I wanted to do something different and new today so I headed here with my husband for their 10:15am…read moreservice. This church was mentioned in a book I read recently and I wanted to check it out. As we drove up, we saw a small church tucked away in the trees near an old barn and some children's play equipment. The scene conjured up the feeling of a friendly, small town. Thankfully, that's exactly what it felt like inside. Tea and coffee was available on a table in the hallway. Several women greeted us, and after learning we were new, gave us some information and asked/answered questions. We immediately felt very welcome. In the main room, several rows of chairs are arranged in a circle around a table with candles. This set-up, where everyone is able to see everyone, allows for more connection and communication with others. Half of the time, it didn't feel like we were at church, but rather, some large meeting. The service was very unique. It was a little bit of tradition sprinkled with some modern aspects of worship, several prayers, communion, a sermon, and contemporary worship with lyrics on a projection screen. I couldn't tell who the pastor was -- several people led the service. Because of the circle arrangement, these people stood at different points in the room. Children were also included as part of the congregation; they were dismissed to their own group prior to the sermon and came back in before communion. The congregation was a great mix of ages: babies, kids, teenagers, young adults, parents, and the elderly. Everyone fit in. After attending a mega-church for awhile, this close-knit community church was a breath of much-needed fresh air. We left the church in a great mood. If you're looking for a unique, connected, spiritual community, try this. You might see me there.

Great new church in Vernon Hills!…read more This is a new campus of the multi-site church known as The Orchard, with campuses in Barrington, Arlington Heights, Northfield, Itasca, and Marengo. Colin Smith is the senior pastor. This church is a bible-believing Evangelical church. See website: www.theorchardefc.org

From the owner: Located in Vernon Hills, IL | Services: Sundays, 9:30 & 11 am…read more The Orchard is a multi-site Gospel church. God's Word is at the center of all we do. At The Orchard, our beliefs are rooted exclusively in Scripture. In fact, we don't have much to say unless it comes from the Word of God. We believe the Bible is complete, authoritative, and true for everyone at every time in the past, present, and future. These beliefs drive our decisions and inspire our worship and preaching of God's Word. The Orchard is a place where you can grow in faith, hope and love through the gospel of Jesus Christ. No matter where you are in your walk with God, we'd love to get to know you, and you are welcome here.

We attended the wonderful dress rehearsal and wedding of two of its members…read more It has a good location and a nice sized parking lot. The vibe to me was "come and fellowship with us. Anyway, we're glad you're here." If we weren't from out of state, looking further into attending a service here could be an option. I think it'd be worth finding out.

I've been attending church here for the last few years and it is a beautiful church filled with…read morepeople who truly want to love their community and the world around them. The kids enjoy Sunday school and all the various activities the church plans. The church is diverse in culture and embraces everyone.

Now this is what church is meant to be! When you first walk in, it feels like any other church…read moreservice, but once you meet the pastors and the people there, it's definitely a different experience from most other churches. I wish it weren't that way, because I feel like a lot of churches have lost sight of just loving on people like Jesus did, but Journey does it in a genuine and natural way and it really speaks volumes on what is being taught there. I've become a member of it since then and it's been over a year now, but the consistency of it awesome. God is doing some amazing things through Journey! Come check it out!

I have been to many korean, multi-ethnic churches in the Chicagoland area and none of them compares…read moreto Journey. The first time you walk in, people warmly greet you and everyone at Journey makes you feel at home even if it's your first time visiting. Journey welcomes everyone and truly demonstrates the love of Christ through their actions. The pastors are living examples of the way to live out a life that fully encompassing the love of Christ. If you feel like other churches were not really welcoming, I highly recommend you check out Journey at least once. You will love everyone there and will truly feel you're part of the family.

Long Grove Community Church is a nondenominational bible based church. I highly recommend that…read moreanyone come and take in a service on Sundays at 9:30 am. I assure you will leave inspired.

For those searching or for the long time believer, this is a wonderful church. Both live streamed…read moreservices and in person services are available. VBS, local service opportunities, vibrant youth group, and children's ministry are available. It's been a crazy year... try something new... theLGCC.com.

Our family has been attending Willow Creek North Shore since 2008…read more The North Shore campus of Willow Creek was the first church that we visited after leaving a very small church in Evanston and, because of Willow's size, we came with a lot of preconceived ideas, all of which turned out to be wrong. We were worried that we wouldn't be able to find a true community, we were worried that we wouldn't experience genuine faith and growth and we were worried that the transition would be difficult for our kids....boy were we wrong! Our years at Willow Creek have been formative for our family, for our children and for each of us individually. Although North Shore is a big church, about 2500 people attend every weekend, we found that, with some effort on our part, a church with that many attendees can actually have an intimate feel. Through our participation in community table groups (groups that meet monthly to have dinner, hang out and build relationships), small groups, church wide events and service projects we have built deep meaningful relationships with people in the community. During the normal ups and downs of life these are the people that have shown up for us and become like family. The church has also proven to be truly invested in people having a genuine, deep, transformational faith. The weekly teaching, which is often shown on a big screen and takes some getting used to, is pertinent on both global and personal levels. Rarely do I walk away feeling unaffected or unchanged by what I've heard and experienced. Classes are frequently offered to help us grow in areas ranging from marriage and family to faith and finances. The church also encourages serving locally and globally. At any given time there are serving opportunities as close as Evanston and as far as South Africa. This church and it's members are accepting of all people whether you consider yourself a Christian or not and it is really refreshing. Our families love to visit with us and even if they don't share the same faith that we do they always walk away feeling loved and accepted. One of the most vibrant parts of Willow Creek North Shore is it's student ministries. Our Kindergartener LOVES coming to church every week and she wouldn't miss it for the world. The really amazing thing is that our teenager feels EXACTLY the same way. The strong sense of community, acceptance and belonging that the kids have at Willow has proven to be a great source of strength and growth for them as they navigate all that comes with growing up. If you are looking for a church with deep community, excellent teaching and programs and an A+ children and student's program, give Willow Creek North Shore a try.

I recommend it as a wonderful caring church! It's a great place to get together with other member…read moreand grow in learning about the Lord!

First off, I think it's a bit strange to review a church online but after seeing such poor reviews…read morefor my church I felt compelled. I have been attending St. Mary's parish for about 7 years now and pass about 3 different Catholic churches on my way to mass. I go OUT OF MY WAY to go to St. Mary's. The parish is diverse and welcoming. There are all kinds of people who attend this church. You can feel comfortable coming in with jeans and a t-shirt or coming in with a suit and tie. No one cares about what you're wearing or even if you're late. They are just happy you made it in to worship. The music is very nice and they have a professional choir director. She incorporates lots of different levels of talent into the services. I have never been a part of the choir, but feel that this would be a non-judgemental place. On Sunday nights they have a pianist who has a great voice. In the past 7 years, I have gotten to know the priests and some of the staff members. I did the marriage prep course and the RCIA program here. At one point, I didn't get warm fuzzies from someone in the office but they were certainly professional (and I had a strange request). They did a wonderful job for both the marriage prep and the RCIA program. I mean, they knock themselves out to make sure that you have a good experience. Another thing about St. Mary's that I appreciate is that they have never been the kind of parish to pressure you into giving more. They are respectful and are stable with their finances. There was once a drive to redo the windows and it was done with grace. I enjoyed seeing the stained glass windows repaired. I don't have any comments for the school, but I know several families whose children have gone there and had a positive experience. The children went on to attend top-notch schools. If I had to describe St. Mary's in one word, it would be "welcoming." We have made so many friends here and they supported us during hard times and joined in on the celebration of happy times. I would strongly recommend you give this church a chance. Feel free to say hi to me when you do.

I found a home at St. Mary's Parish. The priests are not there to entertain but rather to bring us…read morethe word of God.

Love this church.. Bible following, Pastor is Great!read more

From the owner: Heritage Church is a non-denominational, multigenerational church that exists to help people find…read moreand follow God. We seek to provide a safe place for people of all walks of life to experience true life-change through authentic, biblical community with God and others. Regardless of your story, your doubts, or your struggles; you are welcome at Heritage! So come as you are. We can't wait to welcome you home. Join us any Sunday at 9 or 11 AM.

Preaching the word of God faithfully. Friendly rich…read morefellowship, Come by and stay a while

I have been attending Westminster for a couple of years and really enjoy being a member of this…read morechurch. It is a close-knit family, so you get to know everyone pretty well. One of the things I enjoy about Westminster is the strong focus on true doctrine and strong teaching. Another thing is that we have a potluck dinner after the morning service every week. (There is no pressure if you are busy that week and can't bring anything.)

A wonderful local church in every way - Biblical, expository preaching and teaching; people who…read morelook happy, and friendly, kind, handsome and pretty. Just one unique element of worship practice - 'the constant piano accompaniment' for everything except for the sermon. Maybe it's just me being...?

When I'm in town on a Sunday, I try to go to Church. How do you review a church? Hmm... I don't…read morethink I'm qualified but I will tell you what I have experienced from this church. I've gone to this church a handful of times. The english Ministry meets at 9:30 in the morning. Go upstairs when you enter through the double doors. Greeters will hand you a program. Enter through the back and come up the side and not the center aisle. The last 2 or 3 pews are reserved for Families with little babies in case they need a quick escape. Move up to the front. Specially if they're still singing. Yup. Trust. You won't be bothered or noticed by anyone and there's always plenty of space. I'm the kind of girl who likes to go in for service and get out quickly to look for brunch or coffee afterwards. It's a traditional Sunday ritual. The congregation is largely, ok almost wholly 100% korean-american but everyone is welcome here. =)