08.05.2026
Saint Francis
ST. FRANCIS WEEKLY NEWS
https://www.facebook.com/stfrancissf
Message from the church Call Committee:
This coming Sunday, May 10, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM in the large conference room, Tom Braham and Lynne Olesen will be hosting a small group listening session for those who would like to provide additional information to the Call Committee or have questions about the process. The format for the session will be driven by the participants; there is no formal agenda.
On Thursday, May 14, at 5:30 PM, there will be a small group zoom listening call with Tom Braham and Ken Hedrick. Like with the meeting on Sunday, the session will be driven by the participants with no formal agenda. We want to hear your thoughts, concerns and answer any questions that you have. Please email Ken Hedrick, kenhedrick@aol.com, if you want to be a participant. The number of participants will be limited. If there is interest, the Committee will schedule a second zoom call.
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, if you have not already done so.
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 morning.
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
Annual Walk with Open Source Wellness - TOMORROW - 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 tomorrow morning, Saturday, May 9. It is not too late to be involved! Please join Jim Kowalski, Bruce Jervis, Ben Emmert-Aronson (and many others) at Lake Merritt in Oakland tomorrow 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!
Welcome our new Outreach Coordinator, Angela Phun!
Join us for a special coffee hour as we welcome her to St. Francis! You will have the chance to meet her during coffee hour today as the Outreach Team introduces her to the congregation. A note from Angela:
Hi everyone, a little about me: I am currently completing my Master of Public Administration. Outside of work and school, you can usually find me practicing what I call my three C's: coffee runs, crocheting, and cooking. When I am not doing that, I am unwinding with a good reality TV show; Real Housewives is a staple, along with anime and Korean dramas. One of my favorite expensive things to do is plan my next trip. Travel was not something I got to do much growing up, but once I got my passport, I liked to practice my free will. Vietnam so far is one of my favorite countries, and it holds a special place for me. My family is originally from Saigon, so being there felt like coming home in the most meaningful way. At home, I share my space with my partner and our cats. Looking forward to getting to know everyone!
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.
Ascension Day Worship with Bishop Jeff - May 14 | Stanford Memorial Church
Join in celebration of the Feast of the Ascension and 20+ years of Episcopal & Lutheran campus ministry at Stanford's Memorial Church on May 14 at 7 pm. Bishop Jeff will be preaching! Bishops Lucinda Ashby, Jeff Johnson, and Austin K. Rios, along with musicians and a communal choir from local Episcopal and Lutheran parishes will lead on this special occasion.
Parking is free on campus after 4 pm. It is easiest to park in the Tressider lot, and walk over to Memorial Church.
Pride Movie Night at St Francis Friday, June 5
Doors 6:30 PM
Movie starts 7:15 PM
But I'm A Cheerleader (2000) Megan (Natasha Lyonne) considers herself a typical American girl. She excels in school and cheerleading, and she has a handsome football-playing boyfriend, even though she isn't that crazy about him. So she's stunned when her parents decide she's gay and send her to True Directions, a boot camp meant to alter her sexual orientation.
In addition to the movie there will be pizza, popcorn, candy, beverages and prizes.
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.
