RENEW Timeline
The story of God’s faithfulness to Grace — and where the RENEW project goes from here.
Our story so far
Since four families gathered in a living room in 2001, God has allowed us to grow in almost every way imaginable.
- 2005 — We helped to start a ministry to undergraduate students at Northwestern University (RUF).
- 2012 — We seized a generational opportunity to buy our building at 440 Ridge Avenue, in the heart of the North Shore.
- 2017 — We helped to launch a ministry to international graduate students at Northwestern University (RUF-I). We also installed our first class of elders (local lay leadership).
- 2019 — We began a mid-week discipleship program for children (GraceKids Wednesdays).
- 2023 — We baptized six adults and seventeen children, numbers we hope to continue to grow. We also purchased a home mere steps from Northwestern University as a long-term space for ministry and outreach.
The RENEW project
- Early 2024 — Planning for RENEW began.
- February 2025 — Concept plans completed and preliminary bids received.
- June 2025 — Approval received from the Village Board of Winnetka.
- April 2026 — We moved out of 440 Ridge Avenue and broke ground. During construction we worship at North Shore Country Day, 310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka.
- Spring 2027 — After 12–14 months of construction, we hope to return to our renewed building.
Follow along on the RENEW updates page.