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Renewal Life Church Relaunches in South Shore After Thanksgiving Fire

Leaders ruled out rebuilding the Englewood structure to provide stability for returning members.

Overview

  • The congregation held an official homecoming service on Feb. 15 at its third-floor space at 7411 S. Stony Island Ave. in South Shore.
  • Services have taken place at the new location since early January under Pastor Je'Rico Brown.
  • The former Englewood church at 5848 S. Emerald Ave. burned and collapsed on Nov. 27, 2025, with more than 200 ComEd customers losing power.
  • A planned Thanksgiving feeding was moved to another church, leaving the building empty when the fire broke out, and the blaze rekindled the next morning.
  • Leaders invited former members to return, emphasized ongoing outreach and recovery, and said they hope the current site will be their last move for now.