Judith Rainforth – Senior Pastor
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Pastor Judith accepted the call to First Lutheran Church in the fall of 2003. Prior to serving at FLC, Pastor Judith served as a Therapist, Chaplain and Administrator in health related industries in Nebraska and California. She is a native of Nebraska, born in Wood River. She did her first two years of Seminary work at Pacific Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley, California, and her third year at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Pastor Rainforth has a BS and MS degree from University of Nebraska at Kearney, and a Masters degree in Hospital Administration from University of Minnesota. Her MS of Divinity Degree is from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in CA.
Pastor Judith has three grown sons who all live in Nebraska. Her hobbies and interests include: horseback riding, walking, reading, traveling, biking, and playing with her six grandchildren. She is the human companion of her quarter horse, Jake, her dog, Paco, who is registered with Therapy Dogs, Inc., and her rescued cat, Chico.
The driving force behind Pastor Judith’s passion for ministry is her desire to be involved in Word and Sacrament, while serving all children of God in various outreach efforts.
Simone Weber – Director of Music Ministries
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Simone Weber was called to First Lutheran Church in September of 2005 as the Director of Music Ministries. She grew up attending church and participating in church music as well as performing with her family band in South Dakota, and Axtell, Nebraska. Her father is a Lutheran pastor and her mother is an organist and pianist. Simone attended UNL and received her Bachelor of Music Education (Instrumental and Vocal) as well as an ELL endorsement before moving with her husband, Matt Weber, to New York City in 2002. While in NY, Simone experienced a variety of professional opportunities in vocal performance ranging from solo singing, performing original music at assorted venues, and ensemble singing. Simone has directed choirs and led worship in various churches, taught music and English in a variety of settings, and has continued to expand her song writing and performing skills. For a taste of Simone’s music go to www.simonegweber.com
Simone and Matt work through Table Grace Ministries www.tablegraceministries.org in partnership with FLC on a variety of outreach opportunities including music concert tours, local food outreach to single parent working families, and pantry support through First Lutheran Church. They enjoy life with their daughter, Hope Elizabeth Weber and the newest addition to their family, Alexandra Rose Weber.
David Schack – Organist/Choirmaster
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David Schack was Director of Music at First Lutheran from 1977 to 2005 and is currently organist and director of the Liturgical Choir. David received a Bachelor of Church Music degree from Valparaiso University and continued his music study at Indiana University and the University of Illinois. Before moving to Omaha, David was Assistant Professor of Music at Concordia College (now Concordia University) in Seward, Nebraska teaching organ and other music courses. David is active as an organist and composer and has had organ and choral works published. Among his liturgical compositions is the setting of Psalm 141 for the Evening Prayer service found in numerous Lutheran worship books, including Evangelical Lutheran Worship, and he enjoys writing new settings that can be used at the 8:30 Lutheran Liturgical Service at First Lutheran. David was featured as organist/composer for several hymn festivals held by Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM); a CD of one of these hymn festivals held in the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas was released by ALCM.
Jeff Hagelstein – Building Supervisor
Jeff began serving First Lutheran ten years ago. He started part time and soon became an invaluable full-time addition to FLC. His duties are not limited to cleaning the building, but an assortment of responsibilities that he does with dedication and fervor. Many first-time visitors to FLC are amazed that he does such a remarkable job of keeping the large facility in such excellent condition. It sparkles.
Jeff also drives the church van, ensuring that those who would otherwise be unable to attend are able to share in the weekly worship and fellowship opportunities.
Jeff was born in Omaha and is a member of the Lakota Sioux tribe. He has a passion for the dance and tradition of his people and his favorite vacations are trips to the Black Hills to participate in tribal ceremonies. He also loves the mountains of Colorado Springs as much as he loves breathing. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, repairing vehicles for every person who needs his help, and driving to nowhere in particular.
Jeff attended high school in Columbus and has also lived in Colorado Springs, Minneapolis, and a brief time in Alaska. Jeff considers his service to FLC a blessing.
Michele Herrick – Administrative Assistant
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Michele is excited to be joining the FLC team. Before working at FLC, Michele worked as a Human Resources Manager and as a Teacher. She has a BSBA from the University of Nebraska at Kearney where she majored in Marketing. She enjoys spending time with her family, walking her two Beagles, Pickles and LuLu, and researching family histories. She volunteers with the Omaha Public Library in their Genealogy Department.
Katie Brokaw - Youth Leader
Bio pending
Katie Peters - Nursery Staff
Bio pending
Laura Peters- Nursery Staff
Bio pending