Dear Lake Avenue Church Family,

As we gather for our Winter Congregational Meeting and reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude. In the midst of a year of challenges that impacted us all, God provided for our needs in so many ways. We are thankful for the opportunity to worship together, to be in community with one another, and to serve His kingdom. While the way we gather together has changed, our mission for Lake Avenue Church has not changed: “Following Jesus, we participate in God's reconciling work by making disciples of all peoples and generations.” This calling is what makes Lake Avenue Church such a special place. We have a great history of local and global impact, and we anticipate that God will use us mightily in the season ahead.

Last year, Pastor Jeff Mattesich invited us to be a “Church in Motion.” Little did we know how challenging this would prove to be in 2020. As we move forward in 2021, we will continue to embrace the Lord’s calling to be a “Church in Motion.” Lake Avenue Church is actively working to fulfill its mission in new ways as we adapt to our changing world. We are thankful for God’s provision from our finances to the faithfulness of each person who served and supported Lake Avenue Church in 2020. We are especially grateful for the heroic leadership of our peerless staff during this unprecedented season. The Lord has blessed our church over the past year, enabling us to expand our reach and allowing us to deepen our trust in Him.

As we look forward to this new year at Lake Avenue Church, we are excited to continue growing in the love and knowledge of the Lord. We believe that God is equipping us and has great plans for us, many of which are just beginning to unfold. As we partner together, and as we are faithful to God’s calling, we pray that our thoughts and ways would conform to the Lord’s:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (The NIV Study Bible, Isaiah 55:8-9).

Our Winter Congregational Meeting will include Pastor Mattesich’s vision for Lake Avenue Church, building on many of these themes and challenging us to be responsive to God’s calling. The meeting will include the selection of our 2021 Nominating Committee, which is charged with creating a slate of leaders to fill positions across Lake Avenue Church. We will vote on this slate during our Summer Congregational Meeting. Also during our Winter Congregational Meeting, we will present the Annual Report as well as information on Facilities projects. The Senior Pastor Search Committee (SPSC) will provide an update on their progress as they seek God’s will for Lake Avenue Church in their selection and recommendation of our next Senior Pastor.

As we continue working out our calling as a “Church in Motion,” we pray that we will be found faithful and obedient to His plans for us.

Dan Crichton Church Chair