What's Happening at St. Francis this week

8/20/2025

August 28, 2025

Rev. Erin’s Camp Canterbury Photo Journal

All staff who make Camp Canterbury possible are volunteers. A majority are lay people, many of whom take time away from summer jobs or use vacation time to be present with and serve the youth of our diocese. One of these fabulous humans was my co-counselor, Nora. She's from Omaha and is a full-time student majoring in English Education. She was always calm when managing the kids but energetic when leading singing and other activities. She was great to work with! The youth who will become her students will be lucky to have her as a teacher.

I had a great group of young ladies in my cabin this year!

All were rising ninth graders. With this age group, I always worry about exclusivity (which I experienced when I was that age), but that wasn't the case here. They were inclusive of their cabin mates and other campers, and the only rule I received push back on was when it came time for lights out! Our campers came from all over the state. Most were from Omaha but one was from North Platte. (I still received the "prize" for farthest travelled!) Several are daughters of the Sudanese diaspora.

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A Note from the Rector: Accessing Pastoral Care

I'm available to provide pastoral care 24/7. If you or a family member are admitted to the hospital, whether planned or unplanned, please call (rather than text) me on my cell. If you or a family member are admitted through the emergency room, please call (rather than text) my cell as soon as you can, even if it's the middle of the night. We've confirmed with Regional West that they will not call me to inform me of your hospitalization. Unless you or a family member call, I won't know of your hospitalization and won't have the opportunity to visit you. With rare exception, if you're hospitalized locally, I'll visit the same day I receive communication that you're in the hospital. If you have surgery at a hospital out of town, I would like the opportunity to pray with you beforehand. (If you want, this can include a visit at your home.) If you don't have my cell number, please ask me or check your most recent directory (published earlier this year). If you still need a copy of that directory, please let the front office know. ~Thanks, Rev. Erin+
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Pastoral Office Hours:

I recently received a question regarding my office hours. Monday-Thursday, I'm typically at the church from 10 a.m. to at least 4 p.m. As the life of a parish priest is one based in community both inside and outside the church walls, church-related duties take me off campus several times in a typical week. If I'm away during those hours, I'll post a sign indicating my expected return time. The most important thing to remember is that I remain available to meet many, many times both inside and outside of these hours, and am reachable on my cell 24/7. ~Thanks, Rev. Erin+
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Those who serve, Sunday, August 31, 9am
Musician      Barb Becker
Media Team   Steve Trickler
Ushers Bill Mann, Judi Widmaier
Acolyte Master        Clark Wisniewski
Acolytes    Ella Iron Shell, Walker Anderson
Lector/Intercessor Jim Petitt
Eucharistic Minister Jayne Sayre
Altar Guild Barb Manasek, Cindy Dickinson, Christy Anderson
Coffee Hosts Nancy Kepler, Barb Manasek

Flowers:
Don & Nancy Kepler    In thanksgiving for their grandchildren,
Madeline, Meredith, & Morgan

Upcoming Events at St. Francis:

Monday 09/01 Church Office Closed Labor Day Holiday
Wednesday 09/03 Midweek Eucharists 12:15p & 6p
     Lectionary Study & Compline 2p Library
Thursday 09/04 Discipleship Group 12p Library
Friday 09/05 Men's Bible Study 8a Library
Sunday 09/07 Sunday Eucharist St. Francis 9a
    First Godly Play Sunday School 9a
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Call for Volunteers – Labor Day Weekend at 5 Rocks! 🎉

Hi everyone,
We’re getting ready for an exciting opportunity to get the word about the Laundry Love mission out to the community.
Horizons Music Festival is at 5 Rocks over Labor Day weekend, and we need your help! We will have a booth to promote this ministry and collect any laundry themed donations.
We’re looking for volunteers to sign up for a 1-2 hour shift on either Saturday, August 31 or Sunday, September 1. It’s a fun and relaxed way to support a great cause, enjoy the community atmosphere, and help make the Laundry Love mission a success!

📍 Booth Info

Booth will be located to the south as you drive into 5 Rocks--back away from the concert stage.
We expect more specific location and parking pass details soon, and I’ll pass those along as they come in.

🗓 Volunteer Schedule Saturday, Aug 31:

Booth setup begins at 2:00 PM (The 2-4pm slot is covered by the Methodist Church Laundry Love group).
Volunteers are needed starting Saturday at 4:00 PM.
The event runs until 10:00 PM, but you’re not expected to stay the whole time 😊.

Sunday, Sept 1:

Volunteers can start around 3:30 PM.
Shifts are flexible—just 1–2 hours per person is perfect.
It’s even better with a partner, so feel free to team up!

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Thank you in advance for being part of this effort! Whether you can give a couple of hours or help spread the word, it truly makes a difference.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Warmly,
Sarah Schaaf
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From the Office—Ann’s Announcements

Anniversaries:
Greg & Collette Suhr August 21
Christie & Ben Shaver August 22

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 August-October 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.