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!
Swahili Learning
Proclaiming Christ in Simple Terms
Missionary Michael Hageman © 2026
We walk through many doorways in our lives. As you well know, doors open us to old and new things. In the picture you are seeing a doorway of where we live in Iringa, Tanzania. We walk through this door at least six times a day. Currently, it is being repaired. When it is done, it will likely receive many more people through it into the future.
One new doorway Shanna and I have been walking through recently is the language doorway. For many it can be an overwhelming door. It can be heavy and at times it may even seem locked. Right when you think you have it unlatched, it still doesn’t open. I hear people experience this with math also.
In order to make it a little less cumbersome for me into the future, one of my teachers is having me write simple devotions in Swahili and deliver them in front of the class. This daily devotional writing exercise is beginning to teach me some words from the Swahili Bible. It is also teaching some Lutheran phrases that the church uses throughout East Africa. Since I am already writing these devotions, I thought I’d share one of my latest devotions with you. May it edify your day.
A Devotion on John 10:7-9
Praise the Lord. Amen. or Christ has Risen! Amen.
Bwana Asifiwe. Amen. au Kristo amefufuka! Amen.
Today’s theme is Jesus is the Door of the sheep.
Mada ya leo hii ni Yesu ni Mlango wa Kondoo.
“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep heard them not. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and shall find pasture.
Basi Yesu aliwaambia tena, Amin, amin, nawaambieni, Mimi ndimi mlango wa kondoo. Wote walionitangulia ni wevi na wanyang'anyi; lakini kondoo hawakuwasikia. Mimi ndimi mlango; mtu akiingia kwa mimi, ataokoka; ataingia na kutoka, naye atapata malisho.
Jesus says, I am the door of the sheep. Jesus does not only show us a door. No, Jesus is the door. The way to God is Jesus alone.
Yesu alisema, "Mimi ni mlango wa kondoo." Yesu hatuonyeshi mlango tu. Hapana, Yesu ndiye mlango. Njia ya kwenda kwa Mungu ni Yesu peke yake.
This is good news for people who have sin. We cannot save ourselves by our good works. Our sins are many. But Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He rose from the dead. Because of Jesus, the door is open.
Hii ni habari njema kwa watu wenye dhambi. Hatuwezi kujiokoa kwa matendo yetu mazuri. Dhambi zetu ni nyingi. Lakini Yesu alikufa msalabani kwa ajili ya dhambi zetu. Alifufuka kutoka kwa wafu. Kwa sababu ya Yesu, mlango uko wazi.
Jesus says, “By me if any man enter, he will be saved.” This is the promise of Jesus. Jesus gives you forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. God gives you these gifts through His Word and Sacraments.
Yesu anasema, "Mtu akiingia kwa mimi, ataokoka." Hii ni ahadi ya Yesu. Yesu anakupa msamaha wa dhambi, uzima, na wokovu. Mungu anakupa zawadi hizi kupitia Neno Lake na Sakramenti.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He takes care of His sheep. He gives us spiritual food through the Word of God. He gives us strength in Baptism and the Table of the Lord. He leads us every day.
Yesu ni Mchungaji Mwema. Anawatunza kondoo wake. Anatupa chakula cha kiroho kupitia Neno la Mungu. Anatupa nguvu katika Ubatizo na Meza ya Bwana. Yeye anatuongoza kila siku.
When you are sad or afraid, remember Jesus. Jesus is the door. Jesus has done all things for your salvation. Trust Jesus and receive peace.
Wakati una huzuni au unaogopa, mkumbuke Yesu. Yesu ndiye mlango. Yesu amefanya kila kitu kwa wokovu wako. Mwamini Yesu na upate amani.
Let us pray:
Tuomba:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the door of salvation. You died and rose again for us. Help us to trust in You every day. Feed us with Your Word and Your Sacraments. Amen.
Bwana Yesu, asante kwa kuwa mlango wa wokovu. Ulitufia na kufufuka kwa ajili yetu. Tusaidie kukuamini kila siku. Tulishe kwa Neno lako na Sakramenti zako. Amina.
Shanna & Michael Hageman
Missionaries to Tanzania
The Lutheran Church—Missouri SynodHageman missionary supportP.O. Box 66861St. Louis, MO 63166-6861or Mark an envelope with a designation for the Hageman’s, and place it into the offering plate.
[Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16
FROM THE PARISH NURSE…
Janet Wertzberger
STEWARDSHIP IN PARISH NURSING
QUOTED FROM DOYLE BOSQUE BSN, RN
Stewardship is often associated with the financial responsibilities and operations of the church. Yet its true scope reaches far beyond budgets and monetary decisions. I’ll admit that anything involving financial discussions or financial decision making is something I’d gladly avoid. I’d honestly prefer a full day of changing bedpans. But stewardship takes many forms, just as God has given each of us a wide range of gifts and talents. Over time, through God’s gentle nudges and occasionally a firm reminder I’ve come to recognize that my calling is the stewardship of others through the profession of nursing, including the ministry of Parish Nursing.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
Lately, I’ve been reflecting deeply on what it truly means to practice the stewardship of others. That reflection became very real when I had the privilege of traveling to Ethiopia with fellow Parish Nurse colleagues. Our task was to help develop a Parish Nurse program for the Ethiopian community a responsibility both humbling and daunting.
To be completely honest, Africa was never on my list of places to visit. I had written it off entirely. The reports of political unrest, persecution, violence, and potential health risks were enough for me to say, “Absolutely not.” Besides, I was comfortable. I had an amazing wife, wonderful children, a beautiful home, great job, and a peaceful life in rural Pennsylvania where neighbors still wave to each other. Why would I leave that?
But then came recognition #2: “Comfortable” is not a word God seems particularly fond of. He kept nudging me, gently at first, then with the occasional spiritual hammer making it clear that I was meant to go to Ethiopia and support my fellow Parish Nurses in this important work. I protested every step of the way, especially with each new vaccination and every alarming social media headline coming out of Ethiopia. Yet the call persisted.
I was completely unprepared for the impact this project would have not only on the Ethiopian community, but on me personally. What I witnessed there was an education unlike anything I had ever received. I saw a depth of faith, a joy in daily living, and a devotion to God’s Word that humbled me. I’ll admit, I felt a twinge of jealousy for the purity and strength of their faith-filled way of life.
At the same time, I was confronted with the stark reality of what it truly means to live in a third world country. Basic comforts and facilities we never think twice about simply did not exist. Hospitals and clinics lacked even the most essential equipment needed to care for their patients. Imagine trying to treat someone without a stethoscope, a blood pressure cuff, a thermometer, bandages, or other fundamental supplies. Many hospitals had no essential medications, no monitors, no defibrillators. Here in the U.S., we have these tools at our fingertips. I have more medical equipment in my Parish Nurse office at church than an entire Ethiopian health clinic. Well, I was no longer in Pennsylvania. I confessed, “Okay God, I get it.”
I left Ethiopia both mentally and physically shaken that such conditions still exist anywhere in the world in the year 2026.
I returned home carrying enough experiences and stories to fill an entire book. Throughout our journey, more than 16,000 miles in total, our team of Parish Nurses leaned heavily on one another. The physical demands, the constant travel, and the emotional weight of what we witnessed tested me more than anything I have ever faced. Yet in the midst of those challenges, something remarkable happened: we became stewards not only of the Ethiopian community we served, but of each other. The bond we formed was forged through shared purpose, shared hardship, and a shared calling to care.
Parish Nursing is a powerful expression of the belief that God cares for His people through human vocations. In this ministry, stewardship is not just about resources it is about faithfully serving others with the gifts God has entrusted to us.
Parish Nurses steward knowledge, compassion, and presence as they care for the whole person ( body, mind, and spirit). Parish Nurses offer health education, support the homebound, pray with the suffering, and help members navigate medical decisions. Each act of care reflects the conviction that God works through ordinary people to bring His healing and comfort.
This ministry is grounded in the Gospel. Parish Nurses serve not to earn God’s favor, but because they already have it in Christ. As Luther taught, “God does not need our good works, but our neighbor does.” Through advocacy, listening, and community-building, Parish Nurses help create a congregation, domestically and internationally, where every member is valued and supported.
In Parish Nursing, stewardship of others becomes a way of life, using God’s gifts to care for God’s people with grace, dignity, and love.
Doyle Bosque, Director, Nursing Research Programs
MD Anderson Cancer Center
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
OUR OUTREACH TEAM met on June 10th. After opening the meeting in prayer, we discussed plans for the Community Movie Night, which is tentatively scheduled for September 26th at 6pm. There will be games and activities prior to the showing of the movie at 7:30. If you are interested in helping with our Community Movie Night, please contact Debbie MacGregor at: egg.centric@hotmail.com or 785-313-3033.
The remainder of our time was spent making more detailed plans for the St John Lutheran Church and School float which will be pulled in the Fair Parade on July 25th at 5pm. You are invited to join us for our July after-church social on July 12th. This will be a Christmas in July theme, sponsored by Teens for Christ. There are more details in the Teens for Christ newsletter entry.FACEBOOK: Cassidy Swicegood has become the church's Facebook Administrator. Please feel free to reach out to Cassidy if you wish to post a church-related event on Facebook or if you have questions about a post. You can contact her at 785-236-1381 or by email at brookscassidy1@gmail.com.
LUNCH BUNCH will be held July 19th at the Friendly Cooker in Wamego.
VOICES FOR GOD: The choir will practice July 20th and sing in Sunday’s service on July 26th. We will start practices again August 24th If you or you know someone who enjoys singing, please join us on Monday nights at 7:00.
JUBELLATION will be having summer practice sessions at 6:50 p.m. on July 8th and August 15th. Weekly practices will resume on August 26th.
THEOLOGY ON TAP: The next event will be Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. You may join them at Rockin’ K’s in Manhattan.
BOOK STUDY NIGHTS in July will be July 9th at Bruce and Kathy Schultz’s and July 30th at Elaine Becker’s. We will be reading “Mere Christianity” by C. S. Lewis. Bring a copy and join us!
BIBLE BREAKFAST: You probably see it in the monthly newsletter but didn’t know what it is about. Bible Breakfast is a group of 12-15 men and women who meet Tuesday mornings at 6:15 to read and discuss Scripture; enjoy a hot, fresh-made breakfast; and share time in fellowship. Frank’s Plumbing is our host, and the table is big enough for more people. All you need is an alarm clock to get you moving, a Bible, and $5 for breakfast
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: “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.We will take a door offering on July 5th. For more information, visit lcms.org/convention/national/offering or contact:
mission.advancement@lcms.org.
SUNFLOWER CASA: On behalf of Sunflower CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), we would like to invite you to partner with us to advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect in our community. We strive to help children have safe, permanent, and nurturing homes. There is an excellent 41-second video with some statistics, http://youtu.be/N8HimRalqiw?si=jtXK-pcuGnD32ubG. This is part of a series bringing awareness to child abuse and foster care.
April was Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Blue Sunday is a day for the faith community to pray specifically for victims of child abuse. May was National Foster Care Month. October is National Foster Youth Voice Month. November is National Adoption Month.We are always looking for volunteer advocates and board members. Volunteer Advocates must be 21 years of age or older, pass a substantial background check, complete 30 hour of training, and commit to at least one year/one case. Fall training for volunteers will be October 3rd and 10th, 2026.Board members must be 21years of age or older, pass a substantial background check, commit to a two-year term complete training, and help with fundraising and events throughout the year.Some ideas for bringing awareness to this issue could include: 1. Announcing training opportunities
2. Displaying blue pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention Month
3. Inviting CASA to participate in local fairs
4. Showing a short video
5. Inviting a CASA representative to speak at a
6. Offering to pray for children experiencing abuse or neglect
or neglect 7. Sponsoring a fundraising activity
8. Donating to Sunflower Children’s Collective, CASA’s umbrella agency
Reach out to CASA to present other ideas for partnering.
FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN: On July 2nd and 3rd, the Wamego community will come together to pack 100,000+ meals for children facing hunger around the world through Feed My Starving Children. To volunteer to pack, sign up at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church 785-456-2444. Multiple shifts are available. All are welcome. Monetary donations would be accepted. Their goal is $30,000.
YOUR TIME IN GOD’S WORD: You can guide your time with the latest Apps from Concordia Publishing House. The “In Prayer” app has 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, & 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 or Wabaunsee counties. (An 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.In This Month's
St. John Witness
JULY WITNESS
Miscellaneous News
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