The Thursday Update

SEPTEMBER 18, 2025

Lakeshore Friends,

A number of years ago, I heard someone say something that has stuck with me ever since he said it. He said, “You’re either growing or dying.”

In effect, what he was saying is that we’re either growing and getting better or we’re dying and in some type of decline. That’s a very black and white statement. There’s no room in the middle for staying the same. And I know that we can only tread water for so long before we drown. So is that true? I think the answer is yes, we’re either growing or dying in most areas of life. I think it’s especially true of your spiritual growth and development in the faith.

I see lots of people growing in their faith these days. I see them at church virtually every week. They worship God when the music gets them to think about how great He is. They drink in the messages being offered as they reflect on the biblical truth being taught. They are hungry to know God and the Bible more each day. They give generously, serve passionately, and so much more. Unfortunately, I also see lots of people “dying” in their faith. They do the exact opposite and pretty soon, you don’t see them very much at all. It’s sad to behold.

One thing I rarely see is someone staying somewhere in between growing and dying. Mediocrity and Christianity don’t play nice together.

In light of the Charlie Kirk assassination last week (I’m glad we had great attendance last Sunday so that many of you could hear what I had to say about it), I’m reminded that life is too short to spend it with half-hearted commitment to the things of God. Like Charlie, I want to be found growing and faithful to God when my time on earth is over (or the Rapture of the church occurs!).

How about you?

Our church is growing in attendance more than it has in any of the past 21 years. Just as importantly, many of you are growing along with it too. This Sunday, we’re kicking off a new series to help you grow even stronger called, “From Believing To Becoming”. We want to keep growing! It’s only by the grace of God that we aren’t dying, we’re growing.

Let’s grow together. It beats the alternative.

Warmly,

Vince
Senior Pastor

SEPTEMBER 11, 2025

Lakeshore Friends,

It was a beautiful late summer morning—clear skies, a gentle breeze, calm and serene. Then, at 8:14am everything changed. In the space of 90 minutes planes struck the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

In the days that followed, churches across the country were filled with people seeking comfort, praying, and asking where God was in the midst of such sorrow. But only one week later, what had felt like a spiritual wake-up call had faded into the background. The United States had changed, but spiritual life slipped quickly back to “normal.”

Life has a way of doing that. It lulls us into a spiritual stupor. The things we enjoy—our routines, our hobbies, our favorite places—can so easily take on an importance which puts spiritual growth on the “back burner” of life. And that’s one reason committing to a Small Group can feel difficult. It asks us to step out of our routine, to trade a little bit of “me time” for something deeper.

But here’s the good part: Small Groups at Lakeshore aren’t just another thing on the calendar. They’re a place to belong. A place to build friendships that truly matter. A place to grow in your relationship with God through His Son, Jesus, who loves you, gave His life for you, and longs for you to know Him deeply. It’s a space where people learn to care for one another—and where you’ll discover you’re not on this journey alone.

This week is your opportunity to take that step. Our Small Groups display will be in the Atrium for one more week, and we’d love for you to stop by, ask questions, and find a group that fits you. If you’ve been thinking about it, maybe this is the moment to break out of life’s lull and step into something that could change your life.

Brian Rathbun
Discipleship Pastor

SEPTEMBER 4, 2025

Lakeshore Friends,

As school bells ring and backpacks are zipped up, families everywhere are shifting from the carefree days of summer to the more structured pace of the school year. While this season often brings a mix of excitement and chaos, it’s also a golden opportunity to reset, realign, and rediscover the rhythms that give your family life meaning and momentum. Yes, back-to-school season is more than just sharpened pencils and early alarms—it’s a chance to cultivate habits that nurture hearts, minds, and relationships.

One of the most life-giving rhythms families can embrace this season is simply showing up—at the dinner table, at bedtime, and yes, even at church. In the hustle of practices, homework, and packed schedules, it's easy to let spiritual growth slip to the back burner. But carving out time to attend church regularly can anchor your family in ways that go far beyond Sunday morning. It’s a place where values are reinforced, community is built, and kids grow up knowing they belong to something bigger than themselves. Attending church isn’t about adding another thing to your to-do list—it’s about starting your week with intention, connection, and purpose.

This fall, consider making church attendance part of your family's weekly rhythm. Even if you're not a morning person or your Sundays have been filled with errands or sports in the past, a small shift in priority can have a big impact. In Lakeshore Kids, we are walking your kids through God’s Word in ways that allow your kids to connect what they learn to the life they are living. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. Even showing up imperfectly teaches your kids that faith matters, and that your family makes time for what’s important.

Beyond church, this season is a great time to reestablish other family rhythms that may have slipped during summer. Try bringing back consistent mealtimes, reading together in the evenings, or having a short weekly family meeting to talk about the week ahead. These small practices create stability and connection—two things children crave as they adjust to new teachers, friends, and expectations. And don’t forget the power of rest. Protecting family downtime, especially on weekends, helps everyone recharge and reconnect.

Parents, you’ve got this. Back-to-school season can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a fresh chapter—a chance to lead your family with clarity, grace, and renewed purpose. As you juggle schedules, lunchboxes, and carpools, remember that what your kids need most isn’t perfection, but presence. With a few intentional rhythms—like regular church attendance, shared meals, and open conversations—you’re laying a foundation that will serve them for years to come.

So, take a deep breath, pack those backpacks, and step into the school year with hope. Your family’s new rhythm doesn’t have to be hectic. It can be holy. And it starts now.

Jill Freese
Children's Director