Elk Grove church to install new senior pastor

Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Elk Grove Village, announces the installation of its new pastor, the Rev. Steven Okpisz. The ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 1, at the church, 150 Lions Drive.

The installation will be conducted by the Rev. Anthony Oliphant, who represents the English District of the Missouri Synod, and the Rev. Steve Geske, a close friend of Okpisz, who will present the homily. Rev. Okpisz will be the sixth senior pastor called to the church since its inception.

Pastor Okpisz attended Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and received his Doctorate of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.

Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit was the first church established in Elk Grove Village. In 1957, the Rev. Martin Marty began outreach efforts and services were begun at Rupley School.

The church building on Lions Drive was dedicated in 1958. A fully funded renovation was completed in 2017, updating the interior and exterior of the church.

The church is considered progressive, as it welcomes the participation of women in church services, as well as the everyday operational roles traditionally reserved for men only.

Holy Spirit's outreach and missions include: The Living Nativity, a re-enactment of what the first Christmas Eve was like, including live animals and music, which has been held every December for more than a dozen years; Packages for Patriots, a monthly packaging event, sending needed supplies and personal items to servicemen and servicewomen in harm's way all over the world; and Nancy's Project, which supplies aloe plants to cancer patients at Amita's Elk Grove Medical Center undergoing radiation treatments.

There also are numerous opportunities for Sunday school, Bible study and fellowship offered at Holy Spirit.

For information, call (847) 437-5897.

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