A celebration 75 years in the making at Faith Lutheran Church
June 5 marked the 75th anniversary of Faith Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn.
More than 300 people filled the front lawn for a joyous celebration that included delicious food, games, a bouncy house, a fun trip down memory lane, and a look into the future of this thriving congregation.
The day started with worship services that journeyed through the ages of Lutheranism with hymns and liturgy from the past seven decades.
Several of Faith's previous pastors and staff were in attendance and served as a reminder of how blessed this community of Faith has been over the last 75 years.
Pastor Ken Stenman, who served at Faith from 1979-2001, flew in from Colorado with his wife, Priscilla, to join in the festivities and give a special blessing at the end of each service.
Worship was followed by a brief outdoor program, hilariously emceed by Big Ten Network sportscaster Mike Hall. He grew up at Faith Lutheran Church and, like everyone present that day, will always be a part of the Faith family.
The program was a skit of the timeline of Faith Church brought to life by members of the church's high school youth group Faith Lutheran Youth (FLY). It highlighted the history of Faith since 1946 from its two locations and two building additions to the 1,050 baptisms, 540 weddings, and 1,400 students confirmed.
The celebration also included a children's scavenger hunt inside the church to find the time capsule that was hidden during Faith's 50th anniversary celebration.
Some of those treasured items are now on display at the church. A new time capsule was filled up and hidden away to be opened on the 100th anniversary.
It is clear that Faith Lutheran Church has a rich history but it also has deep roots in the Glen Ellyn community which it lives out by supporting many valuable ministries housed inside its building such as ESSE Adult Day Center, Rainbow Place Preschool, ESL classes, and the new location of the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry (directly adjacent to the church building).
While 75 years of ministry and memories have been made within its brick walls and beautiful stained glass windows, the foundation of Faith Lutheran church is the loving people who call Faith their home.
Come see what Faith is all about. The church is located at 41 N. Park Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Visit www.faithonline.org.
Summer services are every Sunday at 8:30 and 10 a.m. All are welcome.