LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH 119 WEST WISE ROAD SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS HISTORICAL ACCOUNT

Transcription

1 LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH 119 WEST WISE ROAD SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS HISTORICAL ACCOUNT

2 LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CONGREGATION SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS Organized April 23, 1972 The beginnings of this congregation, in the minds and prayers of missionminded people, date back many years before its birth. The field analysis was made on November 1, It wasn t until September 28, 1968, that the field pre-emption was cleared with the other Lutheran Synods. On November 18, 1968, the name Lord of Life Lutheran Church was chosen for the purpose of incorporation. This was necessary so that a parsonage could be purchased and a land site purchased for the construction of a church building. On May 31, 1971, the parsonage at 208 Acorn Court in Schaumburg was purchased. On July 18, 1971, a call was issued to the Rev. Carl A. Kalkwarf by the Board of American Missions to begin this new mission congregation. On September 2, 1971, Pastor and Mrs. Kalkwarf, and son Jonathon, moved into the parsonage to begin work in this mission field. Frances Schmidt from the Board of American Missions spent approximately three months canvassing about 6,000 homes in the area. She also invited prospects and interested people to attend the first service on October 24, 1971, to be held in the gymnasium at Nathan Hale School, 1300 West Wise Road. There were 133 worshippers who attended the first service. The Senior Choir of Prince of Peace Lutheran Choir was the guest choir. Pastor Kalkwarf s sermon at this service was based on the text John 10:10: I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. The first Sunday school classes were held on October 31, 1971 with 24 children and 21 adults. The first teachers were: Mrs. Lorraine Bagaus, Marcie Bagaus, Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Frafjord, Mrs. Carol Johnson, Paul Lauver, Mrs. Gerald Saugstad, and Pastor Kalkwarf. The first children baptized were: Donald Bradford, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Eggers, and Diane Patricia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin O Neil. The Steering Committee chosen to plan for the organization of the congregation included: Richard Miller, Roger Willer, Dave Johnson, Eugene Parson, Errol Saugstad, and Lloyd Bagaus. This committee also served as the Building Committee for the new church. 2

3 On April 23, 1972, the congregation was organized by Bishop Elmer Nelson, President of the Illinois District of The American Lutheran Church, and the Rev. D. D. Johnson, Mission Director of the Midwest region. At the time of organization there were 35 families, 121 baptized members of whom 66 were confirmed. The first church board elected was: President, Richard Miller, Secretary, Nell Berntzen, Treasurer, Jerry Johnson, Financial Secretary, Dave Johnson, along with Lloyd Bagaus, Roger Willer, Errol Saugstad, Waldo Dahlen, Dean Jelden, Eugene Parsons, Dennis Eggers, and Ron Zemke. At the organizational meeting the Rev. Carl A. Kalkwarf was called as the first pastor of the new congregation. He was installed on June 11, 1972, by the Rev. Joe Hulterstrom, Chairman of the North Chicago Conference. On October 9, 1971 a parcel of land was purchased at 119 W. Wise Road to be used for the construction of a church building. The groundbreaking for the first unit of the church was held on June 25, A walking plow was pulled by members, children and adults, to break the ground in the form of a cross. On July 29, 1973, a final dismissal service was held as Nathan Hale School. The congregation, in a car caravan on Wise Road, made their way to the new church. A door-opening service was held outside the church building. President Richard Miller unlocked the doors for the procession of people to enter the building. In remembering the Lord s instruction to Moses to remove his shoes for he was standing on Holy ground, the congregation was asked to remove their shoes as they entered the church, the Holy of Holies. On September 9, 1973, the Service of Church Dedication was conducted. Dr. John Houck, Executive Director of American Missions of the American Lutheran Church, gave the dedicatory sermon. The Rev. Donald Johnson served as liturgist. Paul Olson and Carroll McCain, members of the District Board of American Missions, were the lectors. Pastor Kalkwarf conducted the service of dedication. The chancel furnishings (altar, pulpit, lectern, communion rail, and baptismal font) were handcrafted gifts from Mr. and Mrs. John Freimuth of Bartonville, Illinois. 3

4 On the evening of the Day of Dedication, the church organ was dedicated. The Rev. Edward Paape, pastor of Prince of Peace, Hoffman Estates, served as liturgist. Mrs. Faythe Kalkwarf was organist. Mr. James Thunder, Director of Music at Christ Church, Des Plaines, presented the organ concert. The Fifth Anniversary of the congregation was celebrated on April 25, Dr. Ehme Osterbur, Illinois District Bishop, was the morning speaker. Dr. Elmer Nelson, Bishop Emeritus of the Illinois District, spoke at the anniversary dinner at Nordic Hills Country Club. At that time the congregation numbered 579 baptized and 327 confirmed members. There were 164 families. On April 15, 1979, the first Easter Breakfast was sponsored by the men of the church. Shirley Schimke was hired as our first Parish Worker on April 16, She resigned her position on November 4, 1979 when her husband was transferred to Pennsylvania. May 13, 1979, new clergy chairs were dedicated as a memorial to Aksel Barka. On May 21, 1978, the congregation voted to purchase the house at 129 West Wise Road for a Sunday School Annex. The dedication service was held on September 10, January 27, 1980, Becky Michelfelder, a graduate of Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, was installed as Parish Worker. In January, 1981, the congregation became self-supporting. Becky Michelfelder resigned her position to enter the seminary at Lutheran School of Theology Chicago in October of Kathy Reed, who had served at Gethsemane Lutheran, accepted a call to become the new Parish Worker. Her installation took place on November 1,

5 1983 brought the resignation of Pastor Kalkwarf. Though it was a sad experience and a trauma for our congregation, Pastor and Faythe were wished well as they began retirement and new work at St. Mark s Lutheran Church, Mt Prospect, Illinois. The Love Fund, established in 1983, continues to help many people in need. The Love Fund is not a budget item. It is built on gifts of love. Support of the fund is from financial gifts given by members of the congregation. The Love Fund discreetly provides help to those in the congregation who are in dire need. On April 7, 1984, we welcomed Rev. David J. and Carol Langseth, and daughters Anna-Kari, Lizbet, and Aili, to Lord of Life Carol Langseth founded the Lutheran World Relief Mission Quilters group at Lord of Life. The dedicated mission quilters continue to meet weekly and thousands of quilts provide warmth and shelter to many in need locally and around the world. In 1984 the construction of the parking lot on Thornwood Avenue took place. July 1, 1985, Judy Voegtle, (a member since 1973) was hired as church secretary, replacing Nikki Larson who relocated to Minnesota with her husband and family. Upon the resignation of Kathy Reed, our Parish Worker, on January 31, 1986, the Pastoral Internship program connected with Lutheran School of Theology Chicago was chosen. Julie Wrubbel-Lange joined our staff on July 1, as our first intern/vicar was a transition year as Lord of Life joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA was formed by the merger of the American Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Church in America, and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches. Lord of Life was previously part of the American Lutheran Church, which was itself a merger among four groups in Pr. Langseth was nominated Dean of the Northwest Conference. Our second intern/vicar, Sue Beadle, joined us on July 1, On November 1, 1987 we benefited by the staff addition of Susan Friesen, Minister of Music. 5

6 Pastor Carol Vassallo joined us on March 25, 1991, for a two-year call as part-time Assistant Pastor. She was installed on June 2, The dream of expansion became reality in On Sunday, February 16, 1992, we dedicated our refurbished church with its building addition. Also in 1992, we began our mission partner-church relationship with Incarnation Lutheran Church (later called Spirit of Joy) on Karlov Avenue in Chicago. Susan Friesen completed her service as Minister of Music on June 30, Wanda Saeger was hired as Minister of Music on November 1, In March of 1993, Pastor Carol Vassallo completed her service at Lord of Life to seek full-time employment in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Our Mission Statement was adopted in Vicar Rae Emery began her internship year at Lord of Life on September 1, In 1995 Choir Chimes were donated by Ray and Martha Laine, and a new organ was donated by the Waldo Dahlen family in These wonderful gifts continue to enhance our worship services. September, 1996 brought Vicar Jane Rymut Keel as intern pastor to Lord of Life. In October of 1996 a new sign was purchased with funds from our Wish List. This fund is not a budget line item, but rather special monetary gifts given by members and friends of the congregation. April 23, 1997, Lord of Life celebrated its 25th birthday/anniversary. In celebration of this occasion, an anniversary banquet was held at the Itasca Country Club on Sunday, April 27, Special guests included Bishop Kenneth Olsen of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the ELCA and Rev. Carl and Faythe Kalkwarf. September, 1997 Jeanette Hillesland (Thorp) began her internship year at Lord of Life. She completed her internship with us on May 31, For the period September through December 1998, while completing her seminary training, she served as Pastoral Associate at Lord of Life. She received final certification for ordination on January 2,

7 On January 10, 1999 Pr. Jeanette was installed as Associate Pastor, Minister of Growth of the congregation. October, 1999 at a special meeting, the congregation voted unanimously to establish an endowment fund as a depository for the Virginia Henn bequest, and for similar gifts which we might be blessed to receive in the future. Several gifts have been received since 1999, and the monies put into the Endowment fund. December 31, 2000 we said goodbye to Pastor Jeanette Hillesland (Thorp) when she accepted a call to a congregation in Texas. June 2001, the Director of Lay Ministry task force was put in place to interview candidates for this position. Terry Miller was hired in 2002 to give Lord of Life a new focus and energy in the areas of youth, education, evangelism, and coordinating and supporting the many volunteer positions within our congregation. April 23, 2002, Lord of Life celebrated its 30th birthday/anniversary. At one time we were over $800,000 in debt. The final mortgage payment was made and on June 15, 2002 we celebrated our 30th anniversary with a celebration service and the burning of the mortgage. March 2003, the Worship & Music committee requested research for a contemporary worship service. It was developed and implemented in July, 2003 at a Saturday evening, 5:00 p.m. worship time. A new sound system was installed. October 31, 2003, our Director of Music, Wanda Saeger resigned after serving Lord of Life for 11 years. We thank her for her excellent ministry and wish her well in her future endeavors. May 2, 2004, Lana Antic was hired as our new Director of Music. Because of a move to England to be with her family, she resigned in May A Music Search Committee was put into place and Larry Baade was hired in September Building Space, Growing Faith was selected as the theme for our capital funds appeal. We are looking at an elevator, increased narthex space, improving the entrance to our church. All improvements are on the drawing board. 7

8 January 2006, Pr. David Langseth announced his retirement after almost 22 years of faithful service to this community of believers. During our 34-year history, this is only the second time that we have been in the call process for a senior pastor. We wish Pr. David and Carol health, happiness, and well-deserved rest during their retirement years. The parsonage was sold and the proceeds deposited in the Special Use Fund Diane Hannibal was hired as Assistant Director of Music. Her vocal, musical, and directing talents are welcome additions to our worship and music life within the congregation. The contemporary worship service continues at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship time. After Pr. David s retirement in 2006, Pr. Fred Hill was called to serve as interim pastor. A Call Committee was formed to assess the needs of our church and to begin the call process to find our next pastor. The Schaumburg Garden Club installed a vegetable garden on the southeast lot behind the church. The harvest is donated to the Schaumburg Food Pantry. The club continues to maintain the garden The Director of Lay Ministry position was eliminated and we returned to a two-service format on Sunday mornings. The contemporary worship service was discontinued. We said good-bye and thank you to Terry Miller and Diane Hannibal for their years of service to the congregation. The Call Committee interviewed several candidates for our next pastor. Pr. Thad Fisher was called to Lord of Life and upon relocating to Illinois from Texas he began his duties on March 1, Our organist and choir director, Larry Baade, resigned in December 2008 and a Music Search Committee was put in place. Robert Lind was hired as organist and Susan Dennis as choir director. They continue their service to Lord of Life today. We appreciate their talents and dedication to the music program at Lord of Life. Parish Secretary Judy Voegtle retired on July 31, 2009 after serving the congregation for 24 years. 8

9 June 1, 2009, Kim Puchalski, a long-time member and former Sunday School Superintendent of Lord of Life, was hired as Administrative Assistant The Natural Church Development (NCD) team remains active and is instrumental in planning for a prayer labyrinth to be constructed on the lot south of the church next to the vegetable garden. Pr. Thad W. Fisher resigned in September, Pr. Dennis Bushkofsky was called to serve as interim pastor. December 2009 The Call Committee was again in place and after considering several candidates, Pr. Linda Covey was presented to the Council and the congregation, and subsequently, voted in as pastor of Lord of Life. Pr. Linda Covey accepted the call to be the next pastor of Lord of Life. She assumed her duties on August 1, Summer and fall 2011 saw a transformation of the property located to the south of the church parking lot. The labyrinth became a reality. The design was selected and the stones and benches put in place. The labyrinth is open to everyone in the community. On May 6, 2012, a special celebration service took place at Lord of Life along with the dedication of the labyrinth. The Rev. Wayne Miller, Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, presided at the worship service. A 40th Lord of Life Anniversary/Birthday celebration luncheon took place at Chandler s Banquets, Schaumburg, Illinois. Special guests on this day include: Bishop Wayne and Pam Miller, Rev. David and Carol Langseth, Rev. Anna-Kari Langseth Johnson, Dr. Lizbet Langseth Ronning, and her children Julia, Linnea, and Tor, Mr. Ralph and Faythe (Kalkwarf) Lavieri. 40th Anniversary Committee members included Bev Jelen, Ed Luebbers, Julie Roy, Kimberly Scanlan, Paul Scanlan, Rita Tweed, and Judy Voegtle. 9

10 Lord of Life is grateful to the many individuals who have faithfully served the congregation and the wider church, including: Senior Pastors: Carl Kalkwarf, David J. Langseth, Thad W. Fisher, Linda Covey Associate Pastors: Carol Vassallo, Jeanette Hillesland Thorp Interim Pastors: Fred Hill, Dennis Bushkofsky Interns: Julie Wrubel-Lange, Sue Beadle, Rae Emery, Jane Rymut Keel Parish Workers: Shirley Schimke, Becky Michelfelder, Kathy Reed, Director of Lay Ministry: Terry Miller Organists: Faythe Kalkwarf, Joanna Mankowski, Ron T. Zemke, Paula Lehman, Keith Carlson, Mary Cornelius, Robert Lind Choir Directors: Faythe Kalkwarf, Carol Mucukas, Dan Tkach, Ron T. Zemke, Mary Cornelius, Jonathan Saeger, Lana Antic, Diane Hannibal, Susan Dennis Ministers of Music: Susan Friesen, Wanda Saeger, Larry Baade Secretaries: Barbara Peterson, Donna Kozlowski, Nancy Butler, Nikki Larson, Judy Voegtle, Kim Puchalski Custodians: Andy and Doug Melhop, Joyce and Dave Johnson 10