Growth on agenda at Liberty Lake Community Church

Changes have been coming to Liberty Lake Community Church and more are likely on the way as the growing population in the area leads to crowded pews.

The church has been meeting at Eighth Avenue and Garry Drive since 1953. Last year the church was faced with a growing congregation in a small sanctuary and even smaller parking lot. About 200 people come to services every Sunday, said administrative assistant Julie Quirk.

So church members began traveling to the Telect building to hold their Sunday worship services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. There they have room to worship and chat after services. The church building is still used for meetings and other activities. Now the church members are trying to decide if they should buy a new building or build one themselves. “We’re looking for a more permanent solution,” Quirk said.

There’s no timeline for when church members will make the decision, but a portion of the weekly offering is being set aside to fund whatever option is eventually selected, Quirk said.

The change has been a long time coming. “We’ve kind of been getting crunched over the last few years,” she said. “I think it has to do with the growth out here.”

More recently the congregation decided to rent out their sanctuary on Sundays. Lakeside Ministries has been meeting there for weekly worship services since the spring.

Worship in the park

Members of Opportunity Christian Church are picking up stakes Sunday to have their annual worship service and barbecue in the park. The service will begin at 9:45 a.m. in Mirabeau Point Park. People attending should bring lawn chairs, plus a salad or dessert to share at the barbecue that will follow. The church will provide meat, drinks and place settings. There also will be games in the park after the meal.

Blood drive

Roll up your sleeve and stop by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 810 S. Sullivan Road, Sunday from 8 to 11 a.m. for a blood drive. Drop-in donors are welcome. Call 926-9858 for more information.