Those who serve, Sunday, June 22, 9am
Musician                             Nancy Meier
Media Team                        Stephanie Schingle
Ushers                                Monica and Kathy Shambaugh
Acolyte Master                   Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                             Madi Collins, Josie Weiss
Lector/Intercessor             Barb Manasek
Eucharistic Minister          Jan Johnson
Altar Guild             Nancy Kepler, Monica and Kathy Shambaugh
Coffee Hosts         Barb Manasek, Ann Peterson
 
Flowers:
Clark & Amy Wisniewski       In thankfulness for their daughter, Catherine

Unfortunately, the parish hall lift remains unavailable, and won't be available Sunday. Our contractor discovered late in the assembly process that two additional parts are needed.
Those parts have been ordered and work will continue as soon as they're received. We'll continue to keep you updated as the project progresses. 

Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Wednesday 06/25 Zoom Evening Prayer 6pm
Thursday 06/26 Men's Bible Study 8am Library
Sunday 06/29 Eucharist St Francis 9am
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A Message from Mary
 
Greetings!
 
It has been a busy Spring!  Beginning with Lent and all our worship opportunities and preparations for celebration on Easter Sunday.  Then, the successful Craft Fair, thanks to Sarah Schaaf’s commitment and diligent organization.  Additionally, the Stewardship & Engagement team made personal contact with over 85% of our regular givers, resulting in 43 confirmed pledges for 2025.
 
As we move into the summer months, I want to give you a glimpse of what to expect with regard to the Vestry and Stewardship & Engagement team.
 
First, along with its “normal” business, the Vestry is paying particular attention to the finances of the Parish.  We have instituted a Finance Committee that will be reviewing the Parish bills on a monthly basis to see where there may be opportunities for savings or cost-cutting.  The Stewardship & Engagement team received feedback from a number of parishioners with ideas in this regard and we will be taking a look at those.
 
We have also published the Q1 Financials in the e-news and they will be published in the Sunday Bulletin as well.  These were a little late in getting published because of a delay in getting our April financials from our accountant due to his responsibilities related to tax season.  We expect future quarterly reports to be published timelier relative to the end of the quarter.
 
Giving Statements for Jan – April have been emailed to those individuals for whom the office has current email addresses.  If you did not receive a statement, please contact Ann.
 
            At their next meeting, the Stewardship & Engagement team will begin focusing on “Engagement”.  How do we increase the engagement of all our current parishioners?  How do we attract others from our community to visit and become engaged with our parish?  Again, we received some good feedback about this from you during our Spring Giving Campaign.  We will be including those ideas in our discussions and will likely be reaching out to involve you in our Engagement ministry.
 
            Thank-you to everyone who took the time to talk with our Stewardship & Engagement team members.  We appreciate your feedback, suggestions and commitment to St Francis.  And, a special Thanks to the members of the Stewardship & Engagement team:  Jan Johnson, Jeane Anderson, Jill Young, Judi Widmaier, Jane Wisniewski, Connie Schingle and Erin Rath.  Your passion for St Francis and the people we serve is amazing!
 
For His Sake,
 
Mary Bowman, Sr Warden
 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
 TREASURER POSITION OPEN
 
We are seeking a person who has a love for numbers and some computer skills.  This is a volunteer position.  It will begin with an orientation period with our current Treasurer during the month of August.
 
For more information, contact Rev Erin, Mary Bowman or Diane Morrison.
  _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________From the Office—Ann’s Announcements
 
Birthdays:
Jane Sayre                 June 23
Rick Anderson            June 26
Kathy Graham            June 28
Lisa Ledbetter            June 28
 
Anniversaries:
Robert & Lisa Brenner          June 25
Cory & Gretchen Foster       June 26 

Those who serve, Sunday, June 15, 9am
Musician                       Barb Becker
Media Team                  Charlie Kennedy
Ushers                          Kristi Weiss, Judi Widmaier
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                       Monica Shambaugh, Josie Weiss
Lector/Intercessor       Jane Sayre
Eucharistic Minister    Clark Wisniewski
Altar Guild              Nancy Kepler, Monica and Kathy Shambaugh
Coffee Hosts          Diane Morrison, Judi Widmaier
 
Flowers:
Jane Wisniewski & Sarah Williams         In memory of their grandparents,
                                                                Frank & Bessie Brown
                                                                and Ed & Mabel Williams

​Beth McKibbin    In memory of her father Lyle Stingley, and husband Jerry,
                           and father-in-law Mac McKibbin
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Tuesday 06/17 No Lectionary Study; Meetings Suspended Until Fall
Wednesday 06/18 Midday Midweek Eucharist 12:15pm
Evening Midweek Eucharist 6pm
Thursday 06/19 Men's Bible Study 8am Library
     No Discipleship Group; Meetings Suspended Until Fall
Saturday 06/21 Ladies' Salad Luncheon 11:30am
Sunday 06/22 Eucharist St Francis 9am
_______________________________________________________________

A Message from Mary
 
Greetings!
 
It has been a busy Spring!  Beginning with Lent and all our worship opportunities and preparations for celebration on Easter Sunday.  Then, the successful Craft Fair, thanks to Sarah Schaaf’s commitment and diligent organization.  Additionally, the Stewardship & Engagement team made personal contact with over 85% of our regular givers, resulting in 43 confirmed pledges for 2025.
 
As we move into the summer months, I want to give you a glimpse of what to expect with regard to the Vestry and Stewardship & Engagement team.
 
First, along with its “normal” business, the Vestry is paying particular attention to the finances of the Parish.  We have instituted a Finance Committee that will be reviewing the Parish bills on a monthly basis to see where there may be opportunities for savings or cost-cutting.  The Stewardship & Engagement team received feedback from a number of parishioners with ideas in this regard and we will be taking a look at those.
 
We have also published the Q1 Financials in the e-news and they will be published in the Sunday Bulletin as well.  These were a little late in getting published because of a delay in getting our April financials from our accountant due to his responsibilities related to tax season.  We expect future quarterly reports to be published timelier relative to the end of the quarter.
 
Giving Statements for Jan – April have been emailed to those individuals for whom the office has current email addresses.  If you did not receive a statement, please contact Ann.
 
            At their next meeting, the Stewardship & Engagement team will begin focusing on “Engagement”.  How do we increase the engagement of all our current parishioners?  How do we attract others from our community to visit and become engaged with our parish?  Again, we received some good feedback about this from you during our Spring Giving Campaign.  We will be including those ideas in our discussions and will likely be reaching out to involve you in our Engagement ministry.
 
            Thank-you to everyone who took the time to talk with our Stewardship & Engagement team members.  We appreciate your feedback, suggestions and commitment to St Francis.  And, a special Thanks to the members of the Stewardship & Engagement team:  Jan Johnson, Jeane Anderson, Jill Young, Judi Widmaier, Jane Wisniewski, Connie Schingle and Erin Rath.  Your passion for St Francis and the people we serve is amazing!
 
For His Sake,
 
Mary Bowman, Sr Warden
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TREASURER POSITION OPEN
 
We are seeking a person who has a love for numbers and some computer skills.  This is a volunteer position.  It will begin with an orientation period with our current Treasurer during the month of August.
 
For more information, contact Rev Erin, Mary Bowman or Diane Morrison.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
​

From the Office—Ann’s Announcements
 
Happy Father’s Day

 
Birthdays:
Kevin Lehr           June 15
Jake Collins         June 16
Dana Samson      June 17
 
Anniversaries:
Justin & Jackie Cawiezel      June 21
Al & Barb Williams                June 21

Taking place this Saturday June 14 from 11:30 to 1:00 in the old Watering Hole parking lot (across from Walgreens) is the Scottsbluff Pride Rally. Please stop by to personally showcase the St. Francis’ Spirit of Warmth and Sense of Belonging. It is extremely important we display solidarity for our LGBTQ+ family and friends on their day of action as they confront increased discrimination, mistreatment, and threats to their civil rights, at the workplace, schools and in everyday life.
For more information on Facebook go to Panhandle Equality https://www.facebook.com/events/1235979951438856/
  

Please join us for our Annual ECW Ladies Salad Luncheon on Saturday, June 21st, at 11:30 am in the Parish Hall. 
This year, Allan Maybee will be sharing the amazing trip he made to recreate Lewis & Clark’s Journey across America, in his new book, “From Sea to Shining Sea”.  
Please RSVP Barb Manasek (436-7767) or Nancy Kepler (635-0734) to let us know you are coming and how many are in your group.
 
Black History in Scottsbluff will be recognized June 1st through the 29th.
Judi Widmaier and Steph Coley will host a program in the Bronson Gallery on June 22nd from 2-3:30pm.  Steph will be singing and Judi will tell the story of the two Lucinda’s journey from slavery to freedom, including their last stop right here in 1914. They later died here and are buried in the Fairview Cemetery.  Please join Judi to learn about this history and the resilience of these people. 

​Prayer Requests
Prayer requests need to be received by Tuesday, if you’d like them to be printed in the bulletin. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message) or email.
 
The Forward Day by Day’s for May-July are available in regular and large print.  If you’d like either of these mailed to you, please email us or call the church office.

Those who serve, Sunday, June 8, 9am
Musician                      Barb Becker
Media Team                 Steve Trickler
Ushers                         Charlie Kennedy, Alena Kennedy
Acolyte Master            Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                      Walker Anderson, Josie Weiss
Lector/Intercessor      Connie Schingle
Eucharistic Minister    Beth McKibbin
Altar Guild              Nancy Kepler, Monica and Kathy Shambaugh
Coffee Hosts          Karen Mecklem, Collette Suhr

Flowers:
Jack Webb                   In memory of June N. Webb, Jack’s mother
Don & Nancy Kepler    In general thanksgiving
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Sunday 06/08 TODAY Healing Prayers Following Worship
Tuesday 06/10 No Lectionary Study & Compline; Meetings Suspended Until Fall
Wednesday 06/11 Zoom Evening Prayer 6pm
Thursday 06/12 Men's Bible Study 8am Library
     No Discipleship Group; Meetings Suspended Until Fall
Sunday 06/15 Eucharists St Francis 9am

Good Shepherd, Harrisburg 11:30am
Saint Hilda's, Kimball 2:30pm
____________________________________________________________________

Fellow St. Francis congregation members,

The fundraising event hosted on May 3rd was truly a success in my eyes. It not only raised over $3,200 and brought in over 150 outside community members, but it gave us time to appreciate each other and connect as a congregation.

I cannot begin to thank everyone who needs thanking, but I would like to try. For all of those who went out on a limb and shared their creative sparks with the community, thank you! For all of those who baked delicious treats, thank you! For all of those who collected or donated raffle and silent auction prizes, thank you! For all of those who became ticket sales entrepreneurs for the last month and a half, thank you! For all of those who said yes when I asked for help with organizing, advertising, decorating, set up, greeting guests, and serving refreshments, thank you! And for those of you who saw a need and filled it without even being asked, thank you! For everyone who attended and had fun, thank you! You all are the ones who really made the day a success. I count seven thank yous in this thank you note, but please know that I am very, very grateful for all of the help and enthusiasm that went into making this day a reality. Here's to this year's event and to the years to come.

Gratefully Yours,
Sarah Schaaf 
____________________________________________________________________

From the Office—Ann’s Announcements
 
Birthdays:
Kristi Weiss          June 9
Elliot Selzer          June 11
Carolyn Pevey     June 12
Jenny Bohl          June 14
 
Anniversaries:
Don & Nancy Kepler              June 10
Brett & Demuri Parrish          June 11
 
The Daughters of the King are hosting an informational brunch for all women of the parish Saturday, June 7, 9:00 am in the church fellowship hall. We will be providing information on this important ministry to help you determine if this is the next step in your spiritual journey. Please RSVP to Beth McKibbin by Thursday, June 5, [email protected] or 308-641-3993.
 
   Please join us for our Annual ECW Ladies Salad Luncheon on Saturday, June 21st, at 11:30 am in the Parish Hall. 
          This year, Allan Maybee will be sharing the amazing trip he made to recreate Lewis & Clark’s Journey across America,
          in his new book, “From Sea to Shining Sea”.  
   Please RSVP Barb Manasek (436-7767) or Nancy Kepler (635-0734) to let us know you are coming and how many are in your group.
 
Black History in Scottsbluff will be recognized June 1st through the 29th.
Judi Widmaier and Steph Coley will host a program in the Bronson Gallery on June 22nd from 2-3:30pm. 
teph will be singing and Judi will tell the story of the two Lucinda’s journey from slavery to freedom, including their last stop right here in 1914. They later died here and are buried in the Fairview Cemetery. 
Please join Judi to learn about this history and the resilience of these people. 

​Prayer Requests
Prayer requests need to be received by Tuesday, if you’d like them to be printed in the bulletin. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message) or email.
 
The Forward Day by Day’s for May-July are available in regular and large print.  If you’d like either of these mailed to you, please email us or call the church office.

Those who serve, Sunday, June 1, 9am
Musician                       Nancy Meier
Media Team                  Jack Schaaf
Ushers                          Sarah Schaaf, Ann Selzer
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                       Emma Schaaf, Will Schaaf
Lector/Intercessor       Clark Wisniewski
Eucharistic Minister    Nancy Kepler
Altar Guild             Nancy Kepler, Monica and Kathy Shambaugh
Coffee Hosts         Nancy Kepler, Karen Larson

Flowers:
John & Ann Selzer              In general thanksgiving
Greg & Ann Peterson          In memory of Ann’s mother, Margaret Sutherland
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Tuesday 06/03 No Lectionary Study & Compline; Meetings Suspended Until Fall
Wednesday 06/04 Midweek Eucharist 12:15 pm & 6 pm
Thursday 06/05 Men's Bible Study 8am Library
     Discipleship Group 12pm Library
Sunday 06/08 Eucharist St Francis 9am
________________________________________________________________

Fellow St. Francis congregation members,

The fundraising event hosted on May 3rd was truly a success in my eyes. It not only raised over $3,200 and brought in over 150 outside community members, but it gave us time to appreciate each other and connect as a congregation.

I cannot begin to thank everyone who needs thanking, but I would like to try. For all of those who went out on a limb and shared their creative sparks with the community, thank you! For all of those who baked delicious treats, thank you! For all of those who collected or donated raffle and silent auction prizes, thank you! For all of those who became ticket sales entrepreneurs for the last month and a half, thank you! For all of those who said yes when I asked for help with organizing, advertising, decorating, set up, greeting guests, and serving refreshments, thank you! And for those of you who saw a need and filled it without even being asked, thank you! For everyone who attended and had fun, thank you! You all are the ones who really made the day a success. I count seven thank yous in this thank you note, but please know that I am very, very grateful for all of the help and enthusiasm that went into making this day a reality. Here's to this year's event and to the years to come.

Gratefully Yours,
Sarah Schaaf 
_______________________________________________________________

​

​Birthdays:
Jim Petitt                     June 4
Mary Bowman             June 7
 
There will be no Godly Play Sunday School throughout the Summer months.  We will resume in the Fall, when school is back in session.

                             Just a reminder that this Sunday is “Jingle money Sunday”
 
  The Daughters of the King are hosting an informational brunch for all women of the parish Saturday, June 7, 9:00 am in the church fellowship hall. We will be providing information on this important ministry to help you determine if this is the next step in your spiritual journey. Please RSVP to Beth McKibbin by Thursday, June 5, [email protected] or 308-641-3993.

   Please join us for our Annual ECW Ladies Salad Luncheon on Saturday, June 21st, at 11:30 am in the Parish Hall. 
This year, Allan Maybee will be sharing the amazing trip he made to recreate Lewis & Clark’s Journey across America, in his new book, “From Sea to Shining Sea”.     Please RSVP Barb Manasek (436-7767) or Nancy Kepler (635-0734) to let us know you are coming and how many are in your group.
 
 
From The Daughters of the King:
We are pleased to share that the prayer stone station offered during Lent in the Mary Chapel will continue.  This prayer station has given much solace and comfort to our congregation, and because of requests we've received, we're going to continue to offer this prayer opportunity.  When you feel led to surrender your burdens and worries over to God, please visit the chapel prayer station.
 
Prayer Requests
Prayer requests need to be received by Tuesday, if you’d like them to be printed in the bulletin. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message) or email.
 
The Forward Day by Day’s for May-July are available in regular and large print.  If you’d like either of these mailed to you, please email us or call the church office.

Those who serve, Sunday, May 25, 9am
Musician                             Nancy Meier
Media Team                        Charlie Kennedy
Ushers                                Artie Johnson, Alena Kennedy     
Acolyte Master                   Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                             Walker Anderson, Josie Weiss      
Lector/Intercessor             Jim Petitt
Eucharistic Minister          Jan Johnson
Altar Guild             Collette Suhr, Ann Peterson, Jane Sayre
Coffee Hosts         Beth McKibbin, Barb Manasek

Flowers:
Jack Webb             In memory of Chris and her father, Carl Carlson
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Monday 05/26 Memorial Day Church Offices Closed
Tuesday 05/27 Lectionary Study & Compline 2pm Library
Wednesday 05/28 Evening Prayer on Zoom 6pm MT/7pm CT
Thursday 05/29 Men's Bible Study 8am Library
        Discipleship Group 12pm Library
Sunday 06/01 Eucharist St Francis 9am
Good Shepherd, Harrisburg 11:30am

From the Office—Ann’s Announcements 

​Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025
​We honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country.

Birthdays:
Travis Iron Shell          May 25
Nancy Kepler               May 26
Jill Young                     May 26
Stan Eskam                 May 29
Brooklyn Mills              May 30
Clark Wisniewski         May 30
Julie Fancher               May 31
 
Anniversaries:
Gary & Karen Larson           May 26
John & Ann Selzer               May 26

​There will be no Godly Play Sunday School throughout the Summer months.  We will resume in the Fall, when school is back in session.

   Please join us for our Annual ECW Ladies Salad Luncheon on Saturday, June 21st, at 11:30 am in the Parish Hall.  This year, Allan Maybee will be sharing the amazing trip he made to recreate Lewis & Clark’s Journey across America, in his new book, “From Sea to Shining Sea”.  
   Please RSVP Barb Manasek (436-7767) or Nancy Kepler (635-0734) to let us know you are coming and how many are in your group.
 
The Daughters of the King are hosting an informational brunch for all women of the parish Saturday, June 7, 9:00 am in the church fellowship hall. We will be providing information on this important ministry to help you determine if this is the next step in your spiritual journey. Please RSVP to Beth McKibbin by Thursday, June 5, [email protected] or 308-641-3993. 

From The Daughters of the King:
We are pleased to share that the prayer stone station offered during Lent in the Mary Chapel will continue.  This prayer station has given much solace and comfort to our congregation, and because of requests we've received, we're going to continue to offer this prayer opportunity.  When you feel led to surrender your burdens and worries over to God, please visit the chapel prayer station.
 
Prayer Requests
Prayer requests need to be received by Tuesday, if you’d like them to be printed in the bulletin. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message) or email.
 
The Forward Day by Day’s for May-July are available in regular and large print.  If you’d like either of these mailed to you, please email us or call the church office.

This Sunday, our guest celebrant and preacher will be the Br. James Dowd.
Br. Dowd, OSB has practiced for many years as a Benedictine monk.  He is the Monk-in-residence for the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, Prior of Incarnation Monastery and the Benedictine Way.
We warmly welcome Br. James!

Those who serve, Sunday, May 18, 9am
Musician                             Barb Becker
Media Team                        Jack Schaaf
Ushers                                Sarah Schaaf, Connie Schingle     
Acolyte Master                   Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                             Emma Schaaf, Will Schaaf   
Lector/Intercessor             Mike Schingle
Eucharistic Minister          Santana Tamarak
Altar Guild             Collette Suhr, Ann Peterson, Jane Sayre
Coffee Hosts         Mary Bowman, Sarah Schaaf

Flowers:
Bill Mann                In memory of his father Bob

Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Sunday 05/18 Morning Prayer @ St Francis 9am Guest Preacher: Br. James Dowd
Tuesday 05/20 Lectionary Study & Compline 2pm Library
Wednesday 05/21 Midweek Eucharist 12:15pm only
Thursday 05/22 Men's Bible Study 8am Library
       Discipleship Group 12pm Library
Sunday 05/25 Eucharist St Francis 9am
Monday 05/26 Memorial Day Church Offices Closed
_______________________________________________________________

​We celebrate our High School graduations,
Landon Parrish, graduating from Bayard High School, planning to attend WNCC; 
Natalie Peterson, graduating form Gering High School, with plans to attend the University of Tulsa;
​and Avery Salomon, graduating from Gothenburg High School, with plans to attend the University of Nebraska, Omaha.
 
There will be no Godly Play Sunday School throughout the Summer months.  We will resume in the Fall, when school is back in session.

The Daughters of the King are hosting an informational brunch for all women of the parish Saturday, June 7, 9:00 am in the church fellowship hall. We will be providing information on this important ministry to help you determine if this is the next step in your spiritual journey. Please RSVP to Beth McKibbin by Thursday, June 5, [email protected] or 308-641-3993. 

From The Daughters of the King:
We are pleased to share that the prayer stone station offered during Lent in the Mary Chapel will continue.  This prayer station has given much solace and comfort to our congregation, and because of requests we've received, we're going to continue to offer this prayer opportunity.  When you feel led to surrender your burdens and worries over to God, please visit the chapel prayer station.

The Daughters of the King have suspended collection of pill bottles for now. Please do not bring bottles to church at this time. We are in the process of cleaning, removing labels and sorting by size and cannot handle any more right now. We will make an announcement when we are ready to begin collection again. Thank you for your overwhelming response to this ministry. 
 
Prayer Requests
Prayer requests need to be received by Tuesday, if you’d like them to be printed in the bulletin. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message) or email.
​
The Forward Day by Day’s for May-July are available in regular and large print.  If you’d like either of these mailed to you, please email us or call the church office.
 ​

This Sunday, our guest celebrant and preacher will be the Rev. Chris Plantz.
Rev. Chris has been active in Panhandle life and DioNeb leadership for over fifty years. Though she's currently retired, at one time or another she's served almost every Episcopal parish in the Panhandle.
Please warmly welcome Rev. Chris and her husband, Charles! 
 
Recent Worship Engagement:
Sunday Worship
Average for month of April: 75
Three-Month Average (February, March, April): 58
Midweek Worship in April: Best Attended Services
Holy Week (other than Palm Sunday, Easter Vigil & Easter Morning): 30 @ Good Friday 6p
Evening In-Person Stations & Eucharist: 21
Evening Prayer on Zoom: 3
 
Attentive readers will remember that we're currently in the midst of our stewardship drive.  Many and heartfelt thanks to those who've already pledged! We've yet to hear from about half of our members.
If you'd like to participate but haven't had the opportunity, paper copies of this year's pledge form are available in the narthex. It can also be completed online at bit.ly/sfsbgive2025. 
 
Those who serve, Sunday, May 11, 9am
Musician                             Barb Becker
Media Team                        Stephanie Schingle
Ushers                                Jamie Selzer, John L. Selzer
Acolyte Master                   Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                             Madi Collins, Monica Shambaugh
Lector/Intercessor             Jack Webb
Eucharistic Minister          Jayne Sayre
Altar Guild             Collette Suhr, Ann Peterson, Jane Sayre
Coffee Hosts          Ann Peterson, Connie Schingle

Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Sunday 05/11 Eucharist St Francis 9am
     Guest Preacher: the Rev. Chris Plantz
Tuesday Lectionary Study & Compline 2pm Library
Wednesday No Midweek Service
Thursday Men's Bible Study 8am Library
     Discipleship Group 12pm Library 
​​_______________________________________________________________

​From the Office—Ann’s Announcements

 
 
Birthdays:
Lisa Brenner               May 12
Cindy Dickinson          May 12
Karen Larson              May 14
Cheri Witko                May 14
Janet Craven              May 15
 
 
 
 
  

Those who serve, Sunday, May 4, 9am
Musician                             Nancy Meier
Media Team                        Steve Trickler
Ushers                                Karen Mecklem, Judi Widmaier    
Acolyte Master                   Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                             Allie Cawiezel, Erin Cawiezel
Lector/Intercessor            Jane Sayre
Eucharistic Minister          Nancy Kepler
Altar Guild             Nancy Kepler, Monica & Kathy Shambaugh
Coffee Hosts         Diane Morrison, Patty Clown Horse

Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Saturday 05/03 Craft Fair & Bake Sale 10am-2pm
Tuesday 05/06 Lectionary Study & Compline 2pm Library
Wednesday 05/07 No Midweek Service
Thursday 05/08 Men's Bible Study 8am Library
     Discipleship Group 12pm Library
Sunday 05/11 Eucharist St Francis 9am
     Guest Preacher: the Rev. Chris Plantz

​______________________________________________________________________________________

 

From the Office—Ann’s Announcements
 
Birthdays:
Josie Weiss                May 4
Fernando Moreno        May 6
 
Anniversaries:
Rick & Vicky Gable      May 5
 

​Please let us know if you have a child graduating from High School or College,
or graduate school this Spring.  We would like to celebrate their achievement 
with them in May.  Please call the office and let us know the good news!
 
As the Lenten season comes to a close, please consider giving through the United Thank Offering.  The ingathering and blessing of funds will be this Sunday, May 4th. This year's theme is 142 Years of Gratitude in Action. UTO encourages people to develop a practice of gratitude and to make thank offerings for all the blessings they experience. 100% of these offerings support innovative mission and ministry projects around the globe. Since 1883, UTO has awarded almost 5,500 grants worth over $102,000,000. Thank you for  your prayerful consideration.
 
The Daughters of the King annual collection for the Capstone Child Advocacy Center and the United Thank Offerings  will be blessed this Sunday, May 4th.
 
Attentive readers will remember that we're currently in the midst of our stewardship drive. Many and heartfelt thanks to those who've already pledged! We've yet to hear from about half of our members. If you'd like to participate but haven't had the opportunity, paper copies of this year's pledge form are available in the narthex. It can also be completed online at bit.ly/sfsbgive2025. 
 
The Daughters of the King have suspended collection of pill bottles for now. Please do not bring bottles to church at this time. We are in the process of cleaning, removing labels and sorting by size and cannot handle any more right now. We will make an announcement when we are ready to begin collection again. Thank you for your overwhelming response to this ministry. 
 
Prayer Requests
Prayer requests need to be received by Tuesday, if you’d like them to be printed in the bulletin. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message) or email [email protected].
The Forward Day by Day’s for May-July are available in regular and large print.  If you’d like either of these mailed to you, please email us or call the church office.

Thursday Announcements-April 24, 2025­­­­
 
ERIN’S EPISTLETTES

Those who serve,  Sunday,  April 27, 9am
Musician                             Nancy Meier
Media Team                        Stephanie Schingle
Ushers                                Kristi Weiss, Jim Petitt
Acolyte Master                   Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                             Josie Weiss, Walker Anderson
Lector/Intercessor             Jane Sayre
Eucharistic Minister          Nancy Kepler
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson
Coffee Hosts         Diane Morrison, Patty Clown Horse

Flowers:
Shirley Brewer        In memory of husband, Stan

Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Tuesday 04/29 Lectionary Study & Compline 2pm Library
Wednesday 04/30 No Midweek Service; 5th Wednesday
Thursday 05/01 Church Offices Closed
Men's Bible Study 8am Library
Discipleship Group 12pm Library
Saturday 05/03 Craft Fair & Bake Sale 10am-3pm
Sunday 05/04 Eucharists Saint Francis 9am
Good Shepherd, Harrisburg 11:30am

Birthdays:
Connie Schingle                April 28
Christie Shaver                  April 28
Val Coop                            May 1
Nate Kelley                        May 1
 
Anniversaries:
Diane & Mike Morrison         April 17
 
 
Please let us know if you have a child graduating from High School or College,
or graduate school this Spring.  We would like to celebrate their achievement 
with them in May.  Please call the office and let us know the good news!
 
As the Lenten season comes to a close, please consider giving through the United Thank Offering. 
The ingathering and blessing of funds will be Sunday, May 4th.
There are still boxes and envelopes available. 
If you prefer to donate online, you may do so at:  https://unitedthankoffering.com/ingatheringgive/142 Years of Gratitude in Action. 
The United Thank Offering (UTO) was founded in 1883 to raise funds to support mission and ministry sites that were without funding. The women of the church began by asking the assembled group to make a thank offering for all the blessings of their past year. From this first thank offering grew our modern-day experience of UTO.  UTO encourages people to develop a practice of gratitude and from that practice to make thank offerings for all the blessings they experience. 100% of these offerings are then given away the following year to support innovative mission and ministry projects around the globe. Since 1883, UTO has awarded almost 5,500 grants at just over 102 million dollars.    Thank you for  your prayerful consideration.
 
The Daughters of the King are doing our annual collection for Capstone Child Advocacy Center during the month of April.  We are collecting: blankets (throws size--NEW only), journals, backpacks (NEW) and McDonald’s Gift Cards.  Cash is also welcome.  We will be presenting the collected items to Capstone on Sunday, April 27.  There is a box in the Narthex, for your donated items. 
 
The Daughters of the King have suspended collection of pill bottles for now. Please do not bring bottles to church at this time. We are in the process of cleaning, removing labels and sorting by size and cannot handle any more right now. We will make an announcement when we are ready to begin collection again. Thank you for your overwhelming response to this ministry. 
 
Prayer Requests
Prayer requests need to be received by Tuesday, if you’d like them to be printed in the bulletin. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message) or email [email protected].

The Forward Day by Day’s for May-July are available in regular and large print.  If you’d like either of these mailed to you, please email us or call the church office.

Thursday Announcements-April 17, 2025­­­­
 
ERIN’S EPISTLETTES
____________________________________________________________

Friday Offering in Support of the Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East
During our Good Friday services on April 18, donations collected will go towards the Good Friday Offering. For more information on this century-old Episcopal tradition supporting the ministries of the Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, visit their website. Thank you in advance for your prayers and generosity.
 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
​

  Message From Mary

Greeting Friends:
 
At the March Vestry meeting we had a robust discussion about our Church finances.  As many of you will recall, the 2025 Budget that was presented and approved at the Annual Meeting in January showed a significant deficit for the year.  Understandably, this is of great concern to you and your Vestry members. 
 
One of the difficulties we encountered when preparing the 2025 Budget was that we did not have firm numbers relative to expected giving from you, our Parishioners.  This is because we did not undertake a Pledge Campaign which has traditionally occurred during the Fall and provides critical input for the Budget. 
 
Following the Annual Meeting, we formed a Stewardship & Engagement Ministry group with an eye toward planning and executing a Fall 2025 Pledge Campaign in preparation for the 2026 Budget. 
 
But what about now? 
 
Your Vestry has asked the Stewardship & Engagement Ministry group to undertake a short Pledge Campaign immediately so that we can get a better understanding of how our finances will play out during this year.  To help us with this important task, you will be contacted by a member of the Stewardship & Engagement Ministry to confirm your planned giving for the rest of 2025.
 
This Spring Giving Campaign will occur during the month of April.  I ask that you prayerfully consider your planned giving to enable us to continue sharing God’s love in our community through all of our Worship, Connection and Outreach programs.
 
Thank you, Mary
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

🎶🎵🎶 Liturgical Notes 🎶🎵🎶 Why Holy Week? (Part 2) by the Rev Erin Rath, April 2025

What Happens on Good Friday?
Good Friday is the solemn liturgy in remembrance of Jesus' passion and death. On this day we hear eighty-two verses from the gospel of John* which recount the events of the first passion. As Good Friday is a continuation of the Maundy Thursday liturgy, it begins as the prior service ended: in silence. The altar, which was stripped following Thursday evening's service, remains bare. This is the only service in the liturgical year at which we have the opportunity to venerate the cross. The Eucharistic prayer is not said on this day. Instead, communion is distributed from consecrated sacrament reserved the night before. Good Friday is the second liturgy of the Triduum. At Saint Francis, this year's Good Friday liturgy will be offered at noon and 6 p.m. on April 18. Our evening Good Friday service will be livestreamed.

*Why a different Gospel translation on Good Friday?
We use the Common English Bible translation of the Passion story rather than the New Revised Standard Version. Though the NRSV is the most commonly used translation in Episcopal worship, our canons allow for the use of a variety of translations. The CEB was chosen for Good Friday because it uses the terms "Jewish leaders" and "Jewish leadership" rather than the more general label "the Jews." Articulating this difference is important not only because it more accurately describes the realities of the Passion story, but also because of the generations of antisemitism inspired by the more general label – a label which blames an entire faith tradition for the actions of a very small group of its members at a specific point in history.

Why Hold a Morning Service on Holy Saturday?
The Holy Saturday day service is held on the Saturday morning between Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening. It's a time to honor the space between Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection on Easter, and the experience of the disciples in those first moments and hours after Jesus' death: the grieving, the not-knowing, the waiting, the feeling of being abandoned by God. In honoring the disciples' experience on that first grief-stricken Holy Saturday, we honor our own experiences of and struggles with grief, with not-knowing, with waiting, and with feeling abandoned by God. This year, Saint Francis will gather in the Mary Chapel at 10 a.m. on April 19. Because this service is held in chapel, there will be no live stream. 

What is Easter Vigil?
The Great Vigil of Easter is the culmination of Holy Week. Though it takes place on Saturday evening, the church considers it the first service of Easter Sunday and thus a part of the Triduum. There are four parts to this liturgy: a service of light, a service of lessons (or readings), renewal of our baptismal vows, and Holy Eucharist. Through these components, the story of redemption is retold and re-lived by participants. We re-experience the movement from darkness to light, celebrate our belonging in the new creation by remembering our baptism, and look forward to the glory we will share with the Risen Christ. This year, Saint Francis will celebrate this richly symbolic service on Saturday, April 19 at 7:45 p.m.

Easter Sunday
The events of the first Easter morning are a cornerstone of our faith. Our celebration remembering those events is the culmination of Holy Week and the final installment of the Triduum. Though we feel like we’ve reached the mountain top, both figuratively and literally, it’s important to remember how we got there and the struggles we experienced along the way. The services of Holy Week give us opportunities to give thanks for the gift of Jesus’ incarnation through worship, to honor the pain and the struggles of Jesus on the Cross and the grief of His beloved disciples, and to remember and honor the struggles and griefs, as well as the joys and triumphs, in our own lives and the lives of those we love.
I hope you had the opportunity to read the entries I wrote about the other six services of Holy Week. To those who read from the beginning, I thank you for your attention. I hope even more that you will partake of these offerings, that your own faith journey can be deepened and enriched.                                       _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Those who serve,  Maundy Thursday, April 17, 6pm
Musician                     Barb Becker
Media Team                Stephanie Schingle
Usher                         Kathy Shambaugh
Acolyte Master           Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                     Allie Cawiezel, Erin Cawiezel
Lector/Intercessor     Cory Foster
Eucharistic Minister   Santana Tamarak
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson

Those who serve,  Good Friday, NOON, April 18
Musician                      Nancy Meier
Usher                           Kathy Shambaugh
Acolyte Master           Clark Wisniewski
Acolyte                        Monica Shambaugh
Lector/Intercessor      Cory Foster, Connie Schingle, Mike Schingle,
                                     Monica Shambaugh
Eucharistic Minister   Jayne Sayre
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson

Those who serve,  Good Friday, April 18, 6pm
Musician                    Barb Becker
Media Team               Jack Schaaf
Usher                         Sarah Schaaf
Acolyte Master          Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                     Emma Schaaf, Will Schaaf
Lector/Intercessor    Charlie Kennedy, Barb Manasek, Jack Webb,
                                    Clark Wisniewski
Eucharistic Minister  Nancy Kepler
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson

Those who serve,  Holy Saturday, April 19,10am
Lector/Intercessor      Beth McKibbin
 
Those who serve,  Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 19, 7:45pm
Musician                     Barb Becker
Media Team                Jack Schaaf
Usher                          Sarah Schaaf
Acolyte Master           Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                      Madi Collins, Emma Schaaf, Will Schaaf
Lector/Intercessor     Barb Manasek, Monica Shambaugh, Jack Webb
Eucharistic Minister   Monica Shambaugh
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson

Those who serve,  Easter Sunday,  April 20, 9am
Musician                     Nancy Meier
Media Team                Charlie Kennedy
Ushers                        Alena Kennedy, Jim Petitt
Acolyte Master           Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                     Allie Cawiezel, Erin Cawiezel
Lector/Intercessor     Clark Wisniewski
Eucharistic Minister  Jayne Sayre
Altar Guild              Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson
Coffee Hosts          Barb Manasek, Karen Larson (between services)

Those who serve,  Easter Sunday,  April 20, 10:30am
Musician                     Barb Becker
Ushers                        Richard Gable, Jane Wisniewski
Acolyte Master           Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                      Laney Bohl, Danika Bohl
Lector/Intercessor      Bill Mann
Eucharistic Minister   Beth McKibbin
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson

Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Maundy Thursday, April 17 /@ 7pm
Good Friday, April 18, @ Noon and 6pm
Holy Saturday, April 19 @ 10am in the Chapel
Easter Vigil, April 19 @ 7:45pm
Easter Sunday, April 20 @ 9am and 10:30am
Cooperative Ministries, Monday @ the Vine UMC, Scottsbluff @ 12pm
Church offices closed Tuesday, April 22, no enews April 24
Lectionary Study and Compline, Tuesday 2pm, Library
Evening Prayer on Zoom, Wednesday at 6pm MT/7pm CT
Men’s Bible Study Thursday @ 8am, Library
Discipleship Group, Thursday @ 12pm, Library
Sunday Eucharist, April 27: Saint Francis, Scottsbluff, Sunday @ 9am
 
Those who serve,  Easter Sunday,  April 20, 9am
Musician                     Nancy Meier
Media Team                Charlie Kennedy
Ushers                        Alena Kennedy, Jim Petitt
Acolyte Master           Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                      Allie Cawiezel, Erin Cawiezel
Lector/Intercessor     Clark Wisniewski
Eucharistic Minister   Jayne Sayre
Altar Guild              Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson
Coffee Hosts          Barb Manasek, Karen Larson (between services)

Those who serve,  Easter Sunday,  April 20, 10:30am
Musician                      Barb Becker
Ushers                         Richard Gable, Jane Wisniewski
Acolyte Master           Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                      Laney Bohl, Danika Bohl
Lector/Intercessor      Bill Mann
Eucharistic Minister   Beth McKibbin
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson

Birthdays
Erik Peterson               April 24

​Please let us know if you have a child graduating from High School or College,
or graduate school this Spring.  We would like to celebrate their achievement 
with them in May.  Please call the office and let us know the good news!
 
The Daughters of the King are doing our annual collection for Capstone Child Advocacy Center during the month of April.  We are collecting: blankets (throws size--NEW only), journals, backpacks (NEW) and McDonald’s Gift Cards.  Cash is also welcome.  We will be presenting the collected items to Capstone on Sunday, April 27.  There is a box in the Narthex, for your donated items. 
Also, we are suspending the collection of pill bottles for awhile.  We’ll announce when we are collecting them again.  Thank you for your excellent response to this project.
 
Prayer Requests
Prayer requests need to be received by Tuesday, if you’d like them to be printed in the bulletin. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message) or email [email protected].

The Forward Day by Day’s for May-July are available in regular and large print.  If you’d like either of these mailed to you, please email us or call the church office.