What to Expect

Welcome! We know it can be a little intimidating visiting a church for the first time. Everything is new--the people, the location, the routine. We hope the information below will help you get to know us better as you take your next steps toward a deeper relationship with God. If you have any other questions, give us a call. We look forward to meeting you!

Worship Experience

Each of our worship services is about an hour long and includes scripture readings, a Christ-centered message, prayer, and holy communion. Our Thursday (in summer), Saturday (rest of the year), and 8am Sunday morning services feature historical liturgy, sacred choir or instrumental music, and traditional hymns. Our 10:45 am service features contemporary music led by a live band.

We love having children join us for worship. All services include a children's message called The Feeding of the Lambs. Young children will be invited to the front of the sanctuary to hear a brief message from one of our ministers.

Times and Location

24500 N. Old McHenry Road
Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
Worship Schedule
Thursday at 7pm | Classic Casual Service - Ends August 28th
Saturday at 4 pm | Classic Casual Service - Resumes September 6th
​Sunday at 8 am | Classic Service
Sunday at 10:45 am | Contemporary Service
Bible Study Schedule
​Monday at 9:30am | LCC Bible Study | Krueger Hall
Saturday at 9:00am | Men's Bible Study | Krueger Hall
Sunday at 9:30am | Sunday Morning Bible Study | Krueger Hall
Sunday at 9:30am | Sunday School | Sunday School Room
Thursday at 9:00am In Person & 7:00pm Online | Ladies Life Group | Krueger Hall

Frequently Asked Questions

When are services?
We have services on Thursdays (June-August) at 7:00pm, Saturdays (September-May) at 4:00pm and Sundays
​at 8:00am and 10:45am.

​We also have special services throughout the year, including midweek services for Advent and Lent, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Ascension. Check out our Events page to see if we have any special services happening soon.
Is there something for my kids?
We love having children join us for worship. All services include a children's message called Feeding of the Lambs. Young children will be invited to the front of the sanctuary to hear a brief message that is just for them. If your little one gets too restless, we have quiet activity bags available near the entrance or visit The Oasis adjacent to the Sanctuary. Just ask one of our ushers for help.
How can I get involved?
The "We Care Card" that you fill out during service starts the process. You can ask the pastor to visit you, share a prayer request with our prayer team, or simply share that you would like more information about one of our ministries. You will be contacted by the appropriate team member.
How do I become a member?
We want you to be part of God's family. We welcome members into our community of faith in several ways:
  • Being baptized at St. Matthew automatically makes you a baptized member of St. Matthew.
  • Adults and families may transfer their membership from another congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
  • Others may join after completing our Adult Discipleship Class, which teaches about St. Matthew and reviews the basics of our faith. If you are new to the Christian faith, you may be baptized and confirmed at this time. Class is offered three to four times throughout the year. Call the church office at 847-438-7709 for more information.
Where do I park?
Our entrance is located on the west side of campus. You will find parking along Old McHenry Road. We have designated parking spaces for our visitors with special needs. You'll find an additional parking lot near the school entrance. To exit our campus, use the exit on the east side of the campus.
Which entrance should I use?
We have multiple buildings on our campus, including our school and chapel. Weekend worship services are held in our main sanctuary, which is located in the center of our campus (Door 13). Our church office can be found to the right of our sanctuary entrance (Door 12).
How do I contact the pastors?
Our staff works as a team ministry. You will always be able to contact the pastors, day or night. Pastor Ed Blonski, Pastor Ryan Ferguson, or Deaconess-Intern Brittany Johnson will happy to hear from you in person, by phone, text, or e-mail.
Office: 847-438-7709 x103
Cell: 909-373-7936
Office: 847-438-7709 x106
​Cell: 951-581-8111
Office: 847-438-7709 x111
​Cell: 630-632-8744