This post was originally written by Fred Hoebel for St. John’s, Lombard.
Beginning a year-long celebration, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lombard, offered a between-services catered brunch Sunday morning, June 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., which was attended by around 250 people.
Timed to be available to those attending either the 8 a.m. festival service or the 10:45 contemporary worship service, the brunch was the first in a series of events designed to bring to mind the 125-year history of the Lombard church.
Founded in 1893 by a hearty group of German Lutherans, the congregation traces back beyond two world wars, the Great Depression, and the turn of two centuries. In point of fact, the congregation’s origin follows by five years the establishment of St. John’s Lutheran School, which was an early priority of the founders.
The congregation has taken its celebration theme, “Continuing in His Word,” from the eighth chapter of the Gospel of John, where Jesus is quoted as saying, “if you continue in my word, then you will be my disciples indeed; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
Additional events in the celebration will include A Night at the Museum in early fall, which will display numerous artifacts and documents relating to the history of St. John’s, as well as a Gala Banquet, which will be held October 21. The banquet will feature keynote speaker and former member Dr. Jon Steinbrecher, who is Commissioner of the NCAA’s Mid-American Conference, and celebrity guest speaker Wayne Messmer, Chicago entrepreneur and radio personality who has a heart-warming story of personal faith to relate.
Details for upcoming anniversary events will be available on St. John’s website, www.sjl125.org
Questions regarding the quasquicentennial celebration at St. John’s may be addressed to Marty Moderi, Director of Operations of the Lombard church, 630-629-2515, ext. 333.
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