Nebraska Synod ELCA

by Pastor Heather Goertz

Nebraska Lutheran Campus Ministry’s (NeLCM) mission is to invite students more deeply into Jesus Christ and the community that bears His name, so they can discover and fulfill their vocation as disciples. All are welcome because God welcomes all, regardless of race or culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or relationship status. All are welcome without regard to addictions, physical or mental health, imprisonment, socio-economic circumstances, or anything that too often divides us. Our unity is in Christ (Galatians 3:28). As an agency of the Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, all are welcome through God’s love and grace. NeLCM sites are located among 10 colleges and universities throughout Nebraska. Campuses include Chadron State College, University of Nebraska Lincoln/Kearney/Omaha, Creighton University, Southeast Community College Beatrice, Peru State College, Northeast Community College Norfolk, and Wayne State College .

As the needs of a growing population of college-aged adults needing a faith community are prevalent, the NeLCM-Greater Omaha ministry is branching out to offer chaplain services on college campuses. Thus, attention is aimed at being a resource and access point for spiritual health and wellness partnering with institutions to help strengthen and stabilize health and well-being among young adults in a transitional phase of self-identity and purpose-seeking. This year St. Timothy’s congregation will support the development of an on-going infrastructure that leads to a regular presence of spiritual health and wellness services available to college-aged adults. 71% of college students identify as part of a religion according to research, and participation in such decreases significantly throughout transitional ages of young adulthood. This cohort struggles with self-identity and connecting with new communities after high school. Behavioral health concerns are prevalent in this population of adults, ages 18-24; as a leading cause of death among this population is suicide. In 2023, Mental Health America ranked Nebraska 44th in the nation for a higher prevalence of mental illness coupled with low access to care. (Source: Nebraska Examiner). College students today experience challenges ranging from coursework, relationships, and campus culture to economic strain, social injustice, violence, and loss related to pandemic effects. Using a faith-based approach to health and well-being can help alleviate the spiritual struggles that young adults have endured through societal shifts in technology, social media pressures, and a difficult adjustment to adulthood. Campus ministry considers the integration of mental health and spiritual well-being for those who long for healthy living rooted in Jesus Christ, beyond societal stigmas.

Please share your support for such ministry as Nebraska Lutheran Campus Ministry (Omaha) presents Evensong: A Grand Choir Experience at Saint Timothy’s Lutheran Church (510 N. 93 Street, Omaha, 68114) on Sunday, January 28, 2024. The chili cookoff begins at 4:00 with the Grand Choir beginning at 5:30. Come and participate! The link below will let us know in what ways you will participate in this collaborative community event supporting Campus Ministry throughout Omaha.

Find out more HERE!

Pastor Heather Goertz is serving her first-call as Associate Pastor of Saint Timothy’s Lutheran Church in a combined position as Campus Minister for the Omaha area with NeLCM.