November 2025
At Messiah Lutheran Church in Chicago, God’s hand is seen in countless ways. Pastor Ted Fischer has witnessed people return
to church after years away, hearts softened to receive the Gospel, and lives reshaped by the assurance that Christ’s forgiveness is truly for them. “People here are hungry for the Word,” he shares. That hunger has led to the joyful addition of new brothers and sisters in Holy Baptism—three children welcomed into God’s family this year alone, even as the congregation celebrated 100 years of ministry in the city.
Our life together is marked by both faith and fellowship. Members give generously to the local food pantry, work side by side to plant flowers at the neighborhood school, and clean up their community’s streets. Leaders consistently show up to plan and prepare, while neighbors are welcomed at the door with the same hospitality Christ showed to the tax collectors and sinners. Even small acts of kindness—like sharing a meal or teaching free English classes—become powerful witnesses of Christ’s love. “These seemingly small and insignificant acts change lives in meaningful ways,” Pastor Fischer notes.
Relationships within the congregation have deepened as well. The wounds of isolation from the pandemic are slowly healing, with forgiveness and reconciliation making way for renewed joy in being together. Pastor Fischer sees his people cherishing one another and embodying the grace of Christ.
Still, challenges remain. In a city where faith is often dismissed or opposed, hostility and apathy toward the Church are real barriers. Yet the people of Messiah are learning to meet such challenges with courage and compassion. They encourage one another to speak Christ’s truth boldly, while showing Christ’s love through their actions. Respect and genuine care, they have found, open doors to spiritual conversations that might otherwise seem impossible.
Partnerships have also flourished—supporting other congregations’ events, collaborating with a local community college to host
free ESL classes, and working with Concordia University Chicago to encourage Hispanic students. Those efforts have begun to grow into Messiah’s own Hispanic ministry, including Spanish Bible studies and hopes for a future Spanish-language worship service. “Our hope is that Spanish speakers from our neighborhood would feel welcomed and that our compassionate actions would be the loudest witness to our community,” Pastor Fischer says.
Looking ahead, his prayer is twofold: that Messiah’s English ministry will remain steadfast in its century-long commitment to proclaim the Gospel, and that this proclamation will overflow into new languages and reach new people. In this way, Messiah Lutheran seeks to remain a beacon of Christ’s love in the heart of Chicago—stronger together, and bold in witness.
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