The first Wednesday of each month we will gather in the Narthex to write notes of encouragement, get well cards, thank you notes, "missing you" notes, and even birthday cards. Cards, pens, stamps, etc., will be provided.
This will be a time of pastoral sharing and action - an easy way to get involved in the ministry of Pastoral Care. The evening will conclude with the service of Compline from the Book of Common Prayer.
If you are heading a ministry at St. Francis and want to add any events to the church calendar for 2020, please join us for a calendar meeting after the 10 am service.
The next Book Group meeting will be held on Friday, January 17 at 7:30 pm in the church library. The book is The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels by Jon Meacham.
The Soul of America is Jon Meacham's declaration of his faith in America. By chronicling the nation's struggles from revolutionary times to current day, he makes the argument that America has faced division before - and not only survived it but thrived. This book stands as a testament to our choice - a reminder that the country has a history of returning to its core values of freedom and equality after enduring periods of distraction and turmoil. Meacham tells us we've been here before and can find our way out, urging readers to enter the arena, avoid tribalism, respect facts and listen to history.
For over 20 years churches and civic organizations in Chester County have come together to do community service on the Martin Luther King Day of Service holiday.
The Chester County coordinator is St. Paul's Baptist Church in West Chester, which is a member of Global Citizen of Philadelphia, an umbrella organization for the MLK Day of Service in New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Other Chester County church partners include the Unitarian Church of West Chester and Holy Trinity (Episcopal) Church in West Chester.
Registration for the upcoming interfaith MLK Day of Service can be done online beginning January 3, 2020. The web site is: https://stpaulsbaptist.org/.
This year's activities for children under 6 with parents include arts and crafts for veterans and first responders, and early childhood activities focused on health. Activities for people over age 7 include: learning to knit baby caps, visiting nursing homes, storytelling for children, preparing meal packets for seniors and first responders, fixing up nurseries and possibly a school (painting, clean up, etc.), and a food drive, among others. Other projects are being organized as well. Lunch is provided to volunteers.
This is an exciting activity that only requires us to show up, no pre-work is involved, and we'll get to meet people from other churches in the area such as the Unitarians. Please join the Outreach Committee and consider joining our neighbors (and making new friends) for this activity and help make a positive impact on our county.
10:00 am: Lessons and Carols
7:00 pm: Choir rehearsal
10:00 am: Bible Study
6:00 pm: Circle of Friends
N/A: MLK Day of Service