Frequently Asked Questions

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected Lake Street Church of Evanston?

Lake Street Church of Evanston has cancelled all in-person church activities until further notice, but we have continued to thrive through virtual church services via Zoom and a variety of other online programing throughout the week. All are welcome to join us in these activities, even if you’ve not visited us before. Although our building is closed for church activities, we have opened our fellowship space, MacLeish Hall, to Connections for the Homeless to help them provide assistance to more people during the pandemic.

 

We can’t wait to return to in-person activities, but are approaching the future with an abundance of caution in order to keep ourselves and our community as safe as possible.

How can I contact the church staff?

Church staff are available via telephone at (847) 864-2181 during office hours and via our send us a message online form. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. until noon.

What religious denomination or affiliation is Lake Street Church of Evanston?

Lake Street Church is a member of American Baptist Churches – USA and Metro Chicago. The church has been ecumenical and progressive since its founding in 1858, regularly embracing the wisdom and practices of the world’s religions in worship, education and social justice engagement. Founded as First Baptist Church of Evanston, the church changed its name to Lake Street Church of Evanston in 1995.

Where is the church located?

Lake Street Church is located at 607 Lake Street in Evanston, Illinois, on the northwest corner of Chicago Avenue and Lake Street. Click here for driving directions and public transportation options.

Where can I park?

Free Sunday morning parking is available in the lower level of the Holiday Inn Hotel, which is a half block west of the church. Enter the parking lot by driving down the ramp on Sherman Avenue. On-street parking is free on Sundays and available on Lake Street and around Raymond Park on Chicago and Hinman Avenues.

When are worship services held?

Worship services begin at 10:30 on Sunday mornings and normally end by 11:45.

What is distinctive about the church?

We are a diverse and inclusive spiritual community comprising lifelong Baptists as well as those who personally eschew that or any other label. To learn more about how we define ourselves as a spiritual community, read our Covenant and our policy statements.

What is the church's relationship with the LGBTQ community?

We welcome and affirm spiritual seekers of all genders and sexual orientations. Lake Street Church is a charter member of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB). We have folks who identify as LGBTQ throughout the congregation, staff, and lay leadership.

Is child care available during services?

Lake Street Church offers child care during Sunday morning worship services, with help of paid staff. Care is provided for children ages 6 months to 2 years in the Nursery, room 201. Care for children ages 3 – 4 (pre-Kindergarten) is provided in the Rainbow Room, room 202. Drop-off for both begins at 10:15 a.m.

When is Sunday School offered?

Children of Kindergarten age and older attend the first 15–20 minutes of the service with their families in the Sanctuary. Those in grades 6–8 then leave the Sanctuary to attend Sunday School classes, while those in grades K–5 come to the Chancel to participate in the “Moment As Children” (except on Communion Sundays); afterward they also leave for their classes. Children’s classes meet on the second floor of the church’s north wing (the “Church House”).

 

Adult Sunday School classes meet from 9:30–10:15 on Sunday mornings, on the first floor of the Church House.

 

What is the church's involvement in the wider community?

Interests and passions of Lake Street Church are much wider than our congregation alone. The church supports these interests through a wide array of activities, committees and affiliations such as with the American Baptist Churches USA, gifts to other organizations, housing Connections for the Homeless and Hilda’s Place and North Shore Alano, the Peace and Justice Committee and much more.

How can I get involved?

Come to a few Sunday worship services, stay for coffee, attend a class, try singing in the choir, lend a hand to the homeless shelter in our basement, become a greeter, join a committee whose mission speaks to your heart — there are many ways to start feeling like one of the family. Check out New to LSC?.

Does the church have a newsletter?

Lake Street Church’s e-newsletter, the Spire, is published around the 1st of each month. Sign up here to receive it.