Nebraska District (LCMS)

The Nebraska District is one of the 35 districts of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS), and comprises the state of Nebraska with the exception of its Panhandle, which is in the Wyoming District; the district also includes one congregation in Kansas. In addition, one congregation near the state's western border is in the Rocky Mountain District, and another in Lincoln is in the non-geographic English District. The Nebraska District includes approximately 249 congregations and missions, subdivided into 22 circuits, as well as 37 preschools, 39 elementary schools, 4 high schools and 1 summer camp. Baptized membership in district congregations is approximately 108,000; with the total population of the district's area (Nebraska, excepting its 11 western counties) standing at 1,674,000 as of 2005, the district's membership represents 6.5% of the local population – the highest of any of the LCMS' 33 geographical districts.

The Nebraska District was formed in September 1970 when the Northern Nebraska and Southern Nebraska Districts merged; a portion of the Northern Nebraska District was simultaneously separated to create the Wyoming District. An earlier Nebraska District had existed from 1882 to 1922, before dividing until the 1970 reorganization. District offices are located in Seward, Nebraska. Delegates from each congregation meet in convention every three years to elect the district president, vice presidents, circuit counselors, a board of directors, and other officers. The Rev. Russell Sommerfeld has been the district president since 2003, having been re-elected to a third term 2009. The last convention was held June 4–6, 2009 at Concordia University Nebraska under the theme "Full of Grace -- Seasoned with Salt". The next will be held in June 8–9, 2012 at Concordia University Nebraska under the theme "The Good Life" (Gal 6:9-10).

Concordia University Nebraska, part of the LCMS' Concordia University System, is located within the district.

Presidents

Rev. Frederick A. Niedner, 1970–78
Rev. Eldor W. Meyer, 1978–91
Rev. Eugene V. Gierke, 1991-2003
Rev. Russell L. Sommerfeld, 2003–2015
Rev. Richard L. Snow, 2015-present

Oldest congregations

1868 - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Beemer, Nebraska
1869 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Hooper, Nebraska
1869 - St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Arlington, Nebraska
1870 - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seward, Nebraska
1870 - Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Staplehurst, Nebraska
1870 - Zion Lutheran Church, Hampton, Nebraska
1871 - Christ Lutheran Church, Columbus, Nebraska
1871 - Christ Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Nebraska
1871 - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Louisville, Nebraska
1871 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Pierce, Nebraska
1871 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, West Point, Nebraska
1871 - Saint Peter Lutheran Church, Elk Creek, Nebraska
1872 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Battle Creek, Nebraska
1872 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Waco, Nebraska
1874 - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sterling, Nebraska
1874 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Crete, Nebraska
1874 - St. John's Lutheran Church, Lyons, Nebraska
1874 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Hebron, Nebraska
1874 - Zion Lutheran Church, Bancroft, Nebraska
1874 - Zion Lutheran Church, St. Libory, Nebraska

Only congregation in Kansas: First Lutheran Church, Summerfield, Kansas, 1947

Largest congregations

Membership totals include all baptized members and are according to the LCMS website.

4625- King of Kings Lutheran Church, Omaha, Nebraska
3198- Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Omaha, Nebraska
2987- Messiah Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
2588- Christ Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
2498- Saint John Lutheran Church, Seward, Nebraska
2409- Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, LaVista, Nebraska
2276- Christ Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Nebraska
2037- Trinity Lutheran Church, Fremont, Nebraska
2014- Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Kearney, Nebraska
1849- Trinity Lutheran Church, Grand Island, Nebraska
1783- Peace Lutheran Church, Columbus, Nebraska
1769- Our Savior Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Nebraska
1684- Faith Lutheran Church, Hastings, Nebraska
1617- Peace Lutheran Church, Grand Island, Nebraska
1512- Emmanuel Lutheran Church, York, Nebraska
Only congregation in Kansas: First Lutheran Church, Summerfield, Kansas, 92

External links

Districts of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

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