ST JOHN LUTHERAN

e-NEWS

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10/11 October 2026

Seward, Nebraska

Key Ministry Announcements:

Informational Meeting about 2027 Alaska Mission Team: Oct. 11, 3pm, Heritage Room
Q & A Document from Building and Capital Campaign Informational Meetings (see the Rooted in Faith, Growing for the Future write up)

General Announcements are Located in Lower Portion of eNews

RECEIVE

This Week's Worship

Sermons

Sunday Bible Studies

Livestream

Childcare during Adult Bible Study Hour

Parents - do you want to attend Bible class? Childcare is available for "littles" in the nursery.

Adult Instruction Class

Sundays Oct. 4, 11, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 6 & 13, , 10am, classroom #129

Click here to sign-up

Interested in learning more about the Christian faith? Wanting to make St. John your church home? It's not too late to join in the Adult Instruction Class, which will be team taught by Pastor Bruick, Pastor Scheck and Deaconess Jeri Morrison. For more information contact the church office (402-643-2983).

Have Your Children Been Asking about Communion?

Sundays, 10-10:45am, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 15, location TBD

Click here to register

Pr. Bruick and Pr. Nathan will be hosting First Communion Training in October and November. Open to baptized children of St. John members, beginning in fifth grade or 10 years of age, First Communion Training walks together with parents and children to guide them to know “what they seek and why they come” to receive the Sacrament. The training consists of five lessons, with three in class (led by pastors) and two take-home lessons (led by parents). After this, each child and his/her parents meet with a pastor for a conversational interview about what they’ve learned and their readiness for the Rite of First Communion (date TBD).

Rite of First Communion (during communion services): TBA

Upcoming Worship Items

October 24/25, Reformation Celebration

Communion at All Services

On the weekend of Oct. 24/25, we give thanks to God for the good news that we are saved by Grace, His unconditional love, alone - as was proclaimed by Martin Luther on October 31, 1517 when he posted 95 Theses - a monumental day in world history known as The Reformation!

October 31/November 1, Commemoration of the Faithful Departed

At all services on October 31/November 1, we will observe a special "Commemoration of the Faithful Departed" specifically naming individuals receiving Christian burial through the ministry of St. John during the past twelve months. If you are a family member of one of these faithful departed, you are especially invited to come for worship on October 31 or November 1

RELATE

Fall rGroup Term Begins This Week

rGroup Terms This Year:

Fall Term: Oct. 11 - Nov. 15 (sign-up available in the narthex Oct. 4 & 11)

Epiphany Term: Jan. 10 - Feb. 7 (sign-up available in narthex Jan. 3 & 10)

Easter Term: April 4 - May 9 (sign-up available in the narthex April 4)

If you are interested in learning more about rGroups, contact Esther Langness.

RESPOND

Rooted in Faith, Growing for the Future Update

Click here for a copy of the questions and answers (updated 10-8-26) shared at our three recent Building and Capital Campaign Informational Meetings. The Ministry Operations Board hopes this answers questions you or others are asking.

If you have other questions, please contact:

Brian Albright (Building Project Committee)
Jill Johnson (Capital Campaign General Chair)
Ryan Foor (Ministry Operations Board)

Building Project - Capital Campaign Update

We are thankful to share an important milestone in the building project. Following continued review and discussion, the Ministry Operations Board recently approved moving forward with the next phase of design work. Our architectural team will now continue developing the construction drawings, which represent the final stage of design before bids can be solicited by Sampson Construction.

In the General Section of this eNews, see the announcement regarding a series of upcoming informational meetings. These gatherings will provide opportunities to learn more about the project, review updated plans, ask questions, and better understand the scope, costs, and ministry opportunities that this addition would provide. We encourage everyone to attend and participate in these conversations.

We remain deeply grateful for the generosity of the congregation. Through your gifts and commitments, the Capital Campaign has now reached approximately $9.5 million. While additional work remains, and more pledges and gifts should be raised before any final construction decision is made, we are excited to continue moving forward. The proposed addition would provide much-needed educational space while also creating a new cafeteria and student/youth commons that can serve as a welcoming gathering place for students, families, church members, and visitors alike.

Above all, we thank God for His continued provision and guidance. Please continue to keep this project, our church and school leadership, and all involved in your prayers as we seek to faithfully steward the resources entrusted to us and prepare for future ministry opportunities at St. John.

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; Barry Eitzmann; Brian Freeman; Andy Langewisch; Stan Obermueller;

Tiffany Schmidt; Lloyd Sommerer; Greg Stennett; Advisory: Barb Mertens, School Principal

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.

Sharing the Love of Jesus in Alaska in 2027 - Informational Meeting

Sun., Oct 11, 3pm, Heritage Room

Contact Pastor Bruick for more information or call him at 402-643-2983.

Join with others next summer to proclaim and practice the love of Christ in amazing villages in our 49th state. St. John will begin forming our 2027 mission team(s) to Alaska. An informational meeting will be held on Sun., Oct. 11 at 3pm in the Heritage Room. The Bible and Sports Camp Team will serve in June, 2027. Work and Witness participants could possibly serve with other churches on construction projects, dates to be determined (skilled and unskilled volunteers needed). Families are encouraged to consider being on the Bible & Sports Camp team. Individuals need to be at least 16 years of age unless they are serving with their parent(s). Children serving with their parents must be at least 14 years old.

October Is Church Worker Appreciation Month

Click here for ideas to show appreciation.

During the month of October don’t forget to celebrate our ministry staff and their families, both those who are serving and those who have retired. What can you personally do to recognize and honor these leaders? Ideas include a simple card, an invitation to lunch, a promise to pray for them or an offer to wash a car or mow a lawn.

Need to Make Changes to Your Vanco Online Giving Account?

Please see this step-by-step instructional document.

Serve Behind the Scenes: Volunteer for Altar Guild Duties

Do you have a heart for behind-the-scenes service? St. John is looking for volunteers to support our Altar Guild team. We are in immediate need of help in two areas:

Washing Communion Ware after the 8:30am and 11am services (especially after the 11am service and between Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Caring for Communion Linens on a rotating schedule.
Vestment Washing on a rotating schedule.

If you are interested in joining this meaningful ministry—either as an individual or as a couple/team—please contact the church office.

GENERAL

Meet Our DCE Practicum Student

Hello, my name is Andrew Castens, and I am a senior DCE student at Concordia University Nebraska. I will serve as your practicum student for this year here at St. John. I am from New Haven, Indiana, but was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I went to Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, where I played soccer, sang in the choir, and did tech for drama plays. I am the middle child of my family, which includes my dad, my mom, and 2 sisters. I also gained a brother-in-law a few years ago. I really enjoy journaling, reading Scripture, and hanging out with friends. I like to go on walks while talking to God, so if you see me out and about, it might look like I’m talking to no one, but I’m talking to my best friend, Jesus. I like checking in on my friends and being super relational. “People need Jesus.” This is my purpose for ministry. Everyone needs Jesus. My goal is to point others to Christ, and through this action, remind them that it’s not my ministry, but God’s ministry. I am super excited to be working with everyone at St. John and meeting you! Jesus loves you!

Click here for the September Financial Statement (Operating Statement Summary)

Make Concordia Students Feel Welcome

Sun., Oct. 25, from 4:30-6:30pm, St. John Fellowship Hall

St. John is hosting a Concordia Student Hamburger/Sausage Feed! If you would like to help show our appreciation for the students and their friends who worship with us each weekend, please sign up to help. Sign-up sheets will be available in the narthex (Oct. 10/11 & 17/18) and in the adult Bible class attendance folders, or you can call the church office at 402-643-2983.

The meat, chips, and drinks are provided, but we need assistance with the following:

Providing homemade baked goods (cookies, brownies, bars, etc. – dropped off by noon on Oct. 25)
Setting up
Cutting baked goods
Serving beverages
Grilling
Greeting
Cleaning up

Think of these students as your own children or grandchildren and join us in making them feel welcome and appreciated with a great cookout!

CUNE Students: Enjoy a Hamburger/Sausage Feed in Your Honor!

Sun., Oct. 25, from 4:30-6:30pm, St. John Fellowship Hall

We are thankful that you worship with us at St. John while studying at Concordia! To celebrate our special relationship with you, we are hosting a Hamburger/Sausage Feed. Please come enjoy a free cookout in your honor, invite your friends, and join us for food and fellowship!

Pro-Life Presentation Hosted by Seward Area Lutherans For Life

Wed., Oct. 21, 7pm, Thom Auditorium, Concordia

Topic: "Fighting DIY Abortion by Mail"

Speaker: Autumn Christensen from Washington, D.C., Executive Director of Her PLAN, a pro-life safety net serving pregnant women and moms with young children

Christensen will present on “Fighting DIY Abortion by Mail,” a focus of the Susan B Anthony Pro-Life America’s government affairs team. More than 60% of abortions are done chemically, including women who receive the abortion pill via mail. Many of these mailings are sent to women living in states with abortion bans.

Christensen will speak on abortion pill reversal, blue state shield laws, FDA regulations, and ongoing litigation on this topic.

Walking Groups Are Starting October 13!

Thank you for responding to the walking group survey. Great response!

Based on the results, two walking groups are starting on Tues., Oct. 13:

8:00am – for the group that wants to walk less than a mile
6:30pm – for the group that wants to walk 1 to 2 miles
These groups will meet weekly, but participants join in when it works for them.
The plan is to offer these Tuesday walking groups for 6 weeks, then make a new plan for when to continue.
Friends are welcome!

For the initial meeting, we’ll meet at the Seward Dog Park parking lot (on Seward Street) and get on the paved trail from there. Once the group meets, we can decide if there are any needed changes for the time, day, or location. Updates will be shared through the weekly e-News.

We’ll start each time we meet with a prayer, devotion, or Bible verse, something on which to reflect as we walk and talk with each other.

Four Corners is supporting walking groups throughout the area. One way they are providing this support is through offering reflective wrist wraps. These wrist wraps help you to be more visible when out walking. Come on the 13^th to get one of these!

To sign up, email Chris at blanke.christine189@gmail.com or call her with questions at 402-643-0664. See you on the 13^th!

Christmas at Concordia Concerts - Tickets Soon Available!

Oct. 26 – Oct. 30, Cattle Bank, Seward

Tickets will be available for in-person pickup at Cattle Bank in Seward beginning Mon., Oct. 26 to Fri., Oct. 30 until tickets are gone. Online tickets will be released to the public on Fri., Nov. 6, at 8am

Concerts performed Dec. 4-6, at St. John.

Silver Foxes (60+ Group)

Mon., Nov. 2, 5pm, fellowship hall

The October 5 event was an awesome party! Thanks to Larry and Susan Biel for an unbelievable birthday celebration! And, a special thanks to the St. John Foxes Hope Squad who helped make the Silver Foxes feel young again. Great job!!!

Our November gathering features Kathy Carter of Orphan Grain Train (OGT). There will be a free-will offering opportunity to support OGT's work. Linda Zimbelmann and Thrivent will provide chicken, beans and potato salad. If you are able, please bring a complimentary dish/dessert. See you there!

Third Quarter Giving Statements

If you would like to receive a third quarter giving statement, please contact the church office by Oct. 15 and leave your request with Brenda (402-643-2983; brenda.rief@stjohnseward.org). All requests for statements will be accumulated and honored through batch processing following the Oct. 15 cutoff date.

How to Order Portals of Prayer from CPH

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

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).

Camp Luther Fall/Winter Upcoming Events

Click here for information

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.