September 2026

As far as the “typical” LCMS congregation goes, Fellowship of Faith in McHenry, Illinois is still in its infancy (or perhaps, its toddlerhood?). Having been established in 1999, they’ve seen tremendous opportunity in the community and growth in their membership over these years. Now they are ready to look to the future, moving forward with plans with a groundbreaking on July 26, 2026.

Kate Birchfield is a member of Fellowship of Faith. She also serves on their Board of Directors and as part of the design/building committee for this expansion project. She shared a bit about the congregation, “There are people from different walks of life and backgrounds, but we’re united by a real authenticity of wanting to grow our relationship with Jesus and with one another. People can come as they are and know they’ll be welcomed and loved, while also being encouraged to grow in their faith.”

Fellowship of Faith is served by Rev. David Gaddini. He shared that the morning of July 26, 2026 began with a worship service with attendance close to 200, followed by around 75 who stayed for the groundbreaking ceremony. Rev. John Prohl, Assistant to the President, served as a representative of the District for the day. General contractors from M3 Construction, the architect from Groth Design Group, and representatives from Nunda Township and McHenry County were all present.

Over these last 27 years, Fellowship of Faith has moved from one Sunday service to two each week. Both services has grown in attendance, and this building expansion will allow the congregation to again worship together as one church body. Just as importantly, this project will allow them room to expand the ways in which they serve and connect with people throughout the week. Kate elaborated, “When I look at where Fellowship of Faith is today compared with where it was even four years ago, I see so much evidence of God’s faithfulness. We have watched our congregation grow from one service to two, welcomed new families, expanded ministries, and seen people find the same sense of community and blowing that drew our family here.”

The congregation plans to use the space for community events, outreach opportunities, fellowship gatherings, children’s ministry, current small groups and ministries, and new ministries not even yet imagined. “I pray that this expansion will simply give us more room to participate in what God is already doing,” Kate added. “…I believe the Holy Spirit is at work among us. Ultimately, this is God’s church and God’s house. He knows where He is leading Fellowship of Faith and what He wants this ministry to become. We are simply blessed to be able to serve Him and be part of the journey. As we begin this next chapter, my prayer is that we never lose sight of why we are building in the first place—not just to have more room, but to make more room for people to know Jesus, grow in faith, and experience the kind of genuine community that first made Fellowship of Faith feel like home to our family.

We pray for continued blessings on Fellowship of Faith Lutheran Church and on her members and the community she serves!

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