Celebrating 4 Years of Belonging
A Journey of Faith at Life Church
As we celebrate four years of Life Church on September 29th, this passage from 1 John beautifully encapsulates our journey. God’s love, revealed through Jesus, has been the foundation of our church and the source of our sense of belonging.
These past four years have been a testament to God’s faithfulness as we’ve grown together as a church family. At Life Church, we are more than just a congregation—we are a family, knit together by the love of Christ and committed to loving one another. Our shared purpose is to reflect that love in how we worship, serve, and build relationships with each other and our community.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” —1 John 4:7-11 ESV
A Year of Growth and Community
Our sense of belonging has grown over these four years through significant milestones. One of the most meaningful was shifting our worship time from 4pm to 10am, which opened the door for even more people to join our growing family.
This year, Pastor Lendl has led us through the Book of Ephesians, including the Armor of God. Through these teachings, we’ve been equipped to stand firm in our identity as believers and build a stronger foundation as a church united in Christ.
Our commitment to serving our local and global communities has continued to flourish. We’ve hosted food drives, launched athletic outreach programs, and had the privilege of worshiping at the Christian Music Revival at Millennium Square in Pickering, where we praised the Lord alongside other believers. Additionally, we were able to send our first missionaries, The Damians, to Africa this summer, expanding our mission to share Christ’s love worldwide.
Through it all, our leadership team—along with Pastor Jeremy as pastor-in-training—has faithfully guided us, with the continued support of our sending church and other church partners. These milestones, along with new members joining our family, show us that Life Church is more than just a place of worship; it’s a place where we belong to one another in Christ.
Belonging to One Another in Christ
At Life Church, belonging means more than just attending services; it’s about being part of a spiritual family. As 1 John 4:11 reminds us, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Our church was founded on this principle—to create a place where God’s love is experienced and shared. Through baptisms, growing relationships, and the expansion of ministries, we have witnessed the power of Christ’s love to transform hearts and build bonds that last. In this family, everyone has a place, a purpose, and a role to play in reflecting Christ’s love.
Looking Ahead: A Prayer for Our Future
As we celebrate four years of God’s faithfulness, we also look to the future with hopeful hearts. Our church is continuing to grow, and with this growth comes the need for more volunteers who are eager to serve and share their gifts. We pray for God to raise up committed individuals who will join us in ministry, ensuring that every member feels valued and equipped to fulfill their role in our church family. As our Kids Ministry expands, we ask for prayers that the next generation will feel a deep sense of belonging and purpose in Christ.
Additionally, we seek God's provision and guidance for a church building. As we aspire to become independent in a few years, we pray for a space that will not only accommodate our needs but will also serve as a beacon of hope in our community. We trust that God, in His perfect timing, will provide the right location where we can gather, grow, and reach out to our community.
A Celebration of God’s Faithfulness
God’s faithfulness has been the thread weaving through every step of our journey. He has provided the people, resources, and opportunities that have shaped Life Church into the family it is today. From our leadership team to every new member, we see His hand in every detail. This church is a living testament to the truth that we belong to God, and because of that, we belong to one another.
As we reflect on these four years, we return to the heart of 1 John 4: “We love because He first loved us” (v. 19). His love is what makes true belonging possible, and we are committed to continuing to build a community that reflects His love to all who walk through our doors.
Please join us in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for four years of Life Church, for every heart that has found a place to belong, and for Your love that has sustained us. We ask for Your continued guidance as we grow. Provide us with a church building to call home and raise up more volunteers to serve in love. Bless our Kids Ministry as it nurtures the next generation. May we always reflect Your love and create a space where all can belong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Join Us in Celebration!
We invite you to join us on September 29th at 10am for a special service as we celebrate four years of belonging at Life Church. Together, we will give thanks for what God has done and look forward to what He will continue to do through us.
As we celebrate, we recognize that this journey has never been just about buildings or events—it’s about the people God has brought together, and the love that binds us. With Him at the centre, we know that our sense of belonging will only deepen as we continue to follow His lead.