How We Grow Spiritually

 Adult classes and groups | Neighborhood Groups |Youth activities | Children’s education

Lake Street Church encourages spiritual enrichment through the programs described below. Anyone may attend these programs, whether or not he or she is a member.  For detailed information on our current program offerings, please see our current February events document, or pick up a copy in the church office.

[To view PDF files, you need Adobe Reader software on your computer.  To download a free copy of the software, click here.]

Adult Classes on Sunday Mornings

From 9:30 to 10:15 am on Sunday mornings during the program year, adults gather before the worship service for all kinds of learning.  During the program year, the classes noted below meet regularly throughout the church building. 

Abwoon Study Circle - Abwoon is the first word of the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic, Jesus' native language.  Come taste and feel how the many layers of meaning and sounds of Aramaic breathe new life into each line of this familiar prayer.  Currently we are reading and reflecting on Neil Douglas Klotz's book Desert Wisdom. 

Crystal Ringers - Adults and children of all ages are invited to join the Crystal Ringers tone chimes ensemble.  No musical experience is required - only the ability to count to four!  Join us in the Choir Room - 204.  There will be opportunities to play in worship services throughout the program year.

Dream Sharing is led by a clinical Jungian psychologist who enables people to reach the deeper dimensions of their soul through their dreams.  This class meets in Room 103. 

Sunday Morning Prayer Circle - Come sit in Sacred Space, and spend time in silence or in spoken prayer.  Bring joys and concerns for yourself, loved ones, the church community and the world. Location - Aztec Room beneath the Sanctuary.

Teachings of Compassion:  A Buddhist Perspective - The teachings of compassion are nearly universal to all religions, but Buddhism offers a particular focus on them to diminish suffering for all living beings.  Together we'll explore and reflect on their application to our lives.  The class will be using Transcendent Wisdom: A Teaching on the Wisdom Section of Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life by the Dalai Lama, translated by B. Allan Wallace.   We meet in the Library, with Dan Lyonsmith as the facilitator. 

The Late Middle Ages - The lecture series by Prof. Philip Dalleader of the College of William and Mary, will once again be projected on the big screen as the course will focus on The Late Middle Ages!  Facilitated by Jean Gillies. The topics covered in January & February will be:

January 1 - No class

January 8 - William Ockham

January 15 - John Wycliffe and the Lollards

January 22 - John Hus and the Hussite Rebellion

January 29 - Witchcraft

February 5 - Christine de Pizan and Catherine of Siena

February 12 - Gunpowder

February 19 - The Printing Press

February 26 - Renaissance Humanism, Part 1

Adult Groups throughout the Week

In addition to classes at 9:30 on Sunday mornings, adults connect through book discussion groups, affinity groups, and opportunities for meditation and spiritual growth.  For more information about these adult programs, see the monthly calendar or contact the Church Office at 847-864-2181.

[ Back toTop ]

Neighborhood Groups

Neighborhood Groups are small groups of 10-12 people that meet in people’s homes.  Whenever possible, they are organized geographically so that you don’t have far to travel and can get to know other members of the community who live close to you. 

Groups meet twice a month, and although they are led by trained co-facilitators, there are leadership roles for everyone.  For example, the co-facilitators guide the group through the week’s agenda, while another group member hosts the meeting, and still others might provide snacks, or make follow-up contact with people who miss a meeting.

  To learn more, click here!

[ Back toTop ]

Youth Activities

Our Middle School Youth Group (grades 7-8) gathers in the back row of the balcony at 10:30 am on Sunday and leave for the Youth Room when the "Moment as Children" begins.  We meet until 11:30 am.

The High School Youth Group also gathers in the back row of the balcony at 10:30 am on Sunday.  Following the sermon, they meet their leaders in the Narthex and head for coffee and conversation at a nearby coffee shop.

When these two groups are not gathering separately on Sundays, they often gather together for service projects or rehearsals for the two all ages services held during the program year.

You can also find our 6th, 7th and 8th graders hanging out together once a month at Friday Night Club.  It's a great way to get out of the house and have some fun!  Check the church's online calendar to see when the next one takes place.

For information about youth activities, contact the Co-Chairs of the Youth Committee, Per Jacobson (perjacobson@yahoo.com) or Michelle Brewer (babybrewer@sbcglobal.net).

[ Back toTop ]

Preschool Rainbow Room is an introduction to the church for toddlers 2 to 5 years old. Children have the choice of free play, a story, or a project–all in a nurturing atmosphere.

The Beginner Room for children in kindergarten and first grade is taught by an early-childhood educator assisted by Lake Street Church youth and adults. The foundation of the curriculum is The Family Story Bible, through which the children become familiar with the stories of the Christian tradition, and includes stories, songs, enactments, art projects, and playtime.

Sunday School is offered to 2nd through 6th graders. The curriculum is chosen to reflect Lake Street church's "rooted, connected, transformed" philosophy, with interfaith learning as a key element. Through readings, art, music, drama, games, and service projects, the children d3evelop a sense of both personal and communal spirituality.

For information about children's programs, contact Joan Roe, Director of Children’s and Family Programs, at 847-864-2181, ext. 115, or jroe@lakestreet.org.

[ Back toTop ]