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St. John

News Bulletin ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH Seward, Nebraska | www.stjohnseward.org

DEC. 11/12

2016 EMAIL: [email protected] Pastor Scott Bruick Pastoral Leader 402-641-7961 [email protected]

Pastor Andrew Ratcliffe Pastor for Christian Nurture 402-641-9480; @PreachIt_PR [email protected]

Pastor Arthur Schauer Pastor for Visitation & Pastoral Care 402-643-3145 [email protected]

Inside this issue . . . Midweek Advent Service Dec. 14 – 10am and 7pm Midweek Advent Meal – 5-6:30pm in fellowship hall Children-led Christmas Service – Dec. 18, 5pm, Sanctuary

Deaconess Juanita Ebert 402-643-4418 [email protected]

Rebecca Bimler Director of Child Development Center 402-643-3122 [email protected]

Sunday, Dec. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 1 – 1 service (communion) at 10am Volunteers Needed in Various Ministry Areas Opportunities to Serve the Church at Large

Paul Soulek Director of Parish & School Music 402-643-5863 [email protected]

School/CDC/Concordia News Next Week’s Calendar

Amber Fiala School Principal 314-440-7979 [email protected]

The Ministry of St. John Proclaiming and Practicing the Love of Christ Church: 919 N Columbia Avenue; 402-643-2983 School: 877 N Columbia Avenue; 402-643-4535 Child Development Center: 1053 N Columbia AVE; 402-643-3122

Worship and Christian Growth Opportunities Nursery for Families with Young Children Nursery is located on the main level and is staffed on Sundays from 10am-12pm.

Men . . . Let’s Get into God’s Word! Dec. 13 (every 2 nd & 4 th Tues.), 6:30-7:30am, Concordia’s cafeteria

All men are invited to join us as we study We Are the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers. (No class on Dec. 27.)

Theology on Tap Dec. 15 (meets most 1 st & 3 rd Thursdays), 7pm, Bottle Rocket

Please join Pastor Ratcliffe in this informal Bible study setting.

Is It Worth the Wait? Midweek Advent Service, Wed., Dec. 14, 10am & 7pm

Sometimes while waiting, you may be tempted to ask yourself, “Is this worth the wait?” Whether it be time spent waiting for a loved one to arrive, a job opening to become available, a doctor to show up for your appointment, or a special deal to become a reality, many of us struggle to wait. Why? Because waiting consumes our time! Because waiting takes patience! Because waiting may cause us to question if the expectation will actually become a reality! This Advent, join others who have waited and are waiting for the same thing—the appearing of Jesus Christ. Older Adult Ministry will sponsor coffee and rolls following the morning service in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome. The final Advent dinner is sponsored by Music Ministry and will be served from 56:30pm in the fellowship hall.

Worshipping Together The Child Development Center continues to make "worshipping together" a special focus for their ministry. This Saturday, Dec. 10, we are blessed to have families whose children attend the Center worshipping with us, as well as to have the children sharing the gift of song that evening.

Our Attendance: Dec. 4 8:30am 11:00am Dec. 4 Ridgewood: Total Dec. 7

635 378 38 1051 315

Dec. 4 Sunday School 81 Adult Bible Class 102

Official Acts BAPTISMS – This weekend we welcome the following into the Lord’s family: ●8:30am – Eleanor Bea Wogahn, daughter of Timothy J. and Jennifer H.L. (Seaton) Wogahn (sponsors – Jamie & Rhonda Kovac; officiant – Pastor Andrew B. Ratcliffe; ●11am – Tyler Robert Koch, son of Ryan A. and Amanda S. (Wolf) Koch (sponsors – Ross & Kara Mueller and Josh & Abby Johnson; officiant – Pastor Robert Koch

Concordia’s Advent by Candlelight Service Sun., Dec. 11, 7pm, Weller Chapel

All are invited to a service of Scripture and singing. Dr. Jeffrey Blersch will serve as organist and additional music will be provided by A Cappella (Dr. Kurt von Kampen, Dir.) and the brass ensemble (Dr. Wendy Schultz, Dir.).

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Children-led Christmas Service Sun., Dec. 18, 5pm, sanctuary

The K-8 students of St. John will present their annual message of Jesus birth with the service entitled, Lessons and Carols: Celebrating Jesus in Scripture and Song. All are invited to attend and experience the celebration of Christmas with young voices in word and song. Some of their families are members and some are guests, so as you greet one another in worship this Saturday, please extend a warm welcome to these families with young children.

Christmas Tree & Greenery The tree and greenery in sanctuary came from Windmill Pines Tree Farm.

– One Service @ 10am, Sun., Dec. 25 & Sun., Jan. 1 – – New Year’s Eve Worship is at 5:30pm –

Sunday School & Bible Class Schedule ●The Pre-School Sunday School Christmas Program will be Sun., Dec. 18, at 10am in the fellowship hall. Parents of our S.S. 3-yr-olds through preschoolers – please bring 2 dozen cookies to the fellowship hall before 10am that day. ●There will be NO Fellowship Hall Bible Study on Dec. 18 due to Christmas Program. ●There will be NO Sunday School or Bible classes on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 ●The 3rd and 4th grade S.S. class now meets in classroom #206

Service of Lessons and Carols at the Ridgewood Care Center Friday, Dec. 23, 2:15pm for Hummingbird Hallway; 3pm in the Chapel

Two services of Lessons and Carols, led by Pastor Schauer and sponsored by the Older Adult Ministry Committee of the Human Care Board, will be held at the Ridgewood Care Center. Everyone is welcome. Come hear the readings of the Christmas account and help the residents with carol singing!

New Year’s Eve Communion Worship Service Dec. 31, 5:30pm

What a way to end the “old year” and begin the “new year”—in the name of Jesus—at worship in God’s house—receiving forgiveness in the Lord’s Supper for our sins of the “old” and entering the “new” as God’s renewed, forgiven people! Yes, what a way to spend an hour on New Year’s Eve, namely: in the name of Jesus!

Epiphany of Our Lord Observed Jan. 7/8 – Communion at all Services

What a joy it is to celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ (January 6)! This festival day will be celebrated in all three services at St. John on the weekend of January 7/8. There will be no evening devotional service on

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January 6. The removal of the greens from the sanctuary will take place immediately following the 11am service. If you and your family would like to help remove the greens, please dress accordingly and plan to be at church at 12pm. Please join us in these Epiphany celebrations as we give thanks to God for the Light of Christ shining into all the world.

“Helps” During Your Time in Worship (sponsored by the Parish Health Ministry) Please ask the ushers for locations and instructions for all of these “helps”

For your comfort and convenience, St. John Church has many “helps” for those who might need them. Wheelchair spaces are available—these spaces are also useful for those using walkers. Easy to use hearing devices are available. Large print bulletins are offered, and seat cushions are obtainable for your comfort. First aid kits are located at the Information Center in the narthex and also downstairs in the fellowship hall. An AED for electronic resuscitation is located in the school hallway right outside of the narthex.

The Lutheran Hour

[The Lutheran Hour can be heard every Sunday on: Omaha’s KFAB 1110 (AM) at 6:30am; XM’s Family Talk

Radio 170 at 1pm; KOIL/1290 (AM) at 7am; Columbus-KZEN 100.3 (FM), 9am; Norfolk-WJAG 780 AM, 7:30am & 12:30pm; Norfolk-KPNO 90.9 (FM), 2:30pm; West Point-KWPN 107.9 (FM), 11am; Grand Island-KMMJ 750 (AM), 7am; Lexington-KRVN 880 (AM), 10am; KAWL 1370(AM), 6:30am; Lincoln’s Bott Radio-KLVC 88.5 (FM), 8am.]

This week:

Let the Adventure Begin—In Christ, all of life is an adventure, one that is full of His promise and hope. (Isaiah 35:1-10) Next week : Peace On Earth, Peace That Lasts—What is the key to real and lasting peace on earth? Jesus, God with us. (Matthew 1:18-25)

Audio Tapes and DVDs (videos) of St. John Weekend Worship Available Call the church office (402-643-2983) and the Tape/DVD Ministry volunteers will be notified of your request.

Worship for Shut-Ins Sundays at 7:30am and Thursdays at 4pm in the Lincoln, Crete and Seward Areas.

Worship for Shut-ins, an award winning traditional Lutheran worship service, is being aired on Time Warner Cable Channels 13 or 71 (TV must be hooked to a cable box to get these channels). It is also available on DirecTV Channel 377 at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. The program is closed captioned for the hearing impaired. [This program is brought to this area by our Evangelism Board and others. The program originates from Wolf Chapel on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN.]

General News Christ’s Cupboard . . .a Client-choice Food Pantry Our food pantry has its new name – Christ’s Cupboard. The food pantry committee thanks all who submitted suggestions for the name of our client-choice food pantry that is now located in the blue house to the west of the church parking lot.

Campus Security (from the Board of Trustees) In order to help be good stewards of the facilities and to reduce the issues of vandalism, the church wing will be unlocked just prior to the Saturday evening worship service. No longer will the church

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wing be unlocked early on Saturday mornings unless there is an activity or event planned for Saturday morning or afternoon. We regret having to make this campus security change; however, it is being done to help reduce the potential for damage or loss in the facility.

Invitation to Final Rehearsal of Children-led Christmas Service Thurs, Dec. 15, 10am, sanctuary

If you cannot attend the Children-led service on Dec. 18, at 5pm, you are invited to the final rehearsal. If you need a ride, the Older Adult Ministry will provide them. Please call the church office (402-6432983) by Mon., Dec. 13 for a ride. All are welcome to this rehearsal.

Christmas Cash St. John has a special fund called Christmas Cash.

As you shop for loved ones and friends, remember the opportunity to provide a little holiday cheer in the lives of congregation members. You may donate money by designating extra giving on your weekly offering envelopes. Names of individuals and families that have had a challenging year are collected by the ministry staff. At Christmas time, the money is divided among the names collected, and those individuals/families receive a surprise cash gift from St. John members. Many families have been blessed by this fund, and we appreciate your kind giving.

Student Ministry Board Requests Food Donations for Finals Week On the first day of finals, Dec. 12, we plan to have baked goods and fruit available for Concordia students that evening. We are asking you to help by bringing your contribution to the church kitchen either THIS SUNDAY, Dec. 11, or MONDAY, Dec. 12. We will have signup sheets in Bible classes and at the information table in the narthex. Many thanks for your willingness to contribute for Concordia students.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing Sat., Dec. 17, 10am-9pm (St. John’s day to serve as Salvation Army bell ringers in front of Wal-Mart.

Ninety percent of all funds collected during the bell ringing season stays in Seward County to meet emergency needs of our citizens. Please give one hour to the effort. A sign-up poster is located in the church narthex or you may call the church office to volunteer (403-643-2983). This is also a great family activity!

Trivia Night 2017 Feb. 3, 6pm – doors open, 7pm – trivia begins, Harvest Hall on Seward Co. Fairgrounds; registration closes Jan. 10 or when 42 tables are full

Start recruiting your team for the 7th annual PTL Trivia night—Seward’s most fun night of the year! Your team writes answers to questions in ten themed rounds, such as sports, movies, history, Bible or food. Between rounds, bid at the silent auction, visit the cash bar or play “Dead or Alive.” Bring favorite snacks for your table. Dress up your team and table to win the spirit award. The team with the most correct trivia answers wins $320; second place wins $160. All proceeds go to the PTL to support projects at St. John Lutheran School. Cost is $160 per table ($20 per

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person) or $150 per table if paid in advance. Register your team of eight players with Beth Pester at [email protected] or 402-643-9460 (H) or 402-641-0584 (text or call). Also contact Beth to be a corporate or memorial sponsor for a team or trivia round.

Trivia Night Silent Auction Donations If you have an item to donate or questions, please contact Cari Berner at 402 -646-8581 or [email protected].

As part of the trivia night festivities, we will be hosting a silent auction. Please consider donating new items of value, experiences such as game tickets or condo usage, or valuable antiques for us to auction. All profit from the auction items go directly to the St. John PTL for use in supporting our school, teachers, and students!

THANK YOU from the Alaska Mission Team Thank you to the congregation members who attended the Advent soup supper and provided financial support for the mission work in Akiachak in June 2017. Thank you for your generous donations. The Lord has truly blessed the 2017 team with your support!

St. John Christmas Wishbook - 2016 Each Christmas season, the church, school and Child Development Center ministry team prepares a Wishbook list of items which provides the opportunity to support the ministry of St. John in specific ways that may not be included through other funding areas. Copies of the Wishbook are available at the desk in the narthex, the west entrance and in each office. Consider a gift this year, as the Lord has blessed you—and “thank you” from the St. John Ministry Staff!

Current Nebraska District Reporters are available to pick up at the desk in the narthex or in the west entrance.

“Like” St. John Church, School and CDC on Facebook Facebook users: “Like” St. John Church, St. John School and St. John Child Development Center. Updates, announcements and discussions are some of the items that are available.

Rides Available for Shut-ins Call Dolores Mielke weekdays from 12-1pm or 5-7pm two days in advance of needed service (402-643-3262)

St. John has a list of drivers willing to take shut-ins to medical appointments, church or special events. There is no specific charge, but donations are acceptable. In the event that Dolores is not available, you may call the church office (402-643-2983).

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Memorial Ceremony Mon, Dec. 19, 6pm, Seward North Cemetery (Highway 15 & Waverly RD)

As the holiday season is upon us, the City of Seward, along with Zabka Funeral Home and Volzke Funeral Home, will again be sponsoring a Candlelight Memorial Ceremony to remember and honor those who have gone on before us. Bring an ornament (no larger than 3”x5”) in memory of your loved ones to place on the Memorial Tree which is planted directly north of the cemetery office. This service is for anyone who has suffered a loss no matter where the burial was held, and you do not need to bring/place an ornament to attend. If you have questions, contact Seward City Hall at 402-643-2928.

Sharing the Peace If you are uncomfortable shaking hands during the “Sharing of the Peace” portion of the service, please feel free to abstain. You are still encouraged to verbally offer your brothers and sisters in Christ this message of unity and peace. Please respect those who choose to refrain from handshaking due to colds, flu or suppressed immunity.

Opportunities for a Seminary Visit Concordia Seminary St. Louis: ●Jan. 5, Shepherds of God’s Flock ●Jan. 6, Green and Gold Day ●Jan. 14-16, Taste of the Sem Shepherds of God’s Flock – a one-day event for college students and second career men and women – Bible study, panel presentations & more Green & Gold Days – a one-day “campus experience” for college students and second-career men and women Taste of the Sem – a weekend event for high school men Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne: ●June 18-25, 2017, Phoebe Academy High School Phoebe Academy High School – A week-long event for high school women (interest in diaconal ministry).

For more information on any of the CSL opportunities listed above, contact the Office of Admissions at www.csl.edu, 800-822-9545, or [email protected]. Information concerning the registration process for the CTS opportunities can be found at: www.ctsfw.edu/ChristAcademy or [email protected] or 800-481-2155; www.ctsfw.edu/PAHS or [email protected] or phone 800-481-2155.

Prayers for Kyle Bracelets still available in the school office, suggested donation of $5. All proceeds benefit the Einspahr family.

Phil’s Friends Care Packages Available The K-8th grade students put together 130 care packages on Grandparents Day earlier this year. Please contact the school office if you know someone battling cancer. We would love to bless them with a care package. We can mail them, or they can be personally delivered by you or a lead staff member.

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St. John Singers to Perform at Greene Place Community Holiday Open House Thurs., Dec. 15, 5-7pm, Greene Place, 600 Church ST, Seward

The community is invited to enjoy a festive evening with the residents and staff at Greene Place with the highlight of the evening being festival music presented by the Keytones and St. John’s 7 th and 8th grade Singers. Holiday drinks, hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be provided.

Christ-centered Counseling Is Available for You For information on counselors, please contact the church office (402 -643-2983 ).

If you or a loved one is in need of Christ-centered counseling, there are qualified counselors available for you. The Pastoral Team can refer you to qualified mental health therapists locally or in Lincoln who can assist you with the issues of life you are dealing with.

Remember to Use GoodSearch.com and GoodShop.com to Earn Money for Our School Information sheets on this program are available at the Information Center and in the school & church offices.

Service Opportunities. . . . . .Passionate about Sunday School Ministry—Want to Help, but Not Necessarily Teach? We need you! Right now we are looking for more Sunday School superintendents to share administrative duties like collecting offering, recording attendance, and ordering materials. Contact Ann Schlueter 402-641-0404 / [email protected] to get more information.

. . . Volunteers Needed to Wash Communion Ware THANK YOU to the four individuals who volunteered at the Ministry Fair to help with communion set-up and take-down! Your help is much appreciated. Altar Guild is made of several different committees and is always looking for more volunteers; several people needed now to wash communion ware after services. Numerous volunteers make light work for everyone. No steps and time commitment is minimal; you can still attend Bible Study hour. Call the church office if interested.

School and Child Development Center School Chapel Wed., Dec. 14, at 8:25am, sanctuary

Chapel will be led by Mrs. Fiala. Please join us for this special time of worship. Chapel offerings for the second quarter will go to digging wells in South Sudan. Offering to date: $479.97.

Last day of school before Christmas vacation - Dec. 22 - dismissal at 1:20pm – buses will be running Christmas Vacation plus Professional Work Day - Dec. 23-Jan.4 – school resumes for full day Thurs., Jan. 5 – buses will be running

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Concordia, Church Family and Community Citizens For Life/Lutherans For Life News and Events To receive a Citizens for Life newsletter by email, send your request to [email protected] or to receive a paper subscription, send $5 to SCPLC, C/O Ed Sander, 2351 McKelvie R D, Seward, NE 68434..

●LCMS Life Conference, Jan. 27-29, 2017, Arlington, VA - If you’re planning to attend the 2017 LCMS Life Conference: Life 360, you can join a group from Nebraska traveling together. For more information, contact Rev. Michael Brown at [email protected] or visit the event’s website: www.lcms.org/lifeconference

Life Quote This “Life Quote” is from Lutherans For Life - www.lutheransforlife.org.

“Mary and Joseph’s hardships serve as a vivid reminder that as God’s children, we don’t always have it easy either. But because Mary and Joseph followed God’s will, countless generations benefit from the presence of this child’s life in the world. Let’s put that in the context of modern life—a young couple facing an unexpected pregnancy. If they follow God’s will, abortion will be averted, and countless generations will benefit, albeit in a much smaller way, from their child’s presence in the world.” Bradley Mattes, Executive Director of Life Issues Institute

Upcoming Concordia Events (events/activities listed are free & open to public unless otherwise noted with a ◙)

●Nov. 6 – Dec. 14, Lingua Franca: Curated by Launa Bacon of Darger HQ, Marxhausen Gallery ●Dec. 15, End of Fall Term

This Week at St. John News Bulletin Announcement Deadlines for Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 Announcements for Dec. 25, noon on Tues., Dec. 20 and announcements for Jan. 1, noon on Tues., Dec. 27.

SUNDAY 8:30am 10:00am

Worship, sanctuary Sunday School & Jr. & Sr. High Bible Class, various locations [Sunday School classes are available for children ages 2-years-old through 12th grade; however, during certain months of the year, classes may be combined or on break, so please see the Sunday School superintendents in the school workroom. They would be happy to assist you in locating your child’s class. Please ask an usher to help you find the school workroom.]

10:00am 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am

Hands of Mercy, school library Adult Instruction Class (Getting to Know Jesus, Pastor Bruick), classroom #129 Adult Bible Class (Sacrifices, Mark Meehl), Heritage Room Adult Bible Class (Book of Nahum, R. Matthias & J. Jurchen), music room

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10:00am 11:00am 3:00pm

Adult Bible Class (Joining Jesus on His Mission, Rippstein/Huebschman), fellowship hall Communion Worship, sanctuary Alaska Mission Team Meeting, Heritage Room

MONDAY 9:00am 3:00pm 7:00pm

Seward Circuit Meeting, Heritage Room Client-Choice Food Pantry Open, Christ’s Cupboard Human Care Board, Centennial Room

TUESDAY 6:30am 7:00pm

Men’s Bible Study, CU’s cafeteria Disability Ministry Committee Meeting, Heritage Room

WEDNESDAY 8:25am 8:45am 10:00am 11:00am 3:45pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:10pm

School Chapel, sanctuary Women’s Bible Study, CDC lower level Advent Worship, sanctuary Advent Fellowship, fellowship hall Midweek Grades 3-6 (rehearsal for children-led Christmas service), cafeteria and music room Advent Meal – Music Ministry, fellowship hall Midweek Confirmation Grades 7 & 8, classrooms 129 & 204 Combined Adult & High School Choir Rehearsal, music room Advent Worship, sanctuary Doxology Handbell Rehearsal, sanctuary

THURSDAY 8:30am 10:00am 6:00pm 7:00pm

Large Print Workers, Centennial Room Dress Rehearsal – Children-led Christmas Service, sanctuary Client-Choice Food Pantry, Christ’s Cupboard Theology on Tap, Bottle Rocket

SATURDAY 9:00am 5:30pm

St. John’s Day for Salvation Army Bell Ringing Client-Choice Food Pantry Open, Christ’s Cupboard Communion Worship, sanctuary

SUNDAY (Dec. 18) 8:30am 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am 11:00am 5:00pm

Communion Worship, sanctuary Sunday School & Jr. & Sr. High Bible Class, various locations Pre-School S.S. Christmas Program, fellowship hall Adult Instruction Class (Getting to Know Jesus, Pastor Bruick), classroom #129 Adult Bible Class (Sacrifices, Mark Meehl), Heritage Room Adult Bible Class (Book of Nahum, R. Matthias & J. Jurchen), music room Worship, sanctuary Children-led Christmas Service, sanctuary

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The church office will close at noon on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30. Also, the church office will be closed on Mon., Dec. 26 and Mon., Jan. 2. Please plan accordingly for any church business you may have those two weeks.

Stephen Ministry

St. John is a Stephen Ministry congregation. If you need someone to help you through a difficult time, call any of the following ●church office (402-643-2983) ●Iva Mae Roettjer (402-646-9175) ●Deanna Dowding (402-643-3148) ●Deaconess Juanita Ebert (402-643-2983) ●Mary Ann Steinbeck (402-643-2677)

This Sunday’s Bible Classes The Book of Nahum – MUSIC ROOM – Ryan Matthias & John Jurchen Sacrifices – HERITAGE ROOM – Mark Meehl Joining Jesus on His Mission – FELLOWSHIP HALL – Tim Rippstein and Ray Huebschman Adult Instruction Class: Getting to Know Jesus – CLASSROOM #129 – Pastor Bruick

This Advent and Christmas season and always, let us give the gift of our praise and thanks to our most glorious Lord. “For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and He is to be held in awe above all gods” (1 Chronicles 16:25).

Our AED is in the school hallway by the narthex. - St. John Parish Health Ministry -

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Needed to Meet the St. John 2016-17 Ministry-Funding Plan: The General Fund amount needed per week to further the Lord's ministry at St. John:

$34,049

General Fund received last week (12/04/2016):

$33,629

Debt amount received last week (12/04/2016):

$55

For the Coming Generations Capital Campaign: The Goal of the Capital Campaign:

$5,295,000

Commitments Prior to Matching Grant

$3,112,979

Commitments Toward Matching Grant Mundt Foundation Matching Grant Total Commitments To Date

$817,868 * $750,000 * $4,680,847

Donations given last week (12/04/2016): TOTAL donations given to date:

$7,543 $3,866,155

Additional Notes: * Since new commitments have reached $750,000, they will be matched dollar for dollar by the $750,000 matching grant from the Mundt Foundation.

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