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FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS 1) Episcopal Women’s History Project Announces New Series: “Women Worth Knowing” which includes one session on our own Rae E. Whitney on March 11th. From their announcement: "There are hundreds of remarkable stories of women who have served the Episcopal Church with love, with persistence, with energy and with creativity. EWHP is presenting a series telling the stories of six women who have made an impact on the Episcopal Church. There will be time for discussion and questions. The Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Barker, President of EWHP will be emcee. The sessions will be presented as a Zoom experience where there is room for all who wish to participate. Ash Wednesday is on February 17, 2021; the series will begin on Thursday: February 18, and continued on February 25, and March 4, 11, 18 and 25. Mark your calendars!” To sign up go here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsc-yrqzMjG9UOMhFfeOepK8rHkhZjcLrw 2) Are you ready to get more involved here at St. Francis? Would you be willing to attend one meeting per month to help us manage and guide the parish? If so, this might be the year you volunteer to serve on our Vestry. It is a fun and interesting way to help the church and get to know others who are similarly committed to serving. A slate of candidates will be submitted and approved at Sunday’s Annual Meeting. Please contact Fr. Mark at 308-765-1535 or frmarks@me.com by Saturday if you would be willing to become a Vestry Member this year! 3) This Sunday at 11:30 A.M. we will hold our Parish Annual Meeting -- virtually this year using Zoom. Today you will receive another email with the handouts and link to login to the meeting. It will be different for sure and less fun (and less filling as we will miss our annual brunch potluck!) but this is what we are able to do and it will allow us to conduct our necessary annual business of electing the Vestry, reviewing 2020, and setting some goals for 2021. I think it will be right at an hour, and I hope not too boring. Watch for the email with attachments. There is very limited seating available in the Parish Hall for those who don’t have email. Please call the office and confirm that you will attend in person. GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Birthday!! Kim Hurst January 30 Prayer Requests ** Now that I am back in the office 3 days a week, please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308)632-4626 (leave a message), email stfrancis@allophone.com or mail to: St. Francis Episcopal Church P.O. Box 1201 Scottsbluff, NE 69361 **Forward Day by Day for February, March, April 2021**- Please let me know if you would like a copy set aside or mailed to you. We have received the regular print and the large print. ***Daily Devotion for Thursday January 14, 2021*** God, the Source The 5 Steps – Pause * Listen * Think * Pray * Go Pause Come. Come to the well of God’s Word and draw from the source of hope, inspiration, and courage that only God can give us through the Love of Jesus Christ. Listen Suddenly, there in the synagogue, a person with an evil spirit screamed, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the holy one from God.” “Silence!” Jesus said, speaking harshly to the demon. “Come out of him!” The unclean spirit shook him and screamed, then it came out. Mark 1:23-26 Think One aspect of Mark’s gospel that I love is that everyone who should recognize Jesus as the Christ doesn’t, and everyone/everything that shouldn’t recognize Jesus as the Christ does. The people who hear Jesus teach are amazed at what he is doing and wonder who he is, yet the evil spirit knows exactly who Jesus is and where he comes from. Where Jesus comes from is an important acknowledgement, for Jesus comes from God. Indeed, as his followers, we proclaim that Jesus is God. Have you ever thought of yourself as coming from God? We don’t come from God in the same sense as Jesus did, but I would argue we do come from God and maybe in an even bigger way. We are chosen by God to be God’s children. A good friend always told her children “Remember who you are and whose you are!” When we belong to God, we are from God – called, loved, and sent. Don’t be shy of your nature; embrace it, live it, and let the world see it in you. Kris “Bubba” Brammer Pray O Creator God, you know me so well that I cannot possibly hide who I am from you. Remind me always that my identity rests in you as a child of God. Help me to remember in all things that I am yours and that you are my God. Help me to live a life reflecting this identity I have in Christ to others. Amen. Go Go. Go from the well of God’s Word and presence, knowing that what we draw there sustains us, renews us, and gives us life to be the people of God and Christ’s light in the world. ***These daily devotionals are available at www.d365.org Gina’s Office Hours Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (In Office) Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (In Office) Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (In Office) FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS 1) The good and great news is that we continue to see our local number of cases declining, and we are now just slightly above the 20 avg cases/day threshold for reopening. We have to get below and stay below that number for a few weeks in a row before it makes sense to reopen for public worship, but things are definitely trending in the right direction, and I am beginning to be optimistic that we will be back together for part of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. What a glorious blessing that would be!! While we still couldn’t jam the pews for Easter Morning, I could easily envision us adding a service to two and accommodating everyone who wants to be present. Fingers crossed and prayers ascending!! 2) Thanks to the Vestry for approving and the Foundation for funding and Anderson-Shaw for installing our new back door to the kitchen! You will notice it has a keypad entry. If you are part of a group that regularly uses the kitchen or parish hall, Gina will get you the correct code for your group. If you or anyone else reserves the parish hall for a one-time meeting or celebration, we have single use codes for that. It’s really a slick system, and — bonus — the door now opens easily and closes securely! 3) Annual Meeting by ZOOM — Sunday, January 31st at 11:30 A.M. Now is a good time to get Zoom downloaded and installed so you are ready to go on the 31st! Here is the link: https://zoom.us/download 4) Hang in there, dear friends! The vaccines are on the way they say, and if we just keep wearing masks and keeping distance and washing hands, we will be out of this thing in 2021!!! GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Birthday!! Happy Anniversary Jen Baird January 22 Curt & Karen Mecklem January 27 Victoria Schnell January 25 Prayer Requests ** Now that I am back in the office 3 days a week, please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message), email stfrancis@allophone.com or mail to : St. Francis Episcopal Church P.O. Box 1201 Scottsbluff, NE 69361 **Forward Day by Day for February, March, April 2021**- Please let me know if you would like a copy set aside or mailed to you. We have received the regular print and the large print. ***Daily Devotion for Thursday January 14, 2021*** Called for a Purpose The 5 Steps – Pause * Listen * Think * Pray * Go Pause Stop! Listen. Can you hear it? God is calling you. Probably not by words in your ear or by writing in a letter or by signs seen by your eyes – Instead, God calls to you through the rhythm of your life, through the love of people who support you, through the opportunities to share grace that surround you. Stop! Listen. God’s voice is calling you to love and serve! Listen Don’t trust in violence; don’t set false hopes in robbery. When wealth bears fruit, don’t set your heart on it. God has spoken one thing— make it two things— that I myself have heard: that strength belongs to God, and faithful love comes from you, my Lord— and that you will repay everyone according to their deeds. Psalm 62:10-12 Think When you think about who or what you trust, what comes to mind? I imagine many of us know how we would like to answer: we trust in hope, in laughter, in faith, in love, in God. But these words from the psalmist not to trust in violence or wealth cut just a bit, because if we’re honest with ourselves, these words are less a warning and more of a mirror. I’d like to say I don’t trust in violence, but how often have I spoken sharp words or held bitterness in my heart? I want to say I don’t hold too tightly to the promises of wealth, but how often do I value my own comfort and well-being over that of others? I think the psalmist doesn’t want to shame us so much as redirect us. We have brokenness, and learning to trust in God’s strength and faithful love is like a dance. Every day, every moment, we have a chance to choose that trust. What would trusting God’s love change for you? Jessica Tidwell-Weinzierl Pray God of love, thank you for your faithfulness. You are always with me, even though I often find myself trusting in things which ultimately cause more harm than good. Draw my heart closer to yours, and help me to trust in your strength and love. Amen. Go You are a child of God, deeply beloved, and you have great purpose in God’s kingdom. Go, and do what is yours to do, in the love of Christ, our Redeemer! Amen. ***These daily devotionals are available at www.d365.org Gina’s Office Hours Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (In Office) Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (In Office) Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (In Office) FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS 1) The funeral service for our dear Ruth Masid will be this Saturday at 10:00 A.M. Seating in the church is limited to immediate family, but you can join us online using the usual link on our website. Ruth was a longtime faithful member of this parish, and although she hasn’t been able to attend in person for several years, she will be deeply missed and never forgotten. I will always remember her smiling face in the front pews. 2) Don’t forget to get those Annual Meeting reports in this week! We will put them together with minutes and agenda and send the Annual Meeting packet out by the 27th, along with a link to the Zoom meeting. If you need help figuring out how to use Zoom to join a meeting, here is a link to a short YouTube video The Annual Meeting is Sunday, January 31st at 11:30 A.M. If you don’t have access to a computer to join that way, we have limited seating in the parish hall, call Gina to sign up. 3) We have wrapped up our 2021 Pledge Campaign, and since this year was so different we have a slightly different approach. If you sent in or emailed or called with a 2021 pledge amount, we will use that number for our records. If you haven’t contacted us but have been a giver in the past, we have used your 2020 pledge/giving amount as your 2021 pledge. This is really just so that we can plan and make reasonable budget assumptions for this year. Please remember that a pledge is not a contract and everybody’s life changes so estimates of giving are just that – not set in stone – so feel free to adjust as the year goes on. I will say more in a letter that is coming soon, but I do hope you know how much I appreciate everything that you do and give and share that keeps this ministry alive and growing. You really are amazing. GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Birthday!! Lynn Okicki January 17 Ben Shaver January 17 Saydee Peterson January 17 Ben Sauer January 20 Gina’s Schedule -- Starting Tuesday, January 19th, I will back to my regular “In Office” hours - Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 2020 Giving Statements – The Giving Statements for 2020 were emailed out today and those who do not have an email address, I have printed the statements and they have been mailed out 1/14/2021. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me during my office hours or send an email to stfrancis@allophone.com. ***Daily Devotion for Thursday January 14, 2020*** CALLED AND KNOWN The 5 Steps – Pause * Listen * Think * Pray * Go Pause Take, o take me as I am. Summon out what I shall be. Set your seal upon my heart, And live in me. from "Take, O Take Me As I Am" by John L. Bell (1995) Listen Lord, you have examined me. You know me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up. Even from far away, you comprehend my plans. You study my traveling and resting. You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways. There isn’t a word on my tongue, Lord, that you don’t already know completely. You surround me—front and back. You put your hand on me. That kind of knowledge is too much for me; it’s so high above me that I can’t reach it. Psalm 139:1-6 Think Have you ever had a really special friend? This person might have been able to complete every last word of your sentence. Sometimes our friends may even know us better than we know ourselves, and they’re able to speak into parts of us we didn’t even know existed. How does it feel to be known and loved like that? Regardless of how strong an earthly friendship might be, moments of conflict may arise. As imperfect people, we may make an ill-timed joke, feel snubbed in the school hallway or all together lonely and left out. The best friendships leave room for apology and reconnection despite difficult moments. If all that could be true about a relationship with another imperfect person, consider how much deeper that bond might be with the one who created you. God knows you better than your best friend – good moments and bad – and still loves you immensely. There’s no conflict there; simply an invitation to accept God’s love and grace and an invitation to share those with others. Daniel Potter Pray Thank you, God, for being the perfect friend – one who knows me so intimately, who understands me so well, who celebrates joys, and who mourns my sorrows. Remind me today that there is no conflict in our relationship, but simply an invitation. Give me the peace that comes from being known by you and the strength to follow wherever you may lead. Amen. Go The Creator of the Cosmos, the one who formed all that was or is or will be, is the same God who breathed breath into you, the one who knit you together, the one who knows you best, and the one who calls you. Know this gift more deeply today, and share it as freely as you received it: You are called and known. ***These daily devotionals are available at www.d365.org Gina’s Office Hours Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (In Office) Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (In Office) Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (In Office) FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS 1) Mark your Calendars for our Zoom Annual Meeting Sunday, January 31st at 11:30 A.M. This being our first (and fingers crossed only) online annual meeting, there will undoubtedly be hang-ups, glitches, and mistakes, but we have to do what we can to get our parish business accomplished, even when large gatherings are not possible, so this is what we have. I promise we will do our level best to make it work in spite of the difficulties. Here are a couple of accommodations:
2) The online coffee breaks using Zoom will cut back to one online coffee break session per week on Tuesdays at 9:15 A.M. We will end about 9:45. There’s no agenda. It’s just a chance to say “Hi” to parish friends and chat about whatever comes up. 3) Thanks to Steve Trickler for this update on local vaccine availability: “To sign up for COVID-19 vaccine shots, adults 75 and older should call the message line 308 262 5764 and leave their name, date of birth, county of residence, and phone number. They will be contacted several weeks later with the particulars.” GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Birthday!! William Schnell January 7 Jane Wisniewski January 7 Quinn Mackrill January 11 Barbara Martinson January 11 Catherine Wisniewski January 12 Prayer Requests: Due to my working from home two days a week (for now), please send me your prayer requests by Wednesday each week to ensure they are in the next Sunday’s Bulletin. ***Daily Devotion for Thursday January 7, 2020*** CHRISTMAS LIGHT The 5 Steps – Pause * Listen * Think * Pray * Go Pause Once the decorations come down, where do you notice the Christmas lights still shining? Today, take a few moments to notice and remember the people, places, and experiences where you are continuing to see Christmas light. Listen When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route. Matthew 2:9-12 Think Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold is as relevant today as it was in the time of Jesus. A valuable item exchanged for goods or services. Frankincense and myrrh do not hold the same value to us, though. In ancient times, frankincense helped make temples smell like special places. Myrrh was an ingredient in oil that priests used to bless people. They also had other uses, like in medicine. They were so valuable that they were gifts given to kings and rulers. Often, they were given out of fear instead of generosity. The ancient world was full of rivalries and wars between this king and that ruler. That is why the wise men bringing Jesus these gifts is so interesting. They see the light of the star in the sky and are filled with joy. The real gift is not the items themselves but the joy with which they are given. These gifts of joy announce a new kind of ruler is in the world — a Prince of Peace. Patrick Kangrga Pray God, help me know that the greatest gift you gave was Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Help me share the gift of joy and peace and love and light wherever I go. Amen. Go Is the Christmas light still shining bright in you? Take that light out into the world. Live brightly so that others may take notice and be reminded of God's love and light. ***For those of you that would like to access these devotionals daily, you can go on this website: www.d365.org Gina’s Office Hours Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Work from Home) Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Work from Home) Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (at the Office) FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS 1) So…I guess we made it? I started that to write that sentence like a really great announcement, like “YAY! WE MADE IT!!” but that just didn’t feel like the right tone as we limp to the end of 2020. In so many ways this year has felt like a marathon. That is, if you were forced to run a marathon without ever getting in shape. Or without water. Or snacks. Or shoes. I’m glad it’s over, and I’m glad we really did make it, but honestly I’m a little tired and a little scarred by the whole experience. Anyway, it’s New Year’s Eve, and I do wish everyone the best, most joyous, most fun celebration possible under these circumstances. Whatever beverage you choose, raise a glass to 2021! I have a feeling it’s going to be an amazing year! Have a great night, be safe, and remember that you are now, and you are always, a beloved child of God. 2) Not to jinx it, but our local COVID-19 cases have been declining the past few weeks, so fingers crossed we don’t see a big uptick this week or next. If we continue this trend I could see us being able to gather again in the not-too -distant future. As of yesterday our 7-day moving average of new cases in Scotts Bluff county was 31. A month ago it was 50. The diocesan re-opening threshold is still 20. So continue wearing those masks and keeping your distance and for goodness sake get the vaccine when it is available to you. These are the keys to regathering in church and reclaiming our lives. 3) This is as good a way to end the year as any. This morning I saw a 3 minute video of robots dancing to an old song from the ‘60’s called “Do You Love Me.” It really is quite extraordinary, but like many have already said online, I can’t decide if I am delighted by it or terrified. Watch for yourself here if you need a laugh today. https://youtu.be/fn3KWM1kuAw And now, we end this year with the wonderful writings of Rae Whitney: 2020-2021 Old Year, no longer with us, we’re glad to see you gone, you’ve left with us your virus where it does not belong.. It’s caused a world-wide lock-down, of businesses and schools, with everybody asked to abide by special rules. Now thanks to health providers and world-wide scientists, we have exciting vaccines,--- we hope we’re on the lists! When we are vaccinated, we’ll halt the Covid spread, and life will be more normal,- disease no longer spread. Goodbye to Twenty-Twenty, and welcome Twenty-One! Old Year, depart in darkness; and New Year, bring the sun! We’ve learned so many lessons, while “sheltering in place”; let’s not forget new wisdom, then spread God’s gift of grace. (Rae E Whitney Dec 31, 2020) (This text may be sung to the tune of “The Church’s One Foundation”) GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Birthday!! Happy Anniversary!! Brad Bode December 31 Mark & Jill Selvey December 31 Max Meyer December 31 Erica Croft December 31 Marcaria Lamont January 2 Monica Lehr January 6 William Schnell January 7 Jane Wisniewski January 7 Prayer Requests: Due to my working from home two days a week (for now), please send me your prayer requests by Wednesday each week to ensure they are in the next Sunday’s Bulletin. ***Daily Devotion for Thursday December 31, 2020*** CHRISTMAS PRAISE The 5 Steps – Pause * Listen * Think * Pray * Go Pause Breathe in this good news of great joy! Take a deep breath. For you….yes, YOU, Jesus was born. A savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it. Keep breathing, in praise to our God who makes all things new this Christmas season. Listen There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38 Think Anna was a woman of purpose. She never left the temple after her husband died until she witnessed Simeon blessing the infant Jesus. In that moment, Anna went out with a single intention to tell everyone about this baby and the promise of redemption. We’ve been in a holding pattern like Anna, and it may have felt like you haven’t left your home all year. I’m not sure we are ready to leave our metaphorical temple, but we need to think about our daily intention as we step into a new year. A daily intention helps us choose how we INTEND to live instead of WISHING life would be different. Some people choose one word to guide them throughout this year. You may choose your core values that help you be your very best self. However you do it, begin this day with deep, faithful intentionality. Take a few minutes before your feet hit the floor every day to reflect on your daily intention. Let’s follow Jesus into 2021. One step at a time. Michelle Thomas-Bush Pray With a deep breath, hard work, and your help, God, I release my petty grudges, unnecessary judgements, and outright grumpiness. May I be my best self, the person I was created to be. With a deep breath, more hard work, and the peace of Christ, empower me to live into 2021 with intentionality and faithfulness. May I find contentment without complacency. With a deep breath and the Holy Spirit, let’s move into this new year with joy and grace. Amen. Go Take a deep breath and be present every moment of every day of 2021. Love with intention. Be the Church. Practice radical hospitality. Celebrate others. May the grace of God fill your days so that you cannot help but respond to all of life with exuberant joy! ***For those of you that would like to access these devotionals daily, you can go on this website: www.d365.org Gina’s Office Hours Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Work from Home) Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Work from Home) Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (at the Office) FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS 1) Without a doubt, this is the strangest Christmas Eve I have ever experienced. Only one of our children home for the holiday, no gathering with friends, no snow, winds whipping all night long, and -- most strange of all – no celebration with you at the church with the music, the liturgy, and the communion that we so deeply cherish. I miss you all terribly, and I know you miss the church so much and especially on this night. While I know we’re not out of the woods yet, I do believe we will get through this and there will be a day soon when we are able to gather safely and celebrate the great gift of Emmanuel. But tonight, everything is livestreamed. The easiest way to access our service is from our website www.saintf.org. We begin at 5:00 P.M. with a family Carol Sing. The idea is to gather with everyone in your household and enjoy some hot chocolate and peppermint and lots of fun singing together. All of the songs and hymns are beloved and familiar, and some are especially for the kids. Scott and Alyssa and Barb have put a great half-hour of fun together for us. Immediately following, at 5:30 P.M. we will begin our Christmas Eve Worship. The bulletin and service can be accessed through our website. It’s a typical Christmas Eve service in some ways (children’s sermon, candle-lit Silent Night) and unusual in others (empty church, no gift bags or kids to give them to). But it is the best we have to offer this year. I do hope you will join us and that can be meaningful for you. As we have already pre-recorded it, there will not be drive-through communion following this service. There will be drive-through communion this Sunday, Dec 27th, however. 2) The office will be closed next week. Also no Tuesday or Thursday Coffee Zoom or Zoom Bible Study. Merry Christmas to you, beloved members of St. Francis Episcopal Church!! May God’s Son and God’s Spirit bring you great Joy, Peace, and Blessings this day! GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Birthday!! Happy Anniversary!! Jamie Selzer December 28 Brian & Mandi Sauer December 28 Sierra Sauer December 30 Bob & Barb Manasek December 29 ***DON’T FORGET TO EMAIL OR CALL ME WITH YOUR PRAYER REQUESTS BY WEDNESDAY , DECEMBER 30th*** ***Daily Devotion for Thursday December 17, 2020*** LOVE The 5 Steps – Pause * Listen * Think * Pray * Go Pause Being known. Being valued. Belonging. These are gifts of God’s Love. We receive them in Christ. Listen In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom. Luke 2:1-7 Think "There was no place for them in the guestroom." Have you been disappointed by not fitting in somewhere? Have you ever felt that you are missing a place to belong? Perhaps you have never experienced belonging somewhere. Today’s scripture brings us guidance on what we can expect when we feel that we don’t have a place where we belong. In Christ we belong to David’s house and family line, which is the promise given from God to us. This makes us kin to Christ. We have a place where we belong, and it is with Christ. This is the beauty of Christmas – Jesus came to be among humankind, so that we all may be gathered together in Christ, so that we all may have a place at the table, so that we all may call God our home. What are you worried about? Do you want to experience the feeling of belonging to God? Whatever it might be, know that you are from God. Israel Loachamin Pray Lord, thank you for giving me a place to belong. May I give you my worries of not feeling welcome in a place where I belong, and may I feel at peace knowing that I belong to God. Amen. Go Where shepherds lately knelt, and kept the angel’s word, I come in half belief, a pilgrim strangely stirred; But there is room and welcome there for me, but there is room and welcome there for me. Can I, will I forget how Love was born and burned its way into my heart unasked, unforced, unearned, to die, to live, and not alone for me, to die, to live, and not alone for me? from “Where Shepherds Lately Knelt” by Jaroslav J. Vajda (1986) ***For those of you that would like to access these devotionals daily, you can go on this website: www.d365.org Gina’s Office Hours Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Work from home) Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Work from home) Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (In Office) FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS 1) Thanks to everyone who made our Advent Lessons and Carols possible last week! All-in-all it took about 15 readers, singers, and technicians to make it happen, and it was super fun, and we hope enjoyable for those who watched online. If you missed it, or if you watched it and want more, The Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska has joined forces with the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Opera Omaha to present A Heartland Lessons and Carols,which may be viewed on:
2) Next Monday December 21st at 7:00 P.M. we will participate in a Zoom Blue Christmas Service, which you can join with this Zoom link:Meeting ID: 429 691 4665 Passcode: 69361. Pastor Craig writes this about the Blue Christmas service: “A service for those for whom Christmas is not joyful; for those who are confronted with the loss of loved ones, feeling isolated and alone, perhaps even feeling depressed. On this longest night of the year, we remember and place our hope in Christ. All are welcome to attend.” Livestreamed on our church’s websites and https://www.facebook.com/methodistchurch.scottsbluff/videos/ A combined service with the following churches: First Presbyterian, St. Francis Episcopal, Calvary Lutheran, Holy Apostles’ Episcopal, First Christian Henry/Lyman, Mitchell, Morrill & Scottsbluff United Methodist Churches ID: 429 691 4665 Passcode: 69361 3) Speaking of Zoom meetings, our Parish Annual Meeting this year will be held virtually using Zoom. We will send the sign-in information later, but for now, please put the date and time on your calendar – Sunday, January 31st 2021 at 11:30 A.M. Unfortunately, this year we can’t do our usual amazing world-famous potluck brunch, but we will still gather and do the annual administrative business of the parish, and find a couple of ways to celebrate virtually at the same time. 4) We are working on the problem some are experiencing with our Facebook livestreamed service, and think we have a fix. Scott has created a way to view it on YouTube using a link on our website homepage. Just before the service begins, you can lick the video link labeled “St Francis Stream Screen” and it should take you to the YouTube streaming version. You can go to www.saintf.org to see what I am describing. GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Birthday!! Happy Anniversary!! Steve Trickler December 17 Mary Kay Versen & Lynn Okicki Brian Sauer December 22 December 21 Sara Moreno December 23 The Christmas Star I am sure some of you have heard about the Christmas Star. Here is the information I have found on it: As I have learned, this is actually the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. The closer they get to each other the more of a star there appears to be, and this happens about every 20 years. However, this year they will be really close, thus the star. The last time this was visible without a telescope was on March 4, 1226. Our best chance of seeing this phenomenon is on December 21 in the southwestern sky, and low to the horizon and about 45 minutes post sunset. It will be visible for the whole week, but this is the best time for us to see it. To find the “Christmas Star,” look into the night sky around 6:15 p.m., and you will notice a bright, white star low on the southwest horizon. The brightest star will be Jupiter; to the slight upper left of it will be Saturn. ***Daily Devotion for Thursday December 17, 2020*** JOY The 5 Steps – Pause * Listen * Think * Pray * Go Pause This Advent, Let us remember: The Lord will continue to do great things for us. Let us testify to the Light that is God. Let us hold on to what is good, even when nothing around us makes any sense. Let us cultivate joy. Listen They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” John said, “I’m not.” “Are you the prophet?” John answered, “No.” They asked, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John replied, “I am a voice crying out in the wilderness, Make the Lord’s path straight, just as the prophet Isaiah said.” Those sent by the Pharisees asked, “Why do you baptize if you aren’t the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered, “I baptize with water. Someone greater stands among you, whom you don’t recognize. He comes after me, but I’m not worthy to untie his sandal straps.” This encounter took place across the Jordan in Bethany where John was baptizing. John 1:21-28 Think “I’m not worthy to untie his sandal straps...” What a statement! A bold way for us to perhaps even describe our own relationship with God. The message that we are not worthy seems to prevail today. Society – and sometimes even those close to us – tell us that we are not worthy. If they don’t say it with words, then with actions. And we often believe this… But let us remember that we are worthy of God’s joy. God sent Jesus to walk among those who felt unworthy to deliver them, to restore them. You are beloved, you are a child of God. Luz Cabrera Montes Pray Lord, hear my crying! Give me strength to care for myself as I seek to care for others. Guide my words and make them match my actions. Amen. Go Choose joy, share joy, and make it a discipline. ***For those of you that would like to access these devotionals daily, you can go on this website: www.d365.org ***DON’T FORGET TO EMAIL OR CALL ME WITH YOUR PRAYER REQUESTS BY WEDNESDAY , DECEMBER 23rd*** Gina’s Office Hours Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (work from home) Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (work from home) Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (In Office) FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS 1) We had a simply amazing response to our request for donations to our 2020 Christmas Family Fund, where we raised just over $2,000, which will help many local families celebrate this year. I have already distributed two of the checks, and I know this – your generosity makes a real and tangible difference in real lives. I mean it when I say “Thank you.” 2) Don’t miss our livestreamed Advent Lessons and Carols this Sunday at 5:30 P.M. It will be streamed on Facebook Live in the same way as our regular Sunday worship service, and there will be a link up on the website to use to watch live and download the bulletin with the readings (done by some familiar faces you maybe haven’t seen in a while) and some special music. Tune in, and join in and enjoy this classic Episcopal service. 3) We will continue to offer Drive-Up Communion every Sunday for the foreseeable future. This has been a really popular addition, and it is so great to see and connect with folks, even for just a moment, and to share actual communion. Just drive through the back parking lot immediately following the 10:00 A.M. service. 4) This week the Bishop sent a pastoral letter to all the churches, encouraging us to just keep the faith during this continuing time of disruption. A copy is attached. He is a pretty great Bishop, I can tell you.  GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Birthday!! Richard Schaneman December 11 Theodore Meyer December 12 Lori Peterson December 11 Rick Gable December 15 Len Tabor December 12 Don Kepler December 15 Happy Anniversary!! Amy & Michelle Anderson-Saenz December 12 Memorial Poinsettia Donations: with the Christmas Season upon us, we will have a sign up for donations to purchase Memorial Poinsettia’s. If you would like to have the Poinsettia donated in the memory of a loved one, please email Gina at stfrancis@allophone.com or call the church and leave a message. The names will be added to the Christmas Eve Bulletin. ***Daily Devotion for Thursday December 3, 2020*** PEACE The 5 Steps – Pause * Listen * Think * Pray * Go Pause Take a few deep breaths. As you inhale, breathe in God’s peace for you. As you exhale, breathe out all that keeps you from being at peace. Listen John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins. Mark 1:4-5 Think In many traditions, you’re only baptized once, but that doesn’t mean that the significance of your baptism is limited to one day. Instead, baptism has lifelong consequences as it is a sign of God’s everlasting covenant with us and signifies the beginning of new life in Christ. Mark tells us that many people throughout Judea responded to John’s invitation for baptism. Not only did they seek God’s forgiveness for their sins in the baptismal waters, but they wanted to show that they were changing their hearts and lives to reflect their faith in God. Notice that they were in the process of changing their hearts and lives when they were baptized. Living lives that reflected faith in God wasn’t just a one-time, single-day activity, but a daily practice and a process. Each day we can choose to change our hearts and lives to reflect our faith in God and to live into God’s covenant with us. What do you need to change so that you can fully respond to God’s call on your life? Rosy Robson Pray Promising God, thank you for your everlasting covenant to be my God. Forgive me of my sins. Help me to choose today to change my heart and my life to reflect my faith in you. Amen. Go Go now to a responsible involvement in the world. Be at peace, for God who created you, Christ who redeems you, and the Spirit who sustains you go with you today and every day. ***For those of you that would like to access these devotionals daily, you can go on this website: www.d365.org ***DON’T FORGET TO EMAIL OR CALL ME WITH YOUR PRAYER REQUESTS BY WEDNESDAY , DECEMBER 16TH*** Gina’s Office Hours Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Work from home) Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Work from home) Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (In Office) FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS 1) I’m getting a fair amount of positive feedback and compliments lately that I simply don’t deserve, and I want to set the record straight on who actually does deserve credit for some of this stuff: (And by the way, if you get a sense reading this that the success of this this parish is less dependent on the Rector and more dependent on the assisting clergy and engaged laity, you would be 100% correct in that J)
2) If you are reading “Low – An Honest Advent Devotional,” don’t forget that we will meet online ZOOM at 2:00 P.M. this Sunday. You should already have received an invitation to that meeting. If not, please email me and I’ll resend the link. GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Birthday!! Happy Anniversary!! Jana Bode December 4 Trudy & Mardell Schnell December 6 Beth McKibbin December 4 Chesney Joplin December 8 Memorial Poinsettia Donations: with the Christmas Season upon us, we will have a sign up for donations to purchase Memorial Poinsettia’s. If you would like to have the Poinsettia donated in the memory of a loved one, please email Gina at stfrancis@allophone.com or call the church and leave a message. The names will be added to the Christmas Eve Bulletin. Prayer Requests: The prayer request sheet is still just outside the office in the church and is updated weekly. Anyone may still email your prayer requests to me at stfrancis@allophone.com. If you do not have email, just call the church and leave a message. Since, I am back in the office, the requests must be received on by Wednesday at the latest, for them to be included in the Sunday Bulletin for that week. If the request is received after Wednesday, they will be added to the next Sunday Bulletin. We will follow the same process and keep the names on for two weeks. Once the prayer request is received, it is added to the prayer list and then I email the names to have them added to the Prayer Chain and to the Daughters of the King. ***Daily Devotion for Thursday December 3, 2020*** HOPE The 5 Steps – Pause * Listen * Think * Pray * Go Pause It is Advent. The Lord is coming. This is our hope. With every breath you take — Wait. With every breath you take — Listen. Wait and Listen. Hear the coming of the Lord. Listen “Learn this parable from the fig tree. After its branch becomes tender and it sprouts new leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that he’s near, at the door. I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until all these things happen. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.” Mark 13:28-31 Think The season of Advent is one of my favorite times of the year. Christmas carols are sung, ugly sweaters are worn, and shopping increases as we try to find that perfect gift for our family and friends. It truly is one of the most wonderful times of the year. With all of the busyness, it is easy to forget that Advent is about waiting. It is a time to wait in expectation for the coming of the Christ child. We sometimes need a reminder to see through the busyness and to set our eyes on Jesus. The one who is observant will notice the signs that point to Jesus as the reason for the season. Throughout Advent, let us take some time to observe. Let us observe our need for hope, peace, joy, and love. These, like the branches of a fig tree, are the signs that point us to the good news of the coming of Christ our Lord. Emmitt Drumgoole Pray Lord, give me eyes to see and ears to hear the coming of good news for all. Amen. Go It is Advent. The Lord is coming. Go! Make ready for the Lord! ***For those of you that would like to access these devotionals daily, you can go on this website: www.d365.org Gina’s Office Hours Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Calendar of Events Advent & Christmas
SO much happening in the next few weeks! Here's a schedule to keep it all straight :) Sunday, November 29th
WHEW! That's a lot to remember, so maybe save this email or print it out and post it, or you can always check our website Events Page. I do hope you are all making plans for a fun but safe Advent and Christmas. I know no one in our family is travelling home for Thanksgiving, which is super sad but we think the best decision for us. Christmas may be the same. This will be a holiday season like no other. Let's do our best to make it meaningful and joyous despite the challenges, and do it together. Blessings, Fr. Mark+ |
Fr. Mark SelveyCheck in here for weekly announcements. 
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