ST JOHN LUTHERAN

e-NEWS

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18/19 April 2026

Seward, Nebraska

Key Ministry Announcements:

Become a Member (sign-up here): DiscoverGroup Starts April 19
Child Development Center Open House - This Sunday
Seeking New Stephen Ministers - See Table in the Narthex or Contact the Church Office
Nominations Open for New Board Members

General Announcements are Located in Lower Portion of eNews

RECEIVE

This Week's Worship

Sermons

Sunday Bible Studies

Livestream

RELATE

Become a Member: DiscoverGroup Starts April 19

Sundays, April 19 through May 24, 10am

Sign-up Link

Join us for a special rGroup tailored for those interested in joining St. John by transfer or confession of faith. This is your chance to learn more about our ministry and connect with others in the congregation. Use link above to sign-up.

RESPOND

Rooted in Faith, Growing for the Future Update

Building Project - Capital Campaign Update

(March 27 Letter to the Congregation)

The Building Committee met with our general contractor, Sampson Construction, on March 11 and reported to the Ministry Operations Board on March 24. During these meetings, Sampson provided detailed cost estimates for site work, renovation, and new construction, organized by subcontractor categories, along with a more realistic project timeline. This gives us data to help inform our planning and decision-making.

Based on this updated information, it is clear that construction cannot begin this summer as previously anticipated. Significant preparatory work must be completed before replacement of the 1929 building can begin. This includes separating existing structures, relocating utilities and electrical infrastructure, and carefully planning work within a timeline that ensures the safety of our students and staff. The project also requires room-by-room analysis, detailed construction drawings, material sourcing, and subcontractor engagement. . . .Click here to read entire the letter.

Rooted in Faith, Growing for the Future General Chairs:

Matt & Adrienne Geidel; Brady & Jill Johnson; Bob & Lana Urban; Max & Melanie Wake

Building Project Committee:

Brian Albright; Ron Aring; Debbie Brutlag; Brian Freeman; Andy Langewisch; Stan Obermueller;

Tiffany Schmidt; Lloyd Sommerer; Greg Stennett; Advisorory: Barb Mertens, School Principal; Dave Kumm

You can participate in the capital campaign through a gift from your estate. This is one way to bless the future generations of students and youth with a new and expanded ministry facility. Craig Stirtz, with the LCMS Foundation and Gift Planning, can assist you in planning a future gift to the campaign. His service is of no cost to you or St. John. You may reach him at: 402-616-0312 or craig.stirtz@lfnd.org.

Shoe and Socks Collection for People's City Mission, Lincoln

April 6 - May 5

St. John’s LWML is conducting a shoe and socks donation drive for People’s City Mission. Donations of used shoes in good condition and new socks can be placed in the bin located at the west entrance anytime from April 6 through May 5. Amy Pappas, Senior Vice President for Operations at People’s City Mission will speak at the LWML’s gathering on Tuesday evening, May 6.

Seeking Stephen Ministers

New 13 Week Training Class Begins Thursday, September 3, 6:30-9pm

Stephen Ministry was founded in 1975 by Rev. Kenneth Haugk to support people facing difficult life situations. St. John Lutheran Church became a Stephen Ministry congregation in 1986, commissioning 19 members; since then, 102 members have been trained through 15 sessions.

Today, 26 Stephen Ministers at St. John provide emotional and spiritual care alongside pastors and the Deaconess. If you possess gifts in caring, encouragement, and listening, we invite you to prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister. A new 13-week training begins Sep 3, from 6:30–9pm.

Learn more at the Stephen Ministry table at the west entrance during two weekends starting April 11, or pick up information at the church office. For questions, contact any of these ministry leaders: Deaconess Jeri (402-643-2981), Deanna Dowding, Juanita Ebert, Karen Koch, Jennifer Krause, Mary Ann Steinbeck, Jack Swanson, and Lana Urban.

Alaska Mission Team Fundraisers

Prime Rib Dinner - SOLD OUT !!! ~~Friday, May 15, 5:30-7:30pm, fellowship hall~~

Ongoing Fundraiser

Order a personalized Milestone Cross crafted by Landrey Woodworks for a birth, Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation or wedding. Local orders only $70 (allow 2 weeks for delivery). Contact Kathy.miller@cune.edu for questions or to order (or click link above).

Nominations Are Now Open for Church Board Positions

Click here for nomination form (submit your name or the name of someone who is a good fit)

Questions can be directed to Jill Johnson: 402-613-8216; drjillj00628@gmail.com

We are seeking nominations for individuals to stand for election in May. We invite members of St. John to prayerfully consider standing for election to the following roles:

Board of Christian Life: 3 seats (All 3-year terms)
Board of Education: 3 seats (All 3-year terms)
Board of Elders: 4 seats (Males only—All 3-year terms)
President: 2-year term
Secretary: 2-year term

Your input is vital in helping us ensure our leadership continues to reflect the mission and values of our congregation. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and commitment to our church community.

Blessings, St. John Nomination Committee

GENERAL

Child Development Center Open House

Sun., April 19, between services and after late service

Stop by the Child Development Center to see the new playgrounds, inside and outside! Thank you St. John for supporting this ministry!

Youth Confirmation Sunday

Sun., April 26, 11am

We will celebrate the gift of faith given to our twenty-four youth in their Baptisms, as they confess their faith in the Rite of Confirmation. This will truly be a day for celebration within the body of Christ here at St. John. We give thanks to God for causing our family of faith to grow!

Silver Foxes (60+ group)

Mon., May 4, 5pm, fellowship hall

Looking to give your “grey matter” a little workout? Join us for a fun-filled evening at Pastor Rempfer’s Trivia Night! This gathering is a potluck, so please bring a main dish, salad, or dessert if you’re able. Before we head home, we’ll also take some time to make a few decisions—your input is important!

High School Graduates Recognized

May 17, 8:30am Worship Service

We will recognize our St. John members who have or will be graduating from high school this year. If you are one of these members, please come to the school cafeteria at 8am on that day, so we can arrange the procession into the church at the beginning of the service. If you have a cap and gown, please bring them to wear during the service.

"Thank You, Mom, for Giving Me Life" Ad

Before and After Services: April 25/26 & May 2/3, west entrance

The Seward County Pro-Life Council will again sponsor a Mother's Day ad in the Seward Independent. A $1 donation per mother's name (living or deceased) will be collected. If you would like to place a name in this ad under the headline "Thank You Mom, for Giving Me Life" please stop by the table in the lwest entrance.

LWML Girls Workshop - Entering Grades 6-9

July 13-16, 9:30-11:30am, CDC Lower Level

Call or Text 402-617-3410 to Sign-up

This is a great opportunity for girls entering grades 6-9 to help those in need and learn about missions! We will be making "hotdog" pillowcases, assisting "Common Threads" in making "Days for Girls" bags, providing items for "Christ Cupboard," and decorating onesies for the FORWARD program. The guest speakers include Allegra Koehler from "Common Threads,", the Alaska Mission Team, and Bethany Gebers from the FORWARD program in Lincoln.

Tropical Trek VBS

June 1-5

Registration Is Live (attendees & volunteers)

We’re just 6 weeks away from our Tropical Trek adventure! To make it a success, we need a crew of 75 volunteers (many still needed). Whether you’re entering 7th grade or are "young at heart" (up to age 100!), we have a spot for you. Sign up via the link above or scan the QR code at the Welcome Center.

Summer Horizons - Registration Is Open

June 15-19

You can preview sessions on our website or in the flyer sent home with your student this week. Students currently in 7th grade and above are eligible to sign up as assistants, and that form is also available on the website. For additional details, please visit the website or email with any questions.

Do You Have Friends Who Don't Do eMail . . .

If you have friends who never see this email, please let them know a few printed copies of the eNews are available at the welcome center in the narthex (these are only for people who do not get emails).

Lincoln Lutheran (Community) Choir Spring Concert Times

April 19, 3pm, First Lutheran, Fremont

April 26, 3pm, Grace Lutheran, Lincoln

Join the Lincoln Lutheran Community Choir for "Jesus My Joy," a sacred choral concert directed by Jon Marquez. Featuring over 30 vocalists, the program spans centuries of music in Latin, German, and English, ranging from classic anthems and spirituals to modern works and audience sing-alongs.

Admission is free; a free-will offering will be collected. All are welcome to this uplifting afternoon of music!

Camp Luther Summer Camp Opportunities

To learn more and register click here.

Bulldog Sports Camps

To learn more and register click here

Scholarships Available

St. John Foundation Board Scholarship Applications

Click here for applications - both HS and College forms are in this document - please select the one that applies to you.

St. John has scholarship funds available for its members who are planning to attend a:

· Lutheran Church—Missouri high school.

· Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod seminary

· Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod college and enrolling in a church work program

· Concordia University Nebraska for any field of study

· Nebraska community college

Forms must be submitted to the St. John Foundation Board by June 30 (bring to the church office or place in the Foundation Board mailbox in hallway by church offices).

Seward Circuit Scholarship Application

Click here for applications

Other Scholarships

Click here for student aid on the District's website

Click here for LCEF Take Heart Scholarship information

Graduating high school seniors ages 16-18 with a Young Investors StewardAccount may apply for the chance to receive a scholarship of $3,000, $1,000 or $500 to put toward expenses as they begin their next chapter of education. Entries are due by May 1, 2026.