St. James Lutheran Church ELCA | Home | United States

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Join us at 10:00 am on Sundays:
In-person &
Online

Worship with us

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

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Pastor Amy Gillespie, Senior Pastor

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 #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

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