Associated with the Evangelical Free Church of America, The Compass Church is made up of followers of Jesus who are on their paths to transformation. The congregation began holding services in the Bank of Naperville in the 1950s with just 17 worshippers. It has since grown to about 1,900 adults and 600 children.
Nestled right behind the Market Square shopping center at the intersection of Bolingbrook Drive and Briarcliff Road, the New Song Church houses several New Song services, including the Midwest Christian Montessori Academy, the Good Shepherd Head Start Pre-School and the Bolingbrook Christian Health Center.
Founded in 1997, the church is part of the Evangelical Free Church of America association and is most recognizable as a massive brick structure located off East Briarcliff Road, directly across from the Enclave condominium complex.
The church also runs a food pantry, which serves an average of 65 families per week, and houses the Will County Community Service Council, which offers counseling to families experiencing difficulties with housing and utilities.
A large white cross stands at the entrance of this church and inside, a bright atrium fills the lobby with light. Just beyond the atrium is a welcome desk where visitors can get information about the church. The sanctuary, decorated in purple, is modern and features a stage with musical instruments played during services.
The center serves to enlighten both the curious beginner and accomplished practicioner about Buddhist philosophy by presenting historical lessons as contemporary teachings in the New Kadampa tradition.
The nonprofit venue offers weekly classes on Buddhism and meditation, special prayer chanting sessions and scheduled open hours for walk-in visitors and curiosity-seekers.
Leaders also host a number of special events throughout the year, including special readings, talks, retreats and social outings.
Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church has roots dating back to 1898, and has existed at its current location since 1901. The Church emphasizes the community aspect of its name. Members participate in a variety of activities, including Bible study, adult ministries, children's activities, Sunday school, choir, junior high and high school groups, mission trips, and community projects. It also hosts the Palos Park Woman's Club farmers' market on Friday mornings during the summer and fall. Pastor James Tony has led the church since 1990.
Peer Services is a private, non-profit agency that provides substance abuse prevention and treatment services to individuals and families. Services include drug testing, adult and adolescent intervention and treatment and such prevention programs as the Student-to-Student club and Project ALERT, which offers methods to resist social pressures to take drugs and consume alcohol through an interactive curriculum of videos and activities.
One of the literally towering churches of Skokie, St. Peter's United Church of Christ has been a fixture in the community for longer than there's been a Skokie. Since 1867, this cathedral has stood the test of time.The church's foundation is built on the tenets of service, spirit, fellowship and heritage, and all are welcome no matter where they are in their journey.
It sits across from Giesche Shoes and kitty-corner from the Bells & Whistles Snackery, and its steeple can be seen from the center of downtown Glen Ellyn. Glen Ellyn Bible Church, at Hillside and Main, has always been about welcoming the community, and that doesn't just encompass the faithful. The church, with its blend of old and new – it has row upon row of church pews but also a modern, gray-walled indoor gym – makes it a point to tell visitors that skeptics are welcome. Part of its mission is helping people who doubt Christianity learn more and possibly find answers. In addition, the church has small groups and a kids program that starts from newborn and goes up through high school. Its high school youth group, in fact, recently spent nine days on a mission trip to Pohlheim, Germany. The brick church features a soaring steeple and stately Doric columns, but it's on the inside where community happens.
Grace Bible Church believes that changing lives, generosity, and community are the essential qualities needed to form a strong bond with God. The church focuses on programs geared toward children, high schoolers, and adults. This church also features sports teams for both children and adults.
About 300 families make up the congregation of Saint Gregory's Episcopal Church, located at 815 Wilmot Road. Smiling faces greet parishioners at the front door and its staff is excited to talk about the church's latest happenings. Saint Gregory's is also home to a preschool that provides an early childhood education with a Christian component. At the north end of the church's parking lot you'll find a labyrinth. According to a brochure for the labyrinth, "We are not merely human beings on a spiritual path, but spiritual beings on a human path."
New Life Church in Yorkville invests in its youth members by offering activities, camps and retreats. Its youth ministry can skate Yorkville's largest skate park on the church grounds. New Life Church also provides a strong music program with a band and sing-along hymns during mass.
