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 come together, enjoy fellowship, and explore various topics from the Bible. Each week brings meaningful discussion, spiritual insight, and practical application for everyday life.
Coffee and donuts are provided, making it a great way to start the day—both physically and spiritually refreshed. All men are invited to come as they are and grow together in faith.
Bibles & Brews ~ Thursday Nights (7:00 p.m.) ~ Arron Diecker’s House
Begins September 4th
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.
Come connect, grow, and be encouraged. All men are welcome—no prep or prior knowledge needed.
This session, the group is working through The Book of Philippians with Pastor Joby Martin. Through this engaging RightNow Media series, participants will explore Paul’s powerful message of joy, contentment, and perseverance—even in the midst of suffering.
Bible Studies
Philippians: Jesus Our Joy ~ Wednesdays (6:05 – 7:05 p.m.) ~ Heritage Room
Begins September 3rd
Led by Travis Bronson
This Bible study dives deep into Paul’s letter to the Philippians—a message overflowing with joy, gratitude, and encouragement, even as Paul writes from prison. In Philippians: Jesus Our Joy, author Donald Baker helps participants discover how lasting joy is not rooted in circumstances, but in a vibrant relationship with Christ.
As you journey through Philippians, you’ll be reminded that Jesus is our source of unshakable joy—no matter what life brings. Perfect for both new and seasoned believers, this study offers an engaging and accessible way to grow in faith and joy.
Women’s Bible Studies
The Struggle is Real ~ Wednesdays (6:05 – 7:05 p.m.) ~ Ephesians Room
Begins September 3rd
Led by Jessica Walston, Morgan Savage, and Ashley Hajny
Life is full of challenges—big and small—and sometimes it feels like the struggle will never end. In The Struggle is Real, author and Bible teacher Nicole Unice invites women into a journey that explores why life’s difficulties don’t mean something is wrong, but instead offer opportunities to grow in strength, faith, and joy.
Through engaging teaching, practical wisdom, and powerful Scripture, this study helps women face life’s frustrations with honesty and hope. From everyday stress to deeper heartaches, The Struggle is Real reminds us that God meets us in the middle of the mess and offers peace that surpasses understanding.
Whether you’re navigating a season of difficulty or simply longing for more balance and purpose, this study offers real talk, real faith, and real encouragement.
Believing Jesus ~ Wednesdays (6:05 – 7:05 p.m.) ~ Holy Grounds Room
Begins September 3rd
Led by Becky Mohling
What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In Believing Jesus: A Journey Through the Book of Acts, Lisa Harper invites women to explore the bold, sometimes messy, and always Spirit-led lives of the early believers—and challenges us to ask, Do I truly believe what I say about Jesus… and am I willing to live like it?
This Bible study dives into the Book of Acts, revealing how the first Christians moved from fear to faith, from uncertainty to unshakable conviction. With Lisa’s signature humor, warmth, and insight, Believing Jesus offers encouragement for women who want to live more boldly, love more freely, and walk more faithfully in today’s world.
Come be inspired by the stories of the early church—and discover what it means to believe Jesus in your everyday life.
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
Surviving the Holidays
The Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays can be especially difficult for those mourning the loss of a loved one. We anticipate them with more dread than joy when there will be an empty chair at the dinner table. GriefShare’s Surviving the Holidays special event can help you prepare for these important days, and learn how to deal with the many emotions grieving people face during this time. Join us for a one-day, two-hour session. There are two sessions being offered here.
~Thursday, November 6th 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
GriefShare Group
GriefShare is currently in a 13-week in-person session that meets on Thursdays through September 4th from 9:30 – 11:30 a.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. 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 Tuesday 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 Tuesday 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.
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