Our Annual Church Conference is on Thursday, October 29 at 7 PM in Elgin and you’re invited! This is a meaningful time to reflect on the past year, celebrate what God is doing in our community, and look ahead together.

All are welcome—come be part of the conversation and vision!

Mike Ream from Reams Country Bees in Hampshire will share the sweet world of beekeeping with us! Mike will walk us through the art of tending a hive, show off some of the equipment he uses, and reveal a few secrets from the fascinating (and very busy) life of bees. Bee here or bee square. Please RSVP to help with snack preparation.

Join us for a relaxing afternoon of Diamond Painting—a simple, sparkle‑filled craft that anyone can do. No experience needed; if you enjoy paint‑by‑number, you’ll love this. The event is free, and optional donations will support future supplies through the Maker Space in Bartlett.

Our guest speaker will be Carlene Kellenberger, R.N. who will discuss women’s health issues as we age and the necessary screenings we should be getting. All are welcome.

Join us for one of our favorite annual traditions! Over 35 local vendors will be showcasing their handmade crafts — perfect for holiday gifting or treating yourself.

Enjoy a Walking Taco lunch available for purchase, and don’t forget to grab your free piece of gingerbread while supplies last. It’s a festive, family‑friendly day of shopping, community, and holiday cheer.

We can’t wait to see you there!

We are now accepting vendor applications. Spots are filling up fast — complete yours today!

This month we’re diving into Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett — a story full of sharp wit, heartfelt moments, and characters you’ll be thinking about long after you turn the last page.

Whether you’re a longtime reader or joining us for the first time, we’d love to have you in the conversation. Grab your copy, get cozy, and come ready to share your thoughts, favorite moments, and maybe even a few calamities of your own.

All are welcome. Come read, connect, and enjoy community together.

Kids ages 8+ are invited to a fun, hands‑on morning of baking together. In about two hours, our young bakers will create cookies to be shared during Sunday Coffee Hour—a simple and meaningful way to serve our church family while learning kitchen skills. Registration is required! Sign up today!

We’re hosting an extra shoebox‑packing event to help reach our Spirit Lake goal. Stop by the Elgin Community Room anytime between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and lend a hand. We’ll have food, great company, and a shared purpose. Every box makes a difference.

Join us throughout the NFL season as we gather for relaxed, family‑friendly Bears Watch Parties. Bring a comfy chair, a snack to share, and settle in with friends—old and new—to enjoy the game together. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just here for the snacks and company, you’re welcome.

Join us for a community car show packed with great vehicles, great food, and great fun.

This event is open to the public with free admission, making it the perfect outing for families, car enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good summer afternoon.

Enjoy delicious options from Midwest Smoke BBQ and Cooks Ice Cream, along with a refreshing drink booth.

Proceeds from the drink booth will support local food pantries.

Come walk the lot, meet fellow car lovers, grab something tasty, and enjoy a relaxed day together.

Help us welcome Sharry Blazier, Director of the Elgin Public Museum, as our guest speaker for the September meeting. Sharry will present “Women Singer‑Songwriters of the 1970s,” featuring Carole King, Carly Simon, and Joni Mitchell.

Discover how these iconic artists helped shape the women’s movement—and how the movement shaped them in return.

All are welcome.

Join us throughout the NFL season as we gather for relaxed, family‑friendly Bears Watch Parties. Bring a comfy chair, a snack to share, and settle in with friends—old and new—to enjoy the game together. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just here for the snacks and company, you’re welcome.

Join us for an evening of warmth and fellowship at First Friday Fireside Fellowship! Gather around the fire at our Bartlett campus for community, treats, and connection. Donations appreciated. All are welcome!

We gather on the first Thursday of each month in Elgin at 9:30 AM in M5. As we work together on a puzzle, we enjoy lively conversations, making it a wonderful opportunity to socialize and make new friends.

Join us for the Townhall Meeting at Noon in Elgin. Your church leadership will provide updates and insights, followed by a Q&A. We encourage everyone, both longtime members and newcomers, to join for an uplifting afternoon of food and fellowship

Dave Krieger, Director of the Elgin Wayside Center, will share how this local faith‑based agency, Wayside Cross Ministries, provides resources and rehabilitation services for individuals impacted by alcohol, drug, and sexual abuse. Come learn about the programs and the changes underway! RSVP today!

Don’t miss the final day of our annual Garage Sale — a longtime community favorite and the best chance to scoop up incredible deals. As the sale winds down, prices drop and treasures surface, making the last stretch one of the most exciting times to shop.

Come browse, bargain, and enjoy the fun. Whether you’re hunting for something specific or just love a good deal, the final day is packed with great finds you won’t want to miss.

Our annual Garage Sale is back — a longtime community favorite filled with great finds, friendly faces, and unbeatable deals. From household items to hidden treasures, there’s something for everyone, and shoppers look forward to this event year after year.

Come browse, shop, and enjoy the fun. It’s a wonderful way to support our ministries while connecting with neighbors and discovering bargains you won’t want to miss.

Join us each month for First Friday Fun & Fellowship. If the weather is nice, we’ll gather outside for a bonfire and treats, otherwise we’ll gather inside for fun, laughter, and connection. All are welcome!

Kids ages 8+ are invited to a fun, hands‑on morning of baking together. In about two hours, our young bakers will create cookies to be shared during Sunday Coffee Hour—a simple and meaningful way to serve our church family while learning kitchen skills. Registration is required! Sign up today!

Blood drives are crucial for maintaining a sufficient blood supply to help with surgeries, injuries and transfusions so please consider registering to donate today. Together, let's demonstrate the love and compassion that lies at the heart of our church. Register today!.

Blood drives are crucial for maintaining a sufficient blood supply to help with surgeries, injuries and transfusions so please consider registering to donate today. Together, let's demonstrate the love and compassion that lies at the heart of our church. Register today!.

Our Book Club will be reading The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, a moving story that blends reflection, connection, and the power of shared experience. Join us for a thoughtful conversation as we explore its themes together in a warm, welcoming setting.

Join us for our June Wisdom Keepers gathering as Pastor Jarrod leads a simple, hands‑on session about using technology to stay connected with Journey of Hope. We’ll walk through the church app and touch on other platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and our website. Bring your device and your questions for a relaxed, helpful time together. RSVP here.

Grab your lawn chairs and join us for an evening of food, music, and fellowship featuring smash burgers, brats, s’mores, and live music from the Emmaus Musicians. A free will offering will be collected to support our July Spirit Lake Mission Trip.

Can’t stay? Drive-up service will be available.

Join us for relaxed Tuesday mornings on the greens at Wing Park National Golf Club—an opportunity to reflect, unwind, and, in Pastor Jarrod’s words, rest. Enjoy nine holes of golf with friends and leave feeling refreshed and reenergized.

To reserve your spot, contact Art Schueneman by the preceding Sunday: Call/Text: 847‑334‑4524 Email: arsnls@hotmail.com

Join us for an evening of warmth and fellowship at First Friday Fireside Fellowship! Gather around the fire at our Bartlett campus for community, treats, and connection. Donations appreciated. All are welcome!

We gather on the first Thursday of each month in Elgin at 9:30 AM in M5. As we work together on a puzzle, we enjoy lively conversations, making it a wonderful opportunity to socialize and make new friends.

Our May Book Club pick is The Ones We Wait For by Michael Ivanov — a thoughtful, reflective story that invites great conversation. If you enjoy books that linger with you and spark deeper discussion, this one is a perfect fit.

Come read with us, share your thoughts, and enjoy a relaxed hour of community and connection. All are welcome — even if you haven’t finished the book yet.

Join us for relaxed Tuesday mornings on the greens at Wing Park National Golf Club—an opportunity to reflect, unwind, and, in Pastor Jarrod’s words, rest. Enjoy nine holes of golf with friends and leave feeling refreshed and reenergized.

To reserve your spot, contact Art Schueneman by the preceding Sunday: Call/Text: 847‑334‑4524 Email: arsnls@hotmail.com