About

The Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary began when Edwin and Florence Friesendorf donated the land. The breaking of the ground began on June 1963. As our church membership grew, we began finishing the interior. We held our first worship service on December 22, 1963. The congregation was officially organized on March 15, 1964 with 115 baptized members. In October 1986 there was a fire that ruined the new pipe organ and much of the building. The church and pipe organ were rededicated on February 14, 1988. On January 1, 1988 LCMM became a member of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

Since we began we have continued to grow and build our ministries through our pastors that have joined our church. We continue to grow our youth group, Sunday School, Mission Team, and various others that are dear to our hearts. We continue to grow in faith and community

Meet the Team

At Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary, our team is made up of dedicated pastor, and volunteers who share a passion for serving God and our community. Each person brings unique gifts and experiences, working together to create a welcoming space where faith can grow and lives can be transformed. We are here to walk alongside you in your spiritual journey and to share Christ’s love in all we do.

Pastor

Dennis DeBrie

Dennis J. Debrie was raised in a small rural town southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan in a family of eight children by their beloved parents, Paul and Ruth Debrie Sr. The families foundation in church life were seeds planted early in the soil of Dennis’ heart.

Graduating from high school, Dennis served six years in the Michigan National Guard and graduated from Grand Rapids Junior College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He also earned a degree from Moody Bible Institute, a Spiritual Director certificate from North Park Seminary, and a certificate from Lutheran School of Theology in the T.E.E.M. program of Theological Education for Emerging Ministries. During this time Dennis served at the Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary as the Synodically Authorized Minister since April 2022.

Married to his beloved and vibrant wife Clara, they live in Chicago and have two daughters, Toni and Charquel, who reside in Texas. One grand-daughter, Lindsey, who pulls on the strings of their hearts.

Dennis is grateful to God for this call to ministry and for the many supporting cast who have journeyed with him on this second career path.

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Education Director

Ann Gay

Ann has been a member of Martha and Mary all her life. Having gone through Sunday School and the Youth Group here and raising her own 3 children in this church, she wanted to give back and offer the kids of our church some of the same faith foundation that she received. She became Christian Education Director and that is the calling she has followed for 21 years.Ann is a Middle School Resource teacher and combines her love and understanding of children with her deep appreciation of the impact of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit in their lives... Not to mention finding creative and fun ways to present this appreciation to the children.

Youth Director

Nicole Lehmann

Nicole has been the youth leader for Martha and Mary for the past 15 years. She loves spending time in learning, service and fellowship with the youth of our church. Nicole has taken the youth to the ELCA National Gatherings, weekend retreats at Lutherdale, service work, lock-ins, and various other events in between. Nicole has been a member of Martha and Mary since she was born, and now brings her own family each Sunday. She is married with two sons and a daughter. Besides being the youth leader, she also play bells, lector, teach Sunday school for the youth.Outside of church, she works part time as a civil engineer, enjoys her time with my family and friends, does yoga and (on the rare occasion she has time) snuggle up with a good book.

Lead Musican

Mark Pichla

For more information about the ELCA vist them at https://www.elca.org/.