Remembering Dorothy

Today, Pastor Chuck Olson shares his experience caring for a St. Mark member who sadly died this summer. Pastor Chuck serves as our visitation pastor, and this past week the staff recognized his four years of ministry to our homebound members. If you or a member of your family are unable to leave home and in need of pastoral care, he is more than eager to connect with you either over the phone or in person. He always has his communion kit with him, should you be in need of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. If you are not homebound but in need of pastoral care, Pastor Robert and I are also available to meet with anyone who asks. We can also provide communion, especially if you have been unable to join us for worship on Sunday mornings. 

You can call the church office at (815) 398-3557 to schedule an appointment with any of us pastors.

-Pastor Chad McKenna

When I became St. Mark’s Pastor for Pastoral Care in October of 2016, one of the first homebound people I met was Dorothy Brommerich. 

As I called on her at her home, the first thing I noticed was her oxygenator, and yards of oxygen tubing throughout her home. My heart went out to her, and at every visit her health, and especially her breathing, were on my mind. 

Along the way I visited her when she was hospitalized. I saw her at East Bank for rehab. And I learned about her life. 

Dorothy joined St. Mark in 1972 when she married Ernie. She was a pioneer and remembered much about those days. She went to work at Noble’s Grocery, there on Jefferson St, for more than thirty years. She remembered how her co-worker would lock the doors if someone were accused of shoplifting, locking them in. Dorothy would shake her head – Why would you want to be locked up with a shoplifter? And at every visit Dorothy would ask for – and cherish – the sacrament of communion. Sharing in it together was so beautifully sacred. 

At the end, her health declined quickly. Her Florida daughter Diane stayed with her. Her sons Brian, Tom and Mike united in caring for her. In her final moments, we gathered around her bed, one in prayer, one in love for Dorothy. 

Now she is no longer locked in by her health. She is freed to praise God and the Lamb for eternity. I thank God for the privilege of knowing and loving Dorothy Brommerich. 

In Peace,

Pastor Chuck Olson