News of Saigon from the Keens –
                                                                                    
We are having a great time.  A young man came up to Bob today in Ho Chi Minh City and said "Thank you!" to all Americans for the life they have today.  And. that is not the first person to approach us...he was thrilled that Bob served our country and his in the U.S. Navy.  We have traveled the countryside going to a primary school with dancing and singing children..  That was wonderful  Then toured markets in the city and the country...fabulous produce!  

What nice people....they live with a communist government yet are active capitalists....that is all very interesting.  We are going to the Presidential Palace this evening  for cocktails and dinner - HCM City.....Saigon.  Ho Chi Minh is 'buried' and embalmed in a massive tomb in Hanoi where we were a few days ago.  We also went through a lacquer factory and gallery today....extremely interesting...very tedious work, softly sanding (wet) the lacquer ware.....stunning wares using mother of pearl and crushed egg shells.  

A few days ago we went to a silk factory....watched the girls doing minute embroidery......again, tedious work...taking  four days or more for some 'paintings' (they look like  paintings when finished) to four to six months for other items.  We also saw them raising  silk worms...from itty-bitty rice sized creatures to worms the size of my little finger.  It's a fabulous trip with such nice people on the ship and off.....new friends are such fun! Hugs to all...

Work party ----

 
On Saturday, November 17th we will be having a Parish Clean Up day from 9 AM to 1 PM. Please bring your tools and any supplies you think will make the job easier.  

EVANGELISM! It’s a good thing.

Friends, as the vestry member charged with overseeing evangelism, I have been wondering for a while how to… well… oversee evangelism. In my not-so-recent past, the word “evangelism” evoked in my mind images of Tammy Faye Baker with eye makeup dripping down her face and street corner preachers exhorting me to be saved. So it wasn’t a very positive word for me, and just a few years ago, I would have laughed very, very hard and run in the other direction if you had suggested that I spearhead evangelistic efforts.
But now, I can’t think of anything more exciting than reaching out to people who want God in their lives, who want the healing power of Christ in their lives, who want the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but can’t figure out where those three are. I think those three are at St. Francis (among other places, of course). And I’m also excited at the idea of filling our services and events and Youth Group meetings with those seekers, young and old.
The diocese is having a special evangelism workshop at the Cathedral on Nov. 17 (partly at our request!), and I am hoping we can bring a large team from St. Francis to get inspired about




 
From the Bishop’s Newsletter:
“Episcopalians and Evangelism:  A transformed, engaged and passionate faith – workshop with the Rev. Canon Britt Olson, Canon to the Ordinary on Nov. 17th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Trinity Cathedral.  Come prepared to engage your own faith story and to learn to listen for the stories of others.  Your experience will be enhanced if you come as part of a congregational group.  Child care and lunch provided ($5 to cover lunch expense will be appreciated). “
If you’re interested in going, please call Janine Schenone at 989-2186.


 
For those who knew and remember Mike and Barbara O'Neal, they now have a new address. Please make note of it.

Michael & Barbara O'Neal
4016 250th Ave SE
Issaquah, WA  98029

Greetings from your Buildings Junior Warden,
    To bring you up to date with various projects:
        1.  Chapel pews are done and in the chapel
        2.  Men’s room - work should start within the month. Thank you to all who purchased the items needed to help off set some of the costs of this construction project.
        3. Porch lights - on going. We still need the remaining ones to be put up. Many thanks to Tom Wentz and Dennis Engblom for installing several already.
        4.  Women’s room - new toilet seat/lid has been purchased. Hopefully it will be installed by the time you read this.
        5.  Kitchen - the floor will be stripped and waxed and sealed by November 10th. This area will be closed until Sunday Morning, November 11th.
 
    Thank you again to all of you who have helped us with the pews, the porch lights and the men’s room fundraising projects!
                        
            Peace, Sally Kackle
 

Franciscan Newletter 3