News & Recent Updates

         

Events Upcoming

 

Playground Equipment Update

November 22, 2023 - We are making progress on our playground. Your support is needed to help fund this project. There is a box in the narthex for free will donations as well as a chart on the bulletin board to show the progress on this special project. Thank you for your support for the youth at St. John.

Thanksgiving Day Worship

November 16, 2023 - THANKSGIVING DAY WORSHIP SERVICE with Holy Communion is Thursday, November 23 at 9:00 am. Please join us as we worship together to give God praise for his countless blessings.

Bible Study - Arab/Israeli Conflict

November 16, 2023 - Rev. Nabil S. Nour, 4th Vice-President of the LCMS, who was born in Nazareth, has written a detailed Bible study about the root of the conflict in the Holy Land. Congregations and individuals are invited to download and use this study, making as many copies as needed. Or, if you would prefer it in print, Pastor would be happy to provide that for you as well.

Children's Christmas Program

November 16, 2023 - This year's program will be December 17th at 9 am, as part of the morning worship service. We’re starting to practice parts and music on Sundays during Sunday school. If your child will not be able to be in the program, let us know as soon as possible. Thanks!

Church Christmas Decorating

November 16, 2023 - We are in need of a lot of help to decorate the church for Christmas this year. We need a few volunteers who can pull out and set up the Christmas tree on Saturday, November 25 at 9:00 a.m. Then we need volunteers to help decorate the tree and the church following the worship service on Sunday, November 26. If you can help, please indicate so on the signup sheet in the narthex or let Pastor Toensing know.

150TH ANNIVERSARY CHURCH DIRECTORY

August 24, 2023 - We are planning on starting in September to pick a company that we will contract to take the pictures. We are looking for volunteers. If you want to start at the beginning and help with the whole project, or if you are willing to help with any part, please let President Glen Louch know of your interest.

150th Anniversary Suggestion Box

August 10, 2023 - As we now work forward to our celebration year of our 150th Anniversary, we ask for suggestions. In the narthex is a suggestion box. We are asking for suggestions in connection to the following: (November, 2023 Announcement Flyer...)

  1. Please submit names for a guest speaker;
  2. Our theme is "The Lord's Faithfulness continues through all generations". We encourage your ideas on how to celebrate each of the generations;
  3. Ideas for displays, food, etc. are also welcome. The suggestion box will be in the narthex through Sunday, Sept 3.

Help get the word — and the "Word" — out

July 1, 2023 -  The 2023 LCMS convention gives the entire Synod an opportunity to preach Christ crucified to all people. In advance of the convention itself, and lasting through 2026, the LCMS National Offering will help fund the translation of carefully selected Lutheran evangelism and teaching resources into other languages. This effort is about Jesus Christ — for all people.

We would be blessed by your participation. More importantly, there are people who want to know Christ and Him crucified who would be immeasurably blessed by your help.

Your voice and endorsement is so incredibly important, just as you are to the overall mission of our Synod. Together, we preach Christ crucified for all people! Learn more about the National Offering and quickly access resources by visiting lcms.org/convention/national/offering.

Main Street Living Update

November 1, 2023 - “Main Street Living” is a liturgical worship service broadcasting a different local pastor each Sunday morning. It airs along with the classic Lutheran Hour program, “This is the Life”. Both can be viewed on KLKN Channel 8 (Lincoln) & WOWT Channel 6.2 (Omaha). Visit www.mainstreetliving.com/lincoln to view current and past episodes.

  • November 5, 2023 10:30 AM - Rev. Paul Warneke, pastor at Christ & St. Paul Lutheran Churches in Nebraska City, presents a message titled ”What is a Saint?”. This sermon is based on Revelation 7:9-17.
  • November 12, 2023 10:30 AM - Rev. Zachary Courie, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wahoo, presents a message titled ”Render to God”. This sermon is based on Matthew 22:15–22.
  • November 19, 2023 10:30 AM - Rev. Adam Moline, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, presents a message titled ”Important People”. This sermon is based on Matthew 9:18-26.
  • November 26, 2023 10:30 AM - Rev. Lawson Short, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend, presents a message titled ”Watch, Stay Awake”. This sermon is based on Matthew 25:1-13.

Bible Donations

If having an extra copy of a Bible in your possession that you wish to find a new home in which to share God's Word with others, lease bring your old (and not being used due to its replacement) Bibles and Christian books to be sent overseas for mission work. A tote is located in the entry way for this purpose. For more information, visit lovepackages.org.

Scholarship Fund

A scholarship is available for any St. John member/student who will be attending a Synodical college and plans to enter fulltime church work find that new funds are available. A Scholarship application with relative information is available from the church office. Those wanting additional information are directed to Pastor Toensing.

Mission Field in Our own Back Yard

There remains a variety of ways in which members of the St. John congregation can join with other local community members to assist those who are struggling with basic necessities and provide God's comforting Word along with those creature comforts that are often lived without. Here are but a few ongoing efforts you may wish to be involved:

  • Food Collections continue with your donations to a local food pantry who will distribute this to a needy, hungry people in our area. The collection box is located in the church narthex.
  • Orphan Grain Train or People's City Mission contributions can be made at any time; either with contributions of clothing left within the back door of the church, or monetary gifts so indicated; separated from other giving.
  • Mite Boxes - Lutheran Women in Mission remind members to use those Mite Boxes you received back in October on LWML Sunday. If you would like a box of your own, please contact any member of the LWML to obtain one. This is a very easy way to lend a helping hand throughout the year.