ST. JOHN LUTHERAN SEWARD, NEBRASKA

Worship and Communion Opportunities

Returning to Worship Update – 9-21-20

Communion Service on Tuesdays at 11am – call the church office the Monday of each week to register for that week (call between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) or you can register on line – click here.

Below are some devotional questions that go with the message for this Sunday.  You are encouraged to read them before, during, or after the message.  They could be for personal reflection, but could also be used for discussion in groups.

QUESTIONS for 1 John 3:1-3

Readings for October 31/November 1: Revelation 7:(2-8)9-17; Psalm 149; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12
Readings for November 7/8: Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13

• A reporter on the street is asking people to define what love is.  What are some answers he/she might hear?  How would you answer?
• Which Biblical comparison of the Church’s relationship with God is most meaningful to you?  Why? Shepherd/Sheep;  Vine/Branches;  Bridegroom/Bride;  Father/Child
• What one word best describes the way the Christian Church should expect to be treated by the unbelieving part of our culture/world?   How does God’s Word guide us and equip us to react / respond?
• What is it about God’s descriptions of eternal life that arouses your curiosity?  that comforts you in your grief?  that raises your level of anticipation?

Thanksgiving Day Food Gathering

The Human Care Board is partnering with Thrivent in the “Give Thanks, Give Back, Nebraska Region Food Shelf Challenge.” If we can collect 500 or more non-perishable food items on Thanksgiving Day, Christ’s Cupboard will receive $500 from the Thrivent Member Network! Please consider donating this year to this worthwhile project. Thank you. 

Poinsettias and Wreaths

Poinsettias and wreaths to beautify our sanctuary for Christmas and Epiphany can now be ordered. You will find order blanks in the November monthly newsletter, in the narthex and west entrance and by clicking here.  Poinsettias are $19 and wreaths are $20.  Payment will be in advance by cash or check made “payable to St. John”, and dropped off in the church office; placed in Rachel Holte’s mailbox in the lower hallway; or mailed to the church.  Poinsettias will be from Merle’s Flower Shop and Merle’s Garden Center. The wreaths will be from Windmill Pines.  Your poinsettias and wreaths can be in honor of or in memory of loved ones, or in thankfulness, therefore, please also complete that portion of the form. Deadline for ordering is noon on Mon., Dec. 7. Thank you!

Bible Study Reminder

Sunday morning Pastors’ Lectionary Discussion class is in person in the fellowship hall AND livestreaming at 10:00 AM.

Use of Masks when on Campus

When you come to the church office, enter through the west entrance, sign in in the lobby, and then put on a face covering as you enter into the building.  This is to be done by all who come into the church office and any other public areas of the facility for the safety of staff and students. 

Child Development Center in Need of Workers

We are in need of subs for classrooms, a maternity-leave sub for October-January, and 20 or 30 hour per week workers.  If you have interest or leads for us, please call the Child Development Center at 402-643-3122. 

New Adult Bible Class

Ever wonder why Elijah was on the Mt. of Transfiguration with Moses? Want to learn more about this prophet of God? A new 5-week online Bible study at noon has begun. This Bible study, led by DEC Tim, includes Bible readings, podcasts, and Zoom discussions. Register at https://forms.gle/xuvKftMvZ5XA3dmA6  to receive the study guide.

Dare2B News

Dare2B this Wed. Nov. 4, 6:30-8:00pm. Dinner in the fellowship hall, activities, devotions. All Jr. High are invited. If you are not receiving Remind notices on your cell phone, please let Tim know and give him your cell phone number (Tim.Rippstein@stjohnseward.org)

Home Sunday School – click here for details

LWML – Nov. 3, 7pm

LWML will meet in the fellowship hall on Nov. 3 at 7 pm. Gretchen Gebhardt will lead the Bible study “Listening to God’s Voice.”  No snacks will be served but you may bring your own drink. Please wear a mask.

Operation Christmas Child

The time of the year when we can go and proclaim the Gospel message of Christ coming down to earth and showing His love is quickly approaching. Operation Christmas Child has been, and continues to be, an amazing organization that helps us proclaim this gospel to children all over the world. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Within the next few weeks, you will have the opportunity to start filling Operation Christmas Child gift boxes.

Here are some dates for the timeline of how this year’s Operation Christmas Child will go: from Sun., Oct. 18 – Sun., Nov. 15, our booth will be set up in the narthex in between worship services for you to ask questions, pick up a box, or drop off a filled box. Friday, Nov. 20, is your last possible day to drop off a filled box, but it is recommended that you have your box ready to go on that previous Sunday. If you have any questions on what Operation Christmas Child looks like this year at St. Johns, please email dane.wolfgram@cune.org.

Trustees Need Volunteers in Various Areas – click here for details

New Tech Team Forming

The Christian Nurture Board and Youth Board are collaborating to develop a Tech Team. Members of this team will use their gifts in technology to further the ministries of St. John in the area of Faith Formation under the guidance of the Board of Christian Nurture and Board for Youth. This Tech Team is open to 8th graders and older with skills in such areas as videography, social media, web design, communications, etc. For more information contact Cathy Miller (millerklmcjm@aol.com ) or DCE Tim Rippstein
(Tim.Rippstein@stjohnseward.org ) 402.643.2983.

Click here for Trivia Night 2021 details

We’re Nuts About Pecans!

Fresh Georgia pecans will be available in November. Purchases can be made  Sat., Nov. 7 and 14, 10am-12pm at the St. John west entrance. Sales will continue on Nov. 8, 15, and 22 between services and after the 11am service in the St. John west entrance. Prices remain unchanged from 2019 ($11/lb. for halves and pieces; $10/bag for flavored). Pre-orders can be made through email at janbruick@gmail.com and picked up on the above dates.

Winter Coat Collection for CU Students

The Student Ministry Board will be collecting winter coats only this year for CUNE students who do not have adequate coats for Nebraska winters. Bring coats to west entrance now through Nov. 15 Thank you for your anticipated response.

Pregnancy Center Collection – Oct. 18 – Nov. 15

The Pregnancy Center of Lincoln is in need of baby clothes (new or gently used), beautiful blankets and either knitted or crocheted baby caps and booties. Can you help? Human Care Board will be taking donations through Nov. 15. A collection box is in the west entry of the church. Thank you for your consideration!