Category: History
Our Story – Childrens Christmas Programs
In December 1970 the church membership was 238 (and most of those were under three feet tall!). It was a great time to start having Christmas Programs featuring children! It created beautiful memories, funny moments and hopefully a child-like wonder at the celebration of Jesus birth. It has taken many forms over the years such as telling the Christ
Read more >Our Story – Christmas Cantata
We believe the Christmas Cantata tradition started under Pastor Paul Walker when he was at New Life, possibly with 1992 being the first year. This quickly became a beloved tradition of music, song, narrators, and in the beginning; members portraying the Holy Family. This included having an actual baby to portray the baby Jesus! There was such a
Read more >Our Story – Secret Pals
A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift. A friend is someone we treasure for our friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with beauty, joy and grace And makes the whole world we live in a better and happier place. The women of New Life started the Secret Pals activity in 1984. It was an idea that
Read more >Our Story – Christmas Caroling
A more recent tradition at New Life has been Christmas caroling. It started with our JAB youth group which was for junior high students. Led by Amy Beaugard, they started caroling at Greenleaf Apartments here in Bolingbrook in 2008. Greenleaf is for older residents; many of whom are single. Our yearly crew shows up to spread Christmas cheer with Sa
Read more >Our Story – Advent Tea
Many of us have treasured traditions and memories during this time of year. Something special at New Life for almost 30 years was our Advent Tea. This was typically held near the 1st week of Advent. Women and girls were invited to gather for a special time of connection, reflecting on the season, song and good food. December 1988 - Our first Mot
Read more >Our Story – Technology
It is hard to imagine not having the technology we do today that enables us to have a website, weekly emails, and Facebook page; among other things. This has been such a blessing in this year of physical distance and not being able to safely gather in person. But New Life certainly didn't start out that way! Member records - All information wa
Read more >Our Story – Kingdom Weekend
Kingdom Weekends were started in November 1998. This program was brought about by a partnership with Atonement Lutheran Church in Barrington. This renewal retreat was based on having lay members of New Life be the team leaders at the retreat. There were 5 weeks of intensive training for these lay members. Sandie Carlson, wife of former Pastor Paul
Read more >Our Story – ELCA Ordained Women
In 2020, the ELCA is celebrating the 50th anniversary of U.S. Lutheran churches' decision to ordain women, and continuing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ordination of the first women of color and the 10th anniversary of the ELCA's decision to officially ordain people in same-gender committed relationships. In June 1970, the LCA, change
Read more >Our Story – Lutherdale Retreats
Lutherdale Bible Camp is a more recent part of New Life's history! This camp was formed in 1944 and now serves over 240 ELCA congregations and other ecumenical faith partners. Centrally located between Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, Lutherdale serves Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois as a summer camp and conference center for youth and
Read more >Our Story – LOMC Retreats
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center is a part of New Life's history! The beautiful camp is located on 640 acres in Oregon, IL and was formed in 1974. LOMC is a ministry of the ELCA congregations in Illinois and eastern Missouri. The purpose of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center (LOMC) is to be the Church in outdoor settings, nurturing Christian
Read more >