Glorify God and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by welcoming all neighbors home to grow in faith and serve Christ. 

Help Us Make Room for the A/C Repairs

Thanks to your generous gifts, Lakeside is able to move forward with much-needed A/C repairs. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has already contributed and helped bring us closer to a cooler, more comfortable space for worship, ministry, and community gatherings.

Before the work begins, we need help clearing out the closets and storage areas near the repair site. By working together, we can make sure the technicians have the access they need and help the project move forward smoothly.

We are also still short of our fundraising goal. If you are able to give an additional gift toward the A/C repairs, every contribution will help us complete the work without taking resources away from other important ministries.

Thank you for helping Lakeside prepare our building to welcome our neighbors, grow in faith, and serve Jesus Christ.

The kingdom of heaven is breaking into our world, but experiencing its freedom and rest requires us to release control and allow Jesus to lead.

In Matthew 11, Jesus compares the people of His generation to children demanding that everyone dance to their preferred music. They rejected John the Baptist because he fasted and called them to repentance. Then they rejected Jesus because He feasted with sinners and offered grace. No matter what God did, it was not the tune they wanted.

We can fall into the same pattern. We may expect God to validate our opinions, bless our plans, support our political or theological tribe, and fit comfortably within the expectations we have created. Like toddlers fighting against a winter coat, we sometimes struggle against the very One who is trying to protect and lead us.

Jesus offers another way:

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Jesus invites us to lay down the exhausting burden of self-rule—the need to control every outcome, justify ourselves, hold onto resentment, or prove that we know best. His yoke is not an invitation to do nothing; it is an invitation to stop carrying life alone and learn to walk under His gentle leadership.

The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that both sons needed this invitation. The younger son tried to find freedom by running away. The older son tried to earn love through obedience and became resentful when grace was offered to someone else. Both needed to release control and receive the Father’s unconditional embrace.

Henri Nouwen experienced something similar when he left the prestige of academic life to serve at a L’Arche community. There, he learned that his deepest identity was not rooted in achievement, knowledge, or usefulness. He was loved without prerequisites. That same love is offered to each of us.

This Week

Consider one area of your life where you are struggling to remain in control—your family, career, finances, politics, relationships, or ministry. Name it honestly in prayer and place it into Jesus’ hands.

Make time to rest in God’s presence without trying to accomplish anything. Then extend the grace you have received by showing kindness to someone you might normally dismiss or avoid.

Reflection Question: What burden is Jesus inviting you to lay down so that He can lead you into the freedom and rest of His kingdom?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we confess that we often clutch the reins of our lives and expect You to bless our plans. Forgive our pride. We bring You our weariness, our schemes, our fears, and our grudges. Teach us Your gentle ways and help us trust Your leadership. Fill us with the freedom and rest of Your kingdom, and help us extend Your unconditional love to others. Amen.

Family Fun Night: Kickball at Deussen Park

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 25, and come join us for a night of fun, fellowship, and friendly competition at Deussen Park!

Lakeside UMC is hosting a Family Fun Night featuring a Youth vs. Adults Kickball Game. Whether you are ready to step up to the plate, cheer from the sidelines, or simply enjoy time with the church family, this will be a great evening to laugh, connect, and make memories together.

There will also be other games for everyone, so all ages are welcome to participate. Bring your lawn chairs, your competitive spirit, and maybe even your best kickball shoes!

Please let us know you are coming by email or on Facebook so we can plan well for the evening.

We hope to see you there as we enjoy time together as a church family!

The Annual Celebration of Daughters hosted by Lakeside UMC is returning for a 5th year to honor daughters from toddlers to teens with a special night of dinner, dancing, and more with a vacation theme! Feel free to dress fancy or for a trip to your favorite vacay destination!

Each ticket includes entry, dinner and dessert for one, and 2 raffle tickets. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event.

Lakeside’s Children’s Ministry is a place where faith is planted, curiosity is welcomed, and children are reminded that they are deeply loved by God and by their church family. Each Sunday, we have the joy of walking alongside our youngest disciples as they learn Bible stories, ask big questions, and experience God’s love in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.

 We are seeking volunteers who are willing to share their time, care, and encouragement with our children. You don’t need to be a teacher or Bible expert—just someone with a willing heart and a desire to make a difference.

Volunteers help in a variety of ways, including assisting on Sunday mornings, supporting special events, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for kids and families. Schedules are flexible, and training and support are provided.

When you serve in Children’s Ministry, you’re doing more than filling a role—you’re helping shape faith, build confidence, and create a church where families feel at home. Even a small commitment can have a lasting impact.

If you’d like to learn more or are interested in serving, we’d love to talk with you. Please fill out an interest form, reach out to the church office, or speak with a member of the Children’s Ministry team.

Thank you for helping Lakeside be a place where children are known, loved, and encouraged to grow in faith.

Hey Lakeside family!

Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to serve with Youth Ministry! We are so grateful for all who have plugged in and made a difference for our students.

Now it’s time to look ahead to summer activities! Summer is one of the best seasons for connection, growth, fun, and faith-building moments for our students—and we need amazing volunteers to help make it happen.

If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, this is a great time to jump in. Whether you can help at one event or several, your presence matters. And if you’re not quite sure yet, you’re always welcome to come observe and see what Youth Ministry is all about.

Head to the link below to sign up for upcoming summer opportunities. It only takes a few minutes, but the impact can last far beyond one season.

 To subscribe to Youth Group communication, Text “lakesideyouth” to 855-485-7965 (or scan the QR code below).  Then send us a message with your name and whether you are a youth or parent so we know who we have captured.

Do you have a high school student who loves creating videos, designing graphics, taking photos, or coming up with fun social media ideas? Lakeside is inviting our youth to use their creativity and voice to help shape how we share the story of our church online.

We are launching a Youth Social Media Content Creator Interest opportunity for high school students who want to help create content for Lakeside’s social media platforms. This is a chance for students to:

• Use their creative gifts in a meaningful, faith-centered way

• Learn practical skills in content creation, storytelling, and digital communication

• Be part of a team that helps represent Lakeside to our wider community

• Earn service hours and gain experience that can be valuable for school, college, or future careers

Youth will never be asked to manage accounts independently or post without adult guidance. This opportunity will be supervised and designed to be fun, collaborative, and age-appropriate.

Parents and students are encouraged to scan the QR code and complete the interest form to let us know who might like to participate. Completing the form does not commit your student—it simply helps us gauge interest and plan next steps.

We believe God has given our youth powerful voices and creative minds. This is one way they can help share faith, joy, and community beyond the walls of the church.