October 2019
Franciscan a monthly publication of St. Francis Episcopal Church
SIXTY EIGHT YEARS AGO: By the time you read this, I will have celebrated my sixty eighth birthday (October 4). This is a landmark in my family history. I give God thanks on this birthday that I still have joy for life, joy for learning, and joy for serving Jesus Christ. They have not all been “great” years (orphaned at age ten, coupled with many personal and professional setbacks) but, for the most part, happy years.
THIRTY NINE YEARS AGO: It’s now been over 39 years since a small group of Episcopalians led by Steve Muncie were given the vision to plant a congregation in Springboro. On October 4 of that year, St. Francis Episcopal Church came into being, beginning with a time of very rapid growth. I have witnessed that early growth, and I personally know the priests who have served you over those 39 years.
I am also painfully aware that those 39 years have not been all “great” years. I have witnessed the trauma caused by the departure of clergy and fellow parishioners for many reasons, and I grieve with you over the loss.
HOWEVER,
Saint Francis is blessed with excellent lay leadership, who have shown an eagerness to join with you in walking boldly into your fortieth year. I have pledged to the Vestry (and now, to you) to walk with you on this journey of faith. I will be with you as long as you want me or, more importantly, as long as God wants me to journey with you. I will be suggesting new ideas to the Vestry and sharing them with you at the Sun- day Agape Lunch (my name for the meal you provide after worship). I further pledge that I will do nothing without consulting and gaining the approval of the leadership of St. Francis. In other words, NO SURPRISES!
While I am officially “long term Sunday Supply”, I will be happy to meet with any of you at any time to hear your joys and concerns. My email address is [email protected] and my cell phone number is 513-310-0127.
My personal Mission Statement is: “Sharing the Transformative Love of Jesus Christ”. I invite you to join me in that mission.
See you in worship! David Bailey+
“A Publication of St. Francis Episcopal Church—“Proclaiming the Good News in word and deed.” OCTOBER 2019
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Office Closed Bible Study Jazzercise Jazzercise Jazzercise 10:30 am 5:30 pm 4:00 pm & 7:00 am & Jazzercise 5:30 pm 9:15 am 5:30 pm Jazzercise Barbershop 4:00 pm & Singers 5:30 pm Boy Scouts 7:00 pm 6:00 pm & Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Alanon 7:30 pm
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Choir Rehearsal Office Office Closed Bible Study Jazzercise Jazzercise 9:00 am Closed 10:30 am 5:30 pm 4:00 pm & Jazzercise Jazzercise 7:00 am & 5:30 pm Salon Series 9:30 am 5:30 pm Jazzercise 9:15 am Jazzercise Barbershop 4:00 pm & Sunday School 4:00 pm & Singers 5:30 pm Boy Scouts 5:30 pm 7:00 pm 10:30 am 6:00 pm & Choir Rehearsal Holy Eucharist, Rite II 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Alanon 7:30 pm 10:30 am Vestry Meeting 7:00 pm
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Choir Rehearsal Office Closed Bible Study Jazzercise Jazzercise Jazzercise 9:00 am Office 10:30 am 5:30 pm 4:00 pm & 7:00 am & Closed Jazzercise 5:30 pm 9:15 am Salon Series 9:30 am 5:30 pm Jazzercise Barbershop Jazzercise 4:00 pm & Sunday School Singers Halloween 4:00 pm & 5:30 pm 10:30 am Boy Scouts 7:00 pm Family 5:30 pm 6:00 pm & Bingo Night Choir Rehearsal Holy Eucharist, Rite II 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Alanon 7:30 pm 6:00 pm 10:30 am
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Choir Rehearsal Office Office Closed Bible Study Jazzercise Jazzercise Jazzercise 9:00 am Closed 10:30 am 5:30 pm 4:00 pm & 7:00 am & Jazzercise 5:30 pm 9:15 am Salon Series 9:30 am Jazzercise Jazzercise 5:30 pm Barbershop 4:00 pm & 4:00 pm & Singers Sunday School 5:30 pm 10:30 am 5:30 pm Boy Scouts 7:00 pm 6:00 pm & Choir Rehearsal Holy Eucharist, Rite II 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Alanon 7:30 pm 10:30 am 27 28 29 30 31
Choir Rehearsal Office Closed Bible Study Jazzercise 9:00 am Office 10:30 am 5:30 pm Closed Jazzercise Salon Series 9:30 am 5:30 pm Jazzercise Barbershop Jazzercise 4:00 pm & Sunday School Singers 4:00 pm & 5:30 pm 10:30 am Boy Scouts 7:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm & Choir Rehearsal Holy Eucharist, Rite II 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Alanon 7:30 pm 10:30 am 2
October Birthdays
Steve Hamilton’s Birthday on October 8
Gene Bradley’s Birthday on October 16
Anya Catalan’s Birthday on October 23
If your name does not appear on our birthday or anniversary list, please contact the church office.
October Anniversaries
Walter and Andrea Fedchenko’s Anniversary on October 2
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SUNDAY SALON SERIES: WORSHIP
The Rev. David Bailey will continue to do a very informal introduction to the Book of Common Prayer. We will be looking at the various historical versions of Common Prayer as well as the current (1979) version. We will also be looking at the elements that are essential in order for worship to glorify God and present the Good News of Jesus Christ, as well exploring the history of the English language and the shift from oral communication to written communication to electronic communication in American culture.
The Sunday Series will start at 9:30 am before worship. Please come and enjoy this lecture series as we celebrate worship!
Supply Clergy Updates
The Rev. David Bailey will continue as our Supply Clergy. Please join with Fr. David and St. Francis as we worship together!
The Rev. Robert Hufford is scheduled to worship with us on Sunday, October 27th as our Supply Clergy.
4 On Friday, October 4 was St. Francis Day. The feast commemorates the life of St Francis, who was born in the 12th century and is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment, and also commemorates when St. Francis Episcopal Church was founded on October 4, 1980. This year we will be celebrating all year long our 40th Year Anniversary which is on October 4, 2020. St. Francis will try to celebrate by having a 40 year aspect in everything that we do, as a reminder of our upcoming 40th Year Anniversary. If you would like to participate, please contact anyone on the Vestry.
Veterans Day Celebration
Please join us for a celebration to honor our Veterans in our area on Sunday, November 10. Stay after the service for a special meal during our coffee hour. Please invite all of your Veteran family and friends to this special event! An RSVP is not required, but if possible please call the church at (937) 748-2592 to leave your name.
Christmas in Springboro is coming soon on November 22-24! Please consider donating to the raffle baskets that St. Francis gives out each year to lucky ticket winners. Join in helping us with this festive yearly event! If you are interested, please contact any Vestry Member.
5 READING BETWEEN THE LINES - OCTOBER Donna Sprowles, Choir Director
This month is a special one for our parish. October 4th is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi - our patronal feast day.
St. Francis was born in 1182 as Gioranni di Pietro di Bernardone, and spent his early years as a soldier. Informally known as Francesco, he felt called by God to imitate the life of Christ and so denounced his wealth to become a Catholic friar, deacon, and preacher. He founded the men's Order of Friars Minor (OFM), the women's Order of St. Clare (or Poor Clares, a contemplative order) working with St. Clare herself (there is a picture of St. Francis and St. Clare in our narthex), and also the Third Order of St. Francis which includes lay people among its members. Francis was said to have heard God speaking to him through the cross of San Domiano (which is also hanging in our narthex), telling him to, "clean up my Church". Francis took God's command literally and got a broom and began sweeping out the church. But he then realized that God's command was to go out and preach His Word. So Francis and his followers became itinerant evangelists spreading the good news of Christ and helping the poor. Francis died in 1226 in Assisi, Italy.
The hymn I want to focus on this month is in the Hymnal 1982, #400: All Creatures Of Our God And King. Through- out his life, Francis celebrated God's whole creation and saw God through all creatures, calling them his brothers and sisters. He wrote the canticle Brother Sun, Sister Moon, expressing his love for all of creation which can also be seen in the words of this hymn. There are even stories of him preaching to the birds! Francis, although most recognized for his Peace Prayer (Lord, make me an instru- ment of your peace...), also wrote 60 hymns of praise and worship, and encouraged church music throughout his life. St. Francis today is the patron saint of all creatures and the environment. Many churches, whatever the denomination, hold a pet blessing on Francis' feast day. Contact: Donna Sprowles, But one of my favorite of St. Francis' writings is very short and simple: "Start by doing what is necessary; then do Choir Director what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the H 513-423-3450, impossible." And so as the last line of hymn #400 goes: C 513-313-4856 Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! [email protected] 6 FORGIVING OURSELVES
Have you ever said something then you wished you hadn’t? Have you ever done something that you wished you could undo? The problem is what we have said can not be “unsaid”. Whatever we have done can not be undone. The way to help these situations has two parts. First of all we must ask forgiveness of the person we have hurt with our words or actions. The second important step is to FORGIVE YOURSELF.
We can “beat up” ourselves pretty badly. We go over and over in our minds what we have said and then reconstruct our words to be what we should/could have said instead. We do the same thing with our actions; going over and over what we did and what we could have done differently.
But none of this is going to change the circumstances that have been created. However there is one thing that can alter the way you feel in the situation.
FORGIVE YOURSELF. Go to Christ with a sincere heart, confess to Him what has happened, and ask His forgiveness. Then ask Him to help you forgive yourself.
Remember the prison of last month? When you forgive yourself that prison door can be unlocked by our loving Savior and you can walk free of the burden that you have been carrying. Thank you Jesus.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteous,” - I John 1:9 NIV
Mary Martin, Parish Health Ministry
PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY
I can't be sure if I have any readers, so I'm giving you a chance to voice your opinion. Do you have anything you would like me to write about?
I've put a game in the last December Newsletter with a gift for the first to respond. I never got a response so the gift has gone to a good home.
Last week I was standing in our kitchen when I felt a 'pop' on my left calf. I felt to see if I got stung by something. When I reached to down to feel it, it was swelling and turning blue in that one area. I went outside to ask Jeff to take a look and he said we were going to the ER. What? No. Well, he won that round. It was a broken capillary. Sometimes, it can be insignificant and sometimes not. I think he was concerned about a clot. Anyway, all is well. It's good to be safe than sorry.
Let me know if you have any suggestions. I'll be happy to oblige.
Thanks, Teena Baldrige Parish Health
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Alfred the Great King of the West Saxons, 899
Alfred, alone of all English rulers, has been called “the Great,” because of his courage and Christian virtues. Born in 849 at Wantage, Berkshire, the youngest of five sons of King Aethelwulf, Alfred spent his life in a time of “battle, murder, and sudden death” during the Viking invasions and settlement in Britain. He was deeply impressed when, on a visit to Rome at the age of four, he was blessed by Pope Leo IV, and two years later when he witnessed the marriage of Aethelwulf to a young princess of the Frankish court. Following his father’s death and the short reigns of his brothers, Alfred became King in 871. In heroic battles and by stratagems against the Danes, Alfred halted the tide of their invasion, and secured control of the southern, and part of the midland regions, of England for the English. After a de- cisive victory in 878 at Edington over the Danish leader Guthrum, he persuaded his foe to accept bap- tism. Alfred died on October 26, 899, and was buried in the old Minster at Winchester. In his later years, Alfred sought to repair the damage that the Viking invasions had inflicted on culture and learning, es- pecially among the parish clergy. With the help of scholars from Wales and the Continent, he super- vised translations into English of important classics of theology and history, including works of Pope Gregory the Great, Augustine of Hippo, and the Venerable Bede. In one of them he commented: “He seemed to me a very foolish man, and very wretched, who will not increase his understanding while he is in the world, and ever wish and long to reach that endless life where all shall be made clear.”
Samuel Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky Bishop of Shanghai, 1906
The story of Joseph Schereschewsky is unique in the annals of the Church. He was born on May 6, 1831, of Jewish parents, in the Lithuanian town of Tauroggen. His early education was directed toward the rabbinate, but during graduate studies in ermany, he became interested in Christianity through mission- aries of the London Society for Promoting Christianity Amongst the Jews, and through his own reading of a Hebrew translation of the New Testament. In 1854 Schereschewsky immigrated to America and en- tered the Western Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh to train for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church. After two years, he decided to become an Episcopalian, and to finish his theological studies at the General Theological Seminary in New York City, from which he graduated in 1859. After ordination, and in response to Bishop Boone’s call for helpers in China, Schereschewsky left for Shanghai. Always facile in languages, he learned to write Chinese during the voyage. From 1862 to 1875 he lived in Peking, and translated the Bible and parts of the Prayer Book into Mandarin. After Bishop Williams was transferred to Japan, Schereschewsky was elected Bishop of Shanghai in 1877, and was consecrated in Grace Church, New York City. He established St. John’s University, in Shanghai, and be- gan his translation of the Bible and other works into Wenli. Stricken with paralysis, he resigned his see in 1883. Schereschewsky was determined to continue his translation work, and after many difficulties in finding support, he was able to return to Shanghai in 1895. Two years later, he moved to Tokyo. There he died on October 15, 1906. With heroic perseverance Schereschewsky completed his translation of the Bible, typing some 2,000 pages with the middle finger of his partially crippled hand. Four years before his death, he said, “I have sat in this chair for over twenty years. It seemed very hard at first. But God knew best. He kept me for the work for which I am best fitted.” He is buried in the Aoyama Cemetery in Tokyo, next to his wife, who supported him constantly during his labors and illness. 8 Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley Bishops and Martyrs, 1555
Hugh Latimer was the outstanding English preacher of the Reformation. His sermons against ecclesias- tical abuses led to several trials for heresy, but no proof could be established against his orthodoxy. Latimer was little interested in the refinements of doctrine; his zeal was concentrated on the moral life of Christian clergy and people. Born of yeoman stock about 1490 in Leicestershire, Latimer graduated from Clare College, Cambridge, and became a Fellow in 1510. Though a conservative, he was attracted to the new currents of reform stemming from the Continental Reformation of the 1520’s. King Henry VIII made him a royal chaplain in 1530, and five years later appointed him to the See of Worcester, a position he relinquished in 1539 in opposition to the king’s reactionary policies against the progress of the Refor- mation. In the reign of Edward VI, Latimerbecame prominent again as a preacher, but he refused to re- sume his see. With the accession of Queen Mary in 1553 he was imprisoned, and on October 16, 1555, he was burned at the stake in Oxford alongside Bishop Nicholas Ridley. Nicholas Ridley was born in Northumberland, and was educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge. While there he belonged to a circle of young men deeply attracted to the currents of reform inspired by the Continental Reformation. A supporter of Archbishop Cranmer’s reforming agenda, Ridley became the Archbishop’s Chaplain in 1537, and vicar of Herne, Kent, in 1538. He was chosen Master of Pem- broke in 1540, and chaplain to Henry VIII and Canon of Canterbury in 1541. Two years later he was ac- quitted of a charge of heresy. Early in the reign of Edward VI, Ridley was made Bishop of Rochester and participated with Cranmer in the preparation of the first Book of Common Prayer. He was trans- lated to the See of London in 1550, where he was a strong advocate for and administrator of the princi- ples of the Reformation. His unwillingness to recant of his Protestant theology and his opposition to the accession of Queen Mary led to his condemnation and his execution at the side of Bishop Latimer.
Vida Dutton Scudder Educator and Witness for Peace, 1954
Vida Dutton Scudder was born on December 15, 1861, the child of Congregationalist missionaries in In- dia. In the 1870s, Vida and her mother were confirmed in the Episcopal Church by Bishop Phillips Brooks. After studying English literature at Smith College and Oxford University, Scudder began teach- ing at Wellesley College. Her love of scholarship was matched by her social conscience and deep spiri- tuality. As a young woman, Scudder founded the College Settlements Association, joined the Society of Christian Socialists, and began her lifelong association with the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross in 1889, a community living in the world and devoted to intercessory prayer. In 1893, Scudder took a leave of absence from Wellesley to work with Helena Stuart Dudley to found Denison House in Boston. Stresses from teaching and her activism led to a breakdown in 1901. After two years’ recuperation in Italy, she returned renewed and became even more active in church and socialist groups; she started a group for Italian immigrants at Denison House and took an active part in organiz- ing the Women’s Trade Union League. In 1911, Scudder founded the Episcopal Church Socialist League, and formally joined the Socialist party. Her support of the Lawrence, Massachusetts, textile workers’ strike in 1912 drew a great deal of criticism and threatened her teaching position. Though she initially supported World War I, she joined the Fellowship of Reconciliation in 1923, and by the 1930s was a firm pacifist. Throughout her life Scudder’s primary relationships and support network were women. After retire- ment, she authored 16 books on religious and political subjects, combining her intense activism with an equally vibrant spirituality. “If prayer is the deep secret creative force that Jesus tells us it is, we should be very busy with it,” she wrote characteristically, adding that there was one sure way “of directly help- ing on the Kingdom of God. That way is prayer. Social intercession may be the mightiest force in the world.” Vida Scudder died on October 9, 1954. 9 Diocese of Southern Ohio News News around the Ohio area
“It’s our connection to God and each other that gives meaning to our lives.” - Bishop Thomas E. Breidenthal, The Diocese of Southern Ohio
A message of love and solidarity from the Bishops and Spouses to The Episcopal Church
The House of Bishops and their spouses met for their interim meeting at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Minneapolis. At their September 20 business meeting, they adopted the following:
A Message of Love and Solidarity from the Bishops and Spouses to The Episcopal Church For many bishops and bishops’ spouses of The Episcopal Church, next summer’s Lambeth Conference has become the occasion for a mixture of joy and sorrow, hope and disappointment. We cherish the bonds of affection that we enjoy with our Anglican siblings around the world. Gathering in prayer, study, and fellowship with our spiritual family is a gift for which we are profoundly grateful.
We, bishops and spouses choose to remain in community with each other as we navigate this passage in our common journey. We choose to remain one in the love of Jesus.
Our hearts are, however, troubled. The Lambeth Conference 2020 intentionally recognizes and underscores the important role bishops’ spouses play in the ministry of the episcopate. And yet, spouses of bishops in same-gender marriages have received no invitation to participate. Their exclusion wounds those who are excluded, their spouses, and their friends within and beyond the House of Bishops.
After faithful soul-searching, each bishop and spouse will arrive at a decision about how best to respond in the name of Christ. Some will attend and offer loving witness. Some will opt to stay at home as a different way to offer loving witness. Some will dedicate the resources not spent for Lambeth attendance to on-the-ground partnership projects as an alternative manifestation of our commitment to the Anglican Communion. Others will find different avenues to express the unwavering love of Jesus Christ.
The community of bishops and spouses supports and stands together in solidarity with each of our brothers and sisters in this Episcopal Church as they make these decisions according to their conscience and through prayerful discernment and invite the siblings of The Episcopal Church to join us in that solidarity.
A tally vote regarding the message was taken. The results of the vote were: Yeas 60, Nays 17, Abstentions 3 10 Christ Church Cathedral 318 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
October 8: The Buffalo Ridge Jazz Band October 15: Martha Folts (harpsichord) October 22: Midnight Rose Trio October 29: The Southbank Quartet
At 12:10 pm each Tuesday, September through May, we offer free Music Live@Lunch. The concerts feature a variety of music, ranging from classical to jazz and music of other cultures. You may bring your lunch or purchase one at the cathedral for $5.
All Saints Episcopal Church is presenting “Dumbledore’s Army as Model for the Church” 5101 Johnstown Rd., New Albany, OH 43054 Friday, October 11, 2019
Potluck is from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Class is from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, with Teen Lock-in immediately following (grades 6-12). All Are Welcome! Our evening begins at 6:00 pm with a “Potluck” and other delectables made by our House Elves. At 7:00 pm, we will meet in the “Room of Require- ment” with the Hogwarts Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Patricia Lyons and Headmaster, Father Jason Prati, to discuss Dumbledore’s Army as Model for the Church . During class we’ll have “Harry Potter” themed activities for younger children. Teens are invited to stay for an overnight lock-in beginning at 9:00 pm. New to the event this year is a costume contest for kids, adults and families. House robes, sweaters, ties, character costumes, brooms and wands are greatly encouraged. RSVP at www.allsaintsnewalbany.org or 937-855-8267. Questions, contact the Parish Office at [email protected] . 11
Saint Francis Episcopal Church The Episcopal Church in Springboro 225 N. Main Street, Springboro, OH 45066 (((937(937937)) 748748----25922592 www.saintfran.org
Worship Tim_s Sun^[ys [t 10:30 [m - Holy Eu]h[rist, Rit_ II Sun^[ys [t 10:30 [m - Sun^[y S]hool
W_^n_s^[ys [t 10:30 [m - Bi\l_ Stu^y
Pr[y_r for O]to\_r “This ^[y, F[th_r, m[y my _y_s \_ op_n_^ to s__ th_ \_[uty in [ll th[t is or^in[ry - y_t sp_]i[l - [roun^ m_. M[y th_ glory of [ll th[t you h[v_ m[^_ r_min^ m_ of your pr_s_n]_ [n^ l_[^ m_ ]los_r to you.”
St[ff Supply Clergy - The Rev. David Bailey Senior Warden - Stephan Graham Junior Warden - Mike Kock Vestry Clerk - Mary Harris Financial Secretary - Sue Starner Parish Secretary - Alisha Minamyer Choir Director - Donna Sprowles Organist - Diana Graham Sunday School Director - Jenny Catalan Vestry Members - Stephan Graham, Mike Kock, Mary Harris, Will Frush, Jeff Baldrige, Barb Roy, Jenny Catalan, Jack Emerson, Jim Taylor, Chuck Oduah
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