Order of Saint Francis

Date: October 27th through November 1st.  The brothers will be gathering in Seattle from all over the globe this fall where 4 men will join the order as novice, 5 will be taking their first profession vows and 4 will be taking life vows.  The brothers will also make an appearance at the diocesan convention for the Diocese of Olympia, gather for the annual business meeting (chapter), attend various services at Episcopal churches in the Seattle area and finally take time to get to know one another and share stories of their ministries.

In April some of the brothers came together for fellowship and service.  On Saturday we performed service at the Seafarers house.  This is an ecumenical ministry that provides a place for seafarers to get off the ship.  The facility provides a relaxing enviroment with, internet access, prepaid phone cards, meals and a place to sleep.  The brothers brought all their weed wacking skills to bear on the grounds and cleaned building.  Afterwards there was a noon prayer service in the chapel and then the brothers had lunch together.

On Sunday the brothers gathered for evening Eucharist at St Paul on Queen Anne then over dinner conducted a chapter meeting.  During the chapter meeting a gentleman approached us asking for a meal which the brothers were happy to provide and then noticing he had no shoes offered to give him a pair of sandles to wear.

Finally the brothers celebtated compline at St Mark's Cathedral.

The OSF Advisory Council was formed in 2008 in order to advise the Minister General and the Brothers on certain areas of operations.  The individuals which comprise the Advisory Council are selected by the Minister General for their knowledge and expertise in relevant areas and serve the Order for a specified period of time.  The Community-at-large members serve for two year terms and are selected from diverse areas within the communities that the Order has a presence within.

Advisory Council Members

• Tim Mathis - Youth Minister, Diocese of Olympia
• Laura Vanderpool - Public Relations Specialist, Seattle, Washington
• The Reverend Robert Wright - London, England
• The Reverend James Thibodeaux - Diocese of Olympia
• The Reverend David John Battrick - Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, New South Wales
• The Right Reverend Gregory H. Rickel - Bishop, Diocese of Olympia
• The Right Reverend Philip M. Duncan - Bishop, Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
• The Right Reverend Wallis Ohl - Bishop, Diocese of Ft. Worth