Covenant News

Nebraska Church Celebrates 125 Years of Ministry

OAKLAND, NE (April 22, 2002) - Rick Mylander, associate superintendent of the Midwest Conference, was the guest preacher at Sunday's 125th anniversary service at Salem Evangelical Covenant Church.

Former pastors were also invited to be part of the service, including Robert Kronberg and his wife, Ann, of Swedeburg, Nebraska; David Carlson and his wife, Marian, of Red Oak, Iowa; Alan Eagle and his daughter, Mary, of Graham, Washington; and Emmit Swanson of Rockford, Illinois.

Approximately 200 attended Sunday's service and a fellowship coffee time that followed. The congregation later shared in a potluck lunch and celebrated a groundbreaking service for a small expansion to the church, including changes to the entrance, a new pastor's office and a special lift for the disabled.

On Saturday, a banquet and program attracted 135 people. Mylander spoke at the banquet and parishioners shared their musical talents. During the evening, a memorial wooden banner was presented to the church in honor of Don Schold, a longtime member and a well-loved farmer in the community. Dwain Heitshusen, a parishioner and friend of Schold, made the banner. The overall theme of the weekend was "Remembering God's Goodness and Taking the Next Step," taken from Psalm 100: 4-5.

Salem Evangelical Covenant Church is located 70 miles north of Omaha in what is known as "The Swedish Capital of Nebraska." Founded May 11, 1876, the church has an average worship attendance of 125. The pastor is Mike Gillett.

For more information about the church, call church staff at 402-685-6111.

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