ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH
(The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod)
Alma, Kansas
A family united by faith in Christ gathering around God's Word and Sacraments.
To reach out in Christ-like concern and Christ-borne love to each other and to those without Christ!
May 2026 Friendship Circle News
Meeting Date: Wednesday, May 20th at 1:30p.m. in Memorial Hall
Hymn: "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" LSB 803
Devotion: "Made From Scratch" - Debbie MacGregor
Roll Call: What is your favorite "I am" statement?
Bible Study: Living a Chocolate Life "From Scratch" Pastor Grimm (Chapter 5)
Business: Report on LWML Convention
At our Friendship Circle meeting in April, our devotion, "Chocolate-Frosted Grace," reminded us that regardless of the mess we've made, God forgives us, and no mess is too much for Him to clean up! The Bible study, "Promises," highlighted Scripture verses that show how God always keeps His promises, and how we can delight in these promises. We also delighted in chocolate cake and took a chocolate facial scrub home to enjoy.
The Kansas District LWML Convention took place April 17 - 19 in Manhattan. There were speakers, Bible studies, worship services, music, Leader Development sessions, meals, lots of exhibits to explore, Mites collection and so much more! Gifts From The Heart collected items for Cancer Care Kits, Military Personnel Gift Bags, Flint Hills Breadbasket in Manhattan, and eyeglasses for MOST Ministries. Four plastic shopping bags stuffed with glasses came from our congregation. Thank you for your donations!!
At our evening LWML meeting on Thursday, April 23rd, we spent time doing a Bible study together, and then enjoyed some fun (funny) activities. There were also cookies!
The next LWML evening meeting will be in July. Watch for the date!
LUNCH BUNCH will meet at Barleycorns on May 17th in Wamego. Come for good food and fellowship.
VOICES FOR GOD: The choir will not sing again until June. If you or you know someone who enjoys singing, please join us on Monday nights. We will start practices again in August.
THEOLOGY ON TAP: The next event will be Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. You may join them at Rockin’ K’s in Manhattan.
THE BOOK STUDY GROUP will meet at Bruce and Kathy Schultz's home on Thursday, May 7th and at Elaine Becker's home on May 21at 7 p.m.
GREENHOUSE COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Nearly two-thirds of the neighbors around St. John Lutheran Church and School are not connected to any church. St. John received an LWML grant that would enable the students from St. John Lutheran to build relationships with local elementary students in USD 329, Wabaunsee, by including them in their science, math, and art lessons in the greenhouse. Neighboring families may be invited to start plants of their own in the greenhouse as the school year ends in the spring. We plan for relationships to grow in an age where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face encounters.
2026-2029 LCMS NATIONAL CONVENTION OFFERING: “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.” Psalm 78:4
The theme for the 2026–2029 Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod convention reflects the church’s call to share the message of Christ’s resurrection far and wide, across space and time: “Christ Is Risen! Tell the Next Generation.”
The National Offering theme is an extension of the 2026 Synod convention theme, based on 1 Corinthians 15:20–22: “Christ Is Risen Indeed.”
The National Offering, which spans the years between conventions, provides an opportunity for congregations, districts, circuits, individuals or other groups to support the work of the LCMS vigorously to make known the Good News of Jesus Christ, that all might rejoice and give thanks to our heavenly Father.
Gifts to the 2026–2029 National Offering will directly benefit ongoing domestic work carried out at the local level by LCMS congregations, districts and others, and supported by LCMS Family Ministry, Youth Ministry, Campus Ministry & School Ministry.
Watch for more information to come about grant opportunities for LCMS congregations, districts and Recognized Service Organizations to take part in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to the next generation. For more information, visit
lcms.org/convention/national/offering or contact:
mission.advancement@lcms.org.
KANSANS FOR LIFE AFTERMATH EXHIBIT: Hope Lutheran Church will host the AFTERMATH exhibit presented by the Hope Life Team on Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. AFTERMATH is a traveling memorial created by Kansans for Life, commemorating the 19,811 children who lost their lives to abortion in Kansas in a single year. The exhibit uses educational displays to share statewide statistics and to honor the lives of children lost before birth. It is designed to encourage thoughtful reflection on the importance of life and care for families. The display is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. Location: Hope Lutheran Church, 6308 Quivira Road, Shawnee, Kansas 66216. The display will be in the church parking lot. In the event of rain, it will be moved indoors to the gym. For additional information about the exhibit, visit: https://aftermathks.com/
YOUR TIME IN GOD’S WORD: You can guide your time with the latest Apps from Concordia Publishing House. The “In Prayer” app is simple with a user- friendly layout. You can access devotions, organize the content, and purchase a variety of in-app resources such as “Portals of Prayer.” Annual subscriptions start at $9.00 per year. The Lutheran Study Bible app has just added an audio feature with clear, human narration of the full ESV Bible. Other features include complete Bible text with Lutheran study notes, over 200 articles, maps, and book introductions, cross-references and linked articles, and more. The annual subscription rate is $9.99 or $2.99 per month.
CARING NEIGHBORS CANCER FUND: This fund was established in 2015 by a group of local community
members whose goal is to financially assist people living in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties who
are currently receiving treatment for cancer. The committee’s purpose is to help defray some expenses for patients not covered by health insurance, such as insurance deductibles, airfare, lodging, and food.
Money is generated through donations, memorials, and fundraising events. The fund is a 501(c)3 with no administrative costs as it is an all-volunteer team. The criteria for assistance are to be currently receiving cancer treatments and living in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties. There is a simple application form that needs to be filled out with two committee members present. The names of those who receive assistance are kept in the strictest confidence. For more information, or to request assistance, you may contact either Chris Day at 785-456-5325 or Donna Goehring at 785-458-9205.2026 KANSAS DISTRICT PENTECOST OFFERING will take place the weekend of May 24. For 29 years, LCMS Kansas District congregations have supported the growth of God’s kingdom in Guinea and West Africa.
Six students are currently enrolled in the pastoral program for the 2025-2026 academic year at the Centre Luthérien d'Études Théologiques (CLET) Guinea seminary in Guéckédou. This is the second year of classes using the newly constructed seminary buildings and campus grounds.
Other West Africa updates include The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Guinea (ELCG) aiding those affected by a tornado in the Lutheran community of Gbandekamadou, in April 2025. As of March 2026, several of the damaged houses were under construction, including the village church. More than 122 people from the 12 affected families have received assistance. In addition, over 120 patients and 200 prisoners in various locations were visited by the ELCG in the past year. The church body makes monthly visits to prisons and hospitals to share the Gospel, pray, and tend to needs like food, water, or medicine. There are also currently six students at CLET-Dapaong, and three of the students will complete their training in May.
An abundance of mission work is taking place in Guinea and West Africa, and there is still much to be done! Please consider participating in this year’s Pentecost Offering, and supporting the great work being accomplished. The offering will be used to continue supporting operational costs of the Guinea seminary, as well as the provision of Lutheran education and resources to the people of Guinea and West Africa.
An online donation link is on the District website, https://kslcms.org/guinea-westafrica.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: At Praisemakers, your children will gear up for a JOY-themed VBS with lessons about perseverance and trust. Join us for 2 fun filled days, May 26th and 27th from 9 A.M. - 3 P.M. (Lunch will be served). Day 1- Psalm 98:4 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music. Day 2- Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Come along with us as we sing, craft, play, learn, and more. Can’t wait to see you there!
To register, fill out the form below and drop it by the church office OR register online at: https://forms.gle/dCQ4JUUYKQWcaSAP9 Additional forms can be printed at stjohnalma.org.
**(Participants: Age 3 - going into 6th grade. JH volunteers: going into 7th & older). Registrations received by May 6th will be included in our T-shirt order so get them in ASAP!!
Adult (entering 9th grade and older) and JH (7th - 9th grade) volunteers are needed. At the link below are all of the available service positions. Sign up by clicking the link and typing your NAME and EMAIL under the option that best fits you. Include "Monday only" or "Tuesday only" if unable to serve both days. Don't forget to give your t-shirt size. Thank you for your service! https://forms.gle/6C5raqKBkZULXf8D7
2026 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORM
Child’s name _______________________________________
T-Shirt Size YXS YS YM YL YXL AS AM AL AXL Age __________
Parent/Guardian Names ______________________________________________
Home/Mailing Address ____________________________________
Phone Number __________________________________
Emergency contact person _______________________________ Relationship to student _____________
Phone Number ___________________________________
Food allergies? __________ (List:) ________________________________________________________
Medical concerns or special needs? ______ (Explain:) _________________________________________
Family doctor _________________________________ Doctor’s phone ___________________________
Siblings attending VBS (names and ages) ___________________________________________________
People who may pick up the child _________________________________________________________
VBS leaders have permission to photograph/film the minor(s) designated above in any manner or form for any lawful purpose associated
with this VBS program.
Parent’s signature _______________________________________________________________________
In This Month's
St. John Witness
MAY WITNESS
Miscellaneous News
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