Ministries

We are ...

A Worshiping Community...

We invite you to worship with us at St. Francis Episcopal Church.  While many of our parishioners are “regulars” at one worship service, others attend various services as their moods and schedules allow. Our worship is rooted in the ancient traditions of the Christian encounter with God, shaped by historic Anglican practices, and engaged within our contemporary context. We offer four unique liturgies each week that reflect on God’s Word in Holy Scripture and share in the Holy Eucharist (Communion) through which we more fully “become who we are”  - the Body of Christ called to be witnesses and servants in the world.

Our weekend liturgies begin on Saturday nights at 5 p.m.  Attendance at this service tends to be between 40-60 persons. Singing is led by piano and usually includes guitars; we use less formal music than on Sunday mornings. The music leaders, lay readers, and Eucharistic ministers are not vested and there are no processions or recessions; this gives the liturgy a “come-as-you-are” feeling. Younger children leave for a brief period during the readings to hear a version read from a children’s Bible before rejoining their families for the sermon and the Eucharist. Young people also serve as non-vested acolytes. This service lasts about one hour.

The 8 a.m. service on Sunday mornings is quiet and contemplative. There is no music, but the sermon is the same one preached at the other two weekend services. We also use the same Rite II liturgy as at the other two weekend services, except during Lent, when we use the older Rite I liturgy that utilizes sixteenth-century language. (e.g. “The Lord be with thy spirit”). Usually there are approximately 25-30 persons who worship at this service, which rarely goes beyond 45 minutes.

Our largest service is at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings. This is a more structured liturgy led primarily by the organ, with most of the hymns selected from The Hymnal 1982, and often includes a choral anthem. The clergy, choir, acolytes, and Eucharistic ministers are all vested and process in and out at the beginning and end of the service. The energy level at this multi-generational service is high. (Attendance tends to average about 150). Church School, which includes young people in grades pre-K to fifth grade, begins each week at 9:45 a.m. The children join their families after the Passing of the Peace, bringing with them a burst of energy as we share together in the Celebration of Holy Eucharist. (Children in sixth grade and older stay in church with their families for the entire service; their Christian education takes place on Sunday afternoons through Rite 13 and J2A). This service lasts a little more than one hour. Coffee and treats are served in the Fellowship Hall after worship.

We also offer a mid-week spoken Eucharist on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. The quiet semi-darkness and the lighting of candles as we gather set a reflective and almost monastic atmosphere in the midst of a busy week. The readings and a short homily usually focus on one of the saints of the Church: sometimes a beloved and well-known saint, but more often than not, one lesser-known from ancient or more recent times. We gather around the altar for the Eucharistic Prayer and there is an opportunity for those who desire to receive special prayers for healing, with anointing and the laying on of hands. Approximately 10 people regularly attend this service, but because it precedes numerous Wednesday night meetings throughout the month, attendance can be as high as 20. The service lasts approximately 30 minutes.

The ministries that support our worship life include the following: acolytes, altar guild, lay eucharistic ministers (LEMs), ushers, and music ministries. To learn more about our music ministries, which include an adult choir and a contemporary music team, please contact our Minister of Music, Charles Nwachukwu, at the church office.

» Acolyte Schedule ~ September/October 2010

» LEM/Lector Schedule ~ September 2010

» Usher Schedule ~ September/October 2010

                                                                                                 

Three acolytes from St. Francis serving at the cathedral in Springfield, Massachusetts.

A Learning Community...
At St. Francis Church, roughly 1/3 of us were raised as Episcopalians, 1/3 have come from Roman Catholic or Orthodox backgrounds, and 1/3 have come from other Protestant denominations. This provides a rich diversity of theological perspectives that we see as a strength. Opportunities exist for people at various stages in their journey to grow and learn from each other as our faith seeks understanding. These ministries include the following:

Church School Program: At St. Francis Church, a church school program is available for children ages three through grade five, during the Sunday (10:00 a.m.) service. The program is directed by Susan Bastardo, a member of the staff at St. Francis, and the teaching is done by volunteers who are a part of our community. To register for Church School you may fill out one of the forms available in the narthex, or contact Susan Bastardo at 508-829-0600

Youth Ministries: Journey to Adulthood, a three part program, runs from 6th -12th grade. 6th and 7th graders meet on Sundays from 4:00-6:00 p.m. for Rite 13. 8th and 9th graders meet on Sundays from 4:00-6:00 p.m. for J2A. Grades 10, 11, and 12 meet on Sundays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for youth group. For more information see the "youth" page on this website or contact Rev. Jill Williams at assoc.rector@gmail.com or through the church office. Everyone is welcome regardless of denomination, church affliation, or school district. We hope to see you there!

Confirmation Program: Persons in tenth grade or older are invited to participate in a year-long course of prayerful preparation for Confirmation. Expectations include willingness to enter into a learning relationship with a mentor, and regular attendance in worship throughout the year. For more information, please contact the rector at the Church Office.

Adult Catechumenal Program: The adult catechumenal class is the adult version of confirmation preparation at St. Francis. It is primarily intended for those who are looking to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church or received from another denomination. Those who are already confirmed members, but who are looking for "a refresher course" are also welcome to participate.

Safe Church Policy
Read the Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.