My Dear Franciscan Friends,

Sunday November 27th marked the beginning of Advent. Not that long

ago Advent was thought of as a kind of mini-Lent where a season of prepa-

ration for the birth of Jesus was dressed in penitential clothes. More re-

cently Advent has become a time of expectation and preparation that, al-

lows us to wait for Christmas more hopefully while still addressing the

painful realities of the world which create our need for a Savior.

Little while ago I heard a statistic about how much of our lives is spent

waiting. It was a significant proportion of our lifetime, something like 40

or 50%. At first this seemed almost impossible, but as I thought about it, I

found an unsettling possibility. How much time do we really spend waiting

in lines at the gas station, waiting for that fifth stop light in a row to turn

green, waiting at Disney in longer lines than we thought were even possible.

We wait in lines at school for lunch, for the teacher to call on us or hoping that the class will end be-

fore we would be embarrassed to have to say, “I don’t know” once again.

We wait for the doctor to return our call, for our children to come home. We wait for our driver’s li-

cense. We wait for the right relationship to develop. We listen to the heartbeat of child in the womb

both treasuring the moment and hoping for smooth birthing. We wait by the bedside of one we love

counting their last breaths before the inevitable quiet that marks the crossing of a threshold.

I think of Advent, and every season of the year, as an opportunity for us to practice our spirituality. In

Advent we are offered the opportunity of learning how to live in hopeful expectation. Part of what

makes waiting painful and undesirable is that we do not know how to do it well. Instead of seeing

waiting in lines as annoying at best, perhaps it is a good thing to slow down, breathe and step away

from the stress of our fast paced lives. Thus we may become mindful of our own inner life or of those

around us who look tired and in pain so we can send a prayer of loving kindness to a stranger.

During Advent we can practice right waiting by remembering at the end of Advent there is a child

waiting for us. Advent challenges us to change the way we wait. Instead of seeing our waiting as

something to be endured, or with nothing to be gained in the process, we are offered a way of waiting

in hopeful expectation that something meaningful can unfold in its midst, and that something wonder-

ful waits for us in the end, something we cannot yet see, but like the infant Jesus, something wonder-

fully simple or dramatically life changing. Whatever we find it is always surprising.

Peace,

Michael+

December 2011

MICHAEL MOULDEN RECTOR

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As many of you know, I spent the week of November 7th at Duke Divinity School for

a week of continuing education. It was wonderful to get away and be a student again. I

spent 10+ hours each day in prayer, attending classes, and meeting with professors. I

had wonderful conversations with the Rev. Dr. Jo Bailey Wells discussing the Episco-

pal studies program at Duke; the Rev. Dr. Sam Wells about preaching; and Dr.

Stanley Hauerwas on the modern Christian landscape in America. And like any good

college or graduate student, I spent many hours in the library with a book in one hand

and a coffee in the other. It was a great opportunity to refocus on reading and learning,

and I am thankful for the opportunity.

It got me thinking, as many things do, about the importance of Christian Formation.

Being at Duke, I saw many students and professors contemplating issues of spirituality,

religion and the Church. I spent time in Duke’s vast library, being reminded of the billions of words which

have been written about the faith. I then recalled the Pew Research report that came out in September 2010

which concluded that atheists are more knowledgeable about issues of religion than self-identified Chris-

tians. I suppose that in order to reject something, you have to first study it; but to accept something, you

need only claim to follow it.

Speaking of studies, many have shown that people are hungry for spiritual depth in their lives. In conversa-

tions with so many people, I hear this yearning. So why is that we, as Christians, do not avail ourselves of

these tremendous resources out there? Well, we’re busy with lots of things. And furthermore, inertia is hard

to stop. We’ve become accustomed to not feeding our soul through our mind.

To remedy this, I have a challenge for you. The season of Advent is upon us, and I invite you all to take up

the discipline of reading. We are accustomed to spiritual disciplines during Lent, so why not Advent (it’s

only 4 weeks after all)? This Advent I exhort you to learn something new about your faith, to be formed by

the wisdom of our Christian tradition, to prepare your heart and mind for the coming of Christ this Advent

season. Find a book on a religious topic that you’ve thought looked interesting, or pick up one of the sugges-

tions below, and read it. This Advent, take some time to slow down and engage our minds.

The First Christmas by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Conversations with Scripture: The Gospel of Mark by Marcus Borg (Mark will be read on Sun-

days during the next year)

The Dream of God by Verna Dozier

Advent Blessings,

The Rev. Robert Black

F R O M R E V . R O B E R T B L A C K

ROBERT BLACK ASSISTANT RECTOR

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F R O M T H E J U N I O R W A R D E N

This is my final article in the Franciscan as Junior Warden as my Vestry term will expire

12-31-11. I am indebted to the parishioners and staff who have helped as we have been

able to accomplish many tasks and projects over the last two years.

Mike Taylor has been a valued staff member who has spearheaded many of the accom-

plishments the past two years. He was hired as Sexton over two years ago and has grown

in his responsibilities during this time. As a “cradle Episcopalian”, the job title “Sexton”

to me is more custodial in nature. Mike Taylor’s job title was changed this year to

“Facilities Manager” to better represent his responsibilities. Mike has saved us tens-of-

thousands of dollars negotiating vender contracts with HVAC, Memorial Garden Land-

scaping and Cleaning services and fixing items around campus that would probably have

had to be contracted out otherwise.

Our Roustabouts have worked closely with Mike Taylor to assist with many projects and tasks as well. They

show up most Wednesday mornings accomplishing many items and have saved us probably tens-of-thousands

of dollars as well. In a 56-year old church, many things break down, need repairing and/or renovated and we

are blessed to have these parishioners each year utilize their time and talent to help our church. Roustabouts

include: Paul Crowell, Philip Weathersbee, Lawrence Phillips, Joseph Stiefel, Brenda and Larry Hart-

sell.

As we look to 2012 and beyond, we have a major need to build our Capital Needs designated account. This

is the only church I have been affiliated in my adult life that doesn’t have any money in this reserve account.

When a boiler, water heater, air conditioning or heating unit needs to be replaced, it would be nice to pull from

the Capital Needs account instead of the operating budget or asking for special fundraising to cover the cost.

We are in hopes of funding this account from parishioner donations as well as from the operational budget.

Here are some highlights from the 2011:

Kitchen Remodel , 7 Property Meetings, 7 Workdays, MSDS Sheets, office communication lines fixed, re-

placed stolen HVAC units, installed metal cages over all HVAC units, added motion lighting around campus,

all locks replaced around campus, crash bar doors installed in Parish Hall, several HVAC repairs, all floors/

carpets cleaned, passed Fire Inspection audit, cleaned out major debris in wilderness area, Book Sale Trailer

removed, Coke Machine removed, Day School/Kitchen painting projects, installed locks on Day School play-

ground gates, removed dead trees, Energy Audit completed, replaced gutter guards, replaced new batteries for

golf cart, installed three raised beds in Community Garden, constructed Greenhouse, built fire pit, Garden

Tour 2011, Goat Lady Dairy Ministry, purchased roto-tiller, installed water line for Community Garden and

numerous repairs.

Here are some highlights from 2010: New Landmark sign, Abandoned Cottage removed, Book Sale Depository roof, Reception area remodel, 24-

hour alarm monitoring for most of the church, Property Inventory List, major HVAC repairs, Day School

painting projects, St. Mike’s water heater replaced, revised Inclement Weather Policy, Parish Hall Sound sys-

tem, Facilities Use Policy, 3 Snow removal days, 5 Workdays, 6 Property Meetings, special needs parking,

upgraded outside lighting, replaced stolen equipment, new mower, Goat Lady Dairy Ministry, Garden Tour

2010 and numerous repairs.

I thank the Vestry and Rectors for giving me the opportunity to be Junior Warden the past two years. I appre-

ciate the kind words for several parishioners and staff as I hope I have fulfilled the obligations of this impor-

tant lay ministry with St. Francis.

J0N WALLNER JUNIOR WARDEN

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V E S T R Y H I G H L I G H T S

H E L P I N G H A N D S

Total church revenue is now slightly ahead of the budget as remaining pledges and matching funds are

collected. Expenses remain below the budget, mostly due to savings from disability payments received

during the year.

The Day School is now absorbing a small percentage of “shared expenses” with the church.

In summarizing needs, attention is needed to increase the capital needs fund so that it can support an ag-

ing church. Two future projects needing the most consideration include the removal of Clare Cottage and

the removal of Kudzu bordering the property. Other areas that are aging include the flat roof repairs,

HVAC ductwork under the Sanctuary, and the Fire Alarm monitoring coverage of remaining areas.

Membership and Hospitality needs still exist, but funds have not been available. Volunteer service has

been considered and will be discussed at the Vestry Retreat in January.

Bill Ronemus reported that Father Michael attended the Outreach monthly meeting and provided insight

on how to focus on a few areas and not try to be “all to everyone”.

Melissa Harrelson shared concerns over the future of the Book Sale. The event has grown to such a level

that more volunteer help is needed the other "51 weeks of the year" to maintain its success.

There was no new information regarding the recent stewardship update given at the annual meeting. Ef-

forts continue to reach those who have not pledged this year, but have in the past.

A few of the ways Helping Hands have been seen in action:

Transportation to church

Occasional yard work

Changing a smoke detector battery

Bringing a meal or two during illness

Cleaning help after surgery

A drive with a pet to the veterinarian

Sitting for caregiver relief

Keeping-in-touch phone calls

Providing a ride to a doctor’s appointment

Visiting a shut-in

And more…

Please call the church office, Carol Shearin or Claudia Reich

if you need a Helping Hand or would like to offer a Helping Hand.

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T R E A S U R E R ’ S R E P O R T

LARRY UPSON

The financial results for October 2011 and the ten months Year-to-Date are below.

Actual Budget Variance Actual Budget Variance

Accounts

Total Revenue $76,071 $48,722 $27,349 $464,708 $459,102 $5,606

Total Expense 64,193 55,092 (9,101) 518,410 537,218 18,808

Gain/(Loss) from operations 11,878 (6,370) 18,248 (53,702) (78,116) 24,414

Net Total Gain/(Loss) $11,878 ($6,370) $18,248 ($53,702) ($78,116) $24,414

January thru October

Year-to-DateOctober 2011

Revenue made a wonderful comeback in October. Despite falling behind budget for nine months, the par-

ish is now more than $5,000 ahead for the year. We are now in the stretch run to the end of the year. I

pray that the budget projections are correct. We can all help achieve our goal by fulfilling our pledges and

perhaps giving an extra $5, $10 or more toward the successful end of the year.

Expense for the month exceeded budget, but this was largely due to timing differences. Incidentally, a

timing difference is an expense, though planned, actually happens in one month earlier or later than origi-

nally planned. It has no overall difference to the budget plan.

Overall, October was good news, and, as mentioned above, this run to the end of the year will be impor-

tant. An early look at revenues for November shows that we’ve fallen below budget. We can only pray

that this is budget anomaly and we will recover. So, regarding end of year contributions, if you wish your

year end contributions credited to 2011, please – please, have them into the office not later than Thursday

morning, December 29th.

The Day School continues to operate profitably now that school is in session.

Let me once again give thanks to the members of the Finance Committee, our Vestry Liaison, Parish Ad-

ministrator, Vestry, Wardens and Clergy for their faithfulness and counsel during 2011.

As we celebrate Advent, best wishes to all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Peace.

Larry Upson

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D A Y S C H O O L

T H E G R E E N I N G O F T H E C H U R C H

In the last week of Advent on Thursday December 22nd, we invite everyone to the church at 6:00pm to

help us decorate for Christmas Eve. The Altar Guild supplies pine, juniper, magnolia, other greens and

candles, and most importantly-- guidance.

Together, we cover the inside of the church until it smells like being in the middle of a forest and hang

the outdoor wreaths-lots of them. You don’t have to be an interior decorator to help; it’s such a large

task, that every pair of hands is welcome-even little ones.

Bring some clippers, rags and furniture polish. If you need more info, call Kitty Baker @ 772-2739. See

you on the 22nd!

Featured from left to right are: Hunter, Sienna, Katie (background), Param (rower), Tam (First Mate/Mast

Helper), Joey (background behind First Mate), Colin (background), Kate (Princess in blue dress.), Grady

(Governor).

Not pictured were Ryan, Liam and Kaden (Native Americans). The lead teacher is Denisa LeHeup and the

assistant teacher is Allison Mize.

The Pre-K Class presented a play entitled “A Day on the Mayflower.” A pre-Thanksgiving pizza feast was

enjoyed by all.

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SAVVY SENIORS

Savvy Seniors and all ages, Tuesday Feb. 8 -

11:45 lunch at Graffiti's, 1:00 "Bodies Revealed"

at the Natural Science Center of Greensboro.

This is a striking exhibit of the human body

and how it works, touring the US, that will

enlighten, empower and inspire. Our group rate

is $12 and includes admission to the exhibit

and the Center's exhibits. For reservations, call

Carol Mooney at 2824003 or Nancy Baldwin at

5456829.

O U T R E A C H

C H A P T E R S I N O U R L I V E S

BAPTISM:

Melissa Evelyn May, granddaughter of Don and Natalie Allen, November 6, 2011

MARRIAGE:

Karen Moorefield and Halstead McAdoo, November 11, 2011

TRANSFERS IN:

Cedric Reynolds from Otey Memorial Parish Episcopal Church

Pat Russell from St. Pius X

Jan Lehouck from All Saints Episcopal Church

Louie Hughes from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

Jane Anne Hayber from First Baptist Church

The Outreach Committee has received a record number of requests for assistance from our local com-

munity, the Diocese and the world. As we work to be good stewards of the hard earned money gener-

ated from the St. Francis Book Sale; the Outreach Committee, our Rectors and the Vestry, along with

the Policies and Procedures Committee will work together to review our current Bylaws and Mission

Statement. Father Michael joined us at the November meeting to share some ideas as we begin this

process. Already we have implemented a new system where we can review requests in a more effi-

cient and systematic manner with maximum input from each member. In addition, at this meeting the

committee approved donations to Operation Christmas Child and Nets for Life.

St. Francis Outreach Honor Cards

Our lovely St. Francis Honor Cards are a mean-

ingful way to remember your friends and family

during the Christmas Season. All of the funds go

directly to outreach throughout the community

and the world. Cards are 1 for $5, 3 for $10 and

6 for $20. They are available in the office and

this Sunday after the 9:15am service and the

10:30am service.

St. Francis Book Sale

Please remember that this is a year long project and volunteers are needed year round.

All proceeds go directly to the Outreach Fund. Sorters are needed on Wednesday and

Saturday mornings...Just an hour of your time! Call Melissa Harrelson..275-0011. WE

NEED YOU!!

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S T . F R A N C I S E P I S C O P A L C H U R C H A Parish of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina

The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop

The Rt. Rev. Albert (Chip) Marble, Assisting Bishop The Rt. Rev. William Gregg, Assistant Bishop

P A R I S H S T A F F The Rev. Michael Moulden, Rector

The Rev. Robert Black, Assistant Rector

Rae Augustin, Day School Director

Liz Harvey, Youth Activities

Susan Elam, Director of Christian Education

Sam Doyle, Choir Director

Pat Copley, Organist

Jane Woody, Junior Choir Director

Linda Allgood, Parish Administrator

Bonnie Thyer, Communications Coordinator

Linda Lambe, Bookkeeper

Mike Taylor, Facilities Manager

Rigoberto Bautista, Custodian

On the web at: www.stfrancisgreensboro.org

Phone 336-288-4721 Fax 336-288-4760

St. Francis Day School 336-288-4740

ST. FRANCIS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 3506 Lawndale Drive

Greensboro, NC 27408

P A R I S H V E S T R Y Tessa Leftwich (11), Senior Warden 455-9781

Jon Wallner (11), Junior Warden 644-6130

Melissa Harrelson, (11), Clerk 275-0011 Bill Ronemus (11), Outreach/Service 273-2081

Bruce Barnes (12), Worship 674-3193

Bill Kopald (12), Communication 299-2520 Mariana Newton (12), Congregational Care 292-4598

Martha Shafer (12), Education/Membership 643-0151

Jenan Jones Benson (13), Accounting/Finance 545-0964 Keir Davis (13), Fellowship/Parish Life 856-7680

Jennifer Mangrum (13), St. Francis Day School 665-0521

Lynn Sandlin (13), Property/Facilities 644-8056 Larry Upson, Treasurer 547-7966

Church office : office@stfrancisgreensboro.org

The Franciscan Editor:

Franciscan@stfrancisgreensboro.org