How We Grow Spiritually

 Adult classes | Mid-Week Recharge  | 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 the PDF version of our 2008 Spring Life brochure, 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, adults gather before the worship service for all kinds of learning.  Current class offerings include:

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 Prayers of the Cosmos. 

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

Dhammapada Study - We will use a translation by Eknath Easwaran and his commentary and have an open discussion of each weeks' readings of the Buddhist scripture.  Each class stands alone and all materials will be provided so come when you can at 9:30 am to the Library located in the Church House.   

Resources in the Body - Life resources like flexibility, grounding, centering, boundaries, and balance are all developed in the body before they are developed interpersonally.  In this class we define these core resources and then develop them more deeply through an experiential process. 

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.

Women's Spirituality - We meet for four weeks every quarter to ponder what our lives are bringing us and how the spiritual offerings of each new season can support us.  With this focus, we plan our solstice and equinox celebrations together. 

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Mid-Week Recharge Dinner

During the program year (September - June), we gather on Wednesday evenings from 5:45 to 7:00 pm for a modestly-priced vegetarian meal and friendly conversation help to rejuvenate us halfway through the week. Newcomers, friends, spouses, partners, and children of the Lake Street Church family are all welcome. Children are served first, and child care is available as soon as they finish eating. Children aged five and older play in MacLeish Hall; children four and under gather in Room 202, on the 2nd level. The gathering ends promptly so people can join other Wednesday night events, such as choir rehearsal and confirmation class.

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In addition to the Sunday morning sessions and Mid-Week Reharge, 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.

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!

For information about youth activities, contact Dave Howser, Director of Youth Programs, at 847-864-2181, ext. 103, or dhowser@lakestreet.org.

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Nursery Care is provided by experienced teachers for babies and toddlers from 6 months to age 2 (or until potty-trained). Nursery care is offered every Sunday from 9:25 am to noon.

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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