What's Happening at St. Francis this week

 
Thursday Announcements March 16, 2023

 
ERIN’S EPISTLETTES

• Thank you to the many faithful volunteers who fill worship leadership roles! I know your time is limited and valuable and I appreciate you sharing it with us. Moving forward, I ask that all service participants (acolytes, lectors, Eucharistic ministers and media team) are in the building at least fifteen minutes before the service starts. Timely arrival will be particularly critical as we move into the busyness of Holy Week. If you aren't in the building ten minutes before the service starts, we'll assume you aren't coming and find a substitute. 
• Our interdenominational Lenten Lunches continue Tuesdays at noon. The location changes every week. I'll present next Tuesday, March 21 at First United Methodist, Scottsbluff. 
• Saint Francis' Soup and Stations takes place every Wednesday through March 29. We'll eat at five-thirty and transition to the sanctuary around six-fifteen (rather than six as originally announced). Volunteers are needed to bring soup, salad and bread. Please see the sign-up sheet on the kitchen bulletin board for a list of needs. As of this writing, all slots for March 22 are open. 

 
Holy Week at Saint Francis
 
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 share a simple meal and 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 at 6 p.m. on April 6. 
 
Holy Week Schedule

• Palm Sunday (April 2): one service @ 9 a.m.
• Tenebrae (Wednesday, April 5): 6 p.m. 
• Maundy Thursday (April 6): 6 p.m.
• Good Friday (April 7): 12 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
• Holy Saturday Day Service (April 8): 10 a.m. 
• Easter Vigil (April 8): 7:45 p.m.
• Easter Sunday (April 9): 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

From the office—Ann’s Announcements

Yeah Spring!!!

Birthdays
Colleen Kelly               March 23
Patty Clown Horse      March 25

The Daughters of the King will be sponsoring a special collection on the fourth Sunday, March 26.    In place of collecting personal hygiene items, we will be collecting items for Capstone, the child advocacy agency in Gering that serves children in 11 counties in western Nebraska.    They are in need of journals which can be found in many stores in Scottsbluff; blankets, new only please, especially warm fuzzy ones; and McDonalds or Runza gift cards.    The cards are used to purchase meals for the children by DHHS workers who escort the children to Capstone.    Please help us fulfill this wish list for this vital child advocacy organization. 

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 February-April are here in regular and large print.  If you’d like one of these mailed to you, please email or call the church.