august 2010 st. john newsst. john news newsletter.pdf · paul soulek, director of parish and school...
TRANSCRIPT
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August 2010August 2010August 2010August 2010
St. John NewsSt. John NewsSt. John NewsSt. John News
The
Ministries
of
St. John Lutheran www.stjohnseward.org
Church 919 N. Columbia Avenue Seward, Nebraska 68434 402-643-2983
School 877 N. Columbia Avenue Seward, Nebraska 68434 402-643-4535
Child
Development
Center 20 Main Street Seward, Nebraska 68434 402-643-3122
St. John News is published monthly by St. John Lutheran Church (402-643-2983) Newsletter Staff Shirley Liesener Richard Zwick
Proclaiming and Practicing the Love of Christ
From the Pastor’s Desk . . .
While traveling this summer
with my family, we had the
opportunity to see amazing
parts of God’s creation in
Alaska both while on the
mission trip and then on
vacation. One of the sights that
we saw was the Toklat River in
Denali National Park. For us
visiting from the Midwest, the
river appeared to be very low
for the riverbanks were far
apart, separated by dry ribbons
of gravel bars. Then we had the
privilege to learn about the river
from a tour guide as he
explained what we were looking
at. We learned that the river was
not low but that in fact the river
flow changes continually as the
glacier melt comes down
through the valley, carrying with
it glacial or rock flour. The
water flow leaves these deposits
along the way and the channels
of water shift continually
throughout the riverbed. So,
from one day to the next, the
location of the water flow
changes in the river.
As I thought about this, many
other changes came to mind,
changes that are happening
around us right now:
ChangesChangesChangesChanges that come with the start of a new school year
ChangesChangesChangesChanges in the ministry staff at St. John and at Concordia University
ChangesChangesChangesChanges to the leadership of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
ChangesChangesChangesChanges on the ministry campus with the installation of a security system (which also indicates a change in the times in which we live)
ChangesChangesChangesChanges to Nebraska’s private colleges with the closing of Dana
Personally, changeschangeschangeschanges to my family as my Dad was blessed with a new wife
And I am sure you could list
many more changes that you are
experiencing in your own life
too.
As our family stood by the Toklat River and watched the ever-changing flow of the water,
we were also blessed to lift up our eyes and see the magnificent beauty of the mountains of the Alaska Range, including the mountain called Denali rising 20,320 feet into the sky. Looking at those mountains and their magnitude, a person could sense the stability that they portrayed; however, we were reminded just 24 hours earlier that even those mountains shake as we experienced a 4.7 magnitude earthquake while visiting in Alaska.
With everything changing, what a comfort and joy it is to be
reminded of the solid assuredness of our God who does not change. The writer to the Hebrews states: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (13:8). Our Savior doesn’t change! Our Lord who
was there for you yesterday, is here for you today, and will be there for you tomorrow. And His promises that were paid for through His death at the cross and guaranteed to you with His rising from the dead are the
. . . everything appears . . . everything appears . . . everything appears . . . everything appears to change. In many cases, to change. In many cases, to change. In many cases, to change. In many cases, that is indeed the fact.that is indeed the fact.that is indeed the fact.that is indeed the fact.
Change . . .Change . . .Change . . .Change . . .
“Looking at those mountains and their magnitude, a person could sense the stability they portrayed; however, even those mountains shake as we experienced a 4.7 magnitude earthquake. . .What a comfort and joy it is that our God does not change.”
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2 . . . more news
N ow is the time to plan for
7th and 8th grade students
to begin their instruction in the
Christian faith! Orientation for
Confirmation Instruction will
be held on Sunday, August 22
at 10 a.m. in the school gym. All
Confirmation students and
parents are to be in attendance
to learn about the great
opportunity for the
Confirmands to grow in their
faith as they study God’s Word
and prepare for their confession
of faith. St. John Lutheran
School students will attend
Confirmation Class on
Mondays, Tuesdays, and
Thursdays from 8:20-9:00 a.m.
Public School students will
attend Confirmation Class on
Wednesday evenings from 5:30-
7:00 p.m. For more information
about Junior Confirmation,
please contact the Church
Office.
D o you know someone who
would like to know more
about the Lutheran Christian
teachings?
A new class for the fall is being
organized for Adult Instruction.
This class offers a great
opportunity for individuals to
learn more about Lutheran
Christian teachings (doctrine),
either as a refresher from their
confirmation instruction or in
preparation to join the Lutheran
Church. If you or someone you
know is interested in taking this
class, please contact the Church
Office and give your name to the
secretary. The class will begin
later this fall and will be held on
Sunday mornings at 10 a.m.
Dear Pastor Bruick,
O n behalf of the Seward Fourth of July Committee
and the GFWC Seward Woman’s
Club, I want to thank you for the
use of the Fellowship Hall at St.
John Lutheran Church, It is a
wonderful facility to use for our
Fourth of July receptions.
We had about sixty people for
the Anniversary Celebration and
about 200 at the Governor’s
Reception. Governor Heineman
is always happy to come to the
church for the July 4th reception
and he always expresses to me
how fortunate we are to have
such a nice room to greet people
from other communities.
Please thank the congregation
for sharing its facilities with us
and helping with the set up and
everything that we need to make
the celebrations a success.
Sincerely,
Betty Jean Kolterman
Secretary
Fourth of July Committee and
GFWC Seward Woman’s Club
(continued from page 1)
same for you today and
tomorrow, just like they were
for you yesterday.
The fact is—change is constant.
Things don’t stay the same. Life
doesn’t stay the same.
Relationships don’t stay the
same. (I also have found out
that hairlines and waistlines
don’t stay the same!)
Nevertheless, the Good News
of Jesus Christ our Savior never
changes. He was there for you
yesterday. He is here for you
today. He will be there for you
tomorrow with His same love,
forgiveness, compassion, hope
and assurance of eternal life.
Thanks be to God!
Are things changing too much
for you in your life? Then it is
time to change your focus and
look more to the One who
doesn’t change and spend time
in His unchangeable Word!
Your brother in Christ,
Junior Confirmation Orientation—August 22
Adult Instruction
Thank You
Thank You
Thank You
Thank You
Instruction Classes
Instruction Classes
Instruction Classes
Instruction Classes
“Are things
changing too
much for you
in your life?
. . .spend time in
His unchange-
able Word!”
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more news . . . 3
Long: Long: Long: Long: Christ’s love and peace are given abundantly to sinners
High: High: High: High: Christ’s love is far above our understanding, yet He comes to dwell with His people
(see the next stanza!)
Deep: Deep: Deep: Deep: Christ’s love for us caused Him to take on our human form
After recounting these marvelous
attributes of our Redeemer, we
praise Christ in stanza 5 for the
fullness of love shown in Him.
We will celebrate Christ’s love
using the text of this hymn at all
services the weekend of August
21 and 22.
Paul Soulek, Director of
Parish and School Music
How Wide the Love of ChristHow Wide the Love of ChristHow Wide the Love of ChristHow Wide the Love of Christ (LSB 535)
Fall is coming!
This is your
opportunity to
make music with
the saints of God at
St. John! Stop in the
church office (643-
2983), visit with
music director Paul
Soulek after a
worship service, or
e-mail paul.soulek@
stjohnseward.org to
find out how you
can get involved.
All ages and abilities
are welcome!
Text : © 1997 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License .NET, number 100012333. Music : Public domain
“
We will celebrate Christ’s love using
the text of this hymn at all services the weekend of August
21 and 22.
“
T his hymn text takes its cue
from Ephesians 3:17-19
“…that Christ may dwell in
your hearts through faith—that you,
being rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend
with all the saints what is the
breadth and length and height and
depth, and to know the love of
Christ that surpasses knowledge,
that you may be filled with all the
fullness of God.”
Herman Stuempfle, prolific
Lutheran hymn writer, penned
these words in the later part of
the 20th century. Stuempfle lived
from 1923 to 2007 and wrote
over 550 hymn texts. Fifteen of
his hymns or translations are
included in Lutheran Service Book,
including familiar hymns such
as Voices Raised to You We Offer
and For All the Faithful Women. Our hymn of the month explores
various aspects of Christ’s love
through the first four stanzas of
the hymn:
Wide: Wide: Wide: Wide: Christ’s love embraces all people, no matter their social standing or race
Hymn of the Month
Hymn of the Month
Hymn of the Month
Hymn of the Month
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4 . . . more news
T eam Alaska has returned
from a venture that started
with diverted and delayed
flights into Denver and
continued with a night spent on
the floor or seats in the
Anchorage airport as members
tried to get some sleep. On
Saturday we boarded a nineteen
seat plane that took us to Bethel
and then on two nine passenger
planes that landed on the gravel
landing strip in Akiachak,
Alaska. The mile and a half
walk (some of us got to ride in
the pickup with our luggage)
brought us to the four year old
K-12 school, our home for the
next seven days.
We used two classrooms as our
sleeping quarters. The ladies
classroom had a bathroom
attached while the guys across
the hall had to walk to the
showers in the gym locker
room. We spent the day settling
in and locating and unpacking
the boxes we had shipped
earlier. All were accounted for
but three, two with food and
Pastor Matthias’ sleeping bag.
Our food committee of Connie
and Alan Van Velson, and Mike
and Lou Anne Mueri prepared
mac n’ cheese for supper. They
did a great job all week includ-
ing pancakes and baked salmon.
Sunday morning Pastor
Matthias led us in “house
church.” We used the book of
Philippians as the basis of our
daily devotions. The rest of the
day the team spent in
preparation for each day’s Bible
lesson and crafts. We also went
over our songs. That night we
attended the song fest service at
the Moravian church. It was a
unique experience with a mix of
English and Yupik language.
The service was a once-a-month
service of song. Volunteers
from the congregation came
forward to sing their favorite
hymn. They were most sincere
in their singing with their faith
shining through. They were
mostly songs of hope in Jesus
Christ. Finally we were invited
to sing and we sang, “Oh Sing
to the Lord.” One of the
members said he felt like
dancing when he heard the
music.
Our daily routine for the week
consisted of a devotion period
following breakfast. The
devotions were led by Pastors
Matthias and Bruick, and Tim
Rippstein. We assisted in the
classrooms of the summer
school students until lunch
time. Cece Nose, the Yupik
cook, also prepared lunch for
us. After lunch we took a brief
rest period. Then we walked a
half mile plus down the dirt
road to the church carrying our
craft materials and snacks for
the kids.
We did need to make
adjustments to our VBS plans.
The church was small with only
pews so the kids had to kneel as
they worked on crafts. Pastor
Matthias got them hyped up
with lots of fun action-filled
songs. The lessons were taught
by Judy Ripke and Dorothea
Huebschman. Everyone helped
the kids with the crafts. Class
was conducted from 3 to 5 pm
right after their summer school
classes. Jenna Ripke and Alexa
Bruick helped with songs and
applied the lesson theme using
puppets.
After supper, the basketball
team of Ryan Shrum, Pastor
Matthias, Zack Bruick, Mike
Mueri, Tim Rippstein and Nick
Rippstein worked with grade
school kids from 6:00 to 7:30.
From 7:30 to 9:00 pm high
school students and adults
came. They loved to play
basketball and were very good
at it. A brief devotion time was
included in each session.
The ladies helped kids with
jump rope, bean bag toss, face
and hand painting. Jan Bruick
conducted a Bible class with a
few of the mothers who came.
Our time went quickly and we
enjoyed the opportunity to
interact with some of the local
people. They have a deep
spirituality and they are not
embarrassed to express it. It
reminds us of what Pastor
Bruick shared before we left.
“But in your hearts set apart Christ
as Lord. Always be prepared to give
an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that
you have. But do it with gentleness
and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). It was
a great experience for our team.
It is our hope that next year
another team from St. John will
return to Akiachak to continue
the work begun.
Ray Huebschman,
Team Alaska
From the Alaska Mission TeamFrom the Alaska Mission TeamFrom the Alaska Mission TeamFrom the Alaska Mission Team
”
“ Our time went quickly and we enjoyed the
opportunity to interact with some
of the local people. They have a deep spirituality and they are not embarrassed to express it.
�
Missions
Missions
Missions
Missions
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more news . . . 5
Swahili Language SchoolSwahili Language SchoolSwahili Language SchoolSwahili Language School————TanzaniaTanzaniaTanzaniaTanzania G
iraffes amble and trot along
the smooth trade road as
we patiently wait in the
afternoon sun. Far away from
any park or reserve, these are
real in-the-wild giraffes,
wandering the land as they have
for centuries, meandering
toward Mount Kilimanjaro on
the nearby horizon. The road
stretching ahead of us winds
between large and old baobab
trees that were certainly here
when Dr. Livingstone first
explored the interior of the
continent, and may even have
been here when Christ Jesus
walked in the Holy Lands. We
have indeed entered another
world—both in what we see
around us and in what we’ll be
doing for the next three months.
Along with Kenya, Tanzania is
in Shauen’s purview as Mission
Facilitator and already we are
encouraged by the influence of
the Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Tanzania (ELCT).
For miles we follow a minibus
from the “Martin Luther” bus
company before stopping
Meanwhile, we enjoy the full
attention of our Swahili tutor and
our little group of three quickly
devours the first lessons, setting
an aggressive pace for the next
three months. Classes occupy five
hours of every weekday, and we
have homework every night along
with a new vocabulary list.
Comprehensive exams every five
lessons unexpectedly bring out
our competitive natures.
As the warm Tanzanian sun sets
on another day, our little dwelling
rustles into the night with pen
and paper and the slap-slap of
flashcards flashing. Tomorrow
we’ll continue our journey in this
new world, up early reviewing the
previous day’s work as the sun
reaches for the top leaves of the
baobab trees outside our door.
Shauen, Krista and Josiah Trump
”
Classes occupy five hours of every weekday, and we have homework every
night along with a new vocabulary list. While we struggle with textbooks, Josiah plays at daycare where the attendants speak and sing to him exclusively in Swahili. He’ll likely learn more than we will these months!
“
overnight at the Uhuru
(Independence) Lutheran Guest
House about half-way to
Morogoro. The ELCT’s
membership is roughly double
that of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod. We happily
point out signs of their presence
as we drive.
Co-located on the ELCT Junior
Seminary campus, we share
space with the energetic young
men and women sent to this
prestigious boarding high-school
from Lutheran churches across
Tanzania. The language program
provides for our own room and
board with several blocks of
small apartments and a
dedicated cafeteria. Krista and I
happily explore our spacious
accommodations, with a small
room for Josiah, a sitting room,
a bedroom for us, and a
bathroom.
Classes begin immediately.
While we struggle with
textbooks, Josiah plays at
daycare where the attendants
speak and sing to him
exclusively in Swahili. He’ll
likely learn more than we will
these months!
Prayer Request
That we will continue to have
good health and good spirits to
allow us to learn and absorb
Swahili rapidly
In Praise
For affirmative responses from
nearly everyone we’ve contacted
about home-service engagements
Missions
Missions
Missions
Missions
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6 . . . more news
From the Nebraska DistrictFrom the Nebraska DistrictFrom the Nebraska DistrictFrom the Nebraska District E
very spring new pastors are
placed and vicars are
assigned to congregations in the
Nebraska District and through-
out the LCMS.
The class of 2010 offered many
new faces to the Nebraska
District. Four men from around
the world were placed or assigned
to serve in mission congregations
or ministries of the Nebraska
District.
While some of these men are not
new to the District, they are
taking on new roles in ministry.
We thank God for giving these
men, and all those placed in
Nebraska, with hearts to serve
Him and His people through
these ministries.
James Riang
R ev. James Riang was
ordained and installed as
assistant pastor at Christ
Lutheran Church in Lincoln on
Sunday, June 6. Rev. Riang served
as a vicar at Christ during his time
of study in the Ethnic Immigrant
Institute of Theology (EIIT) at
the Concordia Seminary in St.
Louis.
James was born in Sudan, and he
made his way to Iowa in 1993
after living nearly 13 years in
refugee camps in Kenya and
Ethiopia. He became a U.S.
citizen in 2000, and moved to
Omaha four years later.
Now as pastor, he continues to
serve at Christ Lutheran in the
area of African Immigrant
ministry.
Obdulio Felix
V icar Obdulio Felix recently
graduated from the
Concordia Seminary in St. Louis,
and will be ordained and installed
as pastor at Jesus Es el Senor
Lutheran Church in Omaha on
August 1.
Vicar Felix and his family
immigrated to the United States
in January 2007. Shortly after,
Obdulio began his pastoral
course work through the Center
for Hispanic Studies at the
Concordia Seminary.
The Hispanic mission start, Jesus
Es el Senor, became a
congregation and member of the
LCMS in 2009, and now they
have called Vicar Felix to
continue to serve them as their
pastor.
Juan Aguilar
V icar Aguilar was assigned as
vicar to Cristo Cordero de
Dios Lutheran Church in Grand
Island during the 2010 Spring
Placement process.
Originally from Argentina, Vicar
Aguilar immigrated from Chile to
the United States with his wife
and daughter. They moved to
Grand Island at the end of
Riek Marwang
V icar Riek Marwing has
completed his pastoral
studies through the Ethnic
Immigrant Institute of
Theology (EIIT) at the
Concordia Seminary in St.
Louis and will be ordained and
installed as assistant pastor at
King of Kings Lutheran
Church in Omaha on August 8.
Rick was born in the upper
Nile region of Sudan. In 1992,
he started work as an evangelist
in a refugee camp in Ethiopia.
Juan Aguilar (continued)
2008, and the family has been
involved with the Cristo
Cordero congregation since
that time.
Juan Aguilar entered the Center
for Hispanic Studies at the
Concordia Seminary in St.
Louis in 2009. He is currently
taking classes to prepare him to
serve as a pastor in the LCMS.
Juan was installed as vicar at
Cristo Cordero de Dios in
April of 2010. He faithfully
serves the members of Cristo
Cordero de Dios under the
supervision of emeritus pastor
Rev. James Witt.
Riek Marwang (continued)
Two years later, he went to
Kenya to work with another
evangelist team. In 1995, he
moved to the United States,
ending up in Omaha that fall.
Starting classes at the seminary in
2006, he served his vicarage at
King of Kings, where he has
been called to continue his
ministry.
Missions
Missions
Missions
Missions
(excerpted from the Nebraska District Mission Newsletter)
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more news . . . 7
S tephen Ministers listen, accept, care, and walk with
a person who is going through a difficult time. They provide support—prayer, Scripture, forgiveness, unconditional acceptance—in appropriate ways to meet the needs of the care receiver.
It is also important to understand what Stephen Ministers DO NOT do. They are not counselors or therapists. They do not give advice or tell people how to solve their
problems. A motto of Stephen Ministry is: The Stephen Minister Is the Caregiver; God Is the Curegiver. Likewise, Stephen Ministers are not social workers. While they are concerned that the care receiver’s physical needs be met and will help connect them with ministries, organizations, or agencies that can meet those needs, Stephen Ministers are not there to run errands, do shopping, cook, or clean. The Stephen Minister’s role is to
care and to listen, stand-ing by the person and ministering to his or her spiritual needs as God works through the relationship to bring hope and healing to the care receiver.
For more information about Stephen Ministry, contact Esther Pfabe (643-3278), Iva Mae Roettjer (643-4720), or Deanna Dowding (643-3148).
O ur general meeting of 25 members and guests
opened with a presentation by Josias and Angela Marin, accompanied by Pastor Curt Coddington of Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church. They spoke of the great physical and spiritual needs of the Haitian people.
Josias’s father ministers to 400-plus students under his care, taught by 17 teachers with 40 to 50 children in a class separated
by curtains! Over half cannot pay towards their education. This Christian school is unique in the midst of a voodoo culture.
The greatest need is water, all of which is carried some distance for the 400-plus children. A well dug at 300 feet would cost $11,000, plus the power to run it, since there is no electricity.
In providing any help, it is best to deal directly with a known
person. Also needed is a dental clinic, tuition for students, and possible sponsorship of a teacher.
$241.97 was collected in Mites for Missions. Donations were allocated to our LWL District, to the National LWL, also to Lutheran Family Services, and to our church’s security system.
All women are invited to our circles at 7:30 on September 7.
Thank You to the Mathias’s
and Homps!
W e thank and praise God
for touching the hearts of
Ryan and Sarah Mathias who
have volunteered to lead a Fresh-
man Godparent Group begin-
ning this September. Gerald and
Michelle Homp volunteered to
be the other Freshman God-
Parent leader couple. Welcome
on board and we are thrilled you
will be part of our Godparent
Leader Team! The Pesters,
Volzkes, Piskorskis, Pinkalls,
Kohlmeiers, and Andersons!
What Do Stephen Ministers Do (and Not Do)?
Lutheran Women’s League
Gearing Up for
Godparents . . .
Beginning in
September!
Any Other Freshmen Want to
Sign Up for Godparents?
S eventeen Freshmen have
said “YES” to be part of a
Godparent group and there’s still
time for YOU to be part of
something special. If you would
like to sign up or would like more
informa-tion, please call Lana
Urban very soon at H 643-3964
or C 641-3099! Godparent
Groups will have their first get
together the first Wednesday
following Labor Day weekend in
September.
Service OrganizationsService OrganizationsService OrganizationsService Organizations
GodparentsGodparentsGodparentsGodparents
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8 . . . more news
August School Mailing Coming
T his theme will be
developed around one of
God’s wonders each quarter of
the new school year. For the
first quarter, the theme will
emphasize the Wonders of
God’s Word; the second quarter
will highlight the Wonders of
God’s Love; God’s Grace will
be the theme of the third
quarter; and the Wonders of
God’s World will complete the
theme in the fourth quarter.
Both students and faculty
members will be sharing in the
development and use of the
theme throughout the school
year.
Dave Koopman, Principal
St. John Lutheran School
T he new school year is just
over two weeks away (first
day is Tuesday, August 17), and
preparations for new and
returning students and new
programs are in place for the
year. Are you ready to join us?
St. John is always open for visits
to the school, and inquiries are
welcome at any time.
Remember to share the good
news about St. John, as we
share the Good News about the
Lord Jesus Christ each and
every day! Contact the school
office at 402-643-4535 to speak
with the principal or to set up a
time to visit.
T he second of two school
mailings for the summer
will be sent via e-mail and
through the postal service to all
school families. Look for your
packet to arrive. Plan to read,
and complete the forms. Bring
the necessary items to
Registration Night on Tuesday,
August 10.
Sunday, August 15 (8:30 am) Commissioning and Installation of Mr. Derek Bult (7th Grade teacher)
Installation of CDC Director Mrs. Rebecca Bimler
Dedication of St. John Ministry Staff.
News from St. John Lutheran School
News from St. John Lutheran School
News from St. John Lutheran School
News from St. John Lutheran School
Educational MinistriesEducational MinistriesEducational MinistriesEducational Ministries Celebrating the Wonders of God in 2010-2011
“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of
all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will
sing praise to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1).
Register Now for 2010-2011 at St. John
August Schedule of School Events
Monday, August 2 Teachers Begin Workshop Days and Home Visits
Tuesday, August 10 K-8 Registration Night (5:30-7pm) and Grade 6-8 Orientation (7 pm)
Tuesday, August 17 First Day of 2010-2011
(more school news, page 9)
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more news . . . 9
“W elcome!” What a
wonderful word! The
many gracious greetings of staff,
parents and church members
have made our family’s move
here such a blessing. For those
hands who prepared such
delicious meals, our appetites
wish to thank you! Our family is
unpacked and settled into our
new home. Our daughter,
Abbey, is adjusting wonderfully
to the CDC summer camp
program and the staff of the
CDC has shown me an extra
measure of patience as I adjust
to “life behind the director’s
desk!” My husband, Bob, is still
in search of a job. Thank you to
those who have offered
assistance in this search. Your
prayers and support during our
transition time have been a
blessing.
The children here at the CDC
have enjoyed swimming and
water play, field trips,
hometown tours and Christmas
in July! The happy voices down
the hall confirm that statement.
Our hearts are saddened,
however, to say goodbye to
both Dee Mitchell and Darlene
Rockenbach. Darlene will be
starting a new preschool this fall
for the Centennial Schools in
Utica. We want to thank both
women for their dedicated
service and ask God’s blessing
on their new endeavors. We
wish them only the best.
We look forward to home visits
and the start of the new school
year on August 17.
May God continue to bless us in
our ministry to young children.
In His Service,
Rebecca Bimler, Director
St. John Child Development Center
• Doors open at 8:00 am
• Classes begin at 8:15 am
• Opening Chapel begins at 8:45 am in the church
• All parents and guests are invited to attend chapel and stay for
refreshments in the Fellowship Hall following the service
• A full lunch program will be available
• Early Dismissal will be at 1:30 pm
A fter almost two years of
planning and completing
the celebration of 125 years of
Christian education at St. John,
we are nearing the end of the
events which have highlighted
current and former students,
faculty members and those who
have had a significant role in the
history of the congregation and
the school. Two final events will
take place in the coming days.
First of all, an anniversary
yearbook is being produced to
celebrate the 2009-2010 year for
the current students at St. John
and to recognize the many 125th
Anniversary events held in
2009-2010. The book will
include the names of graduates
from the past 25 years and many
pictures of the events held
during the year. Second, work is
being done to refill the box for
the cornerstone of the 1929
building so that the stone may
be replaced for those of future
generations. More information
will be available soon!
of St. John . . . . .of St. John . . . . .of St. John . . . . .of St. John . . . . .
For an updated look at the latest school
information, visit the Ministries of St. John
Website at www.stjohnseward.org
First Day of 2010-2011 - Tuesday, August 17
Two More Words About the 125th
ChildChildChildChild
Development CenterDevelopment CenterDevelopment CenterDevelopment Center
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10 . . . more news
B ack problems are one of the
most common difficulties
for humanity. Nine out of ten
people will deal with them at
one time or another during their
life. As summer ends with all its
special activities, I hope none of
the members of St. John
Lutheran will have “Back
Problems.” Consider a few that
you might face in the next
couple months.
� � �
BackBackBackBack to Regular Worship Attendance Summer activities such as
graduations, vacations, family
visits, camping, outside
recreation, etc. may have
conflicted with your attendance
at the worship services. Will it
be easier on your back as
summer ends to stay at home on
Saturday evening and/or Sunday
morning? “Therefore let us be
grateful for receiving a kingdom that
cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer
to God acceptable worship, with
reverence and awe, for our God is a
consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28).
� � �
BackBackBackBack to Sunday School and Bible Study In many instances, the study of
God’s Word may have taken a
back seat to summer activities.
Is your back strong enough to
sit through an hour or more of
Bible study each week? “Now
these Jews were more noble than those
in Thessalonica; they received the word
with all eagerness, examining the
Scriptures daily to see if these things
were so” (Acts 17:11).
� � �
BackBackBackBack to Fellowship in the Organizations Many of the church groups take
a recess during the summer
because of poor participation.
When the regular meetings of
the choirs, LLL and other
groups resume, will your back
be ready to continue your
involvement? “That which we have
seen and heard we proclaim also to
you so that you too may have
fellowship with us, and indeed our
fellowship is with the Father and with
his Son Jesus Christ” (I John 1:3).
� � �
BackBackBackBack to Sharing Your Time and Talents Indeed, the Lord’s work at St.
John will never end until He
returns. However, fewer saints
step up to do the tasks of
“Proclaiming and Practicing the
Love of Christ” during the
summer. Will you take some of
the load off of the backs of
those who have faithfully served
during the summer? “And he gave
the apostles, the prophets, the
evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
to equip the saints for the work of
ministry for building up the body of
Christ” (Ephesians 4:11 & 12).
� � �
BackBackBackBack to Giving This year, we have committed to
give $76,768.00 above our
projected income to balance a
deficit in the 2010 church
budget. For the next five
months, with the help of the
Holy Spirit, we will put our
backs into meeting this goal. As
a faithful steward of Gods gifts
to you, prayerfully consider
what part of your treasure
should be invested in funding
the ministry at St. John. “Give,
and it will be given to you. Good
measure pressed down, shaken
together, running over, will be put into
your lap. For with the measure you
use it will be measured back to
you” (Luke 6:38).
� � �
BackBackBackBack to the Lord We know the Lord is the only
one who can help us with our
“Back Problems.” We are
fortunate to have Ibuprofen,
and Aleve for the physical aches
and pains, but we need God’s
help for the spiritual issues. You
know the only way to build back
muscles is to exercise. If you
want to avoid the above “Back
Problems” exercise your prayer
time. Then let the Holy Spirit
build your faith through regular
worship, Bible study, fellowship,
sharing and giving.
Jack Swanson,
Chairman of the Congregation
Back ProblemsBack ProblemsBack ProblemsBack Problems From the Congregational Chairman
From the Congregational Chairman
From the Congregational Chairman
From the Congregational Chairman
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more news . . . 11
A re you thinking of a great weekend getaway for Fall?
The Concordia Alumni Office is
developing a tour to St. Louis to
include:
Concordia Seminary, the new
Concordia Historical Institute
and the Wolfram Art Gallery in
the LCMS International Center ,
a joint Habitat for Humanity
project and more. Tour dates are
Wednesday, September 15
through Sunday, September 19.
Call the Alumni office at 402-
643-7408 or email
[email protected] if you are
interested. The full itinerary and
tour costs will be available by
mid-July based on the number of
participants. A minimum of 30
travelers is needed to keep costs
reasonable.
Janice E. Koopman
Director of Alumni, University &
Church Relations
Concordia Alumni & Friends Tour to St. Louis and Lutheran Heritage Sites
Concordia TourConcordia TourConcordia TourConcordia Tour
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12 . . . more news
St. John News St. John News St. John News St. John News Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 11
Seward, NE 68434
Return service requested
St John Lutheran Church
919 North Columbia
Seward, Nebraska 68434
St. John Staff . . . Scott Bruick, Senior Pastor [email protected] David Koopman, Principal St. John School [email protected] Bob Paulson, Pastor for Visitation and Pastoral Care [email protected] Paul Soulek, Director of Parish and School Music [email protected] Rebecca Bimler, Director of Child Development Center [email protected] Jonathan Lobmeyer, Part-time Youth Director [email protected]
Inside this issue . . . • Message from the Pastor
• Adult and Junior Instruction Classes
• Hymn of the Month
• Alaska Mission
• Africa Mission
• Nebraska District Missions
• Stephen Ministry and LLL
• Godparent News
• St. John School and CDC
• Message from the Chairman
• Concordia Tour to St. Louis
Deadline for September newsletter is August 15, 5:00pm
E-mail: [email protected]