LGBT Community & Business Directory

In 1976, Augustana installed the first female pastor in Nebraska—Lora Gross. She served as associate pastor to the Reverend Vic Schoonover. Since then, Augustana has had four other women pastors. Our current pastor is the Reverend Jan Peterson.

As a progressive congregation, Augustana is concerned with its neighborhood. In the 1970s, Augustana began a ministry called Project Embrace. This summer program for children is offered for six weeks in June and July and offers activities such as crafts, music, computer instruction, and field trips, all within a Christian environment.

Augustana is indeed a community of progressive thinkers, and we welcome you to join us. Located in the heart of Midtown Omaha, we’re in the city for good!

Beth El Synagogue is a welcoming spiritual resource for lifelong Conservative Jewish living. We provide education, religious services, celebrations of life-cycle events and support for our 450 plus member families to learn, develop lifelong friendships, and celebrate the joys of being Jewish.

Countryside is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. We were established in 1949 as part of the Congregational Church, one of the oldest denominations in America, which still remains strong in the New England states. In 1957, our branch of the Congregational Church joined with the Reformed Church in the United States, independent congregations of the Christian Connection, and the Evangelical Synod of North America to form what is now commonly known as the United Church of Christ, or the UCC.

The UCC is distinct and diverse community of Christians that come together as one church, but we have no superior body that tells congregations what they can or cannot do. Local congregations are free to accept or reject initiatives from the wider church, but we are responsible to listen and consider. The big decisions for our local church are made by our congregation in meetings that everyone is encouraged to attend. Countryside is part of The Nebraska Conference of the United Church of Christ and appreciates the covenantal connection of that relationship.