News & Recent Updates

January Meetings &
Events Upcoming
  • Worship Service (Sundays) 9:00 a.m.
  • Sunday School/LYF/Bible Class (Sundays) 10:30 a.m.
  • Midweek Classes (Wednesdays) 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m.
  • Elders’ Meeting (January 6) 7:00 p.m.
  • Quilting Group (January 14 and 28) 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Evangelism Board Meeting (January 20) 2:00 p.m.
  • Church Council Meeting (January 20) 6:30 p.m.
  • Quarterly Voters’ Meeting (January 26) following Worship Svc
  • Ladies Aid Meeting (January 29) 2:00 p.m.
  • Nebraska 'Walk for Life' (February 1) 10:00 a.m.

Nebraska 'Walk for Life'

January 16, 2025 - NEBRASKA WALK FOR LIFE is Saturday, February 1, 2025. Assemble on the north steps of the State Capitol in Lincoln. There will be a short rally beginning at 10:00a. After the rally, we will begin our Walk together to the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel (333 S. 13th St.). There, you will hear from guest speaker Elizabeth Gillette and have the opportunity to visit and support pro-life organizations at their booths. Guest speaker Elizabeth Gillette writes and speaks about how love conquers the greatest tragedy of our time: abortion. Like so many women, Elizabeth has experienced abortion first-hand. The traumatic experience shook her faith and caused devastating side effects. Through the saving grace of Jesus Christ, she found healing and forgiveness. She is now the mother of four living children and a passionate advocate for life.


Friendship Sunday & Valentine Dinner

January 3, 2025 - The Youth Group and Evangelism Board are working together to combine Friendship Sunday and the Valentine's dinner on Sunday, February 9th. The theme is "That's Amore" and we encourage you to invite friends and neighbors.

The Valentine's dinner will include drinks, appetizer, Caesar salad, a choice of lasagna or chicken parmesan, green beans, homemade bread, and dessert. Cost is $15 for adults; children 4-10 are $10; and children 3-0 are free. Please make your reservations on the sign up sheet in the narthex by Sunday, February 2nd.


ONLINE GIVING

November 1, 2024 - The online giving page is now available for use. The church is charged a fee for any debit/credit card transactions. There is a box to mark if you would like to help cover that extra fee. It is set to add 3% to the transaction. There is no fee if the contribution comes directly from your bank account. Either can be set up for one time or monthly transactions. Do not give your credit card or bank account information to Wayne or Lisa and ask them to do it. They are not allowed to. If you have any questions please ask Glen, Wayne or Lisa.


Opportunities to Donate to Disaster Response

October 25, 2024 - Hurricanes Helene and Milton have cause devastation across several districts of the LCMS. Instead of sending any funds to the Nebraska District office, we ask that you give directly to one of the districts that are on the ground and offering assistance through Lutheran Early Response Team projects, local congregations, and Recognized Service Organizations.

  • Southeastern District LCMS: Visit their disaster relief information and donation page here.
  • Florida-Georgia District LCMS: Learn more and make donations here.
  • Mid-South District LCMS: Their disaster response updates and donation information can be found here.
  • You can also donate to LCMS Disaster Response here.
  • Orphan Grain Train: Orphan Grain Train, P O Box 1466, Norfolk NE 68702-1466, and online here by clicking on “donate” button.

Orphan Grain Train - Lincoln Collection Center

October 1, 2024 - ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN Lincoln Collection Center Open House will be on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 11am to 2pm. The Lincoln Collection Center for Orphan Grain Train has been blessed with a newer and better collection center warehouse at 1901 Southwest 6th St. They will be hosting an open house to celebrate that blessing and also thank those who support OGT. You are invited to join us in our celebration! There will be a free luncheon meal, tours and information packet. You will meet other volunteers, donors and OGT International Leaders. Come join them in the celebration!


Main Street Living Update

January 1, 2025 - “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.

  • January 5 10:30 am... Rev. Merle Mahnken, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig, IA, presents a message titled ”Growing in Wisdom”. This sermon is based on Luke 2:40-52.
  • January 12 10:30 am... Rev. Sam Handschke, pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre, SD, presents a message titled ”God's Beloved”. This sermon is based on Isaiah 43:4.
  • January 19 10:30 am...  Rev. Jim Lamb from Lutheran Family Service in Fort Dodge, IA & Sioux Falls, SD presents a message titled ”The Trinitarian Value of Human Life”. This sermon is based on Isaiah 43:1.
  • January 26 10:30 am... Rev. David Viggers, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt, IA, presents a message titled ”Swimming Upstream”. This sermon is based on Luke 4:16-30.    

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:

  • Peoples City Mission is now taking bibles, both new and used to be given to people at the City Mission. They will also appreciate any religious books. A tote is located in the Narthex for your donations.
  • 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.