Special Worship Times Dec. 31/Jan. 1

The Name of Jesus Worship will be celebrated the weekend of December 31, 2016/January 1, 2017, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Norfolk, Nebraska. Come Saturday night at 5 PM, or Sunday morning to a special 10 AM worship time.

From the beginning, by virtue of our baptism, we are called Christian. We were “Christ-ened” at the font. Bearing his name, we share the same Father and are invited to address him intimately: Abba! Jesus bears our sins in humble obedience to the will of the Father. Today we pray that the mind of Christ, whose name we bear, would be our own. It is a good way to begin, again, another year.

Merry Christmas from St. John's!

Announcements 12.25.2016

Christmas Eve 5, 7, & 9 PM; Christmas Day 10 AM

St. John's Lutheran Church in Norfolk invites you to worship with us this Christmas weekend.

At 5 PM, join us for The Essence of Christmas. Sing hymns, hear the story of The Perfect Christmas Tree read by Pastor David Cox, enjoy Holy Communion & Candlelight, and receive a special gift to take the story with you.

At 7 PM, join us for A Christmas Night. This traditional service includes hymns, Christmas Eve lectionary readings, a sermon by Pastor Justin Wiese, Holy Communion, & Candlelight.

At 9 PM, A Festival of Lessons & Carols concludes our Christmas Eve worship. No sermon is preached, but a variety of Scripture lessons & traditional carols fill our worship. Holy Communion & Candlelight will be included in this service, too.

Christmas Day will be celebrated on Sunday, December 25, with only one worship service at 10 AM. Come enjoy the festival of the nativity as we celebrate Jesus' presence among us. Holy Communion will be celebrated Sunday morning.

Financial Forum & Annual Meeting Dates/Times

St. John's Lutheran Church Council in Norfolk invites all St. John's members to attend the Financial Forum on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at 9:45 AM, as the proposed general fund budget of 2017 is reviewed prior to the 2017 St. John's Annual Meeting, which will be held Sunday, January 22, 2017, at 1 PM. A narrative budget which outlines the vision for ministry at St. John's will be available soon. A quorum is not required for the financial forum, as no official action is taken at this information meeting.

St. John's 2017 Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2017, at 1 PM in the St. John's Fellowship Hall. Prior to the meeting, a Noon Potluck will be held. All voting members of St. John's are requested to attend this meeting to elect council members, Benefaction Board members, Legacy Board members, and 2017 Nebraska Synod Assembly Voting Members, as well as vote to approve the proposed 2017 General Budget. A fifty voting member quorum is required for the meeting.

Announcements 12.18.2016

Christmas Cantata on Dec. 17 & 18

On December 17 & 18, St. John's Majesty Choir presents their Christmas Cantata at all three worship services. "Jesus! The Advent of the Messiah" celebrates the arrival of God's Son as all are invited to worship the Holy Child. "Jesus!" glorifies the Son of the Most High with both familiar melodies and new songs of praise, taking the Christmas experience beyond the manger to learn anew the story of the birth of our Savior, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Announcements 12.11.2016

St. John's celebrates 50 years on the hill Dec. 11

St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norfolk celebrates "50 years on the hill” this Sunday, December 11, 2016. On this date, 50 years earlier, Pastor Richard L. Jobman and the congregation made the move from Second and Philip to the current location of US Highway 81 and Benjamin Avenue after a multi-year building program.

“St. John’s has stood as a light on the hill. One cannot hide the light: it stands to give light to the Norfolk community. It is wonderful to be a part of their light, and the light of Christ in this place,” said Interim Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. David Cox.

“Fifty years at our current location is a significant milestone for St. John’s,” said Assistant Pastor Rev. Justin Wiese. “Rev. Jobman, building chairman Gordon Moritz, and the people of St. John’s were visionary to relocate from downtown to farmland on the north side of Norfolk in the 1960s, while Benjamin Avenue was a two-lane dirt road. As our community has grown, St. John’s finds itself at a prominent location in north Norfolk. It’s not very often you can go from the middle of nowhere to the middle of everything while staying in one place.”

To recognize this special anniversary, St. John’s regular weekend schedule has been changed. No worship will be held Saturday night. On Sunday morning, a free-will offering breakfast will be held in the fellowship hall from 8:30-9:30 AM. During this time, St. John’s members will feature seasonal music. At 10 AM, a worship service will feature a rededication of the building and its furnishings.

A Celebration of Wreaths, showcasing wreaths made by and representing the households of St. John’s, will be on display throughout the upper level of the building. Commemorative Christmas ornaments are also available for purchase. The public is invited to attend the celebration.

First Communion Classes held Dec. 7

For those parents who have a child/children who have been asking to receive Holy Communion, you are invited to attend a First Communion Class at either 2:30 or 5 PM December 7 in the sanctuary for a one-hour class with Pastor Justin as he reviews this sacrament with you and your child.

First Communion will be celebrated on December 11 at 10 AM with those children/families who are able to attend our special 50 Years On The Hill Worship Service.

Announcements 12.04.2016

Upcoming Events at St. John's

Announcements 11.27.2016

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday Nov. 23 at St. John's

Give thanks with a grateful heart at St. John's during our Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary. Holden Evening Prayer will be our order of service, and we will celebrate the Great Thanksgiving: the Lord's Supper. Come worship & give thanks & praise to God.

Can't make it? Tune via Facebook Live at facebook.com/stjohnsnorfolk. Would you like to give a financial gift of thanks to St. John's? Donate now through our online giving service.

Also, a reminder: no Confirmation Classes today.

Announcements 11.20.2016

Confirmation Class Canceled Nov. 16

Confirmation classes canceled Nov. 16 due to illness. Christmas program rehearsal continues as scheduled.

Stewardship Luncheon & Hanging of the Greens Sunday, Nov. 20

Join St. John's on November 20, 2016, for our Christ the King Sunday Stewardship Luncheon at Noon in our fellowship hall as we celebrate those who invest their talents, time, resources, and relationships in the ministries of our congregation. After the meal at 1 PM, we will decorate our sanctuary & church building for the seasons of Advent & Christmas with the Hanging of the Greens. Your family wreath may arrive on this day, as we celebrate 50 Years on the Hill with a Celebration of Wreaths throughout St. John's upper level all of Advent.

First Communion Classes held Wednesday, December 7

First Communion classes will be held December 7 at 2:30-3:30pm and 5-6pm for any baptized youth whose parents have discerned that their children are ready to receive the Lord’s Supper for the first time. Parents are encouraged to attend the class with their children.

Families must RSVP their intent on attending one of the classes no later than noon December 7 by calling the church office (402-371-1985). If this date does not work, please visit with Pastor Justin to schedule a different time.

The one-hour class will review how God loves us and feeds us, using stories from the Spark Story Bible. Students will also learn how communion is received at St. John’s and other churches.

Students who complete the First Communion Class will be invited to receive First Communion at the "50 years on the hill" worship service on Sunday, December 11, 2016, at 10 AM.

Announcements 11.13.2016

Announcements 11.06.2016

This Far By Faith: St. John's 2016 Devotional Scripture Readings & Writings

This Far By Faith: 2016 Devotional Scripture Readings Writings by St. John's Lutheran Church, Norfolk, NE on Scribd

Announcements 10.30.2016

Announcements 10.23.2016

Announcements 10.16.2016

Announcements 10.09.2016

Get Together October 5

New Member Classes October 2, 9, & 16

New Member Classes begin this Sunday, October 2, at 9:45 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church, located at Highway 81 & Benjamin Avenue in Norfolk. Snag a drink and a donut in the Fellowship Hall, then head to the Nazareth Room on the main level of the Jobman Christian Education Center to meet with Pastor Justin to go over St. John's 101, which covers some of the basics of our church. Two more new member classes follow October 9 & 16 at 9:45 AM. On October 9th, we'll look information about the ELCA Churchwide Organization & Nebraska Synod. On October 16, we'll take a tour of our building & discuss the ministries that happen in the different spaces. Come join us for these classes if you want to know more about St. John's!

Announcement 10.02.2016

Yellow T-Shirt Order by October 7

St. John's will be ordering additional yellow T-Shirts with the "God's Work, Our Hands" logo and St. John's personalization on the back. If you're still wanting a shirt and would like to place an order, please contact the church office @ 402-371-1985 or email Gail at gailer@cableone.net. Deadline to order is Friday, October 7, 2016.

Former St. John's Pastor Rev. Rollin Olesen obituary info

Our thoughts, prayers, sympathy, and condolences are with the family of Rev. Rollin Olesen, previous visitation & interim pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church, who died Monday, September 26, 2016, in Sioux City. Funeral Services are pending at the Wintz Funeral Home in Coleridge, NE, with funeral likely on Friday in Sioux City with burial in Coleridge. We give thanks to God for the gift of life we knew in Rev. Olesen.

Update: Christian Ed. & Youth Group Info

Dear St. John's folks:

After a staff conversation with Pastor David, Pastor Justin and Jolene today, we would like to communicate to you the following information.

1. The Christian Ed. Team meeting has been canceled for tomorrow evening, September 28, 2016. As of this time, there does not appear to be any pressing items to be put on the agenda for this month to discuss. Sunday School is working well, and there are no outstanding issues for staffing, curriculum or changes in the printed out schedule through our newsletter that require a meeting for September.

We will have a meeting next month on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. At the October meeting the Sunday School Christmas Program will be discussed, as well as other timely topics.

In the meantime, if you have any items you wish to add to the agenda, please let Jolene know. We are hoping to have meetings with printed agendas and proposals communicated in a timely manner. Of course, items may be added to a printed agenda.

We extend a thank you to those of you who participate in the Sunday Educational Program of the congregation. Attendance right now is both up and holding. This is something we celebrate.

2. For those who are parents of youth in the 7-12 grades: there had been discussion of having a meeting of parents with Aline Skogstoe and Pastor David to be scheduled on Wednesday, September 28. At this point, since there has been confusion and poor communication to those who are invited, Pastor David and Aline would like to suggest rescheduling this meeting to Monday, October 3, from 6:30-7:30 PM. This is a meeting for the parents of youth, to bring them up to speed on the basic programming for youth events from now through the end of 2016, as well as to discuss and share the vision of our youth programming for this same period. Both Pastor David and Aline invite parents to attend. This notice will go up through our text service, as well as on our social sites and the church calendar.

Thank you again for your participation, your prayers, and your interest in these programs of St John's Lutheran.

Pastor David Cox, Pastor Justin Wiese, and Jolene Ziebell

Announcements 09.25.2016

Folks & Forks This Weekend!

Announcements 09.18.2016

Announcements 09.11.2016

Announcements 09.04.2016

Parent & Student Confirmation Orientation Aug. 24, 5:30 PM

All parents and youth of 3rd through 8th graders are invited to join Pastor Justin in the Fellowship Hall on Wed., August 24, 2016, from 5:30-6:30 PM to learn about St. John’s 2016-2017 Confirmation Curriculum & Schedule. Little Caeser’s Pizza will be served for supper. Information will be made available at the meeting. Scheduling will also be posted soon on our website & facebook pages. Please contact Pastor Justin Wiese with any additional questions before or after the meeting. 

Announcements 08.28.2016

St. John's Text Notifications

St. John's Open House Sunday August 28

Come check out St. John's during our Open House Sunday! Come for worship Sunday at either 8:30 AM or 11 AM. At 9:30 AM, join us for a fellowship hour with donuts & coffee as a variety of groups feature a ministry showcase between the two worship services. Come on your own, or bring your friends & family. It's an Open House Sunday at St. John's Lutheran Church, Norfolk, NE! Regular Saturday night worship will be held 5 PM, as usual.

Announcements 08.21.2016

Get Fired Up! Rally Sunday August 21

Get Fired Up! St. John's Norfolk 2016 Rally Sunday will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2016. Come join us for worship at either 8:30 or 11 AM. Sunday School will kick off the year at 9:45 AM, as students & teachers gather in their classrooms for some fun "get to know you" activities. At Noon, come and EAT as BBQ grillers & pie bakers COMPETE for Best BBQ & Best Pie Contests. Around 12:30PM, Games For All will be held by age group, as Pre-K & K, 1st & 2nd, 3rd & 4th, and 5th & 6th graders, High Schoolers, College Aged, and Adults compete in Musical Chairs, Bubble Gum Blowing Contest, Water Balloon Toss, Egg On A Spoon Race, and the Classic Foot Race. Bring your family & friends as we get fired up for the fall at St. John's!

Sunday's Sermon: August 14, 2016, 10:15 AM Worship

Announcements 08.14.2016

St. John's Oldies & Goodies: Sunday, August 14, 2016

Sunday's Sermon: August 7, 2016, 10:15 AM Worship

Announcements 08.07.2016

2016 VBS: Egypt Continues Through August 4

Join us every night this week through Thursday, August 4, for supper in the fellowship hall at 5:30 PM and for VBS opening program & activities, starting & ending in the sanctuary  6-8:15 PM.

Check out pictures as we update them throughout the week, and tune in live for opening & closing worship at http://www.facebook.com/stjohnsnorfolk

Sunday's Sermon: July 31, 2016, 10:15 AM Worship

Announcements 07.31.2016

Announcements 07.24.2016

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2016

Be sure to join us beginning Sunday, July 31, for VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL @ ST. JOHN'S!  We will journey to Egypt to be with Joseph as he grows from a young man who is sold into slavery by his brothers to a respected dream-interpreter in Pharaoh's court.  You won't want to miss this adventure!  Following the 10:15 am worship service, we'll enjoy lunch in the Fellowship Hall, then off to begin the journey.  See you there!

Announcements 07.17.2016

Egypt: Vacation Bible School July 31-August 4

St. John's Lutheran Church in Norfolk, NE, invites you to experience the thrill of visiting ancient Egypt and join Joseph on his journey from prison to palace! Group's Holy Land Adventure Vacation Bible School (VBS) transports kids to ancient Egypt where they meet Bible heroes, visit the Egyptian marketplace, learn hieroglyphics, and more. Day One of VBS kicks off with lunch at Noon in St. John's Fellowship Hall, followed by Opening Music at 12:30 PM in the sanctuary. Day One's journey will wrap up around 2:45 PM in the sanctuary.

On Days Two through Five, VBS will kick off with supper at 5:30 PM in St. John's Fellowship Hall, followed by Opening Music at 6 PM in the sanctuary. Day Two through Five's journeys will wrap up around 8:15 PM in the sanctuary.

Register online at vbs.stjohnsnorfolk.com today, and invite your friends! Call 402-371-1985 for more info, or stop by St. John's today.

Receive a FREE Iron-On T-Shirt VBS Egypt Logo when you register before July 18th!

Announcements 07.10.2016

Announcements 07.03.2016

2016 St. John's Confirmation Camp at Carol Joy Holling Camp

St. John's Garage Sale for Bright Horizons Info

Announcements 06.26.2016

Sunday's Sermon: June 19, 2016, 11 AM Worship

Announcements 06.19.2016

Sunday's Sermon: June 12, 2016, 8:30 AM Worship

Announcements 06.12.2016

Announcements 06.05.2016

Announcements 05.29.2016

Plant 150

In celebration of Norfolk's 150th birthday, the city has asked everyone to send pictures when a tree is planted in commemoration of this celebration.  St. John's Garden Club has planted a tree near the office doors, adding to the Norfolk total.  To view the pictures of all the plantings, go to ci.norfolk.ne.us/parks/150trees.htm .

Announcements 05.22.2016

Congratulations, Graduates!

Join us on Sunday, May 15, when we celebrate our 2016 high school and college graduates.  No need for a cap or gown, just join us during our 8:30AM worship for prayers and blessings.  Congratulations!

Announcements 05.15.2016

Announcements 05.08.2016

Graduation Celebration May 15

Announcements 05.01.2016

St. John's 2016 Preparation for Confirmation Letter

Reminder: 8th Graders take confirmation pictures this Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at 5 PM in the sanctuary. Please wear something a nice as possible, noting that we will be wearing robes and stoles for the pictures. Shoes can be seen in the pictures, so choose your shoes wisely. Please do not run late, as this delays all of the picture taking.

Following pictures, we will do a run through of how we are walking in, where people are standing, etc. This will take as long as it takes: full cooperation on the students' parts will likely ensure a quick rehearsal.

Thank you for making Wednesday work, and we look forward to celebrating with you on Sunday!

~~Prs. David & Justin

Announcements 04.24.2014

Announcements 04.17.2016

Mikes & Pipes Fund Drive

Shortly after we set and approved our budgets for this year, St. John's Council learned of two urgent needs. The wireless microphones used by the pastors and worship assistants are 10 years old and in bad shape. In addition, the pipe organ needs strengthened supports for the larger pipes to prevent sagging and eventual failure. The council acted on faith to immediately commit to both projects which saves a considerable amount of money.  Now it is time to fund both projects which total $7,200. The Memorial Committee has set aside $2,000 for a fifty cents on the dollar match. Please choose one of three ways to make a gift to our “Mikes & Pipes” fund as you are able: 1) Make your gift through your regular offering envelope, noting it on your check or envelope. 2) Grab a special “Mikes & Pipes” envelope from the back of the sanctuary and put your gift in it to put in the offering plate. 3) Go online to stjohnsnorfolk.com, click on the Donate Now button, and give an e-gift on the “Mikes & Pipes” line. Thank you for giving as generously as you are able toward these projects.

St. John's Text Notifications

We used our text notification service quite a bit over the past month with our inclement weather. Are you signed up for St. John's Text Notifications through Remind.com? You can also download the remind.com app. Ask Pastor Justin if you have any technical questions. Pretty easy & convenient for those who text!

Walk 'n Talk

Let's go for a walk! St. John's Parish Fellowship Team would like to invite you to walk 'n talk with us on Saturday mornings. Join us at Skyview Lake at 9 AM, meeting at the playground equipment and we will walk around the lake. Bring your kids, strollers, scooters, or pets along for the walk. Let's have some fun walking and getting to know each other!

Announcements 04.10.2016

St. John's April Get Together: Spring Bingo Party

Sunday School Easter Program Sat. April 9

Announcements 04.03.2016

St. John's Easter Cantata April 2 & 3

St. John's Majesty Choir directed by Dr. Ron Lofgren invites you to enjoy their 2016 Easter Cantata: The Rose of Calvary, on Saturday, April 2, at 5 p.m., and Sunday, April 3, at 8:30 or 11 AM. The Cantata is the featured musical message at all three worship services.

Announcements EASTER SUNDAY 03.27.2016

Holy Saturday: Snow Update!

So here's the plan: we are going to do what we can for worship with those who show up! Easter Vigil worship is at 5 PM on Saturday night. Reception with yummy food to follow if the cooks can get here with the food they have already made. Easter Sunday Worship is at 8:30 & 11 AM. Come celebrate with us!

Click here to see the snow and hear from Pastor Justin.

Holy Week Schedule

Holy Week Schedule 

Fri, March 25, 6:30 PM: Good Friday Worship
Sat, March 26, 5 PM: Easter Vigil with New Members Reception
Sun, March 27, 8:30 AM: Easter Worship with Sermon
Sun, March 27, 11 AM: Easter Worship with Puppet Message

Announcements 03.20.2016

Lenten Midweek Worship March 16

5th & 6th Grade Confirmation in March

In the month of March, 5th & 6th grade students will be attending confirmation classes at either 2:30-3:15 pm in the Bethany Room, or 5-5:45 pm in the Hoppe Community Room.

March 16 re:form topic: Can you accept the theory of evolution and still be a Christian?

Lenten Midweek Worship March 9

Announcements 03.13.2016

St. John's 101: New Member Classes

Interested in joining the membership of St. John's Lutheran Church in Norfolk? Just want to know more about St. John's/Norfolk and the ELCA? Come take part in a three-week session on the "St. John's Basics" in our St. John's 101 New Member Classes. Led by Pastor Justin Wiese between our two Sunday morning worship services, the three-week sessions include:

• February 28--Session One: St. John's Congregational Basics
• March 6--Session Two: Nebraska Synod & ELCA Churchwide Ministires
• March 13--Session Three: Tour St. John's Building & Ministries

Classes will begin each Sunday at 9:40 AM in the Nazareth Room, and conclude at approximately 10:45 AM. Please plan to attend all three classes to take part in the full St. John's 101 experience!

2016 Lenten Update Letter

Announcements 03.06.2016

St. John's Get Together: Passover Seder Meal on March 2

The Passover Seder meal is a living testimony to God’s faithfulness to his people. Celebrated by Jewish people since they were freed from Egypt, this meal teaches those who eat it to look back at the past with gratitude, to accept the present with trust, and to anticipate the future with hope. It is from the bread & wine of the Seder meal that Jesus gives us the Lord’s Supper to celebrate his presence among us.

Pastors David & Justin invite you to enjoy this full-fledged 90 minute dinner at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, in St. John’s Fellowship Hall. The ceremonial meal will include samples of lamb, matzo, bitter herbs, & haroses, and the actual meal will include turkey, green beans, boiled barley, dates, figs, and orange slices.

7 PM Worship March 2

Announcements 02.28.2016

Lenten Midweek Feb. 24 at St. John's

Announcements 02.21.2016

Lenten Midweek Feb. 17 at St. John's

St. John's Brunch on the Hill: Feb. 14

St. John's Lutheran Church in Norfolk invites you to Brunch on the Hill: Valentine's Day Edition, catered by First Choice Catering, on Sunday, February 14, 2016, from 9:30 AM to 1 PM in our fellowship hall. Come enjoy a buffet featuring pancakes, scrambled eggs, biscuits & sausage gravy, cheesy hashbrown casserole, French toast bake, fruit coffee cake, breakfast pizza, orange juice, coffee, & water. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 & under. At the door tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children 10 & under. For tickets or additional information, contact St. John's at 402-371-1985.

Announcements 02.14.2016

Ash Wednesday at St. John's on Feb. 10

Announcements 02.07.2016

Wed. Feb. 3 @ St. John's

On Wednesday, February 3, 2016, all activities at St. John's will be canceled. The offices intend to be open with limited staff at 1:30 PM, pending access to the parking lot and staff's ability to get to St. John's. Emergency numbers, as always, are available on St. John's Voice Mail: simply call 402-371-1985.

February Get Together Canceled

This event was canceled due to the big Groundhog's Day Snowstorm. :-(

Announcements 01.31.2016

Announcements 01.24.2015

Annual Meeting held Sunday, January 24

The 2016 Annual Meeting of St. John's Lutheran Church in Norfolk, Nebraska, will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2016. A potluck dinner will be held at Noon following the 11 AM worship service, with the 2016 Annual Meeting set to begin at 1 PM. Every voting member of St. John's is encouraged to attend. Visitors are welcome to attend, but will not be permitted to vote. The congregation is asked to bring a dish to share. Drinks and table service will be provided.

Copies of the proposed 2016 Annual Budget will be available prior to the Annual Meeting. Please contact the church office with any questions at 402-371-1985. Thank you!

Announcements 01.17.2016

Announcements 01.10.2016

5th & 6th Grade Confirmation Classes in January

St. John's Confirmation Classes resume January 6. This month, 5th & 6th graders may choose to attend class from 2:30-3:30 PM in the Bethany Room, or 5-6 PM in the the Hoppe Community Room. The topic in January is Spiritual Practices.