Thursday Announcements for April 29, 2021

FATHER MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
1) With deep sadness, I share that our beloved sister in Christ, Sandy Gibson, passed from life to life two days ago, and her funeral will be here at St. Francis on Monday, May 3rd at 11:00 A.M. We will do our best to follow safety guidelines in terms of attendance, but if you would prefer to attend online you can access the live or recorded video on Bridgman Funeral Home’s Facebook page. 
 
2) This crazy year has gotten me and everybody else I know kinda down. Not depressed exactly. Not angry, exactly. In fact, I didn’t have an exact name for what I was feeling until I read this article. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html?smid=url-share
Turns out the name for my mood is “languishing.” Maybe you’re feeling odd, too. Check it out for an interesting perspective. 
 
3) We are planning a reception for our 2021 Graduates in the the parish hall following the service on Sunday, May 9th. If you have a High School or College graduate this spring, will you call or email the office and let Gina know so that we can plan and communicate appropriately?
 
4) This week I got the great news that two of our members will be joining our parish Daughters of the King chapter, bringing the number of members up to five! I am thrilled because I have seen the great things accomplished by a group of faithful people devoted to prayer. In addition, you will get to hang out with some cool folks.  There is no limit to the size of this group — certainly Beth would welcome more. Is this your ministry — to pray for the parish and the church and the community and the world? DOK may be perfect for you! 

​GINA’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Happy Birthday!!                             Happy Anniversary
Michelle Anderson-Saenz   May 1           Rick & Vicky Gable       May 5
Nate Kelley                          May 1
John Simmons                    May 2
Josie Weiss                         May 4
 
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 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.
 
April 29th, 2021 National Days
 
National Peace Rose Day
Each year on April 29th, National Peace Rose Day honors a well-known and fruitful garden rose.
The light yellow to large cream-colored flowers of the Peace rose have slightly flushed crimson pink petal edges. It is a hybrid tea rose that is hardy, vigorous, and highly resistant to disease.
French horticulturist Francis Meilland developed the Peace rose between 1935 and 1939. When Meilland foresaw the German invasion of France to protect the new rose, he sent cutting to his friends in Italy, Turkey, Germany, and the United States. It is believed these cuttings were sent to the United States on the last plane available before the German invasion.
Each country that received a cutting gave the rose a different name. In France, it was called “Madame A. Meilland” in honor of the breeder’s mother. Italy named the rose Gioia, meaning Joy.  In Germany, the name of the rose was Gloria Dei, for glory to God. The United States named the rose “Peace,” and the national flower of the United States is the rose. 
As the Second World War came to a close in Europe, the trade name “Peace” was publicly announced on April 29, 1945, by the Conrad Pyle Co. in the United States.  
Later in 1945, Peace roses were given to each delegate at the inaugural meeting of the United Nations, in San Francisco, with a note that read: “We hope the Peace rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting world peace.”

How to Observe National Peace Rose Day
National Peace Rose Day offers the opportunity for us all to discover the beauty of the Peace Rose. Whether you plant a shrub or share clippings with others, join in the celebration. These beautiful blossoms and their story encourages the sharing of peace between friends and neighbors. 

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​National Poem in your Pocket Day
During National Poetry Month in April, National Poem in Your Pocket Day shares the way poetry brings joy by simply carrying one in your pocket. When you share the poem, you’ll bring joy to others.
There are so many different styles of poetry. This day, however, places no restrictions on the rhyme, rhythm, syllables or length. The goal is to share a poem. You may scribble it on a receipt or recite one while waiting in line. Add a poem to the back of an envelope on outgoing mail. Don’t be surprised if you discover a poem tucked into a book. You might even find one jotted down on the side of your coffee cop on the tag of your teabag. 
Poems come in so many different sizes, they can be squeezed onto a square of the calendar or jotted on the side of pencil. No matter where you find them, we’re sure they’ll bring surprise and joy. 

How to observe Poem in your Pocket Day
Memorize a poem or two to share with the people you meet throughout the day. Print off these bookmarks and write a poem on the back. Put them in your pocket and you’ll be ready surprise someone with a poem and gift!
It’s the perfect day to share your poem on Social Media using #PoemInYouPocketDay or #PocketPoem.
 
National Poem in your Pocket Day History
The observance has been celebrated as part of National Poetry Month since 2002. The Office of the New York Mayor, along with the New York City Departments of Cultural Affairs and Education, initiated the annual city-wide Poem In Your Pocket Day. The Academy of American Poets took Poem In Your Pocket Day national in 2008.
 
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.

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