Southminster Presbyterian to honor Rev. Mize’s 45 years of ministry

On Sunday, Aug. 3, Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights will host a special celebration honoring the Rev. Charles Mize’s 45 years of ministry and commitment to service. Worship is at 10 a.m. immediately followed by cake, coffee, and fellowship. All community residents are invited to attend.

Mize attended Elmhurst College (B.A.) and Eden Theological Seminary (M.Div. and D.Min.). In his 45 years of ministry, he has served six congregations, including Glenview Community Church in Glenview, Ill., Union United Church of Christ (UCC) in Green Bay, Wis., and Samuel UCC in Clayton, Mo.

Pastor Mize believes that “Ministry is a life of serving God by learning, teaching, sharing and doing the love of Jesus in the church, the body of Christ in the world.”

He has championed the rights of those whom Jesus called the “least of these,” people who are marginalized, vulnerable and overlooked in society. During his career, while serving as a full-time pastor, he also has guided 10 candidates through the pastoral ordination process.

Ed Gudonis, Southminster elder and Lake Barrington resident, said, “Through amazing sermons, empathetic pastoral care, and extensive knowledge of Presbyterian and UCC polity, Christianity and the Bible, Pastor Chuck regularly inspires hope for all.”

Southminster Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Arlington Heights was founded in 1961 and strives to be “An Oasis of Hope, Healing, and Renewal” in the northwest suburbs.

Its ministries, which include mission and social and environmental justice, focus on serving the community and providing opportunities to grow in faith through Bible study and nurturing children and youth.

The church also offers a Parents’ Day Out and Preschool for the community. Worship is on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., both in-person at the church, 916 E. Central Road, and on the church’s YouTube channel. All are welcome. More information on Southminster is available at www.spcah.org.