If you really want to know what Lighthouse is all about here are a few of our stories. We are people, not buildings, we have stories not property lines, we are sharing a story not selling a book. We are on a journey, we haven’t arrived. Our ethnically diverse and inter-generational tales are woven together in a breathtaking epic. Check back from time to time and read about real people, real lives, and real hope in-the-making.

Barry

“I didn’t find this church it found me, I heard the music at Boedekker park. I was not doing well at all, I had lost my employment, my home, my relationships, clothing, and a lot of money. I was on my last leg and very ill; I had pretty much given up on life. When I arrived at the park I saw some very happy people that were not afraid to speak to me or to offer their assistance even though I was a stranger. There was no judgment, only kindness and friendship and the willingness to get involved with someone that had nothing to offer. This, is as far as I am concerned, the greatest act of charity available. LightHouse has given me a new lease on life, it has given me my family back, a sense of purpose, some new wonderful friends, and real hope. In a little over a year the Lord has given me all I lost back, restoring both my sanity, and my self respect. If you were to have looked at me a year ago and asked “where will this man be in a year” most would answer dead, on the streets homeless and addicted, or in jail. Thanks to my friends at

LightHouse and my newly restored faith, none of these dire predictions have come true.”

Barry and Savoia help with just about anything they can: cleaning and Boedekker Park. They are us..

Amanda

“The love is authentic here. Jesus seems so real, I can see him in the kindness and caring of people like Mikki and Manny. I find his hands and feet are present in the labor and love of this community.”

Amanda (left) and Angela (right) stand next to the Drip Cafe they designed at Lighthouse. Amanda and her husband, Brandon, serve as our Creatives Team Directors. Angela and Her husband, Nathan, serve as our Music Directors.

Taylor

“Lighthouse challenges me to express (and thus make real) my enjoyment of God. It’s a place to be prayed for—to be weak and full of hope. Its where different isnt wrong, where my former crowns are no longer valuable distinctions.”

Taylor (left) and Scott (right) stand at the entrance of Lighthouse. Taylor leads our Blue Bottle Beginning discussions (Sundays, 9:30AM) and his wife, Catherine manages Drip, our Blue Bottle Cafe. Scott and his wife, Anne, are Lighthouse Discipleship Pastors. Part of our story includes how this little foyer cafe and its vision express who we are. Perhaps its the way they serve people coffee in their seats. Or maybe it is the signature pastries and our passion to give back to the community. Then there is Scott, who scripts the story of us becoming disciples of Jesus: ask anyone ‘in the know’ and they will tell you we live to follow Jesus and help others do the same. It’s our passion. Scott leads people through our “Come and See” forum, a safe place to investigate the claims of Jesus and the cost of following Him.

Jasmine

I used to be an aggressive atheist. I wanted people to suffer and be miserable like me. The first time I came to the Lighthouse I came out of curiosity, harboring anger inside. The second time I just watched people’s faith. By my third visit I was enjoying the music. Through the melodic worship, I learned some words about Jesus. I came again and again and discovered the people were so peaceful and kind; and then I fell in love with Lighthouse. Shortly thereafter, (and most importantly) God found me here. He is so powerful and forgiving. He turned my aggression to peace. He let me know how I am valuable in this world. He took my burdens on His shoulders. He helped me forgive people and myself.

Emily

Lighthouse has been a symbol of grace in my life. I never could have imagined that God would take me where he has taken me. I am growing and learning. I am secure and safe. I have deep friendships at Lighthouse and real community and what’s amazing is all of this beauty and comfort in a city cold with loneliness and shallow in its superficial friendships.