​Good 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.
 
Church offices will be closed April 22. There will be no enews published April 24. 
 
Registration Open! Camp Canterbury 2025: In Living Water
Join us July 14-18 at Camp Canterbury! Registration is now open! A limited number of spots are available, so prompt registration is advised. Camp is located in Fremont, NE, and is open to youth entering grades 4-12. The theme for this summer's camp is "In Living Water" as we explore the ways that God blesses and engages with humanity through the gift of water. Camp activities include swimming, crafts, frisbee golf, gaga ball, hammock village, archery, games and more. Students have the opportunity to build community with one another while participating in faith-deepening worship and programming. Cost is $295. Contact Rev. Erin if your family is in need of scholarship support for registration or travel expenses.. If you would like to apply to be a counselor, please contact Mother Lisa Aguilar for more information at [email protected]. 
 
🎶🎵🎶 Liturgical Notes 🎶🎵🎶 Why Holy Week? (Part 1) by the Rev Erin Rath, April 2025
Every year, Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. A series of services are offered between this day and Easter morning. Each service is unique to the liturgical year. Each is also an opportunity to step into the Jesus story in an extraordinary and moving way, thus offering an opportunity to deepen and strengthen our faith.
Why Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday is a day of stark, jarring contrasts. We begin by reenacting the triumphal celebration of what will become Jesus’ final entry into Jerusalem. We journey with Him as He shares a final supper with His beloved disciples and offers prayers over their meal for the last time. We continue to share His journey through the horrifically agonizing moments that follow: His arrest at the Mount of Olives, His prediction of His best friend’s denials fulfilled, and His trial before the religious leaders and then Pilate. As if all of that weren’t heart wrenching enough to witness, we then experience Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. We’re left outside the sealed tomb, as bereft as the disciples on that first Good Friday. Our Holy Week journey has begun – but by no means ended. This year, Saint Francis will offer this moving liturgy at 9 a.m. on April 13.
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 and passages written by Saint Augustine, a series of candles are extinguished to symbolize the impending darkness of the Passion week events. Saint Francis will host this moving service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday of Holy Week, April 16.
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 would become 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 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 on April 17 at 6 p.m.
 
Recent Worship Engagement
Sunday Worship
Average for March: 50
Three-Month Average (January, February & March): 49
Midweek Worship in March: Best Attended Services
Ash Wednesdays, Both Services: 54
Evening In-Person Stations & Eucharist: 15
Evening Prayer on Zoom: 4

​ Centering Prayer: 
         A Life Practice    
With Br. James Dowd, OSB
Monk-in-residence,
Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska
Prior of Incarnation Monastery
          and The Benedictine Way
 
Saturday, April 5, 2025
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
St. Francis Episcopal Church
14 E. 20th Street, Scottsbluff, NE
 
Do you struggle with how to be still or how to gain some inner silence? Have you wondered what centering prayer is? Want to know more about it? Looking for a new and meaningful prayer practice? 
 
On Saturday, April 5, Br. James Dowd will present a workshop on Centering Prayer. Br. James has practiced for many years as a Benedictine monk, and he will share his wealth of knowledge and experience with us.  This is open to everyone; ALL are invited to this special event. 

If you have any questions, please contact St. Francis at (308) 632-4626.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Those who serve,  this week,  April 6,  9am
Musician                      Nancy Meier
Media Team                 Steve Trickler
Ushers                         Greg and Collette Suhr
Acolyte Master            Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                       Madi Collins, Josie Weiss
Lector/Intercessor      Santana Tamarak
Eucharistic Minister   Jan Johnson
Altar Guild             Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson
Coffee Hosts         Christie Shaver, Nancy Kepler

Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Last Community Lenten Lunch, Tuesday @ noon, St. Francis
Lectionary Study and Compline, Tuesday @ 2pm, Library
Vestry, Tuesday @ 6pm
Last Soup, Stations & Eucharist Wed., Supper @ 5:15pm, Stations at 6pm
Evening Prayer on Zoom Wednesday @ 7:15pm MT/8:15 CT
Men’s Bible Study Thursday @ 8am, Library
Discipleship Group, Thursday @ 12pm, Library
Palm Cross Workshop, Friday, April 11 at 7:00pm, Parish Hall

​Holy Week Begins April 13:
Service Rehearsal for Readers & Acolytes participating Palm Sunday, Tenebrae, Maundy Thursday & Good Friday: Saturday, April 12 @ 10am

Palm Sunday, April 13 @ 9am* at Saint Francis, 11:30am at Good   Shepherd, Harrisburg

Tenebrae: Wednesday, April 16 @ 7:30pm*

Maundy Thursday, April 17 @ 6pm*

​Good Friday, April 18 @ 12pm & 6pm*

Holy Saturday Day: April 19 @ 10am in the Chapel

Service Rehearsals for Readers & Acolytes participating Easter Vigil or    Easter Day: Saturday, April 12 @ 11am
Easter Vigil: Saturday, April 19 @ 7:45pm*
Easter Sunday: April 20 @ 9am & 10:30am

Services marked with an asterisk will be livestreamed
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

From the Office—Ann’s Announcements
 
Birthdays
Owen Viola                        April 6
Justin Cawiezel                 April 8
Brett Parrish                      April 8
Ann Peterson                    April 8
  
Palm Cross Workshop will be held on Friday, April 11 at 7:00  PM in the  Parish Hall to make crosses for Palm Sunday.  Altar Guild members and everyone who is interested is invited to attend.  Please bring scissors, a small knife, and a cutting board.
 
A Prayer for A Grateful Lent - Inspired by Mechtilde of Hackeborn and written by Kristen Wheeler 
Ministry of the Saints In the morning, let my first act be to greet God’s Heart and offer God my own. For whoever breathes a sigh towards God, draws God to themselves. In the evening, let my last act be to greet my own heart with forgiveness and compassion, and ask God for humility. For whoever breathes a sigh towards God, draws God to themselves.  
Use some reflective time each morning to share all you are thankful for, as you share your gratitude with others and add to your blue UTO box.
 
The Daughters of the King will be offering a prayer station in the Mary Chapel during Lent for private prayer and contemplation.  You can surrender the burdens you may be carrying to God by the act of physically moving stones from one basket to another with guidance offered in the handout provided at the prayer station.  We hope you will take this opportunity, as you are moved by the Holy Spirit, to participate in thoughtful and contemplative prayer during the Lenten season.  
 
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 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.

___________________________________________________________
Those who serve,  this week,  March 30,  9am
Musician                       Barb Becker
Media Team                  Jack Schaaf
Ushers                          Richard Gable, Sarah Schaaf 
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                        Emma Schaaf, Will Schaaf
Lector/Intercessor       Santana Tamarak
Eucharistic Minister    Clark Wisniewski
Altar Guild             Judi Widmaier, Connie Schingle, Jeane Anderson
Coffee Hosts          Ann Peterson, Cindy Dickinson

Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Community Lenten Lunch, Tuesday @ Calvary 12pm, Speaker: Rev. Erin
Lectionary Study and Compline, Tuesday 2pm, Library
Midweek, Midday Eucharist, Wednesday @ 12:15pm
Soup, Stations & Eucharist Wednesday, Supper @ 5:15pm, Stations at 6pm
Men’s Bible Study Thursday @ 8am, Library
Discipleship Group, Thursday @ 12pm, Library
Sunday Eucharist, April 6: Saint Francis, 9am
Palm Cross Workshop, Friday, April 11@ 7pm, Parish Hall

From the Office—Ann’s Announcements
 
Birthdays
Erin Rath                             March 31
Dan Dickinson                     April 1
Jamie Feather Earring         April 2

Palm Cross Workshop will be held on Friday, April 11 at 7:00  PM in the  Parish Hall to make crosses for Palm Sunday. 
Altar Guild members and everyone who is interested is invited to attend.  Please bring scissors, a small knife, and a cutting board.

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.  Please pick up your blue box or envelope the next time you attend a service.                                                                        Thank you!  Jenny Bohl
 
The Daughters of the King will be offering a prayer station in the Mary Chapel during Lent for private prayer and contemplation.  You can surrender the burdens you may be carrying to God by the act of physically moving stones from one basket to another with guidance offered in the handout provided at the prayer station.  We hope you will take this opportunity, as you are moved by the Holy Spirit, to participate in thoughtful and contemplative prayer during the Lenten season.  
 
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 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.

​Thursday Announcements-March 20, 2025­­­­
 
ERIN’S EPISTLETTES
____________________________________________________________

A Message from Mary
 
Your Vestry met on Tuesday, Feb 18.  We welcomed Kathy Shambaugh as your new Jr Warden and Mike Schingle as your new Vestry Member.  Jill Young joined us as a visitor.  Any member of the Parish is welcome to attend our Vestry meetings.  We meet the third Tuesday of each month at 6 pm in the Parish Hall unless otherwise announced.  Our next meeting will be March 18.
 
Following are significant items we discussed:
 
    Lift Replacements – As you may know, the lifts have become unreliable. It has become difficult to find someone who can perform maintenance and to get replacement parts as needed.   In the last quarter of 2024, after research and a competitive bid process, your Vestry voted to replace the lifts and submit the expense to the Foundation for approval.  The Foundation approved the expenditure from its funds, allowing us to move forward with ordering new lifts.  Work to begin installing the new lifts will begin before Easter and will be completed sometime after Easter.  We will keep you informed of the installation schedule as it is finalized.
 
    Emergency Shelter Agreement – Last Fall, we were approached by Region 22 Emergency Management about entering into an agreement to serve as an Emergency Shelter during natural or man-made disasters and as a shelter during extreme weather.  After discussion with the diocese and our legal counsel, we determined that there are no impediments to entering into this agreement and we authorized Rev Erin to sign the agreement.  Our agreement with Region 22 to make our facility (Parish Hall) available in this way, provides an opportunity to minister to our community during times of crisis.  If you want to know more details about this, feel free to contact me or Rev Erin.
 
My friends, I leave you with this from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians (Chapter 3, verse 12):
 
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience”
 
God’s Peace to You,

Mary
____________________________________________________________
 
Centering Prayer: 
         A Life Practice    

With Br. James Dowd, OSB
Monk-in-residence,
Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska
Prior of Incarnation Monastery
          and The Benedictine Way
 
Saturday, April 5, 2025
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
St. Francis Episcopal Church
14 E. 20th Street, Scottsbluff, NE
 
Do you struggle with how to be still or how to gain some inner silence? Have you wondered what centering prayer is?
​Want to know more about it?  Looking for a new and meaningful prayer practice? 
 
On Saturday, April 5, Br. James Dowd will present a workshop on Centering Prayer. Br. James has practiced for many years as a Benedictine monk, and he will share his wealth of knowledge and experience with us.  This is open to everyone; ALL are invited to this special event. 
           
If you have any questions, please contact St. Francis at (308) 632-4626.
​____________________________________________________________

​​____________________________________________________________

All West Native Basketball Tournament

My son, Tayen has been picked to play in the tournament which will be in Denver CO. I’m requesting funding for his basketball gear, gas, lodging and meals. Tay has been wanting this opportunity for such a long time it would break his heart if he could not attend this tournament. There are 10 players. Tay will be staying with us in our own room, as he and his Dad will be going to and from games and meetings. His Dad, Jamie is the assistant coach for the team.

Dates: March 27th-30th
Basketball gear $175.00
Gas round trip $250.00
Meals for the trip $200.00
Room 4 days at $98.00 a day = $392.00
Total=$1,017 .00

We’re asking for help for expenses. It would be greatly appreciated. This trip would help kick start Tay’s basketball career in a new upward direction. Not many native children get this opportunity, so this is like a once in a lifetime chance to show their talent. You can cash app me at $melissaironcloud, or call me at 308-765-0545 to pick up or meet up get funds, or simply leave in the church office. I will also host an Indian Taco Sale on Friday, March 21st 10:30 a.m. until gone. Call ahead of time with orders. We will deliver or pick up orders. All proceeds will contribute for his basketball trip.

Thanks for helping and God Bless. I will be taking pictures to show to whom ever helps out.  Thank you, Tayen and Melissa Iron Cloud

Those who serve,  this week,  March 23,  9am 
Musician                       Barb Becker
Media Team                  Steve Trickler
Ushers                          Alena Kennedy, Monica Shambaugh 
Acolyte Master             Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                        Allie Cawiezel, Erin Cawiezel, Madi Collins
Lector/Intercessor       Bill Mann
Eucharistic Minister    Charlie Kennedy
Altar Guild             Judi Widmaier, Connie Schingle, Jeane Anderson
Coffee Hosts          Beth McKibbin, Karen Larson

Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Community Lenten Lunch, Tuesday @ WestWay 12pm
Lectionary Study and Compline, Tuesday 2pm, Library
Soup & Stations, Wednesday, Supper @ 5:15pm, Stations at 6pm
Men’s Bible Study Thursday @ 8am, Library
Discipleship Group, Thursday @ 12pm, Library
Sunday Eucharists: 
Saint Francis, Scottsbluff, Sunday @ 9am
_____________________________________________________________

Birthdays
Patty Clown Horse                 March 25
Eain Peterson                        March 26
Melissa Moreno                     March 28
 
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.
 
Please pick up your blue box or envelope the next time you attend a service.  
 
Thank you!  Jenny Bohl
 
The Daughters of the King will be offering a prayer station in the Mary Chapel during Lent for private prayer and contemplation.  You can surrender the burdens you may be carrying to God by the act of physically moving stones from one basket to another with guidance offered in the handout provided at the prayer station.  We hope you will take this opportunity, as you are moved by the Holy Spirit, to participate in thoughtful and contemplative prayer during the Lenten season.  
 
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 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.

​Thursday Announcements-March 13, 2025­­­­
 
ERIN’S EPISTLETTES
____________________________________________________________________________

​A Message from Mary

Your Vestry met on Tuesday, Feb 18.  We welcomed Kathy Shambaugh as your new Jr Warden and Mike Schingle as your new Vestry Member.  Jill Young joined us as a visitor.  Any member of the Parish is welcome to attend our Vestry meetings.  We meet the third Tuesday of each month at 6 pm in the Parish Hall unless otherwise announced.  Our next meeting will be March 18.
 
Following are significant items we discussed:
 
    Lift Replacements – As you may know, the lifts have become unreliable. It has become difficult to find someone who can perform maintenance and to get replacement parts as needed.   In the last quarter of 2024, after research and a competitive bid process, your Vestry voted to replace the lifts and submit the expense to the Foundation for approval.  The Foundation approved the expenditure from its funds, allowing us to move forward with ordering new lifts.  Work to begin installing the new lifts will begin before Easter and will be completed sometime after Easter.  We will keep you informed of the installation schedule as it is finalized.
 
    Emergency Shelter Agreement – Last Fall, we were approached by Region 22 Emergency Management about entering into an agreement to serve as an Emergency Shelter during natural or man-made disasters and as a shelter during extreme weather.  After discussion with the diocese and our legal counsel, we determined that there are no impediments to entering into this agreement and we authorized Rev Erin to sign the agreement.  Our agreement with Region 22 to make our facility (Parish Hall) available in this way, provides an opportunity to minister to our community during times of crisis.  If you want to know more details about this, feel free to contact me or Rev Erin.
 
My friends, I leave you with this from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians (Chapter 3, verse 12):
 
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience”

​God’s Peace to You,
Mary
___________________________________________________________________________

​___________________________________________________________________________

Recent Worship Engagement
Sunday Worship
Average for February: 49
Three-Month Average (December, January & February): 50
Midweek Worship in February: Best Attended Services
Midday In-Person Eucharist: 4
Evening In-Person Eucharist: 0
Evening Prayer on Zoom: 3

Those who serve,  this week,  March 16,  9am 
Musician                         Nancy Meier
Media Team                    Jack Schaaf
Ushers                            Artie Johnson, Kristi Weiss
Acolyte Master               Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes                         Walker Anderson, Will Schaaf, Josie Weiss
Lector/Intercessor         Jack Webb
Eucharistic Minister      Nancy Kepler
Altar Guild             Judi Widmaier, Connie Schingle, Jeane Anderson
Coffee Hosts          Mary Bowman, Barb Manasek

Upcoming Events at St. Francis:
Sunday Eucharists, March 16: 
Saint Francis, Scottsbluff, Sunday @ 9am
Good Shepherd, Harrisburg, Sunday @ 11:30am
Saint Hilda's, Kimball, Sunday @ 2:30pm
Sunday/Today is/will be the 3rd Sunday of the month; loose offerings go to the Rector's Discretionary Fund
Community Lenten Lunch, Tuesday @ First Presbyterian 12pm
Lectionary Study and Compline, Tuesday 2pm, Library
Vestry, Tuesday 7pm, Parish Hall
Midweek, Midday Eucharist, Wednesday @ 12:15pm
Soup, Stations & Eucharist Wednesday, Supper @ 5:15pm, Stations at 6pm
Men’s Bible Study Thursday @ 8am, Library
Discipleship Group, Thursday @ 12pm, Library
Sunday Eucharist, March 23: Saint Francis, 9am
_____________________________________________________________
 
From the Office—Ann’s Announcements

​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.
 
Please pick up your blue box or envelope the next time you attend a service.  
 
Thank you!  Jenny Bohl

The Daughters of the King will be offering a prayer station in the Mary Chapel during Lent for private prayer and contemplation.  You can surrender the burdens you may be carrying to God by the act of physically moving stones from one basket to another with guidance offered in the handout provided at the prayer station.  We hope you will take this opportunity, as you are moved by the Holy Spirit, to participate in thoughtful and contemplative prayer during the Lenten season.  
 
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 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.