Rev. Dennis Bushkofsky, an ordained minister for more than 25 years, was installed July 15 as pastor of United Lutheran Church, becoming the ninth senior pastor at the northeast Oak Park church since its founding in 1925. 

       Pastor Bushkofsky had been serving United, 409 Greenfield St. (North Ridgeland and Greenfield), on a temporary basis for several months before making a longer-term commitment to the congregation. As a specialist in interim ministry since 1999, he has guided a dozen congregations in Minnesota and Greater Chicago -- including an earlier stint at United – through periods of transition.  In addition to being a thoughtful preacher, he is known for his   mediation, community-building and leadership-development skills. 

      A native of northeastern Iowa, Pastor Bushkofsky graduated with a BA in music from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. After a few years as a church music director he entered Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and was ordained, in Minnesota, in 1986. He later was pastor at a congregation in Pennsylvania before returning to Minnesota. 

       He and his spouse, Linda Post Bushkofsky, moved to the Chicago area when Linda became executive director of the Chicago-based Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a position she still holds. The Bushkofskys and their 5-year-old grandson have relocated from Arlington Heights and now live in United’s parsonage, next to the church.

        United Lutheran is a diverse congregation perhaps best known in the community as the collection site for the annual Holiday Gift Basket program. Sunday services begin at 9:30 a.m. and are followed by a fellowship hour. For more information call the church office at 708-386-1576.