At First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, we want each person to connect and grow in faith.
Discover some of the options available for you to grow in faith. Studies offered changes frequently.
If you’d like to start a new study or small group, we are happy to help you develop and establish a group! Contact the Church Office for more information.
Men’s Bible Studies
Men’s Bible Study ~ Tuesday mornings (6:30 – 7:30 a.m.) ~ Heritage Room
Led by Don Janssen & Jon Martin
The Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study is a welcoming space for men of all ages to explore various topics from the Bible. Each week brings meaningful discussion, spiritual insight, and practical application for everyday life.
Start your Tuesday with coffee, donuts, good conversations, and God’s Word! Come together with other men for a time of fellowship, encouragement, and growing in faith as we begin the day focused on God.
Bibles & Brews ~ Thursday Nights ~ Arron Diecker’s House
Starts September 10th Led by Evan Volzke
Bibles & Brews is a casual, come-as-you-are men’s Bible study where faith meets fellowship. Grab a drink and dive into Scripture with other men seeking to grow deeper in their walk with Christ.
Bibles & Brews will start with The Beatitudes by Matt Chandler. He explores Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes and reveals what it means to live as a part of God’s kingdom. Discover how the life God calls us to may look different than we expect – but is far better than we could imagine.
Bible Studies
The Book of Colossians ~ Wednesdays (6:05 – 7:05 p.m.) ~ Heritage Room
Starts September 9th Led by Nancy Krueger
All are welcome! Whether you’re new to Bible study or have studied Scripture for years, this is a welcoming place to learn, ask questions, have meaningful conversations, and grow in faith together.
Join us for a study of Colossians with biblical teaching from Louie Giglio as we explore an important question: What do we really think about Jesus? Our perception of Jesus shapes us—what we say, how we treat others, how we approach sin, how we worship, and how we live each day. Colossians helps us see Jesus for who He truly is: supreme over all creation and the Savior of the world.
As we discover what it means to be alive in Christ, we’ll be challenged and encouraged to live a life worthy of God rather than falling back into the ways of the world.
Women’s Bible Studies
The Book of Ruth ~ Wednesdays (6:05 – 7:05 p.m.) ~ Ephesians Room
Starts September 9th Led by Jessica Walston and Morgan Savage
What do we do when God feels distant? When dreams fade, loss comes, or life doesn’t go the way we hoped? Sometimes it can feel like God has closed the door and walked away.
The story of Ruth and Naomi begins in the middle of some of life’s hardest circumstances—death, famine, poverty, and uncertainty. Yet their story doesn’t end in despair. It becomes a story of hope, faithfulness, love, and God working behind the scenes in ways they never expected.
In this study by Bianca Juárez, we’ll walk alongside Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz and discover how God’s faithfulness and providence are woven throughout their story—and our own. Come discover the devoted love of God and His transformative power in our lives.
Tame Your Thoughts ~ Wednesdays ~ Youth & Family Ministry Center TWO AVAILABLE TIMES: 4:00 – 5:00 PM & 6:05 – 7:05 PM
Starts September 9th Led by Becky Mohling
Do you ever feel weighed down by worry or caught in a cycle of self-critical thoughts? What if you could learn to recognize those patterns, replace them with God’s truth, and renew your mind? Join us for this Bible study that explores Scripture-based tools to renew your mind and transform your life.
Together, we’ll learn how to take every thought captive and test the messages that replay in our minds against Scripture. We’ll explore how God’s truth can help us overcome thought traps like anxiety, guilt, rejection, dissatisfaction, and more.
And because we know schedules can be busy, we’re offering this study at TWO different times! Choose the time that works best for you and join us! Come ready to learn, grow, and discover how God can transform the way we think.
Cross Makers
Wednesdays (6:30 – 9:00 p.m.) – Steve Mohling’s Woodshop
Led by Steve Mohling
Do you like to work with wood? The Crossmaker Ministry Team is looking for individuals of any age to join our team in making crosses! We meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00. We have made over 16,000 crosses since we started in 2005, so please consider joining our ministry team and contact either the church office or Steve Mohling at 402-984-0602.
GriefShare
Led by Belva Junker
Website: griefshare.org
Loss of a Spouse
The Loss of a Spouse GriefShare seminar is a one-time, compassionate session designed to support individuals who have experienced the death of a husband or wife. This gathering offers understanding, comfort, and hope for those navigating the early days or ongoing journey of grief. During the session, practical insights and encouragement are shared in a caring, faith-centered setting.
This seminar provides a safe space to grieve, reflect, and be reminded that you are not alone. Through shared experiences, prayer, and the hope found in Christ, attendees can find reassurance, support, and a sense of peace as they take the next step forward. These sessions are free to attend. More information can be found on the GriefShare website at griefshare.org.
There are two one-time events coming up at the Youth & Family Ministry Center on the corner of 4th Street and Lexington Ave:
~Tuesday, January 13 at 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
~Thursday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
GriefShare Group
GriefShare will be starting a new 13-week in-person session that meets on Thursdays February 5th through April 30th, 2026 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the Youth & Family Ministry Center. Grieving individuals are invited to come. Meeting on each Thursday, the session features a video with grief “experts” talking about their personal experiences after the death of a loved one. Join at any time as the sessions are self-contained.
The web site (www.griefshare.org) is a great source of materials on grief, including a locator for GriefShare groups, information on talking with children about loss of a loved one, and a free daily devotional for grieving individuals. GriefShare is free to participants and all are welcome! Using the website, you can register and find more information about the GriefShare Support Groups.
Lutheran Church Women (LCW)
Tuesdays/Wednesdays (Monthly) ~ Youth & Family Ministry Center
Led by Jean Janssen
The First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Women of Hastings were created in the image of God, so we are called to be disciples for Jesus Christ empowered in the Holy Spirit. We commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness to the church, community, and the world.
Group 1: Meets the third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
Group 2: Meets the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m.
Group 3: Meets the third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m.
Compassionate Friends
Fourth Tuesday of Each Month ~ Youth & Family Ministry Center
Led by Michelle & Penny
When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or daughter, brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family. For more information, please contact Michelle at (402-773-5669) or Penny at (402-756-3432).
Knit~Pray~Crochet
Second and Fourth Thursday of Each Month from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ~ Heritage Room
Led by Sonya Dittmer
Knit-Pray-Crochet is a ministry that combines Christian service and the love of knitting and crocheting an prayer outreach ministry that provides handmade items to those in need. Prayer shawls, blankets, hats and scarves are made for joyous occasions as well as for those in need of spiritual comfort. This informal group meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. All are welcome.
Stephen Ministry
Third Monday of Each Month (5:00 p.m.) – Heritage Room
Led by Ann Auten
Stephen Ministry is the one-to-one lay caring ministry that takes place in congregations that use the Stephen Series system. Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.
© 2026 First St. Paul's Lutheran Church
