Our Worship Team
Pastor Exeter Greeters Geneva Greeters Geneva Acolytes
May 3: Galen Rasmussen Sharon Dyer Vanessa Behmerwohld & Molly Peters
May 10: Galen Rasmussen Jackie & Greg Yound Carson Williams & Walker Williams
May 17: Galen Rasmussen Joe & Lydiia Tucker Emily Turner & Max Turner
May 24: Galen Rasmussen Judith Hulse & Phil Gallup
May 31: Galen Rasmussen Barb Jansen
**If you would like to be added to the list, please contact Cris in the Church office . Thank you.
Volunteer Liturgists are needed during the month of May. If you would like to read the scriptures during the Worship Service one or more Sundays during the month, please sign your name beside the date(s) on the sign-up sheet on the table in the Fellowship Hall, or call Cris at the church office (402-759- 3239) and let her know what week you would like to volunteer.
From the Pastor’s Desk: A Season of Living Water
Theme 2026: Renewal
As we step into the vibrant month of May, the world around us is getting set up to be in full bloom. Farmers are in the field, and gardeners have already planted or are itching to get stuff planted in the garden. This mirrors the spiritual season we find ourselves in. In this year of Renewal, May feels particularly poignant. We are moving through the Fifty Days of Easter, journeying towards the birth of the church that took place at Pentecost.
Finding Our Way Home
Our journey this month begins with the comforting yet challenging words of Jesus in John 14: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Often, we think of renewal as a destination—a place we arrive at once we've fixed all our problems. But the Gospel reminds us that renewal is a way of walking. To be renewed is to follow the One who is constantly leading us out of the tombs of our past and into the light of God’s presence.
In a world that feels increasingly fragmented, our call to renewal is a call to find our center in Christ. When we feel lost or overwhelmed by the pace of change, we return to the "Way"—not a map, but a Person who promises that we are never alone.
The Power of the Advocate
As we move toward the middle of the month, our focus shifts to the promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus speaks of the "Advocate," the Spirit of Truth who dwells within us. This is the engine of our 2026 theme. True renewal isn’t something we manufacture through better programming or busier calendars; it is a gift from the Spirit.
Renewal happens when we stop trying to power the church on our own steam and instead "abide" in the vine. It is the quiet work of the Spirit that thaws cold hearts, inspires new visions, and gives us the courage to love our neighbors in radical, transformative ways.
Streams of Living Water
The month culminates in the glorious celebration of Pentecost on May 24th. The readings from Acts 2 and John 7 paint a vivid picture of renewal: a rushing wind, tongues of fire, and "streams of living water" flowing from within.
Pentecost is the ultimate story of renewal. It took a group of frightened disciples hiding behind locked doors and turned them into a community that changed the world. This same Spirit is available to us today. As we celebrate the birthday of the Church, I want us to ask ourselves: Where is the Spirit blowing in our congregation? What "old wineskins" are we being asked to set aside so that the new wine of the Spirit can flow?
Walking Together
Renewal is rarely a solo endeavor. Just as the early church "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship," we are called to renew our commitment to one another. This month, we have a lot of different things taking place in our church. We will have Sunday School Promotion. Our confirmation class will be confirmed. We will celebrate Mother’s Day as well as graduation for those who have finished High School and are moving on with their lives. We will also be recognizing those who have been a member of the church for 50 years and recognizing several who have become members. We also have a couple of baptisms that will round out the month. It is going to be a busy month but as we walk together, encourage each other and make a difference in people's lives, we will see renewal take place in amazing ways.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Have a great month, Pastor Galen