ST. FRANCIS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
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What's Happening at St. Francis this week

3/8/2023

 
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Thursday Announcements March 16, 2023

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ERIN’S EPISTLETTES
  • Thank you to the many faithful volunteers who fill worship leadership roles! I know your time is limited and valuable and I appreciate you sharing it with us. Moving forward, I ask that all service participants (acolytes, lectors, Eucharistic ministers and media team) are in the building at least fifteen minutes before the service starts. Timely arrival will be particularly critical as we move into the busyness of Holy Week. If you aren't in the building ten minutes before the service starts, we'll assume you aren't coming and find a substitute. 
  • Our interdenominational Lenten Lunches continue Tuesdays at noon. The location changes every week. I'll present next Tuesday, March 21 at First United Methodist, Scottsbluff. 
  • Saint Francis' Soup and Stations takes place every Wednesday through March 29. We'll eat at five-thirty and transition to the sanctuary around six-fifteen (rather than six as originally announced). Volunteers are needed to bring soup, salad and bread. Please see the sign-up sheet on the kitchen bulletin board for a list of needs. As of this writing, all slots for March 22 are open. 
 
Holy Week at Saint Francis
 
What is Maundy Thursday?  
The word maundy comes from the Latin phrase mandatum novum, which means "new commandment." The phrase refers to the example of service Jesus sets by washing the disciples' feet at the last meal he shared with them before his arrest. This meal became the first Eucharist. Descriptions of elaborate ceremonies commemorating these events date to the fourth century. Following Jesus' example of service, worshippers at Saint Francis will also have an opportunity to share a simple meal and wash each other's feet.  At the close of the service, we will strip the altar in preparation for Good Friday. Maundy Thursday is a part of the Triduum, the three days leading up to the celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Easter. Saint Francis will celebrate Maundy Thursday at 6 p.m. on April 6. 
 
Holy Week Schedule
  • Palm Sunday (April 2): one service @ 9 a.m.
  • Tenebrae (Wednesday, April 5): 6 p.m. 
  • Maundy Thursday (April 6): 6 p.m.
  • Good Friday (April 7): 12 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
  • Holy Saturday Day Service (April 8): 10 a.m. 
  • Easter Vigil (April 8): 7:45 p.m.
  • Easter Sunday (April 9): 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
From the office—Ann’s Announcements
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Yeah Spring!!!
Birthdays
Colleen Kelly               March 23
Patty Clown Horse      March 25

The Daughters of the King will be sponsoring a special collection on the fourth Sunday, March 26.    In place of collecting personal hygiene items, we will be collecting items for Capstone, the child advocacy agency in Gering that serves children in 11 counties in western Nebraska.    They are in need of journals which can be found in many stores in Scottsbluff; blankets, new only please, especially warm fuzzy ones; and McDonalds or Runza gift cards.    The cards are used to purchase meals for the children by DHHS workers who escort the children to Capstone.    Please help us fulfill this wish list for this vital child advocacy organization. 

Prayer Requests * Please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message), email stfrancis@allophone.com or mail to:
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1201
Scottsbluff, NE 69361


Forward Day by Day Booklets
We have the Forward Day by Day’s for February-April are here in regular and large print.  If you’d like one of these mailed to you, please email or call the church. 
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What's Happening at St. Francis this week

3/1/2023

 
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Thursday Announcements March 9, 2023
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ERIN’S EPISTLETTES
  • Soup and Stations takes place every Wednesday through March 29. We'll eat at five-thirty and transition to the sanctuary around six-fifteen (rather than six as originally announced). Volunteers are needed to bring soup, salad and bread. Please see the sign-up sheet on the kitchen bulletin board for a list of needs.                                                                                                      
Holy Week at Saint Francis
​

What is Tenebrae? 
Tenebrae is a Latin word meaning darkness or shadows. In the monastic tradition, Tenebrae was a series of night and early morning services held during Holy Week. Our contemporary Episcopal service draws the materials of these several services into a single liturgy. In addition to incorporating a seasonally appropriate Hebrew acrostic from the Book of Lamentations, a series of candles are extinguished to symbolize the impending darkness of the Passion week events. Incorporation of the writings of Saint Augustine dates to the eight century. Saint Francis will host this moving service at 6 p.m. Wednesday of Holy Week, April 5. 
  
Holy Week Schedule
  • Palm Sunday (April 2): one service @ 9 a.m.
  • Tenebrae (Wednesday, April 5): 6 p.m. 
  • Maundy Thursday (April 6): 6 p.m.
  • Good Friday (April 7): 12 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
  • Holy Saturday Day Service (April 8): 10 a.m. 
  • Easter Vigil (April 8): 7:45 p.m.
  • Easter Sunday (April 9): 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.​
From the office—Ann’s Announcements

​​Remember the Time Change Saturday Night
"Spring Ahead"
​Birthdays
Cricket Simmons         March 13
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​​Thank you so much for the $786.37 you donated this past year to children’s
“Joyful Noise” buckets, the first Sunday of each month.  
​
In their study of outreach, the children decided to donate the money to : The Lakota Lutheran Center, Skipper’s Cupboard, The Riverside Discovery Center, and Episcopal Relief and Development.  They paid for 1 goat, 1 pig, fruit trees (especially Banana), wells, and a bicycle for health care workers to cover greater distances and reach more homes.  The wells will provide clean water to villages and prevent disease. Skipper’s Cupboard builds shelters for people whose pets do not have shelter and are outside animals, and food for pets whose owners need extra help. The Lakota Lutheran Center provides meals, clothing and religious services to many in our community. Thank you again for you generosity!
 
Prayer Requests * Please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message), email stfrancis@allophone.com or mail to:
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1201
Scottsbluff, NE 69361


Forward Day by Day Booklets
We have the Forward Day by Day’s for February-April are here in regular and large print.  If you’d like one of these mailed to you, please email or call the church. 

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What's Happening at St. Francis this week

2/23/2023

 
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Thursday Announcements March 2, 2023
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ERIN’S EPISTLETTES​
  • Children's program participants recently selected the beneficiaries of their "Joyful Noise" collection. Please see the article below for details. You chose wisely, my friends. I'm proud of you! 
  • Now that Ash Wednesday is over, I'd like to take a moment to look ahead to Holy Week. Our schedule of services will be as follows:
    • Palm Sunday (April 2): one service @ 9 a.m.
    • Tenebrae (Wednesday, April 5): 6 p.m. (Last Soup and Stations March 29)
    • Maundy Thursday (April 6): 6 p.m. (this will include an agape dinner; details forthcoming)
    • Good Friday (April 7): noon & 6:30 p.m.
    • Holy Saturday Day Service (April 8): 10 a.m. 
    • Easter Vigil (April 8): 7:45 p.m.
    • Easter Sunday (April 9): 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
    • I'll share information about Holy Week services, particularly less familiar ones, in upcoming editions of the enews. 
    • We'll communicate which services will be live streamed once the schedule is finalized. 
  • Don't forget: Soup and Stations takes place every Wednesday in March. We'll eat at 5:30 and transition to the sanctuary around 6:15. Volunteers are needed to bring soup, salad and bread. Please see the sign-up sheet on the kitchen bulletin board for a list of needs. 


​Scam Alert!!!  

​We received word another scam artist is contacting church members, this time to ask for eBay gift cards. The messages are coming from a number with a 707 area code. We will never, ever ask you for gift cards, nor will a church staff member ever contact you from a number other than our own. If you receive a text like this please delete it without responding and, if possible, report it as junk to your cell carrier. ​

​
Recent Attendance Trends
November Average: 71
December Average (Including Christmas Eve): 86
December Average (Excluding Christmas Eve): 69
January Average: 62
February Average: 65
..........
Six-Month Average (as of the End of February): 69
Threshold to Add a Second Service Sundays: 90
​From the office—Ann’s Announcements
Birthdays

Jennifer Mills              March 5
Barb Becker               March 6
Kenzy Hernandez      March 6
Charlie Kennedy        March 9
Sammy Masid            March 9
Landon Parrish          March 9
Jennifer Schilke         March 11
    Charlie Selzer            March 11    
Thank you so much for the $786.37 you donated this past year to children’s “Joyful Noise” buckets, the first Sunday of each month.
​
In their study of outreach, the children decided to donate the money to : The Lakota Lutheran Center, Skipper’s Cupboard, The Riverside Discovery Center, and Episcopal Relief and Development.  They paid for 1 goat, 1 pig, fruit trees (especially Banana), wells, and a bicycle for health care workers to cover greater distances and reach more homes.  The wells will provide clean water to villages and prevent disease. Skipper’s Cupboard builds shelters for people whose pets do not have shelter and are outside animals, and food for pets whose owners need extra help. The Lakota Lutheran Center provides meals, clothing and religious services to many in our community. Thank you again for you generosity!                  
United Thank Offering
United Thank Offering is not just for grown-ups!  We can begin teaching gratitude and giving at a very young age.  Here is a fun idea to get kids (and grown-ups) involved.  
ABC's of gratitude:  Write all the letters of the alphabet down on the left side of a piece of paper.  As you think of a blessing or gratitude, write it down next to the corresponding letter of the alphabet.  With each new blessing or gratitude, add a coin to your box.  It might take a while to have a blessing beside each letter.  Try to fill in a gratitude for each letter before beginning a new piece of paper.      Jenny Bohl
 
 Prayer Requests * Please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message), email stfrancis@allophone.com or mail to:
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1201
Scottsbluff, NE 69361


Forward Day by Day Booklets
We have the Forward Day by Day’s for February-April are here in regular and large print.  If you’d like one of these mailed to you, please email or call the church.
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What's Happening at St. Francis this week

2/15/2023

 
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Thursday Announcements February 23, 2023
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​ERIN’S EPISTLETTES
  • Due to the winter storm, Ash Wednesday services have been moved to Friday. They'll take place at the previously published times, noon and 6:30 p.m. I hope you can join us for this prayerful, once-a-year service. Watch our Facebook page for an announcement as to which service will be livestreamed. 
  • Thank you to those who are regularly wearing your name tag! It's a simple but important means of offering a warm welcome to visitors and newcomers. 
  • Next Wednesday marks the first of Saint Francis' "Soup and Stations." At 5:30, We'll serve a simple meal of soup, salad and bread. At 6, We'll transition to the church for Stations of the Cross and Eucharist. If you'd like to bring something to share, a sign-up sheet is available in the parish hall. This program will be offered March 1-29. 
  • Next Tuesday begins the interdenominational Lenten series celebrating two-and-a-half centuries of Amazing Grace. Lunch is served at noon followed by a reflection. Saint Francis hosts on March 7; I present on March 21. A different church hosts every week. See the below graphic for a detailed schedule. 
From the office—Ann’s Announcements
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Birthdays
Aunna Taylor              February 26
Jack Schaaf                March 2
Erin Cawiezel             March 3
Damuri Parrish           March 4    
 
The Daughters of the King will be collecting personal hygiene items Sunday, February 26. A collection basket will be in the narthex. Items collected are distributed to local agencies. Thank you for your generous support of this project.
 
Our church provides a soup kitchen across the street at the Presbyterian Church. We do this on the 5th Thursday of the month. This usually works out to 4 to 5 times a year. The months in November and December that have 5 Thursdays are not done because of holiday dinners set up in the community. This year we have 3 and they are March, June, and August. These are done at 5:00 pm at the Presbyterian church which is one of the head quarters for the soup kitchen dinners. There is meat and other items supplied by the soup kitchen head quarters but I usually try to get a donation from Walmart to help pick up some fruit, cookies, milk, bread and other items. We always have volunteers to help serve and clean up. I usually do sloppy joes but other ideas would be welcome. We usually plan for 50 to 60 people. Most of the time we are done in a couple of hours. Sometimes when I have plans, Father Bob and Barb will take care of it. We have been blessed with volunteers to help out. A big thanks to all who have helped these past years! Anyone interested in helping can contact me at 308-672-7839 or signup with the church office by phone or email.    Rick Gable
 
United Thank Offering
Mission Statement: United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church.  Through UTO, men, women, and children nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God.  These prayers of thanksgiving start when we recognize and name our many daily blessings.  Those who participate in UTO discover that thankfulness leads to generosity.  UTO is entrusted to promote thank offerings, to receive the offerings, and to distribute the UTO monies to support mission and ministry throughout the Episcopal Church and Provinces in the developing world.    Jenny Bohl
 
Prayer Requests * Please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message), email stfrancis@allophone.com or mail to:
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1201
Scottsbluff, NE 69361

Forward Day by Day Booklets
We have the Forward Day by Day’s for February-April are here in regular and large print.  If you’d like one of these mailed to you, please email or call the church.
 

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What's Happening at St. Francis this week

2/9/2023

 
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​Thursday Announcements February 16, 2023
 
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ERIN’S EPISTLETTES
  • Don't forget: Lent begins next week with Ash Wednesday. (Already!) This means Shrove Tuesday pancake supper (see announcement below) and special worship services at noon and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
  • I hope you can participate in some excellent Lenten offerings...
    • Interdenominational Lenten Lunches will happen Tuesdays at different churches in the valley. (see graphic below) 
      • This year's theme is Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Amazing Grace. 
      • Saint Francis will host on March 7. 
      • I'll present on March 21. 
      • Printouts of the graphic are available in the narthex. 
    • Saint Francis will offer soup, stations and Eucharist on Wednesday evenings. 
      • A simple soup supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. 
      • We'll transition to the main sanctuary for Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m. 
      • I'll move from the sanctuary to the chapel for Eucharist immediately after stations. 

From the office--Ann’s Announcements
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Honoring Black History Month
& President’s Day
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Birthdays
John  A. Selzer                   February 19
Kathy Anderson                  February 20
Pete Schilke                       February 21
Peggy Wymore                   February 22
Alyssa Harvey                     February 22
Evelyn Anderson-Saenz     February 22
Jacklyn Cawiezel                February 24

                                                                                      Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, February 21st from 5-7PM.

                                                                                                       Pancakes, eggs and ham will be our menu.   
                                                                                                                            Freewill offering.
 
                                                                                                               Come enjoy supper with us!
 
 ​

Ash Wednesday Service Volunteers Still Needed     Please call in, or email to let us know if you can serve.
NOON:    1 or 2 acoyltes    AND   1 more greeter   
 
The Daughters of the King will be collecting personal hygiene items Sunday, February 26. A collection basket will be in the narthex.
Items collected are distributed to local agencies. Thank you for your generous support of this project.]

Our church provides a soup kitchen across the street at the Presbyterian Church. We do this on the 5th Thursday of the month. This usually works out to 4 to 5 times a year. The months in November and December that have 5 Thursdays are not done because of holiday dinners set up in the community. This year we have 3 and they are March, June, and August. These are done at 5:00 pm at the Presbyterian church which is one of the head quarters for the soup kitchen dinners. There is meat and other items supplied by the soup kitchen head quarters but I usually try to get a donation from Walmart to help pick up some fruit, cookies, milk, bread and other items. We always have volunteers to help serve and clean up. I usually do sloppy joes but other ideas would be welcome. We usually plan for 50 to 60 people. Most of the time we are done in a couple of hours. Sometimes when I have plans, Father Bob and Barb will take care of it. We have been blessed with volunteers to help out. A big thanks to all who have helped these past years! Anyone interested in helping can contact me at 308-672-7839 or signup with the church office by phone or email.      Rick Gable

 
United Thank Offering is a ministry of all the people to celebrate the blessings in our lives.  NOTICE the good things that happen each day.  GIVE THANKS for your blessings.  MAKE an offering for each blessing.  Blue boxes will be provided for you to place your bills and coins in during Lent.  Each coin and bill transforms lives in the United State and around the world, and your blessings become blessings for others.  The Sunday before Easter, the combined ingathering of donations will be blessed, and the money will be sent to The United Thank Offering.  Jenny Bohl
 
The Pre/Early Teen Sunday School class will return to the 9:00 hour, meeting in the parish hall for about 1/2 hour before going in to church with their family.
In this class of 11-14 year-olds we are learning our way around the Bible, looking up and studying basic truths through stories, Psalms, history, etc.
using a variety of activities for lesson reinforcement.  Please talk to Peggy Wymore or Mother Erin about any ideas, questions or concerns you may have.

Prayer Requests * Please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message), email stfrancis@allophone.com or mail to:
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1201
Scottsbluff, NE 69361

Forward Day by Day Booklets
We have the Forward Day by Day’s for February-April are here in regular and large print.  If you’d like one of these mailed to you, please email or call the church.

What's Happening at St. Francis this week

2/2/2023

 
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Thursday Announcements February 9, 2023
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ERIN’S EPISTLETTES
  • The other clergy and I will offer prayers for healing immediately following worship the second Sunday of the month. 
    • We'll begin this practice Sunday, February 12. Simply come to the altar rail after the recessional hymn, or if you don't feel safe utilizing the stairs, sit in the front row of pews and we will come to you. 
    • To be clear: this doesn't mean prayers for healing won't be offered any time they're requested, only that they'll purposefully be offered monthly. 
  • ​Ash Wednesday is February 22 this year. Services will be at noon and 6:30 p.m. 
From the office--Ann’s Announcements
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Happy Valentine's Day!!​
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Birthdays
Devon Parrish            February 12
Ebram Gomez            February 12
Sarah Schaaf             February 15
Stacy Bach                 February 17
Carol Hotchkiss          February 18
​

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, February 21st from 5-7PM.

Pancakes, eggs and ham will be our menu.   
Freewill offering.
 
Come enjoy supper with us!
 
 
Ash Wednesday Service Volunteers Needed.   
Please call in to let us know if you can serve or sign the volunteer sheet posted by the kitchen.
Noon:     1 reader
               2 acoyltes
               2 greeters
6:30PM:  1 reader
                3 acolyltes
                2 greeters

The Daughters of the King will be collecting personal hygiene items Sunday, February 26. A collection basket will be in the narthex.
Items collected are distributed to local agencies.   Thank you for your generous support of this project.

Our church provides a soup kitchen across the street at the Presbyterian Church. We do this on the 5th Thursday of the month. This usually works out to 4 to 5 times a year. The months in November and December that have 5 Thursdays are not done because of holiday dinners set up in the community. This year we have 3 and they are March, June, and August. These are done at 5:00 pm at the Presbyterian church which is one of the head quarters for the soup kitchen dinners. There is meat and other items supplied by the soup kitchen head quarters but I usually try to get a donation from Walmart to help pick up some fruit, cookies, milk, bread and other items. We always have volunteers to help serve and clean up. I usually do sloppy joes but other ideas would be welcome. We usually plan for 50 to 60 people. Most of the time we are done in a couple of hours. Sometimes when I have plans, Father Bob and Barb will take care of it. We have been blessed with volunteers to help out. A big thanks to all who have helped these past years! Anyone interested in helping can contact me at 308-672-7839 or signup with the church office by phone or email. 
 
Rick Gable

The Pre/Early Teen Sunday School class will return to the 9:00 hour, meeting in the parish hall for about 1/2 hour before going in to church with their family.
In this class of 11-14 year-olds we are learning our way around the Bible, looking up and studying basic truths through stories, Psalms, history, etc.
using a variety of activities for lesson reinforcement.  Please talk to Peggy Wymore or Mother Erin about any ideas, questions or concerns you may have.
 
Prayer Requests * Please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message),
​email stfrancis@allophone.com or mail to:
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1201
Scottsbluff, NE 69361

Forward Day by Day Booklets
We have the Forward Day by Day’s for February-April are here in regular and large print.  If you’d like one of these mailed to you, please email or call the church.

Alena and Charlie Kennedy are once again jumping in the frozen Platte River on Saturday, February 25 in Support of Special Olympics Nebraska and our team the Scotts Bluff County Thunder.
 
The Polar Plunge will take place at the YMCA Trails West behind the zoo. If you wish to support Alena and our special needs athletes in the community to help fund state and regional tournaments trips please make your pledge on the Special Olympics Nebraska website, www.sone.org, Be Bold Get Cold, Panhandle Polar Plunge, Online Registration, Donate Now On the pledge page for “Would you like to credit this donation to a specific fundraiser or team” please search for Alena or the MacPlungers  (our theme this year is the Scottish kilt).

​You may also donate offline to Charlie with cash or check to Special Olympics Nebraska.  Thank you for helping Special Olympics in western Nebraska!
 
​

What's Happening at St. Francis this week

1/31/2023

 
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Thursday Announcements February 2, 2023
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ERIN’S EPISTLETTES
  • Congratulations to those elected at the annual meeting!
    • Monica Shambaugh and Jon Meyer will continue to serve as Senior and Junior Wardens. 
    • New vestry members are Diane Morrison, Jane Sayre and Sarah Schaaf. 
    • Council delegates are Cory Foster, Beth McKibben and Monica Shambaugh. Diane Morrison is our alternate should someone become unavailable. 
    • The vestry treasurer and clerk are both appointed positions. Diane Morrison will serve as Treasurer and Beth McKibben as clerk. 
    • I encourage you to read the annual meeting report packet which can be downloaded at bit.ly/sfsbfiles. If you'd like a copy mailed to you, let the front office know. 
    • The meeting was recorded and will be uploaded to a private YouTube link. This link is available on request. 
  • ​Sermons are still being posted to the website for you to read (or reread). Simply go to bit.ly/sfsbsermons. 

Recent Attendance Trends
November 
Monthly Average: 71 / Six-Month Average: 63 
December
Monthly Average: 86 / Six-Month Average: 67
(Inclusive of Christmas Eve)
January 
Monthly Average: 62 / Six-Month Average: 69
Wednesday Evening Eucharist
Since the first Wednesday of Advent, 11/30/22...
Services: 7 / Average Attendance: 3
 
From the office--Ann’s Announcements 
Birthdays
Jane Kelley                         February 5
Karen Mecklem                   February 6
Hadlee Peterson                 February 9
Bob Manasek                      February 10
Diane Eskam                      February 10
 
Anniversaries
Charlie & Gloria Kennedy     February 11
 
It’s “Joyful Noise” money collection this Sunday, February 5th.
Please make some noise with your coins in the bucket J

 
The Daughters of the King will resume the collecting of personal hygiene items on Sunday, January 22. Collection baskets will be located in the narthex. Suggested items include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, razors, etc. Thanks to your past donations, we’ve been able to help several local agencies serving people in need.
 
The Pre/Early Teen Sunday School class will return to the 9:00 hour, meeting in the parish hall for about 1/2 hour before going in to church with their family.
In this class of 11-14 year-olds we are learning our way around the Bible, looking up and studying basic truths through stories, Psalms, history, etc. using a variety of activities for lesson reinforcement.
Please talk to Peggy Wymore or Mother Erin about any ideas, questions or concerns you may have.

Prayer Requests * Please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message), email stfrancis@allophone.com or mail to:
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1201
Scottsbluff, NE 69361

Forward Day by Day Booklets
We have the Forward Day by Day’s for February-April are here in regular and large print.  If you’d like one of these mailed to you, please email or call the church.
Alena and Charlie Kennedy are once again jumping in the frozen Platte River on Saturday, February 25 in Support of Special Olympics Nebraska and our team the Scotts Bluff County Thunder.
 
The Polar Plunge will take place at the YMCA Trails West behind the zoo. If you wish to support Alena and our special needs athletes in the community to help fund state and regional tournaments trips please make your pledge on the Special Olympics Nebraska website, www.sone.org, Be Bold Get Cold, Panhandle Polar Plunge, Online Registration, Donate Now On the pledge page for “Would you like to credit this donation to a specific fundraiser or team” please search for Alena or the MacPlungers  (our theme this year is the Scottish kilt).

​You may also donate offline to Charlie with cash or check to Special Olympics Nebraska.  Thank you for helping Special Olympics in western Nebraska!
 

What's Happening at St. Francis this week

1/19/2023

 
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Thursday Announcements January 26, 2023 
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ERIN’S EPISTLETTES
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  • Our annual meeting is this Sunday! Come for worship and the meeting, stay for a special treat from your rector. 
    • Thank you to all who created reports for the information packet. An electronic copy of the packet will be available at bit.ly/sfsbfiles by Saturday evening. 
    • We'll have hard copies of the agenda but limited copies of the full-length information packet. 
  • Thank you to the fifty-two families and individuals who submitted a stewardship pledge! I'm so grateful for your participation and generosity. 
    • There are still a few of you we've yet to hear from. Even if you have a recurring donation set up, I'd appreciate confirmation of your plans for the year. The form is available online at bit.ly/sfsbgive2023, or paper copies are available in the narthex. 
  • The diocesan-wide EfM event on proposed revisions to the prayer book will be on Zoom this Saturday morning. See link below to register. I plan to be in attendance. 
  • I want to pass on Bishop Barker's thanks for "the very kind welcome" you offered him and Canon Easton for our Celebration of New Ministry. Heartfelt thanks to those who participated in the service, those who made the wonderful reception possible and those who attended, both in-person and virtually. 
  • Sermons are still being posted to the website for you to read (or reread). Simply go to bit.ly/sfsbsermons. 

   






​
2023 EfM Event 
Registration Open


Prayer Revision and the Future of Common Prayer
January 28, 2023, 9:30am-12pm CT / 8:30-11am MT 

​
What does the General Convention resolution about Prayerbook revisions mean to clergy, liturgical planners, and interested people
in the pew?
Come find out at the third annual Zoom EfM Event! Learn more from our flyer, and read about the resolution in an ENS article here. All are welcome - EfM Graduates, Mentors, Students, and interested individuals. This event is free, but we suggest a donation of $25 to St. Benedict's Food Pantry. Click here to register now. If you have questions about this event or EfM, contact Sandra Squires.

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And news from the Diocesan Ministry Memo:
 
The Benedictine Service Corps
​

Apply Now for the 2023-24 Service Year
Young adults who are passionate about service and want to explore their prayer life
and spirituality are invited to apply to
The Benedictine Service Corps
or for a summer internship at
The Benedictine Way!
Members of the Benedictine Service Corps live and pray with the monastic community in North Omaha, working in the community’s three urban gardens and running their food pantry.
 Click here to learn more
and apply to the Benedictine Service Corps, or here to learn more about an internship.
Have other questions about young adult ministries at The Benedictine Way?
Email Br. James Dowd at 
jdowd@episcopal-ne.org.

                                                      The Benedictine Way                                                                                                                  Monastery in Residence
​

 
  • PRAYER.
  • SERVICE.
  • COMMUNITY.
  • We’ve picked up our monastery in Omaha and moved it to Chadron for nine days. All are welcome at our Monastery in Residence for prayer services, special programs, spiritual direction, or just to meet a monk!
  • PRAYER SERVICES
  • Tuesday-Saturday
  • 6:00 AM Vigils/Centering Prayer
  • 8:00 AM Lauds and Holy Eucharist
  • 12:10 PM Centering Prayer
  • 5:30 PM Vespers
  • 8:00 PM Compline Sundays
  • 6:00 AM Vigils/Centering Prayer
  • 8:00 AM Lauds
  • 10:30 AM Holy Eucharist
  • 5:30 PM Vespers (Jan. 29 only)
  • Monday
  • Sabbath Day - No Public Offices
  • thebenedictineway.org | Contact Br. James at jdowd@episcopal-ne.org

From the office--Ann’s Announcements
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Birthdays
Kim Hurst                         January 30
Mona Leach                     February 1
Jack Webb                       February 4
Tiffany Mackrill                 February 4
Lily Croft                           February 4
Will Schaaf                       February 4
 
The Daughters of the King will resume the collecting of personal hygiene items on Sunday, January 22. Collection baskets will be located in the narthex. Suggested items include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, razors, etc. Thanks to your past donations, we’ve been able to help several local agencies serving people in need.
 
The Pre/Early Teen Sunday School class will return to the 9:00 hour, meeting in the parish hall for about 1/2 hour before going in to church with their family.
In this class of 11-14 year-olds we are learning our way around the Bible, looking up and studying basic truths through stories, Psalms, history, etc. using a variety of activities for lesson reinforcement.
Please talk to Peggy Wymore or Mother Erin about any ideas, questions or concerns you may have.

Prayer Requests * Please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message), email stfrancis@allophone.com or mail to:
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1201
Scottsbluff, NE 69361

Forward Day by Day Booklets
​
We have the Forward Day by Day’s for February-April are here in regular and large print.  If you’d like one of these mailed to you, please email or call the church.
 


Alena and Charlie Kennedy are once again jumping in the frozen Platte River on Saturday, February 25 in Support of Special Olympics Nebraska and our team the Scotts Bluff County Thunder.

The Polar Plunge will take place at the YMCA Trails West behind the zoo. If you wish to support Alena and our special needs athletes in the community to help fund state and regional tournaments trips please make your pledge on the Special Olympics Nebraska website, www.sone.org, Be Bold Get Cold, Panhandle Polar Plunge, Online Registration, Donate Now On the pledge page for "Would you like to credit this donation to a specific fundraiser or team" please search for Alena or the MacPlungers (our theme this year is the Scottish kilt).

​You may also donate offline to Charlie with cash or check to Special Olympics Nebraska.  Thank you for helping Special Olympics in western Nebraska!

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What's Happening at St. Francis this week

1/17/2023

 
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Thursday Announcements January 19, 2023
 
ERIN’S EPISTLETTES

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  • Our Annual Meeting is a week from this Sunday, January 29. Come for worship and the meeting then stay for coffee hour and a special treat from your rector! If you have a report for the information packet, it would be helpful if it's submitted to Ann in the front office by Monday evening. 
  • For the sake of creating a warm welcome for visitors, I encourage you to continue wearing your name tags at gatherings, particularly Sunday Eucharist. If you see a new face, please introduce yourself and invite them to fill out a visitor information form (orange slip found in the pew rack). 
  • I recently received a request to publish the funeral pre planning form on our website. Unfortunately, our website platform's technology does not allow this. However, I did upload a copy to my personal drive, which can be accessed at bit.ly/sfsbfiles. 


And in another section (from the Diocesan Ministry Memo):


The Benedictine Service Corps
​

Apply Now for the 2023-24 Service Year
Young adults who are passionate about service and want to explore their prayer life and spirituality are invited to apply to
The Benedictine Service Corps or for a summer internship at The Benedictine Way! Members of the Benedictine Service Corps
live and pray with the monastic community in North Omaha, working in the community’s three urban gardens and running their food pantry. 
Click here to learn more and apply to the Benedictine Service Corps, or here to learn more about an internship.
Have other questions about young adult ministries at The Benedictine Way?
​Email Br. James Dowd at 
jdowd@episcopal-ne.org.


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​2023 EfM Event 
Registration Open
Prayer Revision and the Future of Common Prayer
January 28, 2023, 9:30am-12pm CT / 8:30-11am MT 
What does the General Convention resolution about Prayerbook revisions mean to clergy, liturgical planners, and interested people in the pew? Come find out at the third annual Zoom EfM Event! Learn more from our flyer, and read about the resolution in an ENS article here. All are welcome - EfM Graduates, Mentors, Students, and interested individuals. This event is free, but we suggest a donation of $25 to St. Benedict's Food Pantry. Click here to register now. If you have questions about this event or EfM, contact Sandra Squires.
​

From the office--Ann’s Announcements
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Birthdays
Jennifer Baird                      January 22
Victoria Schnell                   January 25
 
Anniversaries
Charlene Collins                  January 25
Curt & Karen Mecklem        January 27
 
The Daughters of the King will resume the collecting of personal hygiene items on Sunday, January 22. Collection baskets will be located in the narthex. Suggested items include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, razors, etc. Thanks to your past donations, we’ve been able to help several local agencies serving people in need.
  
Prayer Requests * Please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message), email stfrancis@allophone.com or mail to:
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1201
Scottsbluff, NE 69361


Forward Day by Day Booklets
We have the Forward Day by Day’s for February-April are here in regular and large print.  If you’d like one of these mailed to you, please email or call the church.

What's Happening at St. Francis this week

1/5/2023

 
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Thursday Announcements January 12, 2023
ERIN’S EPISTLETTES
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  • The celebration of our new ministry together is tomorrow at 6:30 p.m.!   I hope you can join either in-person or virtually. To create a warm welcome for Bishop Barker and Canon Easton, please wear your name tag. 
  • Thank you to the thirty-eight families and individuals who've submitted a pledge so far! We'd love to hear from you if we haven't yet. You can access the pledge form electronically at bit.ly/sfsbgive2023, or paper copies are available in the narthex. 
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​2023 EfM Event Registration Open
Prayer Revision and the Future of Common Prayer
January 28, 2023, 9:30am-12pm CT / 8:30-11am MT 
What does the General Convention resolution about Prayerbook revisions mean to clergy, liturgical planners, and interested people in the pew? Come find out at the third annual Zoom EfM Event! Learn more from our flyer, and read about the resolution in an ENS article here. All are welcome - EfM Graduates, Mentors, Students, and interested individuals. This event is free, but we suggest a donation of $25 to St. Benedict's Food Pantry. Click here to register now. If you have questions about this event or EfM, contact Sandra Squires.


From the office--Ann’s Announcements
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Birthdays
Lynn Okicki                  January 17
Saydee Peterson         January 17
Ben Shaver                  January 17
Ben Sauer                    January 20
 
Prayer Requests * Please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message), email stfrancis@allophone.com or mail to:
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1201
Scottsbluff, NE 69361

Forward Day by Day Booklets
We have the Forward Day by Day’s for February-April are here in regular and large print.  If you’d like one of these mailed to you, please email or call the church.
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St. Francis Episcopal Church
14 E 20th Street

Scottsbluff, NE 69361
​P.O. Box 1201


stfrancis@allophone.com

​(308) 632-4626

Service Times

Sundays 9 AM
Wednesdays 6 PM


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