Updated: 04/09/2026​

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​MENDING DIVISION TED Talk Series on Healing our Relationships and Strengthening our Communities.  Please join us for the second conversation in our three-part series of TED Talks on Friday, April 10th at 7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall.  Each of the three talks addresses practical principles and practices for restoring strained relationships and strengthening communities but feel free to attend only one or all three.  In this next installment, Julia Dhar discusses how the strategies of formal debate can help us separate people from ideas in How to Disagree Productively and Find Common Ground. You don't need to watch the video in advance but maybe think about something you changed your mind about and why.  There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex and we will have pizza and snacks (small donations appreciated).  Mark your calendar for the final talk in the series on Friday, May 8th.

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Mission Ministries Food Drive: Our first Food Collection for our Mission Partners, Abby's House, Dismas Farm, Mustard Seed, and the Wachusett Food Pantry is on Sat. April 11th 9:30-11a.m. The list of items most needed can be located on the long table in the narthex or by clicking here. Thank you for your faithful and continued support of all of these vital ministries. The need remains great and all of your support is greatly appreciated.

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Mission Ministries:  We have a lot of information to share now that spring is upon us.  First, thank you to all who contributed birthday kits for our project with the children in Church School.  We will be pairing the Church School cards with the cake mixes/frosting/candle donations and providing the kits to the Mustard Seed for distribution.  We exceeded our goal of creating 25 birthday kits, which is great! Thank you for continuing to support all of our mission partners.  Even though we do ask our mission partners if they have special requests, all donations of unexpired non-perishable food items are welcome, along with cleaning supplies and personal care items.  Continuing with the food theme, we are holding a fundraiser for Mission Ministries on Thursday April 16th at Pinecroft Dairy & Restaurant.  If you go for lunch, dinner, ice cream, or takeout next Thursday, just mention St. Francis when you pay your server or at the register and they will donate 15% of your check to St. Francis.  No flyer or form needed.  And just last week, Pinecroft was voted #1 for fish & chips by readers of the Worcester Telegram.

 

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April’s 'Inspired Art' session is this Thursday, April 16th, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM in the Fellowship hall. I hope the artist in you is called to join us in this prayerful venture. We will share ideas, both artistically and spiritually, and you will have time to create, either painting or drawing.  We will supply paint and paper or bring your own if you have them. Please join us and let our Lord lead.

 

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Mission Fair:  On Sunday, April 26th, Mission Ministries will be hosting coffee hour and holding a mini Mission Fair to provide information about the many ways we strive to serve those in our surrounding communities.  We will have information about various ministries including our Mission Partners (Abby's House, Dismas Farm, Mustard Seed, and Wachusett Food Pantry) as well as Laundry Love, Heifer International, the DCF Wonderfund, and Episcopal Relief & Development.  You may be surprised at everything we support with your generosity!

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​Capital Campaign: As was announced at the annual meeting, a capital campaign committee has been formed, and has been meeting regularly. Details will be shared with the parish in the near future.​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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