“It has been quite a joy. When I joined the Lutheran faith, I was required to complete several courses at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago to be an ordained Lutheran pastor. Since I needed to take three or four classes, I decided to earn a Master of Divinity. After achieving that, I thought I might as well continue my studies. This year, I earned my Doctorate in the Ministry.”
However, throughout her journey, it was not Pastor Vickie’s goal or intent to enter into ministry. She primarily identified as a music person and served as a Sunday School teacher during her teenage years. Pastor Vickie has always enjoyed the teaching aspect of ministry. As a result, rather than seeking it out, the ministry sought her.
Pastor Vickie explained, “I was not searching for a job, but I was sought out to be the pastor at St. Thomas. I am also the pastor at Lebanon Lutheran in Hegewisch; located on the far southeast side of Chicago. I believe these calls are of God, as it was not something I had aspired to.”
If Pastor Vickie had not entered the ministry and pursued her passion, she would probably be touring and singing today. However, when she began her undergraduate studies, Pastor Vickie wasn’t as confident in her potential music career as she needed, so she chose psychology as her major.
“It’s interesting that you bring this up because the late Reverend Clay Evans’ daughter texted me yesterday. She asked if I had sung backup for Roberta Flack and Quincy Jones on the “Save the Children” project, as she was watching a digitized version of it. And I’m like, yeah, why are you asking me that? She said “because I see you in the video.”
At an early age, Pastor Vickie had a lot of opportunities and she was very active with Operation Breadbasket at the time, so she was exposed to greatness. Roberta Flack wanted to send her to the Boston Conservatory of Music to pursue a music career.
“I sang background for her, she wanted me to go that path, but I was too timid and did not pursue it.”
Currently, she sings with the Chicago Community Chorus and has been a member since the organization was founded 22 years ago and serves as the Board Chair. They perform various genres of music. Pastor Vickie has been involved in music throughout her life, participating in various groups and choirs, performing across the United States and abroad. She has performed in operas, oratorios, musicals, plays, and other productions.
“I love the Arts, but the calling that the Lord had for me was in ministry. However, I still get to do music as it is my respite and form of self-care.”
“At present, we were actively promoting voter registration and urging people to get out and vote in this election. We encourage everyone to exercise their right to speak up because your voice is your vote, and carries power. We are pushing hard for this initiative for federal and local elections.”
She also volunteers with the People’s Lobby, a social justice organization that advocates for various causes throughout Chicago. One key issue they championed was raising the minimum wage so people wouldn’t have to work two or three jobs to support their families. They also fought against cash bail, which often leads to family separations when individuals cannot afford bail. This can result in losing jobs, and residency, ultimately tearing families apart. They went to Springfield to speak with various legislators about these issues. Thanks to their efforts, Illinois now has a no-cash bail policy.
“I am deeply motivated by social justice, and if there’s a cause I believe in, I actively stand behind it one hundred percent and encourage others to join me.”
We are reaching others with the gospel.
In addition, at St. Thomas, they meet people at their points of need. They serve meals after worship at no cost, offering them with love. The church found that some individuals come to church because of the meals and the fellowship that follows.
“It is often through our actions and showing of love that people can see Christ in us and decide to join this family of believers. We also have four NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings weekly.”
Pastor Vickie believes that many people who need Christ may not even realize it yet. Engaging in conversation and sharing life stories is crucial. Talking with someone who can guide you in the right direction can help you discover your true spiritual needs. Thi
“As Christians, we must focus more on listening than responding. People need to feel heard, so we should prioritize listening attentively to their concerns.”
“I’m excited because in November, we will be celebrating our 60th anniversary at St. Thomas. St. Thomas is a congregation formed through, the merger of two Lutheran churches: Reformation Lutheran and St. Luke Lutheran. Both churches were located in the South Shore area and merged in November 1964 to become St. Thomas Lutheran.”
At the time of the merger, the community was predominantly Swedish, and much of the construction was completed by parishioners skilled in various trades. As the community evolved, so did their congregation. Today, they are a diverse group, with members from different walks of life, including various professions, cultures, races, creeds, and colors.
While predominantly an African American congregation, they embrace and love people from all backgrounds. You can truly feel the warmth and love when you walk into their church. They pride themselves on being welcoming and inclusive and have always reached out to the community.
During her years as the pastor of St. Thomas, they have made it a priority to honor ordinary people who might otherwise go unrecognized for the important work they do. One year, they honored Will Tanzman, the head of the People’s Lobby and Melody Wilson for her work with our NA meetings.
Another year, they recognized the crossing guard at the corner of 80th and Jeffrey, right by the church. Pastor Vickie observed her dedication and commitment to her role, as well as the affection the children had for her. It was truly a surprise when the church decided to honor her.
“We also honored a musician from Fellowship Baptist Church, which is not affiliated with St. Thomas. However, I grew up under his guidance at Fellowship and Operation Bread Basket. Royal Mickey Warren was an exceptionally talented musician who deserved recognition, and I regretted that he had not received it during his lifetime. Unfortunately, he passed away this year.”
For the 60th anniversary St. Thomas is excited to honor a special individual: Deacon Lottie Northcutt.
She is affectionately known as St. Thomas’ “prayer warrior,” serving as their Prayer Minister. Her commitment to prayer has significantly contributed to the church’s sustainability an
The church will honor her on the third Sunday in November during the morning worship service at 11:30 AM. with dinner following. They are thrilled to celebrate her, as she is a humble person who truly loves God and is dedicated to the ministry.
“I believe in celebrating ordinary people, as God often chooses and uses them to accomplish extraordinary things. I also want to take a moment to thank you for considering me as one of those ordinary people who has done some incredible things. I earned all four of my college degrees after marriage and having my children. My journey has inspired them to pursue higher education and seek to help others, so that our living will not be in vain.”
