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From the Desk of Deacon Ruth

Spiritual Disciplines

“Every day they (the believers) continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46, 47 There are several spiritual disciplines that are mentioned in scripture:

1. Prayer: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35),
2. Fasting: “So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:3),
3. Meditation: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2) and
4. Study: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8).

We as Christians are called to these disciplines as away of drawing closer to God. If we do not practice these disciplines we find ourselves adrift in our spiritual life. These disciplines are put in place so that we might have a way of focusing on God. In prayer, fasting, meditation and study we open ourselves to God so that he is able to help us through our lives--both the good and the bad stuff. We were never meant to take life’s journey alone. We are meant to talk with God as well as with each other about our journey. This is how we receive support through our lives.

With summer upon us, it is important to remember these disciplines so that we do not wander away. Summer is a time that we usually take vacations. Many seem to also take vacation from Christianity. That is one thing that we can never take vacation from. We are called to these disciplines no matter what we are doing or what time of year it is. I would like to challenge those who are not home on Sundays to visit a church where you are. In visiting other churches you stay connected to other Christians and give time to God by worshiping with part of the Body of Christ.

In my travels I have often seen church communities go to one service during the summer. I think that is sad because it means that people do not find it important to worship with part of the Body of Christ during the summer months. We all need to get away in order to find refreshment; however it should not mean that we bypass our disciplines or worshiping God one day a week. Unlike the churches that go to one service on Sunday during the summer, we here at St. Francis will add a Deacon’s service on Saturday evenings in the Chapel. This service will begin on June 12th, at 5 pm.

I will be gone from June 2 until June 9. Felix and I will be visiting my children, grandchildren, my parents and some of my siblings. For me it always gets interesting because I often attend a Roman Catholic service with my parents as well as an Episcopal service with my children and grandchildren. I have walked away blessed by these services as well as being blessed by sharing in a worship service with those I love. Many of you do not visit relatives when you travel but there is usually a church around the area. It is interesting to see how other church communities make you feel welcomed or not welcomed, and to see the difference in worship styles.

We can learn so much from each other if we only take the time to interact with one another. While you are on vacation you will have opportunity to share Christ both by your actions and by what you say. The best way to make sure that you are prepared to share Christ is to practice the disciplines that have been laid out for us in scripture: prayer, fasting, meditation and study. We have been called to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” Matthew 6:33. We have been called to put God first in our lives. Are you doing that?

I pray that you all have a safe and fun summer. I pray that I will see you at services on Sundays when you are in town, and when you are not in town I pray you find a place to worship. I also pray that those who are visiting in our area will find their way to St. Francis and join us in our worship services, and that they find us to be a welcoming community. “Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.” (BCP 366)

God’s Peace Always,

Ruth

From the Wardens and Vestry

Senior Warden's Report

Our St. Francis congregation continues to be vibrant and lively. We had wonderful participation in our Pentecost “Tongues of Fire” chili cook-off and raised funds for youth activities and camp scholarships. We have paid off a substantial portion of the arrears in our fair share, and we have left just one large payment to the diocese. That means that we will soon be able to start saving funds toward the amount we need to call another full-time rector. The vestry is hopeful that we can reach that goal, or at least be a substantial part of the way toward the goal of being financially able to call a rector by the end of the year. That is very exciting to think about.

The Cathedral staff has been a great help in offering to supply clergy through the summer at no cost to St. Francis. We have met Fr. Terence Lee, and we had a marvelous sermon on the theme of Unity by Fr. Mark Goodman, Dean of the Cathedral, on May 16. Canon Michael Perko will celebrate the Eucharist on Trinity Sunday, and we can look forward to visits by these clergymen during the summer. We are indeed fortunate to be able to benefit from their experience and the variety of preaching that they bring to us.

We are especially thankful during this time to have Rev. Ruth Morgan as our Deacon and ongoing presence at St. Francis. Deacon Ruth, now freed from some of her administrative responsibilities, is doing more in the realm of pastoral care for our congregation. More than that, she is with us each Sunday leading the liturgy and preaching God’s word. We look forward with anticipation to September 25, when Deacon Ruth will be ordained a priest in God’s one holy catholic and apostolic church. That time is fast approaching and we do not know what God’s plan will be for Rev. Ruth’s ongoing ministry after her ordination, but we hope that she will be with us for at least some time after her ordination to guide us as we look for a permanent rector for St. Francis. Pray for God’s guidance for us and for the diocesan officials who make these decisions.

Within a month after Rev. Ruth’s ordination the Diocese of the Rio Grande will have a new bishop, the Rt. Rev. Michael Vono. Our St. Francis delegates met and interacted with him only briefly at the candidates’ walkabouts during April, but he showed himself to be a witty, lively and charming person. He also brings a wealth of experience as a pastor to this position and we should all look forward to his arrival and October 22 consecration with a great deal of expectation.

On our congregational survey in March, one area that many believed to be important to the growth of a congregation is the area of outreach. This is an area that is easily overlooked when a congregation is busy solving its internal problems. We have an opportunity to be a witness to God’s love through outreach right in our own community. One area where we could witness would be through the donation of food to those in our community who are hungry. It is perhaps hard to believe, but there are many persons right in Rio Rancho and Sandoval County who are in need of food assistance. We have worked with Storehouse West, a Rio Rancho food pantry, in the past, especially at Christmastime, when St. Francis members have given generously to provide Christmas gifts to those in need. But the need is ongoing, and we hope that as a congregation we can be more responsive to this often-invisible need during the rest of the year. The members of the Vestry look forward to hearing your ideas about other areas where St. Francis can reach out to the community.

It is easy to be consumed by the day’s problems and current events, both in the world and at home. As Christians we are called on to be faithful, even when the going is difficult and the pathway is unclear. We only need to ask for and trust in God’s guidance. In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul said: “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) These words are as true today as when they were first written.

Faithfully,

Paul Isaacson

Senior Warden

Financial Report

There is good news concerning the financial picture of St. Francis. We owe only one more month of past fair share. After this amount is paid, we will begin reserving money for parish expenses related to the hiring of a permanent rector. Please continue to support St. Francis as we move forward towards this goal.

April Operating Income: $10,784.54

April Operating Expenses: $10,078.64

Heather Gabaldon,

Treasurer

Buildings and Grounds

The vestry agreed to enter into a contract for our dishwasher supplies. In return, the company will maintain our dishwasher. The dishwasher had been out of order for several months and has now been repaired.

The vestry also approved the installation of a basketball hoop for the youth as soon as funds can be raised.

Parish Ministries

Vacation Bible School

We are looking for anyone interested in putting together a Vacation Bible School. We plan on holding Vacation Bible School in early August just before school starts. Please call or email the church office if you are interested, 896-1999 or stfechurch@qwestoffice.net

E-mail Addresses

Elizabeth is adding e-mail addresses to her contact list so that we can send out bulk e-mails. We are hoping to e-mail everyone when the Messenger has been posted on our website. We also plan to e-mail anything that you might find interesting or important. If the church does not have your email address please send it to Elizabeth at stfechurch@qwestoffice.net

Office Volunteers

Do you have a few hours a week to spare? If you do, office help is needed on Monday and Thursdays. We would greatly appreciate volunteers to fill in these two vacant time slots. If you are interested please call the church office at 896-1999.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Please visit/join this ministry on the second Saturday of each month, (except in July and August) from 9 - 10:30am in St. Francis Church Library. Instructions are available and all are welcome. Contact Cindy Johnson at 890-3639 or Natalia Davis at 867-0257 for additional information. to right: Joan Harris, Cindy Johnson (in rear), Rose Smith, Gloria Rhone, Natalia Davis

Daughters of the King

The Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK) is a spiritual sisterhood of women dedicated to a life of Prayer, Service and Evangelism. We are an Order for women who are communicants of the Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA) and Roman Catholic churches.

On Sunday, May 16, the Louise de Marillac Chapter of the Daughters of the King here at St. Francis celebrated its 17th year. On Ascension Sunday, 1993 five members were inducted following a three-month training period. For information please contact Natalia Davis at 867-0257 or at natgdavis@cableone.net

Music

The Adult Choir and the Chime Choir are on vacation during June and July. However, special music is being planned for the Sunday of July 4th. A special 'Festival Choir' is being assembled and everyone in invited to sing. The rehearsal for this choir is on July 1 at 7:00pm. Please consider showing your faith-filled patriotic spirit and join us for this special event.

I would like to thank Enchantment Handbell Choir for the wonderful concert they gave for us in May. We are looking to bring more special concerts to the St. Francis family, but it is hard to perform to an empty building. Please show your support by attending these special events. Since I will be here just about every Sunday this summer please stop by the organ and say “Hi!”

Soli Deo Gloria,

Vera Kleinhenz, Organist / Choir Director

Drivers Needed

If anyone is willing to assist in bringing shut-ins to church services it would be greatly appreciated. Please call the church office at 896-1999.

Ushers

We need ushers, especially at the 8am service. Please call Paula Mote at 896-4142.

Publications

Anyone interested in helping to prepare the Sunday bulletins and weekly Happenings please contact the church office.

Outreach

Storehouse West

In times of economic hardship, organizations such as Storehouse West experience the double whammy of increased need and decreased donations. Storehouse West is a food pantry and help organization for persons in Rio Rancho and Sandoval County, which depends on donations from those who have an abundance to help persons in need. Members of St. Francis have responded generously in years past to the request for presents at Christmastime, but organizations like Storehouse West know that the need for food and help does not end after the holidays. There is an ongoing, often invisible need throughout the year.

At the time of our congregational survey, many people noted outreach as an important component in helping a congregation to grow. A meaningful response to requests for help from an organization like Storehouse West is one way we at St. Francis can reach out to persons outside of our congregation. We have had white food baskets in the narthex for donations to Storehouse West for many years, but it seems to take longer and longer for those baskets to get filled up. Perhaps members could each bring one can or package of non-perishable food per month, or on a specific Sunday we could have food donations as part of our offering. The youth group at another Rio Rancho church challenged the congregation to provide 2010 packages of food in the year 2010. That congregation met the goal in less than a month. Let the Vestry know if you or your organization has an idea to help out in this meaningful ministry to others.

“Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it unto me.’ ” Matthew 25: 35 - 40

In His service,

Paul Isaacson

Fellowship

Spanish Classes

Classes will take place on Saturdays, June 5th and June 26th from 9:30 - 11:30am in Parish Hall at St. Francis. Topic is foods/comidas and there will be sampling of ethnic delicacies. Call Natalia Davis at 867-0257 for information.

Brotherhood of St. Andrew

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew (BOSA) is a service and fellowship organization for the men of the Episcopal Church. St. Francis has an active BOSA chapter, and we meet on the SECOND (recently changed) Saturday of the month for worship, fellowship, breakfast and a brief meeting to discuss ways in which the organization can be of service to the church. At our May meeting we planned the Pentecost “Tongues of Fire” chili cook-off for May 23, as a fund-raiser for youth activities and scholarship(s) to Camp Stoney, the Episcopal camp in northern New Mexico. The men of BOSA and the congregation responded with gusto and we had an abundance of good food and good times. We also met our goal of raising enough for the youth activity and the camp scholarship, thanks to the generosity of the people of St. Francis. Well done!

I would be remiss if I did not name the winner of the chili cook-off, determined by the number of monetary votes received for that particular chili. The winning chili was brought by BOSA member Tim Kleinhenz (who, we believe, may have had a little help from wife Vera). But I tasted all the chilis, and they were all excellent!

The BOSA has accomplished many service projects at St. Francis over the years, and we enjoy taking on these tasks as an offering to God and the congregation. All the men of St. Francis are invited to participate. We meet at 8:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in the Parish Hall for devotions, breakfast and a short business meeting. Come and join us at our next meeting on Saturday, June 12. We’d like to get to know you.

In Christian brotherhood,

Paul Isaacson

BOSA President

Christian Formation

Youth Group Bible Study and Activities

First, we want to congratulate Brian McKinney on the occasion of his Confirmation. Brian was confirmed by the interim Bishop Frye at St. John's Cathedral on Sunday May 23rd. Brian joins a large number of the St. Francis youth who have made a thoughtful and formal commitment to the Lord. Bravo Brian!! We are very proud of you.

Sunday May 23rd was a happy event day at St. Francis as the Brotherhood of St. Andrew (BOSA) hosted a Chili cook-off with event proceeds directed toward our Parish youth. Some funds will go toward a permanently installed basketball hoop and some for Camp Stoney scholarships. This event was both fun and tasty, and it raked in a VERY nice amount of cash for the cause. Thanks to all parishioners who donated so generously. A huge thank-you from our youth to the BOSA men.

As the school year ends and we enter the summer season, please note that our weekly youth Bible study and Youth Zone (YZ) will take a break. We will, however, plan a couple of fun outings during the summer. More details to come….

Camp Stoney! Please remember that the camp season and schedule is upon us. Camp Stoney may be one of the most fun ways for our kids and teens to spend a week of their summer. May I remind you that Father Daniel and Jane Cave are up there preparing for this awesome season? Camp Stoney is a great opportunity to share in the Lord with your friends, participate in activities and be directed by excellent camp counselors. DOC guarantees the fun, and the Lord is there with you.

Please keep an ear open this summer for a phone call from Heather and me announcing a youth outing. Have lots of fun with your families this summer and be safe.

God Bless

Mr. Robert (Gabaldon)

Youth Hike to Tent Rocks

The youth and families of St. Francis went hiking at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Off we go! Take a breather... The parents joined in the fun.

St. Francis Info Page

Sunday Schedule

• Saturday 5pm Deacon’s Mass (Beginning June 12)
• 8am Holy Communion I
• 9:45am Nursery
• 9:45am Sunday School
• 10am Holy Communion II

St. Francis Staff

• The Rev. Ruth Morgan, Deacon and Parish Administrator
• Elizabeth Olguin, Parish Administrator
• Mrs. Vera Kleinhenz, Organist and Choir Director
• Mr. Robert Gabaldon, Youth Director

St. Francis Vestry

• Paul Isaacson, Senior Warden
• Ed Lovato, Junior Warden
• Heather Gabaldon, Treasurer
• Bill Oehlshlager
• Jim Lyke
• Tris Carty
• Rusty Elliott
• Freda McKeown
• Diane Bourg

The Messenger

Diane Bourg, Editor

Send submissions by the 20th of the month to quilterdiane@comcast.net

Office Hours

• Monday-Thursday 9am-1pm
• Friday 9am-noon

Calendar

• BOSA 8am June 12
• Prayer Shawl Ministry 9am June 12
• Father's day Sunday June 20
• Vestry Meeting 6pm May 17
• Chili cookoff 6pm June 21
• Choir Rehearsal 7pm July 1

Contact Us

St. Francis Episcopal Church

2903 Cabezon Blvd. SE

Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Telephone: 896-1999

Fax: 505.896.9585

E-mail: stfechurch@qwestoffice.net

Web Address:

www.stfrancisnm.org