What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Churches Edition ▲ August 3, 2025)
Howdy, friends! It’s your HastingsNow correspondent popping by with fresh church news. Grab a mug of something warm and settle in for tales of self‑reflection, compassionate prayer, youth on mission, s’more‑filled bonfires, brunches and blood drives. There’s lots happening – let’s dive into what our churches are buzzing about today!
Reflections & Faith
“Choose Your Hard” – A Lenten‑like Challenge for August
Summary: The latest reflection from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish reminds us that life inevitably contains hard choices. Drawing on Ecclesiastes, the author argues that chasing wealth, popularity or perfection is futile. Instead, believers are encouraged to “choose your hard” wisely by investing energy into Goodness, Truth, Beauty and Virtue. The piece invites parishioners and spiritual seekers alike to focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary pleasures.
👉 Link: Facebook post & reflection
Community & Care
Prayers for Elizabeth Langenfeld
Summary: The St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish community asks all Hastings residents to pray for the repose of Elizabeth Langenfeld’s soul and for comfort for her family during this difficult time. The post quotes the traditional prayer for the departed (“Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord…”) and reminds us that fellowship includes walking alongside grieving families.
👉 Link: Prayer request
Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Summary: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and the Red Cross teamed up for a blood drive on July 25. Donors who gave blood between July 15–31 received a Fandango movie ticket, a fun perk for saving lives. The drive, hosted at Mother Seton Hall, welcomed walk‑ins from 10 AM to 4 PM and offered sign‑up via phone or the Red Cross website. Giving blood is a simple way for neighbors to support hospitals and patients.
👉 Link: Red Cross blood drive information
Meals on Wheels Needs Substitute Drivers
Summary: The parish also issued an urgent call for substitute Meals on Wheels drivers. The commitment is small – about one hour every other Tuesday and Wednesday – but the impact is enormous. Volunteers pick up meals at the hospital at 11:45 AM and deliver to homebound neighbors. Those interested can contact Tracy Steiner at 651‑503‑8731 or via email; support from new volunteers will keep this life‑giving program running smoothly.
👉 Link: Volunteer request post
Worship & Church Life
Calvary Church: “They Always Return to Gilgal”
Summary: Calvary Church invites the community to Sunday worship in person or via livestream at 10 AM. Pastor Randy will lead a sermon on Joshua 10, exploring how Israel returns to Gilgal after entering the promised land. The church’s mission is simple and profound: live by faith, be known by love and speak with a voice of hope. Members who can’t attend in person can watch on Facebook or listen via the church’s website, and Pastor Randy welcomes questions via text.
👉 Link: Calvary Church service post
Missions & Youth
Costa Rica Mission Team Lifts Off
Summary: Excitement abounds as a team of volunteers departs for Costa Rica. The Harbor Church community sent the team off with prayers for smooth, uninterrupted travel. While details are sparse, mission trips like this usually involve service projects and cross‑cultural exchange. The community’s request for prayers highlights the supportive spirit among Hastings congregations.
👉 Link: Mission team post
Impact Youth Group Bonfire & S’mores
Summary: Branchline Church’s Impact Youth Group hosted a bonfire on July 31, inviting teens to enjoy games, s’mores and live worship music under the stars. The event started at 6:30 PM and promised a night of fellowship and fun. Participants were also reminded to tell youth leader Andrew if they planned to attend an upcoming cookout. These gatherings provide teenagers with a safe space to connect, worship and enjoy summer evenings.
👉 Link: Impact Youth info
High School Mission Trip to South Carolina
Summary: Twenty‑four high‑school students from Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church gave up part of their summer break to serve in Columbia, SC. Guided by 1 Peter 4:10’s call to use their gifts to serve others, the teens logged over 600 volunteer hours despite canceled flights, heavy rain and sweltering heat. They helped Habitat for Humanity finish home interiors, built a wheelchair ramp through Emmanuwheels, performed minor home repairs and even assisted with a nonprofit driving program. The students returned home richer in faith and perspective and grateful for the hospitality they received.
👉 Link: Mission trip post
Women’s Fellowship
Final Women’s Brunch & Bible Study (Plus a Cathedral Tour)
Summary: Ladies of SEAS are invited to the final Women’s Brunch and Bible Study of the summer. Scheduled for August 12 at 9:00 AM in Mother Seton Hall, the morning promises fellowship, food and Scripture study. Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite brunch dish and their Bibles. An added treat: a special lunch and cathedral tour on August 19. Questions can be directed to Laura Stierman, and everyone is excited to gather before summer winds down.
👉 Link: Brunch & Bible Study post
Family & Kids
Kids’ Events: Rain Delay and Play Date
Summary: Mother Nature rained out Kids Night at the Park at Wilson Park, but organizers promise that more fun family events are on the horizon. “…don’t worry, more fun is on the way! Keep an eye out for upcoming kids and family events!”.
👉 Link: Pray & Play info
Reminder: That wraps up today’s Church Edition of Hastings’ Local 10. Want more details? Visit HastingsNow.com for the full Local 10 rundown. If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes!
