A Century on Grand Avenue
Grace Lutheran Church has stood at 343 Grand Avenue in Loves Park, Illinois, with roots going back to 1924. That year, a small group of believers began gathering in the basement of Loves Park school. A century later, the congregation fills a full church building, runs a 2- to 4-year-old preschool, and continues to be known for its three Sunday morning services and a long list of ways for families to get involved.
Three Sunday Mornings at Grace
Worship at Grace happens three times on Sunday: 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, and 10:30 AM. The 9:00 AM service is livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook, so members who are home sick or traveling can still take part. During the same 9:00 hour, adults gather for Bible study while children head to Grace Kids Sunday School for ages 3 through 5th grade (September through May). The pattern of worship, learn, and fellowship repeats across the morning.
Grace Kids and Summer Camp
Children are a big part of life at Grace. Grace Kids Sunday School meets at 9:00 AM throughout the school year. Grace Recreation opens the church gym for basketball, volleyball, and soccer leagues across the year. Grace Theatre puts on a children's musical each spring, with auditions in early January and Wednesday rehearsals leading up to shows in April, open to anyone 3 years old through middle school. Grace Playgroup meets two Thursdays a month from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, giving caregivers and their little ones a place to play, talk, eat, and create together. Over the summer, the church hosts weekly Kids Summer Camp for preschoolers through 5th graders, meeting Monday through Thursday from early June through late July.
A Preschool for the Community
Alongside Sunday worship, the church runs a preschool for 2- to 4-year-olds, giving young families in Loves Park an early connection to the congregation. Jackie Eytalis leads the program as Preschool Director.
Music at Grace
Music is a steady thread through worship. Gloria Lynn serves as Director of Music and Worship, and Kari Maratos directs the choir. Together they shape the musical life of the three Sunday services.
Hands and Feet in Loves Park
The church's mission is to be God's hands and feet in the Loves Park area, and that shows up in practical ways. Community cookouts in the summer bring neighbors together, and a mission trip each June takes a group out to serve. A blessing of the backpacks kicks off the school year, and Rally Day in September marks the return of the program year. Through it all, the pastors - Rev. Brent Dahlseng and Rev. Amanda Dahlseng-Monroe - share the work of preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. Megan Genens serves as Youth Director, walking alongside middle and high school students.
Visiting Grace
The church building sits at 343 Grand Avenue in Loves Park. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to noon, with a summer break on Fridays from June 1 through August 15. A weekly newsletter keeps the congregation and friends connected, and giving is available online.