A Dream Fulfilled
by Aristea Zekios and Maria Vrame

This poem is dedicated to Dr. Michael Bauml. It captures all the accomplishments that he continually strives for as Lay-chairperson of St. Luke's

'Twas the night before Christmas when the Lord God Supreme

Ordered angels in heaven to fulfill Mike Bauml's dream.

Mike had visions of a church flowing with love

For those seeking the Lord and peace from above.

A church building and grounds with landscaping anew,

A bright sign on the lawn for people to view.

Throughout Moraine Valley church bells would ring

Inviting all people to worship their King.

A new library stacked with sacred books to read

About our Holy Faith so priceless indeed.

The audio-visual center offered even more

For Bible study and Church School there were videos galore!

Inside the sanctuary iconography had begun

Icon screen, royal doors, altar area ....all done!

"But wait," said the Lord, "the church is still bare.

It needs living icons to fill each chair."

So He ordered the angels to summon God's people

To the church on the hill with the majestic steeple.

For Divine Liturgy, Vespers, and Feast days as well

The nave was filled to capacity as far as Mike could tell.

The singing was magnificent, for all the people joined in

To praise God Almighty like the Cherubim.

To partake of Communion they all drew near

To the Holy Chalice with faith and with fear.

And then an answer to Mike's fervent prayer,

A new building with classrooms and children everywhere!

For youth outings with friends carpooling was out,

Too many young folk, so it was buses to route.

The Charities Committee was never the same,

It financed volunteers to work in His name.

Christian Ministries were never neglected.

Everyone volunteered as the Lord directed.

There were fellowship gatherings for young and old.

So successful were they that numbers grew threefold.

The yearly pledge drive soon became outmoded,

Donations through tithing doubled and exploded.

And finally the dream of every Orthodox Christian.

The dream that should be the American mission.

Truly One Orthodox Church - no ethnic separation

With the Lord God Almighty leading the Holy Nation.

When Mike woke from his dream, he was heard to exclaim,

"This vision was a gift from God for all churches to claim.

If we all work together in faith and in love,

Our Lord will be glorified and bless us from above."