About Us
The people of Christ Lutheran want to make God's love felt in our world. We value serving in our community, sharing resources in the world both in times of crisis, and to develop relationships with those who struggle to survive. We love to laugh with one another, welcome visitors, make our facilities available for groups that support our society, and develop strong friendships and support networks, because we really want to be there for others in their times of need.
We are a medium sized congregation, large enough to provide a variety of programs and yet small enough to develop strong friendships. Our building is large enough to host big events, and those days when we don't physically fill all the seats in our worship space, it is full of spirit.
We are part of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). Lutherans are Christians who established the "Protestant" movement, lifting up a belief that God is loving, forgiving, and does not save us because of the life we've lived, but because we are beloved. This love is intended to change us out of gratitude, to love others in the manner Christ first loved us.
We are a medium sized congregation, large enough to provide a variety of programs and yet small enough to develop strong friendships. Our building is large enough to host big events, and those days when we don't physically fill all the seats in our worship space, it is full of spirit.
We are part of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). Lutherans are Christians who established the "Protestant" movement, lifting up a belief that God is loving, forgiving, and does not save us because of the life we've lived, but because we are beloved. This love is intended to change us out of gratitude, to love others in the manner Christ first loved us.
What We Believe
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We believe in the Triune God. God created and loves all of creation -- the earth and the seas and all of the world’s inhabitants. We believe that God's Son, Jesus Christ, transforms lives through His death on the cross and His new life, and we trust that God's Spirit is active in the world.
We are part of God’s unfolding plan. When we gather for worship, we connect with believers everywhere. When we study the Bible or hear God’s Word in worship, we are drawn more deeply into God’s own saving story. The convictions shared by Christians from many different traditions are expressed in statements of belief called creeds. These ecumenical creeds that Lutherans affirm and use in worship confess the faith of the church through the ages and around the world. Christ Lutheran Church accepts the following creeds as true declarations of the faith of this church: • The Apostle's Creed • The Nicene Creed • The Athanasian Creed |
Church Council
2022 Church Council
Officers
President: Maggie Swiess
Vice President: Ed Johnson
Treasurer: Matt Ramirez
Secretary: Jean Marie Jones
Council Members
John Krepp
Al Kondraschow
Rich Hefner
Jill Jackson
Officers
President: Maggie Swiess
Vice President: Ed Johnson
Treasurer: Matt Ramirez
Secretary: Jean Marie Jones
Council Members
John Krepp
Al Kondraschow
Rich Hefner
Jill Jackson
Staff
Rachel Krohn, Office Manager, Pastor Assistant
I absolutely love being the "face" of Christ Lutheran Church in the office for visitors and guests who walk through our doors, whether on a Sunday morning, or a Wednesday afternoon. I hope that my attitude will always convey my heart for hospitality.
I also take my role as Pastoral Assistant very seriously, and I strive to help Pastor manage ministry so that she can be the best Pastor she can be in every situation. That is what energizes me on a daily basis.
I love my work and I hope it shows in everything I do.
Email Rachel
I also take my role as Pastoral Assistant very seriously, and I strive to help Pastor manage ministry so that she can be the best Pastor she can be in every situation. That is what energizes me on a daily basis.
I love my work and I hope it shows in everything I do.
Email Rachel
Jon Ball, Contemporary Worship Leader
Sing to the Lord a new song!
As contemporary worship leader at Christ Lutheran Church I take this verse very literally. Even though I am a classically trained musician my roots are in the popular music I grew up with. This has made working with contemporary Christian music really fulfilling for me. God’s word set to modern beat, melody and harmony speaks to me in a way that is familiar, comforting and inspiring.
My goal is to use God’s gift of music to create excitement for His message. It is so fun and rewarding to work with our musician’s and to fashion musical arrangements for each Sunday. My favorite Sundays are the ones I can sense that the band and the congregation wish the service would continue just a little longer. In those moments I feel the “new songs” are most working for God’s glory. Email Jon
As contemporary worship leader at Christ Lutheran Church I take this verse very literally. Even though I am a classically trained musician my roots are in the popular music I grew up with. This has made working with contemporary Christian music really fulfilling for me. God’s word set to modern beat, melody and harmony speaks to me in a way that is familiar, comforting and inspiring.
My goal is to use God’s gift of music to create excitement for His message. It is so fun and rewarding to work with our musician’s and to fashion musical arrangements for each Sunday. My favorite Sundays are the ones I can sense that the band and the congregation wish the service would continue just a little longer. In those moments I feel the “new songs” are most working for God’s glory. Email Jon
Bonnie Bucholz, Director of Traditional Music
Bonnie Bucholz is a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church, having attended since she was five years old. She graduated from Carthage College with a BA in Music, and is the Director of Traditional Music, creating beautiful music and song.
Bonnie is also a proud mom of three grown boys and is enjoying time with her beautiful grandchildren, sons and daughters-in-law.
She enjoys leading the traditional worship and the adult choir at Christ Lutheran Church. Her talents enhance our worship experience.
Bonnie is also a proud mom of three grown boys and is enjoying time with her beautiful grandchildren, sons and daughters-in-law.
She enjoys leading the traditional worship and the adult choir at Christ Lutheran Church. Her talents enhance our worship experience.
Jo Chiko, Director of the Handbell Choir
I have been a member of Christ Lutheran my entire life; I started singing in preschool, and joined the handbells at age 8.
I am a classically-trained soprano with a BA in Music from Columbia College Chicago, and became a member of The Agape Ringers (agaperingers.org) in 2016.
I also play clarinet; dabble in piano; enjoy archery, needlework, and reading; and swear I will learn to cook one day.
I am a classically-trained soprano with a BA in Music from Columbia College Chicago, and became a member of The Agape Ringers (agaperingers.org) in 2016.
I also play clarinet; dabble in piano; enjoy archery, needlework, and reading; and swear I will learn to cook one day.