Algonquin congregation ready for new home

When it comes to paying for a new building for Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Algonquin, it's all about sacrifice.

A 12-year-old boy was the first to pitch in for the cause, said the pastor, the Rev. Kendall Koenig.

The boy had saved up $107 to buy a Nintendo Wii game system, which costs $250.

But the boy decided the church and its new ministry center were more important, Koenig said.

"The boy took that money and gave it for the building fund before any other adult ever gave a dime," Koenig said.

It's this kind of selflessness that has the church in the position it's in today.

After three years, the 1,400-member congregation has a lot to celebrate this Christmas, when they hold their seventh annual service in a local barn.

Members have raised the bulk of the money the church needs to buy land for a new building. Now, they're embarking on finding money to build a new church and ministry center, while continuing to reserve money for the 18 acre property at Sleepy Hollow Road and Longmeadow Parkway.

"It's better to shoot for the big challenge than set a goal that's too small for ourselves," said Koenig, pastor for six years. "We sensed God was saying, 'Go for the big next step.' "

But this money, by and large doesn't come from a laundry list of fundraising activities.

It's found among the people.

Although the church did organize one fundraiser -- a combination dinner, dance and auction that brought in $36,000 -- Koenig prefers to do things the "biblical" way, which means asking every church household to contribute whatever they feel happy donating for the next three years.

"In the Old Testament when David built the temple, they didn't hold bake sales," Koenig said. "It takes sacrificial gifts from people who believe in the mission of this church. It really is a pay-it-forward sort of experience."

By continuing to use this method, the church hopes to raise $3 million for the building, as well as the balance remaining on the land.

Kathleen Long, president of the church council, says so far people have committed to contribute $2.65 million over the next three years -- a number that will likely increase, she said.

Officials say a new building is necessary because the congregation has outgrown its 22,000-square-foot building on Hanson Road, where the church has sat since 1988.

From 1985 to 1988, the church held services inside a downtown storefront on Route 31, opening with 100 members.

The current sanctuary is packed on Sundays and the building also is running out of room to hold its various ministries, Koenig said.

The new building will boast expanded room for worship, ministry and hopefully new members.

"People like to just have a little bit of elbow room."

If you go

What: Light of Christ Lutheran Church's old-fashioned Christmas service in a barn

When: 11 a.m. Christmas Day

Where: Leroy and Louise Fitzgerald's barn, 12407 W. Main St., in Huntley

Cost: Free

Info: (847) 658-9250