Church History

History of Our Church

United Evangelical Lutheran Church, founded in 2007, has a rich history.  United started as two separate congregations, Messiah Lutheran Church and Faith Lutheran Church, once these two churches became yoked Pastor Paul Walker became the pastor of both congregations worshiping separately, these two congregations began to know one another through activities, music, and fellowship.  In 2006 this yoked congregation started the process of becoming one congregation and on January 28, 2007 became United Lutheran Church.  At that time we became a Redevelopment Church under the Northern Illinois Synod and had many new decisions to make including where to worship.  After the sale of the Messiah Lutheran Church property, the economy took a fall and we were unable to sell the Faith Lutheran Church property.  After several offers on a new location it was decided that United would remain at our current 3630 N. Rockton Ave. location and that we would grow our congregation here. 

 

The members of United Lutheran Church believe in God's purpose for us.  We are dedicated, hardworking and strong and continue to grow our church community.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

History of the ELCA

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed over 20 years ago. This new church was formed from three separate and well-established North American church bodies:

 

• The American Lutheran Church
• The Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches, and
• The Lutheran Church in America

 

Beginning January 1, 1988, these churches, with shared beliefs and missions, officially formed the ELCA. Two decades later, this energized church is composed of 4.8 million members and nearly 10,500 congregations across the U.S. and Caribbean. Today, the ELCA reflects the rich and diverse heritage of the people it serves.

 

But to understand our heritage fully, one must trace our roots back through the mid-17th century, when early Lutherans came to America from Europe, settling in the Virgin Islands and the area that is now known as New York. Even before that, Martin Luther sought reform for the church in the 16th century, laying the framework for our beliefs.

Read about Lutheran Roots in America on the ELCA website >>

 

Go to our own What is the ELCA page >>