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!
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
The heart represents the love and giving nature of the members; the drop symbolizes the blood of Christ and a tear of compassion. The cross proudly shows the purpose behind efforts of the LWML.
AUGUST 2026 FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE NEWS
Meeting Date: Wednesday, August 19th at 1:30 p.m.
Hymn: 
“Amazing Grace” LSB 744
“Amazing Grace” LSB 744Devotion: “Chocolate Gifts” – Judy Peddicord
“Chocolate Gifts” – Judy PeddicordRoll Call: Bring a photo from your childhood or share a memorable Christian Event (eg. Baptism, Confirmation, Wedding, etc.)
Bring a photo from your childhood or share a memorable Christian Event (eg. Baptism, Confirmation, Wedding, etc.)Bible Study: “Gifts” – Judy Peddicord (Ch. 7)
“Gifts” – Judy Peddicord (Ch. 7)Business: Plan for LWML Sunday
Plan for LWML SundayService Activity: Mite Box
Noisy Sunday: August 30
The devotion given at our July meeting focused on Psalm 91. We are assured of God's perfect refuge and strength and for His amazing faithfulness to us. Thank You, God!
Our Bible study, "Freedom in Christ!", reminded us that we are slaves to sin, but have been spiritually set free through Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:13 says, "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." And Galatians 5:16, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Christ's love for each of us sets us free. Through our lives, what we say and how we act, we can loudly announce His love to others! Amen!
YOUR OUTREACH TEAM met after church on July 5th. We focused on making sure that the float, etc. would be ready for the 4-H Parade on the 25th.
Please join us August 23rd for our next After-Church Social! This will be a Basket Dinner, so please bring favorite dishes to share. There will also be a brief presentation on spiritual gifts followed by the opportunity to fill out a short survey.
Our next big project is Community Movie Night on September 26th at McKnight Park. If you would like to help, contact Debbie MacGregor (egg.centric@hotmail.com/785-313-3033), and we'll add you to the list. We need lots of helpers to make this a successful outreach event!
TEENS FOR CHRIST says a big Thank You to everyone who donated money or items during our “Christmas in July” event! We had several items donated and received $786 from the free-will offering! Everything will go towards our Operation Christmas Child project! Monetary donation will be used to buy more packing items, pay for shipping and handling, and the Christian education learning materials for each child. We were really blessed by our congregation and even outside our congregation. The donation box will be left out through the month of July. Donations can still be made through November when we have our packing party.
TFC will have a pool party and movie night on Sunday, August 9th at 7 p.m. at Kathy Cox’s home. We will serve hot dogs and sides. The members will also repaint the wording on Tim Songs’ shed on Sunday, September 13th following the church service.
MENTORING PROGRAM: Each confirmand is asked to pick someone to be their confirmation mentor. The role of this person is to "be there" for their confirmand. Grandparents and sponsors can be great mentors, but we need others to serve, as well. We want to provide a safe place and a “safe person” for confirmands to ask questions of about their faith, the Lutheran religion, life questions, etc. Basically, we ask mentors to be a faithful Christian friend to go along the journey with our youth. The mentor can be the same person for all years of confirmation or the confirmand can choose a different one each year. If anyone is interested in being a mentor, please let Pastor know and he can share this information with the children.
BLUE JEAN DRIVE (WITH BOOTS): Ken Culbertson is our point person for The Salina Rescue Mission and its Blue Jean Drive. The mission still maintains a need for men’s new and slightly used blue jeans. As in the past, jeans of other colors (black, brown, green) are acceptable and khaki slacks and other slack colors will be taken. Additionally, recent communication with SRM says they will gladly receive used men's boots (hiking, work, etc) as well as used "tennis shoes" (exercise or walking). Collection tubs will be brought to each church on August 4 and will be placed by the secretary’s office until August 31. There are 5 Sundays in August but we are allowing only four for collection; hence collection Sundays are August 9, 16, 23, and 30. Ken will pick them up Augst 18 and September 1. Thank you for participating in the blue jean drive this month.
LUNCH BUNCH will meet on August 23rd at IHop in Manhattan.
VOICES FOR GOD: We will start practices again August 17th. Tammy Heine has selected and purchased eight new songs for the choir. We will be singing a new one on September 13th. If you or you know someone who enjoys singing, please join us on Monday nights at 7:00.
JUBELLATION will have the last summer practice on August 5th at 6:30 p.m. Weekly practices will start on August 26th at 6:30 p.m.
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 church event
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.
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.FROM THE PARISH NURSE…
Janet Wertzberger
TISSUES FOR ISSUES: THE MINISTRY OF PRESENCE
In parish nursing and deaconess work, there are moments when words fall short. Grief, fear, diagnoses, loneliness, these are not problems to be solved quickly, but burdens to be borne together. Sometimes the most faithful response is not a carefully crafted sentence, but a quiet presence and a simple box of tissues. This is the heart of the ministry of presence, deeply rooted in our LCMS theology. As Christ Himself entered into our suffering, not from a distance, but in the flesh, we are called to be with others in their need. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14(NIV). Jesus did not remain removed from our human pain; He wept at Lazarus’ tomb John 11:35, sat with the broken, and touched the unclean. Offering “tissues for issues” is not trivial; it is incarnational care. It acknowledges pain without trying to fix it. It creates a sacred space where lamenting is permitted, and tears are honored. In these moments, we reflect Christ not by explanation, but by accompaniment.
The ministry of presence also echoes Galatians 6:2(NIV) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Bearing burdens requires proximity. It means showing up, staying near, and resisting the urge to rush someone through their suffering.
For the LCMS deaconesses or parish nurses, or other human care ministers, this ministry is both theological and practical. A gentle hand, attentive listening, and even silence can communicate the Gospel’s compassion. The tissues become a quiet testimony: You are not alone. Your pain matters. Christ is here. We trust that the Holy Spirit works through these small, faithful acts. While we may not have answers, we bring Christ’s presence, crucified and risen, into the room. And often, that is enough. Scripture for reflection: John 1:1, John 11:35, Galatians 6:2.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, You entered our suffering and dwell with us still today. Teach us to be present with those who grieve, to listen with compassion, and to serve with humility. Use even our
smallest acts to reflect Your love. Amen.
Tissues for Issues Pattern
1. From your main color, cut 4 rectangles that measure 4x6 inches each.
2. From your contrasting color fabric, cut 2 squares that measure 4×4 inches each.
3. Take two of the rectangles and both squares and fold the wrong sides together so they form two pieces each, 2×6 and 2×4 in size. Press all four pieces. This will be the top of the tissue holder.
4. Take one of the rectangles of the main color fabric and fold it into a 3×4 in size, RIGHT SIDE UP on the work surface. This is the pocket piece of the tissue holder.
5. Place the folded 3×4 piece on top with its edges facing outwards.
6. Gently pick up the top edge of the first 2×6, place one 4x4 square underneath, and then on top of the other 2×6.
7. Do the same at the other end so it looks like the picture below.
8. Carefully clip or pin all four corners. Sew with an 1⁄4-inch seam all the way around. (clip all corners but not the stitching)
9. Turn the right side out, and make sure the pocket stays on the back. Using a closed pen or chopsticks, carefully push out corners.
10. Place your tissue pack inside the Tissue holder with the opening on the top.
Deaconess Christie L. Hansard, RN, CM
LCMS Michigan District Representative
Congregational Health Ministries/ Parish Nurse
Delegate Convention Report
From the 69th Convention of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS)
Rev. Robert W. Grimm, pastor: St. John Lutheran Church, Alma, Kansas
The Church is a marvelous creation of God! People gather to honor our maker and redeemer. By trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, you and I belong to the one, holy, eternal, Church of Christ. Usually, we see this on a smaller scale, congregation by congregation. In our part of the Church, in Circuit 8 of the Kansas District LCMS, we have eleven member congregations who work side by side in the proclamation of the Gospel. These congregations are: St. Paul, Alta Vista; St. John, Alma; St. Paul, Clark’s Creek; St. Pauls, Duluth; Immanuel, Junction City, Redeemer, Lake Wabaunsee; Christ, Manhattan; St. Lukes, Manhattan; Trinity, McFarland; Mt. Calvary, Wamego; and St. Luke, Wheaton. Each pastor and each congregation have promised to uphold Lutheran doctrine and practice.
However, the Church is bigger! We often talk about the Kansas District. In our state, we have 156 LCMS Congregations, 1 High School; 15 Elementary Schools (including 2 classical schools); and 40 Preschools.
As of July, 2026, we have 41,032 Baptized Members in these Kansas churches; with 217 Ordained Church Workers (pastors) and 185 Commissioned Church Workers (called Teachers, DCE’s, Parish Musicians, Deaconesses, and the like.) The organization of our local circuit in the LCMS Kansas District includes 15 other Circuits, where pastors and congregations relate to each other as brothers and sisters. All 16 Circuits together, this is our Kansas District, one of 35 Districts in the LCMS.
Churches of the LCMS confess the Bible to be the true and inspired Word of God. This Church looks to Jesus as the only Savior from sin. This Church knows we live on earth, but long for a true home in heaven. This Church believes in original sin, that is, that all have inherited the curse of death from Adam. This Church knows Jesus is coming again. This Church believes the Lutheran Confessions explain Scripture accurately. This Church seeks to walk together in harmony and fellowship within this Gospel confession.
Jesus Christ is the head of His Church! Your Congregation is the Church at Home. The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod is the Church-at-Large. The Pew Research Center reports that 1% of U.S. adults identify as members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. 58% of this group live in the Midwest, 8% live in the Northeast, 19% live in the South and 15% live in the West. 5% are between the ages of 18 and 29, 17% are ages 30 to 49, 30% are ages 50 to 65 and 47% are 65 and older. And yet, the Church is bigger! The LCMS has partner churches all around the world. And yes, there are believers in more places than we know, for the one Holy Christian Church is joined from all those who believe in Jesus Christ from every age and time.
You sent me to represent you at the national convention of the LCMS in Phoenix from July 17 to 23, 2026. Thank you for this honor and privilege. A convention provides “opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. It is the principal legislative assembly of our church body, which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and takes action on reports and overtures, and handles appropriate appeals. It establishes general positions and policies of the Synod, provides overall program direction and priorities, and evaluates all such positions, programs, policies, directions, and priorities in order to provide responsible service for and on behalf of its members.” (LCMS Handbook, 3.1.1) Synod also declares fellowship with groups in other parts of the world, or even in the United States.
We are aging and it reflects in our membership. Our numbers continue to decline slightly more than 1% per year. We have a true and necessary message to share, so this convention did not depart from the path of the past decade. We seek to remain faithful in our teaching, fellowship, and outreach.
Delegates (a pastor and a layperson) to attend convention were selected from each circuit. In total, there were 951 voting members, 161 advisory members, 170 representatives and 173 registered guests who officially attended the Synod Convention. There was also a gallery where others could watch the proceedings, and those attendees were not counted in the official tally of participants.
Worship and Nurture: Each session began with Scripture, singing and prayer. The vice-presidents of synod each had a turn preaching to the convention. Each day ended with a hymn and prayer. There were different daily essayists who focused on various aspects of the main theme: “Christ is Risen!” Responses to the essay challenged us to live out our lives in faith and trust in the Savior.
Inspiration and Fellowship: Delegates heard from numerous groups who are at work in the synod. The Gospel is proclaimed, and people are being changed by the Gospel. 34 leaders from other nations were present and were prayed for as the Lutheran faith is growing in many areas of the world. Individuals whose lives have been changed were allowed to speak and relate their stories of grace. Breakfasts, dinners, and an interest area allowed for interactions, conversations, and explorations of ministries working alongside our Church.
Legislative assembly: 96 Resolutions were presented to the convention; Ten purpose-centered committees received 374 unique overtures from congregations and districts for review at convention. Delegates read official materials (over 1000 pages) and were sent other information from interest groups within synod. We acted upon the items presented. The Resolutions could be divided into several categories of business:
Bylaw changes to make our legal affairs concurrent with law, efficient and streamlined. Many Bylaws were changed in 2010. It has become clear in the past 16 years that we can do some things better. Some changes affect our fiduciary reporting, some for our university system, and some for the Concordia Publishing House, Lutheran Church Extenion Fund or the LCMS Foundation. There will be restructing our of circuits, so that there must be at least six congregations per circuit, (currently: seven) who have more than 1500 communicant members among them.
Bylaw changes to make our legal affairs concurrent with law, efficient and streamlined. Many Bylaws were changed in 2010. It has become clear in the past 16 years that we can do some things better. Some changes affect our fiduciary reporting, some for our university system, and some for the Concordia Publishing House, Lutheran Church Extenion Fund or the LCMS Foundation. There will be restructing our of circuits, so that there must be at least six congregations per circuit, (currently: seven) who have more than 1500 communicant members among them. Fellowship matters were addressed as we seek faithfulness within our church and with those outside our fellowship. Upon recommendation, we proclaimed fellowship with four new synods around the globe. We addressed concerns with other synods. Furthermore, we received greetings from the president of the Wisconsins Evangelical Synod (WELS), another American church body with whom we have conversations, but not altar or pulpit fellowship. (LCMS Pastors for LCMS pulpits; LCMS altars for LCMS communicants.)
Fellowship matters were addressed as we seek faithfulness within our church and with those outside our fellowship. Upon recommendation, we proclaimed fellowship with four new synods around the globe. We addressed concerns with other synods. Furthermore, we received greetings from the president of the Wisconsins Evangelical Synod (WELS), another American church body with whom we have conversations, but not altar or pulpit fellowship. (LCMS Pastors for LCMS pulpits; LCMS altars for LCMS communicants.) Thanksgiving was given as we recognized faithful service by many groups, boards, and institutes.
Thanksgiving was given as we recognized faithful service by many groups, boards, and institutes. Congregational study is encouraged by the delegation concering matters of worship, human organ transplantation, in vitro fertilization,and congregational governance.The seminaries or the Commission of Theological Relations will prepare materials to guide conversations in our local churches
Congregational study is encouraged by the delegation concering matters of worship, human organ transplantation, in vitro fertilization,and congregational governance.The seminaries or the Commission of Theological Relations will prepare materials to guide conversations in our local churches Synod Actions direct the synod and its president how to proceed on various matters of governance, or national and international ministry.
Synod Actions direct the synod and its president how to proceed on various matters of governance, or national and international ministry. Doctrinal affirmation was given to support life, family, martydom and Christian education.
Doctrinal affirmation was given to support life, family, martydom and Christian education.The LCMS will print a convention report. You may read more: https://www.lcms.org/convention/national.
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BILLBOARD ON HIGHWAY 99: The past billboard is gone, and we are left with one that is completely outdated So let’s update it with a statement of who we are!
The surface area is 8 feet long by 4 feet high. We can produce something attractive and informative. It will remain beneath the current St. John Lutheran Church sign. It may be Scripture, slogan, or philosophy. It may or may not include an image. The Board of Elders will choose one option, and print a new cover for this sign. If you have an idea for us, please submit it as a clean document, or a .png, or .gif file. Send to: pastorstjohnalma@gmail.com.
In This Month's
St. John Witness
AUGUST WITNESS
Miscellaneous News
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