How We Grow Spiritually

 Adult classes | 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 August events document, or pick up a copy in the church office.

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Adult Groups

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 - beginning September 12 for the first rehearsal of the season.

Dream Sharing is led by a clinical Jungian psychologist who enables people to reach the deeper dimensions of their soul through their dreams.

Rooted…Connected… Transformed:  Theological Explorations of Baptist Life – Donna Techau and Ann-Louise Haak will be offering a four-week class exploring the theological resources and implications of Baptist life in light of Lake Street Church.  Each week will open with a presentation, followed by time for Q&A and further discussion – time for us to ‘do’ some theology.  Please join us in the Parlor; the series begins on September 26.  Contact Donna (dtechau@gmail.com) for more information.

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 dimish suffering for all living beings.  Together we'll explore and reflect on their application to our lives.  The Way of the Bodhisattva will be available in the Church Office.  Dan Lyonsmith is the facilitator meeting in the Library.  This program starts up again on September 12.

The Early Middle Ages - This program was completed on May 2 and the class enjoyed the series enough to want to explore the next series - The High Middle Ages.  This course will be facilitated by Jean Gillies.    Join us at 9:30 am in the Parker Room.  In the meantime, stay tuned for more complete information about this new series beginning later in the fall of 2010.

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.

Yoga Sutra of Patanjali Study Group - beginning September 12, Sarah Hanson will be facilitating a six-week program (Sept. 19; Oct. 3 & 31; Nov. 7 & 21) for those interested in learning about Yoga Suntra.  Edwin Bryant has called the Yoga Suntra “a living and perennially relevant classic in the spiritual archives of humanity”.  The group will learn how to chant, after which reading and discussing the translations will be come more meaningful.

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In addition to the Sunday morning sessions, other weekly or monthly enrichment opportunities are offered, such as book discussion groups, drum circles, and a support group for gays and lesbians. For more information about adult programs, see the calendar page, or contact Ann-Louise Haak, Associate Minister, at 847-864-2181, ext. 112 or alhaak@lakestreet.org.

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Youth Activities

Our middle and high school students meet at 9:30 on Sunday mornings to talk about issues that matter to them in a supportive environment. Meetings begin with an opening ritual, followed by personal "check in" and discussion. The youth plan social activities and youth-led worship services at this time, too.  For general information about the Youth Program, please click here.  For a listing of the Youth Group 2010-2011 Calendar Schedule, click here!

Every month also includes special activities for the Middle School Youth Group (MSYG), the High School Youth Group (HSYG), or both groups at once.  Recent events include a return work trip to New Orleans, LA - second year in a row!

Beginning in the Fall of 2010 the High School Youth will be gathering in the church library beginning at 11:15 am to discuss the sermon, under the guidance of an adult leader.  Stay tuned for further information about this new youth program.

For information about youth activities, contact the Co-Chairs of the Youth Committee, Coley Gallagher (cogal@comcast.net) or Karen Goetz (karen.goetz53@gmail.com).

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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.

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