DUNBAR – The Dunbar Community Center is hosting a Christian worship service on Sundays.

Dr. Keith Valenzuela, who has been leading service from his machine shed since 2023, said he was delighted when the idea of renting the community center was raised.

Valenzuela: “Anybody is invited to attend our service. Come as you are. We have no membership requirements, just come here and worship with us and learn from God’s word and fellowship. Enjoy it.”

 

 

The pastor likened the formation of Only Jesus Ministries to the early church of the New Testament.

Valenzuela: “We really have a heavy emphasis on praying. That’s crucial I feel today. It always has been, but it’s kind of been put off to the side, I think.”

New churches and assemblies are part of the rural Nebraska culture.

In 1939, W.E. Hadden reported to the Otoe County Historical Society that 87 churches had been organized and 54 were still present. Dunbar had two Presbyterian Churches in 1927.

Valenzuela: “It’s a lot better to have a relationship with Him now and be plugged into Him now, so, when the time gets rough, you’re already there with Him and you have more peace. It’s a relationship, it’s not a religion.”

A new church was also started in Nebraska City in December. Chris Hanley is the lead pastor at Northridge, which organized at the former Baptist building near 12th Street and First Avenue. Northridge is a network of six churches, including a new church In Peru. After seven months, the group is already feeling a need for more room.