Walking in the Light of GodWalking in the Light of GodWalking in the Light of GodWalking in the Light of God

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!

3/2 Art gallery opening

3/5 St. Paul’s Lenten

retreat at Trinity

3/9 Prayer Shawl

ministry

3/9 Lenten supper and

program

3/12 Kids’ yard sale

3/20 Palm Sunday

3/24 Maundy Thursday

3/25 Good Friday

3/27 Easter

6/3 Summer Concert 1

7/8 Summer Concert 2

8/12 Summer Concert 3

10/8 Lobster Fest

3/16 Lenten supper and

program

4/27 Diocese ECW

annual meeting

3/23 Prayer Shawl

ministry

The funeral of Frances Pittman, our dear friend and treasurer at St. Francis, reminded me of the amazing strength, array of talent and goodness of heart that is present in our parish church. There was much to be done, and you did it well. There was liturgy and music, there were friends and guests, along with food to be prepared and bulletins to be created, folded and distributed. Everything was done beautifully and perfectly. Thank you.

Frances was one of us. She loved this church and let us know it. She went far beyond what was expected, helped us grow and spread out, and to realize how strong we really are, how resilient and capable.

In her last days she was a witness to the strength that we find in our faith, our families and each other. We watched her take her place in our assembly against all odds. When she entered the door of the church and took her seat with Graham and Kara, we knew how much energy it had taken for her to be with us, and we were grateful to have her.

Her life is now larger, her awareness more complete. While we miss seeing her in the body, I doubt if she does. The suffering was too acute, the limitations too severe. She is expansive again, agile and free. Always a deeply spiritual person, she is totally with Spirit now, for she is with God. The divine purpose she

sought is now realized. Always seeking to love, she now is surrounded by God's love. And she is reflecting it, pushing it toward us.

My sense is that Frances wants all of you to know how much she appreciates all that you did for her, and that she will continue to care and to help in whatever ways are open.

We continue on our earthly pilgrimage. Now deep into Lent, the cross is just ahead, and just beyond that the empty tomb and morning of resurrection. It was at that tomb that we learned that "Even at the grave we make our song, Alleluia! Alleluia!" We know that death has no dominion over us.

There is an African hymn, actually Zulu, that has become a favorite of mine over the years. It is sung at many diocesan gatherings, at conventions and ordinations. We will be learning to sing it here at St. Francis. It brims with energy and fun, and the words have become a mantra for me—for us:

"We are marching in the light of God. We are living in the love of God. We are moving in the power of God."

As we move toward Holy Week and Easter, may we walk and live and move in God's light, God's love, God's power.

Everett+

Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church ● Salter Path, North Carolina March 2016

Page 2

Saint Francis by the Sea is extremely fortunate to have a congregation full of people who are aware of, and cherish, simple beauty in structure and ornamentation. Our stained glass window is a hallmark of the sanctuary with its arched

wooden beams and the bright “almost peach” tinted walls. The wonderful light that streams in through the tall arched windows brings the outdoors inside.

Now we have Saint Clare’s Chapel for special intimate worship. Recently we purchased an icon of St. Clare. It was painted by a woman in Australia; and it glows with the gold leaf and wonderful strong colors of her clothing. Sitting in that chapel is the most breathtaking and calming experience imaginable.

Our special treat to the community is the Labyrinth, which boasts of a fountain, lighting for evening walking, an altar of the most simple (yet elegant )design, and a wall that is just the right height to sit and listen to the world.

An amazing outreach is the art gallery in the parish hall. The exhibits have changed almost every month for the past five or six years. It is not often that artists have an opportunity to show a major amount of their work in one place that is so well-appointed. Hanging the show is daunting for these artists; but when they walk in on opening night, they are blown away. Each piece of art is lit brightly in a darkened room so that it pops. We have received wonderful accolades for this outreach that the congregation doesn’t always hear.

We should be very proud of the energy we spend to keep our parish active and beautiful. We have been changing various things as we move forward. We need to meet the needs of our congregation and our community. People in the area who have never entered our doors know about us – whether they know a parishioner, know an artist who has exhibited, have heard about our summer concerts, or love lobsters. It all goes back to that saying “we are here to wear this building out”.

ECW Events Flint Water Crisis Outreach UpdateECW Events Flint Water Crisis Outreach UpdateECW Events Flint Water Crisis Outreach UpdateECW Events Flint Water Crisis Outreach Update

St. Paul's annual ECW Lenten Retreat at Trinity Center will be on Saturday, March 5, from 9:30-2:00. Canon Matthew Stockard will lead the retreat. The fee is $20 which covers snacks, meeting room and

lunch. To register please contact Patti Dill, 2704 Three Iron Street, Morehead City, NC, 28557.

The 128th annual meeting of the ECW for our diocese will meet St. John's, Fayetteville, on April 27, starting at 9:00 am, and includes a luncheon. The cost is $15.

The guest speaker will be the Rev. Lauren Winner, an Episcopal priest, vicar, teacher, lecturer, and author. In 2012 she was selected by Christianity Today as one of the “50 Women That You Should Know.” She will speak on “Metaphors for God—Looking at the Many Ways God Speaks in our Lives.”

For registration information, please see the notice in the parish office window. Please register by April 24.

Arts and Furnishings by Tim BradfordArts and Furnishings by Tim BradfordArts and Furnishings by Tim BradfordArts and Furnishings by Tim Bradford

Once again St. Francis parish-ioners showed we can be counted on to help wherever and whenever necessary. On very short notice we raised over $322 to assist the faith-based response to the Flint water crisis. This money is on its way to Flint.

Because of long neglect, the water supply pipes in Flint, a city populated overwhelmingly by urban poor, have been leaching lead into the drinking water. This has caused severe health issues and has created a culture of distrust of governments and other power structures.

We reached out to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Flint to see how we could help. They, along with the Diocese of Eastern Michigan, other churches, and local relief organizations, are coordinating outreach efforts. Through our support and that of other individuals and congregations, they are working to provide access to healthy fresh food and safe water.

Page 3

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

Linda Seale brought to my attention the “2016 Lenten Meditations” booklet by Episcopal Relief and Development, whose purpose it is to heighten our awareness of those who walk with the needy in other parts of the world. She was quick to point out to me that the very first meditation in the booklet was music-related. I share a quote from Heidi J. Kim, Missioner for Racial Reconciliation for the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society in her Ash Wednesday devotion:

“...I came to The Episcopal Church to sing in the choir and stayed because I fell in love with the liturgy, the theology and the priests who challenged me to see the sacred in new ways. ...I realize that I experience the rhythms of the liturgical year through music...”

Ms. Kim challenges her reader this Lent:

“...go back to what brings you to church and love that in a new way.”

One area church music directors look at is the use of different instruments in worship. Sacred music is refreshed by the use of a variety of instruments; We can engage more people in the making of the music, we can expand the range of the musical styles we offer in worship, and we create a wor-ship setting that is attractive to a larger number of participants. Visitors to St. Francis by the Sea often comment that it is a treat to hear the piano in worship, reminding me that the only instru-ment many churches use is the sanctuary organ.

Libba rings her glockenspiel on Sunday mornings, adding the chime sound to our hymns. What better instrument to celebrate a special occasion than the bag-pipe? Who can forget Phil Buffa and his bagpipe at the 10th anni-versary celebration of our build-ing? Or Emily Brawlee's lovely clarinet in the summer of 2014? Charlie McCurry adds guitar music on youth Sundays and often attends Wednesday Celtic Eucharist with his guitar in tow and a song in his back pocket. Whenever Heather Barlow is in town, we welcome her “singing viola” in worship. When she brings daughter Emma and her violin, she is included, too! Frances Kohut will return to St. Francis later this spring with her flute. As more musicians become available, we add them into the music program whenever possible.

If music is what brought you back to church, I pray that the variety of music and instruments we offer enriches your worship experience. I thank God for each of the singers and musicians at St. Francis by the Sea. And, of course, if you have a talent, a resource or a song to share, I am always interested. Stay tuned! -Linda

“At his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.” —Psalm 27:6b

March BirthdaysMarch BirthdaysMarch BirthdaysMarch Birthdays

12—Tom Tempel 12—Jean Turner

14—Andrew Burns 14—Layne Helwig

17—Pat Shuping 24—Christian Pruitt

26—Graham Pittman 27—Tim Bradford 31—Jean Nelson

1—Tootie Piver 5—Jay Randall

5—Leigh Westbrook 8—Bowen Ellis

10—Sharon Whitehurst

Prayer Shawl...Plus!Prayer Shawl...Plus!Prayer Shawl...Plus!Prayer Shawl...Plus! The Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather on Wednesday, March 9 and 23, Wednesday, March 9 and 23, Wednesday, March 9 and 23, Wednesday, March 9 and 23, 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!

Page 4

For the Kids of St. Francis by Marian GoetzingerFor the Kids of St. Francis by Marian GoetzingerFor the Kids of St. Francis by Marian GoetzingerFor the Kids of St. Francis by Marian Goetzinger

Every month when I think about what I will write for the Song of St. Francis, I struggle to let you know how impor-tant you are to our youth min-istry. They notice your smiles, your compliments and your presence. The leaders appreci-ate your prayers, donated items all during the year, and your time when you volunteer to assist in Sunday School or any of our activities. But most of all, we appreciate your smiles.

I truly think of these children as “MINE.” When they fidget, say the wrong thing, forget their part or disrupt in any way, I feel just like I did when my children were little and those things happened. Then I look up and see you smiling and it’s OK because I am re-minded, these are not MY kids. They are all OUR kids and we are all blessed by their presence and their enthusias-tic participation.

The Kids of St. Francis will host our annual Yard Sale on Saturday, March 12. We will accept items at church begin-ning at noon on Friday the 11th. We always do this during Lent because we believe it is the perfect time for you to purge your homes of all the things you don’t use or need. This is a wonderful opportu-nity for you to clean up your closets, cabinets and garage and support the youth of our church at the same time. We will be at the church on Friday afternoon from noon until 7:00 pm to receive, tag and display our treasures. If you have items but cannot bring them to the church on the

11th, please call, email or text me and I’ll organize collection and storage until then. The sale will start on Saturday morning March 12 at 7:00 am and close at noon. Cleanup usually takes about two hours and is the hardest part of the sale. Can you help? If so, please let me know. If you have a strong back and a pick-up truck, we REALLY need you.

On Friday, February 26 the children served at Senior Center. Each year we do this I’m not sure who enjoys it more, the children or the sen-iors. This year was even better because the children, led by Charlie McCurry provided the evening’s entertainment.

We will not have Sunday School on Easter Sunday.

Did you know that Ainsley Horton is now 14 and is serv-ing as an assistant teacher? She is our first young person to grow up in the program and stay to serve. What a blessing she is. She will continue to serve as a youth acolyte.

We are working on a Junior Trivia Bee to be held as a fundraiser hosted by our KOSF and coordinated by Kathy Tilyard sometime in September. More details soon. If you have ideas about how we might structure that or if you’d like to be involved, please let me or Kathy know.

I continue to be amazed, blessed and excited by the constant praise and support from our clergy, vestry and parishioners, but especially from our young people. Thank you!

Page 5

Winter 2016 OutreachWinter 2016 OutreachWinter 2016 OutreachWinter 2016 Outreach

What a great start to the new year! We collected $701 for Hope Mission, which was delivered along with bags of non-perishable food donations as part of St Francis' February Souper Bowl of Caring. Hope Mission expressed their sincere gratitude for the generous donation. Much thanks to the ECW Bunco Night for sponsoring a Souper Bowl of Caring and also to all who very generously donated money or food. A very special thank you to Larry Castle for delivering the money and food items to Hope Mission.

In conjunction with the collec-tion for Hope Mission, some very delicious soup and des-serts were served during coffee hour. Thank you to Larry and Geraline and Linda Davies for making some great tasting soup and to the Kids of St. Francis for passing around the soup pot to collect donations. Nationwide, Souper Bowl of Caring collected $2,973,759 in cash and food by 4,348 participating groups which helped 3,983 charities. Every dollar collected through Souper

Bowl of Caring goes directly to a charity selected by each participating group and stays local within their communities. Hope Mission serves the less fortunate citizens of Carteret County through ministries of food, compassion, emergency financial assistance, shelter for the homeless, and

prayer. Hope Mission volunteers come largely from churches like St Francis throughout Carteret County.

Also in February, St Francis re-sponded in faith by join-ing with St Paul's Episcopal Church in Flint, Michigan to assist those affected by the water crisis in Flint. Our help provided fresh foods to combat

the effects of lead poisoning as well as safe water and water filters. For more information on this water crisis, visit this web page: http://eastmich.org/the-flint-water-crisis-episcopalians-respond-in-faith/ .

-Denise Throckmorton and the Outreach Team

March Art Gallery Opening

The artist for March is David Slyck from Emerald Isle. The opening will be Wednesday, March 2, from 5:30 to 7:00. The event is free of charge, open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

Dave Slyck, of Plan “B” Studio, is a displaced or pos-sibly misplaced Yankee enjoying life on the Crystal Coast. A teacher for over 40 years both overseas and stateside, Dave settled on Emerald Isle for its scenic beauty and mild climate. He chose wisely, Indy.

Dave’s enthusiasm in photography and upcycling art has blossomed over the past several years as he trav-eled across the States in his motorhome. Although photography has been an interest to Dave over the years he admits, “Until my retirement a few years ag, I didn’t know my F-Stop from my ISO.”

Dave has won two “Excellence in Art” awards at the distinguished Art From the Heart. His work has been displayed at the Bank of the Arts, Carolina Artist Gal-lery and other local shows. He is a member of the Arts Council of Carteret County, Jacksonville-Onslow Council of the Arts and Coastal Photography Club

and has published both photos and articles in a nation-al auto magazine.

Dave’s main goal is to have fun and enjoy photog-raphy along with creating upcycled art pieces. He be-lieves; the camera should be used as a creative means to express life’s pleasures. Additionally, Dave wants to share his enjoyment of photography and upcycling art with you and hopes you will enjoy it as well.

Page 6

April 4/3 4/10 4/17 4/24

Youth Sunday

Vestry Beth Beswick Stover Morris Larry Castle

Lector George Hirasawa KIDS

Prayers Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Pat Jones

Chalice Marilyn Smetana

Andy Smetana

Marian Goetzinger Pat Jones

Altar Guild Meg Bradford

Meg Bradford

Crucifer Pat Jones Beth Beswick KIDS

Torch Bearers KIDS

Sound System

Nursery Beth Beswick

Children’s Homily X X X Marilyn Smetana

Children's Class Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger X

Children’s Class Assistant

Sandy Giovannini Meredith Westbrook Amy Hahn Ainsley Horton

Coffee Hour Meg & Tim Bradford Linda Davies & Mary Jo

Jennings Donna Standley & Ed

Dombrofski Martha & Clarke

Edwards

Purchase a brick to fund capital projects! Purchase one or more engraved brick pavers to remember or honor someone or something important to you. At the same time, not only will you help beautify the Circle, but the proceeds from your purchase

will help fund much-needed capital improvement projects. The price of a brick is now only $125!

There are two ways to order:

1. Go to our website and on the home page, click on the brick. That will lead to our ordering page where you can provide all the engraving information and pay by credit card or PayPal. Or,

2. Pick up an order form in the parish hall, fill it out, and submit it with your check for $125 made out to St. Francis with “Brick” in the memo line.

If you previously purchased a brick for $250, you may order another brick at no charge. Pick up an order form and provide the information for your free brick. We’ll handle the rest. Sorry, no refunds for previously-purchased bricks. Complimentary bricks must be ordered by May 1.

If you missed out before, don’t let this opportunity pass by! If you bought before, buy again!

Page 7

Lay Ministry ScheduleLay Ministry ScheduleLay Ministry ScheduleLay Ministry Schedule

March 3/6 3/13 3/20

Palm Sunday 3/24

Maundy Thursday

Vestry Larry Castle Tim Bradford Terry Smith Stover Morris

Lector Beth Parker Mary Kurek Carol McVitty Meg Bradford

Prayers Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton

Chalice Jolene McCann

Marian Goetzinger Jolene McCann

Pat Jones Andy Smetana

Marilyn Smetana Pat Jones

Marian Goetzinger

Altar Guild Meg Bradford

Bobbie Hill Linda Davies Bobbie Hill

Terry Griffin Elaine Tempel

Meg Bradford Linda Seale

Crucifer Beth Beswick Pat Jones Tim Bradford Pat Jones

Torch Bearers Sharon Watling

Martha Edwards Linda Davies Beth Beswick

Terry Griffin Linda Davies

Terry Griffin Linda Davies

Sound System John Marriott Kyle Venable John Clarke Larry Castle

Nursery Bobbie Hill Bobbie Hill Beth Beswick X

Children’s Homily X X X X

Children's Class Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger X

Children’s Class Assistant

Mary Kurek Meredith Westbrook Amy Hahn X

Coffee Hour Sharon & Rick Watling Barbara and JB Bagby Beth Beswick & Jolene McCann

X

March 3/25

Good Friday 3/27 9:00

Easter 3/27 11:00

Easter

Vestry Romaine Riddle Pat Jones Heather Pace

Lector Terry Smith Libba Shelton Meg Bradford

Prayers X Carol Eaton Carol Eaton

Chalice Marian Goetzinger

Tim Bradford

Richard Seale

Marian GoetzongerTBD

Bob Gallo

Jolene McCann

Altar Guild Linda Seale Meg Bradford

Linda Seale

Meg Bradford

Betsy Randall

Crucifer Tim Bradford Scott Shelton Beth Beswick

Bible Bearer X X X

Torch Bearers Martha Edwards

Larry Castle

Terry Griffin

Sharon Watling

Tim Bradford

Martha Edwards

Sound System Stover Morris John Clarke John Marriott

Nursery X Beth Beswick TBD

Children's Class X X X

Children's Class

Assistant X X X

Coffee Hour X X X

Children’s Homily X X X

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 ● © 2016 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 2016 Tim Bradford

Stover Morris, Senior Warden Heather Pace

Vestry Class of 2017 Larry Castle, Junior Warden

Romaine Riddle

Class of 2018

Beth Beswick Pat Jones

Terry Smith

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

Save the dates!

Buy an engraved brick paver to honor or

commemorate someone or something special to you!

Now on sale! See page 6 more info!