St. Francis of Assisi Campus Ministry to host Sing Your Hymns for the Holidays

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rector, The Reverend Rhonda Rogers and members of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church – Prairie View and the Campus Ministry plans to host “Sing Your Hymns for the holiday season.  The idea behind the program came from the students who have been meeting monthly to revive the campus ministry at Prairie View A&M University.  The event slated for December 13, 2020 will feature the students and members singing their favorite hymns and engaging in theology discussion at 4:30 p.m.

For the past few months the group has been meeting to discuss and generate ideas on how to make the ministry more effective at the university.  Mr. Darryl Johnson, long time member of the church and organizer of the sports meetings at the church has agreed to serve as the Lay Worshiper and Coordinator for the Campus Ministry.  Part of the regrouping includes meeting with The Reverend the Dean of the Johnson Phillip All Faith Chapel to plan for the spring semester.

The group held several bible study sessions on Zoom with the students suggesting activities to include having speakers to address issues such as personal relationships, mental health and anxiety. They also agreed to assist in recruiting members through social media for its bi-weekly Sunday meetings at 4:30 p.m.

One of its planned programs was set for November 15 featuring Ms. Sandra Grimes who will speak on anxiety and stress. Students from Houston Area Center will also join the session.

The newly organized team of students and members are expected generate some support for a full-fledged campus ministry in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For information on joining the campus ministry, students should contact 936-857-3272 or email: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net or signup on the website: https://www.stfrancisofassisipv.org/

Reverend Coleman is Preacher for Transfiguration Service

The Rev. Dr. Karen Coleman, Associate Chaplain for Episcopal Ministry and Spiritual Director through the Office of Spiritual Life at Boston University is the preacher for the services at St. Francis of Assisi in Prairie View on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.  The Virtual Service is streamed live on YouTube.

Rev. Coleman recently served as rector of St. James Episcopal Church, Somerville from 2010 until October 2017.  She was the first African-American woman installed as a rector in the history of The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

Prior to becoming rector/chaplain, she served as the priest-in-charge of Trinity Church, Randolph, and as an assistant priest at Christ Church in Needham. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan where she holds a B.A. in Art History and a masters and doctor of ministry degree from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge. The title of her thesis was “Episcopal Female Clergy Leaders of African Heritage: Trailblazers and Colleagues”.  She served two years as a seminarian at Trinity Church, Boston, and as a transitional deacon at St. James’s Church in Cambridge.  She was ordained to the priesthood in 2004.  Prior to her seminary studies, she worked as the assistant director of alumni relations and development at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania and as a fund development consultant for Girl Scouts of the USA, NYC.

She currently serves on the Episcopal Diocese of MA Diocesan Council, is a member of the Diocesan Disciplinary Board, and is the diocesan clerical representative to the Provincial Synod of New England Episcopal dioceses.  In her spare time she is actively involved with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, is a master canner and needlepoints.  She is married to James Reamer and her stepdaughter Lindsay Reamer is a graduate of Boston University.

[Download Bulletin]

CONTACT REV. DR. COLEMAN:

Marsh Chapel, Boston University

735 Commonwealth Avenue

Boston, MA 02215

617-353-1121

revkaren@bu.edu.

St. Francis-Praririe View, St. James-Austin and St. Luke the Evangelist to celebrate St. Pauli Murray

Members of St. Francis of Assisi, St. James - Austin and St. Luke the Evangelist-Houston Episcopal churches have joined in the faith to commemorate the life and times of Saint Anna Pauline "Pauli" Murray with a special service on Sunday, July 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. on YouTube. 

The virtual service will include readings from members of the various parishes as well as musical selections from the combined choir.  The public is invited to join in this special celebration. DOWNLOAD SERVICE BULLETIN

Reverend Murray (November 20, 1910 – July 1, 1985) was an American civil rights activist, women's rights activist, lawyer, and author. Drawn to the ministry, in 1977 Murray became the first black woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest and among the first group of women to become priests in this church.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Murray was raised mostly by her maternal grandparents in Durham, North Carolina. At the age of sixteen, she moved to New York to attend Hunter College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1933. In 1940, Murray sat in the whites-only section of a Virginia bus with a friend, and they were arrested for violating state segregation laws. This incident, and her subsequent involvement with the socialist Workers' Defense League, led to a career goal as a civil rights lawyer. She enrolled in the law school of Howard University, where she graduated first in her class, but was denied the chance to do post-graduate work at Harvard University because of her gender. She earned a master's in law at University of California, Berkeley, and in 1965 she became the first African American to receive a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from Yale Law School.

She will forever be remembered for her gallant efforts on behalf of humanity.  As a lawyer, Murray argued for civil rights and women's rights. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Chief Counsel Thurgood Marshall called Murray's 1950 book States' Laws on Race and Color the "bible" of the civil rights movement. Murray served on the 1961 Presidential Commission on the Status of Women and in 1966 was a co-founder of the National Organization for Women. Murray held faculty or administrative positions at the Ghana School of Law, Benedict College, and Brandeis University, where she shared her experiences and her faith in God.

In 1973, Murray left Brandeis after discerning her call at Emmanuel Church, Boston for the General Theological Seminary. She completed her M. Div. at Virginia Theological Seminary because they were supportive of women's ordination.  She was ordained to the priesthood at the Washington National Cathedral on January 8, 1977, by the Rt. Rev. William F. Creighton, the first African American woman to become an Episcopal priest.

The Rectors of the churches:   St. Francis of Assisi, Reverend Rhonda Rogers; St. James - Austin, the The Rev. Eileen O'Brien and St. Luke the Evangelist-Houston, the Reverend Francene Young and the members look forward to your joining for the special service.

Dr. Kathy Culmer, the Director of Religious Education for St. James’ Episcopal Church in Houston, is the guest preacher for the St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church service on YouTube on April 26, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

For the past month, St. Francis has been streaming its service on line due to the COVID-19 and CDC Guidelines and the direction of the Rt. Reverend C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of the Diocese of Texas.  The services continue online through May 24, 2020.

"We are delighted that Dr. Culmer will join us for our service.  I know that Kathy will be well received," said Reverend Rogers, Rector.

As Director Kathy coordinates of all the religious education at St. James’ including adults and children, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and the various ministries to young people as well as recruits and train volunteers and also serves as Members Ministry Director.  Kathy has been a parishioner at St. James' for several years.

Kathy Hood Culmer is a graduate of Spelman College and the University of South Florida and holds the Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She is an author, storyteller, teacher, and retreat leader who has told her stories in churches, schools, libraries, at festivals, on college campuses and in business settings.

Kathy has been a workshop presenter at the National Storytelling Conference, the National Christian Education Conference for the Episcopal Church, National Conference for the Episcopal Church Women, National Episcopal Youth Event, as well as part of a biblical storytelling mission trip to Gambia in West Africa. She is the former Mission Funding Coordinator for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Kathy is the author of “Big Wheel Cookies: Two for a Penny,” published in “The Rolling Stone and Other Read Aloud Stories,”, is editor of a collection of personal narratives called “Yes, Jesus Loves Me: 31 Love Stories,” and recently authored meditations in “Forward Day by Day,” a devotional guide.

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Dr. Kelvin Kirby is Men's Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Dr. Kelvin Kirby, current Deputy Director for the Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration Center for Applied Radiation Research (CRESSE – CARR) and Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering at Prairie View A&M University.

Dr. Kirby has a wealth of experience in managing multi-disciplinary research centers, human resource development, computer and communications systems and military leadership.  His doctoral work focused on establishing and managing multi-disciplinary research at small universities. He has expertise in executing government programs and human resource development.

Dr. Kirby is a 1978 graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.  He holds the Masters of Engineering in Computing Engineering and the PhD in Engineering  from Texas A&M University in 1987 and 1998, respectively.

Kirby's professional experiences at Prairie View A&M University include serving as the Deputy Director and Education Coordinator, Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration (CRESSE),  Interim Assistant Dean for the College of Engineering, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Program Manager of the National Science Foundation (NSF) programs consisting of some $20.5 million over the years where he designed programs to increase enrollment, retention and success of underrepresented student populations in STEM disciplines, design and develop, test and implementation of general-purpose computer systems and networks; Deputy and Managing Directorof the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) sponsored Center for Applied Radiation Research (CARR), Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty Intern/Researcher with General Electric Corporation, Computer Systems Engineering with the National Defense Headquarters and Canadian Forces., Material Acquisition Management/ADP Officer and Deputy Project Manager for a military communications and data processing project.

He is a published researcher and presenter for numerous professional organizations and publications.  Some of his selected research include “Strengthening the Foundation of Future Black, Hispanic, and American Indian Scientists and Engineers: Highlights of Three National Science Foundation Undergraduate Programs; Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Human Capital Resources” for the American Council on Education Biennial Educating All of One Nation Conference, “Strengthening the Foundation of Future Black Scientists and Engineers: NSF’s HBCU-UP Highlights and Case Stories; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Enhancement Program,” “Establishing and Managing Multi-Disciplinary Research and Engineering at Small Universities,” for the American Society for Engineering Education, Annual Conference and Exposition and “Enhancing Teacher and Student Performance in Mathematics,” American Society for Engineering Education, Annual Conference and Exposition, to name a few.

Over the years, he has served on the Evaluation and Review Panels for NSF and NASA Programs, the Engineering Standards Review Committee, Texas State Board for Educator Certification to develop standards for Teacher Certification in Mathematics, Physical Science and Engineering and the Advisory Boards for QEM Network and Systemic Research, Inc.

Dr. Kirby holds membership in several professional and civic organizations to include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association, National Society of Black Engineers,  and the Associate Pastor of the Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church.

Lawrence Allen is Men's Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Mr. Lawrence Allen, Jr., member of the Texas State Board of Education (TSBE) is the speaker for the Monthly Men's Prayer Breakfast will be held on January 25, 2020 at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Episcopal Church at 8:30 a.m - 10:30 a.m.

 Allen is a third-generation educator and was first elected to the in 2004 and has been re-elected from 2006 through 2018. His term expires in 2023. He holds the same seat once held by his mother, Dr. Alma Allen.

As the District 4 board member and a Democrat, he represents about 1.7 million people in the Houston area, which covers Fort Bend and Harris Counties. He serves as vice chair of the board's Committee on School Finance/Permanent School Fund. This committee oversees the Permanent School Fund, the nation's largest education endowment. The committee also oversees policies for some funding and auditing functions. Allen is a member of the Houston Association of School Administrators; Texas Association of Gifted and Talented; National Association of Secondary Principals; and the National Association of Secondary Administrators.

Allen previously served on the Committee on Planning and Committee on Instruction. He also served a term as vice chair of the 15-member board. Along with his service on the board, Allen is the director of special projects in the Houston Independent School District. He served as principal of the Jesse H. Jones High, assistant principal of Dowling Middle, Jones Senior and Jack Yates High School. He also taught at Lanier and Dowling Middle Schools. He holds a Bachelor’s and two Master’s degrees from Prairie View A&M University.

Allen is married to Carlotta K. Allen and are proud parents of five children - Patrice, Lawrence III, Alim, Ali and Terrell.

The breakfast is a gathering of men in the community to include professionals, retired and active and students who are committed to improving the quality of life in the community. It features a noted speaker who addresses relevant topics impacting the community, interspersed with the speakers personal and professional experiences. Women are also invited to attend.

​The Free Breakfast is open to the men of the community. Please call 936-857-3272 or email: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net.

​For information contact Donald Sowell for more information—936-857-3557.

Rogers Ordained Priest and Rector at St. Francis of Assisi

Saturday, January 18, 2020 was an historical day for the members of St. Francis of Assisi
Episcopal Church with the ordination of the Reverend Rhonda Elwena Blackman Rogers to
the sacred order of priests in Christ's one, holy, catholic and apostolic church and as Rector.

The Right Reverend Hector Monterosso, Bishop Assistant of the Diocese of Texas conducted
the ordination service, the first for St. Francis of Assisi.  More than 250 well-wishers, family, friends and supporters, including some 50 priests and deacons from the Diocese and other parts of the country witnessed the historic event.

The Rev. Hannah E. Atkins Romero, Rector of Trinity Midtown, fellow clergy and Rhonda's friend delivered a rousing and spirit filled sermon that had the church rocking, so to speak. At one point in the sermon, she shared the loving story of Reverend Rogers' running from the full commitment to Christ which had finally caught up with her.  "Rhonda will be a great servant priest and St. Francis you have a winner," she concluded.

Following the service, the patrons feasted on the three-course sit-down sumptuous meal and desserts and Champagne prepared by the ladies of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) in the beautifully decorated Parish Hall. Compliments continue to come in because folks were expecting the usual reception treats and received the surprised of their lives.

Reverend Rogers was ordained a Deacon at the special ordination service at Christ Church Cathedral on June 22, 2019. She became the Deacon at St. Francis of Assisi on August 26, 2019 and preached her first sermon on September 1, 2019, with Canon Joann Saylors Canon for Mission Amplification in the Diocese of Texas celebrating the Eucharist.

Rogers, as the bi-vocational leader, provides outreach service to members and will engage in programs and activities that enhances the spiritual growth and development of the members. She will also support a college ministry at Prairie View A&M University.

In her middler year at Iona, she was assigned at St. Stephen’s, Liberty, TX for her field education experience. She is currently completing her senior field education assignment at Holy Comforter, Spring, Texas. She was a member of Trinity Midtown after moving from Rochester, NY in 2010. She served there in various roles including Verger, LEM, Junior and Senior Warden and led Evening Prayer for the Lords of the Streets (LOTS) ministry.

Reverend Rhonda is the chaplain for Union of Black Episcopal Reverend John D. Epps Chapter. She is also a member of the Commission on Black Ministry, and the Province VII Anti-Racism Committee. She completed Education for Ministry (EFM) in 2003 and was an EFM mentor for two years.

In Rochester, NY, Rhonda was a member of Christ Church. She served as Warden, Church School Coordinator, acolyte, sub-deacon, thurifer, and pastoral visitor. She was also a member of Standing Committee and the Anti-Racism Committee and an adjunct trainer for Congregational Development Institute in the Diocese of Rochester, NY.

Rogers prepared for her service with enrollment and graduation from the Diocese of Texas' Iona School for Ministry on June 9, 2019. She also holds the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology and retired in 2016. She worked for Mobil Chemical and ExxonMobil Chemical for over 38 years in various positions including process and product development, technical advisor, and several management positions. In addition to her technical career, Rhonda led employee training for Organizational Development, Diversity and Inclusion at Mobil Chemical.

Her spiritual journey includes regularly consulting with a spiritual director and participating in retreats with the Order of St. Helena, an Episcopal order of nuns where she is an Associate.  She is also a member of Daughters of the King and United Black Episcopalians.

Reverend Rhonda has three adult children who live in Maryland and California. Her hobbies include traveling, going to the theatre, music, golf, and reading.

Rogers to be Ordained Priest and Installed as Rector for St. Francis of Assisi

God Willing, The Right Reverend Hector Monterosso, Bishop Assistant of the Diocese of Texas will ordain Reverend Rhonda Elwena Blackman Rogers to the sacred order of priests in Christ's one, holy, catholic and apostolic church on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 2000 Phillip and 204 Dooley Streets, Prairie View, Texas.

Reverend Rogers was ordained a Deacon at the special ordination service at Christ Church Cathedral on June 22, 2019. She became the Deacon at St. Francis of Assisi on August 26, 2019 and preached her first sermon on September 1, 2019, with Canon Joann Saylors Canon for Mission Amplification in the Diocese of Texas celebrating the Eucharist.

Rogers, as the bi-vocational leader, provides outreach service to members and will engage in programs and activities that enhances the spiritual growth and development of the members. She will also support a college ministry at Prairie View A&M University.

In her middler year at Iona, she was assigned at St. Stephen’s, Liberty, TX for her field education experience. She is currently completing her senior field education assignment at Holy Comforter, Spring, Texas.

She was a member of Trinity Midtown after moving from Rochester, NY in 2010. She served there in various roles including Verger, LEM, Junior and Senior Warden and led Evening Prayer for the Lords of the Streets (LOTS) ministry.

Reverend Rhonda is the chaplain for Union of Black Episcopal Reverend John D. Epps Chapter. She is also a member of the Commission on Black Ministry, and the Province VII Anti-Racism Committee. She completed Education for Ministry (EFM) in 2003 and was an EFM mentor for two years.

In Rochester, NY, Rhonda was a member of Christ Church. She served as Warden, Church School Coordinator, acolyte, sub-deacon, thurifer, and pastoral visitor. She was also a member of Standing Committee and the Anti-Racism Committee and an adjunct trainer for Congregational Development Institute in the Diocese of Rochester, NY.

Rogers prepared for her service with enrollment and graduation from the Diocese of Texas' Iona School for Ministry on June 9, 2019. She also holds the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology and retired in 2016. She worked for Mobil Chemical and ExxonMobil Chemical for over 38 years in various positions including process and product development, technical advisor, and several management positions. In addition to her technical career, Rhonda led employee training for Organizational Development, Diversity and Inclusion at Mobil Chemical.

Her spiritual journey includes regularly consulting with a spiritual director and participating in retreats with the Order of St. Helena, an Episcopal order of nuns where she is an Associate. She is also a member of Daughters of the King and United Black Episcopalians.

Reverend Rhonda has three adult children who live in Maryland and California. Her hobbies include traveling, going to the theatre, music, golf, and reading.