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.
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St. James Serves Generously
You won't want to miss our Fall Kick Off with God's Work, Our Hands Sunday. Join us to learn how we are growing in relationship with our neighborhood. There will be opportunities to serve together and learn more about how you can get involved.
Wear your yellow "God's Work, Our Hands" t-shirts (and if you don't have one, we'll have one for you on Sunday). We'll be taking a big group picture after Worship, and can't wait to see the sea of yellow on September 7th at 10:00 am. Join us for lunch afterwards!
God is Near to the Brokenhearted
SamaraCare’s Exploring Grief Group provides a safe and supportive environment for adults who have experienced the death of a spouse, friend, parent, partner, or other loved one.
The grief group helps:
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Facilitate acceptance of grief and promote healing
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Normalize the intense impact of grief
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Provide a nonjudgmental space to share thoughts, process emotions, and receive support
This program is offered in two 8-week sessions. Local congregations have come together to sponsor the program, making it available at no cost. SamaraCare provides an experienced group facilitator. Participants from various spiritual orientations are welcome. Please register as soon as possible, as space is limited.
The fall session will meet virtually every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., beginning September 10th and continuing through October 29th.
For questions or to register, contact Joellen Hosler, PhD, M.Div., LCPC, at 630-357-2456, ext. 419 or jhosler@samaracarecounseling.org.
Sponsored by Church of the Holy Spirit, First Presbyterian Church, and St. James Lutheran Church in Lake Forest.
![Prepare your heart for worship this Sunday, July 27, 2025:
Persistence in prayer is encouraged by Jesus and wins the attention of God when Abraham intercedes for Sodom. The life of the baptized—to be rooted and built up in Christ Jesus—is to be nurtured with prayer. God hears and answers prayer and so strengthens God’s own. “When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.”
This week's Readings and Psalm:
Genesis 18:20-32: Abraham bargains with God for the righteous of Sodom and Gomorrah
Psalm 138: Your steadfast love endures forever; do not abandon the works of your hands. (Ps. 138:8)
Colossians 2:6-15 [16-19]: Buried with Christ in baptism, raised with him through faith
Luke 11:1-13: Jesus teaches the disciples to pray
Worship starts at 9:30 am (staffed nursery opens at 9:00 am).
Livestream: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream
#verseoftheweek #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/521931046_1189709789865884_8701620132981824734_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=5azrKy_4xOgQ7kNvwGz5ewH&_nc_oc=Admn5AqXFB3eJeQx2LXQ0426XSOdfghCQhNBgYBhU2ArK-Pj8z-xhX_vnVzcueN1IAQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=nuQqzoanv1I9BiOMNxJ8MQ&oh=00_AfaKdfKygxOPZbXDZzMN0lfFhI16PVeVyMhKgJiufzug-A&oe=68D22024)
![Prepare your heart for worship this Sunday, July 6, 2025:
God is the source of our nourishment. Jesus’ invitation to “take and eat . . . take and drink” is a repeated one. In holy communion, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.
This week's Readings and Psalm:
Isaiah 66:10-14 - Jerusalem, a nursing mother giving life to her children; Psalm 66:1-9 - All the earth bows down before you and sings out your name. (Ps. 66:4); Galatians 6:[1-6] 7-16 - Do what is right now and reap at the harvest time; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 - Jesus sends out seventy disciples into the harvest
Worship starts at 9:30 am (staffed nursery opens at 9:00 am).
Livestream: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream
#verseoftheweek #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/514104107_1172219748281555_4535132067955299413_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=HoPGBcsvWOcQ7kNvwF0ZaJc&_nc_oc=Adlgg0A2tHs6-7NfEiRqg8Hd4821th_of8PHA20iOxid9hJMkcCB2qqkAZqWMHDC9Ws&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=nuQqzoanv1I9BiOMNxJ8MQ&oh=00_AfbkiQn1cfloeSuR_CttPW2asX3OQeDYBGBcS7KS_evxcg&oe=68D21BC2)
