Lake Street Church of Evanston

08/30/2026

Last Sunday, our Rev. Dr. Woolf preached about the many Jesuses of America. Plenty of people today have Jesus on their mind but not their hearts. Which begs the question - Would we recognize Jesus if we saw him today? Most of us would struggle, because we would be looking at the wrong people. We would only know if we have Jesus in our heart, and this can only be had by giving His name meaning. Giving it meaning through your everyday actions. The answer cannot be given through words, instead by how we treat other people. How you’re going to live out your life is the answer.

08/16/2026

Last Sunday, our Rev. Dr. Woolf preached about having the strength to be faithful. When Reuben knew his brothers sold off Joseph, he didn’t confront them or tell his father. We can learn through the story of Reuben and similar ones, that we can’t falter in the face of what we think is right. Even if the odds are not in our favor, we must always do the right thing because that is what faith is; Doing the right thing even if it means we could face consequences is what brings us closer to a better world.

08/08/2026

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WIk6b0DQ-1g

Check out Rev. Woolf on Connect with Jacob Saboroff.

“It’s the highest form of patriotism to want to redeem our country.”

Some hopeful words from Rev. Michael Woolf 💛Last November, Rev. W...

08/02/2026

Last Sunday, our Rev. Jillian Westerfield spoke about the power of wisdom. Referencing King Solomon and his famous prayer in which he asked for knowledge and was granted it by God. And in another prayer of Thanksgiving from the Coptic texts that go hand in hand. Through both of these prayers we are able to witness the God they knew that wasn’t confined to just one thing. This God shows us that we don’t need to fit into one category or another, that the divine sees everything special within all of us.

07/19/2026

Last Sunday, our Rev. Jillian Westerfield preached about how we were never meant to survive, and yet, here we are. Some believe that we are the wrong kind of soil that can’t sustain life, but they are wrong. We are all the right kind of soil for the right kind of seed. And what is considered bad soil, hasn’t been given the possibility to grow its specific kind of seed. The one sower who tends to the many different types of ground, always ensures the right seed is planted in its right soil. Now it’s our turn to tend for each other as the sower does.

06/21/2026

Thank you to the Wailin’ Mahalias for acting as our guest choir last Sunday, truly a great experience paired with our Rev. Dr. Woolf who talked about how we can cultivate hope. How the best kind of hope is the kind that takes time to build, because hope is a discipline and only time can hone that discipline. By growing these hopes, we are able to visualize a world in which they become a reality. And acknowledging that our hopes may not become realized in our lifetimes, but the care and love we put into these visions will manifest for those in the future to appreciate.

06/15/2026

Spire update: the cross took a ride down via the pulley system and will head off for some spa time before returning to its home later in the project. Sound on for all the squeaks and creaks!

06/15/2026

Wednesday, June 17, 3:30 pm at Lake Street—Author Conversation: Carla Power and The Lady Imam
Join us for a special conversation with journalist and author Carla Power about her acclaimed new book, The Lady Imam: The Life and Legacy of Amina Wadud. Widely recognized as one of the most influential Muslim scholars of the modern era, Amina Wadud challenged assumptions about gender, religious authority, and leadership while inspiring generations of Muslims around the world.
Drawing on years of research and personal interviews, Power traces Wadud's remarkable journey from her conversion to Islam to her groundbreaking scholarship and activism. The book offers an intimate portrait of a woman whose work reshaped conversations about faith, justice, and equality both within Muslim communities and beyond.
Following the presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to engage in discussion and ask questions about Wadud's life, Islamic feminism, religious leadership, and the ongoing pursuit of justice in faith communities. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

06/14/2026

This Sunday we did not have a sermon, but a celebration. We celebrated the graduation of one of our members and those who couldn’t make it in person. Similarly, some younger members who will be joining our youth group after graduating the 5th grade. Finally, celebrating and acknowledging our mentors who are becoming the leaders of our new Stephen Ministry. And of course, communion for all who wish to join.

06/09/2026

On the 31st, our Rev. Dr. Woolf spoke about miracles and how we can go about appreciating them more. Dr. Woolf referenced the story of Honi the circle drawer, and how he never stepped out of his circle until God gave him the rain he wanted. While Honi’s story can be seen as one trying to bend God’s will to one’s own, it is really a story of perseverance. How he stayed in that circle boldly expecting something great to happen, refusing to let expectations bind him. That is why his story is so important, because we all need circles where we can stand by our values and not leave until the world emulates mercy, love, and truth. This can only be possible if we hold on to our capacity for awe, because it makes us appreciate what we have and what we’re capable in our lives.