About Us
What we Believe
Morning Star Lutheran Church is a proud member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). We are connected to other ELCA churches though the state of Nebraska by our Synod, which is presided over by Bishop Brian Maas. The Nebraska Synod is connected to the national body of the ELCA, which is presided over by Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. The ELCA is a bottom-up organization, with the National structure existing to provide guidelines and support, leaving each congregation free to discern for themselves on the way their congregation chooses to participate in the world.
Our Mission
Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world. This is the mission statement of the ELCA. As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. With our hands, we do God’s work of restoring and reconciling communities in Jesus’ name throughout the world.
Biblical & Theological Foundation
Members of the ELCA are called and privileged to participate in God's work in the world. God calls and empowers us for mission through baptism. As a community of believers justified by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), we do not describe mission in terms of our own work but with reference to the healing, salvation and restoration that God accomplishes through Christ. We seek the guidance of the Spirit in our planning, while expecting surprising developments and unanticipated opportunities. Grounded in God’s love and forgiveness, we are equipped to live and serve here and now, in the world, with all its complexities, tensions and ambiguities. We have the courage to explore the world as saints and sinners are certain of God's promises and of the confident hope that all God's loving purposes will be fulfilled when our risen Lord Jesus Christ returns
(1 John 3:2).
Mission and Plan
Three Year Strategic Plan
Growth Area: Strengths to Build on
- We will focus on living and communicating our mission, Bringing the Light of Christ to All Creation.
- We will grow and thrive by supporting our outstanding called pastors, staff, volunteers and the vitality of our congregation through healthy communication, stewardship and prayer.
Growth Area: Opportunities for Improvement
- We will grow and strengthen our youth program.
- We will grow fellowship and discipleship opportunities for all, promoting a healthy, united congregation.
Growth Area: Mission to Our Community
- We will continue to build upon our cross-generational faith formation programs.
- We will continue to support community outreach programs, including our excellent preschool and early educational child care program.
Growth Area: Aspirations for the Next 3 Years (2018 - 2020)
- We will work to revitalize our worship services to maintain excellence and provide hospitality for all of God’s people.
- We will address the functionality of our worship space and determine how it can be made more inviting and accessible.
