From the Desk of Pastor David, June 2026

I recently had the pleasure of visiting with Pastor Nixon Mwitula who leads First Evangelical Lutheran Church in the north side Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. The church was founded in 1930 and the building, once vibrant with a large congregation, was constructed in a cathedral style.  Much has changed since then.  After years of declining attendance, the church was eventually closed during covid.  Pastor Nixon, originally from Tanzania, East Africa, studied at Lutheran School of Theology in Hyde Park and, two years ago, accepted a call from our Chicago Synod to re-open the church as a “mission developer,” that is, one who starts a new church from scratch.  His challenges are many. First Evangelical’s building, like many in our synod, suffers from years of neglect and has much-needed deferred maintenance. While some gentrification of the neighborhood has occurred, his primary outreach is to the homeless and migrants.  

Additionally, the neighborhood suffers from more than its fair share of crime, vandalism, and drug dealing. (Interesting factoid:  My maternal grandfather owned a small corner grocery store in Logan Square back in the day when the CTA Blue Line ended at Fullerton Ave.  My paternal grandparents lived on Dickens Street, not far from the church.  So, this trip was like a homecoming to me. I was not happy to see what had become of my home!) We know Pastor Nixon through our own Cathy Whiteside who has delivered items to him previously from our clothing ministry. I made my visit to meet Pastor Nixon, to see the church, and to work out the logistics of delivering much of the residual from last month’s rummage sale to him to support his outreach.  This man has a real heart for God and for the poor, the needy, and the downtrodden.  He is on the front lines of ministry, and it is my prayer that we can support him on an ongoing basis in some way, be it an occasional helping hand, resources, or prayer.  I truly believe God has put First Evangelical Lutheran Church before us, knowing the tenderness of your hearts.  I will keep you informed as God reveals more of the situation and their needs to us.

Blessings,
Pastor David

Pastor’s Hours:  Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays plus Sundays and as needed and by appointment when requested.