June Vital Signs

From the Pastor’s Desk: Staying Rooted in Faith

Nathan Perrin

During a recent retreat in New York, I met several Jewish activists who decided to re-enter their faith tradition to convict their siblings in faith about Israeli apartheid. Most of my close friends from Bible college days no longer identify as Christian; nearly all of them would carry the label “exvangelical.” There are valid reasons for leaving a church or religion, especially if heavy trauma was involved. However, I often find myself thinking about the Jewish folks I encountered who felt compelled to return rather than retreat.

A good friend and colleague of mine asked me in 2020 what kept me Christian with the visible rise of nationalism. I replied with my usual, generic response of “hope.” She said, “I’m not in that place. At this point, I’m staying Christian out of concern for the church.” I used to think that was an odd, codependent answer, but I’ve since come to appreciate the grace within it.

There are times when we are called out of churches and communities. However, we also have a responsibility to grow alongside each other and disciple one another in honesty and compassion. Those boundaries must be constantly evaluated, but I firmly believe that something meaningful can happen when we stay rooted in faith while sharing our witness. That’s the beauty of the Holy Spirit at work, and it’s a challenging invitation to us today.

---

Unplugging to Recharge

Jeremy Kropf

Pastors Barb and Richard will begin a three-month sabbatical in July. A sabbatical is an opportunity to study, reflect, or engage in other interests for a time. Perhaps most importantly, it is a chance for our lead pastors to recharge and to come back to us feeling renewed.

We are keenly aware of how much Richard and Barb do above and beyond preaching and leading worship on Sundays. We will certainly miss them, but it is important they have the space to fully unplug during this season away. The Ministry Team asks the congregation to honor their sabbatical by refraining from emailing, calling, or texting them while they are away. They will also be unavailable for weddings, funerals, pastoral visits, or counseling.

The Ministry Team, Worship Commission, pastor Nathan, office manager Katharine, and Pastoral Care Team (PCT) are all taking on additional responsibilities to support our church community for these three months. You can also help by supporting our PCT in responding to needs that arise, volunteering to help with summer worship, or pitching in with community events, such as Summerfest (scheduled for August 1). Pastor Nathan is available if you need to reach out, as is the Pastoral Care Team. If you notice something that needs attention, please contact Caroline Steelberg, Jeremy Kropf, or any member of the Ministry Team. 

---

Thank You, LMC!

Richard and Barbara Krehbiel Gehring

We have been blessed to experience several sabbaticals throughout our years in pastoral ministry. Both LMC and our previous congregation follow denominational guidelines calling for a release from pastoral duties for three months every four years. This period away from the congregation provides time for us to experience new learnings, new stimulation, rest, and reflection.

As we prepare to begin our next sabbatical in just over a month, we are grateful to the church for this opportunity. We give thanks to everyone who will be stepping up to cover necessary church tasks while we are away. We look forward to seeing what God does at Lombard while we are gone, and upon our return in early October.

---

The Life of the Party

Caroline Steelberg

Jill Y. S. recalls that she started planning parties as a teenager. As a young adult, she became known for her “moving parties” that invariably ended up at a favorite Thai restaurant. Recently when she went back to that Thai place, the staff greeted her with hugs and shared happy memories of her gatherings there.

No wonder Jill fit perfectly into the role of LMC’s Lay Minister of Community Life, a position she held for the past two years. Highlights for Jill include Karaoke nights—especially singing “Bohemian Rapsody” with other LMCers—game nights, and hosting the Menno Haven retreat. She relishes incorporating special touches into her celebrations, like the hotdogs from Gene and Judes that she had delivered to LMC for Mike’s Celebration of Life service.

We are grateful to Jill for her many contributions to LMC during her service as Community Life Chair and are excited for her as she looks forward to planning her next big celebration, her wedding to Wallace in October. While Jill will continue to attend our congregation when possible, she also expressed some relief at not having to commute from Merrillville, Indiana (52 miles) quite so often. When she does come to church, you’ll know. As one of the Ministry Team members aptly noted, “Jill brings the party with her!”

Thank you, Jill! 

---

Warmth and Wisdom

Nathan Perrin

It is with warmth and deep gratitude that I thank Elise E. for her faithful service as LMC’s Lay Minister of Christian Formation over the past two years.

This is not an easy role to fill. Each year brings new challenges and unexpected needs; in my five years here, no two years have looked the same. Elise stepped up in remarkable ways, and I am profoundly thankful for her ministry and presence among us. Whether it was teaching classes herself, filling in for nursery care, helping organize Vacation Bible School, coordinating substitutes, or ensuring that gathering time happened for our children, the amount of effort, time, and heart she poured into this role was truly extraordinary.

Elise was also very easy to work with. She was quick to help solve problems as they arose, bringing both warmth and practical wisdom to every situation. Her calm and steady presence was a gift not only to the children and families of the congregation, but also to all of us who served alongside her. LMC is richer because of her work, her compassion, and the countless hours of care she gave to this church. For all of this, we are deeply grateful.

---

Hearts and Hospitality

Barbara Krehbiel Gehring

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

At the May church business meeting, we elected new leaders, which means that at the end of June the terms of several current leaders will come to an end. On the Pastoral Care Team, Susan B. and Kelly W. will complete their terms and step off the team, at least for now. We will miss them both!

Kelly brings a caring heart and willing spirit to the group. Among her many gifts, she has served as the primary notetaker at our meetings. In addition to her notes being clear and accurate, they are also usually sent by the time I walk across the parking lot to my home.

Susan brings such a knowledge of LMCers. She seems to have her finger on the pulse of the church in so many ways. In addition to knowing long-timers, she is quick to welcome newcomers. She has served our team well as our chair for the past several years.

The Pastoral Care Team supports the church in a number of ways including praying, sending gifts of encouragement and assistance, and listening. Susan and Kelly, you have given your hearts and your time to this ministry and to the people of LMC. We send a giant thank you to you both for your commitment to this important, caring ministry of LMC. 

---

Who You Gonna Call?

Jeremy Kropf

In this week’s sermon, Pastor Barb reminded us that the Holy Spirit gives each of us gifts to strengthen the body of Christ. Some gifts look like teaching or singing or leading. Others look like practical care and the kind of steady attention that supports the life of our community.

For the past two years, Davis has offered his gifts to us through his service as Buildings and Grounds Chair. His work often was done out of view, but it has been important to keeping our spaces safe, functional, and ready for all forms of ministry that take place here.

The B&G Chair is the first name on speed dial whenever something goes clunk in the night on any of the church properties. Davis met every challenge thoughtfully and efficiently, and saw issues through to completion. He has a gift for finding the right part—or the right person—to get everything back up and running again. His calm, no-drama approach and willing heart brought reassurance to situations that could easily have become stressful for the office staff.

We are grateful for Davis’s dedication and the many ways he has supported our congregation through this role. Thank you, Davis!

---