Join us at 9:30 am on Sundays:
In-person & Online

Pastor Amy Gillespie, Senior Pastor

A community of growing faith serving Lake Forest and the surrounding communities for over 60 years, called as people of God to follow Christ, make disciples & live the Gospel

Pastor Amy appreciates how the church offers opportunities to bring people together of all generations and backgrounds. She has a passion for intergenerational ministry, deepening faith formation for all ages, and a drive for community engagement.

Learn more about our Ministry Partner, RefugeeOne

This week in our Pentecost worship, we heard how the Holy Spirit blew through the house and inspired the disciples to speak in different languages. This action of the Spirit became a doorway to understand one another, people from all different places, united by the power of the Spirit. As we contemplate the Holy Spirit descending upon us at Pentecost, I, along with the Council, am asking each of you to consider how the Holy Spirit moves all of us out into our communities and beyond.

Welcome. Neighbor. Outreach. Legacy. These words all exemplify who St. James is and who we aspire to continue to be, going forward.

Our ministry partner in Chicago, RefugeeOne, has been challenged to continue their service to the world as a beacon of welcome and kindness to refugees. Many who are served by RefugeeOne are facing halted funding and barriers for newcomers who are already here. Despite these struggles, RefugeeOne continues their Legacy of Welcome, supporting those in urgent need.

Please take a moment to watch the video above and learn more about the great work RefugeeOne is doing to help those who have already settled here in the Chicago area. If you would like donate, please visit this link.

God’s blessings and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit be with you all,

- Pastor Amy

🌞⛱😎 OUTDOOR WORSHIP THIS WEEK!

Please remember to bring a chair, bug spray, and sunscreen. We'll sit outside on the lawn near the back entrance.

#beattheheat #outdoorworship #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Do you have questions about St. James?

How do I become a member? What does St. James offer to help grow my faith or that of my family members? How can I set up an appointment with Pastor Amy? What opportunities are there to serve others or get to know the church community better?

Join Pastor Amy and other leaders to learn the answers to these and your specific questions at “Taste of St. James” held following Worship on June 22. We look forward to getting to know YOU!

#stjameslutheranlakeforest

Prepare your heart for worship this Sunday, June 22, 2025:

This Sunday’s texts paint startling pictures of the horrific nature of sin. The church’s repeated celebration of holy communion counters that tragic reality in a continued showing forth of the death of Jesus until he comes again. It is a dramatic declaration of “how much God has done for you.”

This week's Readings and Psalm:
Isaiah 65:1-9: The prophet sent to a rebellious people; Psalm 22:19-28: In the midst of the assembly I will praise you. (Ps. 22:22); Galatians 3:23-29: In baptism, clothed with Christ; no longer Jew or Greek; Luke 8:26-39: Jesus casts out demons possessing a man of the Gerasenes.

Worship starts at 9:30 am (staffed nursery opens at 9:00 am). OUTDOOR SERVICE this week, weather permitting! Bring a chair, bug spray and sunscreen. 🌞⛱😎

Livestream: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#verseoftheweek #prepareyourheart #HolyTrinity #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Last Sunday, June 15th, we installed the new St. James Congregation Council members and officers for the 2025-2026 year. We are grateful to all of our elected leaders! Thank you for your time, energy, and dedication to the mission of St. James: God calls us to follow Christ, make disciples, and live the Gospel.

#prayforourleaders #BodyOfChrist #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Prepare your heart for worship this Sunday, June 15, 2025:

“O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” This Sunday, we celebrate the Holy Trinity. Paul writes that through Jesus we have peace with God, whose love pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, giving us lasting hope. We celebrate the gracious One-in-Three, eternal Three-in-One, as we worship in community; as we share water and word, bread and wine; and as we bring God’s love and hope to our neighbors.

This week's Readings and Psalm:
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31: Wisdom rejoices in the creation; Psalm 8: Your glory is chanted above the heavens. (Ps. 8:2); Romans 5:1-5: God’s love poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit; John 16:12-15: The Spirit will guide you into the truth

Worship starts at 9:30 am (staffed nursery opens at 9:00 am).

Livestream: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#verseoftheweek #prepareyourheart #HolyTrinity #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Join us for a God's Work, Our Hands project TOMORROW as we assemble @Waukegan to College (W2C) gifts for first-generation college students. Thursday, June 12, from 10:00 am to 12:00 p.m. at St. James Lutheran in Lake Forest.

And don't miss the incredible 1st Year College Student Shower on June 28 at 10:00 am at St. Paul's Lutheran Church!

#firstgenerationcollegestudent #waukegantocollege #stjameslutheranlakeforest

We love Brass Sundays! ❤️ Here's a clip of our wonderful St. James Brass Ensemble from June 8, 2025. 🎺📯🎷

#worship #brassensemble #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Scenes from Pentecost Sunday on June 8th.: We were treated to our St. James Brass Ensemble, and members read scriptures in many languages. Congratulations to our 2025 graduates!

#PentecostSunday #stjameslutheranlakeforest #youareloved

We hope you will join us for Worship this week. ❤

9:30 am. (Nursery opens at 9:00.) at 1380 N Waukegan Rd in Lake Forest.

#youareloved #hopetoseeyou #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Get ready to beat the heat! We'll hold worship at 9:30 am STARTING THIS SUNDAY, June 8th, through August 31st. We also have some much-loved outdoor services planned for June 22, July 20, and August 17th. Mark the dates and bring a chair! 🪑⛱🌞

Prepare your heart for worship this Sunday, June 8, 2025:

On Pentecost, we celebrate that we have been given an Advocate to accompany us. Poured out in wind and fire, water, wine, and bread, the Holy Spirit abides in and among us. We give thanks that God speaks to each of us, no matter our origins, language, or life path. Filled with the Spirit of truth, we go out from worship to proclaim the saving power of Christ’s love and the freedom of God’s grace with all the world.

This week's Readings and Psalm:
Acts 2:1-21 - Filled with the Spirit to tell God’s deeds
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b - Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. (Ps. 104:30)
Romans 8:14-17 - The Spirit makes us children of God
John 14:8-17, 25-27 - The Father will give you another Advocate, the Spirit of truth

Wear RED this Sunday! ❤️

NEW TIME: Worship starts at 9:30 am (staffed nursery opens at 9:00 am).

Livestream: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#verseoftheweek #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest #pentecost

Summer is here! Check out these dates for June activities. 🌞⛱😎

#stjameslutheranlakeforest #summer

Prepare your heart for worship this Sunday, June 1, 2025:

In this week's readings, the risen Christ ascends into heaven, and his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth. The disciples are told not to gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus (Acts 1:11); we find his presence among us as we proclaim the word and share the Easter feast. We too long for the Spirit to enliven our faith and invigorate our mission.

This week's Readings and Psalm:
Acts 1:1-11 - Jesus sends the apostles
Psalm 47 - God has gone up with a shout. (Ps. 47:5)
Ephesians 1:15-23 - Eyes to see the risen and ascended Christ
Luke 24:44-53 - Christ present in all times and places

Worship starts at 10:00 am (staffed nursery opens at 9:30 am).

Livestream: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#verseoftheweek #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Join us for Worship this Sunday, and stay after for a CELEBRATION🎉 of all God has done at St. James this past year! We have an incredible multimedia 🎥 presentation prepared, and you won't want to miss it. ❤

#joy #gratitude #CelebrateWithUs #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Prepare your heart for worship this Sunday, May 25, 2025:

Visions abound in the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter. Paul has a vision about what to do. John has a vision of what will be. Jesus provides visions of peace that surpasses human understanding and power beyond human imagination.

This week's Readings and Psalm:
Acts 16:9-15 - Lydia and her household are baptized by Paul
Psalm 67 - Let the nations be glad and sing for joy. (Ps. 67:4)
Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5 - The Lamb is the light of the city of God
John 14:23-29 - The Father will send the Holy Spirit

Worship starts at 10:00 am (staffed nursery opens at 9:30 am).
Livestream: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#verseoftheweek #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Prepare your heart for worship this Sunday, May 18, 2025:

Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.

This week's Readings and Psalm: Acts 11:1-18, Psalm 148, Revelation 21:1-6, and John 13:31-35.

Adult Study at 8:50 am in the Common Room: Join Pastor Amy before each week for a deeper dive into the Biblical texts used that morning. Come as you are able!
Worship starts at 10:00 am (staffed nursery opens at 9:30 am).

Livestream: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#verseoftheweek #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Spring is in bloom. It's so beautiful this time of year!

#springtime #inbloom #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Prepare your heart for worship this Sunday, May 11, 2025:

The gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas in Joppa. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision. It is true for us and for all the baptized: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This week's Readings and Psalm: Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23, Revelation 7:9-17. John 10:22-30

Adult Study at 8:50 am in the Common Room: Join Pastor Amy before each week for a deeper dive into the Biblical texts used that morning. Come as you are able!

Worship starts at 10:00 am (staffed nursery opens at 9:30 am).

Livestream: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#verseoftheweek #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Our Sewing Group hard at work. ✂️🪡🧸 Thank you for all you do, ladies! ❤ #community #teddybears #segradocorazon #stjameslutheranlakeforest

All are welcome to join us for worship on Sunday at 10:00 am, in-person or online!

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

We are honored to welcome the President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), Mark Stutrud with us on Sunday, May 4. This special day offers the opportunity to open our hearts and our arms to welcome all into the fold.

#stjameslutheranlakeforest #goodshepherd #LutheranChurch #allarewelcomehere

The #verseoftheweek for Sunday, May 4, 2025:

The disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Jesus. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter life to others.

#prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Death does not have the last word—life and love reign! Today, we celebrate the hope of resurrection that changes everything.

Easter Sunday Service today at 10:00 am, in person or online:
https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

You are welcome here!

#EasterSunday #ResurrectionJoy #stjameslutheranlakeforest

You are welcome to our Easter service tomorrow at 10:00 am! Join us in person or online: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream.

#eastersunday #lakeforestillinois #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Even at the cross, love is not absent. Jesus’ sacrifice is the ultimate declaration: Love will always have the last word.

Good Friday Service tonight at 7:30 pm.

#GoodFriday #LoveRemains #stjameslutheranlakeforest

At Christ’s table, love is poured out freely. Here, we are fed, forgiven, and reminded that we belong.

Maundy Thursday Service tonight at 7:30 pm.
https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#Communion #LovePouredOut #stjameslutheranlakeforest

All are welcome here! Join us for Holy Week as we follow Jesus' journey to the cross. Services for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are at 7:30 pm.

#HolyWeek #traditions #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Even in the face of suffering, Jesus enters with peace and love. This Holy Week, how can we embody his eternal love?

#PalmSunday #HolyWeek #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Please join us in person at 10:00 am or online: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

Pastor Amy shares about the traditions at St. James for Holy Week. We hope you'll join us!

#holyweek #traditions #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Join us Wednesday night for our final Lenten Vespers Service at 7:30 pm. Come beforehand for dinner at 6:00.

You can also watch online: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream.

#lent #unbroken #livingfaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

From the beginning, God called creation “good.” Even when we falter, God’s love leads us back toward life.

Join us at 10:00 am on Sunday. In person or online: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#GodsGoodness #LentenReflections #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Our God makes all things new. In the first reading God promises it. In the gospel Mary anticipates it, anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume in preparation for the day of his burial. In the second reading Paul recalls his transformation from the persecutor Saul into an apostle. In baptism, God’s new person (you!) rises daily from the deadly mire of trespasses and sins.

#verseoftheweek #Lent2025 #stjameslutheranlakeforest

The psalm sets the tone this day: “Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!” Happy are those who have “become the righteousness of God” in the merits of Christ Jesus. Happy are those for whom the forgiveness of God has “rolled away . . . the disgrace” of former times. Happy is the father at the return of his prodigal son. Happy are we that our sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake. Rejoice!

#verseoftheweek #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Jesus doesn’t just see suffering. He walks alongside us in loneliness, sorrow, and struggle, transforming pain with love.

Join us at 10:00 am on Sunday. In person or online: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#GodWithUs #LentenHope #stjameslutheranlakeforest

The warnings are plentiful and blunt on the third Sunday in Lent. Cut it out or get cut down! The warnings are accompanied by God’s invitation to attentiveness: “Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.” The landowner’s ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener’s readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us. Thanks be to God!

#verseoftheweek #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Jesus didn’t stay distant, he entered the messiness of life, breaking rules for the sake of healing and love. This Lent, how might you embrace God’s nearness?

#GodWithUs #LentReflection #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Join us Sunday morning at 10:00 am in person or online as we continue our Lenten journey. All are welcome!

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/worship

#lent #unbroken #livingfaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Though we sometimes doubt and often resist God’s desire to protect and save us, our God persists. In holy baptism, God’s people have been called and gathered into a God-initiated relationship that will endure. Lent provides the church with a time and a tradition in which to seek God’s face again. Lent provides another occasion to behold the God of our salvation in the face of the Blessed One who “comes in the name of the Lord.”

#verseoftheweek #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Join us Wednesday night for our Lenten Vespers Service at 7:30 pm. Better yet, come for dinner beforehand at 6:00 pm. It's a great way to meet people and have meaningful conversations to support you during this Lenten journey.

#lent #unbroken #livingfaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Make Lent an even more meaningful experience with guided spiritual practices and daily reflections.

Download here: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

#Lent #Unbroken #LivingFaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

The Bible is more than words on a page—it’s a story passed down, boldly interpreted, and breathed to life by the Spirit. What new insights might God reveal to you today?

#LivingWord #LentJourney #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

Make Lent an even more meaningful experience with guided spiritual practices and daily reflections. Visit our websote to download your devotional guide. https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

#Lent #Unbroken #LivingFaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

We can’t wait to see you this Sunday at 10:00 am for worship as we begin the season of Lent!

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

#church #sunday #lent #Unbroken #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues, to receive the gifts of God’s grace, to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus, and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us.

#verseoftheweek #LutheranChurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Yet in Christ, even dust holds promise. As we begin Lent, may we embrace our humanity and trust in God’s power to bring life from dust.

Join us tonight for an Ash Wednesday Service at 7:30 pm.

#AshWednesday #FromDustToLife #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Faith is passed down from generation to generation - it’s an unbroken line of ancestry that connects us all the way back to Jesus. The powers of the world wanted to break Jesus and yet this faith that we rest on is strong enough that they couldn’t do it. We are a part of this great tradition that will not and cannot be broken. Join us this Lenten season. For service times visit https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

#Lent #Unbroken #LivingFaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus reflect that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see God’s glory in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by God’s Spirit.

#verseoftheweek #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Thanks to everyone who attended our Annual Potluck and Game Night on Saturday! The food and fellowship were great, and fun was had by all. Even better, sandwiches were made, and bag lunches were assembled for @padslakecounty.

#godsworkourhands #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

The #verseoftheweek for Sunday, February 23, 2025: Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Joseph lives it in Egypt. Jesus preaches it in the gospel. The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is fractured and divided. Such merciful living is the baptismal blessing of having put on Christ. It is the gift of the life-giving Spirit. It is a reflection of God’s glory revealed in Christ. #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois

The #verse of the week for Sunday, February 16, 2025: Blessings and curses abound on the sixth Sunday after Epiphany. We would do well to listen closely to whom the “blessed ares” and the “woe tos” are directed and to find our place in the crowd among those who desire to touch Jesus. The risen Christ stands among us in the mystery of the holy supper with an invitation to live in him, and offers power to heal us all. #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois

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Join us at 9:30 am on Sundays: In-person & Online

A community of growing faith serving Lake Forest and the surrounding communities for over 60 years, called as people of God to follow Christ, make disciples & live the Gospel

Learn more about our Ministry Partner, RefugeeOne

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Event Calendar

Join us at 9:30 am on Sundays:
In-person & Online