DAVE
Tenacity. That's a gift Dave thinks God has given him. He's persistent, and finishes what he starts.
Little wonder, then, that he values United Lutheran for its longevity and hopes it endures well into the future. (This year United marks 80 years in Oak Park.)
Dave, who was born at Loyola Hospital in Maywood, has been at United since childhood. As a youth he wanted to be a newspaperman but then earned a bachelor's in history and later a law degree from Northern Illinois University College of Law.
In addition to practicing law, he is a great family man, cherishing his 10-year-old marriage to Tracy and being a father to Grace, 6. "I try to support my family," he says, and admires his mother and father because "they put the needs of their family ahead of their own."
Something else Dave cherishes is his faith in salvation through grace. "It's not to be earned; it's been given to you."
KATRINE
Katrine was born in Rush Children's Hospital, God's gift to her two siblings and parents and probably a gift to other creatures as well. She'd like to be a veterinarian, you see, someone who cares for animals like the kittens Mrs. Wente brings to church.
But the gift the 8th-grader likes to share now, she says, is her ability to talk easily with people to make them comfortable and cheerful; she feels sad when others are sad.
What makes her happy? "Hanging out with my friends." And what does she like about United? "Everyone is so open--you can talk with anyone."
SAM
Agriculture, the Navy, the Lutheran Church and his family have been big in Sam's long life.
Born in Birmingham, Ala., he wanted to be an ag teacher or farm supervisor, and earned a degree in agriculture from Tuskegee University. Earlier, he saw wartime service as a Navy man in the Pacific, including at Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
In Chicago he was executive director of Lutheran Family Mission, which received aid from United. Sam recalls, in particular, United's gift of 10 sewing machines back in 1969 or 1970.
As for Lutheranism, "I've been in the Lutheran Church since 1943." He's been active, too, employing his gifts as a good communicator at the national, state and local levels in the old American Lutheran Church.
Sam says raising a family has been his greatest accomplishment in life. And what about disappointments? "I don't think I had too many. The death of my son [one of six children] has been the only disappointment we've had."
TAMMY
Tamara Fuhrman was born in Jasper, Indiana. As a child, her dream was to be a movie star. She went to college and graduated with a major in theater. From there she came to Chicago where she intended to "make it big." However, life took a different turn when she became involved in Primerica Financial Services. Gradually she worked her way up and is now a regional vice president with her own team, helping others strive for the same accomplishments.
"I enjoy listening to and helping other people." In high school Tammy worked in a nursing home helping the elderly. Later she served as a counselor on a runaway hotline, listening to many troubled teens. "I admire my good friend, Gretchen. She is the mother of three who lives her faith every day. I came to United Lutheran with my family in search of a community and the opportunity for spiritual growth through involvement in the church."
DANIEL
Dan was born in Detroit, Michigan, but grew up 8 miles away in the smaller town of Grosse Pointe. "For years it was in the back of my mind to one day become an accountant, and although I may have considered other occupations, I ended up pursuing accounting and even opening my own business."
Dan's biggest disappointment was the death of his father at age 57. "I was only 33 at the time and was never able to share some of my successes with him. I truly enjoyed raising my own children, spending time with them and doing things as a family."
With his children no longer at home Dan has had more time to devote to his practice. "I particularly gain a sense of satisfaction helping clients overcome IRS concerns."
Dan and his wife, Nancy, have been members of United Lutheran since the early 1970's. They enjoy many personal relationships that are the result of years of fellowship. Dan looks forward to fellowship hour after the worship service and the one-on-one contact he has with other members.
VIRGINIA
A native of Akron, Ohio, Virginia fondly remembers the unexpected influence of a high school English teacher, one who inspired her to pursue higher learning. She attended Columbia University in New York and graduated with a master's degree in education. Upon returning to the Midwest, she spent 30 years teaching at Wright Junior College.
Virginia and her husband joined United Lutheran Church in 1956. She recounts how they met the pastor, Dr. Elmer Hjortland. "I still remember him walking down the alley to invite us to church. We enjoyed the young couples group and the many outings like bowling."
Virginia's husband is no longer alive. However, at 89 she continues to enjoy good health, still driving and getting around to all the functions she enjoys.
JAMES
Jim was born near Royal Oak, Michigan, and as a child always wanted to fly an airplane. He got his wish during WW2 when he flew single engine planes. Afterward he worked for 53 years in the paint industry; for 20 of those years he was chief chemist in the Paint Department for US Steel's supply division. He's been married to "my wonderful Marion" for 60 years, and they have raised six children.
A life-long member of United, he's had the honor of being named the Volunteer of the Year at the OP Senior Center. "My father and mother inspired me to work hard and live a Christian life. United has been a stabilizing influence on my life and given me a great appreciation for living a life where I can depend on God to help me along."
TED
"I was born in Chicago, but as a kid I wanted to be a farmer because the best times were at my uncle's farm. One of my 'kid' goals was to eat a dozen donuts in one sitting and in 8th grade I did it! My career goal is to do something with computer technology."
"I most admire my dad. He gave me his kidney, and is always teaching and supporting me. Next is my friend Jack. He went through a hardship I can connect with. I think one of my God-given gifts is the ability to cheer people up. This year my friend's mom died, and he was depressed. I took him to a movie, and it helped him. After my transplant, my friends came and hung out with me at the hospital for an hour. That was a gift that I needed."
"The people at United have helped me out. My faith is important to me, because I'm lucky to be alive every day, and I know that God is there with me."
LYNDA
After college, Lynda had an opportunity to travel around the world for $2,000 to do a nutrition study, but because her protective father disapproved she couldn't go. That was a missed chance but it didn't rise to the level of a disappointment.
"I'm not disappointed, I'm really thankful," she says. She's also proud of how well she and husband Bob reared their son, Brad, instilling their values in him.
Born on the South Side of Chicago, Lynda first wanted to be a nurse but became a dietician and teacher instead. And it was while a teacher at OPRF High School that she had the difficult but gratifying experience of running the school's teenage mothers program. All the girls stayed in school during her tenure, she recalls.
Surely her gift for being a good listener is one reason. "Everyone knows I'm a talker, but I'm a good listener too."
Lynda knows God listens as well, and prays often. "My faith is very important to me." As is United, where she cherishes the feeling of fellowship, of feeling part of a big family.
ALEXIS & ZACHARY
These twins were born in Chicago. Alexis thinks she'd like to be a frog keeper when she grows up and enjoys birthday parties. Zach enjoys "beating mom in a race" and thinks he'd like to be an Olympic runner some day.
He likes to give the gift of help, holding doors for older people and praying for them, and also helping his dad clean up the yard. Alexis enjoys sharing her stuffed animals and right now is praying for a baby tooth to fall out to match the one Zach has lost!
Both Alexis and Zach really enjoy petting the kittens Mrs. W brings to church. Their biggest worship joy at United is carrying the bread and wine forward at the Offertory and then communing with their parents.
FRANK
"I was born in Chicago and remember wanting to learn to draw so that I could be a cartoonist like the humorist who drew 'The Far Side'. But my gifts were musical, and I began playing the bassoon in fourth grade. I still enjoy playing it in college. Unlike high school, I'm not on a wrestling team."
"I enjoy college and am thankful for being able to do well academically. I think people there find me honest, and I appreciate that quality in others. Today I most admire Barack Obama, because I believe he is the 'real deal'. I think that being approachable and having a 'listening ear' is one of my gifts. I find that, more than ever, I'm able to have conversations about what faith is, especially with those hostile to religion or approach it differently than I do. Coming home to United, I enjoy being with the everyone I know--kind, welcoming people."
MICHAELA
"I was born in Tuguejarao, in the Philippines, and with my five siblings grew up on a farm. I was a young girl when my father died, and we divided the hard work--planting rice, corn, peanuts and vegetables and taking the produce to market. I remember during WW2 feeding eight refugees who came to live with us for two months."
"I think God's greatest gift to me was returning my oldest brother unharmed from the famous Bataan Death March. Another gift was my faithful husband of 39 years. Together we raised eight children who, after school, would all gather in our room to kneel and pray. My biggest wish was for them to have a higher education, and now they live across the world. I was raised Roman Catholic, but I found Lutheran worship to be so familiar and am now a United member."
"I love worship here when I'm in the U.S. God has truly blessed me with a bountiful harvest."
DEE
"I was born in Chicago, and growing up, I probably wanted to be a doctor. But after working for AT&T and a temp agency, I ended up being a banker doing fund transfers internationally. My serious avocation is writing music. My Gospel-Opera on Jesus' life is on CD and available on my web page. My unpublished 'Cindy' is an urban version of Cinderella."
"I think my God-given gifts are an ear for music and a drive to do research. I volunteered for years as pianist and organist in the mostly African-American churches I knew growing up."
"I most admire my mother, who single handedly raised six children in a gang-infested neighborhood, and we came out without a scratch! I've learned that whenever my plans go 'flying out the window,' faith in God sustains me. Coming to United with Kyrsten, I've found my volunteer services welcomed at worship as well as playing piano 'mood music' for social events!"
ANNETTE
"I was born and raised in Oak Park. I remember, as a child, I wanted to be a skater like Sonja Henie. But I discovered that my God-given gift was being able to relate to children. For many years I taught elementary school, and I've worked closely with my nine grandchildren."
"United has been my church home for most of my life--Sunday school, Luther League, being able to serve others through years of working in the church kitchen--weddings, funerals, receptions. Chuck and I were married here, and we raised our three children here. Several grandchildren living in the area are a part of the United family, and my older sister, Ruth, was a member here until her death."
"This place has supported my faith and my family's. Here I've learned that no matter how we messed up we have, in Christ, a savior who watches over, upholds and cares for us."
AMANDA
Amanda was born in Nashville, Tenn., and as a child wanted to become a dancer. Pursuit of dance led to her being chosen as one of 9 women and 9 men (from among thousands) to perform at Actors Theater of Louisville (in Kentucky). There she spent a year acting, performing and working behind the scenes.
Amanda's parents are two of the people she admires most. "They raised us to embrace all people," she says, and provided a "sound grounding" in Christianity. "They provided a quest for knowledge and encouraged us to strive for our best. Because of this I try to look at things from all points of view."
Her parents built the foundation of her faith, Amanda says. "I look to my faith in difficult times, when I'm discouraged, and it provides inspiration."
Amanda was married at United Lutheran and her son was baptized here. She appreciates the devoted and faithful "core" she finds in the church. "Someone is always stepping up to the plate (no matter what the need)."
The faithfulness of that "core" has been important enough that Amanda now finds herself serving as the congregation's president.
SHARON
"I was born in Spokane, Washington. I realized my childhood ambition: becoming a teacher for third graders. My husband, Bill, tremendously enriches my life, and I've been fortunate to have work colleagues who took an interest in me. After our three daughters grew up, I worked for educational publishers and at the Frank Lloyd Wright studio for seven years."
"I think my gift is one of curiosity. I'm interested in so many things. I've learned to admire how Eleanor Roosevelt became her own person and had an impact on so many life areas. My own faith is realized in a sense of hope and a belief that I'm never alone. United Lutheran has been an excellent base for us for over 37 years; a congenial place providing a foundation for my life."