Shining God's light

Historic St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Chicago faithfully continues making disciples
​and meeting needs. Thank you for supporting them.

The Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago has seen many transitions over the years. 

Population changes. A melting pot of ethnicities and backgrounds. Cycles of growth and decline. 

The good people who live there come from all over the world, and most live on low to no income. 

St. Matthew Lutheran has been a steadfast neighbor during that time — providing meals, clothing, and shoes to families in need. The historic church remains a steady light and faithful presence, led by Pastor Cesar Sifuentes and his wife Deaconess Elly Sifuentes (pictured), who leads a women’s Bible study that helps participants learn English while growing in their understanding of God’s Word. 

It’s a welcoming place. Friendships are formed. Faith is strengthened.  

Recently, Lutheran Church Charities’ Cares Ministry has come alongside St. Matthew to replenish its resources and uplift the church financially. 

This week, LCC presented St. Matthew with a check to support its neighborhood outreach ministries — soup kitchen, food pantry, and clothing and home goods community assistance program.

“We want to share a huge thank you to all those who have contributed funds to help St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Chicago,” said Denise Snider, director of LCC Cares. “The Gospel's impact is evident in the lives being touched.”

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During a recent service, Pastor Cesar welcomed a young child into God's family through the waters of Baptism. As he poured the water into the basin on the altar and spoke God's promises, the girl's father stood nearby, overcome with emotion. 

Tears filled his eyes as he witnessed the profound gift God was giving his child. That sacred moment was a powerful reminder that God was not only at work in his child's life but also touching his own heart.

Thanks to your generous support, Lutheran Church Charities was honored to present a financial gift last week to help strengthen St. Matthew’s vital neighborhood ministry. 

“Your gifts are helping historic St. Matthew to continue to be a trusted presence in Pilsen, sharing Christ's love through compassionate service, proclaiming the Gospel, and making an eternal difference in the lives of individuals and families,” Snider said. 

Though small, this faithful congregation shines brightly in a neighborhood where many families struggle to meet daily needs. With the help of devoted volunteers, St. Matthew’s offers clothing, shoes, food, and other essentials—often serving as the only church in the area providing this kind of care.
Yet their ministry extends far beyond physical support. 

“Every act of compassion becomes an opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ,” Snider said. “Many who first came to St. Matthew’s seeking food or clothing have since discovered a church home, becoming part of a welcoming family of faith. Over the years, God has used this ministry to bring about baptisms, weddings, and countless lives transformed by the Gospel.”

LCC expresses its thanks to donors and supporters for partnering with the ministry to help churches like St. Matthew bring the hope of Jesus to their communities.