St. James Lutheran Church ELCA | Home | United States

top of page

Annual Meeting PPT 2026 (9).png

Join us at 9:30 am on Sundays:
In-person & Online

Worship with us

August 4, 2026

Screenshot 2023-11-29 at 4_edited.jpg

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.

Heading to the Lake Bluff Farmers' Market on Friday? 🍎🥕🥔 Pick up an extra bag of fresh produce for ProjectFRESH while you shop!

Bring your donation to our next Community Produce Drive on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 am–1:00 pm at St. James. Apples, onions, potatoes, and other produce that keeps well are especially helpful.

Together, we can help provide fresh, healthy food for neighbors across Lake County.

Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade Committee Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce Lake Bluff Police Department Lake Bluff Public Library Village of Lake Bluff

Heading to the Lake Bluff Farmers' Market on Friday? 🍎🥕🥔 Pick up an extra bag of fresh produce for ProjectFRESH while you shop!

Bring your donation to our next Community Produce Drive on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 am–1:00 pm at St. James. Apples, onions, potatoes, and other produce that keeps well are especially helpful.

Together, we can help provide fresh, healthy food for neighbors across Lake County.

Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade Committee Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce Lake Bluff Police Department Lake Bluff Public Library Village of Lake Bluff

Help fill local food pantry shelves with fresh, healthy produce! 🍎🥔🧅

Join us for the next ProjectFRESH Community Produce Drive on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 am–1:00 pm at St. James Lutheran Church.

Simply add an extra bag of produce to your grocery cart and bring it by. Apples, onions, potatoes, and other produce that keeps well are especially helpful.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference for neighbors across Lake County. Volunteers are welcome, too!

#lakebluffillinois #lakeforestillinois #projectfresh

COOL Ministries PADS Lake County, Inc. Midwest Veterans Closet North Chicago Community Partners

Help fill local food pantry shelves with fresh, healthy produce! 🍎🥔🧅

Join us for the next ProjectFRESH Community Produce Drive on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 am–1:00 pm at St. James Lutheran Church.

Simply add an extra bag of produce to your grocery cart and bring it by. Apples, onions, potatoes, and other produce that keeps well are especially helpful.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference for neighbors across Lake County. Volunteers are welcome, too!

#lakebluffillinois #lakeforestillinois #projectfresh

COOL Ministries PADS Lake County, Inc. Midwest Veterans Closet North Chicago Community Partners

A TON of thanks to the community!! We asked, and you delivered ONE TON of produce for area food pantries!!! 🍎🧅🥦🌶️

Literally 1,776 lbs + 250 lbs =2,026 lbs!!! You can’t make this up!! Isn’t that amazing?! 🤯

We have a drive-thru drop-off next Saturday, July 18, from 10-noon. And then every third Saturday of the month. See you then!! ❤️

https://projectfresh.org/

A TON of thanks to the community!! We asked, and you delivered ONE TON of produce for area food pantries!!! 🍎🧅🥦🌶️

Literally 1,776 lbs + 250 lbs =2,026 lbs!!! You can’t make this up!! Isn’t that amazing?! 🤯

We have a drive-thru drop-off next Saturday, July 18, from 10-noon. And then every third Saturday of the month. See you then!! ❤️

https://projectfresh.org/

We met some wonderful people at the Lake Bluff Farmers' Market today and loved sharing the story of ProjectFRESH! 🍎🥕🥬 It was exciting to see so many people inspired to help provide fresh produce for neighbors in our community.

Thank you to everyone who donated, and a special thank-you to Parra Farms and K & K Farms for generously sharing their beautiful produce with us!

We hope to see you at our Drive-Thru Produce Drive tomorrow, Saturday, July 11, or on Saturday, July 18, from 10:00 am–noon. Bring a bag of fresh produce and help us keep the momentum growing!

#projectfresh #lakebluffillinois #lakeforestillinois #stjameslutheranlakeforest

We met some wonderful people at the Lake Bluff Farmers' Market today and loved sharing the story of ProjectFRESH! 🍎🥕🥬 It was exciting to see so many people inspired to help provide fresh produce for neighbors in our community.

Thank you to everyone who donated, and a special thank-you to Parra Farms and K & K Farms for generously sharing their beautiful produce with us!

We hope to see you at our Drive-Thru Produce Drive tomorrow, Saturday, July 11, or on Saturday, July 18, from 10:00 am–noon. Bring a bag of fresh produce and help us keep the momentum growing!

#projectfresh #lakebluffillinois #lakeforestillinois #stjameslutheranlakeforest

What a great day at the Lake Bluff 4th of July parade! This Fourth of July, we’re celebrating freedom, community, and fresh food for all.

Bring a bag of produce to St. James next Saturday, July 11 from 10-noon, and help us reach our goal of collecting 1,776 bags of fresh fruit and vegetables for local food pantries. https://bit.ly/4eZ3saI

#Onions, #apples, #potatoes

What a great day at the Lake Bluff 4th of July parade! This Fourth of July, we’re celebrating freedom, community, and fresh food for all.

Bring a bag of produce to St. James next Saturday, July 11 from 10-noon, and help us reach our goal of collecting 1,776 bags of fresh fruit and vegetables for local food pantries. https://bit.ly/4eZ3saI

#Onions, #apples, #potatoes

A little behind-the-scenes look at float-building! We’re so excited to join the Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade. Come cheer us on — will we see you there?

A little behind-the-scenes look at float-building! We’re so excited to join the Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade. Come cheer us on — will we see you there?

We’re ready for the Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade!!! 🇺🇸

A huge thank-you to the many volunteers who gave their time, creativity, and energy to make this possible. We can’t wait to share ProjectFRESH with the community and celebrate together!

We’re ready for the Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade!!! 🇺🇸

A huge thank-you to the many volunteers who gave their time, creativity, and energy to make this possible. We can’t wait to share ProjectFRESH with the community and celebrate together!

A small thing that makes a BIG impact! 🍎🥔🫑Bring fresh produce to St. James on Saturday between 10 & Noon for our monthly Drive-Thru Drop Off! This month, we're supporting the COOL Ministries Food Pantry.

Apples, potatoes, onions, and produce that will keep for at least one week are best.

Thank you for your support!! ❤

#projectfresh #lakeforestillinois #lakebluffillinois #stjameslutheranlakeforest #StrongerTogether

A small thing that makes a BIG impact! 🍎🥔🫑Bring fresh produce to St. James on Saturday between 10 & Noon for our monthly Drive-Thru Drop Off! This month, we're supporting the COOL Ministries Food Pantry.

Apples, potatoes, onions, and produce that will keep for at least one week are best.

Thank you for your support!! ❤

#projectfresh #lakeforestillinois #lakebluffillinois #stjameslutheranlakeforest #StrongerTogether

Last week at the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, ELCA Assembly, the story of ProjectFRESH was shared. We're so grateful for this opportunity to share fresh fruit and vegetables with our food pantry partners and neighbors! 🍎🥔🥕

COOL Ministries PADS Lake County, Inc. Midwest Veterans Closet North Chicago Community Partners The Church of the Holy Spirit Parroquia Luterana Sagrado Corazón

#strongertogether #elca #mcselca

Video credit: Tim Frakes, MCSELCA

Last week at the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, ELCA Assembly, the story of ProjectFRESH was shared. We're so grateful for this opportunity to share fresh fruit and vegetables with our food pantry partners and neighbors! 🍎🥔🥕

COOL Ministries PADS Lake County, Inc. Midwest Veterans Closet North Chicago Community Partners The Church of the Holy Spirit Parroquia Luterana Sagrado Corazón

#strongertogether #elca #mcselca

Video credit: Tim Frakes, MCSELCA

Our Sunday Worship time has changed for the summer months. Join us at 9:30 am from now until September 6th!

Our Sunday Worship time has changed for the summer months. Join us at 9:30 am from now until September 6th!

We're so grateful for our friends at @chslf! They have a food pantry that serves people from Lake Forest, Lake Bluff & Knollwood. ProjectFRESH delivered fresh radishes that were donated on Sunday and delivered Monday.🫜

Your support makes a real difference. 60% of the households served are senior citizens, and 50% of the Lake Bluff clients served are children.

🥔🧅This Sunday, we're collecting Yukon Gold potatoes and onions for the Food Pantry at Church of the Holy Spirit. Feel free to pull up to the front door between 9 & 9:30 am if you need help unloading. You can also donate financially to ProjectFRESH to support this important ministry. Thank you for helping care for our neighbors!!

https://bit.ly/donate2projectFRESH

#lakeforestillinois #lakebluffillinois #knollwoodil #projectfresh #stjameslutheranlakeforest

We're so grateful for our friends at @chslf! They have a food pantry that serves people from Lake Forest, Lake Bluff & Knollwood. ProjectFRESH delivered fresh radishes that were donated on Sunday and delivered Monday.🫜

Your support makes a real difference. 60% of the households served are senior citizens, and 50% of the Lake Bluff clients served are children.

🥔🧅This Sunday, we're collecting Yukon Gold potatoes and onions for the Food Pantry at Church of the Holy Spirit. Feel free to pull up to the front door between 9 & 9:30 am if you need help unloading. You can also donate financially to ProjectFRESH to support this important ministry. Thank you for helping care for our neighbors!!

https://bit.ly/donate2projectFRESH

#lakeforestillinois #lakebluffillinois #knollwoodil #projectfresh #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Looking for a way to help our community? Bring fresh fruits and vegetables to our monthly Drive-Thru Drop Off Saturday, May 16 between 10:00 am and Noon! 🍎🥔🥕All produce is donated to local food pantries.

COOL Ministries North Chicago Community Partners PADS Lake County, Inc. Midwest Veterans Closet

#lakebluffillinois #lakeforestil #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Looking for a way to help our community? Bring fresh fruits and vegetables to our monthly Drive-Thru Drop Off Saturday, May 16 between 10:00 am and Noon! 🍎🥔🥕All produce is donated to local food pantries.

COOL Ministries North Chicago Community Partners PADS Lake County, Inc. Midwest Veterans Closet

#lakebluffillinois #lakeforestil #stjameslutheranlakeforest

THIS WEDNESDAY: Join us for a Fellowship Dinner at 5:30 pm, followed by an evening service at 7:00 pm, on Apr 29. A great alternative to Sundays, if you are unable to make it. ❤

THIS WEDNESDAY: Join us for a Fellowship Dinner at 5:30 pm, followed by an evening service at 7:00 pm, on Apr 29. A great alternative to Sundays, if you are unable to make it. ❤

COME & WORSHIP! Welcome to your weekly guide to Sunday Worship at St. James. Whether you join us in person or online, we hope this helps you prepare your heart, engage with Scripture, and feel connected to our worshiping community.

https://mailchi.mp/stjameslutheran.org/connections-14187025

#youarewelcomehere #stjameslutheranlakeforest

COME & WORSHIP! Welcome to your weekly guide to Sunday Worship at St. James. Whether you join us in person or online, we hope this helps you prepare your heart, engage with Scripture, and feel connected to our worshiping community.

https://mailchi.mp/stjameslutheran.org/connections-14187025

#youarewelcomehere #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Help grow fresh food for our neighbors this summer! 🍅 ProjectFRESH is hosting a workshop this Sunday, April 26, at 11:30 am. Join us to learn how to grow vegetables at home and share your harvest with local food pantries.

Help grow fresh food for our neighbors this summer! 🍅 ProjectFRESH is hosting a workshop this Sunday, April 26, at 11:30 am. Join us to learn how to grow vegetables at home and share your harvest with local food pantries.

Looking for a way to help our community? Bring fresh fruits and vegetables to our monthly Drive-Thru Drop Off this Saturday, April 18 between 10:00 am and Noon! 🍎🥔🥕All produce is donated to local food pantries.

COOL Ministries North Chicago Community Partners PADS Lake County, Inc. Midwest Veterans Closet

#lakebluffillinois #lakeforestil #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Looking for a way to help our community? Bring fresh fruits and vegetables to our monthly Drive-Thru Drop Off this Saturday, April 18 between 10:00 am and Noon! 🍎🥔🥕All produce is donated to local food pantries.

COOL Ministries North Chicago Community Partners PADS Lake County, Inc. Midwest Veterans Closet

#lakebluffillinois #lakeforestil #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Find rest and welcome at St. James, just as you are. ❤

Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
- "Just As I Am" by Charlotte Elliott, 1835

Sundays at 10:00 am
Staffed Nursery opens at 9:00 am
Children's Sunday School 9:15 am

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#YouAreWelcomeHere #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lutheran

Find rest and welcome at St. James, just as you are. ❤

Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
- "Just As I Am" by Charlotte Elliott, 1835

Sundays at 10:00 am
Staffed Nursery opens at 9:00 am
Children's Sunday School 9:15 am

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#YouAreWelcomeHere #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lutheran

What a joyous Easter! We're grateful we could celebrate God's grace and his gift of abundant life together.

Easter continues! We hope you'll join us on Sunday at 10:00 am, either in person or online.

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#Easter #HeIsRisen #hallelujah #stjameslutheranlakeforest

What a joyous Easter! We're grateful we could celebrate God's grace and his gift of abundant life together.

Easter continues! We hope you'll join us on Sunday at 10:00 am, either in person or online.

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#Easter #HeIsRisen #hallelujah #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Our Redeemer Lives!

Join us at 10:00 am for Worship, in-person or online:
https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#easter #eastersunday #lakeforestil #lakebluffillinois #lutheran #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Our Redeemer Lives!

Join us at 10:00 am for Worship, in-person or online:
https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#easter #eastersunday #lakeforestil #lakebluffillinois #lutheran #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Easter service vibe check! What's Easter like at St. James? Here are a few pictures that help tell the story. You'll find a friendly atmosphere, genuine people, great music and lots of flowers! Everyone is welcome here.

Join us at 10:00 am on Sunday, April 5th in-person or online.

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#eastervibes #lakeforestil #lakebluffillinois #lutheran #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Easter service vibe check! What's Easter like at St. James? Here are a few pictures that help tell the story. You'll find a friendly atmosphere, genuine people, great music and lots of flowers! Everyone is welcome here.

Join us at 10:00 am on Sunday, April 5th in-person or online.

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#eastervibes #lakeforestil #lakebluffillinois #lutheran #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life.

Join us for our Good Friday service tonight at 7:00 pm, in-person or online:

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#goodfriday #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life.

Join us for our Good Friday service tonight at 7:00 pm, in-person or online:

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#goodfriday #stjameslutheranlakeforest

#On Maundy Thursday, we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples and his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. We are transformed by mercy and carry it into the world.

Join us for a service tonight at 7:00 pm. In-person or online.

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#maundythursday #stjameslutheranlakeforest

#On Maundy Thursday, we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples and his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. We are transformed by mercy and carry it into the world.

Join us for a service tonight at 7:00 pm. In-person or online.

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#maundythursday #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Celebrate Holy Week with Pastor Amy and the good people of St. James. All are welcome here!

Maundy Thursday, 7:00 pm on April 2nd
Good Friday, 7:00 pm on April 3rd
Easter Sunday, 10:00 am on April 5th

#LoveOutpoured #lakeforestil #lakebluffillinois #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Celebrate Holy Week with Pastor Amy and the good people of St. James. All are welcome here!

Maundy Thursday, 7:00 pm on April 2nd
Good Friday, 7:00 pm on April 3rd
Easter Sunday, 10:00 am on April 5th

#LoveOutpoured #lakeforestil #lakebluffillinois #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, March 29. 🍃 Join us at 10:00 am, in-person or online:

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#LoveOutpoured #lakeforestil #lakebluffillinois #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, March 29. 🍃 Join us at 10:00 am, in-person or online:

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#LoveOutpoured #lakeforestil #lakebluffillinois #stjameslutheranlakeforest

It's Wednesday, and it's the last Lenten Supper & Vespers for the year. If you need a good meal, a peaceful time of connection with God, and perhaps some healing prayers, please join us tonight. ❤️

5:30 pm Dinner 🍽️
7:00 pm Vespers 🕯️
7:45 pm Healing 🙏

Here's a link to this week's CONNECTIONS newsletter >> https://mcsms.io/iknzv3

It's Wednesday, and it's the last Lenten Supper & Vespers for the year. If you need a good meal, a peaceful time of connection with God, and perhaps some healing prayers, please join us tonight. ❤️

5:30 pm Dinner 🍽️
7:00 pm Vespers 🕯️
7:45 pm Healing 🙏

Here's a link to this week's CONNECTIONS newsletter >> https://mcsms.io/iknzv3

Swing by St. James this Saturday between 10 and Noon to drop off fresh produce for local food pantries. Looking for: apples, potatoes, onions, and other seasonal fruits & veggies that can last a week or more. 🍎🥔🍋

COOL Ministries PADS Lake County, Inc. North Chicago Community Partners Midwest Veterans Closet Metropolitan Chicago Synod, ELCA

#producedrive #LoveOutpoured #lakeforestil #lakebluffillinois #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Swing by St. James this Saturday between 10 and Noon to drop off fresh produce for local food pantries. Looking for: apples, potatoes, onions, and other seasonal fruits & veggies that can last a week or more. 🍎🥔🍋

COOL Ministries PADS Lake County, Inc. North Chicago Community Partners Midwest Veterans Closet Metropolitan Chicago Synod, ELCA

#producedrive #LoveOutpoured #lakeforestil #lakebluffillinois #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Join us for the Second Sunday in Lent at 10:00 am in person or online. You are so welcome here!

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#LoveOutpoured #Lutheran #lent #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Join us for the Second Sunday in Lent at 10:00 am in person or online. You are so welcome here!

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#LoveOutpoured #Lutheran #lent #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Lenten Suppers & Vespers start this Wednesday! 🍲🕯

All are welcome to enjoy a meal, fellowship, and be nourished through spiritual discussion centered around the basics of faith at 5:30 pm.

Afterwards, we let go of our burdens by drawing closer to God through a contemplative, relaxing Vespers worship service at 7:00 pm.

#loveoutpoured #lent #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Lenten Suppers & Vespers start this Wednesday! 🍲🕯

All are welcome to enjoy a meal, fellowship, and be nourished through spiritual discussion centered around the basics of faith at 5:30 pm.

Afterwards, we let go of our burdens by drawing closer to God through a contemplative, relaxing Vespers worship service at 7:00 pm.

#loveoutpoured #lent #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Pastor Amy is available to pray with anyone who is seeking healing at St. James this Tuesday, Feb 24 from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm or Wednesday, Feb 25 after our Vespers service at 7:30.

#healing #prayer #loveoutpoured #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Pastor Amy is available to pray with anyone who is seeking healing at St. James this Tuesday, Feb 24 from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm or Wednesday, Feb 25 after our Vespers service at 7:30.

#healing #prayer #loveoutpoured #stjameslutheranlakeforest

On Ash Wednesday, we often ponder practices to do or habits to give up. Those are fine things. But they may cloud the fact that everything we have and all that we are comes from God.

Too often in life, we act as if everything depends on us. And we miss the point. This Ash Wednesday, more than identifying things we hope to do (or not do), let's acknowledge our dependence on God and embrace Christ's invitation to follow him to the cross.

🙏O Christ, we acknowledge our need for God, embrace your all to follow, and invite your Spirit to lead us forward. Amen.

- Augsburg Fortress, Love Outpoured devotions for Lent

Join us for our Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 pm on Feb 18, 2026.

#loveoutpoured #ashwednesday

On Ash Wednesday, we often ponder practices to do or habits to give up. Those are fine things. But they may cloud the fact that everything we have and all that we are comes from God.

Too often in life, we act as if everything depends on us. And we miss the point. This Ash Wednesday, more than identifying things we hope to do (or not do), let's acknowledge our dependence on God and embrace Christ's invitation to follow him to the cross.

🙏O Christ, we acknowledge our need for God, embrace your all to follow, and invite your Spirit to lead us forward. Amen.

- Augsburg Fortress, Love Outpoured devotions for Lent

Join us for our Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 pm on Feb 18, 2026.

#loveoutpoured #ashwednesday

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@st.jameslutheranlakeforest

Calendar of Events

View Weekly Calendar

Quick Links/Virtual Kiosk

Worship is at the center of our church life. We regularly have communion as a part of our worship services. All are welcome to come worship our Lord Jesus Christ with us. Read more

Worship is at the center of our church life. We regularly have communion as a part of our worship services. All are welcome to come worship our Lord Jesus Christ with us. Read more

bottom of page