01
Where to Park
Free lot right outside — you'll be inside within a minute of parking.
✦ No changes to worship times this week
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Grace isn't something you earn.
It's something Christ already gave you. Come hear it for yourself — this Sunday, right here in Niles.
- Sunday Worship
- 9:30 AM
- Bible Study
- 10:45 AM
- Location
- 9081 N Maryland StNiles, IL 60714
Welcome to St. Matthew's
A Community Rooted in Grace
We're a Lutheran congregation on Maryland Street in Niles — not a large church, and not a polished one. We're people who keep coming back to hear the same good news: that God's favour was never something we had to earn.
Sunday morning is worship at 9:30, then in‑depth Bible study at 10:45 for anyone who wants to stay. During the week our building fills up with Camp Compassion, Bible study, and Seima Taiyou Youchien, our bilingual Japanese preschool.
Learn About St. Matthew's
Hear it from Pastor Paul
This Week, In His Words
Pastor Paul Spaude · live from the sanctuary in Niles
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8–9
Sunday at St. Matthew's
Come worship with us this Sunday. There's a place for you here.
No sign‑up, no obligation, and nobody will single you out. Walk in, sit anywhere, and stay as long as you like.
- Sunday Worship
- 9:30 AMEvery Sunday morning
- Bible Study
- 10:45 AMRight after worship
- Location
- 9081 N Maryland StNiles, IL 60714
Call (847) 827-4360
Email paul.spaude@smniles.org
Plan Your Visit
First time here
Everything You Need to Know Before Sunday
Four small things that make a first visit feel a lot less like a first visit.
02
Which Door
Head for the main entrance — a greeter will be there to say hello and point you in.
03
Kids
Children are always welcome in worship, and a caring team is ready if your little ones need a break.
04
What to Wear
Come as you are — you'll see everything from Sunday best to jeans.
“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
Romans 10:17
Who you'll meet
Meet Our Pastor
Pastor Paul Spaude
Pastor · St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
Pastor Paul grew up in northern Wisconsin and graduated from Antigo High School before earning a B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Martin Luther College in 2013 and an M.Div. from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2017.
He served as a pastoral intern at Sure Foundation Lutheran Church in Queens, New York, and taught Bible History at Martin Luther College. He joined St. Matthew's in August 2019.
He and his wife Allison were married in June 2019 and have three children — Emma, Harper, and Judah.
Leonard Epple serves alongside him as Staff Minister — stmin@smniles.org.
From the pulpit
Recent Sermons
Miss a Sunday, or want to hear it again? Every message is on our YouTube channel.
On the calendar
What's Happening at St. Matthew's
✦Camp
![Children sitting together outdoors at summer camp]()
This week · 9:15–11:00 AM daily
Camp Compassion
A week of Bible camp fun for kids in the neighbourhood.
—
![A small Bible study group reading together]()
Every Sunday · 10:45 AM
In-Depth Bible Study
Dig deeper into Scripture together — all are welcome.
∞Open
![Young children painting in a bright preschool classroom]()
Ongoing · By appointment
Preschool Open House
Tour Seima Taiyou Youchien, our Japanese preschool, and meet Director Minori Yamaki.
Find your place
There's Room for You Here
Four ways to go deeper than Sunday morning — whichever one fits where you are right now.
Ministries
Spiritual growth, Camp Compassion and assistance resources for our neighbours.
Explore →
Bible Studies
Sundays at 10:45 AM, right after worship. No prior knowledge assumed.
See the Schedule →
Preschool
Seima Taiyou Youchien — our bilingual Japanese preschool, right on our campus.
Visit the Preschool →
Serve
Greeters, Camp Compassion teachers, and hands for our neighbours in need.
Find a Team →
Assistance resources
Serving Our Neighbors
Camp Compassion and our assistance resources exist for the same reason worship does — because grace was never meant to stop at our own front door. When a family in Niles needs a hand, we want St. Matthew's to be somewhere they can ask.
- Camp Compassion — a week of Bible camp for kids in the neighbourhood, run by volunteers from the congregation.
- Assistance resources for neighbours facing a hard season, connected through the church office.
- Seima Taiyou Youchien, our bilingual Japanese preschool, serving families right on our campus.
Online giving isn't set up yet — gifts are received in person on Sunday or by contacting the church office.
Before you come
Questions? We Can Help.
What time is worship?
Sunday Worship is at 9:30 AM, followed by in-depth Bible Study at 10:45 AM. Both take place at 9081 N Maryland St, Niles, IL. Watch for a special-schedule banner near the holidays, when times can change.
Where do I park?
Free parking is available right outside the building — no permit or reservation needed. A greeter will be waiting at the main entrance to help you find your way in.
What about my kids?
Kids are always welcome right in worship with you. If they need a break, a caring team member is nearby to help. Families with young children ask about our Japanese preschool, Seima Taiyou Youchien, all the time — it's part of our campus too.
What should I wear?
Come as you are. On any given Sunday you'll see everything from suits to jeans — wear whatever helps you feel comfortable worshiping with us.
Am I welcome here?
Yes — whether it's been twenty years since your last Sunday or this is your very first one. “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37) We know meeting someone new can feel intimidating, and we want your first experience at St. Matthew's to be a great one.