  March 12, 2026 In this and next week's enews, we'll share information about the services of Holy Week. A majority of these services can be attended both in-person and via live stream. We hope the information we provide will inspire you to participate as much as you can. 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 March 29. This service will be live streamed. 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 1. This service will be live streamed. 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 became 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 2 at 6 p.m. This service will be live streamed. _____________________________________________________________ ~Rev. Erin+   This is Tayens senior year, and his last year playing for the All West Native American Basketball Tournament. The tournament is March 25th through the 27th. Donations to help Tay with lodging, gas and food would be appreciated by the family. Donations can be left in the front office. Checks should be issued directly to the family. We wish Tay and the team success!   Those who serve, Sunday, March 15, 9am Officiant Clark Wisniewski Musician Barb Becker Media Team Charlie Kennedy Ushers Greg & Collette Suhr Lector/Intercessor Beth McKibbin Altar Guild Collette Suhr, Ann Peterson, Jane Sayre Coffee Hosts Judi Widmaier, Nancy Kepler Upcoming Events at St. Francis: Tuesday 03/17 Centering Prayer 11:15a Library Lenten Lunch 12p The Vine United Methodist Vestry 6p Parish Hall Wednesday 03/18 Lectionary Study & Compline 3p Library Soup, Stations & Eucharist; Dinner 5:30p Parish Hall, Stations 6:15p Sanctuary Evening Prayer on Zoom 7:30p MT Thursday 03/19 Discipleship Group 12p Library Friday 03/20 Men's Bible Study 8a Library Sunday 03/22 Sunday Eucharist St. Francis 9a Godly Play Sunday School 9a Conference Room  From the Office—Ann’s Announcements   To Brighten Your Day:
Whenever I’m disappointed with my spot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott. Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play. His mother told me that he’d set his heart on in it, though she feared he would not be chosen. On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to us with eyes shining with pride and excitement. ‘Guess what Mom’ he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me…’I’ve been chosen to clap and cheer!’ _________________________________________________________________ UTO offerings As we go about our daily lives--busy as they are-- it is easy to forget that there is something to be thankful for each and every day. Let your little blue box stand as your reminder to find something to be thankful for at the end of the day. -Give thanks for the good things that happen daily. For little things like a good parking spot on a busy day, sunshine for your family picnic, or a birthday card from a friend. For big things like recovery from a serious illness, a new job, or forgiveness and reconciliation after a long dispute. One act of prayerful, tangible thanksgiving at a time has a wider impact than you can possibly imagine. _________________________________________________________________ Prayer Requests Prayer requests need to be received by Tuesday, if you’d like them to be printed in the bulletin. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message) or email. The Forward Day by Day’s for February-April are available in regular and large print. If you’d like either of these mailed to you, please email us or call the church office. Comments are closed.
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Rev. Erin Rath
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