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As of October 1, 2003, Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc., producers of "Worship for Shut-Ins" became its own entity, separate from Holy Cross Lutheran Church, with the help of a grant from The Lutheran Foundation of Northeast Indiana. "Worship for Shut-Ins" is televised in 12 states in 23 different television markets. Because of recent growth, the Board of Directors felt the need to have a full-time Executive Director on board. We were able to hire Mr. Kenneth M. Schilf for this position. Mr. Schilf had been working as the Minister of Christian Education at Holy Cross since 1985. The Board also felt the need for a full-time Administrative Assistant. Mrs. Nancy Kimmel also was hired on October 1, 2003. Paul Melin is our Program Director and has been working for Lutheran Ministries Media since 1991. August 1, 2006, Gwyneth Schilf joined our staff as an Administrative Assistant and Office Manager and on February 4, 2008, Terri Lydy joined our stafr as Adminstrative Secretary. At this time, we have four full-time employees and more than 120 volunteers. How It All Began
This television ministry began on October 5, 1980 by Holy Cross Lutheran Church. It is a follow-up to a similar program of the same name produced in Toledo, Ohio, by the Rev. O.H. Bertram. With the death of Pastor Bertram in 1979, his program was terminated as there was no one to carry on in his place.
After Pastor Oswald Bertram died of cancer, Mr. Raymond Huebschmann spearheaded the task of producing “Worship for Shut-Ins” from Fort Wayne, Indiana. On October 5, 1980 Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc. began broadcasting “Worship for Shut-Ins” on WPTA-TV21.
In planning for production of a TV program, it was decided to present a format similar to Rev. Bertram's. This would include Scripture readings appropriate to the specific Sunday, prayers, choir or solo music and a message aimed at the needs of shut ins. The program would be video taped in the Lupke Memorial Chapel, a small worship area off the nave of Holy Cross. Wood carvings in the chapel, of a full length life-size Christ and a family group with a dove overhead, are from Germany, add a spiritual atmosphere for televising.
With the financial needs realized, steps were taken to order equipment and plan for its subsequent use. Volunteers for operating personnel were solicited from the congregational members and training sessions were held during the summer months. Contacts with TV stations were made in the interest of obtaining open time for the program. On July 22, 1980, the first taping session was held with members invited to attend. At that time it was hoped that air time, beginning early in September, would be possible.
The first telecast was made on Sunday, October 5, 1980, from TV station WPTA Channel 21 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Rev. James K. Stalder, Senior Pastor of Holy Cross, at the time, preached the initial sermon. Rev. John Westra, also a pastor at Holy Cross shared the preaching responsibilities on the program, along with other pastors in the area, such as Rev. Armin C. Olsen, former Lutheran Hour speaker.
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