Service Times: Sun 8:30 & 11 AM; Wed 7PM
629 Hollywood Drive
The church family at Lighthouse is joy-filled, outgoing and receptive. From the very beginning of this visit, I felt welcome. Once inside, two ushers directed us to two seats that seemed to miraculously appear in the midst of a full sanctuary.
The song service was powerful. As Dr. Ken Friendly explained, “…the song service is designed to clear the atmosphere…” It certainly did that. I had two words jotted in my notes for the song service: joy & move. I couldn’t stand still...I wasn’t alone (which is a good thing).
This church family has a lot going on – something for everyone to receive from and to pour into. Many of the ministry opportunities are listed in the bulletin, and several others were included in the pre-service slideshow and video announcement portion of the service.
One particularly beautiful thing that this church family does is include reports from weekly outreaches, the names of those celebrating anniversaries as well as the names of those who are serving in the Armed Forces. This adds to the atmosphere of celebration that is undeniable in that place. Announcements and giving were both celebrated…I love it when an entire room full of people celebrate a great report back, as well as the opportunity to give back to God.
I had two pages of notes from announcements – not about what is happening, but about WHY each of these things – prison ministry, worshiping in song, giving, etc. – is important and part of this church family’s life. The reason behind the way this church family worships and serves were made crystal clear. It was encouraging to see how, in practical daily living, the Word of God is put to work in the life and ministry of the Lighthouse family.
The teaching was great. I’ve seen Dr. Friendly on tv, so I was a little surprised at just how animated he is. I have never heard the story of David & Goliath told quite like that – I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was engaged the entire time and left feeling challenged and like I’d seen the story from a different perspective. A great deal of the message centered around just how amazing, powerful, and life-altering it is to have a covenant with the Living God. It is HIS covenant…He will not break it. Amen. Very encouraging teaching, encouragement, and reminder – when you know your covenant, you can run AT your problems….”God’s got ya.”
It was wonderful to be present as several people in attendance chose to accept Christ for the first time, or rededicate their lives to Him. It is always an honor to pray with people, no matter how few or how many, in that moment. Praise God for new brothers and sisters!
Lighthouse is a wonderful, vibrant church family! Get there early, make some new friends (it won’t be hard in that place), and worship the Living God with them sometime soon. You will be glad for the experience!
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