Bishop Barker and Canon Easton will join us for worship on Sunday, February 15. Erin Cawiezel, Allie Cawiezel, Janet Craven and Janey Sunderland from Saint Francis, as well as Reece Meysenburg from Holy Apostles, will be confirmed that day. Dyllan Coop from Saint Francis will be received. We hope you'll join us to support and celebrate our newly confirmed and received Episcopalians! 
 

This Sunday, February 8, Super Bowl Sunday, Youth Fellowship is pleased to host our own SOAPer Bowl of Caring! We'll collect toiletries so those in need
in our valley can know the dignity and comfort of personal hygiene. Items gathered will be distributed to CAPWN and Potter's Wheel.
Cash donations are also welcome. 


Those interested in helping welcome the diocese to Scottsbluff for this year's Annual Council October 22-24 are invited to a planning meeting with diocesan staff next Thursday, February 12 at 1:30 p.m. This meeting will be held via videoconference (Zoom). A group of us will gather in Saint Francis' library. If you prefer to join us from another location, please contact Rev. Erin for the meeting ID and access code. If you're interested in helping but are unable to attend this meeting, please let Rev. Erin know. 
 
The theme of Episcopal Relief and Development's 2026 Lenten Meditations is "Holy Habits." They're written by Sister Monica Clare, an Episcopal nun based in New Jersey. For more information, including the meditations, supporting resources and a sign up to receive reminder emails, please visit this link. 
 
___________________________________________________________________________
  
​Those who serve, Sunday, February 8, 9am
Musician                       Barb Becker
Media Team                 Jack Schaaf
Ushers                         Mary Bowman, Nancy Kepler
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                      Emma Schaaf, Will Schaaf
Lector/Intercessor       Ann Peterson
Eucharistic Minister     Jane Sayre
Altar Guild             Nancy Kepler, Monica & Kathy Shambaugh
Coffee Hosts         Judi Widmaier, Mary Bowman
 
Flowers:
Tosh Nanbara             In memory of her loved ones

Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Tuesday 02/10 Centering Prayer 11:15a Library
Wednesday 02/11 Zoom Evening Prayer 6p
     Lectionary Study & Compline 2p Library
Thursday 02/12 Discipleship Group 12p Library
Friday 02/13 Men's Bible Study 8a Library
Sunday 02/15 Sunday Eucharist St. Francis 9a
     **Bishop's Visit & Confirmation**
     Godly Play Sunday School 9a Conference Room
Monday 02/16 Cooperative Ministries 12p at Saint Francis
Wednesday 02/18 Ash Wednesday Services 12p & 6p
​
___________________________________________________________________________
 
The Church Humor Corner--
“Pastor's Business Card” 

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners.  At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. 
 
Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door.
 
When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned.  Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10.."
 
Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter.  Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock."  Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked."
 
Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones?

They still are! Pass it on
'A cheerful heart is good medicine'
(Prov. 17:22)
​
___________________________________________________________________________

From the Office—Ann’s Announcements


​Birthdays:
Bob Manasek                      February 9
Hadlee Peterson                 February 9
Barb Williams                      February 10
Ebram Gomez                     February 12
Devon Parrish                     February 12
 
Anniversaries:
Charlie & Gloria Kennedy     February 11

Members of the Daughters of the King will be available in the Mary Chapel following Sunday services for anyone wishing intercessory prayer.
 
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 February-April 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.

Bishop Barker and Canon Easton will join us for worship on Sunday, February 15. Erin Cawiezel, Allie Cawiezel and Janey Sunderland from Saint Francis, as well as Reece Meysenburg from Holy Apostles, will be confirmed that day. Dyllan Coop from Saint Francis will be received. We hope you'll join us to support and celebrate our newly confirmed and received Episcopalians! 
 


​On February 8, Super Bowl Sunday, Youth Fellowship is pleased to host our own SOAPer Bowl of Caring! We'll collect toiletries so those in need in our valley can know the dignity and comfort of personal hygiene. Items gathered will be distributed to CAPWN and Potter's Wheel. Cash donations are also welcome. 





I received a few questions regarding the conference I'm attending this week. Forma is "the network for Christian formation in the Episcopal Church and beyond."  They are a creative and innovate group, including technologically. For this reason, the conference location varies and changes format from year to year. Some years it's held only via video conference, other years it's held only in-person, and other years it's a hybrid (or combination) of the two. This year is the first in memory I'll be within reasonable driving distance of the in-person venue. (Saint John's Cathedral, Denver) If you'd like to read more about Forma or the conference, I invite you to visit their website at forma.church. As always, please call my cell if there is a pastoral or building emergency. ~Rev. Erin+
_______________________________________________________________
Those who serve, Sunday, February 1, 9am 
Musician                       Nancy Meier
Media Team                 Charlie Kennedy
Ushers                         Stacy Bach, Alena Kennedy
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                       Madi Collins, Ella Iron Shell
Lector/Intercessor       Connie Schingle
Eucharistic Minister     Clark Wisniewski
Altar Guild             Nancy Kepler, Monica & Kathy Shambaugh
Coffee Hosts         Diane Morrison, Karen Larson
 
Flowers:
Julie Fancher             In memory of her mother, Mary
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Tuesday 02/03 Centering Prayer 11:15a Library
Wednesday 02/04 Midweek Eucharist 12:15p
     Lectionary Study & Compline 2p Library
Thursday 02/05 Discipleship Group 12p Library
Friday 02/06 Men's Bible Study 8a Library
Saturday 02/07 Deanery Meeting 9a St. Matthew's, Alliance
Sunday 02/08 Sunday Eucharist St. Francis 9a
     Godly Play Sunday School 9a Conference Room
Sunday 02/15 Bishop's Visit & Confirmation 9a St. Francis
Wednesday 02/18 Ash Wednesday Services 12p & 6p
______________________________________________________________
 

​From the Office—Ann’s Announcements
 
Birthdays:
Will Schaaf                 February 4
Jack Webb                 February 4
Jane Kelley                February 5
Karen Mecklem          February 6
 
This Sunday is Joyful Noise Collection.
This is the last Joyful Noise collection before the children select their grant recipients for the year.
It's also the last collection before Easter. The next Joyful Noise collection will be May 3. 

 
​
Members of the Daughters of the King will be available in the Mary Chapel following Sunday services for anyone wishing intercessory prayer.
 
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 November-January 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.

Saint Francis' Annual Meeting will take place after worship on Sunday, January 25. Special thanks to the Episcopal Church Women who will once again provide brunch this year. 
 
On February 8, Super Bowl Sunday, Youth Fellowship is pleased to host our own SOAPer Bowl of Caring! We'll collect toiletries so those in need in our valley can know the dignity and comfort of personal hygiene. Items gathered will be distributed to CAPWN and Potter's Wheel. Cash donations are also welcome. 
 
I received a few questions regarding the conference I'll be attending next week. Forma is "the network for Christian formation in the Episcopal Church and beyond."  They are a creative and innovate group, including technologically. For this reason, the conference location varies and changes format from year to year. Some years it's held only via video conference, other years it's held only in-person, and other years it's a hybrid (or combination) of the two. This year is the first in memory I'll be within reasonable driving distance of the in-person venue. (Saint John's Cathedral, Denver) If you'd like to read more about Forma or the conference, I invite you to visit their website at forma.church. As always, please call my cell if there is a pastoral or building emergency. ~Rev. Erin+
​_________________________________________________________________________

Those who serve, Sunday, January 25, 9am
Musician                       Barb Becker
Media Team                 Jack Schaaf
Ushers                         Jim Petitt, Sarah Schaaf
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                       Emma Schaaf, Will Schaaf
Lector/Intercessor       Jack Webb
Eucharistic Minister     Nancy Kepler
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson
Coffee Hosts         Annual Meeting Brunch
 
Flowers:
John & Ann Selzer               In memory of Jack & Shirley Selzer and Lewis & Betty Reinhardt
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Sunday/Today Annual Meeting and Thank-You Brunch after Worship
Tuesday 01/27 Centering Prayer 11:15a Library
Wednesday 01/28 No Midweek Service
     Lectionary Study & Compline 2p Library
Thursday 01/29 Discipleship Group 12p Library
Friday 01/30 Men's Bible Study 8a Library
Sunday 02/01 Sunday Eucharist St. Francis 9a
     Joyful Noise Collection (Next Collection 05/03)
     Godly Play Sunday School 9a Conference Room
Sunday Eucharist Good Shepherd Harrisburg 11:30a
Saturday 02/07 Deanery Meeting 9a St. Matthew's, Alliance
Sunday 02/15 Bishop's Visit & Confirmation 9a St. Francis 
______________________________________________________________

​​Birthdays:
Victoria Schnell
 
Anniversaries:
Curt & Karen Mecklem
 
Members of the Daughters of the King will be available in the Mary Chapel following Sunday services for anyone wishing intercessory prayer.

Come join us for Centering Prayer!
We meet Tuesdays, 11:15-11:45 am in the Church Library.
Anyone interested in trying it out is welcome to attend, even if you are new to the idea, and just want to see what it is all about.  At the beginning of each gathering, suggestions are given on how to quiet your mind and let go of random thoughts and feelings.  The purpose is to come together and simply “rest in God.”

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 November-January 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.

January 15, 2026
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Saint Francis' Annual Meeting will take place after worship on Sunday, January 25. If you have a report to include in the Annual Meeting packet, please submit that information
​to the front office no later than Tuesday, January 20. Special thanks to the Episcopal Church Women who will once again provide brunch this year. 
 
Did you know?  
 
Saint Francis has the honor of hosting this year's Annual Council October 22-24. We're in the process of forming a committee to help with various planning tasks. If you're interested in participating, please let Rev. Erin know. 
 
Come join us for Centering Prayer!
 
We meet Tuesdays, 11:15-11:45 am in the Church Library.
Anyone interested in trying it out is welcome to attend, even if you are new to the idea, and just want to see what it is all about.  At the beginning of each gathering, suggestions are given on how to quiet your mind and let go of random thoughts and feelings.  The purpose is to come together and simply “rest in God.”
 
Those who serve, Sunday, January 18, 9am
Musician                      Barb Becker
Media Team                 Stephanie Schingle
Ushers                         Greg & Collette Suhr
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                      Walker Anderson, Will Schaaf
Lector/Intercessor       Mary Bowman
Eucharistic Minister     Beth McKibbin
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson
Coffee Hosts         Collette Suhr, Ann Peterson
 
Flowers:
Clark & Amy Wisniewski       In thankfulness for their daughter, Catherine
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Tuesday 01/20 Centering Prayer 11:15a Library
      Vestry 6p
Wednesday 01/21 Midweek Eucharist 12:15p Mary Chapel
      Lectionary Study & Compline 2p Library
Thursday 01/22 Discipleship Group 12p Library
Friday 01/23 Men's Bible Study 8a Library
Sunday 01/25 Sunday Eucharist St. Francis 9a
      Godly Play Sunday School 9a Conference Room
      Annual Meeting & Thank-You Brunch Following Worship
Saturday 02/07 Deanery Meeting 9a St. Matthew's, Alliance
Sunday 02/15 Bishop's Visit & Confirmation 9a St. Francis
______________________________________________________________
 

From the Office—Ann’s Announcements​

Birthdays:
Stephanie Schingle      January 23
 
Members of the Daughters of the King will be available in the Mary Chapel following Sunday services for anyone wishing intercessory prayer.
 
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 November-January 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.

Did you know?  
Saint Francis has the honor of hosting this year's Annual Council October 22-24. We're in the process of forming a committee to help with various planning tasks. If you're interested in participating, please let Rev. Erin know. 
 
Come join us for Centering Prayer!
We meet Tuesdays, 11:15-11:45 am in the Church Library.
Anyone interested in trying it out is welcome to attend, even if you are new to the idea, and just want to see what it is all about.  At the beginning of each gathering, suggestions are given on how to quiet your mind and let go of random thoughts and feelings.  The purpose is to come together and simply “rest in God.”

Those who serve, Sunday, January 11, 9am
Musician                     Barb Becker
Media Team                Steve Trickler
Ushers                        Alena Kennedy, Connie Schingle
Acolyte Master           Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                      Madi Collins, Emma Schaaf
Lector/Intercessor      Charlie Kennedy
Eucharistic Minister    Santana Tamarak
Altar Guild             Nancy Kepler, Monica & Kathy Shambaugh
Coffee Hosts         Val Coop, Jeane Anderson
 
Flowers:
Greg & Ann Peterson         In memory of Greg's parents, Dolan & Arlene Peterson
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Tuesday 01/13 Centering Prayer 11:15a Library
Wednesday 01/14 Lectionary Study & Compline 2p Library
     Zoom Evening Prayer 6p
Thursday 01/15 Discipleship Group 12p Library
Friday 01/16 Men's Bible Study 8a Library
Sunday 01/18 Sunday Eucharist St. Francis 9a
     Godly Play Sunday School 9a Conference Room
     Sunday Eucharist Good Shepherd, Harrisburg 11:30a
Sunday 01/25 Annual Meeting & Thank-You Brunch Following Worship
Sunday 02/15 Bishop's Visit & Confirmation 9a St. Francis
________________________________________________________________

Live-Streaming Update: Earlier this month, the Saint Francis Foundation approved a grant to replace the laptop we use to live-stream our services. That computer has been ordered and is expected to be ready for pick-up in the next week. The media team will likely need to make additional adjustments once the computer is received. Please check our Facebook page for updates regarding live-streaming availability. 
_________________________________________________________________

Blue Christmas is an opportunity for those who are grieving -- as well as those who support them -- to gather for a few quiet moments in the midst of the busyness leading up to Christmas. It's an opportunity to acknowledge weariness and grief in a season of rejoicing, brokenness and hunger in a season of feasting, sorrow and shadow in a season of light. Equally, it's an opportunity to remember the hope we have in Christ, and the power of God to heal our deepest, most abiding pain. Everyone from both the parish and the wider community are invited to join us this upcoming Saturday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Saint Francis. Because of the intimate nature of this service, it will not be live-streamed. 
_________________________________________________________________

A Message from Mary

Greetings Friends!

Thank you to those who completed and returned your 2026 Pledge information.  The act of pledging is not only a financial commitment to the continued fiscal health of St Francis Episcopal Church, it is also a spiritual commitment to St Francis’ ability to bring God’s love to our members and the community at large. 
If you have not been able to return your 2026 Pledge information, it is not too late to do so.  There are pledge slips on the table in the Narthex that can be completed and either placed in the Offering Plate on Sunday or returned directly to the office.  If you are unable to come by the church to get a pledge slip, please call the office and let Ann know what your pledge commitment is for 2026. 

The Vestry has been working on the 2026 Budget and we plan to have the final budget available for parish members to review early in January.  We will formally present the 2026 Budget at our Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 25.

Also at the Annual Meeting, we will be electing new Vestry Members.  Five of our current Vestry members will be completing their terms or leaving the Vestry for other reasons.  This is an opportunity for individuals who are committed to the success and vitality of St Francis to step forward.  If you are interested in serving on our Vestry, please speak with me or Rev Erin. 
This will likely be my last Message for 2025.  It has been a year filled with challenges and joy.  I am looking forward to all the great things we will do together in 2026!
​
May you find Peace and Joy in all of God’s gifts this holiday season, Mary
________________________________________________________________
Those who serve, Sunday, December 21, 9am
Musician                      Barb Becker
Media Team                 Charlie Kennedy
Ushers                         Karen Mecklem, Sarah Schaaf
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                      Emma Schaaf, Will Schaaf
Lector/Intercessor       Ann Peterson
Eucharistic Minister     Santana Tamarak
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson
Coffee Hosts         Judi Widmaier, Mary Bowman
 
Flowers:
Artie & Jan Johnson            In honor of their children
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Saturday 12/20 Blue Christmas 5:30p St. Francis
Tuesday 12/23 Centering Prayer 11:15a Library
Wednesday 12/24 Christmas Eve Services 5:30p & 8:30p
     Incense will be used at 8:30p
Thursday 12/25 Church Offices Closed
     Christmas Day Service 10a St. Matthews, Alliance
Thursdays 12/25 & 01/01 No Enews
Friday 12/26 No *Men's Bible Study
Sunday 12/28 Sunday Eucharist St. Francis 9a
     Godly Play Sunday School 9a Conference Room
________________________________________________________________

 ​
​Birthdays:
Melissa Iron Cloud               December 23
Sara Moreno                        December 23
 
Anniversaries:
Mike & Connie Schingle       December 23

This is the last Sunday to sign up for your Christmas Poinsettia’s,
in honor or memory of someone special.  The sign up list is on the clipboard in the Narthex.  
 
The Daughters of the King thank everyone who participated in the food drive.  We collected 607 pounds of food and a donation from Prairied Treasures through the wonderful generosity of this parish.  Special thanks to Bill Mann for his help in sorting, weighing and delivering the food to the CAPWN and Panhandle AIDS Project food pantries.
 
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 November-January 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.

​
​In partnership with our Boy and Cub Scout Troops, Saint Francis has been invited to ring the red kettle bell at Wal-Mart. Volunteer slots are available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 19 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 20. Though the red kettle fundraiser is a project of the Salvation Army, ninety percent of funds raised stay in the valley. These funds are managed by Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska. Their mission is to help people and change lives. Funds raised  help fill the gap for local families needing help covering basic necessities such as rent, utilities, prescriptions and gas to get to medical appointments. Though our time is divided into half hour slots, volunteers are welcome to sign up for more than one slot.  If you're more comfortable seated, you're welcome to bring a chair along. Christmas themed costumes and accessories are encouraged but not required. To sign up, please visit this link or contact the church office. Thank you for sharing your time with us during the busy holiday season! 
 

​

Across the Church: Articles of Interest from Episcopal News Service
Racial Reconciliation: Indigenous Boarding School Work Continues with Truth, Justice and Healing Commission. To learn more, click here. 
"The Episcopal Church is entering a new phase of reckoning with its historic complicity in the federal Indigenous boarding school system."
Community Connections: Nativity Diversity Celebrated with Displays in Episcopal Churches Across the U.S. To learn more, click here.
"The story of the Holy Family, told in different cultures using various media and material, has the power to unite the human family in the midst of war, conflict and political division." 
_____________________________________________________________

​​A Message from Mary

Greetings Friends!

Thank you to those who completed and returned your 2026 Pledge information.  The act of pledging is not only a financial commitment to the continued fiscal health of St Francis Episcopal Church, it is also a spiritual commitment to St Francis’ ability to bring God’s love to our members and the community at large. 

If you have not been able to return your 2026 Pledge information, it is not too late to do so.  There are pledge slips on the table in the Narthex that can be completed and either placed in the Offering Plate on Sunday or returned directly to the office.  If you are unable to come by the church to get a pledge slip, please call the office and let Ann know what your pledge commitment is for 2026. 

The Vestry has been working on the 2026 Budget and we plan to have the final budget available for parish members to review early in January.  We will formally present the 2026 Budget at our Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 25.
​
Also at the Annual Meeting, we will be electing new Vestry Members.  Five of our current Vestry members will be completing their terms or leaving the Vestry for other reasons.  This is an opportunity for individuals who are committed to the success and vitality of St Francis to step forward.  If you are interested in serving on our Vestry, please speak with me or Rev Erin. 
This will likely be my last Message for 2025.  It has been a year filled with challenges and joy.  I am looking forward to all the great things we will do together in 2026!

May you find Peace and Joy in all of God’s gifts this holiday season, Mary

  
Those who serve, Sunday, December 14, 9am
Musician                      Barb Becker
Media Team                 Stephanie Schingle
Ushers                         Jaime & John Selzer
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                      Walker Anderson, Monica Shambaugh
Lector/Intercessor       Connie Schingle
Eucharistic Minister     Jane Sayre
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson
Coffee Hosts         Sandra Van Engel, Patty Clown Horse
 
Flowers:
Bob & Barb Manasek                    In memory of their parents
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Saturday 12/13 Episcopal Church Women Cookie Exchange 10a
Sunday/TODAY 12/14 Prayers for Healing Available after Worship
Tuesday 12/16 Centering Prayer 11:15a Library
Wednesday 12/17 Midweek Eucharists 12:15p & 6p Mary Chapel
     Lectionary Study & Compline 2p Library
Thursday 12/18 No Discipleship Group; resumes in January
Friday 12/19 Men's Bible Study 8a Library
     Mens’ Bible Study will not be meeting on December 26 or January 2
Sunday 12/21 Sunday Eucharist St. Francis 9a
     Godly Play Sunday School 9a Conference Room
Sunday Eucharist Good Shepherd Harrisburg 11:30a
Wednesday 12/24 Christmas Eve Services 5:30p & 8:30p
     Incense will be used at 8:30p
Thursday 12/25 Church Office Closed
Thursdays 12/25 & 01/01 No Enews

​
​
​It's time for our Annual ECW Christmas Cookie Exchange! 
We will meet in the Parish Hall on this Saturday, December 13th at 10am to fill cookie tins for our shut-ins. Please also
bring a container for yourself to fill with sweet treats for you holiday celebrations!
Each Person is asked to bring 3 dozen cookies to share.  We hope that will leave 2 dozen for each of us to take home, after the tins for the shut-ins are filled.  Tins for shut-ins will be provided by the ECW. Bring an empty container for yourself.
Refreshments will also be served. Come join us for some holiday fellowship!
If you have any questions call Barb Manasek at 436-7767 

The Daughters of the King thank everyone who participated in the food drive.  We collected 607 pounds of food and a donation from Prairied Treasures through the wonderful generosity of this parish.  Special thanks to Bill Mann for his help in sorting, weighing and delivering the food to the CAPWN and Panhandle AIDS Project food pantries. 

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 November-January 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.

In partnership with our Boy and Cub Scout Troops, Saint Francis has been invited to ring the red kettle bell at Wal-Mart. Volunteer slots are available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 19 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 20. Though the red kettle fundraiser is a project of the Salvation Army, ninety percent of funds raised stay in the valley. These funds are managed by Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska. Their mission is to help people and change lives. Funds raised  help fill the gap for local families needing help covering basic necessities such as rent, utilities, prescriptions and gas to get to medical appointments. Though our time is divided into half hour slots, volunteers are welcome to sign up for more than one slot.  If you're more comfortable seated, you're welcome to bring a chair along. Christmas themed costumes and accessories are encouraged but not required. To sign up, please visit this link or contact the church office. Thank you for sharing your time with us during the busy holiday season! 
 
Across the Church: Articles of Interest from Episcopal News Service
Racial Reconciliation: Indigenous Boarding School Work Continues with Truth, Justice and Healing Commission. To learn more, click here. 
"The Episcopal Church is entering a new phase of reckoning with its historic complicity in the federal Indigenous boarding school system."
Community Connections: Nativity Diversity Celebrated with Displays in Episcopal Churches Across the U.S. To learn more, click here.
"The story of the Holy Family, told in different cultures using various media and material, has the power to unite the human family in the midst of war, conflict and political division." 
_____________________________________________________________

Ministry Teams, 9am
​Musician                      Nancy Meier
Media Team                 Steve Trickler
Ushers                         Richard Gable, Monica Shambaugh
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                      Erin Cawiezel, Allie Cawiezel
Lector/Intercessor       Jack Webb
Eucharistic Minister     Clark Wisniewski
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson
Coffee Hosts          Nancy Kepler, Beth McKibbin            
 
Flowers:
Cheri & Dan Witko              In memory of their parents
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
This Sunday is our Joyful Noise Collection
Tuesday 12/09 Centering Prayer 11:15a Library
Wednesday 12/10 Evening Prayer on Zoom 6p
     Lectionary Study & Compline 2p Library
Thursday 12/11 No Discipleship Group; Resumes in January
Friday 12/12 Men's Bible Study 8a Library
Saturday 12/13 Episcopal Church Women Cookie Exchange 10a
Sunday 12/14 Sunday Eucharist St. Francis 9a
     Godly Play Sunday School 9a Conference Room
     Sunday Eucharist Good Shepherd Harrisburg 11:30a
Wednesday 12/24 Christmas Eve Services 5:30p & 8:30p
     Incense will be used at 8:30p
Thursdays 12/25 & 01/01 No Enews

​


​From the Office—Ann’s Announcements
 
Birthdays:
Beth McKibbin             December 4
Lori Peterson              December 11
Ryley Collins               December 12
Ian Mills                      December 13
 

​It's time for our Annual ECW Christmas Cookie Exchange! 
We will meet in the Parish Hall on Saturday, December 13th at 10am to fill cookie tins for our shut-ins. Please also
bring a container for yourself to fill with sweet treats for you holiday celebrations!
Each Person is asked to bring 3 dozen cookies to share.  We hope that will leave 2 dozen for each of us to take home, after the tins for the shut-ins are filled.  Tins for shut-ins will be provided by the ECW. Bring an empty container for yourself.
Refreshments will also be served. Come join us for some holiday fellowship!
If you have any questions call Barb Manasek at 436-7767 

158th Diocese of Nebraska Annual Council
 
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral-Omaha
October 23, 2025
 
I had the privilege of going with Rev. Erin, Diane Morrison and Jonathan Morgan to the Annual Council in Omaha.  The ride was long, but conversation was plentiful for the ride there and back.  We got to know a little about each other.
 
Thursday evening we ate at the Cathedral and our speaker was Littleton Alstead, a Bronze sculptor. He showed us his sculptures within the  Cathedral and explained how he made the sculptures in his shop.
 
Friday started with Festival Eucharist. The sound of the singing was absolutely beautiful. It gave me chills listening to the music in the Cathedral.
 
There are 28 stained glass windows high in the Cathedral to represent the first 28 Episcopal Churches of Nebraska. Next we went to Clarkson
College. You can’t turn left on Dodge Street, so we had to go right to turn left. The business meeting began there with committee reports, election for 2026 committees, financial reports and proposed budget discussions. The meeting ended at 4pm and the banquet began at 6pm at Clarkson College.
 
Saturday morning we checked out of the Hotel and headed to Clarkson College to finish our business.  Election results were given. The Bishop’s Cross was presented to Beth Byrne and Rev. Deacon Ellen Ross.
 
I also had a chat with Charles and Rev. Chris Planz.
 
A new Program-Medical Debt Relief was shared. The program is designed to take on medical debt that has been sent to collection agencies. The goal is to take away medical debt and pay it off.  They raise money across Nebraska and have raised $78,004 and helped 43,000 families to pay 7.4 million dollars of debt to date.  Can you imagine receiving a letter that says your medical debt has been paid off? What a relief for those families.
 
Submitted by:      2025 Annual Council Delegate
                             Karen J. Larson
 
Those who serve, Sunday, November 23, 9am
Musician                      Nancy Meier
Media Team                 Steve Trickler
Ushers                         Charlie Kennedy, Alena Kennedy
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                      Walker Anderson, Monica Shambaugh
Lector/Intercessor       Jack Webb
Eucharistic Minister      Jane Sayre
Altar Guild             Judi Widmaier, Connie Schingle, Jeane Anderson
Coffee Hosts         Beth McKibbin, Connie Schingle
 
Flowers:
Ron & Ann Salomon             In thankfulness for all of our loved ones
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Tuesday 11/25 Centering Prayer 11:15a Library
Wednesday-Thursday 11/26-27 Church Office Closed for Thanksgiving
Wednesday 11/26 No Midweek Services
     No Lectionary Study
Thursday 11/27 No Discipleship Group
Friday 11/28 No Men's Bible Study
Sunday 11/30 Sunday Eucharist St. Francis 9a
     Godly Play Sunday School 9a Conference Room

​Birthdays:
Tosh Nanbara             November 27
Vicky Gable                November 28

The Daughters of the King will be conducting a food drive the next two weeks. Food insecurity is an issue here in our community and we can help ease the shortages that our friends and neighbors are experiencing.
 
All non-perishable food will be accepted. NOTHING EXPIRED PLEASE. The following are needed items:
Flour, masa, cooking oil, pancake mix, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, tuna, dry beans, rice, ramen, canned soup, pasta. Please place items in the boxes provided in the narthex.
​
Thank you for your participation in this much needed ministry! Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
  
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 November-January 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.

158th Diocese of Nebraska Annual Council
 
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral-Omaha
October 23, 2025
 
I had the privilege of going with Rev. Erin, Diane Morrison and Jonathan Morgan to the Annual Council in Omaha.  The ride was long, but conversation was plentiful for the ride there and back.  We got to know a little about each other.
 
Thursday evening we ate at the Cathedral and our speaker was Littleton Alstead, a Bronze sculptor. He showed us his sculptures within the  Cathedral and explained how he made the sculptures in his shop.
 
Friday started with Festival Eucharist. The sound of the singing was absolutely beautiful. It gave me chills listening to the music in the Cathedral.
 
There are 28 stained glass windows high in the Cathedral to represent the first 28 Episcopal Churches of Nebraska. Next we went to Clarkson
College. You can’t turn left on Dodge Street, so we had to go right to turn left. The business meeting began there with committee reports, election for 2026 committees, financial reports and proposed budget discussions. The meeting ended at 4pm and the banquet began at 6pm at Clarkson College.
 
Saturday morning we checked out of the Hotel and headed to Clarkson College to finish our business.  Election results were given. The Bishop’s Cross was presented to Beth Byrne and Rev. Deacon Ellen Ross.
 
I also had a chat with Charles and Rev. Chris Planz.
 
A new Program-Medical Debt Relief was shared. The program is designed to take on medical debt that has been sent to collection agencies. The goal is to take away medical debt and pay it off.  They raise money across Nebraska and have raised $78,004 and helped 43,000 families to pay 7.4 million dollars of debt to date.  Can you imagine receiving a letter that says your medical debt has been paid off? What a relief for those families.
 
Submitted by:      2025 Annual Council Delegate
                             Karen J. Larson
 

Ministry Teams, November 16, 9am
Musician                      Barb Becker
Media Team                 Stephanie Schingle
Ushers                         Diane Morrison, John L. Selzer
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                       Erin Cawiezel, Allie Cawiezel
Lector/Intercessor        Clark Wisniewski
Eucharistic Minister      Jane Sayre
Altar Guild             Judi Widmaier, Connie Schingle, Jeane Anderson
Coffee Hosts         Karen Mecklem, Patty Clown Horse
 
Flowers:
OPEN
 
Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Tuesday 11/18 Centering Prayer 11:15a Library
Wednesday 11/19 No Midweek Services
     Lectionary Study & Compline 2p Library
Thursday 11/20 Discipleship Group 12p Library
Friday 11/21 Men's Bible Study 8a Library
Sunday 11/23 Sunday Eucharist St. Francis 9a
Godly Play Sunday School 9a Conference Room
     Sunday Eucharist Good Shepherd Harrisburg 11:30a
Wednesday-Thursday 11/26-27 Church Office Closed For Thanksgiving
Men’s Bible Study will not meet the Friday after Thanksgiving
​

Birthdays:
Linda Mitchell              November 18
Ralph Moreno             November 18
Gail Burbach               November 21        
 
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 November-January 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.