Who we are
We are a community church standing in the Protestant tradition. We seek to be of service to our community in the following ways:
- through worship services;
- as a place for weddings and significant life events;
- as a space for community meetings; and
- through sponsorship of our pre-school, founded in 1974.
While not affiliated with a specific denomination, we hold to the theological truths of the Protestant Reformation, seeking to be people faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
More than anything else, we intend to be a welcoming witness to the spiritual values we hold dear through our understanding of the Word of God by cultivating spiritual understanding in a community comprised of all ages.
Our History
During the early history of the church, members met in a store front at the corner of Peterson and Rogers, just east of the present church site. During the 1927-28 church year, the congregation moved to the former Annex building (sold and developed for housing in 2014) and held services there. The Annex had first been a real estate office for the Sauganash development, and then became a community center. The church made its home at the Annex until moving to the present building in 1940.
The booklet of dedication for the new church building of March 3, 1941 reads: "We cordially invite all to join with us who desire to lift their first loyalty to Christ, bringing whatever constructive gifts their past church experience has bestowed upon hem, into a vital, growing fellowship."
That sense of a church where all Christian people can meet and find a home is at the center of the foundation of this congregation. All are welcome here!
Our Ministry Team
Together these individuals are supported by the congregation to create and implement worship services, social activities, and run the nursery school.
Joe Snedden
Pastor
Pastor Joe has been serving as Pastor since January 2019. He received his Master of Divinity from North Park Theological Seminary in May 2019. During Seminary, he served as Pastoral Intern at Salem Covenant Church in Washington Depot, CT and preached frequently around the Greater Chicago Area. He and his wife, Maddy, live in Niles with their two cats.
Dr. Tom Zelle
Organist
A native of Hamburg, Germany, Dr. Zelle received his initial musical training at the conservatory of Lübeck. From that institution, he holds the highest German degree in church music/organ performance. Currently, he also serves as the music director and conductor of the North Park University Orchestra.
Ms. Kristie Hagopian
Director of Sauganash School for the Young Years
Ms. Kristie has been a part of the Sauganash Church Community since 1991. She feels blessed to have been able to watch students grow and learn through the years, some of whom have even sent their own children to our warm, loving, and creative School for the Young Years Preschool.
How can we help?
Are you looking for a church family, or a place to hold a wedding or event? Do you have small children who are ready for preschool? Please contact us for further information.