Norwood Park Presbyterian Church and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church were in rapid decline. The congregations faced great dilemmas — old buildings, costly utilities and upkeep of the property. For both churches, the resources were diminishing as the expenses to maintain the facilities were increasing.
It was courageous faith that inspired the congregations to combine their ministries and form Friendship Presbyterian Church at a train station outside of Chicago in 2009. Both congregations sold their properties and joined resources to lease a property at a train station.
According to the Presbyterian Church Foundation, having worship service at a train station has made the congregation more visible to the community. Commuters and neighbors are intrigued to see a church service happening at a train station. It is a new start for Friendship Presbyterian Church, a unique opportunity to engage commuters and visitors in new ministry. The congregation believes that numbers are important, but mission and service in the community even more so.
Information provided by the Presbyterian Church Foundation