Easter marks birth of a new church in Lake Zurich

With Easter known as a time for new beginnings, it's no coincidence a new Lake Zurich church will open it's doors for the first time on the holiday.

The first-ever service for the The Chapel's Lake Zurich campus is set for April 4 at 10 a.m.

The site will be the fifth congregation for the nearly 15-year-old Libertyville-based, nondenominational church. The Chapel has congregations in Barrington, Grayslake, Libertyville and Mundelein. Church officials say combined weekly attendance is approaching 6,000 people.

The Lake Zurich campus is starting with a core group of about 100 people and will be led by pastor Dave Thompson.

Formerly an associate pastor at The Chapel's Grayslake church, Thompson, 35, earned his Master of Divinity degree at Trinity International University in Deerfield. He lives with his wife and son in Round Lake.

"Our people are energized and excited about this new work," Thompson said. "Our main goal is to help people rediscover God no matter where they are on their faith journey."

The Chapel purchased the 23,000-square-foot facility from Lakeview Community Church in July, 2009.

The building, at 330 S. Old Rand Road, is near the Ela Area Library and the Lake Zurich Police and Fire stations.

The main sanctuary can seat up to 600 people and easily converts to a gymnasium where church youth can play basketball and other games, Thompson said.

Lake Zurich is home to several Evangelical congregations, including Alpine Chapel, and Harvest Bible Chapel among others. But Thompson said he's looking forward to partnering with other local pastors.

"This isn't about trying to draw people away from their home churches," he said. "There are plenty of folks in the community who are not attending church anywhere. We want to connect with those people."

The church offers Sunday school classes for children, infants to eighth grade, and will begin a youth group Wednesday nights for kids in grades 6 to 12. The morning sermons are simulcast live, allowing the thousands of members to hear the same message.

More information about the church can be found at chapel.org or by calling (847) 201-2777.

Thompson said leaders are keeping their focus on four main areas of ministry.

"We are about connecting relationally, growing spiritually, strengthening families and making a difference in the community," he said. "And we're excited to get started."