2026
Annual
Report
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Luke 4:18-19
Historic
Moments
This past year marked a meaningful chapter in the life of Church in the Square—a year shaped by both joyful beginnings and tender goodbyes, by steady faithfulness and surprising growth. It began with the birth of a new church. In God’s kindness, Church in the Square had the privilege of helping launch Refuge Chicago in Humboldt Park, celebrating a fresh gospel work rooted in a neighboring community. From prayer to people to practical support, it was a reminder that the kingdom of God continues to expand beyond our single congregation.
Another historic moment unfolded in our church this year as the first women preached at Church in the Square. With clarity, warmth, and deep faith, first Aryn Korpalski and then Jayne George opened God’s Word and pointed us to Christ with conviction and grace. Their preaching marked an important milestone in our church's growth and obedience, widening our imagination of who God calls and how he speaks through his people. It was the fulfillment of a two-year journey, exploring the teachings of Ephesians 4.
We also returned to the place where it all started. Back in 2018, Church in the Square began at Monroe Elementary School in Logan Square. And in late February, we returned to the now Logan Square Elementary. We’re grateful for a renewed sense of place, a deeper connection with our friends, and more opportunities to bless our neighbors. In fact, because of the resources provided through our rental, the school was able to put on its first-ever drama production.
In the hopes of stewarding this year and season well, over twenty of our leaders met for our first strategic planning meetings. Through this process, we discerned a need to develop both a discipleship pathway to better make disciples of Jesus and an engagement pathway to better welcome and connect newcomers (both of which we’ll roll out next year).
Grateful Goodbyes &
Fresh Leadership
This year also brought a significant leadership transition as we celebrated Juan and Lindsey Estupian. Juan stepped down from his role as elder after eight years of faithful, steady, and sacrificial service. While they remain deeply loved and fully engaged members of our church family, it was a joy to reflect on the many ways God used Juan and Lindsey to shepherd, encourage, guide, and love this community through formative seasons of our life together.
We took time to thank and bless the Schmidgall family, after years of formative presence as charter members, group leaders, and Derec as an elder. Their presence, prayers, hospitality, and quiet faith had shaped our church more than words can fully express. In a similar spirit of gratitude, we blessed Liza as she stepped down from her role as deacon, giving thanks for the way she served with humility, courage, and care. We’re grateful she’s still serving us as a group leader.
In his kindness, God brought fresh leadership into our lives together, too. We welcomed three new elders—Jason Jesudoss, Quinn Baron, and Josh Burns—and three new deacons—Tyrell Shoemaker, Jayne George, and Laura Helveston—affirming God’s continued care for our church through shared leadership and communal discernment.
This year, we also welcome Keynan Carter to our staff, hosted our second annual teaching cohort, and our first formation class focused on discipleship for our group leaders.
Shaped through
the Word
As always, God cared for us through his Word. This year, we spent most of our time walking with Jesus through the Gospel of Luke, learning again the contours of his compassion and authority, and discovering the surprising shape of his upside-down kingdom—where the poor are blessed, the weary are welcomed, and grace meets us before we ever get our footing. Through Luke’s witness, we were reminded that Jesus does not merely instruct us; he draws near, speaks with authority that heals, and forms a people who receive the kingdom rather than strive to build it.
Over the summer, we turned to the wisdom of Proverbs, allowing God to shape the ordinary rhythms of our lives through ancient wisdom for everyday faithfulness. In these weeks, we learned again that wisdom is not simply knowing the right path, but becoming the kind of people who walk it—trusting the Lord with our whole hearts and learning to fear him in the small, unseen choices of daily life.
For the first time, we also practiced a “September Sabbatical”—a simple but meaningful pause that embodied a countercultural truth: that we are not sustained by hurry, productivity, or striving, but by God’s love and grace. In rest, we were reminded that unless the Lord builds the house, our labor is in vain—and that joy, play, and shared life (yes, even kickball) are gifts meant to re-center us in the Father’s affection.
Taken together, this year has woven a tapestry of planting and pruning, sending and gathering, teaching and resting. And through it all, God has been really good and really faithful—steadily guiding Church in the Square with patience and love, forming us as his people, and leading us forward with confidence into the year ahead.
KIDS iN
THE SQUARE
When God opened the opportunity for us to return to Logan Square School at the beginning of 2025, His provision was evident — placing all classrooms on the same floor, providing a parent lounge, extra storage space, and a gracious principal to partner with.
Kids in the Square continued to grow steadily. After opening our third elementary classroom late last year, we’ve been able to give our kids more room to learn and connect each Sunday. We now have about 36 children regularly attending, and it has been a joy to watch families settle in and find community. We welcomed many visitors this year and added several new families to our regular attenders. One of those families had just moved to America and visited Church in the Square within their first few weeks in the country. It’s been beautiful to see how quickly they felt at home among us—finding community and familiarity in a new city far from their own.
Our Youth in the Square ministry has also flourished. We started 2025 with three students, and now have six students who attend consistently. In April, we expanded our classes from once a month to twice a month, and this rhythm has helped deepen their relationships and engagement.
Although eight volunteers stepped away this year due to life transitions, God continued to supply exactly what we needed. We added three new volunteers along the way, and remarkably, only required to merge classes a handful of times—far fewer than expected given the transitions. We are currently blessed with 25 Elementary volunteers and five youth volunteers, with several children’s volunteers also helping with youth as needed.
I’ve seen incredible depth grow within our volunteer team this year. Many have stepped into greater leadership—taking initiative, growing in their roles, and serving with a more missional mindset. That growth has been reflected in the meaningful connections we’ve witnessed each week: volunteers welcoming new families with patience and warmth, teachers connecting with kids by sharing their own faith journey, and team members supporting each other both in ministry and in life. Their shared leadership, encouragement, and genuine care have been among the greatest blessings of 2025.
Last, but not least … we also enjoyed our first Kids in the Square Advent play!