March 2026
First Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, Chicago: Congregations in the Community—Serving Neighbors with the Gospel in Word and Deed
For more than 40 years, one ministry has remained a steady presence in the neighborhood surrounding First Saint Paul’s Chicago: a simple meal, shared in Christ’s name. Every Saturday, up to 100 neighbors gather for the congregation’s Community Meals program—an enduring expression of care that continues to meet physical needs while opening doors for deeper connection.
“This ministry has been part of who we are for decades,” said Pastor Jeff Leininger. “It’s one way God has kept our eyes open to
the people right around us.” Through a partnership with the Chicago Help Initiative, the church also opens its kitchen to support additional meal services, extending the impact of this long-standing outreach.
However, service at First Saint Paul’s goes well beyond the table. As concerns about safety and community well-being have grown in recent years, the congregation began hosting Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) meetings in its space. These gatherings bring together local families, businesses, police officers, and civic leaders—creating space for conversation, trust, and shared responsibility for the neighborhood they call home.
Throughout all of these efforts, Scripture and prayer remain central. Every Community Meals gathering begins with a short devotion, Scripture reading, and prayer shared by volunteers and guests alike. “We endeavor to ensure that all we do is done in the name of Christ,” Pastor Leininger explained. The Gospel is not an afterthought—it is the foundation.”
That intentional witness also extends to seasonal and relational moments. Recently, the congregation hosted a Pet Blessing and a neighborhood Tree Lighting—events designed to welcome families, create joy, and invite the community into the life of the church. Each included Scripture, prayer, and invitations to worship, gently weaving Gospel proclamation into shared experiences.
The people served through these ministries are as diverse as the neighborhood itself. Community Meals primarily welcome older adults, neighbors living in poverty, and those experiencing homelessness. CAPS meetings draw families and local business owners. Sunday worship brings together students, graduate students, and young professionals. Events like the Tree Lighting and Pet Blessing gather families from the surrounding area—many stepping onto church grounds for the first time.
Chicago’s north side has changed dramatically over the decades, from its early roots in German immigration to public housing developments in the mid-20th century, followed by waves of gentrification. Through every shift, First Saint Paul’s has remained focused on its calling. “We’ve needed to stay laser-focused on giving witness to the Gospel in word and deed,” said Pastor Leininger.
That focus continues to shape the congregation’s future. As the church grows, so do opportunities—and challenges—of welcoming new people, particularly young professionals and young families. Yet, the congregation sees this moment not with hesitation, but with hope.
When asked what encouragement he would offer to other congregations considering community engagement, Pastor Leininger kept it simple: “Just try one new thing. Find a need in your neighborhood and try to fill it. Christ has called us to get to work right where we’re at—and He has promised to go with us.”
Through weekly meals, shared prayer, open doors, and everyday conversations, First Saint Paul’s Chicago continues to live out the call to be “salt and light” beyond Sunday morning—serving neighbors, sharing the Gospel, and trusting God to work through faithful presence in the community.
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