Grace Lutheran Church

06/24/2026

🔥 Mission Trip Day 4 🔥

Our final full day together started bright and early…very early! Several of the kids were up before the sun, eager to squeeze in one more fishing adventure before the day began.

After enjoying a wonderful breakfast provided by Sarah and Jessica’s Circle, we tackled one of the least favorite tasks of the week: cleaning up our campsite. As much as no one wanted to take down tents and pack up camp, it was a reminder of just how much this place, and this week, had come to mean to us.

For our final service projects, our group once again split into teams. Half returned to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary to continue helping care for the animals, while the other half served at Ellis Elementary by organizing and sorting their clothing stock room for students and families in need.

We gathered back at camp for lunch and then spent part of our afternoon preparing three homemade meals for a church member who could use a little extra support. Watching these young people serve others with such willing hearts was one of the greatest blessings of this trip.

As I reflect on this week, I am incredibly impressed by this group. They worked hard, stepped outside their comfort zones, showed compassion, and said “yes” whenever there was an opportunity to help. Beyond the service projects, something even more special happened: friendships were formed, faith was strengthened, and meaningful connections were made.

The last day always feels a little different. We are tired. We are dirty. We are ready for a shower and our own beds. But we are also sad. Sad to leave this experience behind. Sad to say goodbye to the routines, conversations, campfires, and memories we’ve shared together.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us, supported us, donated meals, and encouraged us throughout this journey. What an incredible week it has been. ❤️

06/24/2026

🥰 Mission Trip Day 3 🥰

Before the day even began, we were blessed with a wonderful breakfast donated by Jessica. Our team split into two groups for the morning. Half of our youth headed to Rock River Valley Pantry where they sorted donations and helped organize resources that will directly benefit families in need. The other half traveled to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary where they cleaned kennels and spent time playing with some furry friends. Both groups worked hard and represented our church so well!

After a lunch break together at a local park, we reunited and headed to Rock House Kids, an incredible organization that provides a safe and welcoming place for children in need. There, our group jumped right into service by cleaning vans, tidying classrooms, sorting papers, and assembling 100 gift bags for the children they serve. It was inspiring to watch everyone willingly use their gifts and talents to make a difference.

We enjoyed dinner at Food Truck Tuesdays before cooling off and having some fun at Pastor Dahlseng’s pool party. The laughter, games, and conversations continue to strengthen the friendships and connections within our group.

As always, we closed the evening gathered around the campfire for worship, reflection, and fellowship. These nightly moments have become such a special part of our trip as we pause to recognize God’s presence in all that we’ve experienced throughout the day.

As our mission trip continues, we are reminded that serving isn’t always about doing big things…sometimes it’s the small acts of kindness, helping hands, and willing hearts that make the greatest impact.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23 ❤️

06/23/2026

☀️ Mission Trip Day 2 ☀️

Today was another incredible day on our mission trip, filled with service, fellowship, and lots of fun!

We started the morning with a delicious breakfast generously sponsored by Pastor Amanda’s family. Our group then headed to church where we worked hard cleaning, organizing, and inviting neighbors to join us at our community cookout. It was amazing to see our youth stepping out of their comfort zones and sharing God’s love with others.

After working up an appetite, we enjoyed lunch together thanks to the Johnson family. We are so grateful for the many people supporting this trip and helping make these experiences possible!

In the afternoon, we visited Walter Lawson’s Children’s Home where we painted rocks for their garden and created special signs for the residents. It was a meaningful opportunity to serve in a creative way and brighten someone else’s day.

The blessings kept coming as church council prepared a wonderful dinner for us before we headed to Urban Air for an evening full of laughs, jumping, and making memories together. To wrap up the day, we gathered around the campfire for worship and ended the night with some good old-fashioned karaoke fun!

What stands out most is the incredible bonding happening within this group. New friendships are forming, faith is growing, and it’s beautiful to watch these young people encourage and support one another. God is moving in big ways, and we are so thankful to be a part of it.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14 ❤️

We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

06/22/2026

🔥 Mission Trip Day 1 🔥

What a wonderful start to our youth mission trip!

Today, our group spent the day serving at church before heading to our campsite to begin the next part of our adventure. The weather was rainy and wet, but that didn’t stop us! Together we pitched our tents, unpacked our gear, and quickly made camp feel like home.

God’s creation put on quite a show for us as we watched turtles laying eggs right in the middle of our campsite…a special reminder of the beauty and wonder all around us.

After a full day, we were blessed with a delicious grilled meal prepared by Paul and Marilyn that perfectly satisfied our hungry crew. The evening was filled with hiking, fishing, laughter, and time spent enjoying one another’s company.

We closed out the night gathered around the campfire for worship, reflecting on God’s goodness and sharing plenty of s’mores, too! ✝️

“Start a fire in my soul, fan the flame and make me whole.” As we begin this journey together, we pray that God continues to ignite our hearts for service, fellowship, and faith.

We are off to a great start and can’t wait to see what God has in store over the next three days! We will be sure to update our congregation each day on our adventures. Please keep us in your prayers!

06/21/2026

06/18/2026

This Sunday, June 21, we will pray over our youth before they depart for their summer mission trip!

From June 21–24, 13 youth and 3 adult chaperones from Grace will be serving throughout our local community, sharing Christ's love through acts of service and building relationships along the way.

Join us at our 10:30 a.m. worship service as we bless and send them on their journey. We invite you to keep our youth, leaders, and all those they will serve in your prayers throughout the week.

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:16

06/15/2026

merfeld celebration of life

06/14/2026

06/12/2026

At the Northern Illinois Synod 2026 Assembly with our amazing delegates!