St. Francis Episcopal Church is located at
16608 Highway 76
Pauma Valley, CA 92061
Church phone and answering machine.
(760) 742-1738
Mailing Address
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1220
Pauma Valley, CA 92061
Check out our new Facebook page by clicking here.
16608 Highway 76
Pauma Valley, CA 92061
Church phone and answering machine.
(760) 742-1738
Mailing Address
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1220
Pauma Valley, CA 92061
Check out our new Facebook page by clicking here.
Reflecting on Murders in Sacred Places
“They are us.” Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand was referring to Muslims in Christchurch and nearby Linwood who, a week ago Friday, were shot dead, fatally wounded, physically wounded, or emotionally wounded while they were at prayer when she said, “They are us.” In direct, simple, loving words, Jacinda Ardern made a statement of identification and inclusion that stands up to hate. Her words were used as a response in a group prayer at a recent meeting of all the Episcopal Bishops. I wrote a prayer with her words as a refrain:
"O God, we remember all who were killed or wounded at two mosques in New Zealand. They are us.
We remember all who were killed or wounded at a Pittsburgh synagogue. They are us.
We remember all who were killed or wounded at churches in Charleston, South Carolina and Sutherland Springs, Texas.
They are us.
We remember all who were killed or wounded at a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin. They are us.
We remember all those who were killed or wounded at many sacred places when gathered for the worship of God in their tradition’s way. They are us.
We remember all those who grieve for lives and relationships lost to senseless, hateful murder. They are us.
May those who have been murdered for their faith rest in peace. May their loved ones find solace and strength. May we stand with them and seek with them to heal, to forgive, to reconcile, and to build up community based on faith and hope. May we and they not tear down potential, acting in fear, anger, and hate. Amen."
While the religions of all of those attacked are different, it is hard to understand why Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Christians - or Zoroastrians, Buddhists, Hindus or adherents to any of the world’s faiths at prayer should be attacked for believing, worshipping, and living in accordance with their faith’s traditions - or for any reason at all. As Rabbi Marc Gellman and Monsignor Thomas Hartman see it in their book, How Do You Spell God, “there are four big questions all the religions in the world try to answer:
Theologies vary. The ways of living based on different theologies don’t vary all that much. Yes, a few people distort their faith’s tenets and, with twisted understanding, commit atrocious and murderous acts. The vast majority do not. One person who understands this is our former President, George W. Bush. He has spoken about it with understanding and eloquence on several occasions. On one such occasion he said: "Islam is a faith that brings comfort to people. It inspires them to lead lives based on honesty, and justice, and compassion." (October, 2002) Indeed. They are us. - The Rev. Fred Thayer
Gospel Preview For This Sunday
Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 63:1-8; I Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9
. Holy Eucharist at 8 am & 10 am
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading (Luke 13:1-9), Jesus, referring to two disasters of his day, asserts that those who died in those tragedies were not worse sinners
than others. He affirms that all are in need of repentance. Then he tells a parable about a fig tree that hasn’t produced any figs for three years, the vineyard owner who wants it cut down, and the gardener who persuades him to give the tree another chance. Jesus’ purpose with the parable is to encourage people to use the time they have been given to repent, to change their hearts, and to turn to God. Amongst others, Jesus is talking to us here. The alternative is to come to a tragic end.
Lent 2019 at St. Francis
Sunday Eucharist
At our 8 am and 10 am Sunday services, the penitential and reflective character of Lent will be emphasized in a number of ways. In place of an entrance hymn at 10 am (we never have entrance hymns at 8 am anyway), the clergy entrances will be in silence. On the First Sunday in Lent, we will then continue with A Penitential Order (Book of Common Prayer, p. 351) and then continue with the Kyrie eleison (BCP, p. 356). I was asked if The Great Litany (BCP, p. 148, Hymnal S 67) would be said, sung or sung in procession at the beginning of the liturgy on the First Sunday in Lent. I decided not to because I feel it is a much more effective component of the liturgy in a cathedral or other large worship space, particularly in procession. Because of its penitential character, we will be using Eucharistic Prayer C as the Great Thanksgiving. The more Lenten Dismissal will be used (BCP, p. 366, 4th dismissal). In accordance with tradition, we will “put away Alleluias” for Lent. There will be no “Alleluias” at the Gospel procession, at the Breaking of the Bread (BCP, p. 354), and at the Dismissal. Though the resurrection of Christ from the dead is an ever-present reality, these Lenten liturgical practices, as well as the veiling of crosses in Lent, are designed to keep us reminded that there was a time when Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection had not yet occurred. They are also designed to heighten our joy in worship when, on Easter Day, all that we’ve put away during our Lenten worship springs back full-blown.
Why We Do What We Do the Way We Do in the Holy Eucharist.
Have you ever wondered why we do what we do the way we do it in our Sunday Eucharist celebrations? An opportunity to find out is on the horizon! In Lent, Fr. Fred will offer three half-hour sessions on the Holy Eucharist during coffee hours from approximately 11:20 to 11:50. The next sessions will be on March 31, and April 7. Please bring your copy of the day’s worship bulletin for reference. And, of course, bring your cup and plate, too. Holding the classes during coffee hour is strategic. There will be just a few hand-outs. There will be no hand-ins or grades. Everything you’ve always wanted to know about the Holy Eucharist but didn’t have a chance to ask may now be asked of your parish priest. He should be able to answer most of your questions. Be advised that the St. Francis School of Theology is completely unaccredited and charges no tuition or fees.
For additional Lenten resources, check out the Episcopal Church of the United States website by clicking here.
Congratulations to the Rev. Canon Susan Brown Snook!
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego elected the Rev. Canon Susan Brown Snook, 57, as our fifth diocesan bishop. She was elected on the first ballot with 45 clergy votes and 71 lay votes.
Brown Snook, who is currently the canon for church growth and development in the Diocese of Oklahoma, previously served as a church planter in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In a previous career, she was a certified public accountant. She has been married to Mr. Tom Snook for over 30 years. They have two adult daughters, Sarah and Julia.
This historic election will be submitted to bishops and diocesan standing committees for their ratification. Once those consents are received, the service of ordination and consecration by which Brown Snook becomes a bishop and assumes responsibility for the pastoral and administrative work of the diocese, will take place on Saturday, June 15 at St. Paul’s Cathedral. A festive reception will follow at The Abbey on Fifth Avenue.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for a New Bishop
Holy Almighty God, from age to age you call forth and anoint shepherds to tend your flock. We celebrate your calling forth our new bishop, the Rev. Canon Susan Brown Snook, to lead us forward in faith. As we joyfully welcome her as bishop, pour forth the gifts from your Holy Spirit to strengthen her for ministry. Through her faithful response to your call, may she come to know the vibrant faith, love, and support of the people of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.
And we give thanks for the ministry and faith of the Rev. Roy Hoffman, DMin, and the Rev. Michael Tinnon, DMin, who offered themselves, their lives and ministries, in discernment for bishop. Continue to pour into them a lively sense of your presence, filling them with your holy spirit, and blessing the fruits of their prayers and the work they do for your people and our Church. We offer these prayers through Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Annual Meeting with Vestry Election - February 1st
Acting per the Parish Bylaws, which designate the Vestry as the Nominating Committee, the Vestry has, through Fr. Fred, invited a number of St. Francis members to stand for election. The following individuals were elected to be vestry members at the Annual Meeting held on Friday, February 1st. Here are the new vestry members.
One for one year remaining on a term to expire in 2020
Roselyn Krause
Three for three year-terms to expire in 2022
Tom Paul Burch
Bob Hubers
Larry Luther
The meeting was called to order. In addition to elections, Fr. Fred offered a brief report and Andy Mathews gave the year-end financial reports and presented the 2019 operating budget adopted by the Vestry on December 9, 2018.
“They are us.” Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand was referring to Muslims in Christchurch and nearby Linwood who, a week ago Friday, were shot dead, fatally wounded, physically wounded, or emotionally wounded while they were at prayer when she said, “They are us.” In direct, simple, loving words, Jacinda Ardern made a statement of identification and inclusion that stands up to hate. Her words were used as a response in a group prayer at a recent meeting of all the Episcopal Bishops. I wrote a prayer with her words as a refrain:
"O God, we remember all who were killed or wounded at two mosques in New Zealand. They are us.
We remember all who were killed or wounded at a Pittsburgh synagogue. They are us.
We remember all who were killed or wounded at churches in Charleston, South Carolina and Sutherland Springs, Texas.
They are us.
We remember all who were killed or wounded at a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin. They are us.
We remember all those who were killed or wounded at many sacred places when gathered for the worship of God in their tradition’s way. They are us.
We remember all those who grieve for lives and relationships lost to senseless, hateful murder. They are us.
May those who have been murdered for their faith rest in peace. May their loved ones find solace and strength. May we stand with them and seek with them to heal, to forgive, to reconcile, and to build up community based on faith and hope. May we and they not tear down potential, acting in fear, anger, and hate. Amen."
While the religions of all of those attacked are different, it is hard to understand why Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Christians - or Zoroastrians, Buddhists, Hindus or adherents to any of the world’s faiths at prayer should be attacked for believing, worshipping, and living in accordance with their faith’s traditions - or for any reason at all. As Rabbi Marc Gellman and Monsignor Thomas Hartman see it in their book, How Do You Spell God, “there are four big questions all the religions in the world try to answer:
- “What’s our place in the world?”
- How can we live the right way?”
- “How do we pray?”
- “What happens to us after we die?”
Theologies vary. The ways of living based on different theologies don’t vary all that much. Yes, a few people distort their faith’s tenets and, with twisted understanding, commit atrocious and murderous acts. The vast majority do not. One person who understands this is our former President, George W. Bush. He has spoken about it with understanding and eloquence on several occasions. On one such occasion he said: "Islam is a faith that brings comfort to people. It inspires them to lead lives based on honesty, and justice, and compassion." (October, 2002) Indeed. They are us. - The Rev. Fred Thayer
Gospel Preview For This Sunday
Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 63:1-8; I Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9
. Holy Eucharist at 8 am & 10 am
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading (Luke 13:1-9), Jesus, referring to two disasters of his day, asserts that those who died in those tragedies were not worse sinners
than others. He affirms that all are in need of repentance. Then he tells a parable about a fig tree that hasn’t produced any figs for three years, the vineyard owner who wants it cut down, and the gardener who persuades him to give the tree another chance. Jesus’ purpose with the parable is to encourage people to use the time they have been given to repent, to change their hearts, and to turn to God. Amongst others, Jesus is talking to us here. The alternative is to come to a tragic end.
Lent 2019 at St. Francis
Sunday Eucharist
At our 8 am and 10 am Sunday services, the penitential and reflective character of Lent will be emphasized in a number of ways. In place of an entrance hymn at 10 am (we never have entrance hymns at 8 am anyway), the clergy entrances will be in silence. On the First Sunday in Lent, we will then continue with A Penitential Order (Book of Common Prayer, p. 351) and then continue with the Kyrie eleison (BCP, p. 356). I was asked if The Great Litany (BCP, p. 148, Hymnal S 67) would be said, sung or sung in procession at the beginning of the liturgy on the First Sunday in Lent. I decided not to because I feel it is a much more effective component of the liturgy in a cathedral or other large worship space, particularly in procession. Because of its penitential character, we will be using Eucharistic Prayer C as the Great Thanksgiving. The more Lenten Dismissal will be used (BCP, p. 366, 4th dismissal). In accordance with tradition, we will “put away Alleluias” for Lent. There will be no “Alleluias” at the Gospel procession, at the Breaking of the Bread (BCP, p. 354), and at the Dismissal. Though the resurrection of Christ from the dead is an ever-present reality, these Lenten liturgical practices, as well as the veiling of crosses in Lent, are designed to keep us reminded that there was a time when Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection had not yet occurred. They are also designed to heighten our joy in worship when, on Easter Day, all that we’ve put away during our Lenten worship springs back full-blown.
Why We Do What We Do the Way We Do in the Holy Eucharist.
Have you ever wondered why we do what we do the way we do it in our Sunday Eucharist celebrations? An opportunity to find out is on the horizon! In Lent, Fr. Fred will offer three half-hour sessions on the Holy Eucharist during coffee hours from approximately 11:20 to 11:50. The next sessions will be on March 31, and April 7. Please bring your copy of the day’s worship bulletin for reference. And, of course, bring your cup and plate, too. Holding the classes during coffee hour is strategic. There will be just a few hand-outs. There will be no hand-ins or grades. Everything you’ve always wanted to know about the Holy Eucharist but didn’t have a chance to ask may now be asked of your parish priest. He should be able to answer most of your questions. Be advised that the St. Francis School of Theology is completely unaccredited and charges no tuition or fees.
For additional Lenten resources, check out the Episcopal Church of the United States website by clicking here.
Congratulations to the Rev. Canon Susan Brown Snook!
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego elected the Rev. Canon Susan Brown Snook, 57, as our fifth diocesan bishop. She was elected on the first ballot with 45 clergy votes and 71 lay votes.
Brown Snook, who is currently the canon for church growth and development in the Diocese of Oklahoma, previously served as a church planter in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In a previous career, she was a certified public accountant. She has been married to Mr. Tom Snook for over 30 years. They have two adult daughters, Sarah and Julia.
This historic election will be submitted to bishops and diocesan standing committees for their ratification. Once those consents are received, the service of ordination and consecration by which Brown Snook becomes a bishop and assumes responsibility for the pastoral and administrative work of the diocese, will take place on Saturday, June 15 at St. Paul’s Cathedral. A festive reception will follow at The Abbey on Fifth Avenue.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for a New Bishop
Holy Almighty God, from age to age you call forth and anoint shepherds to tend your flock. We celebrate your calling forth our new bishop, the Rev. Canon Susan Brown Snook, to lead us forward in faith. As we joyfully welcome her as bishop, pour forth the gifts from your Holy Spirit to strengthen her for ministry. Through her faithful response to your call, may she come to know the vibrant faith, love, and support of the people of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.
And we give thanks for the ministry and faith of the Rev. Roy Hoffman, DMin, and the Rev. Michael Tinnon, DMin, who offered themselves, their lives and ministries, in discernment for bishop. Continue to pour into them a lively sense of your presence, filling them with your holy spirit, and blessing the fruits of their prayers and the work they do for your people and our Church. We offer these prayers through Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Annual Meeting with Vestry Election - February 1st
Acting per the Parish Bylaws, which designate the Vestry as the Nominating Committee, the Vestry has, through Fr. Fred, invited a number of St. Francis members to stand for election. The following individuals were elected to be vestry members at the Annual Meeting held on Friday, February 1st. Here are the new vestry members.
One for one year remaining on a term to expire in 2020
Roselyn Krause
Three for three year-terms to expire in 2022
Tom Paul Burch
Bob Hubers
Larry Luther
The meeting was called to order. In addition to elections, Fr. Fred offered a brief report and Andy Mathews gave the year-end financial reports and presented the 2019 operating budget adopted by the Vestry on December 9, 2018.
Click here for weekly readings from the Lectionary from the Episcopal Church.
Click here for weekly readings from the Lectionary from the Episcopal Church.
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sunday School lessons each week involve a Bible story, a art project, Prayer, and a song. The children join the adults in church at the passing of the peace and are invited to be a part of the Holy Eucharist.
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For Daily Devotions provided by the Foreward Movement, click here.
The Forward Day by Day booklet for the months of May, June, July are available now in the back of the church.
