When we think of a “chain,” at first we might imagine such unhappy things as possibly vicious dogs chained in someone’s backyard, or a disconsolate prisoner, shuffling along in leg irons tied together with heavy chains. But, stop! Think just of a “chain” itself: a long loop of interlaced circles which, when tied end to end, can form a circle in itself. And that is what our Prayer Chain at St. Francis is, a circle of dedicated parishioners who pray daily or weekly for the people on the list they receive every month. It is a circle which includes not only these faithful pray-ers and those for whom they pray, but all of us—you included—and, of course, the connecting link is the One Who Has Created everything. It is a quiet and seemingly personal ministry, with no meetings to attend, but more powerful than the heaviest metal chain one can conjure up, joining us irretrievably together. If you would like to be a part of this ministry or would like to add a name to the monthly prayer list, do not hesitate to call Marge King at the church office, or email Sandy VanDoren, at