Roots Going Back to 1849, a Home in South Holland Since 1970
On a quiet stretch of East 170th Street in South Holland, Illinois, Thorn Creek Reformed Church continues a story that began in 1849, when the congregation was first organized as the First Reformed Church of Roseland. After more than a century on Chicago's South Side, the church relocated to South Holland in 1970, planting itself in a fresh setting while carrying its Reformed heritage forward.
A Congregation Where Faith and Life Meet
The church's motto, "Where Faith and Life Meet," shapes the congregation's ministry. Thorn Creek is a multi-cultural and multi-generational congregation entering a new phase of life and ministry, one centered on making disciples who follow Jesus together. Members focus on four convictions: learning, sharing, and applying the Word of God; authentic and passionate worship; honest and intentional relationships inside and outside the church family; and becoming a transformative presence in South Holland and the surrounding communities.
Sunday Mornings at 9:30
Worship takes place in person on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at 1875 E. 170th Street in South Holland. The service is open to anyone who wishes to attend, with the building accessible from the main entrance.
Sermons Online, On YouTube, and Through the App
For those who cannot be there on a Sunday, audio and video messages are shared as soon as possible after each service on the Thorn Creek YouTube channel and through the Thorn Creek app. A large sermon archive goes back several years and includes series such as "Where Faith and Life Meet" on the Book of Acts, "FILLED! Living the Christian Life That Jesus Described" on the Holy Spirit, the Advent 2020 series "New," the "BIG IDEAS" Family Worship Series, and the Advent 2021 messages.
The Preaching Team
Mark Morris serves as the church's preaching pastor. His messages appear regularly across recent series, including sermons through Matthew and Deuteronomy. John Klompmaker also brings the Word to the congregation and is featured among individual messages.
Family Worship and Growing Together
Family is part of the church's rhythm, and the "BIG IDEAS" Family Worship Series brought the whole congregation into the same room around themes such as Creation, Holiness, and the promises of God. Members are invited into small, honest relationships across generations and cultures, with the goal of following Jesus together day by day.
Getting Involved and Giving
Online giving is available through Tithe.ly for those who wish to support the church's ministry. Visitors and members alike can stay connected through the sermon archive, the YouTube channel, and the Thorn Creek app, keeping the congregation present throughout South Holland and beyond.