St. Francis 2010 Annual Parish Meeting - January 23, 2011
Flower Guild
By Winnie Benson
The Flower Guild began at St. Francis back in 2002
when some ladies decided that they could make the
arrangements each Sunday, and therefore keep the floral expense for the church down. Since that time we have been able to provide this ministry for the church and have also been able to put our flower budget in the black for all these years. This has enabled us to buy supplies not only for the
Flower Guild, but have also been able to help with supplies needed for the Altar Guild.
What a blessing it is to have these talented ladies among us, and a pleasure to see the different floral interpretations each Sunday. Memorial dedications of the altar flowers, two each Sunday, remain at $25.00 each, and we encourage all to encourage all to continue to remember their special occasions in this way. Names and dedications are listed in each Sunday's bulletin. A sign-up sheet can be found in the Narthex
Acolyte Ministry Annual Report for 2010
By Dr. Valerie A. Kirk, Acolyte Director
The Acolyte Ministry at St. Francis exists to serve God by assisting the priest during the service and to facilitate the worship service. The acolyte duties include lighting and extinguishing of candles used during a worship service, leading the procession of the choir and altar party into the nave for the worship service, as well as leading them from the nave during the recessional as the worship concludes. During the service, acolytes bring the Gospel into the midst of the people for the reading by the priest and work in concert with the ushers and Oblationers to present the gifts and Eucharistic elements to the altar. An acolyte assists the priest in setting and clearing the table for the Eucharist, rings the Sanctus bells during the Holy Communion and performs the duties of Thurifer when incense is used.
During Year 2010, the Acolyte Ministry enjoyed receiving a new member in the form of Don Stackhouse, and suffered the loss of two valuable members, Maura and Riley Mitchell. Currently we number ten members. In order for members to serve only once in a standard four-Sunday month, we need sixteen members. We are always looking for new recruits!
Our goal is to blend in during a service and be as unobtrusive as possible, rather than to stand out. I would like to acknowledge and thank our ministry members.
Current Acolyte Guild Members |
|||
| Crucifer/Senior Servers | Torch Bearer I | Torch Bearer II | Book |
| Dana Downey Larry Woollven |
Lizzie Leigh Aidan Rodgers Devon Rodgers Cary Stanley Don Stackhouse Josh White |
Hanna White | All current acolytes can serve in this capacity |
| Substitute (Torch Bearer 1 Level) | We would like to thank the parishioners for their support throughout 2010. | ||
| Tommie Helen Woollven | |||
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Brotherhood of St. Francis
By Ray Thompsett
After a year of no activity, the Brotherhood of St. Francis plans to move forward this year. We will meet with Fr. David and discuss where and when we can be effective in the day to day overall working plans and needs of St Francis and the community. An early meeting in the New Year will be planned for all interested men of the St. Francis family and hopefully we will set some attainable goals and objectives for 2011. Be prepared to be active.
Saint Francis by the Lake Altar Guild Report 2010
By Jeanne Slupik, Directress
Mission: The Altar Guild is responsible for setting up the altar for Holy Eucharist for each service on Sunday; the healing service on Wednesday; for baptisms, weddings and funerals, and other services requested by the Rector.
Teams are primarily made up of 4 members who are assigned on the same weekend each month. When there is a 5th Sunday in a month, one member of each team is selected to make up a team for that particular week.
Altar Guild members are responsible for keeping the linens and vessels clean, as well as the altar and its surroundings. Members of each team meet on Saturday morning for about 1 hour.
Accomplishments in 2010:
- Had the new wooden Missal Stand made by Chitt Chittenden, the new Fair Linen and Credence Table Cover blessed by Father Larry.
- Successfully designated support for and completed support for Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter Sunday.
- Continued to update the Altar Guild Notebook. This is a continuing process.
- Purchased new oil filled candles with followers for the wooden candlesticks.
- Had the brass candlesticks, First Chalice and matching Paten repaired and replated. These last accomplishments were a long time in coming. Once again our brass appointments are beautiful and ready for use as needed.
- Purchased an oil filled candle for the Sanctuary Lamp to replace the candles we had been purchasing. Changed to Almay candle oil for all lamps, candles and torches.
- Updated the Altar Guild "Board" and represented the Guild for Rally Day. No new members.
- Held one "working" breakfast meeting in the church and it gave us the opportunity to introduce new team members and review our operating procedures.
- In October hosted the guild at my home for a "Thank You" Lunch Brunch.
- Submitted a budget projection of $1028.25 for 2011 to the Vestry. In addition to needed supplies requested $300.00 to repair and replate the 2nd Chalice and matching Paten.
- Decorated the Chrismon Tree on December 4th. Organized the "Greening of the Church" on December 19th at 5pm. Excellent support from Altar Guild Members.
- Covered all Christmas services with Altar Guild members.
- Recycled old Sanctuary Lamp candles and discarded candles that were no longer useable. Continue to clean out "stuff" from the Sacristy that does not support our mission.
Goals for 2011:
- Operate within our budget and use our supplies and current inventory wisely. Recycle where we can, especially candles.
- Replace linens as necessary.
- Continue to update the Altar Guild Handbook.
- Continue to use email to keep Altar Guild members informed/updated.
- Update/replace “greening” for Advent Services.
- Recycle/replace candle stock for Holy Week and Epiphany services.
- Repair and replate second Chalice and matching Paten. Replace linens as needed.
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Men’s Breakfast Fellowship
The men’s breakfast group is a group of men who like to have fellowship and share a great breakfast. We now meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. The cooks meet at 7:00 a.m. to prepare the meal and from all comments one of the best.
We are an unstructured group of good cooks who also like to offer our talents for coffee hospitality, fundraisers, pancake suppers and other church occasions.
We encourage and invite all men to attend and invite their neighbors as well.
Christian Education 2010
ByJean Robinson
The Children's Educational Program (Sunday School) and the Youth Program continue to develop with the much anticipated arrival of Fr. David.
Sunday School
We have continued with the same format developed last year. Sunday School meets during the church service. At the
beginning of the service the children are called to gather at the front of the church to talk with Fr. David before they
proceed to their classroom.
The children have chosen Jones Hall as their preferred place to meet. They consider this "their space" and have grand visions of future improvements to promote youth activities and further personalize this area. We are planning on implementing some of these improvements during one of the scheduled Youth Program events this year. However, we are currently meeting in the old classroom (previously the library) for the next month or so as the walk to this room is
more sheltered from the winter weather.
The Sunday School lessons follow the Revised Common Lectionary so the children are hearing the same scripture the adults hear in church. The lessons consist of music, bible readings, discussion, crafts and other creative mediums.
The children return from Sunday School in time to have communion with their families. Upon their arrival back in church they are welcomed by Fr. David and are often asked questions regarding their Sunday School experience. The children have started making two of each of the crafts made in Sunday School; one is to keep a nd one is to give away. The children are tasked with finding someone new each Sunday to give their craft away to and proclaim to that person the message learned in Sunday School. The idea is to promote the relationship between the youth and adults in our church family.
This past year we have seen a decline in the number of children consistently participating in Sunday School. It has been a struggle to provide a curriculum that appeals to all age groups as well as plan lessons when we do not have a consistent number of children in attendance.
Youth Program
After almost a year-long hiatus, the Youth Program is being re-activated. The focus of the Youth Program is "Family". This does not mean the families of the youth but the CHURCH family. There is a wealth of resources in our church family that could be shared with the youth. Such interaction would be mutually beneficial.
In November we offered an Advent Wreath Making event for youth which was opened up to all members of the church. In December we organized a caroling event for the youth which was also opened to all members of the church. The response to those events was minimal. Those who did attend noted what a wonderful bonding experience it was for all ages.
We encourage each one of you to participate in future youth-centered activities. Help build the future of the Youth Program and build our church family. If you have ideas as to how to make our programs more meaningful or if you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday School or the Youth Program, please let us know.
Columbarium Committee 2009
Submitted by Keren Necaise
Our Columbarium has been gifted this year by a beautiful hand carved Cantera stone cross donated by the Ellas and Slupik families and matching stone benches donated by Keren Necaise. These new additions have added to the natural beauty of our Columbarium gardens and make it very inviting to just stop by and visit.
We had several work days this year to maintain the grounds, which were very well attended.
At the present time we have available for purchase 16 niches on the B side of the granite columbarium (2 urns to a niche) and 17 niches in the Garden of Eden (which can hold up to 4 urns each).
We had a total of three people interred in 2010.
The balance in the Columbarium funds as of 12/31/10 was $23.698.58, with $2,000 still owed on sold niches.
The Columbarium committee members are Keren Necaise, Chair, Tommie Helen Woollven, Winnie Benson, Ray Thompsett, Jo Laney and Dana Downey. If you would like more information on our columbarium please contact one of these committee members.
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Evangelism Committee – 2010
By Linda Hillin and Lynda Leadford
At the end of the year Ronnie Harper, who also serves on the vestry, assumed the leadership of the Evangelism Ministry. This ministry accomplished many things in 2010. We continued to provide coffee mugs to be given out to first time visitors to St. Francis. Those who wish can purchase them for $5.00 to help offset costs of future evangelism projects. Linda Hillin updates the directory at least once a year and continues to maintain and update membership records. She posts pictures on the bulletin boards to help us put names to faces. We had one "Newcomers' Dinner" at
the home of Linda Hillin. The next newcomer dinner is scheduled for Feb. 13 at the rectory.
THE FRANCISAN
By Maury Meyer
The Franciscan was published monthly during 2010 except for the customary combined June/July issue. Janet Pollock, as church secretary, continued her good work in assembling the articles in a
reader-friendly design. After many years of excellent service, Betty Colley resigned as editor, and I assumed that job in late 2010. Ann Beauvais also served as an interim editor and she and Linda Hillin are now both assistant editors who help me check it for mistakes. Thanks to Linda and Janet for the chatter and giggles while we edit.
We are grateful for the people who write regular columns and those who send articles to keep us all informed of the many ministries that define our church. Our goal is to publish a newsletter that our members want to read and you make this possible.
We hope that the 2011 budget will provide funds for mailing The Franciscan to those who do not pick them up at church, in addition to those who are home bound. On the last Sunday of the Month when The Franciscan is published, our ushers have done a good job of handing out copies to everyone who leaves church. When members are ill or out of town and do not get the newsletter for a week or two, they miss important functions or meetings. If it is mailed, our members will stay informed.
Camp Saint Francis 2010
Beach Party – Surfin' the Word
By Lynda McNab
Sixty-one campers surfed through the scriptures at Camp St. Francis this year. We rode the
wave of God's love, basked in the warmth of His Son and learned some new Beach Be-
Attitudes! Through music, Bible dramas, crafts, recreation, and science lab lessons we learned to Be Bold, Be Kind, Be Forgiving, and, most important, Believe!! We rounded out our week with a pot luck dinner and program on Friday.
In addition, 61 adults and older youth had the opportunity to share Jesus' love and His story
with these children. Our volunteers ranged in age from the teens to the 80's. Center leaders, Lifeguards, and Kitchen Staff each played a vital role in this important ministry.
Join us this summer, July 11 -15 on the starship Galactic Praise for a cosmic adventure focused on praising our awesome God. This cosmic combination of faith and fun will bring adults and student cadets alike into a closer relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Come, be a part of the Mission!
Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors
By Judy Hall
The Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors serving St. Francis continued their outstanding support of our worship services throughout 2010.
There are currently 12 Lay Eucharistic Ministers, one Worship Leader, along with 19 Lectors providing their services to our mission of upholding Christ to all who follow Him, and to those who will accept Him. There are a total of Eucharistic Visitors.
F.E.A.S.T. (Friends Eating and Sharing Together) Groups
By Betty Morris
Small groups that gather for a meal continue to be a wonderful way for long-time and new members to get to know each other – and now to get to know Julie and Fr. David. If you are new to St. Francis and would like to be a part of a group, please call Betty Morris at 830-515-8659. Even if you would like to try a group before joining, call Betty and she will find a group that is available. Children are welcome too.
The groups meet for six months, with a host for each meal. The host decides on the main dish and other members of the group call to let the host know what dish they would like to contribute. Groups have met in homes, for picnics, and in restaurants. If you would like to be in a group but feel your home would be too small, you might offer to co-host a group or suggest a meeting in a restaurant, Dutch-treat, with the host paying the tip. New ideas are always welcome.
Won't you come and FEAST with us? We'd love to get to know you better.
St. Francis Prayer Shawls 
By Ginger Rose and Linda Hillin
Linda Hillin and I want to open the Prayer Shawl Ministry for all members of our church. Once a month we can meet at different member's homes on Saturdays to work together. Prayer as a group is very important in making the shawls a blessing for the person receiving this Ministry. All are welcome, and you can get free instructions.
Please fill free to contact either Linda Hillin or I for more information. Ginger Rose 830-964-4233 or Linda Hillin 210-422-1765. Free yarn can be found in the Parish Hall closet in a big plastic bin. Join us!
The Daughters of the King
By Mary K. Chittenden
The Daughters of the King is an Order for women of the Episcopal Church. St. Francis has a Chapter with 21 members, having installed one new member in 2010. Every Daughter pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service and personal evangelism. We meet every fourth Wednesday for a brown bag lunch at 12:30 and a one-hour meeting beginning at 1:00. This year we are continuing our study from "Devotional Classics" written by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith. Studies such as this help us as members to continue to grow in knowledge and faith.
We will be starting a required orientation study for six potential new members after the first meeting in January. If you are interested in joining this class to become a Daughter, or would like to visit a meeting, please give Chapter president, Mary K. Chittenden, a call at 830-609-1186 for more information.
Hospitality - 8:00 a.m.
By Lynda Leadford
The 8:00 a.m. Hospitality Ministry is still growing and is a big part of our after service celebration. We have many of those who attend this smaller service who participate in bringing goodies and preparing refreshments. We are always looking for anyone who likes to bake (or buy) treats for after service to add to the hospitable environment we at St. Francis try to create. To join the early service hospitality ministry, please call Lynda Leadford at 210-508-5497..
Hospitality - 10:30 a.m.
By Cindy Smith
The St. Francis Hospitality Ministry continues to be a vibrant part of our late service. We try to provide a friendly environment and the opportunity for newcomers to feel welcomed into our church family and allow current members to reconnect with one another on a regular basis. Members provide treats and drinks on their assigned Sunday. We are always looking to grow in number, so please contact our chairperson, Cindy Smith at 830-935-3197 to join.
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Ushers and Greeters
By Lynda Leadford and Larry Woollven
The 8:00 a.m. service has nine sets of Ushers: Chitt & Mary K. Chittenden, Gina and Joann Wilson, Duncan and Paula Garrison, Dale Calvert and Brad Mount, Ray Thompsett and Winnie Benson, Chuck and Azile Davenport, Phil and Emily Hopkins, Cynthia and Hollye Pedersen and Ken and Lynda Leadford. We not only hand out bulletins, count attendance, collect the offering and bring the oblations (bread and wine) to the Altar, but just as important we greet our members and welcome our newcomers. This is a very enjoyable and rewarding ministry. I am always looking to add
new faces to our group. So, please let me know if you are interested. The 10:30 a.m. service has five teams and all have the four members per team. Would like to put together a 6th team if anyone interested? Teams have been adaptable to several changes and we think everyone is comfortable with the changes.
Landscape Committee
By Winnie Benson
After a few false starts during this past summer, St. Francis now has a Landscaping Committee. The real purpose and duties of this ministry is to see that
the flowerbeds around the grounds and buildings are kept in good shape.
The word went out that we were looking for people who enjoyed gardening and would like to "Adopt a Flower Bed." Several willing people stepped forward – Gloria Glass, Harriet Nelson and Jeannie Slupik – we now have flowerbeds assigned to these special people. As there is no budget set out for us, we are trying to use plants that we have in our gardens at home, keeping in mind that they are not the plants that the deer enjoy so much.
In conjunction with maintaining the flowerbeds, we will try to have a "cleanup day" perhaps three to four times per year when we will be asking you to come out and help spruce up the surrounding grounds.
St. Francis Website 2010 
By Keren Necaise
The St. Francis website has been completely revamped in 2010 to better serve the needs of our members and visitors interested in obtaining information about our
church. The website is now more user-friendly and every effort is being made to keep it updated at all times. The website also has room to grow and add new features as we need them. We have received many positive comments concerning our new website.
Dwain Glass is responsible for getting the approval and authorization from the vestry and for finding our new web designer. Keren Necaise is currently keeping the website updated with Gloria Glass as her backup. If you have anything you would like to include or change in the Website please contact Keren Necaise at kenecaise@satx.rr.com. The website address is www.saintfrancisbythelake.org.
Memorial Committee 2010
By Pat Smith, Memorial Clerk
This year Memorials were given to the following: Altar Guild, Brotherhood of St. Francis, Choir, Honduras, Parish Hall, Prayer Books and Hymnal's, Columbarium, Camp Capers, Undesignated
On August 1, 2010, the Memorial Committee met and voted to recommend to the Vestry that the undesignated funds be used to buy the materials to build a Bishop's Chair – also, for the yarn a needlepoint seat. On August 9, 2010, the Vestry accepted this recommendation.
The Bishop's Chair has been designed and made by Chitt Chittenden, assisted by Ray Thompsett. The needlepoint for the seat was designed by Merry Saegert and is a work in progress.
We received 76 memorials this year for a total of $4,227. Five of these were given "in honor of."
Memorial Committee: Gloria Glass, Chuck Davenport, Emily Hopkins, Bob Kerr, Larry Bosenbark, Carol Glasby, and Pat Smith, Clerk.
Music
By Robert Finster, Parish Musician
St. Francis' worship life continues to be enriched by a full ministry of music. We rejoice that musical and liturgical leadership is needed, valued,
and appreciated by our parish. Our goal is to see that our worship is strong in substance, movement, and variety, and honoring to God. All the music we offer is related to our liturgical prayer, defined by John Donne (1571-1631)
as our "whole service to God."
Our parish choir makes use of the riches of liturgical language and music from our five-hundred-year Anglican Tradition, as well as from Orthodox and Catholic sources, our greater heritage. Consequently, the music we use is broad in origin, the texts being spiritually deep and consonant with Anglican theology and spirituality. Over time we sing English cathedral choral music, motets from the Latin Renaissance, Russian Orthodox chants, German Lutheran works, and anthems and other music from our own day and place.
Our congregational hymnody also reflects this same fullness and breadth of our Anglican Church heritage.
All parishioners are encouraged to see excellent liturgical singing – whether in the congregation or in the choir -- as a unique Christian witness to and thanksgiving for the love of the Lord God shown to us in His Son Jesus Christ.
Together we in the choir share warm fellowship as a unique organization within the Parish, and the invitation for your participation with us is constant. Please pray for our music ministry.
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Outreach Activities 2010
By Bernie Frey
Outreach activities in 2010 continued to follow the words of our Patron Saint, Saint Francis who is quoted as saying"Preach the Gospel at all times and use words when necessary."
We increased our participation in the highway cleanup program towards meeting the DOT standard of once a quarter
versus the twice a year as we had previously done. Participants included several young people who we appreciated having in our group. Including our stalwart regulars, we had from 15 – 18 folks volunteer for our events this year. With that great turnout, we are able to complete our two mile cleanup in no more than an hour and a half.
In 2010, our church did not participate in the annual CROP walk across the lake dam but that event will be on our 2011 calendar.
A partial list of other outreach activities that church members participated in were as follows. The reason it is a partial list is because members are volunteering to make our community a better place are doing so 1)without being asked 2)participate in outreach activities without being asked or letting others know what they are doing, i.e., doing it for the right reasons.
Operation Float-A-Soldier, www.floatadoldier.org is an organization that provides wounded warriors from Brooke
Army Medical Center (BAMC) and their family members an opportunity to spend a day on Canyon Lake enjoying water activities and a BBQ lunch at noon.
Fisher House. www.fisherhouse.org. Fisher House provides a home away from home for family members to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.
Communities in Schools. www.communitiesinschools.org. Providing community resources to schools in Comal County to help young people stay in school, learn and prepare for life.
St. Jude's Ranch for Children. www.stjudesranch.org. Rescues abused, abandoned and neglected children of all races and faiths from the vicious cycle of child abuse.
Community Resource and Recreation Center. Provides a food pantry and recreational activities and meals on wheels for residents of Canyon Lake.
Canyon Lake Blue Star Mothers. www.canyonlakebluestarmothers.org A support group of families whose loved ones are currently or have been military members of the armed services.
On January 2 of this year, Father David said "what we are is God's gift to us. What we do is our gift to God".
If you find any of the activities interesting please check out the web site and/or contact the undersigned for additional information. By participation we can fulfill another of Father David's questions which is "What is the fruit of your faithfulness."
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
By Maury Meyer
Officers were: September 2009-May 2010 September 2010-May 2011
President: Martha Sneary (Sept.-Dec.) Maury Meyer
Maury Meyer (Jan.-May)
Vice-President: Ginger Rose Lyn Jones
Recording Secretary: Jo Conchado Jo Conchado
Corresponding Secretary: Hazel Dowdy Hazel Dowdy
Treasurer: Lynda Leadford Lynda Leadford
All Women of St. Francis by the Lake are members of the ECW. We meet monthly (generally the 3rd Thursday of each month, from September through May, for fellowship and a program. Our ministry provides a variety of services to the Parish as well as the community.
During 2010-2011, our programs were diverse, edifying, and enjoyable. In January, Deputy Adam Pastrano and Sergeant Rick Cardenas of the Comal County Sheriff's Office informed us about the Neighborhood Watch Program. In February, we held a Valentine celebration and Ginger Rose told us about the Prayer Shawl Program. In March, a quiet day program was presented by the Reverend Patricia Riggins and sponsored by the Daughters of the King. In April, we held a business meeting to begin planning for the rummage sale and style show. In May, we held an end of the year celebration and pot luck luncheon, with installation of the officers for 2010 – 2011, and brainstorming ideas for 2011 meetings. In September, we held a Welcome meeting and Style Show work day. In October we visited the Dry Comal Creek Vineyard for a Tour and Wine Tasting. In November we toured the new Canyon Lake Tye Preston Memorial Library. In December, we enjoyed fellowship, food, and the beautiful views during the Christmas celebration and pot luck at the home of Maury Meyer.
Besides the meetings, the ECW conducts fund-raisers to support the parish and the Canyon Lake community. In May, we conducted a rummage sale held at the church, which raised $1,497 (compared to $1,900 in 2009). On September
23rd, the ECW sponsored the tenth annual "Hill Country In-Style Fashion Show, Planting Seeds of Hope" at the Seekatz Opera House in New Braunfels, with all proceeds going to "Communities in Schools", reflecting our
continuing commitment to make a difference in the lives of children. Thanks to generous donations from our sponsors and the hard work of many, we were able to present a check for $4,500 to Communities in Schools to be used by the program counselors in local schools, and we held back $125 for seed money for next year's show (we earned $4,250 in 2009, so this was an increase). In November, our bake sale provided home baked goods, jam, plants and "Love" spice cans to members of the congregation and raised $906 ($648 in 2009, also an increase). Also, the ECW, with Jo Laney in the lead supported the United Thank Offering (UTO-the little blue/white boxes for your change) that is held twice a year. Through our fundraising activities, we were able to support "Communities in Schools", as well as donate $2,300 ($1,900 in 2009) to other outreach programs such as: Honduran Scholarships ($500), St. Jude's Home for Children ($100), Good Samaritan Center ($100), Crisis Center of Comal County ($100), CRRC ($200), Hope Hospice ($200), Tye Preston Memorial Library ($200), New Life Treatment Center ($100) St. Francis Building Account for the new parish hall ($100), Salvation Army ($100), the St. Francis ECW Scholarship Account ($400) for 2011 scholarships to graduating seniors, and the ECW kitchen account ($200). Our Current Balance is $2788.23, which will be distributed after discussions in spring 2011.
During 2010, we continued the work of our Care Committee, headed by Lynda McNab and Connie Graham, to provide food to congregation members in times of family illness and death. The ECW continued to sponsor a Periodical Club at St. Francis, which is in the parish hall near the main door. Drop off a book to share or put $0.50 in the can and get a book to read: the selection is very interesting and eclectic, so please check it out.
If you have not attended any of our meetings, we cordially invite you to do so in 2011. Come enjoy the fellowship, the laughter, and the feasting. We usually meet in the Parish Hall. Reservations are not necessary. Please feel free to bring a guest. We also welcome any suggestions or ideas.
Programs for 2011
January 20 A Visit with Father David
February 17 Valentines Celebration – Bring a Guest! Program TBD
March 19 Quiet Day with Daughters of the King (9 AM to 2PM) – Bring a sack lunch
April 21 ECW Elections – Program: True Colors by Lynda McNab, date may be changed to follow Holy Week – to be discussed in January
May 19 End of Year Pot Luck Salad Luncheon, possibly a cook-off with the Methodist Church Ladies, details still being determined.
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St. Francis by the Lake Honduras Mission
By Patricia Perea
Trip to Honduras over Labor Day Weekend
In September of 2011, three members from the Manos Team (Cesareo Guadarrama, Fr. Allan Conkling and Patricia
Perea) went to Danli, Honduras. The main purpose of the trip was to evaluate the situation in Danli after the flood that
had displaced hundreds of families and to help plan for our trip in January 2011. The team visited several neighborhoods and talked directly with the families affected.
Prior to the trip, the Manos Team was able to raise $8000 to help the flood victims. We were able to use the generous donations for different things including:
• The purchase of food to make baskets for 60 families including: 250 lbs rice, 250 lbs beans, 250 lbs flour, 250 lbs sugar, 300 lbs coffee, spaghetti, pasta sauce, bar soap, detergent, toilet paper, mats and blankets.
• The team visited with the principal from the Instituto Pedro Nufio, which is the school that we have partnered with since 2002 with our scholarship program. When we learned that they had been 15 of the students' families that lost their homes, we decided to make a donation to the school to help these families with clothing, food, books, school supplies and anything else needed.
• We were able to purchase three pieces of land to relocate three families. Since then, we have partnered with Anglidesh, a non-profit organization from the Episcopal Church in Honduras. This organization donated the materials and labor to build three houses.
Trip to Honduras January 2011
The Manos Team will be in Honduras from January 13-20, 2011. A total of 20 members will be going including the following members from St Francis:
Gloria & Dwain Glass, Mo & Harold Simmons, Stacey & Brian Benham, Ray Thompsett, Chitt Chittenden, Tatiana,
Perea Hoecker and Patricia Perea.
The objectives of this trip are:
1) Conduct three Vision clinics: Manos de Dios, San Lorenzo and Jutieapa
2) Continue the train the trainer program with workshops in:
a. Sewing
b. Gardening
c. Soccer Clinic (Ages 15-19)
d. Youth workshops (Study Habits- Middle school/Ages 11-13 and Youth Talks – High
e. Computer workshop (HS Seniors)
3) Launch year 9 of the scholarship program
a. Select 5-7 new candidates for 2011
b. Have a scholarship award ceremony
c. Meet with scholarship college students
4) Conduct one Shoe clinic at Manos de Dios
5) Work on the construction on various construction projects.
For more information, please contact Patricia Perea at 210-241-9258 or perea@gvtc.com
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Treasurer’s Annual Report – FY 2010
JANUARY By Ralph Haynes DECEMBER
We began 2010 projecting a shortfall of $14,168. We finished the year with a total operating fund surplus of $60,556; we actually generated $25,910 of this surplus during 2010. The surplus was primarily caused by two things: 1) The new Rector was in place 5 months later than our budget anticipated thus reducing expenses and 2) Regular giving exceeded the budget by $16,000.
The operating budget approved by the Vestry for 2011 is once more a deficit budget. A short fall of $34,384 is projected for 2011. This is based on a 10% decrease in income from the actual for 2010 and a 2.5% increase in expenses over the 2010 budget. The shortfall can be covered by our operating fund surplus.
The budget essentially has bare bone provisions for expenses to keep the Church functional. Hopefully our estimate of income will prove to be too conservative again; however, the Church lost a number of members last year due to both death and transfers to other churches.
Obliviously the Church cannot operate in the red for an extended period. It seems we all need to do two things:
1) Dig a bit deeper into our pockets and
2) Try to add new members to fill the empty pews.
