Fourth of July weekend is fast approaching, and while most have their eyes set on Saturday’s firework show, two sister congregations in Seward are looking much further ahead.
St. John Lutheran Church and The Rock Lutheran Church have come together this year—in collaboration with B&J fireworks—to host their first firework stand and fundraise for the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s triennial National Youth Gathering.
The five-day event brings youth together by the thousands to learn more about their faith and Lutheran identity and will be held in July of 2028. Youth sent from St. John and The Rock will be those who are part of the congregations’ joined Godparents program, which brings high school students from both churches together for weekly meetings with Godparent leaders.
This type of collaboration is what helps tie the congregations together not only in the LCMS but the Seward community as well, agree Youth Director Tim Oberdieck of St. John and Pastor Jon Bartels of The Rock. The two emphasize that both churches have been connected since The Rock’s inception and are working with one another not in competition but in unity to spread the love of Jesus to the general community and support students in their education and growth as Christians.
“We agree in our mission to engage with students—to raise them to love Jesus, to love His word, and to love His church,” Oberdieck said. “And we’re excited to support them financially with this firework stand.”
Funds raised from firework sales will not only support students attending the National Youth Gathering but also those attending the annual Middle School Youth Gathering in Kearny this November and ongoing ministry in general at both churches. Furthermore, the stand will be managed by students and members of both St. John and The Rock.
“We just encourage everybody to come support students going to an awesome event,” Bartels said, “that will hopefully continue to foster their faith and youth ministry as they grow up in the faith.”
Whether you’re wanting to support youth ministry with St. John and The Rock or just looking to put on a good firework show on Saturday, everyone is welcomed to swing by the St. John Garage this week and shop their large array of fireworks. The stand is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.
