September 2024
St. John’s Lutheran Church in Algonquin has always aimed to serve its community. This year, however, they took a significant step in offering a unique service by launching the Gospel Justice Center, a faith-based initiative dedicated to providing affordable legal advice and guidance. The Gospel Justice Center aims to bridge the gap for those who lack access to legal support by offering justice with dignity, in alignment with their mission to serve both the body and soul.
On Sunday, September 8, 2024, following the 9:00 a.m. worship service, St. John’s held an official
ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center. This event not only marked the official opening, but also offered the community an inside look into how the center will operate, showing firsthand what clients can expect during a typical visit.
The center will provide crucial legal advice and coaching, offering 45-minute appointments with an attorney for just $30. These sessions are designed to help individuals understand their particular legal situation, explore options, and develop a personalized action plan. The service emphasizes that while the attorneys will not represent clients in court, they will equip them with knowledge and direction to navigate their legal challenges.
One of the core aspects of this center is its commitment to removing barriers that may prevent individuals from seeking help. Language and childcare concerns are addressed by offering interpreters and a dedicated childcare space called the Damascus Room, ensuring that anyone in need can access this vital service without additional strain.
Pastor Jeremy Latzke and his wife, Ruth, who played key roles in bringing this initiative to life, highlight the importance of this ministry, not just for its legal aid but also for the spiritual care it provides. They are not only offering the help of a lawyer, but also the hope of God’s love.
The Gospel Justice Center officially opened for appointments starting Saturday, September 14, 2024, and will operate on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Each session is supported by a team of volunteers who assist with hospitality, prayer, and follow-up, ensuring clients feel supported throughout the process.
A typical visit to the Gospel Justice Center is designed to ensure clients are treated with dignity and provided comprehensive care, both legally and spiritually. The structured steps include:
- Administrative and scheduling appointment: Clients are scheduled through an organized system by administrative volunteers.
- Justice champion: A leader who oversees the center’s operations and ensures all needs are met.
- Client intake: Clients are welcomed, and their personal and legal information is gathered.
- Hospitality space: Clients wait in a warm, inviting environment designed to make them feel comfortable and supported.
- Client advocate: Each client is paired with an advocate who guides them through the process and offers encouragement.
- Meet with attorney: Clients have a 45-minute session with a lawyer to discuss their legal situation and devise a “next steps” plan.
In addition to these key steps, the Gospel Justice Center provides holistic care through spiritual support, facilitated by:
- Prayer room: Clients have access to a quiet space for reflection and prayer, overseen by a prayer champion.
- Ongoing support with advocates: The client advocates continue to offer support even after the initial consultation, helping clients take the next steps in their legal and spiritual journeys.
- Needs assessments: Advocates and volunteers assess other critical needs such as housing, food, and shelter, and direct clients to appropriate resources.
- Invitation to church: Clients are invited to join the St. John’s congregation, where they can find further spiritual support.
Following the legal consultation and spiritual care, the follow-up advocate ensures that clients receive both legal and spiritual guidance as they continue to navigate their situation.
The ministry operates under the broader umbrella of Administer Justice, an organization dedicated to making justice accessible to the poor and vulnerable.
The center’s volunteers embody this ethos, creating a turnkey model that offers not only legal advice but
also spiritual guidance, prayer, and ongoing support. As the community of Algonquin gathers for the launch, the church leaders hope this ministry will become a beacon of hope for those in need of both legal help and spiritual care.
For more information, or to book an appointment at the Gospel Justice Center, individuals can call toll-free at 855-818-4554. All are welcome to use this transformative ministry, which combines justice and faith to make a lasting impact in the lives of many. St. John’s Lutheran Church is located at 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin, IL 60102. Ruth Latzke is a Support Director with Administer Justice. As she supports volunteers, they can in turn care for and support clients better. She wants to remind our volunteers of Matthew’s words, “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.
WITNESS: Encouraging personal witnessing, congregational engagement with their community, support of our NID partnerships and missions, and sharing in a world mission field together.