Murdock Nebraska News
Christmas is Coming, the Goose is Getting Fat...
Who knows the ending of that Christmas carol?
Yes, I know I'm just a little bit silly, but I LOVE Christmas, the Christmas Carols and everything associated with the Holidays.
I love picking out my live Christmas tree, cutting it down and yes, even watering and picking up the needles months later as they migrate across the house.
We have family traditions I look forward to every year. My Christmas season starts with playing the piano for Wednesday evening service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Murdock.
It starts at 7:00 every Wednesday in until Christmas. Maybe I will see you there?
What family traditions do you have? Do you visit Santa? Cut down a live tree? Drive around looking at Christmas lights? Or maybe you visit a live nativity set?
Well, I would LOVE to hear and SEE your Christmas traditions. Maybe you'll find some new traditions in the Murdock area to start.
TABLE of CONTENTS
USMC League Christmas Tree • The Lofte Christmas • School News • Church News • Area News
Remember to send me updates. I need Volleyball news, school news and photos of Christmas lights! Remember news is news, no matter how small. Email your church announcements, community, business and school news to
Christmas Trees Adorn Murdock
Thank you again to Linda Glantz who is full of Murdock PRIDE and was seen pulling the Christmas trees out of the old Murdock Fire Hall and setting them up on Main Street.

The snow on Saturday dropped a perfect blanket of white on the trees in the town square and gave it a very festive feeling. Santa will feel very much at home when he visits the Firehall on the December 17th.
Santa is making his way back to Murdock for the holidays!
December 17, 1:00 pm
Murdock Fire Hall
Bring the kids for snacks, hot cocoa, activities, and most importantly, to give Santa a copy of their Christmas list!
We will snap a photo of the special moment and print it out for you to take home with you. You are also welcome to take your own photos!
Hope to see everyone there!
If someone is not on the invite list, please, invite them!
This is free of charge, so bring the family and enjoy the afternoon with us!
I remember bringing my kids to the fire hall when they were little to sit on Santa's lap. I know I have the photos some where. Maybe I'll break them out for a little bit of a Christmas flashback.
BUT I'd rather have your photos with the kids now, so make sure to send them to me at

Have you noticed the new Nativity display in front of the church?

The congregation would like to thank Wayne Kupke and Eileen Guehlstoff for cutting out and painting the nativity scene. It is a welcome addition to our Christmas decorations.
Advent Midweek Services
Every Wednesday till Christmas
Starting November 30th, 7:00
Come early to listen to Christmas piano music
(bet you didn't know I played the piano did you?)
Listen to the weekly sermon anytime at Pastor Brent Kuhlman's Blog?
Sunday Schedule - 9:15 Sunday School & Bible Class and 10:30 am Divine Service


We are a congregation of seekers and followers of Jesus Christ. We are young families, older families, empty nesters, and great singers and musicians.
One of my favorite Traditions is attending the Elmwood-Murdock School Winter Programs. If you have never attended the Junior High/High School Winter concert in Murdock you are REALLY missing out.
Thursday 12/8 - Elementary Program 7 PM
Thursday 12/15 - Jr/Sr High Winter Concert 7 PM
Doesn't this just put you into the Christmas spirit?
Mr. Hanson and Mrs. Colbert put together a professional level concert and the level of student talent will put you in the Christmas and Holiday spirit. My kids were in high school choir and I LOVE listening to the Elmwood-Murdock choir and band.
Enjoy the video and make sure to check back later this month for video from the 2016 Winter Concert.
It is time for the Elmwood boys and girls basketball to start and Jim Rust also provides video coverage of both home games. You can watch it below or by clicking on Jim Rust's Vimeo Channel
If you have photos of any of the games, pep rallys, road trips, cheering sections or ANYTHING school related please send it to me on

Round the Bend Steakhouse partners with Marine Corps League and Marine Corps League Auxiliary to raise gifts for military children.
Every veteran that has selflessly served our nation deserves to treat his or her children with gifts on Christmas morning.
However, many veterans live without the means to provide Christmas gifts to their families.
Round the Bend Steakhouse is excited to announce SGT Kringles Kids, an initiative to provide children of military veterans in need with gifts this holiday season.
Through a partnership with the Marine Corps League (MCL) and the Marine Corps League Auxiliary (MCLA), all gifts brought to Round the Bend Steakhouse will be directly donated to disadvantaged children of veterans, so that every military family may enjoy the Christmas they deserve.
Now through Dec 16, visitors to Round the Bend Steakhouse are encouraged to bring an unwrapped and new toy to place under the Christmas tree in the dining room.
As a show of gratitude, SGT Kringles Kids participants will receive a free appetizer.
“For us there are two reasons for our freedom, Jesus and the American soldier.
We are excited to show the love of Jesus to our soldiers’ kids by putting them first this Christmas,” said TJ & Tifini Olson, owners of Round the Bend Steakhouse.
Toy Suggestions (children 12 & under):
• Books
• Puzzles
• Art supplies
• Board games
About the Marine Corps League (MCL):
Founded in 1923, the MCL is the only Federally Chartered Marine Corps related veterans organization in the country.
Its mission statement states that the League exists to “join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps . . .”
About the Marine Corps League Auxiliary (MCLA):
Founded in 1937 as a subsidiary to the MCL, the Auxiliary was formed “for the purposes of promoting the interests of the U. S. Marine Corps, the Marine Corps League and to protect and advance the welfare of Marines and their dependents.
Auxiliary members participate in a wide variety of programs that benefit and preserve the fundamental rights and freedoms of every person of this Nation, young and old.”
For more information about SGT Kringles Kids, the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps League Auxiliary, or Round the Bend Steakhouse, please contact TJ Olson at 402-944-9974 or

Area & Community News
The Lofte Theater
“Twas the Night Before Christmas” at Lofte Theatre
Manley, NE [November 22, 2016] - The Lofte Community Theatre near Manley is ready to help get you into the holiday spirit. Their December production, “Twas the Night Before Christmas” opens on Saturday, December 3 at 7:30pm.
“Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But, wait! A mouse is stirring - because Santa missed his house last year. Before you can say, “Merry Christmas!” we’re off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf and a spunky little girl who just won’t take, “No,” for an answer.
This script is a modern-day treatment of the traditional 19th-century classic tale. Together a mouse named Amos and his human friend, Emily embark upon a journey to visit Santa Claus. Directed by Kevin Colbert, this energetic holiday tale will see the characters engage in a sword fight, a squirt gun battle and a perilous airplane ride. This show is specifically styled to appeal to our younger audience members, but children of all ages will enjoy this holiday romp.
Amos the mouse is played by Lofte newcomer Austin J. Brady of Lincoln. His human friend Emily is played by Shakeida Bullis of Bellevue. Rounding out the cast of colorful characters are Greg Leger and Doug Rothgeb of Omaha and Keri Hogue of Elmwood.
In coordination with this production, the Lofte is holding a special fundraiser where children of all ages can meet Santa and the rest of the cast. You will have the opportunity to eat a catered lunch right on stage, visit with Santa and even get your picture taken with the Jolly Old Elf himself. This special luncheon is being held at noon prior to our three Sunday matinees. Advance reservations are required. This would be a great multi-generational family event or company outing. Tickets to the luncheon are just $20.
Production dates for the show are December 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. All seats are just $19. Those interested can call the Lofte box office at 402.234.2553 for reservations.
Front row, Greg Leger and Doug Rothgeb. Back row Keri Hogue, Austin J. Brady and Shakeida Bullis.




















