Welcome to

Messiah Lutheran Church-Wauconda


You are welcome here because God welcomes you.


Messiah is a community of Christians seeking to welcome and connect everyone, make disciples of everyone, and share Jesus' love everywhere. We welcome the participation of people of all ages, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, physical abilities, political affiliations, educational backgrounds, and economic conditions -- all who want to join us in serving God and proclaiming our faith.


Messiah is an ELCA congregation and a member of the

Metropolitan Chicago Synod.

Click below for a welcome message from Pastor Dan McKnight.

Want to keep up on the latest?


Sign up for our email newsletter, The Voice! 

Our e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on worship, news, and special events at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church.


What's Happening at messiah


MEssiah Lutheran Church is Hiring:

Children and Family Ministry Director


Messiah Lutheran Church-Wauconda seeks an enthusiastic, child-youth centered person to join its growing, energetic, Christ-focused team as a Child and Family Ministry Director. This part-time or full-time position will work directly with the Pastor and other key lay-leaders to enrich and expand the faith development of our young disciples. If you have experience working with children (ages 3-18), an understanding of child spiritual/social development, and a desire to impact the lives of both youth and their families as they grow in their faith, this position is for you. Regionally competitive compensation package commensurate with education and experience. Click here  for a job description. Start date determined with final candidate.

First Communion Instruction

Students in 2nd Grade and above

The Faith Formation Ministry is planning our First Communion Instruction for 2025. All children in second grade and older (older kids will learn and be helpers) are welcome to attend, I am sending this to all parents even if your child isn’t old enough as you might have family member or friend that might be interested, and you can pass on the information. 

The program will be held on three days, 2 instructions and activities on March 15 and April 12, and the first Communion on April 13 at the 9:30 service. CLICK HERE for more information and to sign-up. This is an exciting next step on your child's spiritual journey!

New Member Class March 16


Join Pastor Dan and other lay leaders to learn more about Messiah Lutheran Church-Wauconda and envision the impact Christ's church on earth can have if we follow and work for Jesus together in a joyful church like ours.  Make some new-to-Messiah friends, learn why becoming a member is an important step in your journey, and optionally, try to stump the pastor during lunch!   Lunch will be provided. Click here to register for this Spring New Member Class!

SNAck drive for our amazing Preschool!

February 1-28


Join Messiah's Health and Wellness Ministry as we collect healthy snacks for our amazing Messiah Lutheran Pre-school and Kindergarten (MLPK). Snacks will be collected February 1-28.  There will be a cooler in the Gathering Space on Sunday's for refrigerated snacks as well as bins for non-perishable snacks.  CLICK HERE for a list of snacks and other information about the Snack Drive.

Auditions for HS/College Praise Band

February 22 (more auditions will be held in March


Are you a high school or a college-age musician? Does playing in an ensemble or band interest you, but you don't know how to put one together? Would you be interested in starting up a NEW Praise Band and or String Group at Messiah Lutheran Church in Wauconda? These ensembles will perform one Sunday a month with one practice a week. (Time for rehearsals will be determined once Band/Ensemble members are selected). Performances will be on Sundays at 9:30AM during the School year and at 9:00AM during the Summer. 


CLICK HERE to fill out the audition form. Additional audition dates will be held in March based on interest.  Please contact Dr. Kyle Schumacher at kyle.schumacher@messiah-wauconda.org. 

Bible Study REgistration OPEN!

It's Not to Late to Sign-UP


Beginning January 5, Pastor Dan started a 31-week sermon series on The Story, The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People.  A corresponding Bible Study began the week of January 12.  Sign-ups are available via the Church Center App or by clicking below.  Registration is free. The book is available via Amazon or other online retailers or in the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings for $10.  


There are several options for either an in-person or online Bible Study.  Please click on one of the links below to sign-up OR go to the Church Center APP and, under the Signups tab, you will find this information and can sign up!  HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS can sign up, too.  






We look forward to experiencing this whole church Bible study together in small groups to study, learn and share in joyful fellowship.  What a great way to get to know new people and engage in some fun and enlightening conversations in a welcoming and inviting environment!  

THe community meal

First Wednesday of each month


Join us on the first Wednesday of each month for a FREE Community Meal! You may join us at Messiah Lutheran Church for a sit down meal or take a meal to go with our carryout option. 


Doors open at 4:55 PM. Meals are served from 5 PM - 6:15 PM and are available to anyone in the surrounding community - you do NOT need to be a Messiah member to participate. This monthly event is held in partnership with The Community Meal organization of Barrington. 


2025 Community Meal Schedule:

March 5, April 2, May 7

June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, 

November 5, December 3


Senior Lunch Meal Delivery

Third wednesday of each month


Do you know a senior who would enjoy lunch delivered once per month?

Messiah's Hospitality Outreach Ministry volunteers sponsor a Senior Lunch Meal Delivery program on the third Wednesday of every month! Please send us a message at info@messiah-wauconda.org to sign up. 


2025 Senior Lunch Delivery dates:

March 19 April 16, May 21, June 18, July. 26

August 20, September 17, October 15

November 19, December 17


Pathway and Sunday School Registration


Pathway, the confirmation program at Messiah, is for students 6th-8th grade.  We meet on most Sunday evenings 4-6pm starting Sept 22nd. Please click here for the online Pathway registration form! Please email Ashley Rabe for more information!


It's not too late to sign up for Sunday School, which starts Sept 8th during the 9:30 service! Click here for the online registration form.

Your gifts make a difference


Please know that we are truly grateful for YOU and your dedication to God’s work at Messiah Lutheran Church. The generosity of our members and friends keeps our mission and vision alive as we strive to welcome, connect, and support those in our community and throughout the world.

 
Tax deductible donations to our General Fund can be made online using the link below. If you have questions regarding your donation, please contact the church office at (847) 526-7161.