Text Box: Holy Cross Franciscan Community Text Box: All Souls Ecumenical Church Phone: 610-621-1738; P.O. Box 15020, Reading, PA 19612-5020 Worshipping 1pm Sundays in the Chapel at Calvary UCC, 640 Centre, Ave., Reading, PA 19601 To contact us: Info@allsoulsecumenical.org Text Box: A new ECC Franciscans of Reconciliation community, HOLY CROSS FRANCISCAN COMMUNITY, is in formation in Berks County PA. While not directly a ministry of All Souls Church, we do share with them in various aspects of ministry and outreach within the local community.   What does it mean to walk in the footprints of Jesus Christ with St. Francis? How can we let God and Christ into our deepest heart? The lessons of spirituality, faith, love and humility that Francis of Assisi taught and practiced are more valuable for us today than ever before. In a world of consumerism, how do we remain open and humble to become the hands and feet of Christ? Walk with us as we learn what it means to allow all into our house, as God and Christ include all creatures in His house.  It is this love and connectedness that represents the path to Christ and the all-loving Father. Discover how to embrace the leper in your life, to take in the other as your own brother or sister and to willingly give up all the excesses of material life in exchange for a life of devotion, humility and closeness with God. Francis left us many lessons 800 years ago that are especially vital today, not as a way for us to replicate or duplicate his actions and spirit -- rather he has left these as a guide, as an example that he hoped would lead us to make our own footprints, on the same path as Francis's footprints, towards God. Br. Raymond, n/ofr, is the Coordinator for this little-community-in-the-making and can be reached at ray.knapp@ECCFranciscans.org or 610-781-6750.   ECC Franciscans have communities throughout the US. If you are curious about us, our opportunities for community ministry, or feel drawn to learn more about the Franciscan way of life, we would welcome you walking and discovering with us… or just come pray, study, discuss and share in community with us! (Above left) Members of our community helping pack over 1300 boxes of food for low income seniors in Berks & Schuylkill Counties in August! (Above right) Some members of our Franciscan community at All Souls (Below) Members of our community hiking into the woods to provide a Christmas feast to our Brother & Sister creatures in the wild!   ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND our Chapter Gatherings.   Upcoming Franciscan Opportunities (please contact Br. Raymond for more information) February Thur Feb 2 - Presentation on Near Death Experiences at Alvernia Univ 7:45-9:00am Sat Feb 17 - Chapter Meeting @ All Souls 4:30-6:00pm Fri Feb 24 - Franciscan Visit for Weekly Prayer @ the Islamic Center of Reading 12:20-2:00pm Sat Feb 25 - Chapter Meeting @ All Souls 9:00-10:30am Mon Feb 27 - Presentation on Clare of Assisi at Franciscan Spiritual Ctr 5pm (Registration Rqd) Various Dates - ASK ABOUT Franciscans @ Greater Berks Food Bank March Thur Mar 1 - Taize Prayer Service at the Franciscan Spiritual Ctr (Aston PA) 7:00-8:00pm Sat Mar 17 - Chapter Meeting @ All Souls 4:30-6:00pm Tue Mar 20 - Presentation on Clare of Assisi at Franciscan Spiritual Ctr 5pm (Registration Rqd) Sat Mar 31 - Chapter Meeting @ All Souls 9:00-10:30am Various Dates - ASK ABOUT Franciscans @ Greater Berks Food Bank Selections From Our OFR Rule…   Section 15 Since we are immersed in the resurrection of Christ, which gives true meaning to Sister Death, let us accept death serenely as an encounter with our God. Section 16 As members of the Franciscans of Reconciliation we covenant to draw up and live by a Personal Rule of Life based on the Rule of this Order and falling into these disciplines: Worship, Prayer, Penitence, Work, Lifestyle, Mission, Obedience, Community. We shall always be under supervision and accountable to an advisor. To learn more about the ECC Franciscans of Reconciliation, visit our parent website: www.ECCFranciscans.org We adore You, most holy Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all Your churches throughout the world And we bless you, for by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world (Source: Test 5 in FA:ED 1:124)