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