History

In 1953, a seed was planted. That seed fell on good soil, and was heard and understood (Matthew13:1-23).  Eastridge Presbyterian Church has produced significant crops in worship, education, mission, fellowship, and music.

From a beginning with six families gathered for worship at Holmes Elementary School in May 1953, Eastridge now numbers nearly 1,100 members.  Worship has taken on a special meaning during Lent and Advent, with traditions including a children's palm processional on Palm Sunday, communion on Maundy, a Good Friday tenebrae service, an Easter sunrise service, and Christmas Eve candlelight services.

Christian education is another crop that has been well-nurtured at Eastridge.  By 1958, the need for an educational wing was evident when 13 Sunday School classes met in Fellowship Hall.  Summer has meant Vacation Bible School, including the merger of mission and education through VBS for the Hispanic population in Schuyler, Nebraska.  Other educational opportunities have been offered through confirmation classes for youth, special Lenten studies, and small group Bible studies.

Eastridge has long made a commitment to nourish outside the church through its mission efforts.  During the 1960's, family nights combined food, fellowship and education.  Summer work camps for youth also began in the 1960's.  Eastridge had a longstanding relationship with Dr. Paul and Judy Jewett, missionaries in India and Africa.  The food pantry, which began in a basement closet, expanded to require a separate building.  Today, our outreach includes service and funding to numerous organizations.

Another major crop that has been raised to fruition at Eastridge is "making a joyful noise."  Three choirs started in the first year of the church.  Funding for two octaves of handbells was received in the the 1970's.  Eastridge now offers vocal choirs for all ages, handbell and chime choirs for youth and adults, and a praise band.

Programs at Eastridge are held together by the roots of fellowship.  The first year of the church's existence saw the formation of a group for married couples, which was the forerunner of Mariners clubs and other fellowship groups.  The list of fellowship activities is lengthy and includes ice cream socials, Thanksgiving dinners, pot luck dinners, Midweek Manna, Luncheons, and Friendship Club.

The house that is Eastridge was built on rock in 1953 (Matthew 7:24-27).  The building that houses the sanctuary and fellowship hall was dedicated in November 1956, and the education unit was added in 1960.  The lounge was built in 1976, and the sanctuary was expanded and a balcony added in 1987.  In 2008 the welcome center and the alteration of the chancel were completed in the sanctuary.  Now, we are looking forward to the future renovation of the Sunday School rooms and offices to meet the ever changing needs of the church.