How We Live Out Our Mission Statement By connecting to and being part of the communities we serve through worship (traditional and contemporary), outreach ministries, spiritual development, Christian education for all ages, vacation Bible school, and servant trips.
CORE BELIEFS
Worshipping is the primary role of the people of God Weekly community worship that is Trinitarian, contextual, liturgical, and sacramental [Communion & Baptism-infant/adult] and frequent personal expressions "Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment." - Matthew 22:37-38
Fellowship opportunities deepen our relationships Includes small and large groups and personal faith developing relationships "And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:39
Discipleship matures in prayer, Bible study (inspired word of God) and generosity Includes prayer, Lutheran theology, and tithing "Teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20
Serving others by equipping people for ministry Includes various Spiritual Gifts and leadership development "The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." - Ephesians 4:11-13
Outreach beyond Living Waters that clearly communicates the grace of Christ Includes social ministries; local and global mission projects and a verbal witness "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19
Our Vision Statement
Worship We welcome a community of believers every week to a dynamic and vibrant Lutheran worship experience that proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ through liturgy, word and sacrament, engaging music and Christ centered preaching.
Outreach/Service to Community We are a people who know we are called by Christ to reach out to the community by inviting people to worship, sharing our faith with others and serving the needs of the local community (both physical and spiritual) and through global mission.
Discipleship We are a people who understand our Lutheran-Christian identity and can explain it to those around us. We provide spiritual growth opportunities to enable people to follow Christ's call to be disciples to all nations. We are an active church which is developing a stronger network of care to show God's love welcomes the community.
Children, Youth and Family We are a community of faith that welcomes all people to build a relationship with Christ. We seek to support our youth in developing their spiritual gifts and stewardship through education, opportunities and feedback. We do this through educational opportunities and other events throughout the year to actively engage our youth in discussion and debate over Christ's teachings and love.
Mission start and first service, December 6, 1992 --Services were held at Crystal Lake South High School in a location known as "The Pit". Received into the ELCA, June 5, 1995
Purchased land, 1996 --A magnolia tree was given by Rev. Rafael Malpica in celebration of this purchase and the addition of the sign saying the future home of Living Waters. This tree was moved to the Ruzanski household in 2003 while the building was being built. This tree now sits on the front of the building and connects us from purchase to the facility as it now stands.
Broke ground, December 2003 --Built through 2004
First service in building, November 7, 2004
Building dedicated, December 5, 2004
Our Pastors through out the years have been: --Pastor Dennis Heaney, 1992-1998 --Pastor Michael Thomas, 1998-2009 --Pastor Carol Gates, 2010-2014 --Kim Gonia, 2011-2012 --Pastor Dustin Lenz, 2015-2019 --Pastor Zachary Baer, 2020-