Thursday Announcements for April 15, 2021

FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
1) Last call for anyone interested in being Confirmed or Received during the
upcoming Bishop’s Visitation! So far I have adults Beth M., Gary and Karen L.,
Linda R., and Brian L., along with youth Max M., Nate K., Victoria S., and Elliot
S. Please let Gina know this week if you would like to be added to that list. The
service will be Wednesday, May 19th at 6:00 P.M.
 
2) Recently all worship volunteers received an email asking them to review
and update profile information in our volunteer management software MSP.
You’ll remember that we stopped using MSP regularly during 2020 when we
suspended in-person worship, but now that we’re re-open, we will get back to
using this simple software. I can’t tell you how important every single volunteer
is in producing our worship services. From ushers to acolytes, every job adds
beauty and meaning to our service, and I greatly appreciate all the faithful
work that you do. It is SO GREAT to be back together worshipping in-person
with you!
 
3) Lots of smart folks are looking at lessons learned in the church last year, and
thinking about best practices moving forward. Here’s a link to a long but
interesting article by The Rev. Tim Schenck titled “Hybrid Church,” that is
worth a read if you have time and interest:
https://www.ecfvp.org/tools/254/hybrid-church-a-way-forward-for-church-leaders
 
4) Congratulations to our resident star Rae E. Whitney as she continues to
be recognized nationally and beyond for her incredible gifts and lasting
contribution to church hymnody. Here is a link to the most recent article
​ highlighting her work:
https://thehymnsociety.org/becoming-witnesses-third-sunday-of-easter-year-b/

GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Happy Birthday!!
Jared Mackrill          April 15         Elsie Harvey            April 1
Laney Bohl              April 18         Andrew Lehr            April 19
Gretchen Deter       April 18         Jeanne Matthews     April 19
Ren Mackrill            April 18
 
LOST AND FOUND
Found – A case for glasses was found after the Maundy Thursday
Service.

Prayer Requests ** 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 Booklets
We still have some of the Forward Day by Day’s for February, March &
April in regular and large print.
We just received the Forward Day by Day’s for May, June and July in
regular and large print.
If you would like any of these mailed to you, please email or call the
church.

Purple Up! Day
During the Month of the
Military Child, Purple Up! Day
on April 15th recognizes some
of the military’s most unsung
heroes – their children. The
day encourages everyone to
wear purple representing all
branches of the military and
showing unity with each other.
All across the country and around the world, military children play a
significant role in their schools, youth organizations, and communities.
When we wear purple in their honor, we let them know we support them in
all branches of the military – Army, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, Air Force,
and Space Force. Whether they are a part of the military family for a short
while or their entire childhood, the military child deserves to know they
have the support of their community.
How to Observe Purple Up! Day
Wear purple to show your support for military youth. Schools and military
installations also host events recognizing the sacrifices military children
make. Local businesses and organizations also hold celebrations
throughout the month of April, especially when the 15th lands on a
weekend. Consider some of these events for your school or organization:
Invite your former and current military employees to share photos of their
children. Change your social media profile to a purple frame.
Recognize military children during events.
Feature a military child on a school, organization, or club website.
Invite a military parent or child to speak at your school, business, or
organization.
Purple Up! Day History
The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Military
Youth and Family Program initiated the Purple Up! for Military Kids in 2011. They
selected April 15th during the Month of the Military Child as a way to honor
military children from all branches of the military. Purple represented the
colors of each branch of the military as one. Since then, other
organizations and communities spread the word, giving the celebration
momentum. 

---

National Banana Day
On April 15th, take a bite of
the fruit that also makes an
excellent prop for jokes on
National Banana Day!
The day focuses on the
nutrition of the fruit as well
as the way comedy has
used the banana in its acts.
This low-fat, low-calorie
​ snack offers a boost of fiber, potassium, and vitamins, with B6 and C
leading the way. It also provides a healthy gram of protein, too. Add a
banana to your morning cereal or grab one to go with your granola. They
​ also add so much delicious flavor to baked goods. Many bakers know that
when those bananas turn brown to toss them in the freezer for baking
muffins and breads later.
As far as the humor goes, anyone goes a little bananas when they slip on
a peel. Or is it the peel of laughter that makes them go bananas? Hold up
the banana like a phone and get your comedy routine going.
How to Observe National Banana Day
Write a little message on a banana and tuck it into your loved one’s lunch.
Add bananas to your lunch routine. They’re inexpensive and delicious.
Children and adults love them, so you just can’t go wrong. Use
#NationalBananaDay to share how you #CelebrateEveryDay on social
media.
National Banana Day History
The word is still out about who created this national holiday. However,
​ we’ve sent out several bananas to track them down.  
 
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.

---