SCHAUMBURG – For the 48th time, members of the Technology & Manufacturing Association gathered on the first Friday of November to pray and celebrate the blessings during the previous year.
TMA members Timothy Stoll (Armin Tool & Manufacturing), who served as emcee this year, welcomed the members, along with TMA President Patrick Osborne.
TMA’s current Board Chairman Craig Zoberis (Fusion OEM/RoboJob-USA) led a prayer for the nation’s manufacturing industry. Tony Demakis (Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales) appealed to God to bless America. His prayer focused on Tuesday’s election:
Lord as we sit here just days from the election in our country, we are sitting here in a time of unrest, of worry, fear, of doubt. Some us are sitting here in anger, and sadness. Some here are sitting in uncertainty not knowing what will happen next. God help us to remember that you are in control. That you are never surprised, that you are never caught off guard, that you know all things and are in all things.
The night your Son was sentenced to death He reminded us of these facts when he told his captors, “if it were not for my Father in heaven you would have no power.” Lord help us to humble ourselves and our egos and our desires and remember that it doesnt matter who the president is, as long as we are serving and obeying you, our King.
A special feature was a prayer led by 90 yr old David Swanson (2320 Group), who attended TMA’s first ever prayer breakfast. He’s been a faithful promoter of his faith in his family and his community for many, many years, according to his son Rich Swanson, who shared a Bible verse and a testimony of his Christian faith.
Warren Herring (Schmid Tool & Engineering) shared his joy in meeting fellow believers at TMA in the Christians in Manufacturing group.
The morning’s keynote speaker was Patrick Bertsche (Matrix Design). Mr. Bertsche shared how his parents’ faith and example of using Christian principles in business prepared him to lead his own business.
Bertsche shared several books and resources that have been crucial in his own faith development, and encouraged others to live their faith through their businesses.
Gospel music was weaved in throughout the service by Erica Violet Mertz, who shared an original song she wrote entitled “Peace,” as well as other familiar hymns.
The event is organized and implemented every year by the volunteers in TMA’s Christians in Manufacturing community.
The CiM community also offers an opportunity to serve together by preparing meals at the area’s Feed My Starving Children facility.
For more information on the next CiM community gathering, write info@TMAIllinois.org.
