Looking for a Church - Round Lake, IL

Hey J.- it looks as though you've received several good suggestions, but I'd like to add one more: Village Church of Gurnee. It's across from the Jewel on Hunt Club, just south of Grand- next to the Health Club. We settled there about 13 years ago after checking out several churches, and it's really home to us now. It has wonderful kids' programs both hours (they meet at 9:00 and 10;30- you choose the one that works for your schedule.) We go to the earlier service, and then we also go to an Adult Sunday School class- it's really interesting discussion and Bible Study. If you want to come and check it out, I'd be happy to meet you there and show you where the kids' rooms are and stuff. My name is N., and my phone # is ###-###-####. God bless you wherever you choose to attend- There is very litte you can do for your kids that is more valuable than getting them grounded in the truth that God is truly loving, and worthy of our trust, worship and obedience. Blessings- N.

Hi J.,

The Chapel is a non-denominational multi-site church whose Grayslake location is on Rte 60 just west of Fairfield Road. in meeting people where they are in their journey. It has a very relaxed and casual atmosphere, no need to dress up unless you like to. The worship is contemporary. It has an amazing childrens and junior high program that runs the same time as adult services. Your kids will love it! The services are Saturday at 6pm, Sunday at 9 and 11am. If you decide to visit, go up to the Welcome Center and let them know that it's your first time visiting, they will help you out.

R.

I'm not sure how far you are from some of the locations but please go to Harvest Bible Website and see if you are close to any! I was in the same place a few years ago and kind of raised Catholic-I did first communion-I found Harvest to be sooo welcoming and easy to plug in with people even on the first day if you decide! They have children's ministries for ALL ages and you can also bring them into the service with you! I could go on forever about all I have received from this church along with my family but you really need to see for yourself.

Check out the Chapel www.chapel.org
They have a few campuses, a great children's program and "modern" service style, if you like that.
Good luck!

I highly recommend Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington. They have ministries for children from infants all the way up to high school. Services are at 530 on Saturday nights (and they have a cafeteria so you can grab dinner there if you like) and then service on Sunday morning at 900 and 1115. I strongly recommend it. My entire family has been going for years. It's not just for adults but kids too. Willow Creek is a non-denominational church. And in addition to the weekly services, they have something called small groups that you can join if you like - no pressure. And also offer different classes on everything from marriage counseling to budgeting your finances. Most people that teach these classes are experts in these fields and donate their time to the church. If you'd like to talk about this church in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me.

M.

Hi J.,

We just moved from out of state. We also were church hunting & just went to the yellow pages to see what our options were. If you like the Lutheran church - try one close to your house. I'd recommend going 2-3 times before making any decisions. We went to 4 churches before finding one that "felt right to us". We have 3 kids so sunday school was important - but we also wanted to get something out of the message.... We finally found one we love (and so do the kids!). They have Sat night & 2 Sun services so we have lots of options which make it easy to get there. Just get out there & start trying them out. You have to find one that both you & your hubby like though or it might be a struggle to get him there every week.... As long as you're going somewhere - it's better than nowhere!!! I wish you were close to Lake Zurich - we'd invite you to join us at Harvest! We LOVE it there. Good Luck

Hi J.. I am also Lutheran and living in the Round Lake Beach area. I occasionally go to Shepherd of the Lakes in Grayslake. I have really liked it all the times I have been there. Check out their website: http://www.shepherdofthelakes.org/

J.,

I too call The Chapel in Grayslake my home church. My children really enjoy church, and I like that I don't feel like I'm forcing them to go, unlike how I grew up. I totally understand how you feel about wanting your kids to know God. I can't believe how much my children learn, my 18 month old's favorite song is one that she learned from church, and I know that even she at such a young age is learning so much. My hubby and I have too learned so much, the teachings are always pertinent to our everyday lives. May God Bless you in your search, and I will pray that you find the right place for you family. Let me know if you have any questions, I'd be happy to chat!

N. B

Hi J....My brother in Law and his family attend a wonderful church in Grayslake...off of 120 (Belvidere) and Atkinson...near Rockenbach Chevrolet. It is called Living Waters Assemblies of God. The are a very welcoming church and very warm from my experience...their teaching is very sound. The also have great programs for children. I hope this helps.

God Bless!
-G.

I recently went to a retreat at St. Peter and Paul in cary and feel so much part of the community now. I would recommend visiting any church and see how you feel about it. for the first year in Cary I went to the catholic chuch in algonquin because- being pregnant I felt sick everytime I went to st peter and paul. its round with a lot of stain glass. when my children became school aged I checked it out again and just fell in love with it. Also- ask your friends and neighbors what they like or dislike.

Hi J.,

I notice that it seems many of the people that have responded have recommended larger non-denominational, ecumenical churches. One thing you should factor in is the size of the congreagation. Willow Creek and Harvest Bible Chapel are both great and I have friends that attend both faithfully.

I personally prefer a little smaller church with a sanctuary worship space, with a visible cross and other signs of Christianity. We have a sanctuary that seats about 550 I believe, which I think is a nice size. Not a tiny place of 100 seats and not an auditorium of thousands. All are good, it just depends what works for you.

The church I attend is pretty traditional as far as its worship. We have lots of wonderful and varied music with a chancel choir as well as a contemporary choir,bell choir, small string group, pipe organ, kids choirs and children's musical. Ocassionally the Sr. High Youth band plays too. For me, music is a key element of worship. There are those days when a certain hymn or choral piece is the most inpirational part of the service.

Look for a church that has a good confirmation program and youth program, preferably with a mission trip for the kids. I have seen the youth of our church cry when then get up in front of the congregation to talk about their mission trip and what it has meant to them.

All that being said, my church is probably too far for you. I attend Barrington United Methodist Church. Our church mission statement is: Building a community that creates disciples to serve all people. The Methodist motto is: Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds. The overall philosophy for us is basically to go out and serve others. I so believe that. Our particular website is: www.barringtonumc.com

You might go on some websites and just read about the particular denomination and their specific beliefs and doctrines. There is probably a nice Methodist church near you, but I cannot recommend from personal experience.

Everyone that has advised you to look around until you find one that feels right for your family, is right on. YOu shoud feel welcome when you are there and get a sense of caring about the congregation for each other. You can see that by hanging around after the service and just observing people interact. A church family is so important, not only when you need people to help you when times are rough, but to celebrate your joys as well.

Good luck in your search, don't feel rushed........ the decision is an important one. God Bless you in your search!
C.

I would invite you to visit Ingleside United Methodist Church.
Sunday service is at 9:30. If you would like more info let me know. We are located off Grand Avenue near Gavin Central and St. Bede's. The best way to find a church is to visit them. Find one that feels comfortable for you. I was raised Catholic but found a home at IUMC

I also recommend Willow Creek Community Church. I won't go into too many details because Marisa covered a lot, but we go there and we love it. I especially like the children's ministry. They don't just throw all the kids into one spot. They have age specific areas: infants, crawlers, toddlers, 3-4 year olds, K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th. Then after 5th they go to the Jr. High group called Elevate, and then on to Student Impact for h.s. students. They have tons of stuff for adults to get involved in also..geared specifically for you and where you are in your faith and/or situation in life. Check out the website www.willowcreek.org
I also heard that Harvest Bible Chapel is a good one. I've been to the Elgin one a number of times and I enjoyed it.