Church Staff Leadership
These are the people in our church office that keep our wonderful church running! We are also enormously blessed by our amazing volunteers who give, willingly, of their time and talents.
Rev. Ted Fischer
Pastor
Pastor Fischer was ordained into the ministry and installed as pastor at Messiah on Sunday, July 14, 2024. Pastor Ted grew up in Arlington Heights, but has strong ties to the Northwest side of Chicago as grandfather Bill Fischer was long time principal at Our Saviour Lutheran School
Heather Bosko
Secretary
Heather is serving Messiah as church secretary. She previously assisted Barb Lattyak in that role, but now has taken over as Barb has "retired" for health reasons. Heather is a life-long member of Messiah, having been baptized and attended school at Messiah. .
Joel Freiburg
Organist
Joel is our new interim Director of Parish Music. He is a graduate student at Concordia University Chicago, studying in the Master of Church Music program. He also serves Concordia under Chaplain Raddatz as his graduate assistant. He plans to pursue further graduate studies in church music following his program at CUC. Joel will continue to serve as organist until Easter 2026.
Messiah's Facebook Page
Check out what's new on our facebook feed!
Check out our Worship Service Streams (in the Videos Section), inspirational devotions, congregational happenings, and special events.
Our History
Founding of the Congregation:
Reverend Theodore L. Blanken
1925
Rev. Theodore L. Blanken was called as first Pastor of Messiah
Dedication of Chapel and School
August 29th, 1926
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Rev. Franklin C. Giese succeeds Rev. Blanken as Pastor of Messiah
August 1st, 1937
Pastor Blanken served Messiah for over 12 years.
Laying of our current cornerstone
Pentecost Sunday, June 5th, 1949
On this day the church celebrated the current building and held a special celebration!
Dedication of the Church
Pentecost Sunday, May 28th, 1950
One year later, the Church celebrated its dedication day!
Reverend Richard T. Drews Serves Messiah
1975-1987
First Rev. Drews served as associate to Rev. Giese until 1979, then becoming Sole Pastor himself. Pastor Giese served Messiah for over 40 years!
Reverend John Mueller Serves Messiah
1988-1998
Reverend Mueller served as Sole Pastor for 10 years!
Reverend Steven Geske Serves Messiah
2001-2010
Reverend Steven Geske served as Sole Pastor of Messiah until 2010.
Reverend Dr. Vernon E. Wendt, Jr. Serves Messiah
2012-2022
Rev. Dr. Wendt served Messiah till Feb. 27, 2022
Reverend Ted Fischer Serves Messiah
2024 -
Pastor Ted was ordained into the ministry and installed as Pastor for Messiah on Sunday, July 14, 2024
Messiah's Music Ministry
A large part of our worship experience revolves around the music present during our services. The Lutheran tradition is steeped in rich music, with every thing from traditional hymns to modern contermporary worship songs. Worship music was so important to Martin Luther that it caused him to write a number of beautiful hymns that we still use in worship today.
Organist Paul Frese
Paul leads our worship each Sunday, using his talents and experiences to enhance our worship experience.
Messiah's Lay Musicians
Vocalists Kathy Dembowski and Vanessa Ueltzen use their talents on choral pieces.
Trumpeter David Grim provides accompaniment and descants during Festival Services.
Praise Jesus Band
Our praise band leads contemporary music and praise songs once each month.
Outdoor Worship - 6/6/21
Enjoy these captures from out amazing outdoor worship service!!
Deacon
Praise Band
Members
Pastor and Band
Members
Gallery
Our latest and best photos
We love to take pictures and show them to the world.