Our Ministries
WE BRING CHRIST’S LIGHT INTO THE WORLD
Faith without action is incomplete. At St. Francis, we are called to love and serve the Lord by contributing our time, resources, and talents. We give generously, serve actively and love our community the way Christ modeled – with hearts, hands and presence. We demonstrate the light of Christ in our church, community and the world through these various ministries.
Worship Ministries
Just like a symphony, our worship services consist of many talented people coming together to support the finest Anglican traditions.
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Alter Guild
Our Altar Guild maintains the linens that adorn the altar and pulpit and set the altar before each service, ensuring they’re crisp and clean.
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Ushers
Our Ushers ensure all receive a friendly and warm welcome into the sanctuary and assist with seating, the offertory and communion.
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Acolytes
Acolytes, Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors bring dignity and beauty to the Word and Sacraments. During Holy Communion, our prayer team offers private prayers for those who request them.
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Music
Music – whether from our organist, choir, acoustic guitar, singers or online streaming – inspires us to lift up our voices in song to praise and glorify God.
Most of our music is taken from our 1982 Hymnal, although we occasionally offer contemporary Christian music from our St. Francis Praise and Worship Book.
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Audio/Visual
Our dedicated Audio/Visual team ensures our services are heard by those attending in person as well as those watching our live streams on YouTube and Facebook each Sunday.
Healing Ministry
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Blessing Prayers
In 2025, St. Francis launched a new ministry, the ministry of “Blessing Prayers.” Holy Scripture calls each of us to bless one another, those we love and those we do not love (Num. 6: 27). As we bless others, God releases more blessings of goodness, grace and love into the world. In a world where division is becoming more prevalent, the power of blessing prayers can bridge gaps and bring healing to all individuals involved. The Blessing Prayer ministry meets regularly for prayer, connection, and continuing education. All are welcome.
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Divorce Care
St. Francis hosts a local DivorceCar group to help those going through divorce or separation heal, recover and find hope to move forward. DivorceCare is a nationwide program offered at various locations. Sessions are led by those who have been through separation and divorce and understand how painful and difficult it can be.
The 13-week structured course consists of watching a video followed by small group discussion. Participants receive helpful counsel to manage the emotional turmoil and practical tools for navigating through recovery to healing.
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Grief Share
Deacon Rose, who is a trained facilitator in The Mourner’s Path, leads an eight-week grief share group for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. The group meets weekly in small group sessions, centered on prayer and guided exercises to “turn grief into joyful living.” These groups are open to parishioners and visitors to St. Francis. Please call the Parish Office at 863-465-0051 or email us at comeandsee.StFrancis@gmail.com.
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Inner Healing
We offer prayers for Jesus to heal our deep wounds, unmet needs, unresolved issues and generational ties within our souls. We pray for breaking the bonds and strongholds that keep us from experiencing all the joy that Jesus offers us in living out the Good News. Parishioners may schedule inner healing appointments by calling the Parish Office at 863-465-0051.
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Parish Nursing
In addition to spiritual healing, our parish nurses help ensure our physical health by offering blood pressure screenings, coordinating blood drives and providing health education materials. Our Parish Nursing Group maintains our AEDs(Automated External Defibrillator) and assists our Parish Safety team on protocols for responding to health emergencies. For more information, contact Barbara McCarthy at (772-341-8004) or Barbaramccarthyfl@gmail.com.
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Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is highly valued at St. Francis. Rev. Robin+ and Deacon Rose have open ears and are willing to sit and listen to spiritual and life concerns. Rev. Robin+ provides short-term (3-5 sessions) of individual, couples and family counseling. As clergy, we value providing emotional and spiritual support through Grief Care led by Deacon Rose, DivorceCare led by Mike Brown, and Inner Healing, led by Deacon Rose and Laurie Glover. We also have a list of referrals for supportive community resources and services. Pastoral Care is available to both St. Francis parishioners and visitors.
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Prayer Team
Our Prayer Teams serve during communion at our worship services. After the team receives Holy Communion, members gather in the Chapel to meet privately with any parishioners who request prayers and to pray with them.
Pet Therapy – Pastoral “Pawsitivity”
Fr. Stephen Braddock first brought our service and therapy dog “Widget” to St. Francis in 2021 from New Horizons Service Dogs. This sweet Golden Retriever became a source of comfort for our church family.
After Fr. Braddock’s passing in 2023, parishioner Bob Dietrich adopted Widget, who attended Sunday services and visited patients in hospitals, nursing homes and rehab centers. Bob and Widget also made home visits.
When Widget tragically died from sudden cancer in 2025, New Horizons provided us with a successor Golden Retriever therapy dog, “Uno,” who is quickly growing into his new role as greeter, junior acolyte and comforter. He now blesses our parish and the community with his calming presence and occasional antics.
To celebrate Uno and his work, he’s officially been named Director of Pastoral Pawsitivity.
Research has shown that contact with therapeutic animals – such as dogs, cats, horses, donkeys and even dolphins – can ease physical pain, relieve depression, elevate mood and accelerate the healing process. Therapy animals also provide companionship, help combat loneliness and contribute to an overall feeling of well-being.
Anyone who feels they could benefit from a visit and snuggle from Uno is invited to call the church office at 863-465-0051 or email comeandsee.StFrancis@gmail.com.
Lifelong Learning
In his Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Christ commanded his disciples (and you and me!) to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”
All of us are called to share the Good News of the Gospel. At St. Francis, we offer ways for you to know Christ in your head, but to also know and feel him in your heart through various learning opportunities.
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Bible Study
Bible Study on a wide range of topics and issues after our Wednesday service.
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The ALPHA Course
The ALPHA Course, an intensive 12-week course featuring video presentations by the Rev. Nicky Gumbel, pastor of Holy Trinity Brompton in England, as well as facilitated small and large group discussions with participants. The course is designed for lifelong Christians, folks wondering about their faith, new believers and those who simply want a closer relationship with God. The series presents faith topics with humorous anecdotes and real-life examples, personal experiences and Biblical relevancy. To learn more, visit Alpha with Nicky Gumbel - Alpha USA
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Presentations by Community
Presentations by community partners and charities during our Coffee Hour to learn about opportunities for doing God’s work in our community.
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Catechism Classes
Catechism classes for those interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church and/or becoming a member. These classes familiarize participants with our beliefs, traditions, worship services, Prayer Book and more.
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Diocesan Cursillo
Diocesan Cursillo is a co-ed weekend gathering offered annually to parishioners to help them grow in their faith journey. This “short course in Christianity” strengthens our relationship with God and each other and helps us discern and use our gifts to serve others.
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Advent and Lenten Studies
Advent and Lenten studies are offered both on-line and on Sunday mornings to reflect upon Christ’s life and ministry and our journeys with Christ.
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Lent Madness
Lent Madness, similar to the NCAA basketball’s “March Madness,” offers members a fun way to learn about the saints from the Bible with some advancing in their “bracket” until one is chosen to be the favorite.
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St. Francis Library
St. Francis Library has a large selection of books for loan to parishioners for independent study to deepen their understanding and faith. Books are loaned on an honor system. The library is located just off the parish hall and is open during office hours.
Fellowship
The Bible emphasizes the importance of fellowship among believers and encourages us to meet together regularly to support one another. Acts 2:42 highlights the early church’s devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer. St. Francis offers plenty of ways for us to do that!
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Coffee Hours
Coffee Hours, hosted between our early and main service, are a wonderful way to get to know our clergy and members better. Throughout the year, we also host a variety of social and holiday events, potlucks, picnics and activities designed to draw us closer to one another and to Christ.
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Our Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
Our Episcopal Church Women (ECW) group hosts a monthly lunch meeting along with an activity in the Parish Hall or an outing. Past activities include line dancing, high tea, painting classes, Christmas luncheon and a presentation on women’s health. The ECW also holds fundraising events to cover various expenses, including vet care for our therapy dog, kitchen supplies and the printing of our parish directory.
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Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK)
Women who feel called to take their faith to a deeper level are invited to consider becoming a candidate for the St. Francis Chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK). Daughters vow to a life of prayer, service and evangelism. Members visithomebound members, work with clergy and the prayer needs of our congregation andhelp host receptions and other church functions.
Our DOK also hosts annual drives for donations to support Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child or other local charities. In the past, the DOK has contributed up to 60 boxes stuffed with meaningful items to be given to children in need throughout Highlands County and around the world. Funds are also donated to a local children’s charity Christmas program. Each year, both local and international causes are considered by the DOK for a fundraiser.
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Men’s Club
Our Men’s Club offers fellowship, Bible study, social gatherings and special events for men in our parish. The group meets several times a year to organize events to support our parish, such as our Annual Meeting and breakfast, community Thanksgiving Dinner and fundraisers. Members also assist parishioners with light home repairs or chores.
Community Outreach
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The Thrift Store
Our Thrift Store extends our reach as the Light of Christ deep into the community. The Thrift Store provides a venue for us to evangelize, strengthen our fellowship and share the love of Christ with others.
Open September to May from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, the store sells clothing, housewares, electronics and so much more with most items priced $2 or less.
Each year, our store generates more than $25,000 with 45 percent of proceeds benefiting seven charities:
Ten percent of sales also is contributed to our “In-reach Fund,” which provides financial support to parishioners with unexpected needs.
Donations of new or gently-used items can be made during store hours or placed in our secure donation shed in the rear parking lot. Broken, stained, ripped or well-worn items are not accepted.
Volunteers are always needed and welcome! For more information, contact Linda Anderson by calling the Church Office at 863-465-0051 or email us at comeandsee.StFrancis@gmail.com
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Sew Blessed Ministry
“A day hemmed in prayer seldom unravels.”
Our Sewing Ministry, Sew Blessed, began as a sewing camp for youth and now includes adults, including members from several area churches. Experienced church members share their craft of this lost art. The group meets on Tuesdays to socialize, laugh, pray and, of course, try out new ideas for sewing!
Sew Blessed members make a variety of items, some of which are donated to local charities, hospitals, nursing homes and other organizations. Other items are sold at area craft shows with the proceeds used to buy fabric, notions and machines or items needed by the church.
For more information on joining or volunteering, contact Barbara McCarthy at 772-341-8004 or barbaramccarthyfl@gmail.com.
