Downers Grove church celebrating anniversary

When you first enter the worship space of Christ Church Downers Grove, you are immediately captured by the beautiful view of a calm pond enveloping the circular, island-like structure with sweeping views of the neighboring nature preserve.

Then you notice the modern setting of an open yet intimate space with a tall, handmade wooden cross, a large screen, rows of chairs across the floor and band equipment on the stage.

The church opened its doors one year ago to about 100 people seeking a place they could feel comfortable to worship, meet people and grow further in their faith journey. Now weekly attendees have doubled to more than 200 - a large progression in the church world and a sign that a need is being filled.

This nondenominational church's services are held at 10:45 a.m. Sundays in the Esplanade building on Lacey Road in Downers Grove, where each weekend church staff and volunteers transform the lower atrium area into a house of worship.

The congregants come from many faith backgrounds and are at various stages of their life and faith journey.

Some recently moved to the area; some were looking for a new church home. Others hadn't been to church in a while, and still others had never been part of a church community.

Professional musicians perform inspired worship jam sessions with occasional guest artists such as a flamenco guitarist and pop saxophonist who performed during the Christmas season. There is a Celtic musician scheduled to join the staff musicians during the St. Patrick's Day service.

Leading this new flock of energetic believers is the Rev. Eric Camfield, a former professional baseball player and pastor from Christ Church's Oak Brook location.

Camfield says the Downers Grove church strives to offer more than just weekend services but a way for people to be involved just as its membership seeks to be involved within the community.

"Seventy five percent of our regular attendees are serving in an area of ministry," Camfield said. "We have created a vibrant community that is worshipping, growing and serving in a highly invested way."

During the winter, church staff and volunteers have engaged in various outreach efforts, including serving free coffee and hot chocolate to commuters at the Belmont Metra Train Station to let people know they care and to offer prayer and conversation to those interested.

Church leaders believe it's important to pursue fellowship outside of church services and have meaningful conversations relating to everyday life.

"Welcoming new people was understood. We were opening a new church branch and looked forward to all that would join our church community," said Amy Moran, campus logistics and office administrator at the Downers Grove location. "What we have learned is the importance of truly knowing one another through prayer requests, connection time and serving together."

The church's "One-Hour Connections" are the small groups held before Sunday services for attendees to share time in prayer and reflection before worship, said Randi Lundgren, ConneXions coordinator at the church.

Services and groups also continue to expand.

"These groups are providing a safe space for people to ask difficult faith questions, sharing life experiences and welcoming both laughter and tears," Lundgren said. "The participants often describe their group as family and a place where you are loved for who you are. Vulnerability is treated as sacred."

The public is invited to the anniversary celebration for Christ Church Downers Grove at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, at 3500 Lacey Road in Downers Grove, as well to all upcoming weekend services.

Downers Grove is the newest location of Christ Church in Oak Brook, which was established in 1965 as a nondenominational community church and has grown to more than 6,000 members. The Oak Brook location offers both contemporary and classic worship styles.

Christ Church also seeks to reach those who cannot come to services through its online media library, livestream services twice Sunday morning, as well as its broadcast ministry on radio and television. For details, visit ChristChurch.us.