Packed house at new Lake Zurich church

It was standing room only as nearly 600 people packed the sanctuary at the new Lake Zurich Chapel church on Easter.

Officials say it wasn't just because of the holiday, or because Sunday marked the first-ever service for The Chapel's newest church.

The Chapel's Pastor of Campuses Rick Egbert said he senses people are craving a connection to God.

"A lot of people who couldn't find a seat were content to stand and not just walk out. That is remarkable," Egbert said. "There is a spiritual hunger that is bringing people here. I'm thrilled with the energy in this place."

Dealing quickly with the issue, Senior Pastor Dave Thompson announced the church will move to two services, at 9 and 11 a.m., starting next week.

The site is 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 contemporary service featured videos, a worship band and a simulcast sermon that plays in all the Chapel's campuses. Sunday's focus was on the resurrection of Jesus in keeping with the Easter holiday.

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 Chapel offers Sunday school classes for children up to eighth grade, and will begin a youth group Wednesday nights for kids in grades 6 to 12.

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

Karen Thorp of Lake Zurich is one of the nearly 100 people who formed the core of the new congregation. She was thrilled by Sunday's attendance.

"I'm just blown away by how many people came today," Thorp said. "I've been praying for this church long before it even started. The people here are the most caring, loving and amazing people I've ever known. I'd like to bottle up this energy and take it home."