The Inter Church Council was formed in 1967 by the pastors of the seven local churches with a goal to combine resources and talents to better serve the communities.
The membership was a pastor and two parishioners from each church.
There are currently six churches still active in participation in this group.
The mission of the ICC is to help the community.
Inter Church Council members currently are Co-Chairman Pastor Jim Burnett and Pastor Courtney Dake, Pastor Fritz Bandenburg, Secretary Barb Lamb, Treasurer Lana Brandt, Claudia Stenzel, Ron Robinson, Barb Pierce, Helen Martin, Mike Gallagher, Pat Thorp, Sally Brumley, Brenda Ziolkowski, Mary Hansen and John Hall. Keith Hansen is the director of the food pantry. To rent “The Center” contact Claudia Stenzel or Ron Robinson.
The ICC received a grant in the Spring of 2024 from the SW Community Foundation to install new ceiling and LED light panels in their large meeting room and hallway.
Rod Wilson of Wilson Handyman was the contractor.
The improved lighting has made the space appear more spacious, bright and welcoming, prompting the ICC Board to also upgrade the kitchen lighting, resulting in significant enhancements.
At the same time the ICC installed an emergency exit door and necessary signage leading directly outside with the increase usage of the Center. The new exit area, along with thorough clean-up efforts, are substantial improvements to the frequently used downtown Hamburg building.
Furthermore, new paint has now been purchased which will contribute to the overall revitalization of the building, especially notable given the significant flood damage that was sustained just five years ago in 2019.
This remodeling is completed just in time for the American Legion to host the twice a month BINGO and to host the weekly Wednesday Night Soup Suppers beginning in October.
All communities in Fremont County are welcome to attend these events. ICC also sponsors a community food pantry for Hamburg residents twice a month with the help of the Omaha Food Bank.
Article information submitted by Teresa Crecelius.
