Bethlehem Lutheran joins in national Back to Church Sunday

In September, Bethlehem Lutheran in West Dundee is joining with thousands of churches nationwide for Back to Church Sunday. Bethlehem will be inviting everyone to come for this special service in Grafelman Park at 10:30 a.m., followed by a free community picnic. All are welcome to attend.

“We all know someone who is suffering from loneliness. We want our community to know that Bethlehem is a resource and a place where people can connect, make friends, and find support for when life gets hard,” said Pastor Joe Glombicki.

This year’s Back to Church Sunday campaign is designed around a “Life is Better Together” theme, encouraging current church attenders to invite friends and neighbors to overcome loneliness and find connection, support, and hope available at a local church, in addition to discovering the deeper spiritual benefits that faith can provide.

The National Back to Church Sunday (BTCS) movement marks its 16th year in 2025 and it continues to gain momentum. More than 5 million Christ followers have participated through 33,000 churches since 2009. It is a day focused on uniting the church to equip and empower their members to be inviters. Eight out of 10 people say they are open to visiting church if invited — they are just waiting for an invitation.

“Bethlehem is a place where you can know God, find belonging, and make a difference,” Pastor Glombicki says to all who are considering attending. “We invite you to come as you are, on Back to Church Sunday or on any weekend, and see for yourself.”

Community members who are interested in finding a participating church can visit BacktoChurch.com to search for churches near their home address.

Bethlehem is a congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod located at 401 Main St. in West Dundee. For more information, go to bethlehemdundee.org or call (847) 426-7311.