Nebraska Synod ELCA

Lakota Lutheran Center and Chapel was established in 1989 in partnership with the Native American community of Scottsbluff and Gering Nebraska. As an organization, it is an extension of the ministries of all the congregations in the Nebraska Synod.

As such, Lakota Lutheran Center serves as a congregational-based social ministry, emphasizing culturally appropriate worship and prayer, children’s education, and pastoral care. The Center also serves as a bridge between Native and non-Native residents in the community, and aims to feed the hungry, offer day services for the homeless, provide hospitality and Indian fellowship from day to day, and assist with emergency situations.  The ministry has a special concern for the health care needs of Native Americans and is always looking for earthy and innovative ways to support good health.

People who gravitate to Lakota Center often come seeking some need addressed, find themselves charmed by Native fellowship, then then become interested in serving as a volunteer in some way.  As an organization that offers a soup kitchen meal every other day, there are always opportunities for Native volunteers.  Betsy Poor Bear, for example, loves to cook, and that love is expressed by her frequently serving as a volunteer kitchen manager.  At a recent Thanksgiving community meal, Betsy’s kitchen leadership led to the feeding of 155 neighborhood persons, who enjoyed her nutritious and delicious meal followed by frybread and  Wosjape, a traditional berry sauce.  People left with smiles and tummies full, and in a spirit of thanksgiving. 

Lakota Center is well known and highly regarded by the wider community. While receiving no government funds of any kind, the Center is respected and appreciated by the entities which refer its constituents and persons in need to receive the various grassroots help that is offered.  Referring agencies include the police, social workers, advocacy officials, ecumenical church partners, and others.  The steady presence of Lakota Center has made it a beloved institution in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Lakota Lutheran Center has always been low budget ministry, which uses its resources judiciously.  Financial donations help support the programming related to its social ministry functions, in particular its hardworking soup kitchen, emergency relief assistance, and programs with children and elderly and persons with disabilities. Donations also maintain continuity in leadership and help keep the building warm in winter.  Financial support is deeply appreciated.