THE MINISTRY OF ST. JOHN LUTHERAN
| | | |
|
Charting Our Course Prayers Submitted by the Charting Our Course Prayer Team.
“We Are His for ALL” This summer, we have been focused on our neighbors and praying for how God wants to use us in their lives. Having social connections, like a connected neighborhood, is often linked to improved mental health. Social connections have an even stronger impact on physical health. Of multiple studies in 2010, people with stronger social relationships increased their likelihood of survival by 50%, including due to reduced heart attack risk. As Christians, we look beyond the benefits to ourselves and look to how connecting with our neighbors can benefit them.
Heavenly Father, We praise You that You created us to be in relationships, with You and with others. Forgive us when we close our eyes to the needs of others. Deepen our understanding in how to connect with those around us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pray for God to:
- Give you a vision for how He wants your neighborhood to grow into a more connected community.
- Lead you to another neighbor who wants to help build relationships among the neighbors.
- Guide you to a neighbor who needs your care.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Romans 12:14-16
| | | |
Regular Scheduled Voting Assembly
Come to the fellowship hall at 10am this Sunday. Please click here for information that will be shared about the proposed 2023-24 Ministry-Funding Plan.
| | | |
Ministry-Wide Dates
Regular Scheduled Voting Assembly
-
Sunday, Aug. 20, 10am, fellowship hall (NO Adult Bible classes that Sunday)
Christian Nurture Dates
To help you prepare your schedule to make room for faith nurturing opportunities, here is a list of start-up dates, registration links and pertinent information.
Sunday School (2 yrs. old – 6th grade)
-
registration link available through Aug. 27
- Rally Day: Sun. Aug. 27, 12-2:30pm, outside; includes lunch and activities
- Start Date: Sun., Sep. 10, 10am
Jr./Sr. High Sunday AM Bible Study (7th-8th grade)
-
click here for updated information on this program
Midweek School (3rd-6th grades - Non St. John School Students)
- Orientation: Tue., Sep. 5, 6-7pm, fellowship hall; includes a meal
- First Class: Wed., Sep. 6, 3:45-5pm, various classrooms
-
Click here to register
Confirmation (for all 7th and 8th graders)
- Orientation: Wed. Aug. 23, 6:30-7:30pm, fellowship hall
- Confirmation for kids in public school or home-schooled begins Wed., Sep. 6, 5:30-6:30pm
- Confirmation for the St. John kids will begin in school the week of Aug. 21
-
Click here to register
Bible Night (2nd grade)
- Tues., Aug. 29, 6-7:30pm, fellowship hall; includes a meal
-
Click here to register
Youth Ministry Dates
Godparents (9th - 12th grades)
- Kick-off: Wed., Aug. 30, 6pm, Kick-off, fellowship hall; includes a meal
- First Meetings: Wed., Sep. 6, leaders' homes
-
Click here to register
Dare2B (7th and 8th grades)
- Kick-off: Sat., Aug. 26, 11:30am-1:30pm, BBQ & Prayer Walk, fellowship hall
- First Dare2B: Wed., Sep. 6, 6:30-8pm, fellowship hall
-
Click here for Dare2B calendar
| |
Sunday School Families:
The beginning of the Sunday School year is right around the corner! We will be kicking off the year with a Sunday School Rally on Sunday, August 27t, at Noon. The church is providing hot dogs, drinks and root beer floats. Each family should bring a side dish to share and a picnic blanket or lawn chairs. Invite a friend! Click here to register for SS.
The Sunday School ministry is looking for additional volunteers to teach, assist and help in other ways during the school year. If you would like to volunteer your time and talents, please give me a call to learn about ways you can help! Many opportunities are available and do not require a full-time commitment.
I am also looking for volunteers to help set up for the Sunday School Rally. If you'd like to help, please let me know!
Michelle Meyer
Sunday School Superintendent
402-219-3008
| |
| |  |
Notice to Women's Small Group Bible Study Leaders
As you are planning for a startup of a short-term women's Bible study and would like the church office to provide sign-ups and advertising, please contact the church office by noon on Thursdays to include your information in the weekly eNews. Contact Deaconess Jeri to work out any details.
Attention All Women!
Small group Bible studies are getting started soon. Here are some opportunities available as of August 1.
Others will be coming. There will be sign-up sheets on a table in the narthex the weekend of August 19/20. If you have any questions, you may contact Deaconess Jeri: office 402-643-2983 or
Mondays, September 11 to October 23;1-2:30pm; St. John Heritage Room; Led by: Phyllis Mol,
810-569-6414
Topic: Encountering God by Kelly Minter (we’ll study the Biblical basis for six spiritual disciplines that can result in a closer relationship with Jesus.)
Mondays, ongoing, starting September 11; 7-8pm; 903 N. 2nd ST, Seward; Led by: Betsy Werner,
402-641-9015, betsykwerner@gmail.com
Topic: Jesus in Genesis: God Saves His People through Joseph
Wednesdays, starting September 6; 10am; CDC lower level; Led by: Deaconess Juanita, 402-643-4418 or jmebert20@gmail.com
Topic: Lectionary Study: get a deeper meaning of the upcoming readings for worship.
Thursdays, starting August 17; 9:30am; CDC lower level; Led by: Glenda Dobbertien, 402-643-9394
Topic: Study of 1st and 2nd Peter.
| |
School Fine Arts Program Update
Welcome Megan Boggs
Megan Boggs will be our new middle school art teacher. Megan and her husband Seth, and two children have been a part of the Seward community since graduating from Concordia University. Megan has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Studio Art from Concordia College. Megan has a passion for instilling art appreciation and promoting creativity. She is currently an Administrative Assistant for the Dean of Arts & Sciences and the Director of Dual Credit at CUNE. She is not full time at Concordia which allows her to teach art at St. John in the afternoons.
| |
Come and See
On Sunday, August 27, between services, we invite all of the congregation members to come and see the "facelift" that has been made to our school hallways, bathrooms, and cafeteria. We were able to upgrade and complete these projects by the support, volunteers and generosity of our church and school families. The improvements are such a joy to see, but the best part is welcoming the children back into our building growing in the knowledge and love of Jesus!
| |
An Update on Maui from the California Nevada Hawaii (CNH) District LCMS
Pray for the leaders and members of Emmanuel Lutheran, Kahului, Maui. They function as God’s hands and feet to the people of Maui. They are Christ’s ambassadors and bear the presence of the Savior. Pray for their strength and care as they walk beside many in great need, assisting them, and pointing them towards Hope, found only in Jesus.
What is happening?
- The people of Emmanuel are providing immediate response, sharing needed goods and services, and assisting school families who are housing displaced people.
- Two staff from Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) are deployed to Maui. They will help to organize a response effort able to be sustained by Emmanuel and supported by the LCMS CNH District and the greater LCMS.
- Infusions of relief dollars from the CNH District Disaster Fund, congregations, individual donors, LCC, and others are enabling a growing response.
- Plans are to deploy crisis counseling personnel to assist in ministering to survivors and caretakers, sponsored by LCMS Disaster Relief and the CNH District.
Your partnership:
-
Pray for those so horrifically affected, those mourning, and strength for caregivers.
- Encourage those you may know on Maui with texts, cards, and emails. Let them know you are remembering them and praying for them.
- Share a gift to support relief work and recovery.
In response to this great need, St. John will have a door offering August 26/27 or
you can send your support directly through any of these avenues:
| |
CUNE Student Bible Study
Monday nights, 8-9:30pm, beginning August 28, Pastor Nathan will host a CUNE Bible study at his home (441 Bader AVE, Seward - a 3/4 mile walk from Janzow). The study this year will be on the book of
1 Corinthians, focusing on how this letter speaks into our modern context and church life. All current CUNE students are welcome! For more information, contact Pastor Nathan at Nathan.Scheck@stjohnseward.org.
| |
Extraordinary - the High School NE District Youth Gathering
Nov. 17-19 at Kearney
| |
Faith Formation Resource Page
New information and articles to encourage parents and guardians are posted on the Faith Formation Resource (FFR) page regularly. To learn about upcoming youth gatherings, back-to-school tips, Bible classes, and more, take a look at the FFR page - click here.
| |
Mobile Library Re-opens August 20 Before and After the Education Hour
New to the Mobile Library for Adults: James Dobson’s “When God Doesn’t Make Sense,” a practical book for those who are struggling with trials and heartaches they cannot understand. Also Max Lucado’s “They Walked with God,” about 40 Bible characters who inspire us. For young readers there are two more Boxcar Children chapter books: “Surprise Island” and “Mystery Ranch.” Enjoy family time with DVDs such as the “Sight and Sound” series from Branson. The Mobile Library is set up for individual and family usage. Come and browse!
| |
LWML South Women's Retreat - ALL Women Are Invited - Register by Sep. 3
September 15 & 16 Camp Covenant Cedars, Hordville, NE
Need a break? Feeling overwhelmed? Come, Feast on the Comfort of God's Word at the LWML NE District South Retreat. Registration is Friday from 4-5:30pm with dinner to follow and ends Saturday at 4pm. Located at beautiful Camp Covenant Cedars (www.cedars.org) in Hordville, we will have a wide variety of activities available, along with Bible study and fellowship. Water activities, s'mores, childcare, craft projects, servant events, singing, transportation around camp, and even a massage are all available for your weekend. Many Bible studies can be done individually, in a small group, or with a larger group during your schedule, giving you time for refreshing activities. Cost is $110, which includes all expenses; less for first timers, teens, and children. Click here for more details. | |
Sunday Night Youth Basketball League (SNYBL)
The Concordia University Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams would like to invite all boys and girls in grades 3 through 8 to participate in our Sunday Night Youth Basketball League beginning September 10. This league provides young basketball players the chance to compete in a game environment against players of similar age – all within a Christian atmosphere. A great opportunity to develop your basketball skills and get ready for the upcoming season! To register or for more information, go to https://www.cune.edu/athletics/camps or call 402-643-7334.
| |
Produce Table
every weekend through early fall, outside by west entrance
Please bring your surplus produce so that others may enjoy your bounty.
| |
Service Opportunities!
Interested in Helping with St. John Weddings?
Would you like to help coordinate? This involves all the details of the special day. (we will train) Bless these brides and families by contacting the church office for more information.
Quilt Top Sewers Needed
The women who tie quilts for the comforters meet weekly and complete 4-6 quilts each Tuesday. They are in need of simple quilt tops that measure 84" x 64". Fabric is available at the CDC quilt room. If you are willing to sew tops and need further directions, check in with them on Tuesday mornings at the quilt room from 10am-12:pm or contact Glenda Dobbertein at 402-643-9394.
Child Development Center "Natural Playground" Helpers Needed!
The Child Development Center is participating in a program that helps with natural playgrounds called ECHO. We need people who can be involved with some planning, recruiting some help and giving some expert advice. If you have experience with outdoor environments, playgrounds, or have an interest with helping with this, please email Lisa Aring, director, at lisa.aring@stjohnseward.org
Communion Set-up & Clean-up and Linen Laundering
Help is needed in all three of these areas. If you would like to assist with these "altar guild" duties, please contact the church office (402-643-2983).
Drivers for Out-of-Town Appointments
St. John provides rides to medical appointments, church and special events. We currently need more volunteers who can drive to Lincoln. Call Sue Wickersham at 402-643-6287 if you would like to serve in this way.
| |
Nominations for Awards Welcome
The Ministry of St. John is blessed with a ministry staff in our Child Development Center, School, and Church who serve those entrusted to their care. Now is the time for you to nominate one of the staff members, who has blessed your child through our educational ministries, for an annual recognition that will be celebrated at Great Plains Lutheran Educators’ Conference on October 18, 2023. Nominees must be actively serving as full-time employees of an LCMS entity. Nominations are due by September 1. Click here for the nomination forms.
-
Nebraska District Early Childhood Educator of the Year: Eligible Candidates: Early Childhood & Preschool Teachers
-
Nebraska District Elementary Teacher of the Year: Eligible Candidates: Kindergarten – 5th Grade Teachers
-
Nebraska District Middle/ High School Teacher of the Year: Eligible Candidates: 6th Grade – 12th Grade Teachers
-
Nebraska District Administrator of the Year: Eligible Candidates: Early Childhood Directors, Head Teachers, Principals, & Executive Directors of Nebraska District Lutheran Schools
-
Nebraska District Shepherd of the Year: Eligible Candidates: Pastors who serve an LCMS congregation with a school, early childhood center, preschool, daycare, or other educational facility
-
Nebraska District Parish Worker of the Year: Eligible Candidates: DCEs, Music Directors, Other Full-time Professional Church-workers working in a Parish, etc. who work at a Nebraska District LCMS congregation
| |
Did You Ever Consider Serving in the Church or at an LCMS school?
Are you thinking about a second career in full-time church work? Many LCMS pastors, teachers, deaconesses and commissioned church workers held other successful careers before pursuing a second career in service to Christ’s church. You could do the same! Have you been praying about a full-time vocation in the church? You can use your experience and skills from your current work as a second-career church worker. Ready to learn more about opportunities to pursue a second career in full-time church work? Our seminaries and Concordia universities are happy to answer your questions. Visit lcms.org/sas for more information. Our Lutheran schools, located all around the country, are seeking educators who are interested in a Lutheran school setting. If you are interested, speak with a local LCMS school administrator about open positions in your area.
| |
Lincoln Lutheran (Community) Choir Invites Singers
The Lincoln Lutheran (Community) Choir will begin its fall season with a get-acquainted retreat and rehearsal on Sunday afternoon, August 27, 2-5pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 23rd and Washington, Lincoln. Twelve Sunday afternoon rehearsals will follow, culminating in concerts on November 12 and 19. The choir has been in continuous operation for nearly 50 years and focuses on singing Christian choral music of various genres. This season's theme is Down By The River, and the choir's dynamic young Artistic Director Jon Marquez has chosen choral selections with a spiritual flavor. The music will be challenging, fun and meaningful! Any vocalist who enjoys singing Christian choral music is invited to attend the Choir's first rehearsal. For additional information, email lincolnlutheranchoir@gmail.com.
| |
Church Office Hours
The church office is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm.
| | |
St. John Is a Stephen Ministry Congregation
If you need someone to help you through a difficult time, call any of the following:
●church office (402-643-2983)
●Deanna Dowding (402-643-3148)
●Mary Ann Steinbeck (402-499-6618)
●Lana Urban (402-641-3099)
| |  | |
If you know someone who is not getting emails from St. John,
| | | | |
