MetroWord. Metropolitan Chicago Synod December Invitation to Ordination Service Saturday, December 8, 2018

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1 Metropolitan Chicago Synod December 2018 MetroWord Consider Giving to Lutheran Disaster Relief U.S. Wildfires Wildfires are raging across California, destroying thousands of homes. Multiple deaths have been confirmed and largescale, mandatory evacuations are in place for multiple communities across the state s affected areas as first responders work to gain control of the fires. Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response designated for U.S. wildfires will be used to help those affected by wildfires until the response is complete. Together, we can help provide immediate and long-lasting support. Please give today at Invitation to Ordination Service Saturday, December 1, 2018 The synod is invited to the ordination of Erin Branchaud as a pastor to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 10 a.m. at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, 1100 E. 55 th St., Chicago, IL The color of the day is red. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. For directions and parking information, call the seminary at All are welcome. Invitation to Ordination Service Saturday, December 8, 2018 The synod is invited to the ordination of Allison Bengfort as a pastor to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, 1100 E. 55 th St., Chicago, IL The color of the day is red. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. For directions and parking information, call the seminary at All are welcome. Attend 25 th Annual Danish Christmas Service (Dansk Julegudstjeneste) December 8 On Saturday, December 8, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., the 25 th Annual Danish Christmas Service will be held at Edison Park Lutheran Church, 6626 N. Oliphant Ave., Chicago, IL Pastor Karen E. Knutson will conduct the service and preach. The organist will be Matt Haider. The Bjornson Male Chorus will be performing, and the Danish Sisterhood will provide Danish refreshments following the service. For more information, contact Pastor Knutson at or keknutson39@icloud.com.

2 MetroWord December 2018 Page 2 Communion Ware to Be Given Away Consider a TSI Grant Turnaround Synod Initiative (TSI) Grants are partnership grants for congregations who have identified and are seeking to achieve specific renewal goals or outcomes such as leadership training, strategic mission planning, or evangelism education and implementation. For more information about TSI Grants, please the Rev. Sarah Stumme at sstumme@mcselca.org. If you do not have access to the internet, phone , ext. 13, to leave a message. Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 460 Sunset Ridge Rd., Northfield, IL 60093, is giving away: Five stainless communion trays (for individual glasses) and lid Four sterling silver communion trays (for individual glasses) with lid Two plastic individual cup fillers Plastic individual communion glasses To learn more, please contact Ami at the congregation at ami@ascension-church.org or Learn at Introduction to Anti- Bias/Antiracism Education (ABAR) Workshop All are invited to an Introduction to Anti-Bias/Antiracism Education (ABAR) Workshop on Saturday, December 1, 2018, from 9.00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, 1100 E. 55th St., Chicago, IL The cost is $105; lunch is provided. Register at This workshop is designed especially for educators working in all settings, including early childhood, religious education, after school programs, K-12, public and private schools, and teacher education programs at colleges and universities. Participants will explore how bias and race prejudices develop, how they become structured into institutions and systems, and gain insight into how children and adults internalize and act out of these biases. The event is CEU approved. Closing Congregation Offers Open House to Distribute Items United By Faith Lutheran Church, 3240 W 98th St., Evergreen Park, IL 60805, will be closing effective December 31, On Saturday, January 12, 2019, beginning at 10:00 a.m., it will be having an Open House to distribute as many things as possible. If your church needs anything, you are welcome to visit and shop. If you are interested in something specific, please feel free to blosborne@gmail.com ahead of time, and, if the item is available and not spoken for, your congregations name will be put on that article.

3 MetroWord December 2018 Page 3 Metropolitan Chicago Synod Directory Changes Name Change Effective Anderson-Hurdle, Suzanne Pastor, Ashburn Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chicago 11/11/2018 Buresh, Christopher Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Palos Heights 11/11/2018 Rollenhagen, Mark D. Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Waukegan 10/28/2018 Worringer, Eric Pastor, Holy Family Lutheran Church, Chicago 11/18/2018 Dickens, Stephen Bereavement/Volunteer Coordinator, Loyola Medicine Hospice (Trinity Home Health Services), Oak Brook 6/25/2018 Feltmann, Heather Director of Church Operations, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Charles 11/4/2018 Beckmann, Kim L. Interim Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Des Plaines 8/1/2018 Kelly, Dennis H. Interim Pastor, St. Mark s Lutheran Church, Waukegan 10/15/2018 Landis, Betty E. Interim Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church, La Grange 9/19/2018 Basch, Wayne A. Retired 8/1/2018 Castello, Robert Scott Retired 9/1/2018 Covey, Linda S. Retired 7/1/2018 Devermann, Susan P. Retired 10/1/2018 Halmarson, Cynthia G. Retired 9/1/2018 Koth, Jeffrey E. Retired 9/1/2018 Kudirka, Barbara L. Retired 7/1/2018 Volk, Janet S. Retired 11/1/2018 Christiansen, Anne M. On Leave from Call 7/24/2018 Decker, William A. On Leave from Call 7/1/2018 Gaulke, Thomas R. On Leave from Call 9/1/2018 Harren, Jessica A. On Leave from Call 6/1/2018 Katschke, Tracy A. On Leave from Call 8/16/2018 Smith, Robert O. On Leave from Call 7/1/2018 Stuhlmuller, Matthew On Leave from Call 9/1/2018 Halmarson, Cynthia G. Transferred to Eastern Synod, ELCIC 9/1/2018 Breum, Janet Resigned 10/10/2018 Invitation to See Jazz Nativity at Saint Luke on Belmont On Saturday, December 8, 2018, at 4:00 p.m., Saint Luke (1500 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL 60657) will host its annual JAZZ NATIVITY the Christmas story told in jazz arrangements of traditional carols and original compositions with Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, kings, dance and drama. The cast includes top jazz artists with soloists, choir, tap and modern dance and an eight-piece jazz band. Thanks to generous underwriters, there is no admission charge. A freewill offering will benefit Chicago Canine Rescue. There is free parking in the parking garage behind the church (1550 W. Melrose) and the church is wheelchair accessible. For additional information, visit call , or info@stlukechicago.org. Employment Listings Employment listings are available online at congregation/admin/employment.

4 MetroWord December 2018 Page 4 Metropolitan Chicago Synod Calendar (For the most up-to-date calendar information, visit December 06 Interim Pastors Meeting Synod Office, 10AM 15 Synod Newsletter Articles Due Synod Office Closed in Observance of Christmas 31 Office Closes at Noon in Observance of the New Year Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Synod Staff The synod staff wish our congregations, rostered leaders, partner ministries, and ecumenical partners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Rostered Leader Vacancies Congregations Actively Engaged in the Call Process KEY: (A) Self-study (B) Candidate search or interviewing (C) Call Extended (D) Call Accepted (PT) Part-time (*) Associate Position Central St. John, Wilmette B (PT) St. Stephen s, Chicago on hold Edison Park, Chicago A St. Paul, Evanston A Windsor Park, Chicago on hold Mission of Christ, Chicago on hold Northwest Southwest Norwegian Lutheran Memorial, Chicago on hold Good Shepherd, Prospect Heights B First, Blue Island B St. James, Chicago on hold Grace, Mount Prospect D Our Savior s, Burbank A St. Timothy (Kildare), Chicago on hold Lord of Life, Schaumburg B Our Saviour, Lansing A Near West Lutheran Church of the Cross, Arlington Heights on hold Redeemer s, Oak Forest on hold Christ, Clarendon Hills (PT) B Martha and Mary, Mt Prospect B (PT) Redeemer, South Holland B Gloria Dei, Downers Grove B* Trinity, Des Plaines on hold St. Philip, Blue Island B Grace, La Grange A Trinity, Rolling Meadows A Trinity, Oak Lawn B St. Michael s, La Grange Park A South West North Bethany, Chicago on hold Bethlehem, St. Charles B Christ, Vernon Hills on hold Bethel-Imani, Chicago on hold Faith, Glen Ellyn D Grace, Libertyville D* Calvary (Kenneth), Chicago on hold Good Shepherd, Naperville B Lutheran Church of the Master, Carol St. Andrew, Mundelein A Calvary (Spaulding), Chicago on hold Stream on hold St. Mark, Waukegan A Christ the Mediator, Chicago on hold Naperville Yuhlin Church, Naperville A Trinity, Ingleside on hold St. James, Chicago on hold Our Savior, Aurora A* Northeast The Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America publishes MetroWord monthly. The deadline for submitting information is the 15 th of the current month for the next month s issue. Articles will be edited for space and clarity. Contact the synod office at: 1420 W. Dickens Ave., Chicago, IL Ph: Fax: Webpage: - MetroWord jdrake@mcselca.org.

5 We want your ideas! You are invited to help our community in a brainstorming event at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (LCR) on Sunday December 2 at 1:00PM. A light lunch will be served. Churches and Communities Together are looking for ideas that will improve our community. You do not have to be a member of this church or any church. All you need is a willing heart and something to offer ideas, time, referrals! Have you ever thought of something that would benefit our community? Come and share it with us. Others may like your idea and with a little momentum the results can be realized. Who? What? When? Where? Why? 1) For whom? Churches, Communities, Businesses - anyone who is interested in designing the future. Will you share a hope for the future of your church and your community? YES! 2) Doing what? Observing and partnering in guided conversations that reveal common interest in working together. Will you share what is important to you and how to improve it? YES! 3) When? Sunday, December 2 at 1:00PM. Participate in Churches and Communities Together led by a local leader with online access to HealthierChurch.org, a 501 (c) (3). Will you be there? YES! 4) Where? Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, S Central, Oak Forest, IL Will you share this opportunity with other leaders and young adults? YES! 5) Why? To gather with other leaders of faith and community to search for common ground to help address needs and concerns. Will you participate? YES! 6) How? Face-to-face (or online). Register TODAY for Churches and Communities Together by sending your name and/or address to info@healthierchurch.org and let us know a) how many will attend on December 2 or b) you can t attend but would like to receive the results. Come and bring a friend. We will gather at S Central, Oak Forest, IL 60452

6 For Immediate Release Educator Anthony Christopher Chris Comella Among Nation s Best K-8 Principals GOODYEAR, ARIZONA June 13, 2018 Anthony Christopher Chris Comella, principal of Pilgrim Lutheran School in Chicago, Illinois, was selected as the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association s 2018 National Distinguished Principal. The National Association of Elementary School Principals established the program in 1984 to recognize and celebrate elementary and middle-level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the students, families, and staffs in their learning communities. Principal Comella was nominated by a colleague, and selected by fellow principals through a national process conducted by the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association, said Gayle Denny, Executive Director of ELEA. A graduate of Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Mr. Comella earned his Teaching Certification at DePaul University in Chicago, and received his Masters of Arts Degree from Northeastern Illinois University also in Chicago. Mr. Comella has served Pilgrim Lutheran as principal since 2013 and previously served as principal at Zion Elementary and Elmwood School, both in Zion, Illinois. Chris was a teacher at four secondary schools in the Chicago area prior to becoming an administrator. In October, Comella will travel to Washington, D.C., for two days of activities planned to honor and bring well-deserved recognition to the elementary and middle-level educators chosen by states, the District of Columbia, plus private and overseas schools. Criteria for selection of the principals require that the honorees are active principals of schools where programs are designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students and where there are firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations. Kristian Johnson, Pastor of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, says of Mr. Comella, Chris sets high standards for himself and for those with whom he works, and he works tirelessly to ensure that we have every opportunity to meet those standards... He helps all of us to focus on how we can better teach to the whole child, and how we can enroll parents into a role of utmost support and engagement. Chris will be honored at the January 31 February 2, 2019 IGNITE ELEA National Administrator & Pastor Conference being held at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, along with the recipients of the 2018 ELCA Early Childhood Director of the Year Award, the 2018 Distinguished Pastor of the Year Award, and ELEA s Donald A. Vetter Educational Service Award. Since 1988, the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association has served as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America s professional educational association and now represents about 100 elementary and middle-level principals throughout the nation, along with 1400 early childhood schools, and 10 high schools. ELEA maintains close ties with the metropolitan Washington DC - based National Association of Elementary School Principals and its 20,000 members worldwide. 500 N Estrella Parkway Ste B2 Box 601 Goodyear, AZ (623) (800) (623) fax

7 Shopping Fair Trade is the gift that gives twice... Support local artists and global cooperatives this season by shopping at our Holiday Pop UP... Hours Tuesday through Friday 1pm-6pm Saturday 11:00am-4pm 3051 N Milwaukee Vendors include: Ten Thousand Villages, Tree Of Life, Bright Endeavors, Blossom Inspiration, BeeLove, SuSa Accessories, Koluntu, Tonika Johnson Photography, Beetle & Flor, Jennifer Boston Jewelry, Funky Threads and MarieWesley. This event is sponsored by: Mary Haight Real Estate Group, Lakeview Lutheran Church Chicago for more information: org Lakeview Employment Group is a member of Chicago Fair Trade

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9 The cost of Companionship: How do you support the individuals in your community who live with mental illness, insecure housing or chemical dependency? How do you move from a transactional exchange to a relational engagement, enabling substantive change? COMPANIONSHIP A three-hour course that provides an effective approach to the practice of mental health ministry through which any caring human being can reach out and help another who is distress. Participants will learn the five practices of Companionship hospitality, neighboring, side-by-side, listening and accompaniment. The training develops skills to listen consciously with openness, along with an awareness of limits and boundaries, easing the isolation these difficulties often bring. Who should take a Companionship course? Faith Communities, including ushers, social justice and pastoral care teams Community Based Organizations Not-for-Profits Government agencies or any secular and faith-based communities who are engaged with and support those who are disadvantaged using the practice of Companionship, through ministries of hospitality and outreach. $1,250 for up to 15 participants $2,500 for up to 30 participants. This cost is inclusive of instructor fees, and materials to conduct the training. Travel or lodging cost are additional. Join in the Movement! How to setup a course: Contact Jessica Dexter, Administrative & Program Assistant at or jessica.dexter@pathways2promise.org Our MISSION As companions, we act on our concern for another person offering the encouragement of five basic practices: hospitality, neighboring, journeying side-by-side, listening, and accompaniment. COMPANIONSHIP IS MANAGED, OPERATED AND DISSEMINATED BY: &

10 Companionship Trainers James Zahniser is a TriWest Group Principal and Senior Consultant whose work focuses on project evaluation and community assessment, with particular expertise in services for adults and youth with serious mental illness, consumer-driven services, primary and behavioral health care integration, and evidence-based practices, such as assertive community treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation. Dr. Zahniser currently is a senior advisor to Pathways to Promise. Dr. Zahniser, a licensed psychologist, received his doctoral degree in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of Maryland at College Park. Kae Eaton, MA and Spiritual Director, is the Chaplain and Executive Director of the Mental Health Chaplaincy. Kae began working alongside MHC founder, Craig Rennebohm, in 2010 following her graduation from seminary, the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. She works with individuals and families living with mental illness or homelessness, and with secular and faith-based communities engaged with these communities. A Brief History of Companionship The model of Companionship was developed in 1987 on the streets of Seattle as a ministry of outreach to persons who were living in homeless and struggling with serious mental health issues by Rev. Craig Rennebohm. Reverend Jermine D. Alberty, M. Div. is the Executive Director of Pathways to Promise and principal consultant of SALT Initiative. He is the former director of Mental Health First Aid at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University Missouri St. Louis. MHFA is a program to help the public identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. He has more than 20 years of experience in human service-oriented positions within non-profits and churches in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis, Missouri. He has worked in the mental health field for over 10 years and is a statewide trainer of cultural competence in mental health, a national trainer of MHFA and the senior pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Columbia, Missouri. Rev. Craig Rennebohm, creator of the Companionship model. Robert Skrocki is a faith community consultant and mental health ministry coordinator, at SamaraCare in Naperville IL. He is Licensed Clinical Social Worker recently retired after a career of 36 years in a public health and community mental health setting. He has a special interest in how faith communities can help support the recovery of persons with mental illnesses and promote resiliency. He is communications coordinator of the Interfaith Mental Health Coalition, a greater Chicagoland area organization working to connect faith leaders to mental health resources, and also chairs the board of the national level Pathways to Promise organization that is helping promote mental health training coalitions for faith communities all over the country. He is a lay community minister in the Unitarian Universalist Association. He recently completed training as a trainer in trauma informed congregation development. Jessica Dexter is an Administrative Program Consultant for Pathways to Promise and is responsible for the Committee for Education and Resource Development. She works primarily on program development for The Companionship Movement and with the Executive Director. Jessica recently received her Masters Degree from the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and became an Associate Chaplain at the Mental Health Chaplaincy. She is passionate about working with and advocating for all people, especially persons living in marginalizing circumstances. Over the last 30 years through the Mental Health Chaplaincy and Pathways to Promise, Companionship has been disseminated throughout the Seattle metropolitan area, St. Louis, Chicago, Los Angeles, and North Carolina. COMPANIONSHIP IS PART OF A LARGER PROCESS OF OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT THAT BEGINS EVEN BEFORE WE ARE CONSCIOUSLY AWARE OF ANOTHER S DISTRESS AND ENDS IN MUTUALITY. WE SENSE ANOTHER S HURT; OUR OWN FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS ARE STIRRED; WE BECOME CONCERNED AND ACT.