01.05.2026
Saint Francis
ST. FRANCIS WEEKLY NEWS
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Message from the church Call Committee:
The Call Committee is continuing its work with bi-weekly meetings as we prepare the necessary documents to submit to the Bishop’s office. As promised, we are requesting members and friends to take part in the process by interacting with the committee. We kindly request that you spend a few minutes completing the surveys below:
Who We Are and What We Value: https://forms.gle/Sb2c6gGmKHEbMEcK6
Mission, Leadership & the Future: https://forms.gle/Fv7LFdhvN9ga4JmM6
For those receiving this by regular mail, the surveys can be mailed to the church office, Attention: Call Committee, or dropped in the collection plate on a Sunday AM.
There will be more opportunities to participate, including the future small group zoom calls. For those who would like a private call with two or more members of the Call Team, please email Ken at kenhedrick@aol.com or call (415) 990-6536 with suggested times you will be available and if you prefer a zoom call or a regular telephone call. Please include in your prayers the Call Committee members as we proceed with this important assignment. Ken Hedrick, Marilyn Jackson, Tom Braham, Lynne Olesen, Kenji Nishiura
Listening & Sharing Circle | Sunday, May 3 |12:30 - 1:30 PM
During this time of transition, you are invited to a small, in-person listening and sharing circle following worship. These gatherings are an opportunity to share what has been on your heart and to voice any hopes or questions as we look ahead together. We give thanks for Pr. Bea Chun’s 11 years of faithful ministry at St. Francis, and we recognize that this season may bring a range of emotions for many.
These circles are offered as part of Pr. Christian’s bridge ministry and will be gently facilitated. This time together will last about one hour. You are invited to attend one of the two sessions — whichever date works best for you. There is no agenda or business attached to these sessions—simply space to listen and to share. There is no pressure to speak — come as you are.
Annual Walk with Open Source Wellness - Saturday, May 9!
Thank you for all your enthusiasm and support of Open Source Wellness over the years! OSW participants find a 51% increase in physical activity; 19 points lower blood pressure; a 77% decrease in ER visits, etc. OSW has continued to grow and expand, launching partnerships with YMCAs around the country to help even more people Move, Nourish, Connect and Be!
The annual "Walk with OSW" is on Saturday, May 9. Please join Jim Kowalski, Bruce Jervis, Ben Emmert-Aronson (and many others) at Lake Merritt in Oakland that morning at 9:00 or walk wherever is easy for you! To register and/or sponsor a team with a gift, please visit www.walkwithosw.org, scroll down and click on a leader's photo. Then click the blue button on the upper right side that says "Donate & Tickets" - you can either sign up for the walk, donate or both. (Note: the processing fee covers the credit card financial costs; the optional tip makes the Give Butter platform free for OSW to use - you can decrease or eliminate the tip.) If you want to give by check, please let Jim Kowalski know and he will explain how to best do that.
Thank you! The St. Francis community makes a huge difference with Open Source Wellness!
Lutheran Disaster Response in the Midwest
Last week, heavy storms brought significant flooding and damage to communities across the upper Midwest. Homes were inundated, roads were washed out, and residents are beginning the difficult work of assessing what was lost. At the same time, severe weather continues to affect communities in many parts of the United States, leaving a trail of damage that will require significant cleanup and long-term recovery.
Together with these local partners, we are helping coordinate responses to urgent needs while also preparing for the long road ahead — debris removal, repair, rebuilding, disaster case management and the ongoing emotional and spiritual care so many survivors need.
Will you make a gift today to support Lutheran Disaster Response’s ongoing storm-recovery efforts? Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated and will be used where the need is greatest, in close partnership with local ministries on the ground.
Theology on Tap Second Mondays | 6:00–7:30/8:00 PM
Next gathering: May 11 | Pilsner Inn, Church Street (SF)
Faith, questions, good conversation—and maybe a drink. Join us for Theology on Tap, a relaxed evening of community, laughter, and real talk about the things that matter. We’ll explore spiritual and theological questions in a lighthearted, grounded, and distinctly Lutheran way—everything from God and prayer to “why church?” to liturgy and beyond. No prep needed. No pressure. Just bring your curiosity (and maybe a friend). We gather every second Monday at 6:00 PM at the Pilsner Inn. Come as you are, stay as long as you like. All are welcome. For more information, contact Pr. Christian.
Membership
Are you interested in becoming a member of St. Francis? Voting Members are baptized and confirmed adult (or youth) members. They can have their membership transferred from another congregation, or complete a New Member class. Associate Members hold membership in another congregation, but wish to have a more permanent relationship with St. Francis. For more information, please contact Pr. Christian at pastor@sflcsf.org.
Pr. Christian is available for prayer, spiritual care and conversation The best way to contact him is by email (pastor@sflcsf.org) or by calling the church office at (415) 621-2635. In an urgent situation or emergency, please call his cell phone at (510) 717-3221.
