ST JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 1300 West Benjamin Ave. Norfolk, NE 68701-2621 Telephone (402) 371-1985 Fax (402) 379-0327

The Rev. David E. Cox, Interim Senior PastorThe Rev. Justin R. Wiese, Assistant Pastor & NeLCM-Norfolk Campus Pastor

Jolene Ziebell, Coordinator of Youth MinistriesJacquie Samway, Coordinator of Congregational Care

2016 LENTEN UPDATE LETTERDear sisters & brothers in Christ at St. John’s: As we continue in this season of Lent, we find ourselves with a variety of information we want to share with everyone. We think this letter is the most effective way to do so.

ST. JOHN’S GET TOGETHER: SEDER MEAL MARCH 2, 2016, 5:30 - 7:00 PM. 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, & the actual meal will include turkey, green beans, boiled barley, dates, figs, & orange slices. To cover the cost of this meal, we will be charging a minimum of $5 per person, with any donations over the amount of the expenses of the meal to be donated to St. John’s ELCA World Hunger 40 Days of Giving Fundraiser. We are asking everyone planning to attend this meal to RSVP through the church office by Monday, February 29, by calling 402-371-1985, emailing stjohnsnorfolk@cableone.net, or signing up during weekend worship at St. John’s. Payment will be collected at the meal. Your pastors believe this meal to be educational as well as enjoyable. Therefore, ALL 3rd through 8th grade confirmation students and their families are strongly & highly encouraged to attend this meal. NO other confirmation classes will be held on March 2. Please make plans to attend this meal as your schedules allow. Due to the length of the Passover Seder meal on March 2, worship will begin at 7 PM, which is 30 minutes later than the normal 6:30 PM Lenten Worship start time.

During this season of Lent, St. John’s members are encouraged to give gifts through St. John’s for the 2016 ELCA World Hunger 40 Days of Giving. St. John’s has pledged a goal of $2,000, and has already received over $800 toward this special offering. These extra gifts are being collected in the glass box in the rear of the sanctuary. You are encouraged to use the special envelopes on the box for your gifts.

A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

ST. JOHN’S LENTEN MEALS & WORSHIP CONTINUE THRU MARCH 16 We hope you have been enjoying the “Questions of Faith” Lenten Midweek Worship series during Lent. The remaining schedule is as follows.

ST. JOHN’S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE: No Evening MealsSat, March 19, 5:00 PM/ Sun, March 20, 8:30 & 11 AM: Palm/Passion WeekendWed, March 23, 6:30 PM: Holy Wednesday Healing WorshipThurs, March 24, Noon: Maundy Thursday Worship with CommunionThurs, March 24, 6:30 PM: Maundy Thursday Worship with CommunionFri, March 25, 6:30 PM: Good Friday WorshipSat, March 26, 5 PM: Easter Vigil with New Members Reception featuring Hors d’oeuvresSun, March 27, 8:30 AM: Easter Worship with Sermon; 11 AM: Easter Worship with Puppet Message

Go To Camp for $50! In 2016, St. John’s once again encourages members to send your youth & family to Carol Joy Holling Camp! This summer’s Bible study theme is ‘Upside Down,’ based on Ephesians 5:1-2. You can attend for just $50, with the remainder of registration fees picked up by St. John’s Benefaction Funds. Simply register your child online at caroljoyholling.org, and at check out, select “Pay By Check.” Then pay a $50 non-refundable deposit to St. John’s Camps & Retreats fund, who will then pick up the total registration. For complete details, visit with Pastor Justin or St. John’s Office Manager Gail Ermels. Phone: 402-371-1985

A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Date Meal Time/Food Worship Time/Theme

Wed, Feb. 24 5:45 PM: Culver’s Chicken 6:30 PM: What matters most in the Great Commandment?

Wed, Mar. 2 5:30 PM: Passover Seder Meal 7 PM: When does Suffering mean something greater?

Wed, Mar. 9 5:45 PM: Hot Dogs & Mac & Cheese 6:30 PM: How do we sense purpose and fulfillment as Christians?

Wed, Mar. 16 5:45 PM: Little Caesars Pizza 6:30 PM: Where do we see God today?