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Power & Freedom

Summer 2017

St. Francis Prayer Center

G-2381 E. Carpenter Rd., Flint, MI 48505

P: 810-787-5330 • F: 810-787-5399

Power & Freedom

“You will receive power when the Holy spirit comes down on you;

then you are to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and

Samaria, yes, even to the ends of the earth.”

I am quite certain there could be many lively con-

versations regarding ‘receiving power’ in these times

of social media, however the power Jesus refers to has

nothing to do with controlling

someone else’s actions; influenc-

ing the higher ups in your work

environment, or any other coun-

terfeit idea of what power is.

In fact, that kind of power

isolates, constricts and is self-

focused and has no freedom for

either party.

Jesus’ idea of freedom

comes with the Holy Spirit (Luke

4:18, Isaiah 61:1). It proclaims

freedom for those who are cap-

tive, brings good news to the op-

pressed, and binds the

brokenhearted. It is other cen-

tered.

His power has a purpose to

build the Kingdom of God, and

the only way that will happen is

if those who believe in Him are

‘anointed’ (empowered) for this

very task.

This ‘anointing’ of the Holy

Spirit cannot be received in an unrepentant heart,

therefore, it follows the baptism of water (repentance).

Only then, are we free to say ‘yes’ to the Holy Spirit.

It is a decision on our part to ‘enter in,’ and like Mary’s

fiat—say yes to Him who calls us.

In the life of the Trinity, the Father has the plan,

Jesus consents to give his life, and the Spirit then ani-

mates (brings to our mind and understanding) what

we need to know to love and serve him with our whole

self, nothing held back. The love story of the Trinity

and their love for us becomes visible and accessible to

us for the first time.

We not only need to be assisted, but empowered,

to live this Christian life and to minister among one

another with effect. The scripture, Acts 1:8, is a two-

fold proclamation.

First, you will receive power,

when the Holy Spirit comes upon

you, then you will be witnesses,

not just in your hometown for a

week or two, but in the whole

world and until the end of time!!

He is not to be out done.

Before His great commis-

sion to them, Acts 1:8, He first

empowered them for the task. If

we are to see good fruit from our

efforts to share the gospel, we

will most definitely need the

‘push’ to go; and we’d better have

his anointing power to go with it.

The Father sent; Jesus went.

Jesus preached, taught, and

healed but only after He was

‘Baptized in the Holy Spirit,’ was

the anointing and power both

given and seen.

It is the Father who calls us;

Jesus who brings truth, light and

forgiveness to us; and the Spirit

who then anoints us with power to act in the Father’s

will for the Kingdom.

We will always be equipped for the task God has

called us to. He does not call us to something that he

has not already provided for.

It was the Holy Spirit who empowered Jesus’

own birth. He was ushered into this earthly life.

Mathew 1:20 and as Acts 1:9 goes on to tell us, the

Spirit then ushered him back to the Father. Like Jesus,

we too need the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us

for the job the Father has given us to do; an ability to

teach, preach and heal as He also did.

Continued on back page

To those who work in ministry the term New Evange-

lization is not an unfamiliar term. But for the average church

goer, St. John Paul II ‘s encyclical Redemptoris Missio will

enlighten us greatly. He describes three situations to under-

stand these ideas of Evangelization better.

First to evangelize in general, we must first go where the

people do not know Christ or his gospel. Mission ad gentes:

Latin for “to the nations.”

Secondly, we must go to established Christian Commu-

nities where we already know Him and are currently serving

Him, and continue to faithfully continue to build up and ex-

hort and pastor those who are already fervent (in our churches

and communities).

Thirdly, he speaks of this New Evangelization as some-

where between the first and second, where entire groups of

people who are baptized, have lost their sense of faith and

fallen away all together, or who live a life so removed from the

gospel, no one would know (like our current status in many

churches).

How does this apply to us? What does this have to do

with healing? Most of us have personal family who fit the

third description. Most are sitting next to people in our

churches each week who also fit this description. Some of us

may be this person!

I have had many heartfelt conversations with people in

the 5 years I have been director here about this topic. We can-

not bring someone to something we a) know nothing about

or b) know but do not practice our-

selves. The first would be ridiculous,

the second, a very poor witness. Prac-

tical understanding applies here. As

we minister to the families in the sur-

rounding neighborhood here in the

north end of Flint, we often need to

provide food and shelter for them, be-

fore we try to share the gospel or

bring them to church. Their imme-

diate physical need must be met first (Matt. 14:21). It is no

surprise that Jesus did the same.

In countless examples in the scriptures, we see Jesus

‘feeding’ his flock. Feeding physically was often first, then He

taught, and then He healed. So today, things are not that dif-

ferent in this regard. They are called miracles! Does that still

happen? You bet!

In the neighborhood, or in the churches, we need our

needs to be met–all of them, physical, emotional and spiritual.

It is what He did. It is what we need to do as well. More often

than not it won’t happen behind church walls either. It hap-

pens at the workplace, in the home, on the street, in the bars.

So many people looking for love in all the wrong places. All

of them, looking to get their needs met—somehow, some-

Healing and the New Evangelization

where, by someone—anyone. ‘These’ people are us, broken

and wounded by life or sin; we need healing and forgiveness.

We need the cross.

If we are trying to bring a brother or sister back to the

faith, and they are broken and wounded in their life, they are

not likely to trust anyone enough to really be ‘all in.’ Some

may come to church but not live it out as the Gospel of Christ

intended, and some may have thrown the baby out with the

bathwater and closed the door altogether. This scenario isn’t

much different than the person who has no food or shelter

and we are trying to share the Gospel with them. Jesus’ mis-

sion was to bring all men to the Father, and to build the King-

dom of God here where we are living now!

Seven years ago I had a dream about ministering to peo-

ple at a certain place. It was outside, and there was worship

music, and food stations, and bounce houses for kids. There

were people being prayed for all over the place. All the time

this was going on I kept hearing “feed my people”. I heard

that several times. I woke not understanding much about what

I had dreamt. One year later I would be asked to be the Di-

rector at St. Francis Prayer Center! I understood now, I

needed to feed His people—however they needed, physically,

emotionally or spiritually. My knees were shaking, but I said

yes. He would have to provide what was needed. They were

his people not mine, and this was his place, not mine. Holy

Spirit, please lead me.

Healing Services are now offered several times a year in

our area. We at St. Francis

Prayer Center train, mentor

and stand alongside those who

have been called to the great

ministry of compassion and

healing. Jesus waits for us to

ask in faith to heal.

So, what is the first step

to bring your family member

or neighbor back to the faith?

First, pray, pray, pray. Then ask the Holy Spirit to give you the

words to speak, or the action to take. Be courageous about

your own needs first. Trust the Holy Spirit and address the

area of your own life that needs healing, remembering that

you cannot bring someone to something you do not yet have

yourself. Pray for humility to do this. Keep your heart and

mind open to God’s lead. Plunge into His river of grace and

mercy. Het is waiting there for you.

Heal Us, Oh Lord, as we put our trust in You. Give us

the compassion to enter in the lives of those you place

in front of us, and the wisdom to allow You to lead us.

Give us the humility to attend to ourselves first, then reach

out to another. Empower us, Lord, as we stand in the

gap and feed your people.

If we are trying to bring a brother

or sister back to the faith, and they

are broken and wounded in their

life, they are not likely to trust any-

one enough to really be ‘all in.’

Our director, Deb Hawley, is closing in on her 5th

year here at St. Francis Prayer Center! She started her

ministry in September of 2012. We’ve seen many

changes during that time. The number of people who

have become closer to God and grown spiritually has

increased year by year. We want that to continue.

Recently, Director Deb sent a thank you letter to

those who had purchased a Fundraiser Big Ticket. As

you know, when you purchase a ticket, you get two

dinner tickets as well.

We were so near the 400-people maximum that

we became concerned that some people would not be

able to attend even if they had purchased a ticket.

Many, many phone calls were made to see who and

how many would be coming.

In that letter, Deb shared the answer to her

prayers to God which she heard. While being very ex-

cited about the large number that would be attending,

she was also daunted about the future of St. Francis

Prayer Center – bills continue to come in, things need

to be maintained or repaired, a portion of the roof is

in definite need of replacement!

God explained to her that half of the people at-

tending the Annual Fundraiser were those who shared

the original vision of Sr. Joanne and Fr. Phil; that they

‘saw & understood’ the vision God had given them.

He also said, “Now, the other half of those in

attendance will be new people to St. Francis Prayer

Center and, like the other half, they too see and

understand ‘the vision’ I have given you... I have

enlarged your territory.”

In her closing remarks, the prayers and support of

everyone, in her own words, were “humbling and so

appreciated.” She also asked for each of you to con-

tinue to pray for us this summer as we find a way to

RAISE THE ROOF!

We Are Called

What is our response?

Our roof in much need of replacement!

RAISE THE ROOF CAMPAIGN!

_____YES, I/We am willing to help St. Francis Prayer Center “Raise the Roof.”

_____Sorry, I/We cannot help at this time but will keep you in prayer for a successful campaign.

_____I will support the Roof Campaign with $_________ amount.

Name: __________________________________________________ Home Phone: (______)________________

Address: _________________________________________________ Work Phone: (______)________________

City/St/Zip ___________________________________________________ Cell: (______)________________

Please clip and send to St. Francis Prayer Center, G-2381 E. Carpenter Road, Flint, MI 48505

You’ve Helped Us Stretch Our Tent Pegs in the Past,

Will You Help Us Raise Our Roof ?

Ok, so I know I’ve spoken a bit about Healing……..and

yes, I do have much faith that God does indeed s*ll do these

works, however, I must tell you I do not see me climbing to

the steep rooops at the Center here and dropping anyone

through the hole in the roof! (Luke 5:19) But, I am interested

in standing ‘under’ the Word of God, and not beside it as

though it were a tale being told. He is who He says he is! If

he has spoken prophe*cally to us here at SFPC, that our tent

pegs are being stretched, then I believe that as I said on page

1, “he will not bring us to something he has not already pro-

vided for.’ He will make a way, even though we may not see

it yet.

The growth for the countless people of God has been

remarkable to witness in these few short years since I ar-

rived. You are all part of this vision that he has set us under.

The larger part of our roof is s*ll good for quite a while—we

hope, but these older sec*ons must be replaced before win-

ter. The cost will be approximately $9,000. We are ge+ng

several es*mates now. Please prayerfully consider ‘extend-

ing the tent’ for us to con*nue this work for his people.

Director Deb

Saturday, September 9, 2017

St. Mary’s Catholic Church

& Our Lady of the Woods Shrine

100 Deyarmond St., Mio, Michigan 48617, 989-826-5509

Stations of

the Cross

MASS

Lunch

Praise &

Worship

Our Lady Of The Woods Shrine

Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Shrine Grotto – is a

mountainous structure of stone honeycomb with grottos

and niches. The very name, Our Lady of the Woods,

reflects the thousands of acres of God’s beautiful and

majestic timberlands. It began with the visions of Rev.

Hubert Rakowski in the mid 40’s and was dedicated in

September of 1955. It is dedicated to Our Lady.

For more information

or to register, please contact

St. Francis Prayer Center

G-2381 E. Carpenter Rd.

Flint, MI 48505

810-787-5330.

Triumph of the Cross

Fundraiser Volunteers

Where would we be without the many

individuals who continue to help with our

Annual Fundraiser?

Ticket sellers, auctions, 50/50s,

clean up, hospitality, decorations, set-up,

& prayer committee – it takes many,

many individuals to put on an event of

this size. Some were ticket sellers along

with helping in other areas. Following

are those who helped or sold tickets:

Lynn & Dan Berezny, Lila Burnash,

Jerry Decker, Donna Fisher, Ron &

Agnes Taylor, Joe & Pat Forlenza, John

& Cathy Vanderkuur, Ron & Jackie

Pung, Marv & Pat Crooks, Zen & An-

drea Anson, Andy & Margaret Verdun.

Deb Hawley, Carol Latus, Clare

Londrigan, Fr. Phil Schmitter, Gary &

Peggy Wescott, Henry Jacobi, Jack

Quinn, Jean Shipley, Joe Kalush, Mary

& Keith Dharamraj, Larry Blondin, Lisa

Hayward, Nanette Kowalczyk, Laura

Johnson, Genna Riopelle, Sue Drum-

mond, Linda Noll, Sue Jones, Dick &

Kathy Frasier, Laura Clark, Jen & Steve

Loftin, Clay & Sara Phillips, Yvonne &

Bill Harris, Barb Carrette, Jim & Kathy

Neumann, Pat & Cheryl Blondin, Penny

& Mike Messer, Joan Cook, Maxine

Swisher (recently deceased), Karen Ford,

Val Tannehill, Pat Kelly, Elaine Ward,

Sam Stewart, Maryann Zimmer, Jeanne

Johns, Marie Knight, Harriet Tucker,

Michelle McCartney, Jonathan Hawley,

& Kristie Pillen, & Kathy Patterson.

Our apologies if we missed anyone.

Prayer Center Gardens

Looking Good!

Our gardens are looking

much better – thanks to the

volunteers who come every year to

help plant, weed, and clean up our

grounds. It is a large task, but the

result is so worth the effort.

Helping with this year’s

efforts were:

Pat Forlenza, Agnes Taylor, Lynn

Berezny, Dick & Kathy Frasier,

Jeff Larman, Peggy Wescott, Jen

Loftin, Nannette Kowalczyk, and

Connor Gasiewicz.

Kentucky Derby Fundraiser in Pics

What A Great Evening!

So many people came out to enjoy the

evening with dinner, Live and Silent Auctions,

50/50s, the Wine Pull (did you get a bottle?), the

booze basket raffle, and finished up with danc-

ing! Thank you all for your support.

Thanks to the many volunteers who help

year after year as well as some new people.

A BIG Thank You to Little Ceasar’s in

Davison for hosting our “Pizza Thank You”

Party on June 12.

Our Thanks to each these businesses for donating items for our Auctions!

tlas Valley Country Club

8313 Perry Rd.

Grand Blanc, MI 48439

810-636-2273

888-422-9645

Bavarian Inn Lodge

One Covered Bridge Ln.

Frankenmuth, MI 487334

989-652-7200

Brick Street of Grand Blanc

1223 E. Grand Blanc Rd.

Grand Blanc, Mi 48439

810-603-2114

Bronner’s Christmas World

25 Christmas Ln.

Frankenmuth, MI 48732

989-652-9931

Bueche’s Food World

300 W. Main St.

Flushing, MI 48433

810-659-6162

810-653-6899

Cary Ann’s Hallmark

100 E. Main St.

Flushing, MI 48433

810-659-1999

Chateau Chantal

15900 Rue de Vin

Traverse City, MI 48688

231-223-4110

Da Edoardo

8185 Holly Rd.

Grand Blanc, MI 48439

810-694-1300

Duke’s Car Stereo

2833 S. Dort Hwy.

Flint, MI 48507

810-744-2500

Flushing Valley Country Club

1124 E. Main St.

Flushing, MI 48433

810-487-0792

Holy Family

3rd Order of Franciscans

The Church of the Holy Family

Grand Blanc, MI 48439

Hunter’s Creek Club

675 E. ;Sutton Rd.

Metamora, MI 48455

810-664-4307

Jack’s Place

124 N. Cherry St.

Flushing, MI 48433

810-659-9881

Jets Pizza

230 W. Main St.

Flushing, MI 48433

810-487-0400

Johnny’s Pour House

240 W. Main St.

Flushing, MI 48433

810-487-1020

athy’s Restaurant

126 E. Main St.

Flushing, MI 48433

810-659-9616

Letavis Enterprises

Fast Eddies

8478 Miller Rd/PO Bx 27

Swartz Creek, MI 48473

810-635-7013

Massage Advantage

Ileta Sullins

1128 Gwen Dr.

Lapeer, MI 48446

810-247-1767

Neil Gloudemans

110025 Wheelock Rd.

Ft. Wayne, IN 46835

260-627-3008

North American

Dismantling Corp.

Jerry Decker

P.O. Box 307

Lapeer, MI 48446

810-664-2888

gorek Automotive Group

Barb & Al Ogorek

4067 E. Court

Burton, MI 48509

810-744-2826

Powers High School

1505 W. Court St.

Flint, MI 48503

810-591-4741

St. Pius X Arise Group

G-3139 Hogarth Ave.

Flint, MI 48532

810-810-235-8574

Sandhill Crane Vineyards

14724 Walz Rd.

Jackson, MI 49201

517-764-0679

Sloan/Longway

11221 E. Kearsley St.

Flint, MI 48503

810-237-3400

oaring Eagle

Casino & Resort

6800 Eagle Blvd.

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

989-775-7777

Temple Dining Room

Brother Lawrence Battiste

755 S. Saginaw St.

Flint, MI 48502

810-235-7760

The Whiting

1241 E. Kearsley St.

Flint, MI 48503

810-237-7342

Zito Construction

G-8033 Fenton Rd.

Grand Blanc, MI 48439

810-695-9025

“Derby” Pics!

More Kentucky Derby Fundraiser Pics

A Big Thank You to everyone for purchasing our Big Raffle Tickets!

Thanks go out to

these individuals

for their Auction

donations!

Anomyous

Dena Barclae

Lynn Berezny

Jerry Decker

Laura Clark

Cathy Diffendorfer

Joyce Ford

Pat Forlenza

Kathy Frasier

Ann Hagerman

Debbie Hawley

Lisa Hayward

Kathy Konesny

Steve & Jen Loftin

Clare & Susan

Londrigan

Debbie McPherson

Al & Barb Ogorek

Kathy Patterson

Pat Paul

Linda Noll

Ron & Jackie Pung

Theresa Robinson

Fr. Phil Schmitter

Ruth Schmitter

Sandy Shaker

Jean Shipley

Edie Thennisch

Andrew Verdun

Kathy Vickery

Peggy & Gary

Wescott

Maryann Zimmer

St. Francis Prayer Center

G-2381 E. Carpenter Rd., Flint, MI 48505

Phone 810-787-5330 • Fax 810-787-5399

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. POSTAGE

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Flint, MI

Permit #453

Summer 2017

Volume 42, Number 1

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What is going on at the

Prayer Center?

• Understanding the Spiritual Gifts Group

meets the 1st & 4th Thursday of the month

• June: Pilgrims’ Way classes will begin

sometime mid-June @ Holy Family.

• June 20 Shepherd’s Healing @ St. John,

Fenton; 10a-12p

• August 11-12: Youth Leader Retreat

• August 19: 3rd Order of Franciscans, Holy

Family, Grand Blanc, Day of Reflection

• August 26: Mass & Healing Service at St.

Mary’s, Flint

• September 9: Triumph of the Cross in Mio,

day pilgrimage

• September 29-October 1: Weekend Reunion

Retreat with Arlene Apone for those who

attended the Leadership School, Knowing

the Shepherd. Fri. 5:00p to Sun. 1:00p

• October 13-15: Charismatic Retreat in

Gaylord, MI

Contact the Prayer Center to register or

for more information on these events.

Springtime at the Prayer Center.

Looking to Advent

Join us for morning prayer, fellowship, lunch, and the

building of your own very special Advent Wreath. Anyone

desiring to bring a pot of soup may do so. Sandwiches and

the dessert will be provided. Cost $20.

You may also bring any type of decorating tools or

accents to add to the ones we will provide. The more to

choose from, the more fun it will be! Plan ahead as we will

only have room for 20 to attend.

November 11, 2017; 9:30-4:30; RSVP Required Please.

Contact the Prayer Center at 810-787-5330.

Power & Freedom Continued from page 1

The Holy Spirit provides the power to heal the sick; the

power to find the lost; the power to establish; the understand-

ing of when to speak and what to say; the grace to forgive; and

the desire to ask for forgiveness first for ourselves, then to for-

give others.

So, with true power, comes freedom and truth. There is

no pretense, no keeping up with others. It does not constrict

and is not self-focused. What it does offer is perfect peace

knowing God’s Love for yourself first, then His love for others.

This coupled with the gift of the Holy Spirit yields much fruit

for the Kingdom of God.

May his Shalom Peace be with you always,

Director Deb