Faith Lutheran Church ELCA

08/21/2026

Virtual Worship Resources (August 23rd) -

08/14/2026

Virtual Worship Resources (August 16th) -

08/07/2026

Virtual Worship Resources (August 9th) -

07/31/2026

Virtual Worship Resources (August 2nd) -

07/24/2026

Virtual Worship Resources (July 26th) -

07/08/2026

We are extend our sympathy to the Bergh family. ❤️

Alvin J. Bergh
1933-2026

Pastor Alvin J. Bergh, 93, who spent years as executive director of Lutheran Family Mission in Chicago, died Friday, July 3. His funeral is 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora; visitation is 9-11 prior to worship and lunch follows the service.

Bergh was born Feb. 4, 1933, in Volga, S.D. He attended Augustana College [now Augustana University] in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Luther Theological Seminary [now Luther Seminary] in St. Paul, Minn. He met Phoebe Lerseth while at Augustana and they married in 1956. Pastor Bergh's first call was to Faith Lutheran in Hannaford, N.D. In 1963 he began Faith Lutheran, a mission church in Rochelle, Ill. In 1971 Bergh began serving St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Chicago until his call as executive director of Lutheran Family Mission in Chicago. (He concurrently served as urban coordinator of the Illinois District of the American Lutheran Church.) He retired in 1997 after also serving in numerous community, churchwide and synod roles.

In retirement, Bergh continued to guest preach at synod congregations and volunteer at the local food pantry, St. Mark’s child development center, and on various committees at St. Mark’s.

Bergh took great pride in his Norwegian heritage and was an active member in the Sons of Norway Polar Star Lodge in Montgomery, Ill. He enjoyed traveling and experiencing new cultures and adventures. He loved his Chicago sports teams, fishing, golfing, reading and learning.

He is survived by wife Phoebe, children Deborah Arcilla, Paul (Laura), and Mari Fontana, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, sister Miriam Waddington and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his brother Edward and son-in-law Ben Arcilla.

Suggested memorials: St. Mark's Endowment Fund and Luther Seminary's Al & Phoebe Bergh student support fund.

Full obituary can be found here.

+ Rest eternal grant him, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him. +

05/15/2026

Virtual Worship Resources (May 17th) -

05/13/2026

Midweek Memo - May 13th -

05/08/2026

Virtual Worship Resources (May 10th) -

05/06/2026

Midweek Memo - May 6th -

I am going to be making visits tomorrow afternoon (5/7). If you need immediate assistance, please call me (815.558.2163).  Have a great week!  +Pastor Joy