ST JOHN LUTHERAN

e-NEWS

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4/5 April 2026

Seward, Nebraska

Key Ministry Announcements:

Holy Week & Easter Worship Schedule
rGroup Sign-up this weekend

General Announcements are Located in Lower Portion of eNews

RECEIVE

This Week's Worship

Sermons

Sunday Bible Studies

Livestream

Holy Week & Easter Worship Schedule

Click here to view schedule.

Screwtape Letters Bible Study

Apr. 12, 10am, fellowship hall

Join us for a bible study directed by CS Lewis’s spiritual classic, The Screwtape Letters. We’ll read selected letters, discuss relevant passages of scripture, and share applications for our lives as disciples. This study will dovetail with our mid-week sermon series on the Virtues and Vices, fleshing out concretely how they inform our understanding of the spiritual life. Copies of the relevant letters will be provided, though participants are invited to bring their own, as it’s a book that deserves a place in every library.

RELATE

Easter rGroup Term Registration

Registration open now through April 12

Sign-up Here

This term we will be looking at the book of 1 Peter. Groups will gather to discuss each Sunday’s sermon beginning April 19, and ending the week of May 17. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our engagement coordinator, contact Esther Langness: esther.langness@stjohnseward.org.

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.

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

Lend a Helping Hand to Our Silver Foxes!

Do you have a servant’s heart and a little time to "plug in"? Our Silver Foxes occasionally need help with small tasks that have become difficult to manage alone. We are looking for volunteers who can help with:

Minor Repairs: Changing lightbulbs, checking smoke alarms, or fixing small household issues.
Tech Support: Troubleshooting minor electronic or computer glitches.
Seasonal Yard Work: Raking leaves, cleaning gutters, or shoveling snow.

If you feel called to serve in this way, please pray about it and contact the church office to join the list of helpers. We want to be ready to help whenever a need arises! — Kathy Paulson (on behalf of the Silver Foxes)

Threads Thrift Store Clothing Collection

(Lighthouse - CU's Anti-Human Trafficking Club Fundraiser)

Now through April 10

Collection bin in west entrance

Concordia's anti-human trafficking club, Lighthouse, is currently collecting clothing items for its Threads Thrift Store fundraiser. The sale of the clothing collected will be April 24/25 at Concordia. All of the proceeds from the sale will go towards combatting human trafficking.

It's Mite Box Sunday

Did you know that 75% of your mites go to mission projects of the Nebraska South District? Click here for a listing of the LWML Nebraska South District mission projects.

GENERAL

Ministry Offices Closed on Easter Monday, April 6

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!

Lily Thank You & Pick-Up Date

Pick-up date: April 12 after 11am service or in church office hallway during the week

Click here for a listing of donations

Our church is beautifully decorated for Easter - thanks to all who made this possible.

Silver Foxes (60+ group)

Silver Foxes will not meet in April, but get ready for May 4, when Pastor Rempfer will rattle our “grey matter” with a Trivia Night. There will be a regular potluck, so bring a main dish, salad or dessert if you are able. See you there for a fun time!

June will feature a CUNE grad, Tiffany (Smith) Timba, from Iowa, serving with Lutheran Bible Translators in Tanzania (watch for more details).

Conversation for Caregivers with Deaconess Jeri

Thurs., April 9, 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.

Celebration of Comfort Dog Ministry

April 12, 10am worship; 11am cake reception, The Rock Lutheran Church, 237 S 3RD ST

Join our neighbors and family at The Rock as we celebrate and give thanks to God for the work of Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Ministry through Nico and his team. Comfort Dogs from the region will be in attendance.

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.

New Books in the Mobile Library

Two new books are available in the Mobile Library: Blessings and Prayers for Caregivers, by Annetta Dellinger and Karen Boerger (an encouraging book for caregivers with prayer and thoughts for various situations); and The Book of Psalms (a large print edition).

Tropical Trek VBS

June 1-5

Volunteer Registration is Now Live!

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 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.

College Scholarships Available

Student aid can be found on the District's website at THIS LINK.

LCEF Take Heart Scholarship information can be found at THIS LINK

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.