Attorney Ricky Anderson is speaker for Men's Prayer Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Attorney Ricky Anderson of Houston is the featured speaker for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast on October 15 at 8:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall of the Church on 204 Dooley Street.

All men of the community are invited to participate in the fellowship and free breakfast.  For information, call 936-857-3732 or write: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net and to confirm attendance.

Anderson is a 1979 graduate of Benton Harbor High School and received his Bachelor of Administration degree in 1983 from Prairie View A&M University and the Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1992 from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.  Anderson was also admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1992.  Attorney Anderson is a managing partner of the law firm of Anderson & Smith, affirm he stated in 1992.  He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where he lectures on entertainment la, music industry contracts and trial preparation. 

In addition to his membership and service in professional organizations, Anderson is chairman and president of the Entertainment Sports & Arts Law Sections of the National Bar Association and the Houston Bar Association, respectively, Grammy Governor and Advisor to the Grammy Board of Governor’s Texas Chapter of the Academy of Recording Arts and Science, former Chairman and CEO  of  the  Black Broadcasting  Network Inc.,  former  CEO  and  President  of  CBS  Records, Inc. and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Prairie View A&M University Foundation.

He is the recipient of the Entertainment Lawyer of the Year Award and Presidential Award from the National Bar Association, member of the BESLA Entertainment Attorney’s Hall of Fame and Outstanding Lawyer of the Year from the National Black Prelaw Association.

Some of his clients include Yolanda Adams, Steve Harvey, Isaiah Washington, Rushion McDonald, J. Anthony Brown, Cynthia Cooper, Comedian-Actor Sinbad, and NFL Player Eddie  Robinson, to name a few. He has also negotiated deals for network television, movies, feature films, pay-per-view and HBO programs.    He is also the Executive Producer of the Nationally Syndicated Music Video Television Show, “Big City”, and such independent Feature Films as “Renegade”, “Beach Party Weekend”.

All concerned men of the community are invited to attend free breakfast and fellowship. PLEASE call 936-857-3272 or email: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net to confirm attendance.   We look forward to your joining us for this important activity.

We also invite you to participate in our Christian Education and Bible Study on Fridays at 7:00 p.m.  Come learn the word and share in the fellowship.

Also, please know that St. Francis of Assisi will again host The Houston FoodBank Mobile Unit to distribute Fresh Fruits and Produce on October 19, 2016 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Patrons will also be able to apply/renew essential services: i.e. SNAP, Children’s Medicaid/CHIP and TANF. There are no requirements to receive the free product and patrons are asked to bring their own bags.

BISHOP PHILIP DUNCAN TO CELEBRATE THE FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

The Rt. Reverend Philip M. Duncan, II, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Central Gulf Coast in Florida will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with confirmation services at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie View on Sunday, October 3 at 3:00 p.m. The candidate for confirmation is Dr. Cynthia Lawry, who has attended training classes over the past few months.  The public is invited to the service which will be followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.

Bishop Duncan was consecrated May 12, 2001 as the 3rd Bishop of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.  He previously served as Dean and Rector of Saint Matthew’s Cathedral in Dallas (1993- 2001); rector of St. John’s Church, Clearwater, Florida (1972-1993) and curate of Christ Church, Ridgewood, New Jersey, (1970-1972).  He joined the Diocese of Texas in 2015 and is assigned to the Austin Office.

Bishop Duncan holds a Bachelor’s degree in history from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio; a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and Master of Divinity degrees from the General Theological Seminary in New York City and Doctor of Ministry in evangelism from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. He was honored with the Doctor of Divinity degrees from the General Theological Seminary, the University of the South, and Virginia Theological Seminary.

For sixteen years he has been a reader, chaplain, and a member of the General Board of Examining Chaplains; serves on the Standing Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations, representing the Episcopal Church in ecumenical dialogues with the United Methodist Church; serves on various hospital, seminary and University boards; served on the Committee for the Armed Forces for the Episcopal Church; is an associate of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, a religious order for men focusing on spirituality; and a member of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. 

In the Diocese of Dallas and Southwest Florida he was a deputy and an alternate to General Convention; member and president of the Board of Pinellas County Comprehensive Addiction Services, Florida; was a member of the board of directors of The Children’s Foundation of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, Thanksgiving Square (an interfaith gathering), and the East Dallas Community Organization.

Bishop Duncan and his loving wife of forty-six year, Kathlyn Anne Cowie (Kathy), a registered nurse and school nurse teacher, are the proud parents of two sons, Andrew Gray and Ian James.

For information on other programs, visit: http://stfrancispv.wixsite.com/stfrancisprairieview.

Announcing the Houston FoodBank Mobile Unit Distribtion on September 22, 2016

St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church will again host the Houston FoodBank Mobile Unit for the distribution of more than 10K of fruits, vegetables and dairy products on Thursday, September 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The event will take place in the parking lot of the church on 204 Dooley Street.

There is no qualification to receive the food products and patrons who wish to apply for some of the federal/state programs, i.e. SNAP, CHIP, Medicare and other services are invited to sign up.

This is the third distribution at the church, with the first being held in July 2016.  More than 500 persons have benefited from the program as they supplemented their grocery.

Patrons are asked to bring their bags, boxes or anything to hold the food. 

We are also seeking volunteers to assist with the distribution and ask that you call 936-857-3272 or email to stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net to confirm their service.  Volunteers are asked to arrive by 9:45 a.m. on the day of distribution.

The other dates for year are: October 19, November 14 and December 21, 2016.

Thanks and we look forward to another successful event.

Vedron Bordeaux is Men's Prayer Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

"For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory." 1Thessalonians 2:11-12

We are pleased to extend an invitation to all men of the Prairie View community to the Men's Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. at the church on 204 Dooley St. in Prairie View, Texas.

This month's featured speaker is Vedron Bordeaux, Assistant Fire Chief for the Prairie View Volunteer Firefighter Association. Bordeaux was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in New York and North Carolina. He graduated from Pender high school in Burgaw, North Carolina and later received a diploma in industrial electricity from Cape Fear Technical Institute.

Bordeaux returned to New York in his early twenties and began his workforce career as an electrician helper with electrical contractors before joining the City of New York Transit Authority. While working for the City of New York, Bordeaux obtained his paramedic certification from Long Island College in Queens, New York. After 11 years with the city of New York Transit Authority Mr. Bordeaux left New York to begin his fire service career in Texas.

In 2002, Mr. Bordeaux obtained his basic fire certification from Desoto fire academy in Desoto, Texas and moved to Houston, Texas where he was employed as a firefighter/paramedic with Bellaire fire department in Texas.  After 5 years with Bellaire fire department, he accepted a position as a firefighter/paramedic with Pearland fire department in Pearland Texas. Mr. Bordeaux stayed with Pearland fire department for 7 years where he retired as a firefighter and paramedic-driver operator.

After retirement, Mr. Bordeaux accepted a position as a faculty fire instructor with Houston Community College where he currently train students to become certified firefighters in the state of Texas.

Bordeaux's educational studies continued later on in life when he attended San Jacinto Community College in 2002 obtaining an associate degree in fire technology and paramedics.   He also holds the bachelor’s degree in fire science management and business administration from n Northwood University and the master’s degree in fire and emergency management administration from Oklahoma State University.

Bordeaux has received several recognition for his service over the years to include firefighter of the year and the chief special achievement award from the Bellaire fire department and firefighter of the year award from Pearland Bordeaux joined Prairie View Fire Department in 2014 and currently holds the rank and position as assistant chief, training coordinator and fire inspector.

Mr. Bordeaux loves bowling, softball, football, fishing, volunteering his time with prairie view fire department, traveling, teaching, and enjoying retirement. His faith in God is his motivation to live life to its fullest and to help others.

All concerned men of the community are invited to attend free breakfast and fellowship. PLEASE call 936-857-3272 or email: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net to confirm attendance.

We look forward to your joining us for this important activity. We also invite you to participate in our Christian Education and Bible Study on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. Come learn the word and share in the fellowship.

 "Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love." Francis of Assisi

Dean Kendall Harris is Men's Prayer Breakfast Speaker on May 21

Dr. Kendall T. Harris, Dean of the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering at Prairie View A&M University is the featured speaker for the Men's Prayer Breakfast on May 21, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church on 204 Dooley Street in Prairie View.

Dr. Harris is a licensed professional engineer, Harris began his tenure at Prairie View A&M University in 2005, as associate dean and professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Harris was later named the sixth dean in 2007. Under his leadership, the college implemented the College of Engineering Success Center, which focuses on the retention of engineering students by offering supplemental instruction for freshman and sophomore students enrolled in math, science and engineering courses.

As the dean of the college of engineering, one of his top priorities was to ensure that the college becomes one of the foremost engineering colleges in the nation. His long-term goal is to reach a level of achievement and recognition that places the college among the global leaders in engineering education, research and service. According to Harris he is on target with those achievements to date.

Harris, who has consistently held joint faculty appointments in aerospace and mechanical engineering departments, assumes the helm of a college that is widely known for producing top black engineers. His efforts have garnered more than $3.2 million in research and program funding. Equipped with this expertise, he will now lead a college with more than 900 students.

Prior to joining the faculty at PVAMU, Harris served as associate professor and associate chairman for the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. In this capacity, he managed the departmental budget, curriculum design, fellowships, scholarships and conducted research concerning heat transfer through porous materials, energy conservation and the cooling of electronic components.

While serving at the University of Texas at Arlington, Harris also directed the Loan Star Industrial Assessment Center in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, which provided energy, waste and productivity conservation assessments to various manufactures in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In 2004, he received the Outstanding Academic Advisor Award from the College of Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Harris holds the bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Kansas, the master’s and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Mississippi. He is also a graduate of the Naval Aviation Officer School as a U.S. naval officer and aviator. His research has been published in publications such as the Journal of Electronic Packaging, the Journal of Porous Media and the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer.  Harris is married to Shundra, who is a design teacher in the School of Art and Architecture at Prairie View A&M University.

The breakfast is open to the men of the community. Please call 936-857-3272 or email: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net to confirm attendance.

You will have an opportunity to ask questions and make comments on issues you feel that impact young people today.

You are also invited to fellowship with the members in their Bible Study on Sundays at 9:30 a.m., followed by worship service at 11:00 a.m. and refreshments.

February Events at St. Francis of Assisi Prairie View . . .

St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie View has a very busy February 2016.  The public is invited to share in the activities, which provides fellowship, food for the soul and body, and friendship.  Below are the noted events for the month:

February 7:  The Rev. Canon John W. Newton, IV, Chief of Staff for the Diocese of Texas is the celebrant and preacher for the morning worship and Holy Eucharist Rite I at 11:00 a.m.  Canon Newton will also meet with members of the church during the fellowship.

 February 9:  Strove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Fellowship from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall.  Come and feast on delicious pancakes and have refreshments for $4.00 for Children and students, $7.00 General and $20 for family of 4. Come on out and enjoy the fellowship.

February 13:   UnValentine's Day Dinner for Singles and Couples, a grand evening of fun and fellowship - appetizers, wine and dinner, music and games. Admission: $25.00 per person. Sponsorships Available - $300, $200 and $100.  Confirm attendance at 936-857-3272.

February 27:   Men's Prayer breakfast at St. Francis of Assisi in Prairie View at 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The speaker is the Reverend Dr. Virgil A. Wood, former Executive Board of Directors Member for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, personal friend and fellow torchbearer with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Pastor Emeritus, Pond Street Baptist Church, Providence, Rhode Island, author and co-founder of Restoration Jubilee.  The event free. Please confirm attendance at 936-857-3272 or email:  stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net.