  Thursday Announcements-April 10, 2025 ERIN’S EPISTLETTES ____________________________________________________________  Friday Offering in Support of the Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East During our Good Friday services on April 18, donations collected will go towards the Good Friday Offering. For more information on this century-old Episcopal tradition supporting the ministries of the Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, visit their website. Thank you in advance for your prayers and generosity. _________________________________________ Message From Mary Greeting Friends: At the March Vestry meeting we had a robust discussion about our Church finances. As many of you will recall, the 2025 Budget that was presented and approved at the Annual Meeting in January showed a significant deficit for the year. Understandably, this is of great concern to you and your Vestry members. One of the difficulties we encountered when preparing the 2025 Budget was that we did not have firm numbers relative to expected giving from you, our Parishioners. This is because we did not undertake a Pledge Campaign which has traditionally occurred during the Fall and provides critical input for the Budget. Following the Annual Meeting, we formed a Stewardship & Engagement Ministry group with an eye toward planning and executing a Fall 2025 Pledge Campaign in preparation for the 2026 Budget. But what about now? Your Vestry has asked the Stewardship & Engagement Ministry group to undertake a short Pledge Campaign immediately so that we can get a better understanding of how our finances will play out during this year. To help us with this important task, you will be contacted by a member of the Stewardship & Engagement Ministry to confirm your planned giving for the rest of 2025. This Spring Giving Campaign will occur during the month of April. I ask that you prayerfully consider your planned giving to enable us to continue sharing God’s love in our community through all of our Worship, Connection and Outreach programs. Thank you, Mary _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 🎶🎵🎶 Liturgical Notes 🎶🎵🎶 Why Holy Week? (Part 2) by the Rev Erin Rath, April 2025 What Happens on Good Friday? Good Friday is the solemn liturgy in remembrance of Jesus' passion and death. On this day we hear eighty-two verses from the gospel of John* which recount the events of the first passion. As Good Friday is a continuation of the Maundy Thursday liturgy, it begins as the prior service ended: in silence. The altar, which was stripped following Thursday evening's service, remains bare. This is the only service in the liturgical year at which we have the opportunity to venerate the cross. The Eucharistic prayer is not said on this day. Instead, communion is distributed from consecrated sacrament reserved the night before. Good Friday is the second liturgy of the Triduum. At Saint Francis, this year's Good Friday liturgy will be offered at noon and 6 p.m. on April 18. Our evening Good Friday service will be livestreamed. *Why a different Gospel translation on Good Friday? We use the Common English Bible translation of the Passion story rather than the New Revised Standard Version. Though the NRSV is the most commonly used translation in Episcopal worship, our canons allow for the use of a variety of translations. The CEB was chosen for Good Friday because it uses the terms "Jewish leaders" and "Jewish leadership" rather than the more general label "the Jews." Articulating this difference is important not only because it more accurately describes the realities of the Passion story, but also because of the generations of antisemitism inspired by the more general label – a label which blames an entire faith tradition for the actions of a very small group of its members at a specific point in history. Why Hold a Morning Service on Holy Saturday? The Holy Saturday day service is held on the Saturday morning between Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening. It's a time to honor the space between Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection on Easter, and the experience of the disciples in those first moments and hours after Jesus' death: the grieving, the not-knowing, the waiting, the feeling of being abandoned by God. In honoring the disciples' experience on that first grief-stricken Holy Saturday, we honor our own experiences of and struggles with grief, with not-knowing, with waiting, and with feeling abandoned by God. This year, Saint Francis will gather in the Mary Chapel at 10 a.m. on April 19. Because this service is held in chapel, there will be no live stream. What is Easter Vigil? The Great Vigil of Easter is the culmination of Holy Week. Though it takes place on Saturday evening, the church considers it the first service of Easter Sunday and thus a part of the Triduum. There are four parts to this liturgy: a service of light, a service of lessons (or readings), renewal of our baptismal vows, and Holy Eucharist. Through these components, the story of redemption is retold and re-lived by participants. We re-experience the movement from darkness to light, celebrate our belonging in the new creation by remembering our baptism, and look forward to the glory we will share with the Risen Christ. This year, Saint Francis will celebrate this richly symbolic service on Saturday, April 19 at 7:45 p.m. Easter Sunday The events of the first Easter morning are a cornerstone of our faith. Our celebration remembering those events is the culmination of Holy Week and the final installment of the Triduum. Though we feel like we’ve reached the mountain top, both figuratively and literally, it’s important to remember how we got there and the struggles we experienced along the way. The services of Holy Week give us opportunities to give thanks for the gift of Jesus’ incarnation through worship, to honor the pain and the struggles of Jesus on the Cross and the grief of His beloved disciples, and to remember and honor the struggles and griefs, as well as the joys and triumphs, in our own lives and the lives of those we love. I hope you had the opportunity to read the entries I wrote about the other six services of Holy Week. To those who read from the beginning, I thank you for your attention. I hope even more that you will partake of these offerings, that your own faith journey can be deepened and enriched. Church offices will be closed April 22. There will be no enews published April 24. ____________________________________________________________ Those who serve, Palm Sunday, April 13, 9am Musician Nancy Meier Media Team Stephanie Schingle Ushers Alena Kennedy, Jamie and John Selzer Acolyte Master Clark Wisniewski Acolytes Walker Anderson, Madi Collins, Will Schaaf Lector/Intercessor Bill Mann, Charlie Kennedy, Beth McKibbin Ann Peterson, Connie Schingle, Monica Shambaugh Eucharistic Minister Santana Tamarak Altar Guild Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson Coffee Hosts Judi Widmaier, Karen Mecklem Holy Week at Saint Francis Palm Sunday, April 13, 9 a.m.* at Saint Francis, 11 a.m. @ Good Shepherd, Harrisburg Tenebrae, Wednesday, April 16 @ 7:30 p.m.* Maundy Thursday, April 17 @ 6 p.m.* Good Friday, April 18 @ Noon & 6 p.m.* Holy Saturday Day, April 19 @ 10 a.m. (in the chapel) Easter Vigil, April 19 @ 7:45 p.m.* Easter Sunday, April 20 @ 9 a.m.* & 10:30 a.m. *Services marked with an asterisk will be livestreamed. Service Rehearsals for all acolytes & readers: Those serving at Palm Sunday, Tenebrae, Maundy Thursday and/or Good Friday will gather Saturday, April 12 @ 10 a.m. Those serving at Easter Vigil or on Easter Sunday will gather Saturday, April 19 @ 11 a.m. Palm Cross Workshop, Friday, April 11 at 7:00pm, Parish Hall Lectionary Study and Compline, Tuesday @ 2pm, Library Men’s Bible Study Thursday @ 8am, Library Discipleship Group, Thursday @ 12pm, Library Church offices closed Tuesday, April 22; no enews April 24  From the Office—Ann’s Announcements
Birthdays Barb Manasek April 14 Laney Bohl April 18 Gretchen Deter April 18 The signup sheet for Easter Altar Flowers is in the Narthex or you’re welcome to call the office to add your name. The Daughters of the King are doing our annual collection for Capstone Child Advocacy Center during the month of April. We are collecting: blankets (throws size--NEW only), journals, backpacks (NEW) and McDonald’s Gift Cards. Cash is also welcome. We will be presenting the collected items to Capstone on Sunday, April 27. There is a box in the Narthex, for your donated items. Also, we are suspending the collection of pill bottles for awhile. We’ll announce when we are collecting them again. Thank you for your excellent response to this project 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.   Thursday Announcements-April 3, 2025 ERIN’S EPISTLETTES ____________________________________________________________  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.   Thursday Announcements-March 27, 2025 ERIN’S EPISTLETTES ____________________________________________________________   ____________________________________________________________  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, 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 _____________________________________________________________ From the Office—Ann’s Announcements  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.   Thursday Announcements-March 6, 2025 ERIN’S EPISTLETTES  An Invitation to upcoming events at Calvary Lutheran Church: Calvary Lutheran Church would like to extend an invite to local congregations for two upcoming events. We'll be hosting a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Feed on March 4 and the church will also be the site of an upcoming performance of the University of South Dakota's award winning Chamber Singers. More about the Chamber Singers here: https://starherald.com/news/local/usd-chamber-singers-to-present-tour-concert-in-scottsbluff/article_481a5eb2-f2f3-11ef-8d12-03cdceb02e9a.html. Thank you, Maunette Loeks Calvary Lutheran Church 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 __________________________________________________________ Ministry Teams, March 9, 9am Musician Barb Becker Media Team Charlie Kennedy Ushers Alena Kennedy, Kathy Shambaugh Acolyte Master Clark Wisniewski Acolytes Monica Shambaugh, Josie Weiss Lector/Intercessor Clark Wisniewski Eucharistic Minister Santana Tamarak Altar Guild Judi Widmaier, Connie Schingle, Jeane Anderson Coffee Hosts Monica & Kathy Shambaugh Upcoming Events at St. Francis: United Thank Offering (UTO) boxes & envelopes available in Narthex Community Lenten Lunch, Tuesday @ the Vine UMC, Scottsbluff 12pm Lectionary Study and Compline, Tuesday 2pm, Library Soup, Stations & Eucharist Wednesday, Supper @ 5:15pm, Stations @ 6pm Evening Prayer on Zoom, Wednesday @ 7:15pm Men’s Bible Study Thursday @ 8am, Library Discipleship Group, Thursday @ 12pm, Library Sunday Eucharists, March 16, Saint Francis, Scottsbluff @ 9am Good Shepherd, March 16, Harrisburg @ 11:30am Saint Hilda's, March 16, Kimball @ 2:30pm ____________________________________________________________  From the Office—Ann’s Announcements Birthdays Charlie Kennedy March 9 Sammy Masid III March 9 Landon Parrish March 9 Charlie Selzer March 11 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-February 27, 2025 ERIN’S EPISTLETTES A Message from Mary I am honored and humbled to be called and selected to serve you as your Senior Warden. My commitment to you is that I will work collaboratively with my fellow vestry members and Reverend Erin to create a vision and plan of action that reflects God’s dream for our congregation. As we discussed in the Annual Meeting, we face significant challenges relative to insuring our church’s continued viability in the future. It will take all of us, moving forward in the same direction, to safeguard the legacy of St Francis Episcopal Church and make certain God’s mission and vision for her are sustainable. To that end, at the Annual Meeting, we determined the need for a formal Stewardship Committee to focus on our financial resources and congregational engagement. This will be a special committee under the Vestry. Five people have already stepped forward to participate. I extend my personal invitation to you to join us on this journey. Consider Paul’s words to the church in Rome: “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” (Romans 12: 4 – 6) I ask you to prayerfully consider what gifts you have to offer to this important committee. If you are able and willing to participate, please let me or Reverend Erin know. (You can contact me at 303-514-2820.) If you are unable to participate at this time, I ask you to lift up the work of this committee in your talks with God. God’s Peace, Mary _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Here's the previously published information on Project Resource. If you're interested in participating in our newly formed stewardship committee or this program, please contact Senior Warden Mary Bowman or Rev. Erin.
Given we're well into the season of winter storms, this seems like as good a time as any to remind folks of how closure decisions are communicated, be it on Sunday or during the week. The information will be communicated in the following ways:
Sunday Worship... November month-end average: 57 December month-end average: 61 January month-end average: 47 Christmas Eve Attendance (both services): 103 November-January Low & High* Sundays (Excludes Christmas): 33 & 69 Midweek Services in January... Midday Eucharist, best attended: 0 Evening Eucharist: Not offered; Holiday & Diocesan Event Zoom Evening Prayer, best attended: 3 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ministry Teams, March 2, 9am Musician Nancy Meier Media Team Stephanie Schingle Ushers Greg & Collette Suhr Acolyte Master Clark Wisniewski Acolytes Walker Anderson, Will Schaaf, Travis Iron Shell Lector/Intercessor Jim Petitt Eucharistic Minister Jan Johnson Altar Guild Judi Widmaier, Connie Schingle, Jeane Anderson Coffee Hosts Collette Suhr, Sarah Schaaf Upcoming Events at St. Francis: Eucharist at Good Shepherd, Harrisburg, March 2 @ 11:30am Lectionary Study and Compline, Tuesday 2pm, Library Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, March 4 Ash Wednesday Services, March 5 @ 12:15pm and 6pm Men’s Bible Study Thursday, 8am, Library Discipleship Group Thursday @ 12pm, Library Holy Eucharist at St. Francis @ 9am, March 9 Prayers for Healing following Worship, March 9 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Thursday Announcements-February 20, 2025 ERIN’S EPISTLETTES A Message from Mary I am honored and humbled to be called and selected to serve you as your Senior Warden. My commitment to you is that I will work collaboratively with my fellow vestry members and Reverend Erin to create a vision and plan of action that reflects God’s dream for our congregation. As we discussed in the Annual Meeting, we face significant challenges relative to insuring our church’s continued viability in the future. It will take all of us, moving forward in the same direction, to safeguard the legacy of St Francis Episcopal Church and make certain God’s mission and vision for her are sustainable. To that end, at the Annual Meeting, we determined the need for a formal Stewardship Committee to focus on our financial resources and congregational engagement. This will be a special committee under the Vestry. Five people have already stepped forward to participate. I extend my personal invitation to you to join us on this journey. Consider Paul’s words to the church in Rome: “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” (Romans 12: 4 – 6) I ask you to prayerfully consider what gifts you have to offer to this important committee. If you are able and willing to participate, please let me or Reverend Erin know. (You can contact me at 303-514-2820.) If you are unable to participate at this time, I ask you to lift up the work of this committee in your talks with God. God’s Peace, Mary ______________________________________ Thank you to all who attended our Annual Meeting February 9. I appreciate your questions and ideas and remain open to continued conversation.
Around the time of the Annual Meeting, there's often an increased interest in church administration. A few related reminders:
Here's the previously published information on Project Resource. If you're interested in participating in our newly formed stewardship committee or this program, please contact Senior Warden Mary Bowman or Rev. Erin.
Given we're well into the season of winter storms, this seems like as good a time as any to remind folks of how closure decisions are communicated, be it on Sunday or during the week. The information will be communicated in the following ways:
Recent Worship Engagement Trends: Sunday Worship... November month-end average: 57 December month-end average: 61 January month-end average: 47 Christmas Eve Attendance (both services): 103 November-January Low & High* Sundays (Excludes Christmas): 33 & 69 Midweek Services in January... Midday Eucharist, best attended: 0 Evening Eucharist: Not offered; Holiday & Diocesan Event Zoom Evening Prayer, best attended: 3 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ministry Teams, February 23, 9am Musician Nancy Meier Media Team Steve Trickler Ushers Nancy Kepler, Judi Widmaier Acolyte Master Clark Wisniewski Acolytes Erin Cawiezel, Allie Cawiezel Lector/Intercessor Jack Webb Eucharistic Minister Santana Tamarak Altar Guild Collette Suhr, Ann Peterson, Jane Sayre Coffee Hosts Christie Shaver, Barb Manasek Flowers: Ron & Ann Salomon In thankfulness for all of God’s blessings Upcoming Events at St. Francis: Lectionary Study and Compline, Tuesday 2pm, Library Vestry Meeting,Tuesday, February 25 @ 6pm Evening Prayer on Zoom, Wednesday @ 6pm Men’s Bible Study Thursday, 8am Discipleship Group. Thursday @ 12pm Eucharist at Good Shepherd, Harrisburg, March 2 @ 11:30am Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, March 4 Ash Wednesday Services, March 5 @ 12:15pm and 6pm
Thursday Announcements-February 13, 2025 ERIN’S EPISTLETTES A Message from Mary I am honored and humbled to be called and selected to serve you as your Senior Warden. My commitment to you is that I will work collaboratively with my fellow vestry members and Reverend Erin to create a vision and plan of action that reflects God’s dream for our congregation. As we discussed in the Annual Meeting, we face significant challenges relative to insuring our church’s continued viability in the future. It will take all of us, moving forward in the same direction, to safeguard the legacy of St Francis Episcopal Church and make certain God’s mission and vision for her are sustainable. To that end, at the Annual Meeting, we determined the need for a formal Stewardship Committee to focus on our financial resources and congregational engagement. This will be a special committee under the Vestry. Five people have already stepped forward to participate. I extend my personal invitation to you to join us on this journey. Consider Paul’s words to the church in Rome: “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” (Romans 12: 4 – 6) I ask you to prayerfully consider what gifts you have to offer to this important committee. If you are able and willing to participate, please let me or Reverend Erin know. If you are unable to participate at this time, I ask you to lift up the work of this committee in your talks with God. God’s Peace, Mary _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
🎶🎵🎶 Liturgical Notes 🎶🎵🎶 January/February 2025 ~ by the Rev. Erin Rath Sunday, January 12 marked the beginning of a new season in the church year: Epiphany. The day of Epiphany recalls the wise men's arrival, with gifts in hand, at the manger which cradled the infant Jesus. It comes immediately after the short season of Christmas, often called "the twelve days of Christmas," so named for the twelve days between Christmas Day and the celebration of Epiphany. In many Christian cultures, particularly in the Orthodox world, Epiphany is the primary day of celebration rather than Christmas. The light and insight the star above Bethlehem gifted the wise men, which ultimately led them to Jesus' cradle, become common themes of this season. These themes are mentioned throughout our current prayers of the people, which were composed specifically for this season. Though the six forms of the Prayers of the People provided in the Book of Common Prayer (1979) are worthy of regular use and reflection, I do not feel they address these themes as explicitly as this season and the needs of our time call for. The instructions (often referred to as rubrics) at the beginning of the Prayers of the People in the BCP not only allow for but encourage prayers to be composed beyond the bounds of the forms printed therein. The only requirement is that any composed Prayers of the People include the topics listed in the rubrics (see BCP page 383). In addition to the Book of Common Prayer, Enriching Our Worship 1 (approved in 1997 and published in 1998) provides extensive liturgical resources for morning and evening prayer and Eucharist. Seasonal blessings are provided in the Book of Occasional Services (originally published in 1979 and most recently revised in 2018). In this current season of our shared worship life, in addition to utilizing the contemporary form of the Lord's Prayer, we're using a post communion prayer from Enriching Our Worship 1. (We used a different post communion prayer from Enriching Our Worship 1 during the seasons of Advent and Christmas.) The blessing being used this season is from the Book of Occasional Services, as are most of the lengthier blessings utilized over the course of the liturgical year. We'll take a closer look at some of the theological themes brought out by the various post communion prayers in a future Liturgical Notes. If you have a topic or question you'd like addressed in an upcoming Liturgical Notes, please let me know. To those who've read to the end, I thank you for your interest. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ministry Teams, February 16, 9am Musician Nancy Meier Media Team Charlie Kennedy Ushers Monica Shambaugh, Jamie Selzer Acolyte Master Clark Wisniewski Acolytes Charlie Selzer, Elliot Selzer Lector/Intercessor Bill Mann Eucharistic Minister Jane Sayre Altar Guild Collette Suhr, Ann Peterson, Jane Sayre Coffee Hosts Diane Morrison, Nancy Kepler Flowers: Jack Webb In memory of Jack’s father, Lem J. Webb Upcoming Events at St. Francis: This Sunday is the third Sunday of the month, so our loose offerings will go toward the Rector's Discretionary Fund. Lectionary Study and Compline, Tuesday 2pm, Library In Person Eucharist, Mary Chapel, 12:15pm and 6pm Men’s Bible Study Thursday, 8am Discipleship Group. Thursday @ 12pm The Vestry Meeting had been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 25 @ 6pm _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 Thursday Announcements-February 6, 2025 ERIN’S EPISTLETTES A letter was mailed to Saint Francis' active members earlier this week. Please check your mailbox for this. If you think you should have received it but didn't, please contact the front office. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DioNeb's next EfM Event, Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss: Team Building and Financial Planning is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 9am-12pm CT / 8-11am MT. The event will occur in person at St. Augustine's, Elkhorn (285 So. 208th St.) and online via Zoom. The agenda will include three presentations, personal stories, and time for questions. It is free to attend, with a suggested $25 donation to The Benedictine Way or the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Learn more from the flyer and register online. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 🎶🎵🎶 Liturgical Notes 🎶🎵🎶 January/February 2025 ~ by the Rev. Erin Rath Sunday, January 12 marked the beginning of a new season in the church year: Epiphany. The day of Epiphany recalls the wise men's arrival, with gifts in hand, at the manger which cradled the infant Jesus. It comes immediately after the short season of Christmas, often called "the twelve days of Christmas," so named for the twelve days between Christmas Day and the celebration of Epiphany. In many Christian cultures, particularly in the Orthodox world, Epiphany is the primary day of celebration rather than Christmas. The light and insight the star above Bethlehem gifted the wise men, which ultimately led them to Jesus' cradle, become common themes of this season. These themes are mentioned throughout our current prayers of the people, which were composed specifically for this season. Though the six forms of the Prayers of the People provided in the Book of Common Prayer (1979) are worthy of regular use and reflection, I do not feel they address these themes as explicitly as this season and the needs of our time call for. The instructions (often referred to as rubrics) at the beginning of the Prayers of the People in the BCP not only allow for but encourage prayers to be composed beyond the bounds of the forms printed therein. The only requirement is that any composed Prayers of the People include the topics listed in the rubrics (see BCP page 383). In addition to the Book of Common Prayer, Enriching Our Worship 1 (approved in 1997 and published in 1998) provides extensive liturgical resources for morning and evening prayer and Eucharist. Seasonal blessings are provided in the Book of Occasional Services (originally published in 1979 and most recently revised in 2018). In this current season of our shared worship life, in addition to utilizing the contemporary form of the Lord's Prayer, we're using a post communion prayer from Enriching Our Worship 1. (We used a different post communion prayer from Enriching Our Worship 1 during the seasons of Advent and Christmas.) The blessing being used this season is from the Book of Occasional Services, as are most of the lengthier blessings utilized over the course of the liturgical year. We'll take a closer look at some of the theological themes brought out by the various post communion prayers in a future Liturgical Notes. If you have a topic or question you'd like addressed in an upcoming Liturgical Notes, please let me know. To those who've read to the end, I thank you for your interest. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ministry Teams, February 9, 9am Musician Barb Becker Media Team Jack Schaaf Ushers Christian & Stacy Bach Acolyte Master Clark Wisniewski Acolytes Emma Schaaf, Will Schaaf Lector/Intercessor Jim Petitt Eucharistic Minister Jan Johnson Altar Guild Collette Suhr, Ann Peterson, Jane Sayre Coffee Hosts Annual Meeting (Brunch hosted by the ECW) Flowers: Tosh Nanbara In memory of loved ones Upcoming Events at St. Francis: Lectionary Study and Compline, Tuesday 2pm, Library Evening Prayer on Zoom, Wednesday @ 6pm Men’s Bible Study Thursday, 8am Discipleship Group. Thursday @ 12pm ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ From the Office—Ann’s Announcements
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