 919-8852. Bake shop quality is neither required nor expected.Home made with love provides the child with the knowledge that somebody cares.

February 2012

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mama hill’s help neWs

One of the many outreach programs funded and supported by our church community, is an award-

winning, after-school program in Watts, run by an inspi-rational teacher - Millicent Hill - or Mama Hill as she is affectionately known. She shepherds many young people who might otherwise choose the wrong path in life. Ongoing Needs: The children and families of Mama Hill’s Help are pretty much always in crisis, of one kind or another. Just liv-ing in the Watts neighborhoods presents its own set of challenges:

higher prices for everyday items, • lack of transportation and services that we may take • for granted, and certainly safety issues. •

Thanks be to God that we are able to help our neighbors without judgment. Thanks be to God for your generosity of spirit and support. If you have any questions about the program, its needs, its methods, or its operations, please contact: Jill Fenske at jdfenske@aol.com or (310) 919-8852, Jayne Bray at jayne_bray@hotmail.com or (424) 477-4349.Peace, love, and blessings!

Below are some easy ways that you can help:“Mama Hill’s Help”• fund: your donations are

passed on to Mama Hill as needs arise, mostly of an emergency nature.

Please make your check payable to St. Francis Epis-copal Church and mark it “for Mama Hill’s Help in the memo line. No amount is too small.

When you are doing your grocery shopping, • just add on a couple of items to your own list. Peanut butter, jelly, canned soups, veg-etables and fruits, tuna fish, rice, instant potatoes, toothpaste, deodor-ants, shampoos, and diapers are all simple ideas that work wonders. Simply drop your contribution into one of the Mama Hill’s collection bins in the parish hall. Goods are transported to Mama Hill’s at least weekly.

The Happy Birthday (cake) ministry, the Pen • Pal Program, and the Recycling program are very important areas in which you can make a difference with very little effort.

Tutoring and mentoring• …if you have an hour or two a week, please consider working directly

with one or more of the children. You don’t have

to be a certified teacher to help out with math, science, English, spelling, reading, geography, etc.

Prayers• …include the children and families as well as Mama Hill and her support staff in your daily prayers.

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February 2012

Dear St. Francis,I’m currently preparing for my last semester at California State University, Monterey Bay. I can’t believe time has flown by so fast! I feel like I just graduated from high school. Anyway, I’ve been keeping myself extremely busy. Having finished all courses required for my Teledramatic Arts and Technology minor last semester, I am going to be taking a couple more courses to finish my major in Psychology this semester, along with a couple music classes for fun. For my Capstone research project, which is basically a senior thesis project. I will be going to the California School of the Deaf in Fremont to do an experiment in a kindergarten classroom and test them on their science conservation skills. This project will be very similar to the research I did at the Uni-versity of Chicago last semester, with a twist of my own additions. One group of the children will be given six science conservation tests with standard materials, and the other group will have the same tests, but with different ma-terials that relate to their age group (For example, using checkerboard pieces for the first group of tests, and then cookies for the other.) I’m looking forward to accumulat-ing experience with research methods as well as delving into the field of sign language and Deaf Studies. I was recently cast in “Hairspray” at the Pacific Reper-tory Theater in Carmel. The play runs from January 26th - February 19th, with four showings per week. I’ve been rehearsing five times a week, so I’ve definitely been busy over my Christmas break, which also had to get cut short due to rehearsals. However, I am having so much fun being in the play, and I’m glad to be reverting back to my interest in musical theater. Aside from the play and school, I’m still doing my job as Vice President of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I’ve also just been inducted into Psy Chi, an honor society for Psychol-ogy majors. In addition, I have plans to make more ASL music videos for my YouTube channel this semester.My first plan after I graduate is to either go to Gallaudet University to get my Masters in Interpreting, participate in Community Theater on the side, and then go to an act-ing school afterwards, hopefully in New York!

neWs From sCholarship reCipienT Chris CaliFano - noW in his Final semesTer oF College!

My other plan is to go straight to an acting school and si-multaneously get my ASL interpreting license elsewhere. Either way, whether my current goals go awry or accord-ing to plan, my ultimate goal is to be happy and keep my faith.

I would like to thank St. Francis Episcopal Church, as well as Mrs. Cheryl Gutierrez and the rest of the Out-reach Scholarship Program Committee for being so in-volved in my life for the past four years. Having continu-al support has made me a strong and determined person, and I am eternally grateful for all you have done for me. I feel so honored to be your 2008 Scholarship Recipient!God Bless,Christopher Califano

on-going ColleCTions aT sT FranCis:(see collection baskets in Parish Hall)

Food, clothing, household items and school sup-• plies for Families of Mama Hill’s HelpSocks, sturdy shoes, bags, underwear, t-shirts, • pants, blankets, jackets for St. Luke’s Shower Program• for the HomelessHarbor Interfaith• —–Food only at the present time.Items for boxes sent to • Troops serving Overseas (contact Susie Zimmerman 310-316-5941 for details).

“Having continual support has made me a strong and determined person”

February 2012

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loaves and Fishes minisTry:Our Loaves & Fishes ministry continues to grow

as word gets out that our mission is to help our Parish families in need at their convenience by providing meals specific to their likes and dislikes, and delivered according to their schedules. Over twenty members of our congregation have responded to needs thus far and more sign up weekly as they learn what we do. We are so grateful, and our Parish families are especially thankful for your generosity.Two problem areas of organization have been identified. One is that not everyone who would like to help utilizes email, which is our primary method of communication due to what are typically last minute needs. We are desperately in need of a volunteer to make telephone calls to our non-email population to both notify of the need and accept responses. Please consider whether filling this role might be your particular response, and, if so, please contact Tina van der Velden (tina_vdvelden@yahoo.com or 310-465-0418) or Jayne Bray (jayne_bray@hotmail.com or 424-477-4349).We have begun to use a software program called Food Tidings that keeps track of schedules and meals provided. Pictured below is a sample page, set up to respond to a particular need.

Food Tidings enables us to input likes and dislikes, food allergies, restaurant preferences, and any other information that is helpful to those responding to the need.This leads us to the second organizational issue. Since our mission is to provide assistance with minimal interruption to the family, it is vital that those wishing to respond use this tool or speak directly with Tina or Jayne, the Coordinators. “We’ve been friends for years – it’ll be fine,” although certainly true and well-

intentioned, can throw big kinks into the works. Experience has taught us that without coordination, recipient families can wind up with food they cannot eat due to allergies or physical limitations, or duplicate/triplicate meals (it’s hard to think that there’s any such thing as too much macaroni and cheese, isn’t it – until you have five of them and no room in your freezer!). We also understand that when someone is ill or recovering, “company” can be a good thing or a bad thing – our brothers and sisters in Christ

need rest to recover – 10 or 15 close friends “dropping by” can be a problem. This ministry’s purpose is to assist the patient and provide relief for the caregivers. We therefore ask that you please, please, please be sure to utilize the website to schedule your contribution; or, at the very least, let Tina or Jayne know what your plans are so they can be incorporated into the larger schedule.Your support of your fellow parishioners is directly in keeping with our “Living Our Values” theme in the area of “Intention” – we believe every moment…is an opportunity to practice the presence of Christ and to manifest God’s Kingdom among us. You are doing God’s work by participating, and both the recipients and the donors are blessed in the process.

reCyCle and raise money For mama hill’s help

Mama Hill’s Help, Inc. will receive money for every item we recycle in the areas of printer cartridges (inkjet and laser) and cell phones. Please consider asking your workplace if they would be willing to donate in addition to bring-ing in your own items.

Please enclose the item(s) in a plastic bag labeled “Mama Hill’s Recycling” and place in the Mama Hill’s collection bin in the Parish Hall. Your items will be welcomed at any time.

These recycling funds are used for Mama’s Angel Fund, from which bus passes and groceries are purchased and family emergencies resolved. In addition, they may fund paying the children for doing odd jobs, rewarding good behavior, and getting good grades. Please contact Jill Fenske at jdfenske@aol.com or (310) 919-8852 if you have any questions or sugges-tions for increasing these funds.

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February 2012

Dear St Francis,I am truly grateful for all that you have done for me throughout the year. You are all such a wonderful blessing to me. You have made a rough period a little easier.Sometimes I get frustrated and want to give up, but I think of all of you that haven’t given on me. It gives me the strength and courage to persevere. I just want you all to know that you are accomplishing great things through the scholarship program, and little do you know you’re changing and shap-ing lives. Continue to spread blessings. Love, Clauzette Marie Smith.

“liTTle do you knoW - you’re Changing and shaping lives”Thank you From sCholarship reCipienT ClauzeTTe smiTh

operaTion girl sCouT Cookies! Imagine being far from home, and receiving a box of those cookies? It is like we send a little piece of home....YES, there are still military troops serving all over the world..Think about buying a box of cookies for the troops as you buy them from our Girl Scouts...You can put those boxes you are donating in the Military Outreach basket located in the Parish Hall by Sunday, March 11, 2012 You may start bringing items to St. Francis church on February 19th. Packing dates:

Sunday, March 11th, 2-5 p.m., at St. Lawrence Martyr parish hall (they are our partners with packing).Two packing events on Wednesday, March 14th. at 5008 milne drive, Torrance.

morning: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. (breakfast served) evening: 4- 8 p.m. (dinner will be served)RSVP 310-316-5941(so we have enough boxes for all to pack! You may bring items to the packing event.)

This is such a fun event, feel free to join us! There are fewer troops deployed, but those who are need our prayers, love and support more than ever. If you would rather send items, that is welcome. (We always send sunscreen, toothbrush, tooth-paste, etc with those cookies:) Please check our website, our military basket in the Parish Hall, or moving Bulletin Board for lists of items. Packing is a great way to let the troops know we haven't forgot-ten them! Children are welcome WITH their parents If you cannot join us to pack boxes, consider sponsoring a box by paying for the postage.That would be very appreciated. Note: It now costs $13.35 to send each box. Cards written by children or adults are so important! Please ask your School, Sunday School, Sports, Bridge Groups, etc. if they could make cards of encouragement (no last names from children) Julie McGovern and Susie Z. thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

February 2012

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eCW (episCopal ChurCh Women)visiT From bishop diane bruCe!

We are extremely excited to announce that at our February 14, ECW meeting, we will be visited by the Right Reverend Diane M. Jardine Bruce, Bishop Suffrage of our Diocese.

We welcome all women of our parish as well as those men who would like to join us in welcoming her to our meeting in the Board Room that day. She will arrive early at 8:30 and we thought a pot luck breakfast would be nice.

Please sign up at Church with what you would like to bring. Following her talk, we will begin our meeting with approval of the budget for the year and approval of the bylaws.We enjoyed a lovely luncheon of a curried chicken salad, with cookies for desert and a tour of Crèches at the Mary and Joseph Retreat Center in December. We would recommend that tour to all of you.

lisTening To god book Club meeT in The library aT 12:30

Please come and join us with or without your lunch. Come even if you haven't read the book. It's a wonder-fully casual group.Thank you for another fun meeting! These are the last two books before our summer break:

March 5: • Faith Interrupted by Eric Lax (recommended by Kathy Falk)May 7: • The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs (recommended by HeeSun Gerhardt)

We had a hoot at our last book club meeting. See you soon.!If you have any questions, please contact HeeSun Gerhardt at 310-373-2934.

ConneCTing WiTh god(Co-ed group), mosT monday evenings, in The library.

If you have any questions, please contact: David or HeeSun Gerhardt, davidgerhardt@mindspring.com, 310-373-2934.

ConneCTing WiTh god(Women’s group) - meeTs Tuesday mornings

Our spiritual formation group is resuming its regular Tuesday morning meetings (9:30-11:00am) in the St. Fran-cis Library, so please come join us. Any questions, please feel free to contact Kristina Pelá at 310-375-9823 or krab3@yahoo.com.

pregnanT or nursing moTher? la leChe league meeTs FirsT Thursday oF The monTh in The library.

Bring your baby and share the joys and challenges of parenting in this supportive mother-to-mother group. For questions or support before the next meeting contact Carolyn Say (310) 541-5421 or MidnightCafe@cox.net.LLL is an international non-profit, non-sectarian orga-nization dedicated to providing education, support and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed.

pen pal programFor mama hill’s help

The children really enjoyed receiving letters from those The Pen Pal Program with the children of Mama Hill’s Help continues to brighten the lives of children faced with cir-cumstances many of us cannot even imagine. Getting a cheery note of support from a stranger has a way of lifting their spirits…and yours! Please consider becoming a part of this most precious ministry, and contact Jill Fenske jdfenske@aol.com or (310) 919-8852 if you feel so led. Your gift of communication and caring will have a special meaning for a child.

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February 2012

Day Time/LocationSundaysHoly Eucharist Rite I 8am Chapel

Sunday School 9:45am / Follow Sign information

Holy Eucharist Rite II 10am Church

parish Calendar— February 2012 reCurring evenTs as oF January 23rd

Day Time/LocationMondaysConnecting with God - co-ed group 7pm LibraryTuesdaysConnecting with God - Womens’ Group 9:30am LibraryWednesdaysHoly Eucharist 12:10pm/ChapelThursdaysAlcoholic Anon-Al-Anon 7:30pm/Board Room/Library

parish Calendar— February 2012 single evenTs as oF January 23rd

FinanCial updaTe - aCTual year-To-daTe, January 1sT – deCember 31sT 2011 Year to date operating income: $591,585.43. Year to date operating disbursements: $583,669.97.Total Net Income: $7,915.46 - Elaine Mistele, Business Manager.

Event Day Date Time LocationAltar Guild Meeting - Social 8:45 - Meeting 9:00 AM

Wednesday 2/1/2012 8:45 AM Board Room

Small Group Spiritual Direction 2/1/2012 10:30 AM LibraryLa Leche Meeting Thursday 2/2/2012 10:00 AM LibraryAzure Verde Beaders Friday 2/3/2012 9:00 AM Board RoomLevel One Catechesis Training Saturday 2/4/2012 9:30 AM Library & Level 1 AtriumCRASH and eMerge Meeting Sunday 2/5/2012 11:30 AM Parish Hall - Youth Corner - LibraryAltar Guild - Sewing Group Tuesday 2/7/2012 9:30 AM Board RoomDesign for Dining - Invitation Mailing Wednesday 2/8/2012 9:30 AM Board RoomFinance Committee 2/8/2012 5:00 PM Board RoomRheasal -Drews/Nutter Wedding Friday 2/10/2012 4:00 PM ChapelWomen of Wisdom (W.0.W.) 35+Single & Single Again

2/10/2012 7:00 PM Rotates

Drews/Nutter Wedding Saturday 2/11/2012 4:00 PM ChapelLiving Our Values Discussion: Intentional Sunday 2/12/2012 9:15 AM Board RoomLiving Our Values Discussion: Intentional 2/12/2012 11:30 AM Board RoomAllergy & Anaphylaxis Support 2/12/2012 3:30 PM Parish HallECW Breakfast MEETING-Bishop Diane M. Bruce

Tuesday 2/14/2012 8:30 AM Board Room

Adult Christian Formation Meeting 2/14/2012 7:00 PM Board RoomVALENTINE'S DAY - Staff Luncheon 2/14/2012Vestry Meeting Wednesday 2/15/2012 7:00 PM Board RoomCanterbury Service Thursday 2/16/2012 4:30 PM CanterburyAll Parish "Orchids and Onions" Discussion Sunday 2/19/2012 11:30 AM Parish HallPresidents Day - Office Closed Monday 2/20/2012Gourmet Shrove Tuesday Pancake and Crepe Supper

Tuesday 2/21/2012 6:00 PM Parish Hall

ASH WEDNESDAY Wednesday 2/22/2012Azure Verde Thursday 2/23/2012 9:00 AM Board RoomCRASH and eMerge Meeting Sunday 2/26/2012 11:30 AM Parish Hall - Youth Corner - LibraryDesign for Dinning-Set-up Tuesday 2/28/2012 9:00 AM Parish Hall, Kitchen, Board RoomDesign for Dinning - Set-up Wednesday 2/29/2012 9:00 AM Parish Hall, Kitchen, Board RoomLENTEN SUPPER & Program 2/29/2012 6:30 PM Parish Hall & Board Room

February 2012

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ST. FRANCIS EPISCOPAL CHURCH2200 VIA ROSA (at Palos Verdes Blvd)PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA 90274www.stfrancispv.org 310-375-4617/ FAX 310-791-2740The Rev. Sarah Phelps, RectorThe Rev. Paula Vukmanic, Associate RectorDr. Ray W. Urwin, Director of Music and Composer in ResidenceKathy Finley, Director of Children’s FormationElaine Mistele, Finance and Facilities ManagerMary Sanchez, Office ManagerSusan Marshall, Communications ManagerJoel Miranda, Sexton

Articles and comments are welcome.Submit to publications@stfrancispv.org, or to the church office By the 15th of each month

Change service requestedTime dated material

NO LONGER ATTENDING ST FRANCIS? If you would like to stop receiving the Bellringer, please help us save costs by contacting the Parish Office — Phone: 310-375-4617, Email: mary.sanchez@stfrancispv.org or FAX 310-791-2740. THANK YOU!

ash Wednesday serviCes 12 noon and 7 pm Wednesday, February 22nd

A service to begin the Lenten season. Come to a quiet space to pray, receive ashes on your forehead as a sign of repentance (returning to God) and re-commit yourself to a life in Christ.