Reports - Central Illinois District - Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

During this triennium two construction projects were initiated or completed. Good Shepherd, Minier, has plans toenhance her Sanctuary and fellowship hall in addition to adding several classrooms and a new kitchen. Actualconstruction is expected to begin later in 2009. Trinity, Bloomington, which has partnered with Lutheran Homesof Arlington Heights, Illinois, was privileged to participate in the dedication and opening of a 148-unit seniorhousing facility on land the congregation had purchased several years before; it opened in August, 2007.We are thankful that most of our ministries have not experienced a pastoral vacancy in the past three years.However, on November 18, 2007, Our Redeemer, Bloomington, joyfully installed her new shepherd, PastorJonathan Manor. Wittenberg Lutheran Center has recently received news that she has been assigned a convertiblevicar, Mr. William Jensen. At the time of this writing, no start-up date for his service has been determined.We have been blessed for many years by the presence of emeriti pastors, warriors who have served the cross formany decades. They are: Pastor Ernest Gerike, and Pastor Marvin Matzke. Their wisdom and insights areinvaluable.As much as we are thankful for the many blessings God has bestowed upon us in the past, we anticipate evenmore of His blessings in the years to come.Champaign Circuit - Rev. Dr. James F. Wright, Circuit CounselorOver the last 3 years our circuit was blessed to be able to gather over $100,000 to install heat and new flooringfor Lielsalaca Lutheran Church of Salacgriva, Latvia. Thanks be to God!The pastors of the Champaign Circuit meet each month for worship, study, and fellowship from Septemberthrough May.John in Mattoon and St. John in Champaign operate Christian day schools. We are blessed to have UniversityLutheran Church, a mission of the CID on the University of Illinois Campus, served by Rev. Rick Milas.Circuit Activity:On July 1, 2005 Seminarian J. Scott Weiler was assigned a delayed vicarage to form a new congregation in St.Joseph, by means of the C.I.D. Our Savior, St. Joseph held its first service on Christmas Eve, 2006. Rev. Weilerwas ordained and installed as first pastor of Our Savior in June of 2007. The congregation meets Sundays at alocal school averaging 40 in attendance.Rev. Del Nack retired as associate pastor and principal of St. John, Mattoon in January of 2006.In 2007 Rev. William Emrick of St. Paul, Sadorus accepted a call to serve St. Peter, St. Peter, IL. St, Paul isbeing served by Rev. Joseph Hughes as vacancy pastor.Rev. Daniel Skillman resigned from St. Paul, Mattoon (Dorans) in July, 2006. Rev. David Bessinger wasinstalled as pastor in October, 2007.Rev. Travis Kleinschmidt was ordained into the Holy Ministry at St. John, Champaign on June 15, 2008. Heserves as pastor of St. Jacobi Lutheran, Shawano, WI.In June of 2008, Rev. Troy Countryman was ordained and installed as Assistant Pastor of St. John, Mattoon.On June 29, 2008 Rev. Lynn Podoll of Immanuel, Broadlands retired from full-time ministry after 45 years ofministry.Rev. John Sharp was installed as pastor of Immanuel, Broadlands on April 19, 2009.Danville Circuit – Rev. Carl Janssen, Circuit CounselorGrace, mercy and peace be upon you from our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.There are 15 congregations in our circuit.Ash Grove—St. John (Rev. Kevin Wendorf)Cissna Park—Immanuel (Rev. Kevin Wendorf)Cissna Park—Trinity (Rev. Christopher Decker, installed April 28, 2007)Buckley—St. John (Rev. Daniel Olson, installed August 31, 2008)Danville—Immanuel (Rev. Daniel Fienen)Danville—Trinity (Rev. Kent Tibben)Loda—Immanuel (Rev. David Allen)2009 Convention Section B – Reports Page 40