Updated: 10/30/2025​

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​Living with Grief This Sunday on November 2 please join Lori Churchill for First Sunday Conversations at 9am and Living with Grief will happen after the service.  Thank you!

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The Financial Stewardship season is Upon Us! An important part of Stewardship at St. Francis is our annual invitation to make a financial pledge for the coming year. Each fall we begin the Financial Stewardship season, and you will soon receive your 2026 pledge invitation by mail. Our budget for every ministry and mission depends on the pledges we receive from you. The faithful use of our treasures is itself a ministry, foundational to our faith and to the work of God’s mission. How much you pledge is a deeply personal decision rooted in prayer. If you have not already done so, please prayerfully consider your pledge and return your pledge card as soon as you are able.

 

 

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Meet the Bishop Candidates!  All Saints Church in Worcester will host a "Meet and Greet" with the bishop candidates, at 6 pm on Tuesday, November 4.  During the Meet and Greet, a variety of questions will be asked of the three candidates so that attendees may get to know them. All members of our diocese are invited and encouraged to attend (other Meet and Greet locations will be in Springfield and Pittsfield.) For more information on the Meet and Greet process, as well as specific information on the slate of candidates and the search and transition process, go to the diocesan website at https://www.diocesewma.org/bishop-search-and-transition. St. Francis delegates who will participate in the bishop election on November 14 are The Rev. Pat Perkins, Senior Warden Craig Stanovich, Dick Delorme, and Dawn Rooke. 

 

 

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Women's Retreat:  "Steps Along the Way" - Saturday Nov. 8th, 9AM - 1PM.  We all have so many opportunities to use our time/talents/treasure in service to our families, friends, community, and world.  How do we know what God is giving us to do?  How do we know when to pick something new up, and when to put something familiar down?  These are some of the things we will discuss at our next women's retreat.  We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for our mission partners.  We hope you'll be able to join us!  Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex.  

 

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Mission Ministries Food Drive: Our next Food Drive is on Saturday, November 15 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. A list of suggested food donations is available by clicking here.  The Food of the Month for November is Cranberry Sauce and Stuffing.

 

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Mission Ministries: The food scarcity issue has become a very dire situation. St. Francis has been an active mission partner to Abby's House, Dismas Farm, Mustard Seed and the Wachusett Food Pantry. All of these partners are in need of further assistance as SNAP benefits expire. Please use the baskets at church for your kind donations. Any questions please check with the missions liaisons, Abby’s House - Kathleen O'Connor, Dismas Farm - Mary Cook, Mustard Seed - Nancy Pope and The Wachusett Food Pantry - Carolyn Schmidt.

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New BEMA Discussion Group Starting Soon Curious about exploring the Bible through a fresh lens? The BEMA Podcast, hosted by Marty Solomon, dives into the Jewish, rabbinical context of Scripture—offering a rich and thought-provoking way to engage with God’s Word. BEMA invites us to wrestle with the text in its ancient setting, encouraging deep discussion and reflection. A new BEMA Discussion Group will launch at St. Francis after the New Year. To help you get a taste of this unique approach, we’re hosting two introductory sessions—one on November 16th and another on December 14th. Want to explore before then? You can listen to the BEMA Podcast at bemadiscipleship.com or on your favorite podcast platform. Marty Solomon’s book Asking Better Questions of the Bible is also available in the narthex or free through Hoopla. The group will use Google Drive to share materials and resources. To get connected, email BEMAHoldenMA@gmail.com, sign up in the narthex, or speak with Dave or Kari Currie. 

Everyone is welcome—bring a friend!