I've been casually attending St. C's for the last 4+ years. However, as soon as the new leadership…read morestarted at the end of 2013, I have been a dedicated member. The new leadership brought in a new energy to the existing congregation along with bringing in a number of new members from around Chicago. Reverend Wes Smedley's first sermon referenced an article from the HBR & Wall Street Journal, along with the Bible. He and the rest of the staff do an excellent job of connecting religion to modern day topics & issues in a simple way. There's also a wonderful group of people involved in the 20's & 30's group that gets together on a monthly basis (either through volunteering as a group, attending brunch after Sunday service, or just getting together for dinner at someone's house). One of the things that sets St. C's apart from the rest of the churches in Chicago is their classical music. Richard & his music staff do an amazing job each week at bringing the service to life through song & music. Nestled in the beautiful & historic Gold Coast neighborhood, Sunday's at this church are an absolute treat. Each week, Rev. Wes addresses the audience with a message letting the congregation know we are welcome as we are, no matter where we are on our journey of faith. It's a meaningful message that I truly feel that the church leadership not only means but lives by. If you're looking for a new church, I highly recommend checking out St. Chrysostom's!

Betcha didn't know this wild child goes to Church, now did ya? Well, quite honestly I don't but I'm…read moretrying. Yeah, that's right trying to find some faith and goodness in this fast paced, young life of mine. I knew I didn't want to go to a Catholic Church simply because I cannot swallow all of the hate they spew (whoops, no offense!), so I decided to give the Episcopalian Church a try. At least they accept people as they are (gay, straight, bi, confused, however you categorize yourself!). I walked into the small Church & was taken aback by how old it was. In fact, the Church was built by 1893! The service was about an hour & the message was about the same as a Catholic Church, but it was personal. The Reverend spoke of how he took scripture, which was something I was not used to. Once the service ended the Deacon & the Reverend waited at the back of the Church to greet everyone. They asked my name & told me stay for coffee & doughnuts. As tempting as that was a Cosi bagel with veggie cream cheese was calling my name. I will be back, but will also continue looking for other Episcopalian Churches around Chicago. While this one was cute & has a great history behind it, I may be looking for a bit of a livelier congregation. I definitely saw a lot of white haired ladies & gentleman nodding off during the sermon, hehe!

Love the warmth, services, history and feeling of belonging every time I attend. I have been a…read moremember most of my adult life and preceded by my Father and his Mother who were members there throughout time. The High Holiday's are my favorite time of year and are a wonderful Conservative approach to Judaism which will welcome you with open arms! Andrew W.

I moved to downtown Chicago to take a new job from another city. Just as I found an apartment…read moreconvenient to work, I found a Conservative shul also close to the apartment. What I found was much more. Able to feel the Kavanah while praying, a wonderfully friendly group of people that welcomed me as if we have always know each other. Having come from a large shul I found it easy to fit in. Conveniently located in the office building across Michigan Avenue from the Art Institute. (122 S Michigan, Suite 1449). Come by any Shabbat to both pray and socialize.

My wife and I have been a part of this church family since October 2011 and we love it here! This…read moreis a great place to find community in a city that seems so isolating at times. The people and leaders here allow you to ask the hard questions of faith, figuring out faith/belief while belonging to a group of loving friends. For me, this has been a place where I've been encouraged and challenged to not only grow in my faith, but as a leader. I've had the opportunity to lead in a variety of capacities, helping men and women grow deeper in love with Jesus along the way. If you're in or around the Lakeview neighborhood and looking to find a place to worship and/or work through difficult life/faith issues, I would highly recommend checking out this church family!

I have been a member of New Life Church for several years now, and I cant say enough good things…read moreabout it. To be able to incorporate a city sized mission in the midst of a drastically changing neighborhood all while keeping focus that immediate circumstances are not the primary focus is not a task easily accomplished, but New Life accomplishes and integrates all these things. They live out, not just talk about loving Jesus and being rooted in His unfailing word all while accepting the process of the individual walk and remembering where we all have been - that is the reason I keep coming back.

Absolute gem of a community. Beautiful church, service and the music is amazing…read more I've had four children baptized by Fr Larry and feel lucky to have done so. Very welcoming to all and an hour mass goes by very fast! My only wish is that we could attend more often- but with four children, well you know how that goes.... :)

Fr Larry at ICSJ Parish made our wedding absolutely hands down the most amazing ceremony ever. We…read moregot married months ago and people are still telling us how it was the best catholic mass they have ever been to!! I love ICSJ so much - the only catholic parish I have gone to that truly makes me feel like I am at home

Beautiful, old, charming church built in 1856. I came here for a wedding ceremony in June. The…read morechurch was kept up really nice. It was two levels, where the top level balcony looks out to the church floor. It has kind of a medieval look to it that reminds me of old churches in Europe. The pastor was funny and enthusiastic also. Remember: this church does not have air conditioning, so keep that in mind if you are planning a wedding in the summer.

As the daughter of a retired Lutheran minister, I have very high standards when it comes to…read morechurches. I have had very bad luck finding a church where I really fit, and I know my family have felt the same. When I moved to Chicago, First Immanuel was the third church that I tried going to. The minute I stepped in, I was hooked. First Immanuel is a gorgeous facility. The interior is very traditional, lots of dark wood and high ceilings. The sanctuary has two levels, though they don't seem to use the second level often, if at all. There is a pipe organ, but it is disassembled and will possibly be repaired in the coming years. But that's okay, because you will never notice it is gone. Their cantor/choir director/organist is just that good. He plays this little dinky electric piano like it's the biggest organ ever. You would never know that he wasn't really playing an organ. The choir rocks. Every anthem that they sing is more beautiful and moving then the last. The congregation is very diverse, which is great, and they are all so welcoming. When the time comes for the passing of the peace, some music comes on and everyone just mills around talking and hugging and shaking hands. It is one of the most joyful experiences I've ever been a part of, and every week is the same. The pastor is very good as well, very funny and personable. You never feel as if he is talking over you, but right to you, even in his sermons. Make sure you set aside time to go to church here--the services last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. But I swear you won't even notice, the time goes by so quickly. If nothing else, stay for the food after the service. Their Fellowship Committee provides the best spread I have ever seen, but this isn't your grandmother's coffee hour. One week it's Indian food, the next it's fried chicken. You will not go away hungry, that's for sure. First Immanuel is such a wonderful place, full of welcoming people really ready and willing to spread the joy of God's love. They will make you feel so included and loved, no matter who you are or where you're coming from.

The most amazing church I have ever been to in my entire life. This is the church that lives the…read moregospel of Jesus. Don't you wish more people were like Jesus? Complete love and acceptance. No judgement. Just love and charity and kindness and acceptance. Wish more more churches walked in the light of Jesus. For real.

This is a friendly smaller congregation with very nice folks and some diversity racially, age wise,…read moresocial status and gay friendly. They are even sponsoring a Syrian family whose visa was finally approved after the ban that encompassed several countries was lifted. The congregants wear name badges and I was greeted by quite a few people. That being said, this church was way too liberal for me. I found the pastor's comments to be insulting to more conservative Christians when he poked fun at evangelicals for asking if someone is saved. And during communion instead of saying "Body and Blood of Christ" they said "Bread of Life, Cup of Joy". But then again, this is the UCC so that's how they roll I guess. If you are very liberal, this is one of the more vibrant UCC churches and perhaps a good church for you.

Update..... Would you believe I joined the church !!! And now I'm an elder at Newstory…read more I'm so happy to be apart this church!!!. No place is perfect but being intentional having a heart to sit in our discomfort creates growth.

Out of the two churches I attend in my neighborhood, New Story is one of them. I found New Story…read moreChurch, while on a run in my neighborhood. I was welcomed in post finishing my run all sweaty, and have been going every since : ) What I really love about New Story is their approach in the community. At New Story, I feel welcome, and have also been invited to dinner at the Pastors house on a Friday evening. Another thing that I love are the sermons, and also outside speakers that come out to speak to the church as a whole. New Story is also a diverse church, that sits in between Bryn Mawr, and Thorndale stops; located in Swift Elementary School Bldg. Come on out; Sunday at 10:30am, and wear your comfy clothes.

I've been visiting and enjoying service which has a new leadership. They yet have a choir, but…read morehopefully soon. Everyone sings and praises together which is great. Post pandemic number of attendees/members are low however come to hear the Word of the Lord, not for a crowd. Sometimes they serve food after service which is nice.

After years of living in Lincoln Park, and looking for a predominately Black Church, I found this…read moreone. I attended last Sunday and the service was decent! The reverend is quite older, and needs the assistance of his co-pastor, but the 'word' was still well received. The choir was great and kept me very involved! I plan to attend again very soon to get a better idea of the a normal church service, as I went on first Sunday so we had communion, and no bendiction. Overall, I would recommend this church for anyone living up North looking for a Baptist Church. Be aware..Service was suppose to start at 11am, and it started around 12ish.