First Lutheran Church

Worship Schedule
Saturday:
Worship-6:00pm
Sunday:
Traditional Worship 8:15am
Sunday School 9:30am
Contemporary Worship 10:45am Wednesday:
L.I.F.E. Night Worship-6:15pm

Sketch of Church

Never again will I confess Loneliness, Jesus said, "...Lo, I am with thee alway, even unto the end of the world."
~Matthew 28:20

Office Hours:
M-T-Th-F 8:30am-12 and 1:00pm-4:30pm
Wednesdays 8:30am-7:00pm

First Lutheran Church Staff
These people stand ready to serve you and to help you serve others.

2146 Wright Street
Blair, Nebraska 68008
402-426-4073
Fax: 402-426-4599

Mission Statement:

By God's saving grace, we seek to grow in our knowledge of God's word, proclaim the Gospel, and glorify God as we joyfully serve within our congregation, the community, and the world, while celebrating the unity and diversity of all.

Jesus Laughing

Last Updated 03/31/08

PASTORAL STAFF

Senior Pastor: Mike Knudson

Mike Knudson earned his BA in Religion and Art at Luther College in 1976 and his Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1981. He was ordained June 14, 1981. He has served as Pastor of Our Savior (1981-1985) in Broken Bow, Nebraska; Callaway Lutheran (1981-1985) in Callaway, Nebraska; Hosanna Lutheran, during it’s storefront mission phase (1986-1988) in Plattsmouth, Nebraska; and Trinity Lutheran in Omaha, Nebraska (1988-2007. Pastor Mike was installed as the Senior Pastor of First Lutheran in March of 2007.

Worship formed Pastor Mike as a child, but attending Southern Seminary changed his life. At seminary, he moved from having a stern judgmental God to being a person who enjoys being, by the grace of God, a child of God. Pastor Mike’s grandfather and uncle were Lutheran ministers. In addition to the life of Jesus, the lives of Martin Luther, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King and Detrich Bonhoffer have influenced his worldview.

Pastor Mike has been married to Madonna for 27 years; they are parents of 22-year-old twins, Carl and Laura. Madonna is employed at the Creighton Medical Center Medical Library. Carl and Laura are both students at Creighton University.

If you would like to e-mail Pastor Mike please Click Here

Associate Pastor: Pam Ciulla

Pastor Pam Ciulla was installed as the Associate Pastor at First Lutheran on Saturday and Sunday, February 23-24. We welcome her and her husband, Sal to our FLC family and we look forward to learning more about them in the weeks and months to come. If you would like to e-mail Pastor Pam please Click Here

Visitation Pastor: Frank Philipp

The Reverend Frank E. Philipp was raised in Northeastern Iowa, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech and Drama from Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, and a Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. He has served as a called pastor in four churches in Iowa and provided interim ministry in seven congregations and one campus ministry. He is endorsed for Specialized Ministry in General Health Care and Addictions Treatment and Care by the ELCA and certified as a Board Certified Chaplain by the Association of Professional Chaplains. He has ministered in the hospitals of St. Luke’s Hospital and Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City, Iowa; Mercy Medical System, Janesville, Wisconsin; The University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin; Alegent Health/Immanuel Lutheran Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, MCH Health System, Blair, Nebraska.

Pastor Philipp is married to Janet Philipp and they have two adult children, Michael and Laura. His hobbies include Amateur Radio, wood working, stained-glass, electronics, photography, trout fishing, landscaping and cooking. He enjoys classical music, movies, jokes and humor, and reading.

If you would like to e-mail Pastor Frank please Click Here

MINISTERS

The People of First Lutheran Church

Our growing membership consists of more than 2,000 people. At our four weekly worship services, which includes one on Saturday night, two on Sunday morning, and LIFE Night on Wednesday evening, we average an attendance of 600 people.

The following verse from the Bible is at the heart of our Christian ministry:
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. ~Matthew 28:18-20

PROGRAM AND OFFICE STAFF

Parish Administrator: Wendy Grasz

Wendy joined the staff in December of 2004. She and her husband Kelvin moved to Blair in 2000 after both working for Carol Joy Holling Camp, Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries for more than ten years. Wendy enjoys spending time at home with Kelvin working on their home, camping and spending time with Tootsie, their cocker spaniel.

If you would like to e-mail Wendy Click Here

Associate in Ministry: Bogart Nomad

Bogart arrived here in August of 2004 from San Antonio, Texas. ( He is a huge Spurs fan) He is a first call AiM Youth and Family Minister with over 20 years experience. He also brings experience in Clinical Pastoral Education into his visitation duties. Bogart and wife Donna are glad to be raising their boys (Nikolas and Zakariah) in Blair. Donna is also glad to be near her many family members as well. If you would like to email Bogart Click Here

Financial Secretary: Linda Trolson
Linda has been a member of FLC since 1977, and has enjoyed using her finance background in her service to the church for the past 13 years. She loves reading, traveling, crafts, and spending time with her husband, Dick, and her three daughters and one grandson. She has been involved in Bible study, Circle, VBS, and other social activities at First Lutheran.

If you would like to e-mail Linda Click Here

Church Secretary: Pat Hansen

Pat has been a member of First Lutheran for several years. She is married to Rod Hansen, life-long member of FLC and employed by Sid Dillon Motors in Blair. They have two grown daughters and families which include four “wonderful grandchildren!” Her hobbies include fishing, crocheting, gardening and reading. In addition to being secretary, Pat is also on the funeral lunch coordinating team and a member of the Women’s steering committee.

If you would like to e-mail Pat Click Here

FACILITY STAFF

Custodian: Ray Jensen
Ray has been on the custodial staff since January, 1995. As a "behind the scenes man", he is certainly a vital asset to our church. Ray is married and has two grown daughters. When he has extra time, Ray enjoys working at his home and taking small vacations.

Maintenance: Curt Hougen
Curt and his wife, Jan, have been members of First Lutheran, since 1998. Having recently retired as the manager of a farm co-op, Curt is employed at the church on a part-time basis. As active members of the church, Curt and Jan, are committee members, frequent kitchen volunteers, leaders of the Adult Forum, and more.

Security: Tim Grinbergs
Tim is the man who gives the church its last walk of the halls every night. He walks to the church, checks every room, and locks the doors. This has been his responsibility for over ten years. Tim and Ann are practically life-long members of FLC. They have three grown sons. Tim is a mail carrier for the USPS. In his spare time he likes to participate in bowling, camping, fishing, and all many other outdoor activities.

T.V. Ministry : Chris Mommsen
Chris is a life-long member of FLC. He and Amy's daughters are as pretty as their names, Arianne and Gaebrielle. Chris' love of technology is his livelihood, as well as his hobby. Chris has been instrumental in all the video presentations at church. Who can forget "Mission Possible Day", starring our own Mike Mahlendorf. Faithfully each Sunday morning he takes his position in the balcony to tape the 8:15 service. It is later broadcast at noon on Dana's Channel 12. Upon request the tapes are available for members to view during the week.

2007 CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL

President: Loren Havekost

Married to Dianne with two adult daughters, Leigh and Karen. Resided in Blair and been a member of First Lutheran since December 1984. Currently employed as the Controller with Great Plains Communications, Inc. Currently serving on the Worship & Music Committee; was Co-Chairman of the recent Capital Campaign; was Council President in 1993.

Vice President: Martha Sorensen

I was married at First Lutheran in 1986 to my husband Tom. We moved away at that time and returned to Blair in 1999. We have four children – Kai age 19, Stephanie age 18, Emma age 8 and Andrew age 6.

I graduated from nursing school in 1986 and have worked primarily with chronic dialysis patients both in administration and clinical coordination. I enjoy spending time with my family, walking for exercise and watching sporting events.

My church activities include being a Stephen Minister, singing in the Adult Choir and teaching kindergarten at L.I.F.E. Night.

Christine Hansen - Christian Education

I was born in Blair and raised at Tekamah. I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. My husband Rod and I are life-long Lutherans and have been married for 13 years. We have two daughters, Eileen (9) and Lydia (5). We moved back to this area in April of 2002. We attended First Friends and joined FLC in the fall of 2002. Our family lives on the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge where Rod is the law enforcement officer. Our daughters attend school at Missouri Valley Community Schools where I am also employed as a substitute teacher. My current involvement in FLC includes: L.I.F.E. night teacher, Women’s Bible study, Christian Education committee, Church council (appointed in May 2005 to fill the term vacated by Jean Bell), Women’s Growth committee, serving as lector and communion assistant, and Relay for Life. In my spare time I enjoy reading, flower gardening, crafts, nature, and photography.

Paul Gosker - Property Committee

I grew up north of Arlington, and graduated from Arlington High School.

In 1996, I was married to Sharla Schjodt here at FLC, and transferred my membership from Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fontanelle at about the same time.

Sharla and I have two daughters – Kiley age 8 and Katie age 5. We both enjoy watching them in different activities at school or the YMCA.

For the last 10 plus years I have worked for Rawhide Chemoil in Fremont in their propane department.

Joe Fryman - Mission & Evangelism

I am 58 years old and have lived near Blair my entire life. I graduated from Blair High School and Dana College. I am a farmer and income tax preparer. Tammy and I have three grown children, Erin, Laura and Matthew. I have served on church council and was church president during the early 1980’s. I am a past Sunday school teacher, have served as an auditor for the church financial records and served on various church committees. I am presently on the Christian Growth board. I served as a member of the Blair Community School Board for twenty years and was President for several years. I enjoy traveling and working on older cars.

Paul Novak - Worship & Music

Paul grew up on a farm in northeast Nebraska and attended school at Decatur. He has an associates degree in electronics technology from northeast Technical community college in Norfolk. He and his wife, Kelli, have been married for fifteen years and have two children, Stephen age 9 and Justin age 7. Paul was baptized and confirmed as a Missouri synod Lutheran. He enjoys singing in the praise band and going to youth functions with his kids. Paul is currently employed at Eakes Office Plus in Fremont where he works as a technician repairing office equipment such as copiers, fax and printers. He has been working in this field since 1986 and really enjoys his work. He spends most of his spare time working on house projects and spending time with his wife and family.

Pete Svendgard - Stewardship

Since becoming a member several years, First Lutheran has been a centerpiece of some very important aspects of my life. My wife, Lisa, and I were married here. Our daughters, Haley and Ashley, were baptized here as well. Our family remains busy within the congregation. We are very appreciative of the expanded youth and L.I.F.E. Night programs, and it is important to us that FLC continues to prosper.

I am a past member of the Congregation Council, serving from 1999-2002. In recent years, I have served on Stewardship, Youth and Striving to Renew Capital Fundraising committees.

I am employed as Director of Sales and Marketing with International Gamco, Inc in Omaha. Much of my spare time is spent coaching my daughters’ youth sports teams.

Kathy Kuster - Worship & Music

I have been a member of First Lutheran for 35 years, during that time I have served on Church Council, Christian Education and Stewardship Committees. I currently serve on Mission and Evangelism Committee, usher, lead a small Bible Study group and am a member of Naomi Circle. My hobbies include gardening (my property is turfless), cooking, reading and scrap booking. I work part-time at Midwest Chiropractic/Bountiful Harvest health food store.

Milt Heinrich - Social Concerns

Milt and his wife Jane have been active members of First Lutheran Church for over thirty years. They have two married children, Chris and Amy, and four grandchildren. Milt is Professor of Art and Art Education at Dana College. He served on the building committee that created the fellowship hall addition at FLC. Throughout the years Milt has done various pieces of artwork for First Lutheran Church and other churches in the area.

Jim Peterson

Jim Peterson and his wife Ruth have lived in Blair for almost 30 years. Jim recently retired from service as the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Educator in Washington County having served over 31 years in Washington and Cuming County, Nebraska. Jim and Ruth have three children, Amy, a school psychologist at Greeley, Colorado; Amanda, a chemist at Cargill here in Blair; and Jessica, a food science chemist for Kari Ingredients in Kansas City. Ruth is currently serving as the Blair City Library Director.

Jim grew up on a small family farm near Osceola, Nebraska. He attended and graduated from Midland College in Fremont before spending three years in the U.S. Army in Hanau, Germany. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to college at the University of Nebraska receiving his Masters Degree in 1976 in the agronomic area of soil science.

Jim and Ruth have been members of First Lutheran Church since 1976 when the family moved to Blair. Jim served on the Church Council for Grace Lutheran Church in West Point for a short period prior to his move to Blair.

Rhonda Shaw - Youth Committee

I’ve lived in Blair for the last 6 ½ years and have been a member of First Lutheran for just over 6 years. My husband, Garret, and I are blessed with three amazing kids. Trevor just turned 13 (7th gr.), Kiah is 10 (4th gr.), and Lauryn is 6 (K). I’m a stay at home mom, and keep very busy home schooling all three kids. Garret is employed by the local hospital. He works at one of their rural satellite clinics located in Tekamah. Most of my involvement with the church has been with the youth. I’ve taught the 4-year-old Sunday school class for the last 4 years, and both Garret and I have spent our Wednesday evenings with the High School kids for the last couple of years. I will continue to serve in that capacity as I take on this new role.

Kathy Wulff - Christian Education

My family and I moved to Blair in 1996. We joined First Lutheran Church at that time. I work as a nurse in the Outpatient Clinic at Memorial Community Hospital. John and I have been married 23 years and have three children – Stephanie, Lindsay, and Kevin.

I am currently involved at church as a Bell Choir member, accompanist for Cherub Choir, secretary for Christian Education Committee, and help with the confirmation students. Previously, I have served as a Sunday School teacher and music leader, VBS coordinator, Christmas program director, Women’s Growth Committee member, and call committee.

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