March 2016

St. Francis Episcopal ChurchPalos Verdes Estates, California

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From Mo. PaulaThe Very Rev. Paula Vukmanic,

paula.vukmanic@ stfrancispalosverdes.org

310 375 4617 ext 223

“Wherever you are on your spiritual journey you are invited to encounter

God’s love.”

I write this with weeks to go in Lent and I am glad (!) because this year I have adopted a

Lenten practice that has made a difference throughout my day. I have always begun the day with a cup of coffee and time to journal, to help inte-grate what is going on in my life, than I mediate for 20 minutes. But this Lent I have added some “holy read-ing”, lectio divina, to my prayer time, using the psalms or scripture read-ings suggested from Morning Prayer. Paying attention to the words of scripture helps me pay more attention to people and events during the rest of my day and helps me to discern what God is up to! Therefore, as Lent continues, I invite you to try an intentional prayer practice, whatever it may be, for the purpose of paying more attention to the hidden presence of God in the people and events that make up your day.Yet, as you read this, Easter is a few short weeks away and, like many, you might be glad that Lent is almost over. But for me, when Easter comes this year, the very next day I shall continue my Lenten practice of a more intentional prayer time of holy listening that I may be more alert to God’s grace everywhere. Lent is truly meant to be an opportunity for mak-ing choices that help us grow in harmony and wholeness, to become ever more the man or woman of God we were created to be. Open yourself to being transformed into an instrument of God that can change the world.

And the world has been changed. We experience the power of God’s love in the risen Jesus. Easter Sunday is a very joyful celebration of this love of God, fully alive in the resurrected Jesus. However, did you know, that the week before Easter is a unique, grace-filed opportunity for deeper reflection upon the events surrounding the last week of Jesus on earth, from Palm

Sunday to Easter morn-ing. We call it Holy Week, dramatic liturgical encoun-ters with the touchstones of our faith. I have written descriptions elsewhere in the Bellringer of these special worship services during Holy Week: Holy Week Taizé, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday

and the Easter Vigil.So…Wherever you are on your spiritual journey you are invited to encounter God’s love for you. May God guide and bless choices that are life-giving, that set you free from fear, to embrace, receive and share Love.With much love and care for each of you,

Mo. Paula+

March 2016

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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 stfrancispalosverdes.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.

Full Calendar See inside final page(s).

Bellringer SubmissionsThe deadline for submis-sions is the 15th of each month. Please email to publications@stfrancispalosverdes.org or deliver to the Publica-tions box in the Parish Office.

Worship!Sundays

8 a.m. Rite I in the Chapel9:55am Children’s Christian formation programs10 a.m. Rite II in the Church

Private PrayerThe Baptistry of the Chapel, and the Nason Prayer Chapel in the Main Church are always available for private prayer between services.

Wednesdays12:10 pm Bring your lunch, if you’d like. Following a brief informal service 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@stfrancispalosverdes.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@stfrancispalosverdes.org.

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

Mailing List

March 2016

Paula’s Installation Celebration – March 20th Please add March 20th to your calendar at 4:00 PM to come help celebrate Paula’s Installation as our 5th Rector at St. Francis. Immediately following the service we will have a catered Italian Feast in the Board Room as our Parish family cel-ebrates our Paula! We are accepting donations to sponsor this very special party, and will welcome your donation to offset the cost of the catered feast. If you can help, please make your check payable to St. Francis and note in the Memo Section: Paula’s Reception.Thank you.Rector Reception Committee

The People of St. Francis Episcopal Church

invite you to join us as

The Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno Bishop Diocesan of Los Angeles

presides at our Renewal of Ministry

and the Institution of

The Very Reverend Paula Vukmanic as the fifth Rector of

St. Francis Episcopal Church

Sunday, March 20, 2016 4 o’clock in the afternoon

Reception to follow

Clergy: Cassock, Surplice, Red Stole Childcare Available

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March 2016

Lent and Easter WorshipPalm Sunday

Sunday, March 20 at 10am – One service - main church This Sunday before Easter is the last Sunday in Lent. The day commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem with a blessing of palms and a procession in which the whole congregation carries palms. The day is marked by the

narrative reading of the story of Jesus’ passion (the word used to describe Jesus’ death comes from “suffering,” which is a definition for passion).

Taizé for Holy WeekTuesday, March 22 at 7 pm in the Chapel

In the beauty of the chapel, with hundreds of candles lit in the sanctuary, the readings and chants of Taizé quiet our hearts as we pause for prayer, music and silence, and contemplate this last week of the earthly life of Jesus Christ.

Maundy Thursday with Interfaith Seder SupperThursday, March 24 at 6:30 pm Parish Hall

This year Rabbi Gila Katz will help us experience an Interfaith Seder Supper. We will participate in a simple meal and engage readings for the Seder Meal Service. Upon the conclusion of the Interfaith Seder Service, we will con-

tinue with events at the Passover meal, commonly called The Last Super of Jesus and his disciples. We will hear and participate in the scripture lesson of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and the institution of Holy Communion.

Good Friday Stations of the CrossFriday, March 25 12:10 pm and 7 pm in the Church

Good Friday in Holy Week is a time for remembering Jesus’ death. We will mark 14 moments in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ journey to the hill of Calgary, from his trial in the palace of Pilate, to being placed in the tomb after the

crucifixion. Descriptive moments, reflections and prayers are used for the service, also called the Way of the Cross, which visits each station in turn with a brief reading, response and meditation.

The service will include The Veneration of the Cross which is an opportunity for personal prayer, the offering of a rose or the lighting of a candle.

The Great Vigil of EasterSaturday, March 26 at 7:30 pm in the Chapel Patio and Chapel

This service begins at sunset on Holy Saturday. This was the traditional time of baptism in the early centuries of Christianity and we celebrate several baptisms this year. This service begins outside in the chapel patio with prayers

and the lighting of a new fire, from which the Christ candle is lit. The Christ candle signifies the light of Christ coming into the world anew at the resurrection. We process into the dark chapel with our own lit candles to hear

readings from the Old Testament that recount our salvation history. The accounts of the resurrection are then pro-claimed, which lead us into the joy of the Easter season and the celebration of Holy Communion.

Easter Sunday “He is Risen!”Sunday, March 27th

8am in the chapel, Rite 1 Holy Communion10am in the main church, Rite II Holy Communion.

The majestic music and powerful Easter readings move our hearts as we gather in joyful thanksgiving to listen to the Word of God and with festive hymns

rejoice, “He is Risen!”. At the 10am service we will also have a family oriented experience of worship to help all the kids appreciate the Easter Story.

Our annual Easter egg hunt will follow the 10 a.m. service.

March 2016

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Jake Madrid, one of the Shepherds of our Justice & Peace minis-try, has led the creation of this series.Recently, there has been much vitriolic language and acts di-rected to Muslims, much of this speaking to our lack of under-standing of this faith. Comments include “What does their god Mohammed say about…” and “Islam is trying to bring back the Caliphate for world domination”. After meeting with Imam Ashraf Carrim from the International Institute of Tolerance in the South Bay, Jake learned that this lo-cal mosque would be very happy to help St Francis offer a brief intro to Islam, so that we may deepen our understanding of it as Christians. We are very fortunate, as a Christian community,

to have the opportunity to hear and learn about Islam from Muslims themselves, who can enlighten us about their religious practices and beliefs.

Who is My Neighbor?All About Islam Final session - March 6—Living Islam Today Led by Milia Islam-Majeed from the South Coast Interfaith Council (Long Beach)

Interfiath Girl Scout EventIslamic Center of Naperville

nr. Chicago.

This year we’ve invited the Rev. Bob Honeychurch to lead our series. Together we will explore what it means to become God’s people for the world. What does it

mean to be “church” and the Body of Christ to the world, not just on Sundays but especially Monday through Saturday at our workplaces and family life? What does it mean to be God’s people and good neighbors in a rapidly changing world? How might we be people of Lent, people of wandering, as well as people of Easter, people of the Resurrection for our commu-nity and beyond? These are questions we

will explore together during this year's Lenten Supper Series.

Each evening program will include a presentation and time for discussion in smaller groups and in the large group. Together we will challenge, support, and encour-age each other to be light to our world.

The themes:March 9 - Missional or Mission-ish?

Do we really have the heart for this work of changing the world, or are we just dabbling at the edges?

March 16 - The Magnetic Power of the Church How do we get beyond the notion that “they” should come to “us”, and instead see ourselves as being drawn ever more into the world around us?

We look forward to growing in our faith together!Peter+

Lenten Supper Series - 2 sessions remaining Weds. March 9, March 16A Lenten Journey: Finding our Story in the Story of GodLooking in to the Scriptures so that we might look out into the world

Lenten Quiet Day - Theme: “Mystical Hope”March 8, Tuesday, 9:30 – 12:30, Boardroom and chapelThere was a little fish who asked the mama fish in a panic, “Where is the wa-ter?” The mama fish replied, “You are swimming in it!”. This too is the grace of hope. We live in it without realizing it. There is much to appreciate and un-derstand about the gift of mystical hope. Mo. Paula will be leading the morn-ing with short presentations followed by time for reflection and group sharing. Please bring a bag lunch to share at the end of our time together.Sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women and ALL (men and women) are invited.Please RSVP to the church office or on the sign-up sheet.

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March 2016

usicMWe know you can sing!Our choir is looking for some new singing partners. Maybe you? Being able to sing is helpful, being able to read music is great, but being willing and reliable is really important! We offer on-the-job training. We also have a lot of fun. Come join this splendid group of caring people. It's a great place to belong. We meet Thursdays from 7:15-9:00 and Sunday mornings at 9:00 to get ready for the 10:00 service. Join now and you'll be ready to help with the awesome music of Holy Week and Easter! Call or email Jeannie Cobb with questions, or just show up Thursday night! jeannie.cobb@stfrancispalosverdes.org 310 375-4617 ext 228.

Free Piano AvailableAs we have upgraded our keyboards, we now have a piano that would like a loving home. It was in the choir room for several years, and now is in the Chapel. There is a ramp all the way from the Chapel to the curb in front of the church. Contact Jeannie Cobb with questions or to express an interest. 310 375-4617 jeannie.cobb@stfrancis-palosverdes.org.

Save the dates!On Saturday, May 21 at 7:00 and Sunday, May 22 at 3:00 the youth of St Francis will present a fully staged perfor-mance of the musical Godspell. Tickets will be $5 and will go on sale later this month. Be sure to save the dates and think about who you'd like to bring to share this joyful experience. "Prepare ye the way of the Lord..."

Tamir Hendelman in ConcertWhat a great evening was had when pianist Tamir Hendelman honored St Francis with a performance of his amazing talents!Thank you Tamir; to Steve Kinigstein for arranging; and to Bubba Jackson for introducing!

Photos courtesy of David Gerhardt.

And remember Jazz Vespers - March 13thSee p. 14 for full details.

March 2016

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48th Annual Antique Show is Coming!

Preparations for another successful Antiques Show are underway and we welcome you to contribute to this ministry as you can. Here are a number of ways you can contribute in addition to volunteering for the many roles during the Show.

Program AdvertisementsParishioners are encouraged to place ads in the Antiques Show program. Proceeds from ads help defray the printing costs. An ad can be personal in nature or for a business. Parishioners are also encouraged to obtain ads from businesses they frequent in the South Bay. On the Volunteers’ Desk in the church office, there are letters to parishioners and mer-chants explaining the ads and the pricing. Ads obtained can be placed in the “Ads” box in the church office or by contact-ing Wendy Pratt (wpratt@earthlink.net) or Karin Petersen (lapdogdesigns@cox.net).

Opening Night Silent Auction Donations NeededIt’s time to get excited and think about donating to the upcoming Antiques Show!Everyone knows there are many amazing opportunities to participate in this minis-try, and We Would LOVE to have you donate to the Opening Night SILENT AUC-TION!! Gift baskets, sports packages, vacation homes, wine packages, cigars, art, gift certificates...the possibilities are endless!!! Have fun being creative and Thank you for donating! Items can be labeled and brought to the church office. To make asking for donations from local merchants easier, we have materials that you can provide to them explaining our event and other details so please stop by the church office, pick up some materials, and contact Darryl (hugdarryl@mac.com) or Jamie (Bellows151@aol.com) if you have any questions or need guidance.

Volunteer Opportunities During the ShowWe have a number of volunteer opportunities for you to join so get to know each other while enhancing the reach of our many ministries. Some volunteer needs include, but not limited to hospitality, kitchen help, parking lot/traffic control, food servers, and many more. Please contact Jamie Bellows (bellows151@aol.com) (310) 922-1689 or Darryl Tillman (hugdarryl@mac.com) (424) 634-2342 to let one of them know of your interests in volunteering or you my leave them a message in the Church office.

Opening Preview Party (Gala)Wednesday June 1: 5:30pm to 8:30pmShow and saleThursday & Friday June 2 and 3: 11am – 6pmSaturday, June 4: 11am – 4pm

Tickets only $25 in advance or $40 at door or purchase five (5) opening night tickets for a great deal of only $100!

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March 2016

Since my last Bellringer report (December 2015 issue), work on and around campus has included projects involv-ing many individuals:

First of all, thanks go to long-time parishioner David Harper for initiating and donating the beautiful new stained glass windows in the Chapel; if you haven’t yet seen them, go have a look — they’re breathtaking! Thanks to Gloria Jones and St. Motley’s Crew for work-ing so hard on rummage sales all these years and using the sales’ hard-earned proceeds to set up the new reserve fund, which, in their honor, will be known as the “Saint Motley’s Crew Buildings and Grounds Reserve Fund.”

Buildings and Grounds (B&G) Update

Thanks to Peter Marshall and Mo. Paula for working to-gether on the Chapel sound system enhancements; Robert Bacon for sealing the leak in the Chapel roof, and Rick Capellino and Gloria Jones, who have completed their service on the Buildings and Grounds Committee (B&GC). Of course we also thank the warm-hearted and willing help of our Sexton, Joel Miranda, and the never-tiring and dedicated Elaine Mistele, without whom most of these projects could not be accomplished.Welcome to the Buildings and Grounds Committee’s two new members, Bud Allen and Gayle Taylor. If you have a project you would like to propose, please let Bud, Gayle, David, another B&GC member — Gerry Amarel, Wally Christmas, Colette Furbush, Elaine Mistele, Robin Pano, Marcia Schoettle, Tom Tenney, or Tina van der Velden — or me know. Projects are reviewed by the B&GC and then submitted to the Vestry for approval of priorities. A full project list is available for review in the Church office. Clint Alley, Junior Warden

• set up a reserve fund for major buildings and grounds repair and re-placement projects • removed five trees that were too close to the Chapel’s foundation • installed three new outdoor directional signs for restrooms • sealed a leak in the Chapel roof • re-grounded the Main Church electrical system • repaired faulty wiring in the Parish Hall kitchen & Church office breaker boxes • installed ground fault interruptor (safety) circuits for wall outlets in Campus bathrooms

• installed a new out-door electrical outlet near the side entrance to the Chapel • made improvements in the Chapel sound system • repaired furnaces in the Main Church and Parish Hall, and two wall heaters in the Education Building repaired water heaters in the Parish Hall, Chapel, and Main Church • installed motion sen-sors outside the choir room• repaired a leak in the Parish Hall roof • and cleaned gutters and downspouts Cam-pus-wide.

Beautiful new Chapel stained glass windows donated by David Harper.

Thank you David!

Episcopal Church Women (ECW)CPR course this SpringThe ECW are hoping to sponsor a basic CPR class this spring, and are hoping many of you in the parish and your friends will be interested in taking part. Anyone who is with people during the day or night should have some knowledge of this life saving information. More information will be coming soon.

Lenten Quiet Day March 8, Tuesday, 9:30 – 12:30Plus - do try to attend the Lenten Quiet day program. It is open to men and women and should be a good addition to any Lenten discipline. See p. 4 for full details.

March 2016

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Families and Kids Pre-K thru 5th Grade

Kate BuchenMinister for Children and Familiesemilykatebuchen@yahoo.com

Sunday School: Where and When We begin at 9:55am. Please sign-in your child(ren) at the age appropriate room.We have two Godly Play rooms.

Children ages 3 to 5 ½ will meet in “level 1” to the left of the Parish Hall stage.Children ages 6 to 11* will meet in “level 2” on the Parish Hall stage.*On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, 4th and 5th grade students will meet in the Youth Corner or Boardroom for “pre-CRASH” group.Nursery Care is provided in the Library for babies and toddlers, ages 0-3.

Sunday School General InformationEveryone can see the details of what is being taught, and how, by checking out the Parent Pages for the Stories on our website - under Families and Kids/pre-K thru 5th grade/Parent Pages.We will be coming in to church after the Sermon, usually during the Peace, Announcements or Offertory. We continue to offer the Sunday Paper which introduces the lectionary for the day as well as crayons and books. They are located in the Narthex, to the left as you enter church.During Holy Communion, if you do not wish your child(ren) to receive, they are welcome to receive a blessing instead by crossing both hands over their chest while kneeling at the altar rail.

Easter Egg DonationsWe will begin to accept donations for our traditional Easter Egg Hunt on March 13. Look for a collection box in the front office. We are grateful for all of the yummy treats found inside…and so is the local ant colony!!

Warning - We have discovered in the years past that unwrapped candies inside the plastic attract the ants almost immediately when they are placed on the grass. The wrapped ones are still fine. So if you would like to donate, we ask that the edible treats are wrapped. Thank you!

Preparation for Holy CommunionOn occasion, parents ask if there is a formal way to pre-pare their child(ren) to receive Holy Communion. When the need arises, our clergy can prepare a developmentally appropriate presentation of the elements and the doctrine behind the liturgy. If you would like your child(ren) to participate in this program this spring/early summer, please let Kate Buchen know so we can find some dates that work for all who are interested.

Palm SundayChildren in Sunday School are part of the procession of the palms on this day. The teachers that day will lead them back to the classrooms at the designated part of the service and con-tinue with the story of the day. In the level 2 Godly Play class, we will tell a new story called The City of Jerusalem. The multi-dimensional materials will help them come closer to the events Jesus went through during His last week.

Family Fun Nights this SummerYou and your family can look forward to a couple of nights of family togetherness on our beautiful St. Francis grounds. We will again have a Dinner and a Movie Night under the arches. We will also host a Bingo & S’Mores night. Hope to see your family at these upcoming events!

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March 2016

Middle and High School Youth Groups

CRASH! & eMERGE! CRASH! - 6th-8th grade fellowship; eMeRGe! - 9th through 12th grades

All youth in 6th through 12th grades are invited to join together to have fun, talk about stuff, and study God’s word for our lives. We meet from 4:00-6:00pm on Sunday afternoons for games, some kind of arts (music, drama, dance, visual arts), Bible Study, and conversation. There are lots of laughs! For our study and sharing we meet in two groups - Crash! (6th-8th), and eMerge (9th-12th). We usually begin in the lower parking lot and end in the Parish Hall.Contact: Dr Jeannie Cobb, (310) 375-4617, ext 228.jeannie.cobb@stfrancispalosverdes.org

Our Church Cat FrancesA Beloved MemoryOn the 10th anniversary of her death.Submitted by Joni McIntyre.

Frances was the quintessential church cat, enlivening services in a solemn manner. She enjoyed interviewing brides, adding a relaxed and pleasant note to the pro-ceedings; at funeral receptions she soberly greeted guests arriving at the reception. Often at Sunday or weekday services she would march up and down the aisle until she found a lap to her liking.It was obvious that she came from “good family”. Her mother had taken the time to bring her up beautifully, and her coming to St. Francis was no doubt the result of being lost, and stumbling on this church by divine intervention; no-one could have “given up” a kitty like her.Anne Shepherd provided veterinarian services, and also came each morning to greet her with food and water.On the morning of 9/11, parishioner Susan Marshall recalls that she had newly arrived in the USA, and went that day to the Chapel, searching for solace. Imagine her surprise and pleasure as Frances jumped onto her lap and gave the tangible and reassuring comfort that she so badly needed.

As Frances grew older, she found that living inside the the chapel was good in cold or wet weather, then, even better in any weather, with only occasional stretching and naps outside on a day of warm sunshine. Altar Chapter ladies were supposed to search her out before closing up, but our cat became more and more clever at new hiding places, one such, way back in the pedals of the organ.As she grew old she retired as Church Cat, and went to live in comfort in Joni McIntyres’s condo, a warm and lov-ing place. She died in March 2006.No doubt that after almost a lifetime de-voted to the Church, she is now with St. Francis who loved all the animals, and with all the Saints in heaven.

Please donate as much as you can - new, or almost new, undies for those so much less fortunate than oursleves. Boxers for the men, and bras for the ladies. Larger sizes preferred.

These are things we take for granted, but for others are unobtainable luxuries.

Undie Sunday!St Luke’s Shower & Breakfast Ministry for the HomelessSunday, March 13th

March 2016

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Outreach at St. Francis“ Love God, Love Others, Serve the World”

Our St. Francis family is very active in supporting several programs in our area, around the Diocese, and the world. To see details and pictures of each area, please visit us on the web at www.stfrancispalosverdes.org/outreach. The following pages give details of the programs we currently support and their immediate needs. Please consider how you might be able to make a difference. Additional information is available by contacting our Shepherd for Outreach Sue Egan, via email at susanegan065@gmail.com, or via the church office on 310 375-4617.

St Luke’s Shower and Breakfast Ministry for the Homeless

St. Luke's Shower and Breakfast Program for the Homeless is one of several vital Outreach min-istries at St. Francis. Our usual bi-monthly turn finds us assisting with a warm breakfast, shower monitoring, clothes distribution, and sharing of God’s many blessings with our brothers and sis-ters who are experiencing homelessness. Everyone is welcome to join us at St. Luke’s on our assigned days. This is a small commitment of time that results in immeasurable blessings to the clients and to the volunteers as well. Please consider joining us whenever you can!Next date: March 19th (third Saturdays of every other month)We start at 7 a.m. and are typically done by 10-10:30. Come for all or come for part - your help is greatly needed and greatly appreciated. While not particularly good for younger children, teens and tweens are welcome.Any questions? See John Henebry or call him at 310-977-1214 (cell) or email to john@pacificinspectionsinc.com.

In John’s words, “Feed one, feed all.”

John Henebry

A Few Things to Remember for Physical Donations (clothes, toys, school supplies for Mama Hill's Help, clothes, towels, foods, etc.), Please...

• don't put dirty or stained items in any of the bins; clean, unstained, and whole (not needing mending) items are best;

• check expiration dates on canned and boxed foods; we don't want to run the risk of making anyone ill;• think about the weight of your donations; one large, heavy bag should be converted to two smaller (or less full)

bags so that we can transport it not only to our cars, but to the donee's location; in gentlest terms, we are a small (but mighty), mostly older group doing the lugging!

• let me know if you have plans to donate computers and/or accessories; there is only limited storage and lim-ited need at Mama Hill's Help.

Last, but certainly not least, accept the heartfelt gratitude of the folks at St. Luke's who work with the homeless population, and Mama Hill and her small volunteer staff, as well as the homeless and the Cookies of Mama Hill's themselves, who receive your generosity. Both organizations have other area charities to which they donate over-flows, so there is a small circle of folks who will see that your donations are put to good use.

Thank you! Blessings and peace, Jayne, Marcia Schoettle, Richard and Sue Egan, John Henebry & Gerry Gill.

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MilitaryOUTREACHpacking–SPRING2016Sunday, April 17, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Light lunch will be served! St. Francis Episcopal Church – Board Room

2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 Collec�ons �egin Friday, Marc1h 2� and con�nue through Sunday, April 10, 2016;

Please place your items in the Military Outreach Baskets in the Board Room

SpringPacking–2015Thank you for praying for our troops un�l they come back home. Packing and shipping these boxes is just our small way of saying…

So that we have enough boxes on hand, if you will be helping to pack, please call Susie Zimmerman at 310‐316‐5941 or email Julie McGovern at mcgovernfamily5@gmail.com to let us know you’re coming. Many hands make quick work.

Provide items to pack – in TRAVEL SIZES ONLY, according to the list below:Cards of encouragement from adults; cards of thanks from children are es‐

pecially appreciated (no last names, please); also packages of cards for our troops to send to their loved ones – be sure to include envelopes and pens

Clothing – white tee shirts in men’s and women’s sizes; tube socks, crew or boot socks – white or military colors (black, green, khaki)

Drinks including coffees & teas (i.e. Starbuck’s VIA, Peet’s, Coffee Bean/Tea Leaf, Sea�le’s Best 1 pound ground); hot chocolate packets, hot apple cider packets, creamers (powder only), sugar packets … no Keurig Pods

Entertainment including:Games & Puzzles (Sudoku, crosswords, logic problems, Word Search

– combine with pencils and add a sharpener); travel games, small Nerf toys, Frisbees, soaker balls

DVDs or CDs;Paperback books, current issues of magazines (People, Sports Illus‐

trated, Money, Inc., car publica�ons)Food items – NO CHOCOLATES THIS TIME OF YEAR (it melts)

Candies, mints, gums, lifesavers, Beef Jerky (no pork products)Small snacks (i.e. tuna & crackers, small sausages, Quaker snack bars,

granola bars, protein bars, dried fruit, small packets of nutsOatmeal packets, individual cereal boxes or bowls (include plas�c

spoons, please)No Girl Scout Cookies this �me, please

Personal Care ItemsSmall Kleenex packets, cough drops, personal wipes in quan��es of

no more than 20; disposable razors, shaving cream (GEL ONLY, no aerosols)

Toothbrushes, tooth pastes, floss/flossers�eodorants, body lo�ons, lip balm, foot powder, Q‐�ps (small box)

ADOPT A BOX! Pay for postage for one or more boxes ‐ $16.75 per boxMake your check payable to St. Francis Episcopal Church and mark “Military Outreach” on the memo line. Checks can be placed in the collec�on plates at any service or dropped off in the church office.THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS!

March 2016

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Outreach at St. Francis“ Love God, Love Others, Serve the World”

Help Needed for Designs for DiningFood - cookies, tea sandwiches etc.We ask the parish for help in providing our tea time refreshment for Friday, March 4 and 5, cookies, bars, tea sandwiches etc. Items don’t need to be home made. If you are able to help by bringing an item, please call Wendy Pratt (310) 372-7046 (wpratt@earthlink.net) , or Laurie An-derson (310) 377-7071. If you bring items in ahead of time and they can be frozen, please mark them for Designs for Dining and let either Wendy or Laurie know. Please mark your containers so they can be returned to you. The items will be plated in the kitchen by our wonderful volunteers.

Parking-Very ImportantIf you're signed up to help with the event, thank you! Please do not park anywhere on the church grounds, there is ample parking (with no parking restrictions) just north of our church around the streets of Paseo de la Playa (same side of street as church), don't try to cross PV Blvd. Too dangerous! If you need to drop off something, drop off and move your car please.

Have FunCome to the event to hear the speakers and enjoy the refreshments.

Event HelpersIf you are signed up to help, your name tag will be on the volunteer desk in the church office. The staffing list will be posted here as well as in the church kitchen.If you're not signed up for a slot, please help if you can - we still have positions to fill. Call Lisa Jester (310) 378-7042 (email lisajester@verizon.net).

Invite a FriendGive a friend an invitation, or make a donation if you can. All proceeds benefit the St. Francis Outreach Scholarship Fund. We currently have 8 students in college.

Lemons, Hidden Treasures & Shopping BagsThere is a box in the kitchen for lemons for our beverages and shopping bags for our boutique. Do you have something that you can live without and would like to donate for the boutique or silent auction? Box in the church office.

Designs for Dining-Silent AuctionChef Robert Bell-Catered Dinner For the past 8 years, Chef Robert Bell of Chez Melange has donated a catered dinner for 12 (including appropriate wines) in your home, as a raffle item for Designs for Din-ing. This generous donation of his, as well as his partici-pation in our wine auctions has garnered the St. Francis Outreach Scholarship Fund almost $40,000!

Chef Robert Bell-Cooking Class This year for our 16th Annual Designs for Dining, he is again donating the dinner but as well will be donating a 3 hour cooking class in your home or another venue for 10 people. The minimum bid for this very special item in our silent auction will be $500. You may invite your friends and Chef Robert will prepare the meal (with wines), then you will partake of the foods prepared. Think of a very special occasion that you may have coming up this year where this would be the perfect celebratory solution to ...."what shall I do for my 50th birthday, anniversary" etc. Or, think about getting together with a group of friends, guild members, or a giving a gift to a special person. In 2013, the final bid price of the 3 hour cooking class was $950, so be thinking of how this special event could work into your social plans in 2016.

St. Francis Outreach Scholarship FundHelp Us Get the Word OutTake a flyer or a poster to a business that you frequent. They, along with invitations, are on the volunteer desk in the church office.

Goes to the highest bidder on Saturday, March 5 at 4:00 p.mBeen thinking about taking that trip of a lifetime? Cross-ing off items from your bucket list?We will again be offering the Zulu Nyala Safari (zuluny-ala.com) in South Africa on our Designs for Dining Silent Auction.The trip includes 6 days and 6 nights accommodations, all meals, and two game drives a day in the Zulu Nyala Preserve (airfare not included).We now have the reviews of 8 couples who have taken the safari and have very good reviews of their experiences. If you won’t be there, let our committee know of a price that you would be willing to bid and give us authorization to fill you in on the bid sheet.

Silent Auction Zulu Nyala Safari

Contd. on next page...

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March 2016

Outreach at St. Francis“ Love God, Love Others, Serve the World”St. Francis Outreach Scholarship FundNews from Angelina! The St. Francis Outreach Scholarship Committee is so proud of Angelina’s academic plans. Our scholarships only assist students with their undergraduate studies. We feel that obtaining their undergraduate degree gives stu-dents the necessary background and tools to pursue their future dreams. We are so proud of you Angelina with your commitment and new direction in life!

St. Francis Family,Happy New Year! I hope everyone started 2016 with new intentions and the eagerness to manifest goals into actions. Since you last heard from me, I was admitted into Chap-man University's Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I began the program on January 8th, and I still can't believe I will com-plete my first term the final weekend of February! This certificate program is designed for students to complete prerequisites in ten months - what typically is completed

between a year and a half to two years. You can imagine how demanding and acceler-ated this program is! I will be taking a total of ten courses over the span of ten months, with two courses taken per term and a total of five terms. The program also gives students the wonderful op-portunity to obtain a Speech-

Langauge Pathology Assistant license once the Post-Bacc is completed, so I will be licensed to do hands-on work and treat patients. Requirements for that are a couple of extra courses and completion of clinical placement hours, but that is something for me to worry about later.

Thus far, I can definitely say I am very happy with the program, my cohort, and of course the professors. Their willingness to help students succeed has played a pivotal role in my very own success with the classes so far. Since the start of the program, I have been extremely busy working 30 hours per week at Precision Rehabili-tation and being a full-time student, all while still managing to squeeze in some personal time so I don't burn out. My local coffee shop has been my second home; I usually end up returning to my house with the smell of fresh brewed coffee! I have had to figure out an effective and efficient routine for myself quickly, as I was planning on hitting the ground running once school started. I'm pretty sure I've found my groove in balancing everything out, and my grades have been an exemple of this! I look forward to the challenges that accompany not only the program, but life in general. I have learned to embrace the difficult times, as they'll prepare me for something that was meant for me. I've gotten by with the immense support from not only my family and friends, but from the St. Francis and Precision Rehab family. I thank you all so much for the continued support. I will be dropping by at this years Designs for Dining on Friday, March 4th. It just so happens the first weekend of March is the weekend I have off from class as I will transitioning into my second term the weekend after, so it definitely works out! See you all soon!God bless,

Angelina (Angie) Gonzalez

By Janet Kohlweck (former parishioner - and previous winner of silent auction trip) What a fabulous trip! The wildlife viewing was amazing, and we saw things we had never seen on our previous safaris. We stayed at the Safari Lodge for the entire time, which we would recommend. We had an amazing room by the pool with a view of the safari park. Our guide, Maddy, was fabulous and led us on two wonderful ad-ventures each day. The food was plentiful and excellent. The planning was easy and, if you win the trip, I'd be glad to answer any questions that you have. If you want to try a safari, this is the place to start. You will see every-thing you want, even the lions at the neighboring park.

Happy bidding for a great cause and a great trip. By the way, Zulu Nyala uses half of your auction payment toward their anti-poaching cause. The money you spend will benefit scholarships, anti-poaching, and yourself! How can you go wrong?

Zulu Nyala Safari trip Contd. from page 12

March 2016

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Giving ReportThrough January we pledged $32,903.17Through January we gave $38,028.16We invite you to generously support the mission and ministry of St. Francis.Note: Pledges are financial commitments made by St. Francis Parishioners to support the many ministries of St. Fran-cis. For more information, please contact Elaine Mistele, Business Manager—via the church office on 310 375-4617, or elaine.mistele@stfrancispalosverdes.org.

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Parish Calendar— Recurring Events - March 2016Day Time/LocationSundaysHoly Eucharist Rite I 8am Chapel

Sunday SchoolHoly Eucharist Rite II

9:55am / Follow Sign information10am Main Church

AA meeting 7pm Board Room

WednesdaysHoly Eucharist Rite I 12:10pm/Chapel

Day Time/LocationMondaysConnecting with God 7pm LibraryEducation for Ministry 6pm Board RoomThursdaysChoir Rehearsal 7:30pm - 9pm Choir Room

Alcoholic Anon-Al-Anon 7:30pm/Board Room/Library

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Parish Calendar — March 2016Event Date Time LocationDesigns for Dining - Ironing 3/1/2016 9:30 AM Parish HallDawn Unity Group - "The Legacy of David" 3/1/2016 7:30 PM Congregation Ner Tamid-

5721 Crestridge Rd.Altar Guild Meeting 3/2/2016 9:00 AM Board RoomMinistry Council 3/2/2016 6:30 PM LibrarySet up Designs for Dining 3/3/2016 9:00 AM Parish HallLa Leche Meeting 3/3/2016 10:00 AM LibraryDesigns for Dining Fundraiser 3/4/2016 &

3/5/20168:00 AM Parish Hall, Board Room and

KitchenAdult Education Series -Who Is My Neighbor - What is Islam?

3/6/2016 9:15 AM & 11:30 AM

Board Room

CRASH! AND eMerge Meeting 3/6/2016 4:00 PM Youth Corner - Parish Hall -Canceled - Connecting With God Class 3/7/2016 7:00 PM LibraryLenten Quiet Day - "Theme Mystical Hope" 3/8/2016 9:30 AM Board Room and ChapelLenten Supper Series - Finding Our Story in the Story of God

3/9/2016 6:00 PM Parish Hall

Azure Verde Beaders 3/11/2016 9:00 AM Board RoomAdult Education Series -Who Is My Neighbor - What is Islam?

3/13/2016 9:15 AM & 11:30 AM

Board Room

Building & Grounds Meeting 3/13/2016 9:15 AM Board RoomCRASH! AND eMerge Meeting 3/13/2016 4:00 PM Youth Corner - Parish Hall -Jazz Vesper Service 3/13/2016 4:00 PM ChurchDaylight Savings Time Begins (Spring Forward) 3/13/2016Canceled - Connecting With God Class 3/14/2016 7:00 PM LibraryFinance Meeting 3/15/2016 6:00 PM Paula's OfficeVestry Meeting 3/15/2016 7:00 PM Board RoomLenten Supper Series - Finding Our Story In The Story of God

3/16/2016 6:00 PM Parish Hall

Setup Paula's Installation Reception 3/18/2016 9:00 AM Parish HallCRASH! & eMerge Great Egg Boil 3/18/2016 6:00 PM Kitchen, Board Room and

Parish HallSt. Luke's Shower & Breakfast 3/19/2016 7:00 AM Long BeachChoir Rehearsal with Brass 3/19/2016PAULA'S INSTITUTION AS RECTOR/Bishop Jon Presiding 3/20/2016 4:00 PM Church & Parish HallOne Service Only - 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist PALM SUNDAY

3/20/2016 10:00

Connecting With God Class 3/21/2016 7:00 PM LibraryHoly Week Taizé 3/22/2016 7:00 PM Chapel & Board RoomAzure Verde 3/24/2016 9:00 AM Board RoomMAUNDY THURSDAY - Interfaith Seder & Holy Communion 3/24/2016 6:30 PM Parish Hall & KitchenGood Friday Service 3/25/2016 12:00 PM &

7:00 PMChurch

EASTER VIGIL SERVICE 3/26/2016 7:30 PM ChapelHoly Eucharist - Rite I - EASTER SUNDAY 3/27/2016 8:00 AM ChapelEASTER SUNDAY -- Holy Eucharist - Rite II 3/27/2016 10:00 AM ChurchEASTER EGG HUNT 3/27/2016Connecting With God Class 3/28/2016 7:00 PM LibrarySt. Anne's Meeting 3/28/2016 7:00 PM Parish Hall & KitchenAzure Verde - Pot Luck 3/31/2016 9:00 AM Board Room

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St. Francis Episcopal Church2200 Via Rosa (At Palos Verdes Blvd)Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274www.stfrancispalosverdes.org 310-375-4617/ FAX 310-791-2740The Very Rev. Paula Vukmanic, Rector-Elect and Dean of Deanery 8The Rev. Peter Huang, Associate PriestDr. Jeannie Cobb, Director of Music, Youth and the ArtsMrs. Kate Buchen, Minister for Children and Families Elaine Mistele, Business ManagerMary Sanchez, Office AdministratorDr. Susan Marshall, Communications SpecialistJoel Miranda, Sexton

Articles and comments are welcome.Submit to publications@stfrancispalosverdes.org, or to the church office By the 15th of each monthChange 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@stfrancispalosverdes.org or FAX 310-791-2740. THANK YOU!

Tuesday, March 22nd

7pm Chapel

Next TaizÉService of Healing

and WholenessApril 26

Holy WeekTaizÉ