Pilgrim Lutheran Church Bellevue NE

Pilgrim is committed to doing our Lord's work and serving the people of our wonderful community as His faithful disciples. We are a church that celebrates the work of our Lord in our midst and desire to help others know Him. You will find Pilgrim a home where you establish meaningful relationships with other people and explore what it means to know Jesus personally. Please join us for any of our worship services. We look forward to meeting you!

OUR VISION

Where by God’s grace, believers from all walks of life together WORSHIP Christ, GROW spiritually in Christ and SHARE Christ’s love with others!

OUR MISSION

Our mission statement can be summed up in one word: REACH.

Reaching Up | Loving God: Vertical reach to touch God. We reach up through worship.

Reach In | Serving Each Other: Horizontal reach to bless others.We serve God by serving each other.

Reach Out | Changing The World: Outward reach to can change the world. We have to be bold and courageous. Jesus commanded us to go into the entire world and present the good news.

 

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As you approach the church building, you will see a parking lot connected to the church. The main entrance is on the northwest side of the building near the flag pole. There are additional parking spaces in the back and side of the building as well.  

 

 

 

Pilgrim's History

During World War II the Martin Bomber Plant (now part of Offutt Air Force Base) caused a population explosion in Bellevue. Recognizing that the Omaha Lutheran Church could not meet the needs of new families in the Bellevue area, the Northern Nebraska District Mission Board took steps to open a mission It soon became evident that there was a need for a Lutheran Church in Bellevue to minister to these people. So in August 1941, Candidate Richard Jesse arrived to conduct a needs canvass of this area. Several months later he accepted a call to Detroit. A new canvass was conducted by the Sunday School teachers of Zion Lutheran Church in South Omaha in June 1942. Since no Lutheran services were offered in Bellevue and the canvasses identified a high level of interest, a pastor was called.

Early in 1943, Pastor Cleo Kautsch of Powell, Wyoming accepted the call to serve this area and develop a mission congregation. He arrived on March 25, 1943.

The first Lutheran church service in Bellevue was led by Pastor Arnold Deke of Zion Lutheran, Omaha held on April 4, 1943, in the High School gymnasium (now Mission Junior High) with thirty-eight people present. On the evening of the same day Pastor Kautsch was installed as pastor and missionary in the Bellevue Defense Area. On May 25, 1943, a committee of seven men met with Pastor Kautsch to select a name and draw up a Constitution and By-Laws. On June 22, 1943, the official organization of Pilgrim Lutheran Church was effected when the Constitution and By-Laws were read, approved, and signed by twelve charter members: Rexal Albert, Merle Pelton, August Head, James Keenan, Edwin Fick, Lowell Schroeder, Albert Dorr, Reinhold Vossberg, Eugene Shaffer, Ernest Laabs, Cleo Kautsch, and Harold Kahle.

The Little White Chapel

During the summer of 1943, the Mission Board purchased a residence and three lots at 24th and Madison, at a cost of $3,000. Mainly through volunteer labor of members, the house was remodeled into the first chapel which was dedicated August 15, 1943, and served the growing congregation for over ten years.

The need for a larger church became apparent with the continued growth of the congregation, and in 1949, a Building Committee was appointed. On February 15, 1950, Pastor Kautsch accepted a call to Platte Center, Nebraska.

In 1951, Pastor George Mundinger accepted the call to become Pilgrim's second pastor. He was installed on February 18, 1951. In 1952, the Northern Nebraska District guaranteed the proceeds of a $50,000 bond issue and later, the "Conquest for Christ Fund", through the District, loaned Pilgrim an additional $10,000.

A New Sanctuary in Olde Towne

Late in 1952, a nine lot site Northeast of 24th and Jackson Streets in Bellevue was purchased. On April 26, 1953, ground was broken for the new church. The cornerstone was laid on July 26, 1953. Copies of the Holy Bible, Luther's Small Catechism, and the Augsburg Confession; a list of congregational officers and members; a history of the church; and an issue of the Bellevue Press were sealed in it. The first worship service in the new sanctuary was held on November 22, 1953, and dedication followed on May 16, 1954. By serving as its own general contractor and using the time and skills of its own members, the actual cost of the building was $61,000. The total cost of the building program including initial furnishings, architect's fees, and church site was approximately $75,000.

New Church (1953) From their inceptions, Pilgrim and First Lutheran (Plattsmouth) were a dual parish served by Pastor Kautsch and later by Pastor George Mundinger. In March 1955, the dual parish was dissolved and each congregation called its own pastor. Although Pastor Mundinger was granted a release to serve in Brookfield, Illinois on March 9, 1955, he remained at Pilgrim until the fall while a new pastor was called.

Pastor Donald Christiansen was installed on August 21, 1955, to lead Pilgrim onward as its third pastor. During his tenure and with God's continued blessings, Pilgrim's rate of growth increased dramatically--about 8% a year, 20% in Sunday School, and 14% per year in church attendance.

This growth was not without accompanying aches and pains--financial problems were ever present. Bond redemptions had to be met; the church needed to be furnished with pews, organ, air conditioning, floor coverings, acoustical ceiling tile and a myriad of other things. Improvements to the kitchen facility were also a priority. A financial record keeping system was implemented under the guidance of Larry Chandler, CPA from Imig and Irwin, and a committee under the direction of H.C. (Bert) Inselmann. Pastor Christiansen was granted a release on April 25, 1960, and left for Jolliet, Illinois, in May.

A Growing Congregation

In 1960, Howard Schuett accepted the call to become our fourth pastor. Between the departure of Pastor Christiansen and the arrival of Pastor Schuett, Pastor Vernon Albrecht, Omaha Institutional Missionary and Lutheran Student Pastor accepted the vacancy and served three months. Pastor Schuett was installed on September 25, 1960. Pilgrim experienced its greatest period of growth under his leadership. Vicars David Wurster and John Maisel and Layworker Marjorie Giblin also served Pilgrim during Pastor Schuett's tenure.

On July 1, 1963, Pilgrim Lutheran Church reached a very important milestone by becoming totally self supporting. From its inception, Pilgrim had been considered a mission congregation of the Northern Nebraska District and had received monthly subsidies from the District.

The congregation continued to grow, and a need for more space became evident. A Building Committee was established, and a master plan for developing the church property was adopted.

Building Improvements

Ground was broken for an Education Building to the east of the church in June of 1964. The facility was completed and dedicated to the glory of God in September of 1965. This construction was financed by a $115,000 bond issue which was underwritten and sold by Yates, Heitner and Woods of St. Louis, Missouri. The proceeds generated were enough to allow Pilgrim to pay off the remaining $33,000 balance due on the church building, which was owed to the Northern Nebraska District, and to construct the educational unit. Moshier Construction Company was the general contractor for the project.

The next step in the master plan was addressed with the renovation of the chancel. The dossal cloth was removed, and artificial brick was installed on the chancel rear wall. Red carpeting was also installed in the chancel area and in the center and side aisles of the nave. Memorial Funds collected as part of the 25th Anniversary Celebration helped finance these projects.

Mailboxes for Pilgrim members were built on the back wall of the narthex in 1967. This was done to improve communication within the congregation.

In the late 1960's, stained glass panels were installed in the upper portion of the nave windows, financed by subscriptions of members.

In 1969, "Operation 76" was initiated to collect funds to pay the final balloon payment on the $115,000 bond issue due in June of 1976. When the indebtedness was paid off, an Improvements Committee was formed to make a study off needed improvements to the church property. The Committee made formal recommendations to the voters, and in 1978, a loan was obtained from Aid Association for Lutherans to finance improvements which included: Installing air conditioning and replacing the heating unit of the church; renovating the church kitchen; carpeting the fellowship hall; installing dividers in the education building and fellowship hall; paving the parking lots, and replacing the garage.

The Beginning of Another 25 Years!

Pilgrim celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1968. Pastor Cleo Kautsch returned to lead gala worship services in June. A dinner was served in the Fellowship Hall and a formal late afternoon tea was served to invited guests and members.

In 1971, Pilgrim called a full-time lay worker, Miss Marjorie Giblin, who arrived in July, 1971. On April 22, 1973, Pastor Schuett departed for Denver, Colorado.

Pastor Brusius became Pilgrim's fifth pastor on January 6, 1974. "Talent Cards" were revised, updated and distributed in an effort to involve more members and make better use of their talents. In 1975, the church office was moved from the small basement area under the sacristy (church nursery) to the former parsonage, across 24th street to the south of the church.

A need for expanding our youth ministry became evident in 1974. Pilgrim called its first Director of Christian Education, Bob Johnson, (now deceased) a recent graduate of Concordia College, Seward, Nebraska, in the spring of 1975. On October 24, 1976, Pastor Brusius accepted a call to become the Director of Family Life Education on the staff of Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, St Louis, Missouri.

Under the leadership of Pastor Gary Weier who became Pilgrim's sixth pastor on April 17, 1977, and DCE Robert Johnson, the Education Committee was reorganized. In 1978, the "Year of the Sunday School" was observed by the Synod and by Pilgrim with several of our members attending the Sunday School Synodical Convention. The youth ministry flourished a a new and unique Clown Ministry was established. Some of the recommendations received at the convention were implemented -- formal Sunday School teacher training and Sunday School teacher recognition. In August 1978, Bob Johnson left Pilgrim to attend the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, as a pastoral student.

Lloyd Stuhr came on December 10, 1978, to become Pilgrim's DCE. Under the direction of Pastor Weier, Pilgrim became active in Marriage Encounter, took part in annual Crop Walks and food drives for the Food Banks, began a policy of praying for our synodical missionaries during Sunday morning services, and installed the church computer system. In 1985, a special fund drive was successfully completed, and a Rogers Organ was purchased and placed in the rear of the nave. At this time the choir loft was renovated and enlarged. In February 1985, Mr Stuhr accepted a call to Ann Arbor, Michigan, as a DCE.

On November 9, 1986, Robert Seible accepted the call to become Pilgrim's associate pastor to serve as Minister of Youth. Under his direction the Youth Council was organized and youth activities for Senior and Junior Youth and for Young Adults were expanded.

In 1987, the walls of the chancel area were paneled and carpeting was replaced in the chancel and in the nave of the church.

A Capital Improvement committee was formed In 1986. On January 15, 1987, the congregation entered into a contract with architect Robert L. Johnson, 6818 Grover St, Omaha, to develop a revised facilities master plan. Items for consideration included: Enlargement of the narthex and kitchen, provision for entry to the church from the north parking lot, improved handicapped access, additional restrooms on the ground level, creation of a new office area, and general remodeling of interior and exterior appearances. Mr. Johnson and the committee proposed: connecting the church and education buildings with a narthex between them; reversing the seating and moving the altar to the opposite (west) end of the sanctuary; moving the fellowship hall to the first floor of the education building; converting the fellowship hall into classrooms; installing an elevator; constructing pastoral offices adjacent to the new narthex; and providing covered loading/unloading area to the north parking lot off the new narthex. The concept was presented to the congregation for discussion. After minor adjustments, it was presented to the Voters Assembly and adopted in October 1989, as Pilgrim's Master Plan. Estimated total cost to implement this plan was $493,789. Prior capital improvement loans remained unpaid, so no further action was taken, and the Committee disbanded.

The Final Years in Olde Towne

In 1992, Pastor Seible and Pastor Weier accepted calls leaving the parish with no full-time pastor. Pastor Gary and Evy left Pilgrim on February 29, 1992, to accept a call to Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in West Monroe, LA. Pastor Seible and family left Pilgrim on November 15, 1992, to accept a call to Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill, NE.

On June 13, 1993, Pastor Dan Ritter was installed as pastor. In June 2006, Pastor Ritter accepted a call to Mount Hope Lutheran Church, Bloomington, MN.

During late 1996 the Elders recognized the need for additional professional staff. After surveying needs, it was determined that a second pastor should be budgeted for and called. In 1997, Pastor Chris Watson accepted a call following his graduation from Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. and was installed on August 10, 1997.

Preparing for the Future A Building Committee was formed in July 1993, charged with planning for the needs and desires of Pilgrim through the year 2010. It soon became apparent that we could not expand sufficiently within the land we owned (three-quarters of a block). An attempt was made to purchase the northeast quarter of the block, but no agreement could be reached. On May 22, 1994, Voters approved a motion for the Building Committee to look for a new church site.

In July 1994, the Congregation approved the purchase of 80 acres of farmland southeast of Fairview Road and 25th Street and agreed to list the old church site for sale. Omaha architect,. Virgil Wamsat, developed plans for a new structure.

On May 19, 1996, the Voters approved a plan, prepared by Hill-Farrell Associates, Inc. of Bellevue, to develop and replat the property into a housing sub-division called "Pilgrims Landing." Eight days later - N.P. Dodge Real Estate Company, offered to purchase 60 acres of the subdivision and continue development of Pilgrims Landing. Pilgrim accepted. In March of 1997, N. P. Dodge requested that we add 14 new town home lots to the 16 already platted along the east and west perimeter of the church's 17 acre tract and submitted an offer to purchase all 30 lots for construction of town homes. Pilgrim accepted.

Groundbreaking for Pilgrim's new facility at 2311 Fairview Road were held on May 17, 1997. Later that day, the Voters' Assembly voted to borrow up to $2.4 million dollars to finance construction of the first of a three phase building project -- a 30,000 square foot Family Life Center which included a gymnasium surrounded by classrooms, a commercial grade kitchen, pastoral offices, a large narthex and a basement storm shelter. BVI Constructors of Omaha was selected as the General Contractor. Proceeds from the sale of the excess Pilgrims Landing property were used to begin construction until a $1.85 million dollar loan from First Westroads bank of Omaha, Nebraska was approved.

The Move To Pilgrim's Landing On April 5, 1998, the final worship service was held at 24th and Jackson. During the 10:45 service the altar was stripped and the congregation proceeded in a vehicle caravan to the new facility where the altar paraments were reset and the worship service concluded. Regular worship services began on Easter Sunday, April 12,1998. The new facility was officially dedicated on Sunday, May 17, 1998 with the assistance of Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, former " Voice of the Lutheran Hour" as guest speaker.

The house containing the church office at 2401 Jackson Street was sold early in 1998. The Church and Education Wing at 24th & Jackson Streets were leased to a Christian congregation in the year 2000 with the option to purchase. In September, 2002 another Christian congregation purchased the church, education unit facilities and associated lot ending Pilgrim's involvement at that site.

Settled In At The New Site

New by-laws, which changed the structure of Pilgrim's boards, committees and ministry teams, were adopted by the Voters Assembly on February 13, 2000. We now operate with an elected Council of Ministries containing seven members, an elected treasurer, and an elected Board of Elders. All other lay positions are appointed by the Council of Ministries with each member of the Council serving as a point of contact for a portion of the approximately fifty ministries conducted through Pilgrim Lutheran Church.

In 2001, the reduction of Pilgrim's overall debt was critical to better concentrate on the mission and ministries of the Church. An outside agency, Cargill & Associates, was hired to help with a debt reduction campaign called "Blessed to Be a Blessing" (Not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice). Over $400,000 was contributed by congregation members over a 3 year period. Refinancing of the loan on the new facility took place in May of 2002, and by September, 2004 the principal on the loan went below the $1,000,000 mark.

A new outdoor sign was installed on the corner of 25th Street and Fairview Road in the summer of 2002.

Pilgrim celebrated its 60th Anniversary as a chartered congregation and five years at our current location on Fairview Road on Sunday, May 4, 2003. The theme for the celebration was “Revisit the Past to See the Future.” Pilgrim hosted former pastors and members as well as Dr. Dale Meyer, Professor of Homiletics and Literature at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri who was the guest speaker.

In 2005, a Building Committee was formed to develop a plan to add a dedicated sanctuary, office and classroom space and an expanded narthex. After a year-and-a-half recess (while calling a new senior pastor), the Building Committee resumed planning in January 2008. Cal Hinz Architects from Elkhorn, NE was selected to design the new structure and The Concordia University Liturgical Arts Department was employed to design and potentially construct the chancel area of the new sanctuary. Capital Funding Services of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund, was contracted to assist in a campaign entitled, ‘Being Built Together.” A total of $769,000 was pledged during December 2008 for the new structure.

Reverend Fredrick A. Simon, formerly Senior Pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, North Platte, Nebraska, answered our call and was installed as Senior Pastor on November 11, 2007.

Pilgrim has been blessed to have LC-MS military Chaplains, retired LC-MS pastors or other pastors within the congregation. In 2000, Pastor Dan Neitfeld returned to the active roster to serve as an assistant pastor at Pilgrim.

Pilgrim has been blessed with dedicated pastors, professional church workers and lay people who answered the call...

PASTORS:

Pastor Cleo Kautsch 1943 to 1950 Pastor George Mundinger 1951 to 1955 Pastor Donald Christensen 1955 to 1960 Pastor Howard Schuett 1960 to 1973 Pastor Ronald Brusius 1974 to 1976 Pastor Gary Weier 1977 to 1992 Pastor Robert Seible 1988 to 1992 Pastor Chris Watson 1997 to 1998 Pastor Daniel Ritter 1993 to 2006 Pastor Dan Nietfeld - Assistant Pastor since 2000 Pastor Fred Simon - Senior Pastor since 2007

DIRECTORS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:

Mr. Robert Johnson 1975 to 1978 Mr. Lloyd Stuhr 1978 to 1985 Mrs. Vanessa Siefert 2002 to 2006

LAYWORKER:

Miss Marjorie Giblin 1970(?) to 1973

VICARS:

Mr. David Wurster 1967 to 1968 Mr. John Maisel 1968 to 1969 Mr. Harold Draeger 1969 to 1970

PILGRIM MEMBERS WHO ENTERED PASTORAL MINISTRY:

Rev Jon Brad Urbach Rev Jack Bauer Rev Arthur Callesen Rev Hyle Anderson Rev Charles Fred Campbell Rev Richard Grammes DCE James Grice Rev Dave Wurster, Vicar Rev Robert Johnson Rev John Reynolds Rev Neal Mather (ELCA) Rev Lloyd Stuhr Rev Dan Molyneux Rev Tim Ritter