Suburban Life, La Grange

Pastor takes 650-mile bike trip for urban ministries
La Grange Suburban Life

By Joe Sinopoli, jsinopoli@mysuburbanlife.com

Published 7/13/09

Photo from St. John's Picnic, Day 3 send off from La Grange.

The Doings, La Grange

Pastor pedals in 'Tour de Detroit' and others
PIONEER PRESS : The Doings LaGrange

By Jane Michaels, Staff Writer jmichaels@pioneerlocal.com
Publication Date: 7/13/09

Photo by Curtis Lehmkuhl, Staff Photographer at Zoo Entrance to the Salt Creek Bike Trail.

Reviewing logs: the totals for the Go-the-Distance Urban Ministry Bike tour are...

9 days,

5 states,

17 ministry visits,

682.5 miles...

ONE priceless experience!

Photo taken at Lakeside Avenue in front of the Cleveland Brown's Stadium, just a few blocks from Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries Men's Shelter.

Day 9-Headed for Home. Back on 4 Wheels. After a great ministry visit and a stop at Starbucks to write thank yous, the bike is on the car and we're headed home.

Day 9, Mile 9.3 I spent the morning with Mike at the Luth Metro Ministries Men's Shelter serving 1100 meals/day, providing shelter and care for 375 men daily.

Day 9. Refreshed, Renewed, Rested and Ready for the last 8 miles of the journey this morning to the men's shelter at Luth Metro Ministries. Downtown Cleveland.

Day 8, Mile 111.4 arrived at Trinity on Loriane and West 30th in Cleveland.

Photo with Pastor Jeff Johnson who leads "Hope in the City"

City Limits of Cleveland. Mile 104.6 for the day. Still in 'God's Window'. Cloudy 69 deg. Let's ... Go the Distance!

Day 8, last rest stop before Cleveland. Mile 96.5 North Olmsted OH. On our way to Trinity Lutheran and Building Hope in the City, Cleveland

Rain has past, back in 'God's window' heading out of Milan OH

Day 8, Mile 59.6, Second stop in the quaint birthplace of Thomas Edison. Rode so fast I got out of God's window and caught up to the rain. Perfect lunch place.

Day 8 Begins... On to Cleveland. Raining this morning but there's been a break in the showers and I'm headed out. This is a 100+ mile day. Pray for good weather

Day 8, mile 30 took a quick rest stop in Fremont OH. Been blessed to be riding in a rain free pocket in the clouds that seems to be traveling with me.

I thank God and the prayers, encouragement and support of so many people. Glad I made it one more day further. Tomorrow: Cleveland!

We're over 550miles now. The last 50 was the hardest-busy, cramped road with crosswinds gusting to 30mph (Det-Toledo). First time I was severely tempted to quit

Day 7 is done! Enjoyed meeting Mark Hill from Luth Soc Serv, NW OH. We literally talked in Holy Toledo, named for a strip of historic churches on the West Side

Day 7, Mile 29.6 Leaving POBLO International offices after 3 hours of fun reunions and conversation. On to toledo!

Had a great visit with Dave Siefker at Detroit Urban Lutheran School. A light in the city!

Crossing 8 Mile RD, Detroit

Leaving on Day 7 after a special breakfast cooked by Khurram for us. Headed for Detroit Lutheran Urban School.

Faith Lutheran, Troy MI

After a couple hours of rest at the Khan's, I biked the last 8 miles to the church where we met up with several families from the ethnic ministries there including Tamil South Indian, Bangladesh, Pakistan and a teacher visiting from Kashmir. We had a scrumptious meal of meats, rice, humus and salads in Indian/Pakistani traditional cooking. Thanks to Cynthia for being a great hostess in arranging all the food and visitors.

It was dark before we finished the evening with prayer, so I didn't retrace my steps on the bike. We transported it back to the Khan's home where I'll start in the morning for Detroit Urban School.

After returning home, Khurram and I talked late into the evening (as we frequently do when we're together). But it's definitely time for bed now. 84.1 miles for the day.

Cell Phone Drivers!

Post out of order (Photo from Day 1)

It's not a good idea to talk on the cell phone while driving a bike, but from time to time on the GTD tour, it's happened. There's coordinating with all the ministry sites, my road support and messages from home--all in a day's drive! I dont' think I was talking on the phone in this photo (as I arrived at Ebenezer, Milwaukee) but it sure looks like it.

St John's Member from Timothy

Post out of order (Photo from Day 3)

Lynne from St. John's found out Sunday morning we were going to Timothy. She had grown up in the neighborhood. Tom and Lynne were also married at the church. It was great to have Lynne join us for the meeting with the Andersons. BTW: In the previous post, I failed to mention that Pastor Paul and Judy are the founders and leaders of New Hope school at 63rd and Washtinaw. Their can-do spirit made it clear that they would be the best leaders for starting a preschool at Timothy. The new preschool will actually be a second campus of New Hope School. The picture below is take in the sanctuary of Timothy Lutheran (83rd and Paulina)

Pictured are Lynne, Sandi, me, Paul and Judy

Visit to Timothy Lutheran, Chicago

Post out of order (Photo from Day 3)

Timothy Lutheran (83rd and Paulina) closed on Reformation Day 2008, but already from the day of its closing, mission leaders were talking about how a new ministry could be born in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood. I was honored to be a part of those discussions the day after the closing service. Since that time, leadership from all over Chicago has brainstormed a new vision for the campus. Pastor Paul and Judy Anderson met with me at Timothy on Sunday afternoon. Pastor Paul describes the vision of the ministry to have a "Lutheran Strip Mall of Ministries" housed in this campus. Two preschool classes are planned to begin by September. Thrivent, Walcamp, Lutheran Church Charities and others are considering opening various ministries at the Timothy location. We're watching the birth of a new kind of ministry... keeping hope alive in the city!

GTD with Family

Post out of order (Photos from Day 3)

My brother's and sister's family joined me at the picnic.

Pictured are:

Back Row: Don, Nancy (Mom&Dad), Sandy (sister), Erin, Greg, Bobbie, Andy, Mary, Don (brother)

Front Row: Sandi, me, Noah and Leah

Pictures from Sunday's GTD Picnic

Post out of order (Photos from Day 3)

We had a great turnout for the church picnic on Sunday after our services. It was a real encouraging send off for the remainder of the journey.

Thanks to the board of stewardship who organized the effort and for everyone who came out. It was great to revive this tradition and I look forward to having more outings like this with our church family. God sure blessed us with a beautiful day and an inspirational worship service.

Day 6 total 75.8. Later we'll meet with members from Faith Troy's ethnic congregations: Tamil and Urdu

Arrived at the home of my dear friends, Cynthia and Khurram Khan. It didn't rain all day and as I greeted Cynthia at the door a brief shower suddenly came.

.I can tell we're near the motor city. Lots of traffic, but less tan 20miles to go before I meet up with my friends, the Khans, in Troy.

Day 6, Mile 56.5 took a short rest stop before heading into Ponitac and Troy. God has blessed the weather with no rain, cloudy skies, even the winds have calmed

Repair complete. Back on the road. Racing the rain clouds behind .e.

13 miles (correction from previous). They say its the "best breakfast in town" (but not a big town!) I'm about to find out while I wait. Beautiful town.

1t miles out...just past Williamston. My seat post gave up the ghost and sheeered off. Waiting at Ellie's Country Kitchen 4 dad to arrive so I can change parts

Sorry to MI fans. I meant MI State Unv.

Headed out on Day 6. Past the half way point yesterday around Battle Creek. Headed now from East Lansing thru UofM campus to Grand River RD.

Day 5 is finished. 101 miles. I confess I rode an extra 2 thru the U of MI campus, because I couldn't accept finishing the day at 99. Got to Go-the-Distance!

Just finished a visit to Trinity Lutheran in Lansing where 4 congregations meet--Sudanese, Ethiopian, a POBLO congregation (mostly Liberian/Burundi/Congolese) & the original church.

Mile 74.1 Taking a lunch break in Charlotte MI. Next stop: Living Word Ministries, Lansing

Day 5 Mile 46.9 Just finished interview with Pastor Vincent-missionary from Paskistan-who cares for many nations in Battle Creek MI.

Leaving on Day 5. Another beautiful morning. First segment Paw Paw to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Battle Creek MI

Day 4 is finished with 95.3 miles further. Resting for the night at Paw Paw MI. Was a perfect God-made day. Felt like I was in a covertable on the Red Arrow HWY

Mile 61.2 Leaving Harbor Harvest for the last segment of the day. I had lunch with the kids there, played with them, shared my tech toys and even watched a play

Earlier... I met my counsins, Hildegard, Zigfried, Ewald and Anna Marie in Stevensville MI

Blueberry pancakes for energy! Great breakfast. On the road again!

Miles 39.7 first stop in Saywer MI, Luisa' Cafe for breakfast. Bike thru the 'Indiana Dunes Swamp!l I'm soaked. Talked cops too...looking for escapee!

Day 4, headed out from Portage for visit at Harbor Harvest in Benton Harbor

Because of the time change in MI tomorrow, I may not post more tonight. But I promise more photos and summaries in the days to come. An early morning awaits!

Done for the day. Comfort Inn in Portage. I'm ready to rest. Great day with church. Amazing visits. 61.7 miles for the day. Headed for dinner.

Day 3, Mile 50. Leaving at Umbrella of Hope, Gary IN after an inspirational visit with case manager, Marcia.

Visited with Pastor Paul and Judy Anderson at Timothy, Chicago and learned of the awesome plans for a new ministry center in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood.

Great spirit at church today. Thanks to the whole worship team for a really inspiring day. Jesus is definately 'in the boat!' All packed up and headed to the picnic at Denning Park.

Great spirit at church today. Thanks to the whole worship team for a really inspiring day. Jesus is definately 'in the boat!' All packed up and headed to the picnic at Denning Park.

Our youngest rider, Grace, joined us for the last block home to St. John's, La Grange. Here's the riding crew--ten in all--Katrina, Aric, Jim, Monica, Laura, Bill, Brian, Grace, Martin and Emily. We enjoyed cookies and lemonade with several friends and encouragers from St. John's.

The welcome party at the Salt Creek Bicycle Trail at Brookfield Zoo (7.2 miles from St. John's, La Grange). We were joined by the 4 more riders increasing our riding tour to 9.

Donated fresh produce arrives at St. Matthews every Saturday for the week's meal services to the community.

St Matthews' at 21st and Hoyne in Chicago. Maria (the soup kitchen director), Pastor Losa and myself discuss the dynamic ministry of this Pilsen neighborhood congregation.

First ministry stop of the day was First Immanuel at Ashland and Roosevelt in Chicago. Pastor Harry Therwanger (center) shared with us the rich history of outreach and opportunities for the future for this congregation.

Our cheer-leaders at Museum Campus. Monica, Katrina, Brian and I were welcomed with a picnic lunch with dear friends who have been awesome supporters of this effort.

Little Grace joined us at Park RD for the GTD day 2 finish. Jim, Redmond, Emmy Lou, Rick, Katrina, Mom and Dad where at the church to welcome us home. 62.2miles

Martin, Laura, Emily, Aric have joined us with their bikes at the Salt Creek trail. We also had Marty, Cheryl, Jennifer, Grace, Alane, Shirley, Deb, Nichole and Barb to cheer us on!

I didn't post an update before... We had an awesome visit at both First Immanuel(Roosevelt/Ashland) and St Matthew(21st/Hoyne). We just made it to the Zoo trail

Thanks to Jim, Barb P, Dana, Dalyne, Barb C, Mark, Dennise, Deb, Shirley, Katy and Sydney.

Mile 40.2 ar'di at Museum Campus (10:30 precisely I add) to a cheering crowd from St. John's. Took pictures-now eating a wonderful lunch with a beautiful view.

Mile 30.6 We hit the Lake Shore Bike Path in Chicago. Brian Korody just joined us. We're on to a picnic meeting at Museum Campus downtown.

Mile 16.2 Coffee! Taking our first stop in Glenco. What a Beautiful, God-Made morning! Next we'll head thru NWU campus and Rogers Park on to Foster Ave Beach.

Leaving North Chicago on Day 2. Sunrise looks great with fair skies. Monica and Katrina are ready to go! First stop: Starbucks in Glenco.

Morning wake up call was thunder and lighting. The forecast looks good, pray this passes us by. Picked up Monica and Katrina from StJohn. We riding together.

Pictures from Day 1 with Pastor Christian Wood

Day One... Finished the ride at North Chicago. 67 miles. God blessed me with good weather. Rain surrounded the area, but not one drop fell on me. Praise God!

After taking a lunch break in kenosha left for final segment of the day. Reporting in from the IL state line (Russell and Lewis Roads). 54.7 miles for the day.

Arrived at Peace Lutheran in Racine at 1:03p. Just finished a great conversation with Pastor Cash Myers. 35.3 miles for the day so far. Headed for state line

For explanation later... Took a picture of a specially resevered pew at Ebenezer!

Biked 8.8 miles to Ebenezer. Pastor Christian decided to drive :) ... Arrived at the church 30min later. We're talking now about the history of Ebenzer Church

Had a great interview with Pastor Christian Wood at Hales Corners. We finished around 9:15 and we prayed in the parking lot of the church.

Headed to Hales Corners

Headed to Hales Corners for an interview with Pastor Christian Wood. Following our conversation, we'll bike together to his church, Ebenezer Lutheran in Milwaukee. Plan to ride about 67 miles today. Pray for good weather!

My bible verse for the day is..

"My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:19)

I've prepared, but there's so much to cover (and remember... and plan... and pack... ). There's always something not done. But I'm holding on to this promise that God packs and plans better than I.