[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 72 (Friday, May 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. LUKE UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 18, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand 
before you today to congratulate Saint Luke United Lutheran Church on 
its 100th anniversary. In honor of this momentous milestone, a 
celebratory reception will be held on May 19, 2012, at The Senior 
Center in Michigan City, Indiana. For 100 years, Saint Luke United 
Lutheran Church has been committed to providing spiritual guidance as 
well as charitable contributions to numerous organizations and 
individuals.
  In 1912, Saint Luke English Lutheran Church was founded in Michigan 
City, Indiana, under Reverend Dobberstein. At the time, the people 
living in the area saw the need for an English-speaking Lutheran 
Church, so Saint Luke's began holding services at the local YMCA, as 
well as in one of the Sunday school classrooms at Saint Paul's Church. 
In 1915, the congregation, consisting of twenty families, witnessed the 
construction of their first church building. Later, in 1969, to 
accommodate the needs of the growing congregation, the current church 
building was erected on Coolspring Avenue in Michigan City. In 2002, 
Lutheran Church of the Dunes joined parishes with Saint Luke, and the 
church became the Saint Luke United Lutheran Church. Today, the church 
has an impressive membership of 112 families.
  Saint Luke United Lutheran Church, under the leadership of Reverend 
John Mikenas, provides much support to charity organizations and has 
built an outstanding community outreach program. The congregation has 
been dedicated to serving those in need and has focused its charitable 
efforts in many ways including: assisting soup kitchens throughout the 
Michigan City area, organizing a food and warm clothing drive for the 
Salvation Army, and supporting the men's homeless shelter in Michigan 
City. Saint Luke's has also created a program for families in need of 
assistance with utility and medical bills, as well as another program 
that provides homemade soup and fruit baskets to the homebound. In 
addition, Saint Luke's is dedicated to the youth of the community and 
runs a vacation bible school during the summer months. The Saint Luke 
Youth Group also participates in mission trips and assists the elderly 
in the community.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring the congregation at Saint Luke United 
Lutheran Church for its exceptional community service ministry and in 
congratulating the parish on its 100th anniversary. The great work of 
this truly admirable congregation continues to touch the lives of 
countless individuals, and for their selfless service, the leadership 
and members at Saint Luke's are worthy of the highest praise.

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