ST JOHN LUTHERAN

e-NEWS

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7/8 March 2026

Seward, Nebraska

Key Ministry Announcements:

Wednesday Lenten Services at 10am & 6:30pm (meal at 4:45pm)
Time Change This Sunday

General Announcements are Located in Lower Portion of eNews

RECEIVE

This Week's Worship

Sermons

Sunday Bible Studies

Livestream

Lenten Midweek Series: The Battle of the Soul

Services Wednesdays, Feb. 18 – Mar. 25, 10am & 6:30pm; meals at 4:45pm

Click here to see meal and worship schedule

“Abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul." (1 Peter 2:11)

You get cut off and rage leaps forth. A friend’s vacation pictures stir resentment. A third drink seemed fine, until you snapped at your kids. In a world of constant comfort and distraction, we can forget that our hearts are a spiritual battleground. This Lent we explore the ancient tradition of virtues and vices, uncovering how sin deforms our desires and how the Spirit of Jesus frees us to bear the fruit of faith.

Behold Your King - Lutheran Hour Ministries Lenten Devotions

Click here to receive it electronically or read it online.

If you are unable to access the devotions online, the Elders have provided printed copies - see welcome center in narthex and materials shelf in west entrance.

Screwtape Letters Bible Study

Sundays during Lent, 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.

Mission of Christ Network Sunday

Saturday, March 14 & Sunday, March 15

Join us as we welcome Rev. John Mehl, executive director of Mission of Christ Network (MCN), as our guest preacher for the weekend of the 14th/15th. Visit the MCN table in the narthex for materials and collect prayer cards for the specific mission partners supported by St. John. Click here for more information.

Midweek Lenten Lunch & Devotion (hosted by Seward Ministerial Association)

Wednesdays, Feb. 25 - March 25, 12-1pm, Seward Civic Center

Come and enjoy a light lunch (sponsored by a different church each week) and a lay-led devotion - all are welcome!

RELATE

Easter Term rGroups

rGroups will pick up again April 12 - May 17

rGroups are taking a break during Lent, but they will start again on April 12. Sign-up will open at least one week in advance. If you would like to preregister for a group you were previously in, contact Esther Langness: esther.langness@stjohnseward.org.

RESPOND

Rooted in Faith, Growing for the Future Update

Click here for details about the building project

On December 22, a subcommittee of the Building Committee interviewed four construction contractors, Hampton, BD, Beckenhauer, and Sampson, and unanimously recommended Sampson Construction. On January 6, the Ministry Operation Board interviewed Sampson and approved the recommendation. Sampson will start putting together detailed estimates based on the architects’ plans. Our architects continue refining the plans based on input from faculty and staff. On January 6, the architects presented updated plans to the Building Committee including some details on HVAC, electrical systems, and exterior designs. The architects plan to finish the next major step of the designs in late January. Sampson Construction will then work with subcontractors to get initial (high) estimates of costs. Once this step is done (probably by late spring or early summer), the Building Committee will present to the congregation refined drawings, updated costs, and possible timelines for Phase 1. At that time, we will ask the congregation for approval to proceed with the plans for Phase 1. No groundbreaking date has been set or will be set without the congregation’s approval. Please contact the Building Committee chair Brian Albright, brian.albright@cune.edu, with any questions.

We give thanks to God that gifts and pledges for the building project now total just over $9 million. Your generosity is a tremendous blessing and an encouragement as we take these next steps together.

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; Barb Mertens;

Tiffany Schmidt; Advisor: 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.

Alaska Mission Team Fundraisers

Thursday, March 19, 11am-10pm, La Carreta

Fifteen percent of all sales at La Carreta, Seward, on Mar. 19, will benefit the Mission Team.

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

Direct Your Thrivent Choice® Dollars

directing Choice Dollars®

Help support the Ministry of St. John and direct your Thrivent Choice® dollars by Mar. 31, 2026. Eligible Thrivent clients with membership: please consider a donation to St John Lutheran Church, St John Lutheran School or St John Child Development Center!

GENERAL

Easter Lilies Can Now Be Ordered

Click here to order online - deadline is noon, Mon., Mar. 16

Purchase a lily in memory of/or in honor of a loved one to decorate the sanctuary for Easter. See pricing and payment information on the order blank. Additional order forms are available in both narthexes or church office.

Spring Forward – March 8

Set your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 8

Conversation for Caregivers with Deaconess Jeri

Thurs., March 12, 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.

Time to Subscribe to or Renew Your Lutheran Witness Subscription

view current and archived editions on-line at www.lcms.org/witness

The Lutheran Witness subscription rate this year is $23.50 and can be paid at the church office through Wed., March 25 – you can bring your check/cash to the church office on weekdays from 8am-4pm or place in Brenda Rief’s mailbox any other time (make checks payable to St. John Lutheran Church).

VBS - Save the Date!

June 1-5

Registration for Volunteers and Participants Open Soon

Summer Horizons - Save the Date!

June 15-19

Registration Opens March 21

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).