ST JOHN LUTHERAN

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8/9 August 2026

Seward, Nebraska

Childcare during Adult Bible Study Hour

Parents - do you want to attend Bible class? Childcare is available for "littles" in the nursery and for "big kids" on the playground (or gym on rainy days).

Mission Moments at St. John and at Mission Central

Summertime is the perfect time to discover more about some mission areas St. John supports. Everyone is welcome to join Mission Moments Presentations at 10am in the fellowship hall on Sunday mornings in August:

• Sunday, August 9: Julie Hermann and Jan Bruick with share about new opportunities for St John members to join a mission vision group or a summer English Bible camp team with LCMS International Missions in the Czech Republic. 
• Sunday, August 16: Alaska Mission team members will report on their experiences and learnings from serving in Akiachak, Alaska this summer and encourage joining the 2027 Alaska Mission team. 
• Sunday, August 23: Inn His Grip will provide a space for those in ministry to rest, pausing from life’s challenges, and spend quiet time with our Lord. Pastor and Jan Bruick will share their vision for this respite ministry on their acreage.

Summertime is also the perfect time for road trips. Why not venture out to visit Mission Central two miles east of Mapleton, Iowa, to hear stories from our LCMS missionaries. What in the world is Mission Central? Click here to read about this not normal place.

• August 8, 1pm, Britt Odemba, Kenya
• August 15, 1pm, Rev. Bryan and Deaconess Keah Payne, Tanzania
• August 22, 1pm, Ashley Lehr, Puerto Rico

Nebraska State Fair - Labor Day Weekend Worship Service

Sunday, Sep. 6, 10:30am, State Fair Grounds - ACP Park Stage

The Nebraska Lutheran Laymen’s League will again sponsor the Labor Day weekend worship service at the Nebraska State Fair. This year’s worship service will be conducted by Pastor Justin Bangert, Senior Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island.

rGroups News

rGroups will be taking a break for the summer, but we are looking forward to our next rGroup term starting up in October! If you are interested in learning more about rGroups, contact Esther Langness.

Rooted in Faith, Growing for the Future Update

Building Project - Capital Campaign Update

The Building Committee continues to make steady progress toward the next phase of our building project. During the summer, the committee has been working closely with our architects and Sampson Construction to refine the plans, evaluate construction costs, and ensure that we are preparing for the project in a financially responsible manner. We will meet again next week to review updated cost estimates and continue that planning process.

There is also encouraging financial news. Through God's blessing and your faithful stewardship, St. John concluded the fiscal year in the black. We give thanks for His provision and for the generosity of our congregation in supporting both our ongoing ministry and the building campaign.

Campaign pledges and gifts now total approximately $9.2 million. While that is a tremendous expression of commitment, our goal remains to secure the full cost of Phase 1 through gifts and pledges before construction begins. As plans have developed, we remain especially excited about the new cafeteria and student commons, which will create a welcoming gathering place for students, families, church members, and visitors for generations to come.

Over the coming months, you will hear more about opportunities to participate in this effort. In particular, those who have made three-year campaign commitments may wish to prayerfully consider extending those commitments to four or five years. Extending a pledge, even without increasing the annual amount, can significantly strengthen the financial foundation of the project and help us move forward without adding long-term debt to the church's operating budget.

Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and encouragement. We remain confident that God is guiding this ministry and will continue to provide in His perfect time.

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; Advisory: 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.  

Thrivent Choice^® Update

Click here for details

TheThrivent Choice^® program has been upgraded, making it even easier for Thrivent clients with membership to live generously and offer support to organizations like The Ministry of St. John. Please see the link above for details.

Ministry Dates

Re-dedication of All Ministry Staff and Installation of New Staff

• Sunday, August 9, both services

Sunday School (2 yrs. old – 6th grade)

• click here to register
• Kickoff Date: Sun., Aug. 30, following the 11am service (see more information below)
• Start Date: Sun., Sep. 13, 10am

Midweek School (3rd-6th grades – Non-St. John School Students)

• Orientation: Tue., Sep. 1, 6-7pm, fellowship hall; includes a meal
• First Class: Wed., Sep. 2, 3:45-5pm, fellowship hall and Heritage Room
• Click here to register

Confirmation (for all 7th and 8th graders)

• Orientation: Wed., Aug. 26, 6:30-7:30pm, fellowship hall
• click here to register for Confirmation
• Confirmation for kids in public school or home-schooled begins Wed., Sep. 2, 5:30-6:30pm
• Confirmation for the St. John kids will begin in school the week of Aug. 17

Jr. High and Sr. High Youth Activities (all communication moving to "Band" - download the App and click here for Jr. High and click here for Sr. High)

• Dare2B (6-8): Wed., Aug. 19, 6:30pm, fellowship hall (dinner, games & devotion)
• Godparent Kickoff: Wed., Sep 2, 6:30pm, west side of St. John at The Big Cross
• Sunday Bible Class Open House for Jr. & Sr. High: Sun., Aug. 30, 10am, portable

Bible Night (2nd grade)

• Tues., Aug. 25, 6:30-7:30pm, fellowship hall
• Click here to register

Sunday School Kickoff

Sun., August 30, 12pm, playground (fellowship hall in case of bad weather)

RSVP to sundayschool@stjohnseward.org

Help us celebrate the start of a new Sunday School year! Enjoy a delicious lunch with hamburgers and hotdogs provided for everyone—just bring a favorite dish to share. Don't miss out on root beer floats served by the Board of Elders, and feel free to bring a friend or two along!

Welcome Reception for Tom Koffarnus

Sunday, August 9, 9:30-11am, narthex

Join us in giving a warm welcome to Tom Koffarnus, our new Director of the Child Development Center! On August 9, stop by the narthex between services to say hello. Light refreshments will be served, and you're invited to leave a note of encouragement in the welcome basket.

Conversation for Caregivers with Deaconess Jeri

Thurs., August 13, 10am, fellowship hall 

This is a safe and confidential place to discuss the challenges of caring for a loved one with physical or cognitive limitations. Typically, the gatherings are the 2nd Thursday of each month. If you have any questions, you are welcome to call (402-643-2983) or email Deaconess Jeri – jeri.morrison@stjohnseward.org.

Annual Voting Assembly Packets Available

Missed last weekend’s Voting Assembly? Stop by the church office to pick up a copy of the meeting's information packet.

We're Hiring! Join Our Team

Apply here. Questions: contact Cathy

School/Church Openings for the School Year:

• Evening Custodian

Child Development Center Openings:

• Teacher Aide (20-30 hours)
• Substitutes

Hear about God's Work in Cambodia

Saturday, August 8, 3pm, Heritage Room

Join us in welcoming CUNE graduate and Mission of Christ Network missionary Ruth Moon! She will be sharing stories and updates from her work in Cambodia. Click here to learn more about Ruth.

Help Make New Hymnal Ribbons

Tuesday, August 25, 9:30am, CDC lower level

Help us keep our hymnals in top shape! The St. John Comforters are gathering to create new hymnal ribbons, and all volunteers are welcome to lend a hand.

Mobile Library Opens Next Sunday

Sunday, August 16, 9:40-10am and 10:45-11am

School begins August 12, and the Mobile Library will open August 16, after first service, 9:40-10am, and after Sunday School\Bible Study, 10:45-11am.

How to Order Portals of Prayer from CPH

Use this link to order or call 800-325-3040 (Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5pm CT)

Portals of Prayer booklets are available for July - September at the Welcome Center and west entrance. This will be the final issue supplied by St. John. If you would like to order Portals of Prayer, see link or phone number above and see/hear about the various options available (print in various sizes or digital).

Exciting Music Opportunity for 3rd and 4th Graders!

Thanks to a generous donor, we are excited to offer beginning group violin and cello lessons for up to eight St. John Church and School students in grades 3–4! Taught by St. John graduate Anna (Royuk) Grass—who recently earned her Master of Music in Violin Performance from UNL—this program offers 24 after-school lessons on Mondays and Wednesdays this fall. The deeply discounted fee of $175 includes instrument rental.

Spaces are limited to just 8 students on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Mr. Soulek at paul.soulek@stjohnseward.org to reserve your spot!

Produce Table

every weekend through early fall, outside by west entrance

Please bring your surplus produce so that others may enjoy your bounty.  

Help Students Get Connected to Campus Ministry

Nebraska District

National Directory of Districts

Help incoming college students get connected to the Body of Christ through regular worship opportunities, Bible studies, relationships with mature Christians, and fellowship in a Christian atmosphere. Help campus ministries contact your students! There are five campus ministry opportunities in the Nebraska District: Curtis, Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, and Wayne. You can fill in student contact information AT THIS LINK on the Nebraska District LCMS website or directly contact one of the ministries listed there. Do you know a student attending college out of state who would like to be connected to Lutheran campus ministry? GET CONNECTED to an LCMS campus ministry in another state.

Camp Luther Late Summer/Fall Events

Click here for information

Camp Luther has many exciting events happening now through fall: Annual Meeting; Golf Tournament; Jr. Youth Retreat; Men's and Women's Retreats; Custom Retreats; Volunteer and Giving Opportunities; Transformed! Campaign.

Camp Luther of Nebraska is here to serve you - a place where God works through His Word to renew His people, strengthen His church, and raise up faithful servant for His mission.

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm; 402-643-2983; sjcstaff@stjohnseward.org

Please send Prayer Requests to sjcstaff@stjohnseward.org

If you know someone who is not getting emails from St. John,

please contact brenda.rief@stjohnseward.org.

Newsletters of Interest

St. John Lutheran Church

St. John Lutheran School's "Parent Bulletin"

St. John Child Development Center

Nebraska District Lutheran Reporter

LFL Life News

Church Website

Church Calendar (public events only)

St. John Lutheran School

St. John Child Development Center

CUNE Events Link on Website

St. John's Christ's Cupboard

Food Bank of Lincoln Food Distribution Schedule

Orphan Grain Train Lincoln Collection Center

[stjohnseward.org]

[402-643-2983]

[sjcstaff@stjohnseward.org]