It sits across from Giesche Shoes and kitty-corner from the Bells & Whistles Snackery, and its steeple can be seen from the center of downtown Glen Ellyn. Glen Ellyn Bible Church, at Hillside and Main, has always been about welcoming the community, and that doesn't just encompass the faithful. The church, with its blend of old and new – it has row upon row of church pews but also a modern, gray-walled indoor gym – makes it a point to tell visitors that skeptics are welcome. Part of its mission is helping people who doubt Christianity learn more and possibly find answers. In addition, the church has small groups and a kids program that starts from newborn and goes up through high school. Its high school youth group, in fact, recently spent nine days on a mission trip to Pohlheim, Germany. The brick church features a soaring steeple and stately Doric columns, but it's on the inside where community happens.
The logo for the church is two open doors with a cross in the center -- representative of the way Glen Ellyn Evangelical Covenant Church approaches those who enter its doors: "Open Hearts. Open Lives. Open Doors." The vision of Glyn Ellyn is "to be a church that is making disciples who walk in love."
Founded in 1946, Glen Ellyn Evangelical Covenant Church acts as a community for its parishioners and newcomers, offering not just Sunday worship but also camps for kids and The Ark Preschool, which serves kids ages 3 - 5. It also has "Kidzone," a library of Christian books and materials for children. And there's "Jonathan's Kids," a ministry for families with children who have special needs. There are also small groups and Bible studies designed for men and women, just men, just women, college students, high school and junior high students and even a "Shawl Ministry," a group that gets together once a month to pray, find fellowship and knit.
The church building itself, whose cornerstone is etched with the words, "To the Glory of God," gives a sprawling, stately impression of old and new, featuring a chapel topped with a towering steeple and a modern atrium made of glass.
A sprawling building on St. Charles Road, Parkview Community Church has the resources for a multitude of different ministries. In addition to its Sunday services, the contemporary-style church has numerous ministries that include a group for single moms and a "Heart to Home" group that delivers meals to those in need. One of its ministries, called "Manna," is specifically geared as an outlet for those struggling with homelessness, poverty and addiction. Parkview also has a spacious gym with a basketball court. Visitors are welcome.