In Spring 1872, a Methodist church was formed in the new town of Wahoo, Nebraska. A century and a half later, we are Wahoo First United Methodist Church. So this spring, we are celebrating all that God has done in Wahoo through Methodism for 150 years. There are many aspects to this celebration, so read on below!
ONE-FIFTY JUBILEE
HELP US FORGIVE MEDICAL DEBT
To make our 150th anniversary more meaningful and impactful, we have launched a Medical Debt Forgiveness Campaign! By partnering with the non-profit group RIP Medical Debt, we are able to forgive medical debt for our neighbors in Nebraska at a ratio of 100-to-1. That is, for every $1 you give to this campaign, you forgive $100 of debt!
Our goal, in honor of our 150th anniversary, is to raise $15,000 in this campaign, so that we can wipe out $1,500,000 in medical debt for our neighbors unable to pay it. Our theme, "A Year of Jubilee," reminds us that acts of mercy, grace, and forgiveness are a hallmark of God's people.
Consider making a donation and joining our campaign! You can check out our personal donation page on RIP Medical Debt's website by clicking on the button below. Feel free to share that link with anyone you think might want to jump on our campaign to spread the Year of Jubilee. If you want to make a contribution, you can do so directly on the campaign donation page, or you can make a designated contribution to the church, and we will forward it on your behalf.
T-SHIRTS!
A celebration like our church's 150th anniversary wouldn't be complete without T-shirts! We have partnered with Rivalry Apparel in downtown Wahoo to make our anniversary shirts. The online store is closed, but if you go to Rivalry (535 N Linden St.), you are still able to order a shirt!
ANNIVERSARY WORSHIP SERVICE
On Sunday, April 24, we will celebrate our 150th anniversary with a special worship service at 10:30am.
This worship service will feature a special video message from Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr., our resident bishop. Worship will also include several ministers who have previously served in our church, as well as ministers who began as lay members of our church.
The service will feature a sermon from Rev. Zach Anderson, a District Superintendent in our annual conference who grew up in our church.
So make a plan to join us for this exciting, once in a century-and-a-half worship service!
CATERED LUNCHEON
After worship, you are invited to join us for a catered luncheon downstairs in our Fellowship Hall. This meal will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared history and celebrate through memory and laughter all that God has done in our church.
The luncheon is free and open for all to attend. To get an accurate head count for our caterer, we are asking that you RSVP for you or your family. You can RSVP by calling the Church Office at (402) 443-4219 or by completing the online form here.
OPEN HOUSE
Over the decades, we have accumulated wonderful history together. We want to celebrate and showcase that history, so we invite you to join our open house, which will take place during and after our luncheon on Sunday, April 24.
At the open house, you will be able to walk through the decades, from 1872 to 2022, and see pictures, memorabilia, and memories of our church, as well as life in Wahoo.
If you have any pieces that you would be interested in lending to the church for our Open House, please call the Church Office at (402) 443-4219.