The Thursday Update

April 16, 2026

Lakeshore Friends—

Today, Lakeshore officially turns 31 years old.  I love to tell the story of our very first service.  Looking back on April 16, 1995, it was such an amazing day in our history:

The weather was nice but chilly.  After three practice services the previous Sundays, and after 14,464 direct mailers were sent out to all homeowners 54 years old and younger (I was only 33 years old back then), Lakeshore held its first public service....  In a bar....  At the Marriott hotel....  That held 75 adults comfortably....  The rest had to sit in a booth and watch the service....  Seated sideways (you paid a price for being late back then).  On that day, 112 people showed up and three people became Christians in the somewhat beer-scented bar.  It was an exciting day for our family and many others.  Lakeshore Church was born. 

Thank you to everyone who has made this work of God, this grand experiment we know as Lakeshore, possible.  Your attendance, involvement, generosity, serving, and support have all been used by God to do amazing things.

I love the fact that we are still just as passionate about reaching people in Rochester as we were 31 years ago!  That’s not the norm for churches, because most gradually turn inward and focus on their own needs and forget about the needs of their community.  The happiest churches are filled with people who are concerned for others as much as they are for themselves.  That fits you all to a tee!

On Sunday, we will continue our series, “What To Do When Life Really Hurts” with a great story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man.  If you know someone who needs to find help for their hurts, this is a great Sunday to invite them.

Thanks again for being such an impactful church!

Warmly,

Vince

April 9, 2026

Lakeshore Friends—

The greatest day in human history is Easter.  My hope is that you had a great Easter Sunday and that the services at Lakeshore played a part in that.

This past weekend our five services (including Good Friday) brought in 2,045 people, more than we have ever had before in our church’s history.  I hope you’ll celebrate this milestone.  It couldn’t happen without God’s grace, first and foremost, and the hard work of so many people because Holy week is the busiest week of the year for churches.  So let me share my thanks:

To our staff, thank you for working so hard in ways people don’t always see to make our services the best that they can be (and yes, I forgive you for turning me into a Peep… ewww!).

To our volunteers, thank you for working even harder than you normally do to make the experience a great one for all our guests and their families (you do this week in and week out).

To those who invited people to church, thank you regardless of whether many came or no one came (you are faithful just by extending the invitation).

To everyone who calls Lakeshore home, and the new people who are just starting to do this, thank you (we can’t do this without you).

I mentioned during the Easter message that you could access a few items that I mentioned in my message in this email so here they are:

1. Comeback: Is The Resurrection A Hoax Or A Help? (Easter 2024 message on the “4 E” evidence for the resurrection).
2. Comeback: Is The Resurrection A Hoax Or A Help? (Message outline notes).
3. Dating Jesus death and resurrection on April 3 and 5, 33 A.D. (In depth explanation from Dr. Harold Hoehner in his book, “Chronological Aspects Of The Life Of Christ”).

Warmly,

Vince

April 2, 2026

Lakeshore Friends—

The greatest weekend in the history of the world will be celebrated this weekend.  The crucifixion of Jesus for our sins and His resurrection from death after three days has radically changed our world!

These events have changed our calendars: B.C. and A.D. are divided by Jesus’ time on earth. 

These events have changed nations: the truths of Christianity have led to a world filled with nations that operate by the principles taught by Jesus and the Bible.

Most importantly, these events have changed millions and millions of lives: the Good News of Jesus Christ is the only message that can transform the human soul from certain death to abundant life.

The Good News means that this weekend can (and will) change many more lives.  All people have to do is hear the message, believe and receive Jesus Christ into their lives by faith.  But as Romans 10:14 reminds us, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”

We all have the opportunity to help this incredible weekend be life-changing for family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.  All we have to do is invite them.  I hope you’ll make some last minute invites and pray that the invites you have already made to find success in leading people to Lakeshore (or any Bible-believing church).

Good Friday will be a devotional and focused on the sacrifice of Jesus, and we’ll take communion together.  Easter Service will be a celebration, and we’ll answer the question, “What Is The Resurrection?”

I look forward to seeing you and your guests this weekend.

Warmly,

Vince