Adult Ministries

Southwood Seniors host local author: Gail Shaffer Blankenau

When: Wednesday, January 8, 12 - 1:30PM

Program: Gail Shaffer Blankenau, author of the recently-published book Journey to Freedom: Uncovering the Grayson Sisters’ Escape from Nebraska Territory.

Gail’s book (with rave reviews) provides the first detailed history of Black enslavement in Nebraska Territory and the escape of these two enslaved Black women from Nebraska City. Their escape and the violence that followed prompted considerable debate across the country and led to the Nebraska legislature’s move to prohibit slavery. Her talk will touch your heart in surprising ways!

Biography: A Nebraska native, Blankenau is a professional genealogist, historian, speaker, and author. She holds an MA degree in history with honors from UNK and in 2023 she received the James L. Sellers prize for her article about the Grayson sisters in a volume of Nebraska History magazine. She serves on the Nebraska Historic Digital Newspaper Advisory board, as well as the board of the Germanic Genealogy Society.

Menu: Baked Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo and side – bring dessert to share if you wish. $5 freewill offering. if you wish.

Register Here

Winter Bible Study - The Bible's Big Story, Our Story

Sundays, January 5 - March 2, 2025, 9:45 - 10:45AM
in the Fellowship Hall

Each session stands alone so come as you can – no homework. Kick off the New Year by digging into the best story ever written!

Based on a biblical literacy program developed by Rev. Dr. Harold N. Wendt, whose materials formed a worldwide interdenominational ministry, you’ll discover an easy-to-follow timeline that helps make sense of the Bible and how the stories come together to create the bigger picture. Come learn more about the stories already written while leaning into your own story that God is still writing today.

Winter Bible Study