Prospect Heights minister remembered for interfaith unity efforts

Rev. Paul Flesner led the faith community at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Prospect Heights for two decades and was instrumental in bringing leaders of different faiths together.

Flesner, who served the congregation from 1985 to 2005 and was its sixth and longest tenured pastor, died Jan. 1 at the age of 74.

"After he arrived, he brought our church into the 20th century," said Nancy Krieg, office administrator.

Flesner's updates included everything from computerizing the office to adding Westminster chimes and digital clock to the church's carillon, making it a distinctive timepiece for the community.

He also established a Stephen Ministry at the church, a contemporary worship service and an Arts Council. Outdoors, Flesner added changes as well, installing a life-size bronze sculpture of the church's namesake, Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, as well as a garden of resurrection.

"Good Shepherd had one of the first in the area," Krieg said. "It is a separate area of the church grounds, where scattering of ashes is performed."

Near the end of his time at the church, Flesner helped establish the Prospect Heights Clergy Association, which included pastoral leaders from 10 different faith communities in the city.

"Paul was very instrumental keeping the interfaith association together," said the Rev. Bob Heinz, former pastor of St. Alphonsus Liguori Parish, now leading St. Norbert Church in Northbrook. "He recognized the importance of bringing leaders of different faith communities together, recognizing our sameness and working toward our goal of bringing people to Christ."

Flesner's commitment toward fostering understanding continues with the current pastor, the Rev. Eric Schlickting, who was installed in 2011. He is president of the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council, which includes more than a dozen churches and temples from Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Prospect Heights and Wheeling.

Flesner stayed in touch with his former congregation after his retirement, most recently writing a personal message in the Dec. 27 bulletin reflecting on the importance of evangelization.

"I would repeat my challenge to you," Flesner wrote. "It is through the personal witness of individuals that the church grows and fulfills its mission."

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 111 N. Elmhurst Road in Prospect Heights.