Announcements 01.03.2016

Christmas Eve Worship Times & Themes

St. John's Lutheran Church, located at 1300 W Benjamin Avenue in Norfolk, Nebraska, invites you to attend one, two, or all three Christmas eve worship services on Thursday, December 24, 2015.

An Illustrated Christmas kicks off the night of worship at 5 PM. All in attendance will be asked to picture yourself in the Christmas story by doodling, sketching, and sharing these images with the whole congregation. Highly interactive, using smartphones, tablets, and good ol' fashioned paper, this Christmas eve service will certainly "draw" a crowd! Candlelight & Holy Communion are also highlights of this worship service.

Festival of the Nativity continues our worship at 7 PM. This is a traditional candlelight and communion worship service as celebrated for many years at St John’s. The Christmas scriptures, sermon, hymns, and setting are both familiar and festive, as we gather and give thanks for the birth of Immanuel, God with us!

A Festival of Lessons & Carols concludes the evening at 9 PM. This worship service is both contemplative and celebratory. Seven readings of Christmas prophecy and scripture are interspersed with carols and special music. No sermon is preached. Candlelight and Communion are given with a sense of the wonder of the Word made flesh, as we celebrate the coming of the Christ child.

Everyone is invited and welcome to fully participate at St. John's this Christmas Eve. We look forward to having you join us!

Announcements 12.20.2015

St. John's Christmas Cantata Dec. 19 & 20

St. John's 2015 Christmas Cantata features Treasury of Carols. This remarkable cantata is an essential compilation of beloved carols. Fully orchestrated and filled with variety, you will discover music for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.

The cantata will be held on Saturday, December 19, at 5 PM, and Sunday, December 20, at both 8:30 & 11 AM.

Everyone is invited to come, listen, worship, and enjoy! Bring your family & friends!

Pictures from St. John's 2015 Sunday School Christmas Program

Follow The Star was held on Saturday, December 12, 2015, at 5 p.m. at St. John's in Norfolk. Directed by Jolene Ziebell.
Posted by St. John's Lutheran Church, Norfolk, NE on Sunday, December 13, 2015

Sunday School Christmas Program Dec. 12 @ 5 PM

Join the children of St. John's as they present Follow the Star, the 2015 St. John's Sunday School Christmas Program on Saturday, December 12, at 5 p.m., during our regular worship service time. A reception will follow the program & worship.

Holy Communion WILL be offered at our 5 p.m. worship service, following the Christmas program.

Follow the Star is a fun and joyous reminder of why the "wise men" of the Christmas story sought after Christ and why we still do today! More commonly referred to as the "three wise men" or "three kings," the journey of the Magi is an amazing story of obedience, faith and worship. Join the fantastic story of these three companions as they set their sights on a bright star in the heavens that would ultimately lead them to the Christ-child, the King of all kings! Characters include: King Herod, a Page, Chief Priests, Melchior (Gold), Balthazar (Frankincense), Gaspar (Myrrh), Joseph, Mary, Caravan Servants, Shepherds, and Angels. Songs include: Follow the Star, We Three Kings, Out of the Bethlehem Sky, Adore Him, Carol Medley: Joy to the World/Hark! the Herald Angels Sing/Angels We Have Heard on High.

Announcements 12.13.2015

First Communion Classes in December

In the month of December, three First Communion confirmation class times will be made available for any baptized youth whose parents have discerned that their children are ready to receive the Lord’s Supper for the first time. These dates and times for class are December 2, 5-6pm; December 9, 2:30-3:30pm; & December 9, 5-6 pm. All classes will be held in the sanctuary.

Announcements 12.6.2015

Announcements 11.29.2015

Thanksgiving Eve Worship at 7 p.m.

Celebrate Thanksgiving Eve by worshipping at St. John's Lutheran Church, Hwy 81 & Benjamin Avenue in Norfolk, on Wednesday, November 23, at 7 p.m. We will gather in the chapel, sing Holden Evening Prayer, celebrate Holy Communion by intinction, and give thanks to God for the blessings which we experience in our lives.

St. John's Dec. 6th Celebration Meal RSVP

Be sure to RSVP for the Celebration Meal on December 6.  Call the church office at 402-371-1985 today with your reservation! OR submit your RSVP via quick & simple online form!

Click here for the online RSVP form.

Announcements 11.22.2015

Winter Warmth Giveaway Nov. 15

Everyone in need of warm winter clothing is encouraged to come to St. John's Lutheran Church in Norfolk on Sunday, November 15, from 9 AM to 3 PM. A variety of winter coats, hats, gloves, etc. are available on a first-come first-served basis until supplies run out. St. John's is located on the northwest corner of US Hwy 81 & Benjamin Avenue. Please enter St. John's through the Lower Level North Doors, as the giveaway is being held in the Hoppe Community Room.

Announcements 11.15.2015

Blessed Veterans Day

Announcements 11.8.2015

Touching Tomorrow Together: 2015 St. John's Devotional Booklet

Enjoy & share the entire Touching Tomorrow Together: 2015 St. John's Devotional Booklet right here!

Announcements 11.1.2015

Announcements 10.25.2015

Announcements 10.18.2015

3rd & 4th Grade Confirmation Class Oct. 14 info

Both 3rd & 4th Grade Confirmation Classes will be held in the Hoppe Community Room today (October 14). Either 2:30-3:30pm or 5-6 p.m. Today's today: Is the Bible true? If you can't make it, all of the confirmation curriculum has been posted to St. John's Digital Library on Facebook. Ask Pr. Justin if you need any help with that. Thanks!~~Pr. Justin

Devotional Writing Deadline October 20

For those of you who have taken Bible readings for the Fall Stewardship Devotional Booklet, PLEASE submit your written devotional by October 20 to stjohnsnorfolk@cableone.net, or drop it off by the church office. In the body of the email, please list your date & reading, along with the devotional you have written. Thank you for helping us put this stewardship devotional booklet together once again this year!~~Prs. David & Justin

St. John's to Host Sparkhouse Resource Fair Oct. 17-Nov.1

Visit the St. John's Sparkhouse Resource Fair Online Now!

Announcements 10.11.2015

Announcements 10.04.2015

Bring your pets on Sunday, Oct. 4!

Announcements 09.27.2015

Folks & Forks 2015 THIS SUNDAY!

Folks & Forks 2015 Silent Auction Bidders' Guide

Folks & Forks 2015 Silent Auction Bidders' Guide

Announcements 09.20.2015

God's Work Our Hands St. John's Summary

To the people of St. John's,

A big shout out of thanks to each and every one of you for making St. John's very first time participating in the ELCA God's Work, Our Hands day a huge success! It was a wonderful day and we had a great turnout of many hands joining together with our fellow ELCA congregations across the U.S. for a day of community service. Because of all your efforts, in a 3 hour time frame, with approximately 125 people participating, we were able to:

Announcements 09.13.2015

Announcements 09.06.2015

September Events @ St. John's

September is a very exciting month here at St. John's!

* On Wednesday, September 9, the first St. John's Get Together will be POTLUCK PIZZA IN THE PARK.  Everyone is invited to this pizzafest!  Bring your favorite large pizza to share and let the games begin!

*Sunday, September 13, will be big!  Sunday School teachers will be recognized and blessed at all worship services, WELCA Officers will be installed at the 8:30 am service as well as collecting a Noisy Offering at all services as we bless the quilts made this year and prepare to ship them where needed, Majesty Choir will lend a voice for the 2015-16 year, and the Life of Christ class will start up @ 9:45am.  Sunday is also "God's Work. Our Hands" day, which is the designated day of service for the ELCA. Following a noon meal in the Fellowship Hall, members of St. John's will help in various locations around the community.

*Nebraska Lutheran Campus Ministry will be "working" at Culver's in Norfolk on Tuesday, September 15, for Culver's Share Night.  A portion of all proceeds from 5-8 pm will be donated in support of NeLCM.  Stop in or drive thru for dinner or dessert and we'll be sure to thank you for your support of campus ministry.

*September 20 is NeLCM's signature fundraiser Folks & Forks.  NECC's Northeast Area Jazz Ensemble will put a tap in your toes as they flood the sanctuary of St. John's with music beginning at 3 pm.  Come early and check out the numerous silent auction items to bid on -- everything from a tot tractor to a wireless outdoor speaker system to an XXL Green Egg grill.  If that's not enough, there will be First Choice pies (in 5 varieties) and Culver's frozen custard after the concert.  We promise a great afternoon for everyone!

ELCA congregations work to improve communities

Norfolk, NE (ELCA) – St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norfolk, NE is one of nearly 10,000 congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) participating in “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015. Across the country, thousands of ELCA members are engaging in service work to make a positive change in their communities, build and deepen relationships and share God’s love.

Members of St. John’s will be working on several projects during the day including helping the Rescue Mission with some storm repairs, sizing and labeling clothes at Orphan Grain Train, cleaning up around the library and other locations, assembling school kits for international distribution, random acts of kindness and more.

The ELCA is a church deeply rooted in faith and in sharing its passion for making positive changes in the world. St. John’s joins other ELCA congregations across the country to boldly participate in God’s work in the world – restoring and reconciling communities, and pursuing peace and justice.

Tracy Meister, Coordinator for St. John’s Day of Service said she is “excited about the day of service because it gives us an opportunity to work together as the hands and feet of Jesus in our community!”  Interim Pastor David Cox added that “our community of faith includes all within our community!” More information about the ELCA is available at www.elca.org/dayofservice.

The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 3.8 million members in nearly 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region.
Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.

For more information contact:
John Skogstoe
402-750-7184
jskogstoe@gmail.com
www.stjohnsnorfolk.com

St. John's Get Together September 9

Announcements 08.30.2015

Announcements 08.23.2015

Announcements 08.16.2015

Backpack Blessing This Weekend

Ignite. Invite. Service. Support.

Announcements 08.09.2015

LOOKING AHEAD

Another VBS is nearly done as tonight we celebrate with continued singing, laughing, and learning about God's love and mighty power to conquer the challenges we face.  It has been a very busy week, and we hope you had the opportunity to grow with us!

In one week (August 16)  we proclaim another Sunday School year OPEN, with Rally Day's Blessings of Backpacks and all those who continue to learn, either as a teacher or a student.  Bring your backpacks!  Don't rush home after late service (which moves back to 11AM) because you'll not want to miss the BBQ cookoff and pie baking contest.  See who wins (or retains) the trophy as Best BBQer!  The new Traveling Trivet Trophy will be presented to this year's winning pie baker.  Everyone will enjoy the outcome!  Lots of games and fun for everyone -- beginning at noon!

On August 22-23, we invite everyone to visit St. John's for an openhouse.  Discover the many ministries that thrive in the community and within the church.  Join us for dinner after the Saturday evening 5 PM worship service, served by our Parish Fellowship Team.  On Sunday, our Nebraska Lutheran Campus Ministry (NeLCM) will host the coffee hour @ 9:45 AM. Everyone invited!

Announcements 08.02.2015

Journey to "EVEREST" for VBS

Be sure to join us for Vacation Bible School "EVEREST" on Sunday, August 2 at 5 pm for a light dinner before gathering for VBS at 5:30 pm.   It sounds like a coooool experience -- plenty of games, activities and snacks, all while learning about God and the power of his love!  Be ready to sing and have fun -- and be sure to BRING A FRIEND!

Announcements 07.26.2015

Announcements 07.19.2015

Announcements 07.12.2015

Announcements 07.05.2015

Announcements 06.28.2015

Saturday Night Service Time Change to 5 p.m.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Beginning July 4, St. John's Saturday night worship service will make a permanent move to 5 P.M.

See you every Saturday at 5 P.M.!

Bright Horizons Garage Sale @ St. John's This Week

Thanks for contributing, buying, helping, and all that stuff for the Bright Horizons Garage Sale at St. John's the next few days!
Posted by St. John's Lutheran Church, Norfolk, NE on Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Garage Sale at St. John's This Friday

Announcements 06.14.2015

St. John's Swim Party Today!

As a reward for all of their great work on raising funds for the ELCA World Hunger Walk for Water Campaign, St John's Youth are invited to come on out for FREE SWIMMING at Norfolk's Aquaventure Water Park! St John's Adults are welcome to come, too! Adults just have to pay half price to get in! Hope to see you there! Looks like it'll be a great day for swimming!

Announcements 06.07.2015

Announcements 05.31.2015

Announcements 05.24.2015

Summer Worship Times

This Memorial Day Weekend, St. John's Summer Worship Schedule takes effect. Worship times will be as follows:

Saturday nights, 6 p.m.
Sunday mornings, 8:30 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.

Announcements 05.17.2015

Announcement 05.10.2015

Announcements 05.03.2015

Upcoming Confirmation Events

Confirmands of St. John's will be confirmed this coming Sunday, May 3, 2015, at the 11 a.m. worship service. These students are:

Mercedes Barg

Marcus Echtenkamp

Kelsey Eisenmann

Kelsey English

Chloe Fischer

Jacob Miller

Jacob Pedersen

Emily Schwanebeck

Announcements 04.26.2015

Ham Dinner on Sunday, April 26

Mother / Daughter Dinner

All women of St. John’s are invited to the Mother/Daughter Dinner at St. John’s on Thursday, April 23, at 6 PM. Members of St. John’s are asked to provide a salad to share for the meal. Meat salads will be provided by WELCA, along with rolls and punch. Please RSVP to St. John’s @ 402-371-1985 if you plan on attending, and be sure to bring a guest!

Announcements 04.12.2015

Confirmation Classes in April

Confirmation Classes in April are for 7th & 8th Graders on the following dates with the following topics:

April 8: Can I be a Christian without going to church?
April 15: Why should I follow Jesus: can’t I just say I believe him?
April 22: Can I do something bad enough to make God stop loving me?

Reminder to 8th Graders:
•Be sure to stop into the church office by 5 p.m. on April 8th to be measured for your confirmation robe & stole, and $20 to pay for these items.

2015 Easter Puppet Message

St. John's 2015 Easter Puppet Message from 11 AM Worship
St. John's 2015 Easter Puppet Message from 11 AM Worship
Posted by St. John's Lutheran Church, Norfolk, NE on Sunday, April 5, 2015

Holy Week Schedule

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
Holy Wednesday Healing Worship
6:30 PM

Announcements 04.05.2015

First Communion Class on April 1

One last reminder: First Communion Class will be held from 5-6 p.m. in the St. John's Sanctuary today for any children & parents who want to explore taking the Lord's Supper for the first time during Holy Week. No RSVP necessary. Simply come!

Announcements 03.29.2015

Lenten Midweek Worship & Events on March 25

Connect at St. John's this Wednesday afternoon & evening! Confirmation Classes for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes will be from 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Bethany Room) and 5-6 p.m. (Community Room), as we continue our month of looking at Prayer & Stewardship as we explore re:form's "How do I stop doing things I know I shouldn't do?" From 5:45-6:15 p.m., come for supper in the Fellowship Hall as we enjoy pizza! And at 6:30 p.m., our Lenten Midweek Worship continues, beginning with children's time, continuing with Holden Evening Prayer, a drama featuring Mary Magdalene the Restored, and a special song to send us out to light up the world. We hope you can join us!

Lenten Midweek Worship & Events on March 18

Connect at St. John's this Wednesday afternoon & evening! Confirmation Classes for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes will be from 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Bethany Room) and 5-6 p.m. (Community Room), as we continue our month of looking at Prayer & Stewardship as we explore Animate Practice's "Money: The Joy of Sharing." From 5:45-6:15 p.m., come for supper in the Fellowship Hall as we enjoy mac & cheese and hot dogs! And at 6:30 p.m., our Lenten Midweek Worship continues, beginning with children's time, continuing with Holden Evening Prayer, a drama featuring Peter the Humble, and a special song to send us shining into the night. We hope you can join us!

Announcements 03.15.2015

Lenten Midweek Worship & Events on March 11

Connect at St. John's this Wednesday afternoon & evening! Confirmation Classes for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes will be from 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Bethany Room) and 5-6 p.m. (Community Room), as we continue our month of looking at Prayer & Stewardship as we explore re:form's "Why should I pray the Lord's Prayer when it feels like I'm just going through the motions?" From 5:45-6:15 p.m., come for supper in the Fellowship Hall as we enjoy mexiburgers and sides! And at 6:30 p.m., our Lenten Midweek Worship continues, beginning with children's time, continuing with Holden Evening Prayer, a drama featuring John, the Disciple of Love, and a special song to enlighten our way. We hope you can join us!

Interested in First Communion?

If your child is interested in receiving the Lord's Supper for the first time, please contact Pastor Justin to schedule a time of instruction prior to April 1. We would love to celebrate your child's First Communion on Maundy Thursday (April 2) or Easter Sunday (April 5).

Announcements 03.08.2015

This Week's Midweek Lenten Worship

Connect at St. John's on Wednesday afternoon & evening. Confirmation Classes for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes will be from 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Bethany Room) and 5-6 p.m. (Community Room), as we begin our month of looking at Prayer & Stewardship. From 5:45-6:15 p.m., come for supper in the Fellowship Hall as we enjoy Culver's chicken, sides, and custard! And at 6:30 p.m., our Lenten Midweek Worship continues, beginning with children's time, continuing with Holden Evening Prayer, a drama featuring Mary, the Mother of Our Lord, and a special song to send us shining on our way. We hope you can join us!

Announcements 03.01.2015

No Wednesday Afternoon/Evening Events Feb. 25

All St. John's Afternoon & Evening Events have been canceled for today (Wednesday, February 25). No Confirmation Class, Meal, or Worship. Stay home & stay safe tonight. The office will remain open until 5 p.m. today.

.Announcements 02.15.2015

2015 Lent Information

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ-

I love Lent better than Advent. I love the themes of Lent, the music of Lent, and the divine drama that takes place each year as we move from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Lent is all about Jesus’ Passion, the Jesus’ walk to the cross, times of prayer, deepening of faith and grace, and the beauty of the love of God for the sake of the world. Lent is about gathering together, eating a meal with each other, considering the beauty of God, and giving thanks that we are a people of God in Christ.

I invite you to come and be with others at St John’s during Lent 2015.

About Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry is the one-to-one lay caring ministry that takes place in congregations that use the Stephen Series system. Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.

Announcements 02.08.2015

Ash Wednesday is Feb. 18

Ash Wednesday services will be held at Noon and 6:30 pm on February 18.  Come for Supper from 5:45 – 6:15 pm prior to evening worship.  All subsequent Lenten worship services will be held at 6:30 pm until Easter Vigil, which will be at the usual Saturday evening worship time of 6 pm.

Announcements 02.01.2015

Announcements 01.25.2015

Sign-Up for Text Notifications from St. John's

St. John’s invites you to sign up for our new remind.com text notifications! Simply text the following keywords to 81010 to get signed up for the following notification lists:

General-Congregation: @stjohnsgnrl

Sunday School: @stjohnsss

Confirmation: @stjohnconf

St. John’s Prayer Chain: @chainpray

Complete the sign-up process by sending the requested information from remind.com’s follow-up texts, and you’ll be set!

Announcements 01.11.2015

Notice of Upcoming Congregational Forum & Meeting