What's Happening at St. Francis this week

Thursday Announcements November 23, 2022
 
ERIN’S EPISTLETTES​

• I'm headed to the Black Hills to see family over the Thanksgiving holiday. I leave Wednesday and return Saturday. The fans of Mr. Honey Bear, ESQ, needn't worry: He's under the capable care of friends from First Presbyterian. I pray those who travel stay safe and all have a joyous, meaningful holiday. I hope to see those of you who are in town Sunday. 
• In case you missed it, worship survey results are in! We'll continue offering a single Sunday service at 9 a.m. We'll offer a midweek Eucharist Wednesdays at 6 p.m. beginning November 30. To see a detailed summary of the results and read the letter explaining the decisions I made using those results, click here. Hard copies are available in the narthex.
  • At your request, sermons will be posted to our website. They'll "live" here. You can also find them under What We Do on the homepage. 
• Volunteers are needed for a new pastoral care ministry. If you enjoy writing cards and are interested in supporting individuals and families following the loss of a pet, let me know. 
• Looking ahead a bit, Christmas Eve services will be at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. this year. There will be no service on Christmas Day and no incense used at the 5:30 service. Portions of both services will be sung. Those in leadership roles probably already received a request to serve from the front office. Thank you in advance for sharing your busy holiday with us!

 
 Advent reading materials: 

• Reading materials to enrich your Advent will be available in the narthex beginning this Sunday. The titles are listed below along with a link to the description. All three are available as an ebook. 
  • I, Witness: Living Inside the Stories of Advent and Christmas
  • Be Born in Us Today
  • Light Shines in the Darkness is an Advent devotional designed especially for families
• In addition to the materials for adults, an Adverbs for Advent chain will be distributed in Sunday School. If you would like to share this meaningful Advent reflection with a young person in your life who does not attend Saint Francis, please let Rev Erin know.                                                                                                                                                             
• Let Ann in the front office know if you want any materials mailed to you. 
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Weather cancellation communications:

• We'll be using MSP (Ministry Scheduler Pro) to send text notifications regarding weather-related cancellations. 
  • These will be sent from a number with a 301 area code. 
  • A test message was sent on Monday evening (11/14). If you did not receive this and want to be added to the list, please let the Ann in the front office know. When contacting her, please provide a current cell phone. 
• We'll also post to our Facebook page, update our website and list our information on KNEB 960 AM's website.
• If ever you feel unsafe travelling, we encourage you to stay home. 

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From the office--Ann’s Announcements​

Happy Thanksgiving!

Birthdays
Tosh Nanbara             November 27
Vicky Gable                November 27
Glen Amateis              December 2
Amy Meyer                 December 2
 
Anniversaries
Kim & Tim Hurst         November 27
 
This year’s Thanksgiving meal will be hosted by St. Francis tomorrow, Thursday, November 24th at 11:30 am. Ham, Turkey, potatoes and gravy and beverages will be provided.  See you there!
               
Reminder:  There will be NO Sunday School classes on November 27th.
               
We’re needing a few acolytes for the 8:30 service Christmas Eve.  We’ll accept any adult acolytes, as well.  Please call the office if you’re available.
 
It’s that time of the year again, and we need your help!    We will be decorating the church after the service on December 11th.   We have jobs for everyone and the more the merrier. Please plan on staying a little longer to help.  We are also in need of a small lighted tree for the kids to decorate in the Parish Hall, about 4 feet tall or shorter.   If you have a tree you could donate, please call Father Bob at 436-7767.
 
The Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange  will be held in the Parish Hall on Saturday, December 17th, at 10:00am.  We will fill cookies tins (provided by the church) for our Shut-ins.  Please bring 3 dozen cookies to share.  We hope that will leave 2 dozen for each of us after the tins for Shut-ins are filled.  Please bring an empty container for yourself to fill with a delicious variety of sweet treats for your holiday celebrations. Refreshments will also be served.  Come for fun and fellowship!  Any questions call Barb at 436-7767.
 
The Daughters of the King have decided to suspend the collection of personal hygiene items for the rest of this year. There are so many other opportunities during the holidays to help our community that need our support.
Thanks your generous outpouring, we’ve been able to provide items to Doves, WNCC Student Life and the Hope Center.  We will resume collection the fourth Sunday in January.
                          
Prayer Requests * Please make sure your request is received by Wednesday of each week. You may call (308) 632-4626 (leave a message), email [email protected] or mail to:
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1201
Scottsbluff, NE 69361

Forward Day by Day Booklets
We have the Forward Day by Day’s for November-January are here in regular and large print.  If you’d like one of these mailed to you, please email or call the church.