eClare from St. Francis by the Sea

eClare

St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church

Blue Hill ~ Maine

July 3, 2024

(Photo of Tom Avila's cousin and his daughter; Commander Edward Cowan, Navy (Ret.) and Sergeant Anna Cowan, USMC)

Dear People of St. Francis,

The Book of Common Prayer recognizes Independence Day as one of the "other Major Feasts" in the church calendar. Unless July 4 falls on a Sunday, attending church on the 4th might seem unusual. However, upon reflecting on the readings and prayers assigned to the 4th, I see a specific framework that enables us to honor the day while remaining fully mindful of our many challenges, rooted in the love that we should have for all others. This love is grounded in our faith in God through Jesus Christ.

In the appointed Gospel for Independence Day, Matthew 5:43-48, we read, “Jesus said, ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’”

As we celebrate Independence Day, let's take a moment to come together and join in prayer with the Collect Prayer for the day, no matter where we are.

“Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

Faithfully,

Fr. Douglas

Our Prayers: Mary Boyd, Bill Cary, Bill Casale, Claire, Cynthia, Kathy Caudill, David Decrow, Giffy Full, Kelly Gilbert, Julia, Jim Lober, David McBeth, Lorelei McKinnon, Ronan, Cindy Reilly, Dinny Robson, Claudia Smith, Donny Smith, Rod Smith, Peggy Smith, Robert Tobin and Persis Williams.

From Lynne Yurosko

It's BACK!!!!!

The beloved St. Francis Fair is making a come back! The Fair will be held on the church grounds August 10 from 9 to 2. The tradition continues with books, treasures, sweet treats, garden goodies, household items, home decor, furniture and of course the famous junque! All are welcome! Bring friends!

We will be accepting gently used and previously enjoyed items July 28 thru August 8. Drop off your donations at the church between 8:30 and noon.

Please, no mattresses, dated electronics, children’s things or clothing. We will gladly accept boats, kayaks and canoes and other nautical equipment.

Already in shape and tired of your exercise bike and treadmill? Bring it on!

It takes a village to pull this off so if you are interested in volunteering or would like to make a monetary donation please contact the Church Office at

207 374 5200.

St. Francis by the Sea

Stewardship 2024-25

We are hearing from a number of our dedicated leadership and parishioners whose thoughtful focus keep St. Francis Church a vibrant place of worship and fellowship, and support within our wider community.

From the Rev Carlton Russell-

"Stewardship is . . . making a joyful noise!

The thoughtfully-prepared and joyful singing of the choir can be considered a form of stewardship, of taking care of the people’s worship and -- more tangibly -- the liturgy itself. William Bradley Roberts has said, “Music gives wings to worship.” In leading the singing of hymns and psalms, and in offering a weekly anthem, choir members are working as stewards, lifting rite and ceremony to a higher emotional and spiritual level than either word or action alone can reach. As this choral stewardship brings joy to the stewards, so it can enhance everyone’s worship. In this ministry, the stewards and those they care for are blessed, and God is glorified."

A Very Blessed Independence Day to All

from

St. Francis By the Sea!

-from Elizebeth Richardson

Brig. Francis Marion (The Swamp Fox" served during the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. During the American Revolution, Marion supported the Patriot cause and enlisted in the Continental Army, fighting against British forces in the Southern theater of the American Revolutionary War from 1780 to 1781.

Tom Boardman

former Captain, USMC, was a member of the Spring, 2022, Collier-Lee Honor Flight, honoring US Veterans. He served on active duty in the Marines from 1961 - 1965, and was deployed to Guantanamo Naval Base during The Cuban Missile Crisis, and to The Republic of South Vietnam in 1964 - 65.

Donny and Peter Smith diving together -on assignment to Argentina, Newfoundland

From Aletha Langham with her Dad, Bob Langham who lived 92 years

He served in the United States Navy during WW II

From Suzanne Decrow-

William P. Wiley- 1923-2023.

He was in the 34th "Red Bull" Army Infantry Division in North Africa and Italy during WWII.

During his time in the Army and then the Air National Guard he was awarded the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, a Meritorious Service Medal, and an Air Force Commendation Medal.

From Jane Heizmann

Her brother Bill Heizmann

From Elizabeth Lastaiti-

The Hon. W. James O'Neil, brother of Elizabeth, "The best brother a girl could ever have". US Army Viet Nam

From Colleen Spangler

Major W. C. (Bill) Blaisdell served in the Philippines in WWII and a lifetime in the National Guard.

My Dad!

From Judy Rountree-

Neal Rountree-

back-to-back tours in Viet Nam, Neal was known as "The Gentile Giant".

Ralph Siewers in Viet Nam

From Pam: He so loved his time there and the challenging surgeries he was involved in, including removing a live grenade from a soldiers back!

Kenneth Spangler, husband of Colleen, served in Viet Nam during the Tet Offensive

From Sidney Peck-

I am proud to include this photograph of my Poppy, who volunteered and left his studies at B.U. to enlist in W.W.II. He was assigned to the Army Air Corps, and with faithful service, became a Captain.

Tim and Judy Thomas-

Looking simply elegant during their wedding. This photo was used to celebrate their 60th Anniversary.

Thank you, Tim, for sharing this moment with St. Francis Church!

iFrom Betty Creighton

Michael W Creighton US Navy Chaplin at Omaha Beach, D-Day Invasion

Bob Publicover AFRTS radio station at Sondrestrom AB, Greenland in early 1970.

The three photos which you see below were all sent to eClare by Bill Gould. They speak of Bill's Father and his Father's service to our country; but they speak of Bill, as well. And Bill speaks to us. St. Francis is gifted by all he represents, especially his pride in his Father's Service. Most of all, his message and all of the above message are who we are as we celebrate Independence Day as a St. Francis Family. My apologies to several of you who sent photos which did not copy. Have a fun July 4th celebration!

Judy

From Bill: My Dad’s pictures from WW2. Dad was the crew chief for General Davis the commander of the 332 Fighter Group known as the Red Tails.

I am the Fourth Generation in the US MILITARY and the first commissioned officer as an officer in the Military Police. My Great Grandfather Wilbur Pierce was a member of the New York 5th Infantry that were part of General Sherman’s March to the Sea. Both of my Grandfathers fought in the WW I. My Dad’s Dad was a machine gunner and Mom’s Dad was in the quarter master and fought in the battle of the Argonne. My uncle Dad’s Brother fought in the South Pacific and my cousin Bill Campbell was killed in Vietnam as a door gunner on a Huey helicopter gun ship. All proud Americans.

Click here: Zoom Link!

Password: STFRANCISMeeting ID: 543 976 0613

Website: https://www.stfrancisbluehill.org

St. Francis by the Sea | 330 Hinckley Ridge Rd. | Blue Hill, ME 04614 US

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