Our Pastor
Our pastor of 15 years, Reverend Harold L. Therwanger (aka Pastor T.) has recently accepted a new call to Resurrection Lutheran Church in Arlington, VA. He will begin his ministry there in July, 2023. While First Immanuel prepares for the call process, the ELCA Metro Chicago Synod has elevated our intern, Vicar Anne, to the role of Synodically-Appointed Minister (SAM).
Meet Vicar Anne
I’ve been Vicar since August and have met many of you. I’d love to get to know all of you at First Immanuel better, so this note is to introduce myself. I grew up in Aurora, IL, and went to Valparaiso University. I received my BA from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. I graduated from Rush Medical College. I am an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago, and continue to practice medicine at Silver Cross Hospital A Calling On March 18, 2018, while at a conference at Duke University, I was called into Ministry. I began seminary in the fall of 2018 and will complete my Master of Divinity in December 2023.
A Calling
On March 18, 2018, while at a conference at Duke University, I was called into Ministry. I began seminary in the fall of 2018 and will complete my Master of Divinity in December 2023.
First Immanuel
In January 2021, I visited Pastor Therwanger and toured First Immanuel. I felt so at home and knew that I wanted to be here for my internship. Pastor took this picture of me in the pulpit. Little did we know what God was up to!
Internship
I love being an intern. I preach, lead Bible study, make home visits and teach Sunday School. I gave Ashes to Go, distribute food with Paws Salvation and walk with the CROP Walk.
A New Chapter
In May 2023, I became the Synod-Authorized Minister at First Immanuel until a new pastor is called. This means that I can serve as a pastor before my ordination. I’m excited to continue to serve First Immanuel in this new role.