At Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, we uphold the sanctity of our ministry through the timeless virtues encapsulated in the Seven Areas of Ministry. With reverence for our faith and a steadfast commitment to the teachings of Christ, we extend a heartfelt invitation to all who seek solace, guidance, and spiritual nourishment. As faithful stewards of God’s grace, we pledge to cultivate a sacred space where each may find refuge, purpose, and fellowship, guided by the enduring beacon of Lutheran faith.
Ushers, Altar Guild, Visitation, Choir, Instrumentalists, Lectors, Flowers, Order of St. John
Social Ministry, Food Pantry, HGFC, Global Mission, KCCOC
Personnel, Nominating,
Leadership Development
Christian Ed., Youth, WELCA, Confirmation, Book Group
Congregational Activities,
Outreach, New Members,
Media, Archives
Stewardship, Audit,
Scholarship, Planned Giving, Endowment
Property, KETV
In 1856, just two years after the Nebraska Territory was created and Omaha City founded, a new resident from Ohio, Augustus Kountze, wrote to his former pastor asking for a Lutheran minister to be sent. Within the next two years, church lots were purchased at 12th and Douglas, Rev. Henry W. Kuhns arrived and, with 14 residents, Emanuel Evangelical Church, the first Lutheran Church in Nebraska Territory, was established.
Early beginnings of community partnerships allowed for new church locations at 16th and Harney before landing in its present location in 1906. The Kountze sons, though not members, gave funding in memory of their parents, thus ensuring financial stability for the church. The congregation was renamed Kountze Memorial. The early years produced a number of satellite churches and Sunday School Missions throughout Omaha, and the congregation hosted area conventions and meetings for the larger Lutheran Church.
Kountze Memorial has continued to find ways to reach out with the message of Christ’s love, often developing community partnerships in the process. In 1962, a weekly television broadcast began of the Sunday worship. And in the 1970s, providing low-income senior housing in downtown Omaha, became an outreach ministry.
As the church continues to evolve, we give thanks for a new building, Kountze Commons Community Outreach, where weekly food pantries, the Healing Gift Free Clinic, a Methodist Health Clinic, and Lutheran Family Services Counseling meet the needs of area residents. Traditional, sacramental Lutheran worship continues to ground members in God’s love, sent out to serve neighbors. Giving thanks for the 165 years of faithful ministry and looking forward to the ways of continuing to grow into Christ’s calling in the future, we listen for God’s call and respond with serving hearts.
The sanctuary at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church is adorned with a collection of magnificent stained glass windows. Crafted with meticulous care, these windows have adorned our sacred space since its inception in 1906, with additional pieces added to complement subsequent expansions and enhancements.
The church’s pastors and staff are a dedicated and compassionate team. They provide spiritual guidance and leadership to their congregation. The pastors offer inspiring sermons from the pulpit, lead meaningful prayer services, and create an inclusive atmosphere of comfort and acceptance. They are also active in the community, providing assistance to those in need. The church staff consists of administrative staff, youth leaders, music ministers, small group leaders, and other support personnel who work together seamlessly to ensure that all those that come through the doors feel welcomed and connected to the church family.