Mission and Outreach Ministry
We are to gather together and to reach out as a community of believers. This ministry supports our national and international missionaries by promoting the four major mission offerings of the year. This ministry also plans and encourages mission trips, involvement in ABW and ABM, as well as outreach activities in the local community. “Therefore go 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 I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
SHBC Weekly Update
November 10, 2025
What’s happening at Sunset Hills?
Churches frequently are recipients of memorials given after someone’s death, but rarely do they receive what was announced Sunday at the New Members/2026 Budget dinner. The estate of Nina Hill Little and Paul Oertell was divided among several entities, with Sunset Hills receiving the largest share, 20 percent, and an initial gift of $406,710.87. It could grow a bit more once legal fees are finalized.
The gift is designated for capital projects and expenses. Nina and Paul were teachers and the Ministry Council recommended that $40,000 be given to ABC-Nebraska Region and Moses Merrill Camp and Conference Center to honor their life work with children. The funds will go toward the camp’s new well. Recommendation also included $50,000 for a new church message board street sign, which has been in the initial planning stages for a while, and more than $56,000 to complete various church repairs, including the security alarm system, replacements of HVAC units, drain covers, facia and soffit repairs, basement updates including painting, and foundation resealing.
The remainder of the gift, about $260,000, will be invested for long-term sustainability. The funds will be available so large capital campaigns will not be needed. Interest from the investments will be used for direct ministry purposes and projects.
All of the recommendations were unanimously approved.
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The 2026 budget of $195,972 was approved. That’s an increase of $20,854 from the 2025 budget. Financial chairman Jason Workman explained most of the increase was because the current budget did not include the payment to ABC-Nebraska Region, 5 percent of our giving, which for budgetary purposes is an estimate of expected giving. It is included for 2026. The increase also includes the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The old AED was 17 years old and no longer viable.
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It was no surprise that the congregation came through when called upon on short notice to provide food for the needy during the government shutdown. We delivered a carload last Monday to the Bellevue Food Pantry, chosen because of the military and civilian families living in the area, and also because there are no ABC-USA churches in Sarpy County. The pantry’s director was very grateful for the contributions.
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Our Communion table is decorated this month with items that represent God’s bounty in our lives this year. Bring more than one item if merited.
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Gary Peterson is looking for more Communion servers for next year. Contact him if interested.
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Collections for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and warm clothing for pupils at Pine Elementary School will conclude this Sunday, November 16. Several assembled but unclaimed boxes remain in the Narthex, and can be picked up during the mornings this week while the office is staffed. Please bring back the filled boxes Sunday because they will be dropped off at the collection center next week. Also, we plan to deliver the gloves, mittens, caps, scarves, sweaters, socks, for boys and girls of all grade school ages to Pine Elementary before it gets really cold.
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Denise has placed copies of the 2025 church directory around the Narthex. Please indicate changes or mark OK on any one of the copies. If you aren’t in the directory but want to be, let Denise know.
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Rev. Steve has a new email account, so church-related emails don’t get lost in his personal inbox. Send emails to sunsethillspastor@gmail.com.
– Terry Anderson, Missions and Outreach Ministry leader
November Calendar:
10, 24 – Women Mentoring Women, 6 p.m.
11, 18, 25 – Men’s Study Group via Zoom, 6:30 p.m.
12 – RetroActive, 9:30 a.m.
12, 19 – Bible Study, 6:30 p.m., followed by Prayer Time for the Country, 7:45 p.m.
16 – Children’s Story during worship; Deadline for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes
17 – Ministry Council, 6 p.m.
23 – Hanging of the Greens, after worship
27 – Thanksgiving
26-28 – Church Office closed
30-December 21 – Advent
Future Events:
2026
March 16-18 – Prairie Pastors Conference
March 22 – Toby Mac, Crowder, Jeremy Camp concert, Baxter Arena, 7 p.m.
April 2 – Maundy Thursday service
April 5 – Easter Sunday service and egg hunt
May 23 – Walk to Defeat ALS Nebraska, Werner Park
Interested working with the Mission/Outreach Ministry?
If you have any questions about our Discipleship Ministry, we would love to hear from you.
