Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, a theologically progressive and inclusive Christ-centered community of faith.
St. Francis is known for its welcome and hospitality of the young, old, and the young at heart. We are a community of compassion and acceptance with a commitment to exploring and deepening our faith. Inspired by our patron saint, Francis, we have a hunger for justice and peace in the world.
St. Francis, an Episcopal Church in the Diocese of California, is nestled beneath a breathtaking canopy of oaks in downtown Novato, in Northern Marin County.
Our Sunday morning service draws on the ancient and modern practices of the Episcopal Church.
St. Clare's, our outdoor chapel, is always open for prayer and meditation.
If you prefer walking meditation, our outdoor labyrinth is the place to still your soul.
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Readings for October 6th
We will be worshipping the 20th Sunday after Pentecost and celebrating the Feast Day of St. Francis at 10:00 AM with the service being led by the Rev. Scot Sherman. Join us for a special Blessing of the Animals at 10:45 AM.This Sunday the Readings will be:
Job 39:1-18
Psalm 121
Matthew 11:25-30Save the Date - Sunday October 6
St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day
We are looking forward to celebrating the Feast Day of St. Francis on Sunday, October 6 with the Blessing of the Animals. You are invited to bring your pets of all shapes and sizes to this special event! Church service will be held in St. Clare's Chapel and will begin at 10am, with the Blessing of the Animals beginning at 10:45am. Please join us in Rosie's Room after the service for coffee and refreshments (and treats for your furry companions!).
Feast Day - Francis of Assisi
The Episcopal Church celebrates the feast day of Francis of Assisi, an Italian friar, beloved saint, and one of the most venerated individuals in Christian history. He founded the Franciscan Order for men and the Order of Saint Clare for women, and he is also widely known for his love of nature and animals. Perhaps the most famous prayer attributed to St. Francis is:
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord, union;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light; and
where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
But did you know St. Francis is also credited with these inspiring and challenging quotes?
· Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
· If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.
· While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.
· All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.
· A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.
Published by the Office of Formation of The Episcopal Church, 815 Second Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017
© 2021 The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. All rights reserved.St. Francis Community Pantry - Pantry Sunday Update
Due to our special event this Sunday, we will be postponing Pantry Sunday until next Sunday, October 13. If you would like your plate offering to be designated for pantry use this week, please make a note on the envelopes available. Thank you for your continued generosity!
-Evelyn EllisNotes from your Deanery Representatives
The final notes on the remaining resolutions will be reported in next week's Transitus.
-Tony Mei
Upcoming Maintenance Project
As many of you may remember from last winter, the roof to our beloved church is in dire need of repair. There are several damaged areas that allow water into the building, including the narthex and the altar guild. We must complete the repairs needed before the rain starts to prevent further damage to the building. We have gotten a couple of quotes from roofing companies, but we would like at least one more!
We are reaching out to see if anyone in our congregation has someone they recommend, perhaps a roofer you have worked with in the past, or maybe you have a family member or close friend who is an experienced roofer! Please reach out to Robert or call the church office with any information you can offer. Thank you!
Office: (415) 892-1600
Robert: SrWarden@StFrancisNovato.comMusic Notes
Please consider singing with the choir to help St. Francis prepare for and have a wonderful Advent and Christmas season this year. Rehearsals are only one hour (6:00pm to 7:00pm) on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Please speak with Ray for more information!
So, come one, come all that would like to try the choir as a ministry that is a fun, learning experience and the chance to make beautiful music together.
- RayPantry Donations Needed
Please consider making a donation of goods or funds to our community pantry, as our stock is currently low. Any nonperishable food, toiletries, or clothing donations would be gladly accepted! Please visit https://stfrancisnovato.org/st_francis_community_pantry for additional information and donation ideas.
You will also find a printed list of items needed on the entryway table of the church. All donations great and small are appreciated as we help those in need in our community.Transitus
Curious about why our weekly e-newsletter is called The Transitus? The name comes from the most important feast day in the life of St. Francis, his death on October 3 and his entrance into the joy of our God. This is known as the Transitus, or Journey. Just as Francis was sent into new life, we pray our community worship, events and education help send you into new life - a journey - as well!
Get the latest announcements below.
Click here to view the entire latest Transitus. Click Here
Click here to view past issues of the Transitus. Click Here
Click here to subscribe to our weekly e-news. Click Here
St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church
- 967 5th St.
Novato, California 94945 - Map
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- Phone 415-892-1600
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