ST. JOHN LUTHERAN SEWARD, NEBRASKA

Worship and Communion Opportunities

Returning to Worship Update – 2-11-21

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

Questions for Mark 8:27-38

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.

Readings for Feb. 27/28: Psalm 22:23-31; Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Romans 5:1-11; Mark 8:27-38
Readings for Mar. 6/7: Psalm 19; Exodus 20:1-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; John 2:13-22(23-25)

• What does it mean for you to “deny yourself”?
• And what does it mean for you to “take up your cross” and follow Jesus? What is your cross?
• Can you explain what Jesus means by ‘the Gospel’ in verse 35?

Stephen Ministers Commissioned This Sunday (Feb. 28)

This Sunday is a joyous occasion here at St. John Lutheran Church as six laypeople from our congregation are being commissioned into Stephen Ministry, a special ministry of care and concern for others. This culminates a period of extensive training and preparation for this caring ministry. After the commissioning, these Stephen Ministers, Rebekah Blanco, Jenny Duffek, Karen Koch, Jennifer Krause, Rolene Stillahn, and Ruth Walsh, will be assigned to provide care to those in our congregation and community going through life difficulties. We thank God for their gifts and ask that you keep these individuals in your prayers as they carry the love of Christ to those who need it.

Postponement of Special Voting Assembly

The special Voting Assembly scheduled for this Sunday (Feb. 28) has been postponed at the request of the Board of Education.  There will be the pastor-led online and in-person Bible Study on the pericopes at 10am as normally scheduled. 

We Want to Hear from You!

Lenten Midweek Services – 10am & 6:30pm, Feb. 17 – Mar. 24 – click here for details

St. John’s Own Lenten Worship Devotionals “So That You May Believe” – click here for details

Connecting through Phone Calls

The Human Care Board is looking for congregation members who would like to connect with other congregation members through a phone call. In a time when some are feeling disconnected, we hope to build community within our church family by talking and praying with each other. If you would like to be a caller, please contact Montana Soflin by Feb. 28 at 402-879-1488 or email montana.soflin@stjohnseward.org. 

New Online Bible Class

New online class on the Letters of Peter begins Thurs., Feb. 25, 12pm Central Time. Register for this 11 week study at https://forms.gle/BU9eyDC8bZi1yqteA

Collecting Items for People City Mission – for the Mission, Help Center and Foster Friends

Concordia students are collecting items through March 1 (drop boxes will be in the west entry). They are collecting: gently used clothing – all ages, sizes for men, women, children that are in season and they have a few items that they especially need (these specific clothing items can also be gently used or new): 
Socks – any size – (can even send a single sock)
Men’s winter gloves 
boys/men sport/wind pants
mesh type shorts for men
sweats for boys or men
bottled water
granola bars
wash cloths
men’s and women’s deodorant
sanitizing wipes
cleaning supplies
latex gloves

LWML Meeting – Mar. 2

St John LWML will meet in the fellowship hall at 7 pm on Tuesday, March 2. Gretchen Gebhardt will lead us in a Bible study from the spring quarterly. Please wear a mask.

Thank You for Krispy Kreme Purchases

Who would have thought a sweet tooth, caffeine, and missions could fit together? Thank you to all who purchased Krispy Kreme Donuts and coffee to support the Alaska Mission Team! The trifecta for the Lord’s work.

Time to Subscribe to or Renew Your Lutheran Witness Subscription

The Lutheran Witness subscription rate this year is $15.96 and can be paid at the church office through Wed., March 24 – 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).  The Lutheran Witness can be viewed on-line (current and archived editions) at www.lcms.org/witness.

Other Worship Options – click here for details

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 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. 

Track Coach Needed

Spring may seem like a long way away right now, but it is time to start thinking about our track season.  If you or someone you know would be interested in being a track coach please contact Pam Simpson at pam.simpson@stjohnseward.org.

LCMS Virtual Life Conference – March 19/20 – Click here for more info.

Click Here for Trivia Night 2021 Details – Updated 1-6-21

CU’s Saturday (Art) School Sessions for Elementary and Middle School Students – click here for details

Stephen Ministry