OUR STORY

Cool Timeline

2016 Kountze Commons

Hundreds were on hand on Sunday, June 19 as our congregation broke ground on the new building that will include space for a free medical clinic, commons area, expanded parking, and green space. The ceremony began in the Sanctuary with remarks by Rev. Dean Bard, Interim Senior Pastor at Kountze

2015 | In the City for Good Campaign

After purchasing the KETV news station property through a gift of the Kountze Memorial Endowment Fund, the congregation begins a capital campaign, raising over $2 million towards the redevelopment of the KETV. The ambitious plans include space for our health clinic, food pantry, expanded parking, accessible entrances, outdoor green space,

2014 | $1.1 Million Organ Refurbishment and Chamber Expansion

Kountze Memorial embarks on a massive organ renovation, refurbishment and building expansion, allowing our most beautiful Aeolian-Skinner Organ Opus 1090 to serve the congregation and community for years to come.

2013 | The Next Chapter

Following a national search, Rev. Jeffery Alvestad (2013- ), a graduate of Luther Seminary, begins his ministry as Senior Pastor on July 1, 2013. The Congregation looks ahead with much anticipation to what the future holds for Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church as we seek to Worship, Grow, and Serve

2011 | Celebrating 70 Years of Ministry

Since 1941, young people have served as acolytes in worship through the Order of Saint John, providing life, energy, and leadership to our worship experience. The Order of St. John is an integral part of our ministry and today has nearly 40 youth serving in its ranks.

2010 | Healing Gift Free Clinic

On February 25, Kountze Memorial opens a free health clinic, staffed by volunteers, for the purpose of providing much needed medical care to the surrounding community. Its mission is to empower those it serves toward health of the body, mind, and spirit.

2008 | Abundantly Blessed

Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, with close to 2,100 members, celebrates 150 years of worship and fellowship with one another, growth in faith, and service to the community. KMLC is the oldest continuous Lutheran church west of the Missouri River.

2005 | Food Pantry

For over two decades, the Food Pantry at Kountze Memorial, which had its beginnings in a little closet, has grown into a well-built weekly operation, with over 70 volunteers serving an estimated 1, 500 guests each month.

1999 | Neighborhood Gathering

The congregation holds the first Neighborhood Gathering, inviting those in the surrounding community to the church for fun, food, and fellowship.

1998 | Rev. Carlos Schneider

Born in Brazil to missionary parents, Rev. Schneider (1998-2012), a graduate of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, becomes the 14th Senior Pastor. During his ministry, a nearly $10 million building renovation (Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Sunday School, Church offices, etc.) is completed, bringing most of the church building up to modern