With Gratitude, With Deep GratitudeWith Gratitude, With Deep GratitudeWith Gratitude, With Deep GratitudeWith Gratitude, With Deep Gratitude

The Song of Saint FrancisThe Song of Saint FrancisThe Song of Saint FrancisThe Song of Saint Francis

It’s a Date!It’s a Date!It’s a Date!It’s a Date!

11/1 In-gathering

luncheon

12/6 Parish annual

meeting

12/13 Celtic Christmas

Concert

12/20 Children’s pageant

12/26 Messiah Sing-Along

1/27 ECW Bunco

11/25 Prayer Shawl

ministry

11/11 Prayer Shawl

ministry

11/29 Celtic Evensong

2/9 Pancake supper

One of the liturgies we use at the Celtic Eucharist contains at the end the phrase, “With gratitude, with deep gratitude for this time, these people, this meal, we give ourselves to you as changed people who can never be the same again.” I am coming to know more and more the power of that sentence, for I am ex-periencing it every day.

This time we are sharing with each other is rich beyond words. Just this past week two altars were dedicated, one at the labyrinth and one in the chapel. These dedications point to the centrality of the Eucharist in our parish church, and both are beautiful, of imaginative design and simplicity. Each signals completion. We have waited for a long time for a bishop to be present for the blessing of the labyrinth altar. It was dedicated by Bishop Rob Skirving, sacred to the memory of The Rev. and Mrs. Frank Fagan, a symbol of our constant awareness of them and all the gifts they brought to us in the early years.

The Rev. Tom Bowers, for many years a friend of our parish, and an

intimate friend of Frank and Dotty Fagan, spoke eloquently about them, giving those of us who entered the community much later a chance to come to know them not through a history book but from a friend who loved them.

The chapel altar seems to have al-ways been there, it fits in so well. There are two prayer desks in the chapel made by our senior warden, Stover Morris. I was pleased to an-nounce to the vestry that we have completed this chapel without spending any mon-

ey at all. We used existing furniture in new ways, and the little money that was spent to refashion things was given

for the purpose.

In addition to the dedication of altars was the amazing gift of our hearts. In a stirring service of confirmation, re-ception and reaffirmation of baptis-mal vows, 27 people were presented to the bishop for prayers and the lay-ing on of hands. If the altars speak to the centrality of Communion, the

(Continued on page 2)

Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church ● Salter Path, North Carolina November 2015

Page 2

This month, I wanted to discuss Lobsterfest 2015, so I asked Terry Smith to share his thoughts. Lobsterfest is our largest fundraiser, and in a year when we weren’t sure there would be lobsters at all (thanks to

Hurricane Joaquin one week before), we had a very successful event. Here is Terry’s review of Lobsterfest 2015:

Lobsterfest 2015 by Terry Smith

We are still speaking to each other. Wow! A common tongue-in-cheek comment I’ve heard at St. Francis relates to how successful the Lobsterfest has been. If people are talking to each other after completion of a project of this magnitude, then it was a good event. If that is the benchmark, then perhaps 2015 was arguably the most successful sale we’ve had. I’ve heard nothing but positive since the last person left the parking lot on October 10. People are talking and sharing ideas, and there is so much enthusiasm in the air. I went through the entire day, and I saw the faces of smiling workers. There was downright fun happening within our midst. Every time I ventured upstairs I heard singing, laughter, and even saw some funky dance moves from the servers.

It’s time now to put the 2015 to bed. It is always dangerous when one tries to thank all who should be thanked, and I don’t want to exclude anyone deserving a mention. As far as I’m concerned, you all deserve a big heartfelt thank you. I’ve tried to reach out to so many of you personally, but I’m not done yet. I will mention Linda, Jess, Richard, Meg,

John, and Stover. They are just a sample of what leadership, passion, and heart look like. Thanks especially to Richard Seale for being the principal designer of our new cooker. Our cooker dramatically improved the efficiency of the entire day.

Our Lobsterfest is far more than a fundraiser. It is a time of fellowship, teaching, learning, and personal growth. I’ve seen numerous acts of gracious kindness extended, sometimes under trying circumstances. I’ve been the recipient of sound

counsel and loving mentoring. Richard Seale put it best as he summarized the day to several of our church family by saying, “It was humbling to realize how much joy this event brings to our area residents.” Several members were told by our patrons that these lobsters were “so big, so delicious, best ever.”

By the way, I’m happy to share that we made a profit of over $13,000.00

So now let’s talk about Lobsterfest 2016. No, I’m not too crazy. Where do we want to take this event? How do we get there? Who is willing to make the journey? I am announcing an informal gathering for Sunday November 15th at 4:00 PM. May I suggest potluck snacks and refreshments. We will take no more than 2 hours to lay the foundation for 2016. We will explore the questions I’ve noted plus a few others. The results of this gathering will charge us to bring solutions when we officially crank up in Q1 of 2016.

Our Lord is at work with us. The path to the future lies ahead. Let’s see where it goes.

Vestry View by Robin SmithVestry View by Robin SmithVestry View by Robin SmithVestry View by Robin Smith

offering of our hearts and lives is a personal re-sponse to the love of God and our companionship with Christ.

That service enabled us to know how far we have come, how strong and powerful we can be with God’s help, and how much the world needs us to shine with God’s love in the dark corners of our world. We know now that we can do incredible

things through Christ who strengthens us.

This is the month of Thanksgiving, and it comes at the best possible time. This is a place of grati-tude, or deep gratitude, for this time, these people, this meal. We are ready to be sent out as faithful witnesses to the power of Christ our Lord.

Everett+

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Grace Notes by Linda Laughton, Music DirectorGrace Notes by Linda Laughton, Music DirectorGrace Notes by Linda Laughton, Music DirectorGrace Notes by Linda Laughton, Music Director

The Choir of St. Francis by the Sea is preparing new music to enhance our first Celtic Evensong and Communion on Advent 1, Sunday, November 29, at 5pm. Modeled after the finest Celtic services, ours has been in the making for well over a year. The liturgy is purely Celtic, the music is peaceful and contemplative, and the sanctuary setting is magical. All are welcome as we begin the new church year with a new evening service!

Sunday, December 13 at 3pm The Jennifer Licko Band performs “A Celtic Christmas Concert” at St. Francis by the Sea. The band will include Patrick Mangan from RIVERDANCE, Irish guitarist Patsy O'Brien, and director and producer Bob Noble on keyboards and vocals.

From the concert press release:

An international touring artist and featured on national radio in the U.S., Jennifer has proven herself as a respected musician within the Celtic genre while acquiring fans outside of that niche. Jennifer masterfully combines the Appalachian music of her North

Carolina roots with the traditional Celtic music of her ancestors. The music of the holiday season has strong roots in Celtic traditions. “This will be our fifth year touring with this concert. While keeping fan favorites, we are changing about 70% of our material for this year's program” says Jennifer. “Having a larger band provides us with more instrumentation options and we are excited about the big change we have to offer audiences.” While most of the traditional carols will be sung in English, the audience will also hear songs in Scots Gaelic, Irish Gaelic, Spanish and French. An evening of Celtic Christmas traditions, songs and some blazing yuletide tunes on the fiddle will be a highlight of your Christmas season. Jennifer's most recent album, “A Thousand Curses Upon Love,” has

been receiving critical acclaim from the Celtic/Folk and World music community and is receiving national radio airplay.

Tickets are $15. Proceeds from the concert benefit Martha's Mission. Purchase tickets now online at www.jenniferlicko.com. Do not delay! These concerts sell-out!

Saturday, December 26 -- The Second Annual MESSIAH SING-ALONG at St. Francis by the Sea. Doors open at 4pm Music starts at 5pm.

Once again conducted by Lewis Moore with organist Dave

Leahey, violinist Chris Ellis, second violin Dee Braxton Pelligrino, violist Heather Barlow, and cellist Barbara Gates, all are invited to sing through the entire oratorio – both sections – including all the arias.

Registration ($16) is now open for all singers AND SPECTATORS! Registration does not include oratorios. Bring your own vocal score. We will use the Schirmer/T. Nobel Edition. Make your check payable to St. Francis by the Sea with “Messiah” in the memo line, indicate your vocal part (S.A.T or B) and include your phone number and email address. See the church website for further information (coming soon) or contact Linda Davies, Registrar, at ldavies@ec.rr.com or (252)354-5859.

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I Want to See by The Rev. Carol Eaton, DeaconI Want to See by The Rev. Carol Eaton, DeaconI Want to See by The Rev. Carol Eaton, DeaconI Want to See by The Rev. Carol Eaton, Deacon

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.”

Several weeks ago I had cataract surgery on my right eye. (Up to that point you probably noticed that I was holding the Gospel book closer and closer to my nose every week.) For most people this is a routine surgery that involves very little risk and wonderful results. For me having had a cornea transplant in that eye over thirty years ago, there was a small chance of a cornea rejec-tion, blindness, and then another needed trans-plant. (I have had five transplants in my left eye) Praise God my surgery was a complete success and for the first time I am able to see my clock in the morning without reaching for my glasses. Amazing Grace!!!!

I have a friend who every week since the begin-ning of the year comments on the word “Notice” in her blog. She states, “I’m looking, but not see-ing.” I can definitely relate to her comment. She also says she is humbled by how often and how much she misses. As of October 25th she has listed 544 things that she now notices. Number 534- “I’m good with change, unless it affects me.” Number 537- “ A single, glorious yellow flower is sprouting from a dead tree trunk.”

Blindness is more that just a physical manifesta-tion. We can be blind in so many different ways: blindness to the suffering and needs around us in our families, communities, and in the world. We can be blind to those who suffer rejection and persecution. Like Bartimaeus in Mark’s recent Gospel reading, I too want to see again but more that just with my eyes. Jesus is the one who can open my eyes and bring me into full awareness of the joys and beauty in this world as well as the sufferings and pains. Do you want to see again? Ask Jesus to uncover your eyes so you too can be more aware of the world around you.

Prayer Shawl...Plus!Prayer Shawl...Plus!Prayer Shawl...Plus!Prayer Shawl...Plus! The Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather on Wednesday, November 11 and 25 Wednesday, November 11 and 25 Wednesday, November 11 and 25 Wednesday, November 11 and 25 at 10:00 in the

parish hall. Come and share your talent, whether or not your item is intended for the Prayer

Shawl Ministry. All are welcome to join the gathering to “knit one and pray too.”

Yarn is available free of charge. Beginners are always welcome!Yarn is available free of charge. Beginners are always welcome!Yarn is available free of charge. Beginners are always welcome!Yarn is available free of charge. Beginners are always welcome!

The Prayer Shawl Ministry has given over 300 shawls to people in our church community of family and friends. We also donate shawls, when available, to the Raab Oncology Clinic.

It is amazing to see the dedication and commit-ment of the women who have joined together in this ministry. Some of us knit or crochet a shawl for a specific person; others knit for a supply of shawls kept on hand to be given away. Each shawl is blessed during a service by Father

Thomas. When you have a minute, read the thank you notes in the basket on the prayer shawl table. It is gratifying to see how much comfort the shawls bring their recipients.

You are welcome to take yarn to knit or crochet for this ministry. We meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. If these dates don’t suit you, we most welcome home knitters to our yarn program. Just fill out the form in this note-book with your name and date. When you return the shawl, attach a card from the notebook pocket. Leave the shawl to be blessed at an upcoming service, or bring it with you to a service and give it to a vestry person in the Sanctuary before the service.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry by Mary Jo JenningsThe Prayer Shawl Ministry by Mary Jo JenningsThe Prayer Shawl Ministry by Mary Jo JenningsThe Prayer Shawl Ministry by Mary Jo Jennings

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The Kids of St. Francis by Marian GoetzingerThe Kids of St. Francis by Marian GoetzingerThe Kids of St. Francis by Marian GoetzingerThe Kids of St. Francis by Marian Goetzinger

Recently, Ainsley Horton was confirmed. She was the first of our Kids of St. Francis to reach this important milestone. What a joy it was to be here for this special service and what a privilege it has been to be her teacher and participate in her spiritual journey for the past few years. I am grateful to this parish for allowing me to work with our young people and to the children for the blessings they give me every time we are together. I can’t wait to see who will be ready for confir-mation next year.

I wonder what you, each one of you in-dividually, envi-sions for our youth program. Our youth ministry has exceeded my expectations and every day is a new adventure. Often, I am wan-dering around with no compass and no map, wondering where this journey is taking us and how I will ever get there, but enjoying the journey.

I am not a Sunday School teacher. So far that has been OK. We use the concept of Godly Play loosely and manage to learn together. I love children and they seem to know that and feel safe in our space and time together. I’m pretty sure the children know more about the liturgy and scriptures than they did when we started. I know I do.

We have mastered outreach. They are naturals at that, always ready to raise money and give to others. Acolyte service and lay ministry comes easily to them as well. They love to sing and are learning some new songs with Mr. Charlie.

Some Sundays none of the children are here, but I don’t consider the time I spent preparing

wasted because I learn while getting ready to teach. I do miss the love, the excitement and fun time with them. However, whenever they have the opportunity to serve, they come. I’ve learned from that, that I need to find new ways for them to serve.

We will soon begin working on the Christmas program. The young people enjoy getting ready, dressing in costumes and presenting the Christmas story to all of you. It’s a lot of work and always brings some surprises, but is always a wonderful experience.

As we get close to the end of our stewardship campaign, please consider if one of your gifts might be joining our team of volunteer youth

workers. If you love kids and can tolerate noise, sticky fin-gers, hugs and confusion, please let me know. There is a place for you.

Now, back to my question. What would you like to see from this ministry? I have en-joyed wonderful support from

this parish, from the children and their parents, the parishioners, ves-try and clergy. We have a solid group of children and parents. We want to continue with what we are doing but maybe do even more. We would especially like to identify any children who

are un-churched and find ways to reach out to them. I really want to know what is good, what could be better and what new things should we be trying. Please send me an email at goetzingerm@gmail.com with your suggestions.

Page 6

Project Christmas Cheer 2015 by Phyllis MakuckProject Christmas Cheer 2015 by Phyllis MakuckProject Christmas Cheer 2015 by Phyllis MakuckProject Christmas Cheer 2015 by Phyllis Makuck

For the fifth consecutive year, St. Francis by the Sea is part-nering with Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church to manage a main Angel Tree site for Project Christmas Cheer. We will begin setting up at Shepherd of the

Sea Lutheran Church on Wednesday, November 11, from 1-4 p.m. and will need several volunteers to help.

Also, to manage the site November 12 through December 20, we will need one volunteer per day from our parish on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m.

Last year, St. Francis by the Sea provided 19 vol-unteers. Thanks to their efforts, we provided gifts for 230 needy children in Carteret County.

As in past years, St. Francis by the Sea will take a few families from Shepherd of the Sea and make its own angel tree for parishioners. Outreach Chairs, Amy Hahn and Meredith Westbrook, will spearhead that effort and involve St. Francis chil-dren.

Linda Davies, Jeannie Baxter and Phyllis Makuck will be directing Project Christmas Cheer at Shepherd of the Sea with Karma Rodholm and Pat Castanza. One of them or another trained vol-unteer will be present each day to train and assist other workers.

There’s lots to do—prepare angels for each child from applications cleared by Social Services, con-tact families, keep a record of sponsors and the children they are buying for, accept gifts when they are brought to the church for children and manage the pickup or delivery of those gifts. There’s also shopping, wrapping and assembling bikes. But, it’s lots of fun too.

You will experience an early Christmas when you see the smiling faces of grateful parents who come to pickup packages for their children. Help us spread Christmas Cheer this year.

Please see Jeannie, Linda or Phyllis after church or contact Phyllis at home—phyllis@makuck.com, 726-8776 (cell 622-9153). There will be sign-up sheets at church as well.

Some past volunteers with banner: Left to Right - Row 1: Pat Castanza, Jeannie Baxter, Phyllis Makuck, Bobbie Hall, Geraline Castle, Valerie Rohrig. Row 2, Left to Right: Karma Rodholm, Linda Davies, Claudia Chamblee, Denise Throckmorton, Eileen McBriarty. Back Row: Diane Fiore, Elaine Tempel, Ellen Marriott and Martha Edwards.

Endowment Fund Match

$6,050 to go!

Page 7

Lay Ministry ScheduleLay Ministry ScheduleLay Ministry ScheduleLay Ministry Schedule

November 11/1 11/8 11/15 11/22

Youth Sunday 11/29

Vestry Donna Standley Heather Pace Tim Bradford Robin Smith Donna Standley

Lector Linda Davies Kyle Venable Libba Shelton KIDS Carol McVitty

Prayers Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton

Chalice Jolene McCann

Mary Anne Ragland Richard Seale Jolene McCann

Andy & Marilyn Smetana

Pat Jones Marian Goetzinger

Andy & Marilyn Smetana

Altar Guild Meg Bradford

Mary Anne Ragland Betsy Randall Bobbie Hill

Meg Bradford

Meg Bradford Mary Anne Ragland

Meg Bradford TBD

Crucifer Beth Beswick Pat Jones Larry Castle KIDS Scott Shelton

Torch Bearers Larry Castle Scott Shelton

Linda Davies TBD

Scott Shelton TBD

KIDS Beth Beswick

TBD

Sound System John Marriott Larry Castle John Clarke Stover Morris Kyle Venable

Nursery Bobbie Hill Beth Beswick Sam Baxter Jeannie Baxter TBD

Children's Class Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger X Marian Goetzinger

Coffee Hour In-gathering Mary Kurek Phyllis & Peter

Makuck Alexandra Kluttz/Leann Sanders

George Hirasawa/Pat Jones

December 12/6

Annual Meeting 12/13 12/20

12/14 5:00 Christmas Eve

12/27 Youth Sunday

Vestry Tom Tempel Larry Castle Terry Griffin Stover Morris Harold O’Briant

Lector Dan Riddle Linda Davies Bob Gallo KIDS

Prayers Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton

Chalice Andy & Marilyn

Smetana Mary Anne Ragland

Jolene McCann

Altar Guild Linda Davies

Mary Anne Ragland

Crucifer KIDS

Torch Bearers Linda Davies

KIDS

Sound System

Nursery

Children's Class Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger X X

Coffee Hour Judi Matzke Carol & Don McVitty

Heather Pace & Kyle Venable

X Marion & Stover

Morris

November BirthdaysNovember BirthdaysNovember BirthdaysNovember Birthdays

12—Robin Smith

14—Ainsley Horton

15—Grace Kemp

15—Mary Lou Wilson

19—Dona Styron

19—Francesca Styron

30—Jeannie Baxter

5—Pat Gallo

5—Sarah King

11—Romaine Riddle

11—Sara Beck Pruitt

The Song of Saint Francis is a monthly publication of

Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church.

North side of NC 58 between Mile Marker 10 and 10½

PO Box 7 ● 920 Salter Path Road, Salter Path, North Carolina 28575

(252) 240-2388 ● © 2015 All rights reserved

stfrancisbts@gmail.com ● www.stfrancisbythesea.org

Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church

PO Box 7

Salter Path, NC 28575

The Rev. Everett Thomas, Ph.D. Phone: (252) 240-2388 Email: stfrancisbts@gmail.com Sharon Watling—Parish Administrator Phone: (252) 240-2388 Email: stfrancisbts@gmail.com Linda Laughton—Music Director

Vestry Class of 2015 Terry Griffin Robin Smith Tom Tempel

Vestry Class of 2016

Tim Bradford Stover Morris, Senior Warden

Heather Pace

Vestry Class of 2017 Larry Castle, Junior Warden

Harold O’Briant Donna Standley

Sharon Watling—Clerk of the Vestry

David Shapiro—Sexton

Adult Forum at 9:00 am; Sunday Service and Children’s Class for ages 4 and up at 10:00 am

Wednesday Celtic Eucharist at 12:00 noon

Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church is a parish in the Diocese of East Carolina

The Right Reverend Robert Skirving, Bishop

First Class Mail

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something special to you! More info at www.stfrancisbythesea.org

or contact the church.