-
Christian Fellowhship
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' – Matthew 25:37-40
-
A Sense of Belonging
We are the people of The United Methodist Church: Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
-
The Building up of Community
'Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?' He said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. – Matthew 22:36-40
-
Christian Education
They (the first converts) devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. – Acts 2:42
-
Spiritual Growth
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. – Matthew 28:19-20
-
Mission to the Community
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because God has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty those who are oppressed. – Luke 4:18
Meet the Pastor
Seth and his wife Sarah arrived in Chadron in 2005 with their three
daughters: Emma, Cora, and Olivia. The experience was like "coming
home" for the family. Seth's grandfather, Woody Leypoldt, served in the
nearby communities of Crawford and Whitney, and Sarah is originally
from Scottsbluff. Seth has a passion for Christian ministry and this is
found in his love for Christian camping, personal financial
responsibility, and a strong children's program. Seth and Sarah and
their daughters invite you to worship with A Church Family that Makes a
Difference!
History of the Chadron United Methodist Church
In the spring of 1884, Fannie O'Linn came to an unclaimed area of Sioux County and staked a claim on the banks of the White River near its junction with Chadron Creek. Anticipating the arrival of the railroad, she started a new town named O'Linn. By the fall of 1884, a community began to form around several businesses and two churches. One of these religious communities was the Methodist Episcopal Church that met in O'Linn's home, Joel B. Gray was their pastor.
In the fall of 1885, the railroad did not reach O'Linn but instead ran through the present location of Chadron. Undaunted by this change of events, the entire town of O'Linn, moved itself to this new site, however, with a change in name to the present Chadron.
The Methodist Episcopals continued to meet in her home and eventually held services in the Congregational Church. In May of 1886, services had moved to the town's skating rink. It was that year that an application was filed with the Board of Church Extension of the Methodist Episcopal Church for financial assistance in erecting a church building. That same year ground was broken on the northwest corner of 3rd & Morehead Streets, the present site of the Chadron Fire Hall. The building was dedicated on April 3, 1887.
In 1947, Robert (Bob) Townsend, son of a former pastor, was appointed to Chadron. This appointment marked a change for the Chadron congregation. Growth was beginning to occur with the church and Rev. Townsend was appointed solely to Chadron (previous pastors had served Chadron along with other congregations). Through the leadership of Bob Townsend it was determined that a new facility was needed. Unprecedented growth was occurring in the congregation. People were being turned away because of inadequate seating, and a second early service had to be initiated. A building fund program began and with pledges and cash in hand plans were drawn up for a new church facility.
A new church would be built in an "L formation" on the existing site encompassing the current church building and parsonage (space now occupied by the Bosselman's Gas Station). Due to the size of the new church building and not wanting to tear down the existing structures it was determined to seek a new location. Through the generosity of Vern and Roy Chicoine and George Babcock, a new church and parsonage would occupy a half-block section between 8th & 9th Streets on Shelton Street. This property would allow for expansion, parking, and was located just one block north of Chadron State College. With some minor changes in architecture (it lacked the "L" portion to the south) ground was broken on February 22, 1951 and the first service was held on March 23, 1952.
During the next 50 years, the congregation grew steadily reaching a peak of 718 members in 1965. Under the leadership of the Rev. Jerry McInnis, the Nebraska Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church met at Chadron State College and utilized the facilities of the Chadron United Methodist Church in 1974. In 1977 and 1978, the congregation added an associate pastor. In 1984 the congregation celebrated its centennial with Bishop Monk Bryan preaching and many former pastors in attendance.
On September 11, 2005, the long awaited south addition (the "L" portion that was left off the original design of the church plans) was consecrated. Complete with elevator access to most of the church and handicap bathrooms and parking, the facility now meets the needs of a growing and vital congregation in Chadron. On December 16, 2008, the $450,000 was dedicated (the debt was paid off). Current membership stands at 344 with an average worship attendance of 146.
The congregation is planning on its 125th anniversary on May 24, 2009 with a celebration featuring Bishop Ann Brookshire-Sherer.
Camp Norwesca
Nestled in the beauty of the Pine Ridge District of the Nebraska National Forest, Norwesca is ready to provide warm hospitality and a unique, comfortable setting for church, family, and community groups in our year-round facility.
