1

Christ Beatrice – 8AM St. Paul’s Plymouth – 10AM

June 27, 2021

Commemoration of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession

2

Welcome

If you do not want to use a paper bulletin this morning, you can access the bulletin on our website – www.stpaulsplymouth.org. The entire worship service is printed out so that you do not need to use the hymnal.

Offering plates can be found at the entrances. Although giving offerings for gospel ministry is an act of worship, we will refrain from passing the offering plates during the service at this time.

May the Lord bless the time we spend together around His Word this morning! If you are looking for a church to call home, please contact Pastor Berger (pastorberger@gmail.com; call/text 402-239-4509) or Pastor Dauck (justin.dauck@gmail.com; call/text 402-806-9082) or stop by the church office. They would love to serve you with God’s Word!

If you desire, there is a nursery in the back on the west side of the church, but please know that your children are ALWAYS welcome in our service no matter how much noise they make. We’re happy to have them hear the Word and join us praising God with their voices!

Before you leave, please sign the guest register. It is located on the top of the stairs in the church entryway.

Please talk to one of the Elders (seated in the back of the church) if you have questions about the service or the congregation.

Large print service folders are available. Please speak to one of the Elders if this would be of assistance to you.

Listening assist devices are available at St. Paul’s. Please speak to one of the elders if you would like one for this morning’s service.

Our Sunday morning service can be heard on KWBE 1450AM (94.7FM) and viewed live and archived at www.stpaulsplymouth.org. Please share this information with those who are not able to attend worship.

Prayers before Worship can be found in Christian Worship–A Lutheran Hymnal, pp. 10-11.

On the Bulletin Cover

“VDMA” is an acronym for the Latin: Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum (The Word of the Lord Stands Forever), taken from 1 Peter 1:25. It was used as a confident expression of the enduring power and authority of God’s Word over the ideas of man which had infiltrated the Church.

It first appeared in the court of Frederick the Wise in 1522. He had it sewn onto the right sleeve of the court’s official clothing. It was also used by Frederick’s successors—his brother, John the Steadfast, and nephew, John Frederick the Magnanimous. It was used on flags, banners, swords, and uniforms as a symbol of the unity of the Lutheran laity who struggled to defend their beliefs, communities, families, and lives against those who were intent on destroying them.

THANK YOU for joining us for worship today! We pray that your spiritual life will be nourished through Word and Sacrament.

3

About Today’s Service

The Presentation of the Augsburg Confession The day was June 25, 1530. The place was Augsburg, a major city in the 16th century, located

near Munich in modern Germany. The issue? A demand by the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles V, that the Lutheran leaders of his German provinces declare and defend the teachings of their churches. Princes, theologians, and various government officials gathered at the city hall that day, although Luther, protected only by his own prince in his own territory, had to stay away.

Dr. Christian Beyer read, in German, 21 articles on which there was apparent agreement with the Church of Rome and seven over which there was great disagreement. Seven princes and representatives of two cities declared themselves in agreement with the document, as were, of course, the theologians who had prepared the document as well as thousands of Lutheran Christians who accepted it with their mouths and actions. And so was issued the first of the great Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Five other major documents followed: the Apology (Defense) of the Augsburg Confession, the Small and Large Catechisms of Dr. Martin Luther, the Smalcald Articles, and the Formula of Concord. Together they were published in the Book of Concord in 1580.

While ancient, these documents still hold a central place in the mission and ministry of our congregations and synod, for we confess that the Confessions are "a true exposition of the Word of God and a correct presentation of the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church." It is this subscription to the Lutheran Confessions that makes us not only Bible-believing Christians but also confessional Lutherans. Today, we are commemorating the presentation of the Augsburg Confession, not because we cultishly follow our Lutheran forefathers, but because they stood firm on the truths of God’s Word in spite of serious opposition and we want to follow their example. Through our worship this morning, the Holy Spirit will strengthen our faith that we might rededicate ourselves to standing firm on the truths of Scripture, regardless of any opposition we face.

4

The Order of Service

OPENING HYMN — If God Had Not Been on Our Side (CW 202)

This is Martin Luther’s metrical version of Psalm 124. It first appeared in a hymnal in 1524.

Luther certainly recognized that without God’s faithfulness and blessing there would have been no reformation or protection for him.

The men at Augsburg (491 years ago this week) knew that same truth. They stood before the Holy Roman Emperor—possibly the most powerful man in the world—and stood on the Word of God over

the ideas and trappings of man.

5

INVOCATION M: In the name of the Father and of the Son * and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.

OPENING DIALOG M: I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” (Ps. 122:1) C: One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the

LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple. (Ps. 27:4)

M: Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? (Ps. 24:3) c Our churches teach that since the fall of Adam, all who are naturally born are born

with sin, that is, without the fear of God, without trust in God, and with the inclination to sin… [It] is a disease and original vice that is truly sin. It damns and brings eternal death on those who are not born anew through Baptism and the Holy Spirit. (Augsburg Confession, Article II: Original Sin)

CONFESSION OF SINS & ABSOLUTION

M Let us, then, confess our sins to the Lord. c Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against You in my

thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved You with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve Your punishment both now and forever. But

6

Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with His holy life and innocent death. Trusting in Him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

M Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by His authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son * and of the Holy Spirit.

C Amen.

M Rejoicing in the new status which God has so freely given us, let us praise the Lord.

We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God

This is a paraphrase of the “Te Deum” (“We Praise You, O God”) which can be found in our hymnal on page 48. Martin Luther considered the Te Deum a “fourth creed.”

c

c

7

PRAYER OF THE DAY M: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. M Let us pray.

O Lord, favorably receive the prayers of Your Church, that being instructed by the doctrine of the blessed apostles, we may always make a pure confession of Your saving truth; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C Amen.

FIRST LESSON – Isaiah 55:6-11 The Lord‘s Word always accomplishes His purposes!

6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts.

Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

8

10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

and do not return to it without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

VERSE OF THE DAY – Psalm 115:1 (CW 392 st.1)

HOLY GOSPEL – Matthew 10:32-39

M: The Gospel according to St. Matthew, chapter 10: C: Glory be to you, O Lord!

Confessing Christ brings both unity and opposition.

32“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

9

34“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to turn

“ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother,

a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

37“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

M The Gospel of the Lord! C: Praise be to you, O Christ!

CONFESSION OF FAITH Excerpts from the Augsburg Confession M Let us confess our belief in the Triune God:

c Our churches teach with common consent that the decree of the Council of Nicaea about the unity of the divine essence and the three persons is true. It is to be believed without any doubt. God is one divine essence who is eternal, without a body, without parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness. He is the maker and preserver of all things, visible and invisible. Yet there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are of the same essence and power. Our churches use the term person as the Fathers have used it. We use it to signify, not a part or quality in another, but that which subsists of itself.

(Augsburg Confession, Article I: God)

M Let us confess the work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God:

c Our churches teach that the Word, that is, the Son of God, assumed the human nature in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. So there are two natures—the divine and the human—inseparably joined in one person. There is one Christ, true God and true man, who was born of the Virgin Mary, truly suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried. He did this to reconcile the Father to us and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for all actual sins of mankind.

He also descended into hell, and truly rose again on the third day. Afterward, He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. There He forever reigns and has dominion over all creatures. He sanctifies those who believe in Him,

10

by sending the Holy Spirit into their hearts to rule, comfort, and make them alive. He defends them against the devil and the power of sin.

(Augsburg Confession, Article II: The Son of God)

M How does this work of Jesus Christ become our own?

c Through the Word and Sacraments, as through instruments, the Holy Spirit is given. He works faith, when and where it pleases God, in those who hear the good news that God justifies those who believe that they are received into grace for Christ’s sake. This happens not through our own merits, but for Christ’s sake.

(Augsburg Confession, Article V: The Ministry)

HYMN OF THE DAY—Thy Strong Word (CW280 st.1-4)

10

This Martin Franzmann hymn captures the power of the Word of God—from creating and giving life to redeeming and giving eternal life. Throughout the hymn, we praise God for the Light He sends, Jesus

Christ, the Light of the World. For the Reformers—and those who come after, it was of utmost importance that God’s Word be the only source of what God’s church taught and confessed.

11

12

SERMON — Romans 10:8-17 8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart,” that is,

the word of faith that we are proclaiming. 9Certainly, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and it is with the mouth that a person confesses, resulting in salvation. 11For Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

12So there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord is Lord of all, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13Yes, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

14So then, how can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one about whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news of peace, who preach the gospel of good things!”

16But not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who believed our message?” 17So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through the word of Christ.

Faith Leads to Confession

RESPONSE—Thy Strong Word (CW280 st.5-6)

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBER (10AM)

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

13

THE SACRAMENT PREFACE M: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you.

M: Lift up your hearts. C: We lift them up to the Lord.

M: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C: It is good and right so to do. M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give You thanks, O

Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who has called us to be His own so that we may live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise Your holy name and join their glorious song:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (Sanctus) (Tune CW 372)

14

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING M: Blessed are You, O Lord of heaven and earth. We praise and thank You for sending Your

Son, Jesus Christ, and we remember the great acts of love through which He has ransomed us from sin, death, and the devil’s power.

By His incarnation, He became one with us. By His perfect life, He fulfilled Your holy will. By His innocent death, He overcame hell. By His rising from the grave, He opened heaven. Invited by Your grace and instructed by Your Word, we approach Your table with

repentant and joyful hearts. Strengthen us through Christ’s body and blood, and preserve us in the true faith until we feast with Him and all His ransomed people in glory everlasting.

C: Amen. LORD’S PRAYER

c Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My + body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.”

Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is My + blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

M The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: Amen.

15

LAMB OF GOD (Agnus Dei)

DISTRIBUTION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER CLOSE COMMUNION We ask that only those who have previously spoken to one of our pastors or are members in good standing of this or another WELS or ELS congregation come to Holy Communion today. Our practice of Close Communion (which has been the practice of the Christian Church throughout the ages) is in no way trying to judge anyone’s faith. What we are trying to do is follow the Bible’s clear teaching (I Corinthians 11) to first study God’s Word together. As we do so, we can share with/review with you what the Lord’s Supper is all about. You, then, also have an opportunity to examine what we believe and teach before you come to the Lord’s Supper here at St. Paul’s/Christ Lutheran and make a public profession that you agree with what we teach.

If you have any questions about this or would like to commune at St. Paul’s/Christ Lutheran in the future, please talk to Pastor Berger or Pastor Dauck after worship this morning. They would love to sit down with you on your timetable and at your convenience and talk about these important matters.

PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION Lord, I am not worthy to be a guest at Your holy table. But You are a friend of sinners, and You will not cast me out. This bread is Your body, which bore my sins upon the tree. This wine is Your blood, which purifies me from all guilt. At Your invitation, I come rejoicing. Receive me, my Savior. Amen.

16

DISTRIBUTION HYMN—Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness (CW 311)

17

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Thank You, Lord Jesus Christ, for nourishing me in this sacrament with Your body and blood. You have given me forgiveness, life, and salvation. Let me always remain in You as a branch remains in the vine. Send me out in the power of Your Spirit to live and work to Your praise and glory. Amen.

18

SONG OF SIMEON (Nunc Dimittis) (Tune CW 388)

PRAYER M: We give You thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet that You have

given us to eat and to drink in this sacrament. Through this gift You have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By Your Spirit help us to live as Your holy people until that day when You will receive us as Your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C :Amen.

BLESSING M: The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.

19

CLOSING HYMN—Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word (TLH261)

Hymns and Liturgy reprinted with permission under One License #A-711841. All rights reserved.

20

Pastor Fred Berger Pastor Justin Dauck Principal Andrew Danner pastorberger@gmail.com justin.dauck@gmail.com danner@stpaulsplymouth.org C- 402-239-4509 C- 402-806-9082 C- 402-433-5349 Church Office - 402-656-3003 School Office - 402-656-4465

Organist: Cari Schroeder Broadcast Announcers: Tom Hueske, Neil Bekemeyer Teen Ushers: Trevor Hueske, Bryce Malchow Greeters: Nick Schroeder, Daryl Workman Broadcast Sponsor: Our broadcast this morning is sponsored by St. Paul’s Ladies’ Aid.

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES Today – Wendell Gronemeyer, Waylon Pieper, Kenzie Strein, M/M Wes Schroeder

Monday – Mikhaela Bergmeier, Chase Christ Tuesday – Andrew Zimmerman

Wednesday – Judy Frank, M/M Logan Scheele Thursday – Owen Bartels, Lola Gronemeyer, Megan Horak

Saturday – Jody Swartz, Brian Weishahn Sunday – Renee Bartlett

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES Friday – Mike Schroeder, Kristopher Shepard

Organist: Janice Pieper

21

This Week, By God’s Grace (June 27th – July 4th)

Today Worship with Communion at Beatrice Worship with Communion at Plymouth Broadcast Meeting Drive-thru Communion

8:00am 10:00am 11:15am

11:15am-11:45am

Monday Elders’ Meeting Monday Night Service with Communion

6:00pm 7:30pm

Thurs. – Fri. (July 1-9) Dauck Family on Vacation

Thursday Beatrice Church Council Plymouth Trustees’ Meeting Plymouth Church Council

6:30pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

Friday Information for Quarterly Report Due

Sunday Worship at Beatrice Worship at Plymouth

8:00am 10:00am

In Our Prayers Lois Gronemeyer – Lois had back surgery this past Wednesday at Bryan West and is now recuperating at home.

Prayer Updates Milo Scheele – Milo returned home this past Wednesday. Cindy Weichel – Cindy continues to look into treatment options, as she was recently diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor on the pancreas. Thank You Notes—We received the following thank you notes: Thank you for the wonderful goodbye party and for being a part of it. Thank you all for the many gifts and memories of a really nice day. I’ve shared some of my loves with you - my love for children, my love of chocolate, my love of wood making, my love of Mountain Dew, my love of music. So many things I’ve learned; so may things you have shared with me; so many wonderful people – families, children, parents, friends. In the words of one of my favorite books – “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you always, as long as I’m living my FAMILY you will be.” Thank you for the past five years I’ve spent as part of the Plymouth family. I will not forget you . . . and here’s my new address so you don’t forget me!!! 4590 Luther Path, Apartment 106 St. Joseph, Michigan 49085 Come visit the great state of Michigan!!

Mrs. Briney Thank you so much for all the wonderful birthday cards and wishes I received in connection with my 90th birthday. I enjoyed hearing from everyone! What a special blessing it is to be part of such a loving and caring church family!

Ila Burger

22

Call Extended—St. Paul's has extended a Divine Call to Mrs. Kimberly Frey to serve as our Kindergarten and 1st grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Mrs. Frey has been serving at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Appleton, Wisconsin for the past three school years. She has moved to Waco along with her family this summer. Her husband, Pastor Andrew Frey, will be serving as the campus pastor at Nebraska Lutheran High School.

Please keep Mrs. Frey and her family in your prayers as she deliberates this call to serve in the public teaching ministry here at St. Paul’s. Mrs. Frey’s contact information is below if you’d like to share some words of encouragement: Cell # 402-841-3099 Email: kimberlyaaberg@hotmail.com Church Directory—Beginning June 21, the online sign-ups for church directory pictures will be available. Online sign-ups can be accessed by going to www.ucdir.com. The user name is: ne108 and the password is: photos. Note: Families can sign up from home on Monday-Friday. The system allows for home sign ups only during the week. Families will be able to sign up in person at church beginning July 4. Picture dates will be August 19-21 and Sept. 16-18. Every household photographed will receive a complimentary 8x10” portrait and a directory. Since we were unable to have a new directory compiled last year, we look forward to having an updated directory containing current pictures and information for all or our church families this year. Also, if you would be willing to help out by serving as a hostess during the times families are arriving for their photo sessions, please contact Deb. Thanks!! WELS Camp Jefferson— Camp Jefferson will take place on July 16th-18th with Teen Camp following. Registration is open until 11:59PM tonight. If you're interested in being a camper (grades 3-8), teen helper (grades 9 through age 19), adult helper (age 20 and above), or if you're a teen who wishes to join us for Teen Camp, please visit our website welscampjefferson.org and click on the "Register Now" button under the "Youth Camp" or "Teen Camp" tabs. We could also use a camp nurse. For more information on Camp Jefferson please visit our website or, if you have questions, you can reach us via email at welscampjefferson@gmail.com or by phone at 402-759-1239.

14th Annual NELHS Golf Classic—The annual NELHS Golf Classic at Crooked Creek Golf Course in Lincoln will be held Saturday, July 31st. We hope you can gather some friends and join us for a day of golfing, fun and fellowship as we raise funds for tuition assistance. If you can't make it or are not a golfer, consider sponsoring a hole. Team registration forms and hole sponsorship forms are available on the table in the front entrance.

23

St. Paul’s Softball Tournament—The date for this year’s softball tournament has been set for the afternoon of Sunday, July 11th. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the front entrance.

St. Paul’s Golf Outing—The date for this year’s golf outing has been set for the afternoon of August 29th at Hidden Acres in Beatrice. More information and a sign-up sheet will follow in the future.

Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Graduation was held on May 15, 2021, for our 12 graduates. What an outstanding verse the class of 2021 chose. Over the past 18 months it was important to remember that the Lord was always with us - leading us. No matter what the world may throw at us, our students need not be discouraged nor afraid. God has a plan for each and every one of their lives. What a blessing to have our students continually be reminded of these truths of God’s Word. We will miss our newest NELHS alumni and look forward to welcoming our returning and new students in August. Thank you to all who make NELHS a reality for our current and future students. Items for the upcoming year can be found online at www.nelhs.org, hover over “links”, click on “Items for the Upcoming School Year” https://www.nelhs.org/page/summer-email-items-for-the-upcoming-school-year --Skip Bremer, School Administrator

Each month we highlight ONE way you can support the Christian education provided by Nebraska Lutheran. This month’s highlight is the NELHS Kitchen Pantry Donation program. Our NELHS kitchen pantry accepts donations throughout the year. We have a variety of needs.

• Items range from breakfast items (cereal, instant oatmeal, breakfast bars, eggs, yogurt cups), to meat donations (hamburger, chicken, pork, full animal donations from meat processing plants, brats), to #10 cans of food (ketchup, fruit, corn, veggies), to supplies (paper plates, napkins, plastic cutlery, paper towels, freezer/storage bags).

• Some people prefer to give financial donations or gift cards (Walmart and Amazon gift cards come in handy).

• Many church groups choose a "NELHS Food Pantry Day" to collect food items or donations at church (or their school) and bring the donation to Waco.

Donations can be dropped off on most any day...please contact anyone in the office to let us know when it's convenient for you! 402-728-5236. If you have several items and need someone to pick up the donation, we can arrange for that too. Thanks for your help!

24

Nebraska Lutheran High School in Waco, NE is looking to fill two custodial positions. This is an hourly position with the right candidate picking between working full or part time. Expectation is that this person will work Monday thru Friday. The normal working hours will be in the time frame from 11:00am to 7:30pm (later if deemed necessary) with a ½ hour dinner break from 6:00 to 6:30 in the cafeteria. You may opt to work a Saturday to get everything cleaned and sanitized for Monday or start of the school week. Saturday or Sunday might be necessary for cleaning the North or South gyms and commons area after sporting events or the next morning after a sporting event has taken place. Nebraska Lutheran High School in Waco, NE is looking for either a full or part time kitchen person. This is an hourly position with the right candidate picking between working full or part time. Expectation that this person will work Monday thru Friday with one or two Saturdays of 3:00pm to 6:00pm. The normal working hours will be in the time frame from 1:00pm to 7:00pm during the week. Work hours for all of these positions can be adjusted when school is not in session or out on break. Must be able to pass a background check. Please email Vickie Himmelberg at vhimmelberg@nelhs.org for an application.

We bid farewell and with God’s blessings to our departing teachers: Tutors Adrianna Sayles, Rylee Quandt, and Bryan Walkley. We welcome our new called workers: Campus Pastor Andrew Frey, Hannah Zabel - Girls’ dorm supervisor/teacher, and Caleb Paul - Boys’ Tutor / teacher. Returning teachers: Chris Beagle, Kathy Bremer, Skip Bremer, Moriah Hackbarth, Nate Guhl, Cori Humann, Steve Springborn.

MEET TUTOR CALEB PAUL I am Caleb Michael Paul, and I am from Bennett, Colorado. My parents, Michelle and David Paul, were married in Colorado and had two children, me and my older brother, Jacob. I grew up in Bennett, Colorado. I was a member at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (COR) in Aurora, Colorado, where I also went to grade school. When I graduated from COR, I attended Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School in Commerce City, Colorado. In high school, I played basketball and baseball for two years and football for

all four years. I also participated and performed in the dramatic arts during all four years of my high school career. I sang in our traveling choir during my junior and senior years, and although I was not a perfect student, I performed to the best of my abilities and was an upstanding member of the student body. In my junior year of high school, I considered attending Martin Luther College, but I was determined to attend Wisconsin Lutheran College due to my theatrical background. Christian education is very important to me, and I wanted to go to a university where my faith would grow and be supported. I decided to go to MLC in the pastor track, emphasizing Spanish and Spanish ministry. Over the summer before my freshman year at MLC, I went on an immersion trip to Samara, Costa

25

Rica, with Saint Croix Lutheran High School. It was such a fantastic experience that I decided to switch to the teacher track before attending MLC to support my Spanish education even more. During my time at MLC, I have been a part of the Student Senate, College Choir, MLC Forum, Art In Ministry, and participated in several on-campus events. I also traveled abroad to learn Spanish and be involved in Ministry in Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Panama. I love Spanish - the language, literature, lifestyle, the food, and the Spanish-speaking people. I have a passion for people and bringing new experiences to them, and I suppose that is why I became a Secondary Spanish major at MLC. I have found that I love teaching Spanish in the target language because I bring new and exciting experiences to my students, with the possibilities of traveling and learning in immersive environments. On top of all of that, I get to teach the Word of God! I was blessed to student teach at New Ulm Public High School and Arizona Lutheran Academy. At Martin Luther College, I also taught SPN1003:Elementary Spanish II, where I taught Spanish in the target language and learned how to teach students who were my peers. It was the most challenging teaching experience I have ever had due to Covid-19 and the logistics of social distancing and mask-wearing. I praise God for the abilities he has given me, the opportunities he has provided for me to serve him and his people, but most importantly for his Son, Jesus, and all he has done for me.

Update - We have 41 NELHS Investors, making donations of $16,956 a year. Can’t wait to see the number of NELHS Investors grow! Our first goal is to reach 300 investors...hope you can be one of them! Contact Mr. Bremer if you have questions (admin@nelhs.org). What difference can a dollar a day make? What difference can a prayer a day make?” -- an eternal difference! Our External Relations Committee of our Board has introduced an easy way to collectively make a huge difference - NELHS Investor. We are asking you to invest a prayer every single day for our NELHS students. We are also seeking individuals who will give $1 every day for our current and future students. Collectively, $1 from our INVESTORS provides a huge amount of needed financial resources to benefit our current and future students. Each of us is a cog in the wheel of support. I hope we can count on you as an INVESTOR! Our initial goal is to have 300 INVESTORS. Working together, these 300 investors at only $1/day ($30/month) becomes $108,000 a year. $1 a day goes a long way when coupled together with others.

INVEST...How? • Be persistent in prayer for NELHS.

▪ Students - what a world they are a part of! ▪ Teachers - tirelessly faithful servants! ▪ Outreach - opening the door of the message of Christ!

• Monthly Recurring Gifts: www.nelhs.org/investor to sign up or text 833-434-0194. ▪ $1/day ($30/month)

As a small token of our appreciation, we would like to send you a “NELHS Investor” polo.

26

Looking for slightly used furniture for both Boys' and Girls' Dorms (I guess we'll take new also) couches, recliners, and a few chairs. If you are looking to replace perfectly good furniture because you just need a change of scenery, give Vickie Himmelberg a call at 402-728-5236. Sorry, we can't take anything broken, ripped, or peeling. We'll take donations also towards purchasing furniture! AND..... We are still in much needed help for the boys' dorm. Deep cleaning, painting, and organizing. If you are unable to physically help, we are taking donations that will go straight into the boys' dorm repairs. Just put on the check memo line - boys' dorm.

Each month we highlight on of the 48 congregations in our monthly newsletter. The highlight touches on the wonderful congregation and how it helps support the Christian Ministry and Education provided by Nebraska Lutheran.

Zion Lutheran Church, Colome, South Dakota

*Congregational Name - Zion Ev. Lutheran Church - Colome, SD

*What is the number of communicants in your congregation? 110

*What is the number of souls in your congregation? 153

*Please list the name of all pastors in your congregations. Donald Windsperger

*Please list the number of teachers if you have an LES. 0

*Please name of the church secretary/main contact person at the church. Donald C. Windsperger

*What is the uniqueness of your congregation? Tremendous supporters of ministry with time and talents.

*What has your Congregations connection to NELHS been over the years? A faithful supporter of Lutheran education by prayer and offering at home and with our Lutheran High Schools.

*What are some ways your congregation is nurturing your members and reaching out to your communities? Zion's youth have always been very vocal and inviting about their Lord, faith, and church; wonderful at inviting friends and classmates to experience their church.

27

We are so proud of our 2021 Graduating Class. They are all on the road to a truly successful and Christ-filled life. Congratulations to Brennen Cross, Christian Dressel, Alexander Endorf, Sadie Hahn, Madalyn Halterman, Autumn Heckens, Nate Helwig, Natalie Hueske, Maolin (Jim) Ke, Kelsey Pederson, Sam Read and Karl Yu.

Highest Honors (GPA of 3.75 and Higher) Honors Roll (GPA of 3.5 up to 3.75) Seniors - Highest Honors Brennen Cross Christian Dressel Alexander Endorf Madalyn Halterman Nathan Helwig Natalie Hueske Samuel Read Seniors - Honor Roll Kelsey Pederson Juniors - Highest Honors Makena Colson Sophia Helwig Aaron Koepsell Kay Prigge Benjamin Vogt Juniors - Honor Roll Kay Hopfensperger Ziyao Liang Molly Wilkinson Junjian Zhang

Sophomores - Highest Honors Martin Albright Martha Costin Jace Dressel Jasmine Malchow Lily Otte Trey Richert Sophomores - Honor Roll Trevor Hueske Tess McQuire Freshmen - Highest Honors Marissa Endorf Bethany Fox Coen Hummel Bryce Malchow Genevieve Schmidt Kaylee Schoen Bailey Schwab Eli Vogt Freshmen - Honor Roll Isaac Beiermann Karynn Bretschneider Silas Vogel

28

Please contact us! We would love to serve you!

Church Office 402-656-3003 School Office 402-656-4465 Pastor Fred Berger 402-239-4509 Pastor Justin Dauck 402-806-9082

Church Secretary Mrs. Deb Wells 402-853-2035 Mrs. Tracie Hueske (Preschool) 402-230-0607

Call Extended to Mrs. Kim Frey (K-1) 402-841-3099 Mrs. Rachel Schroeder (2-3) 402-239-1206 Mrs. Beckie Bekemeyer (4-5) 402-239-7667

Mrs. Heather Malchow (Principal Release) 402-613-3241 Principal Andrew Danner (6-8) 402-433-5349

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School In an ever-changing world, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church exists to build Christ’s kingdom

in people’s hearts with the un-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.

106 East Highway 4 Plymouth, NE 68424

402-656-3003 www.stpaulsplymouth.org

Christ Lutheran Church We preach Christ crucified and risen for SALVATION!

223 North 8th Street Beatrice, NE 68310

402-223-4250 www.christbeatrice.com

If you would like more information about St. Paul’s or Christ Lutheran Church, feel free to speak with Pastor Fred Berger (pastorberger@gmail.com; call/text 402-239-4509) or Pastor Justin Dauck (justin.dauck@gmail.com; call/text 402-806-9082) after the service or anytime during the week! If you think you might be interested in joining the St. Paul’s or Christ Lutheran church family, either pastor would be more than happy to take you through some Bible studies at whatever time or location is most convenient for you to learn more about what we teach.

If you would like more information about St. Paul’s Lutheran School, feel free to speak with Mr. Andrew Danner! (email danner@stpaulsplymouth.org; call/text 402-433-5349). He would love to give you a tour of the school and answer any questions you might have about the excellent Christ-centered education we offer students of our church and community.