Lakeside Hospital Chapel

The chapel at Alegent Health Lakeside Hospital is a peaceful respite for families and patients seeking a place of solace to pray or meditate. The chapel honors the traditions and practices of both the Lutheran and Catholic faiths. The healing symbols that are engraved in the chapel’s stained glass windows represent the Mission of Alegent Health, which is to heal the body, mind and spirit of every person.

• Mercy Cross – Located in the far left window of the chapel, the Mercy Cross represents the Sisters of Mercy, who came to Omaha in 1864 and founded Bergan Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs. The Sisters’ healing legacy continues to live on in Alegent Health’s Mission.

• Healing Hands – The healing hands symbolize the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. The work of Jesus Christ is carried out through the healing hands of the individuals who work at Alegent Health.

• Grapes and Wheat – The grapes and wheat symbolize the bread and the wine used in the celebration of the Eucharist. The sacramental life is central to the religious traditions of Alegent Health’s Catholic and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Nebraska Synod sponsors.

• Planetree – The sycamore tree represents Alegent Health’s designation as a Planetree hospital. Planetree is a national alliance of healthcare organizations committed to patient-centered care and a focus on healing. This focus is embodied not only in the architectural design of Lakeside Hospital, but also in the patient care philosophy of service.

• Candle – The candle symbolizes the faith-based commitment of Alegent Health. Its flame represents our ongoing belief that healthcare is an expression of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

• Holy Spirit – The dove represents the Holy Spirit, the very love of God, which enables us to create a healthcare organization where the art and science of medicine converge with the power of hope and miracles.

• Lily – The lily is a religious symbol for new life. It reminds us of God’s fidelity throughout life’s journey, and God’s promise of new life after death.

• Rose with Heart and Cross – This symbol was created by Martin Luther, while a professor at Wittenberg, as an expression of his theology. It is a meaningful symbol for many Lutherans including members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The cross is to remind us that faith in Christ crucified saves us. The heart, fixed upon the center of the rose, is to show that faith causes joy, consolation and peace.

• Oil Lamp– The lamp represents the holy oils that are used in many blessing ceremonies in both religious traditions to acknowledge the sacred relationship between God and every human person.