Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray you are well. I am being deployed for 40 days to the South Pole in support of 1,000 scientists who will be there as part of the annual National Science Foundation studies. I will be gone from October 19 to November 29, 2019. To make sure you are cared for, the following guest preachers have been arranged:
Guest Preachers
- October 19-20: Rev. Dr. Al Buss (District President of the Northern Illinois District)
- October 26-27: Rev. Alex Merlo (San Pablo Lutheran Church, Aurora)
- November 2-3: Rev. Ron Weidler (Emeritus)
- November 9-10: Rev. Ron Weidler (Emeritus)
- November 16-17: Vicar Dan Schuetz (St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Park Ridge)
- November 23-24: Rev. Phil Buening (Emeritus)
- November 27: Rev. Dr. Al Buckman (Emeritus–this is our Thanksgiving Eve service)
I have met with our Elders, and we have divided up all of our regular members, and also those who worship with us regularly but who have not yet become members. Look for a contact from your Elder. If you would like to be proactive and find out who your Elder is, please feel free to call Steve Baughman, our head Elder, at (847) 494-6675 or our church office and ask Maree.
Continuation of Ministry
I have been in contact with our Circuit Visitor, Pr. Wayne Jahn, and he is prepared to offer assistance of a pastoral nature if the need arises (funeral, marriage counseling, etc.). If you become aware of this need for either yourself or someone else, please reach out to our congregational president, Rick Bersano, at (847) 275-9163 or Steve Baughman.
We will continue to have confirmation class. Rick has agreed to step in and teach. This is nothing new for Rick; he did this for the church while the church was looking for a pastor.
Mary Ann Nielsen is the chairperson for our Caring Committee and has started making visits with me to our long term shut-ins. She will help with provide ministry to them during these 40 days, as will Milly Kolterman, Dick Hocking, Rick Bersano, Asher Comfort Dog, and others.
I will continue to have e-mail availability during these 40 days, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with prayer requests, concerns, etc. Sunday morning Bible studies will continue, as will our Wednesday morning Bible study.
Our search committees for our youth and music positions will continue to meet and interview as opportunities arise.
I have a request for you: please keep our church in your prayers. God has and is and will continue to open many amazing doors for ministry. Amen?
V/r,
Pastor Jim