Our Story

Lord of Life is a Christian community that gathers together to do all of that we proclaim in our mission statement: worship God, grow in faith, and reach out to others with the love of Jesus Christ. We are a Lutheran congregation, which means we take our grace very seriously. God loves us, no matter what. God claims us as children. Jesus died on the cross even though he was perfect, and he took on our sin, so that even though we are sinners, through Jesus God calls us saints. There is nothing in all creation that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8). Only by power of the Holy Spirit can we be guided to faith.

More particularly, we are a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. And we are part of the geographically defined synod called the Delaware-Maryland Synod. We support the ministries of our synod and the ELCA, and other social ministry organizations. And our ministry is richer (spiritually speaking) for it.

As for the rest, it’s history. So check it out!

1969	The Lutheran Church in America purchased a future church site on the corner of Willoughby Beach Road and Sequoia Drive.
1971	November 21st – The first service of worship was held in the old American Legion Service Post No. 17 building with 52 people attending.
1973	February 11th – The Charter was signed by 60 adults and Lord of Life was formally organized. November – The Rev. Henry E. Schaefer, Jr., who served as Mission Developer, was installed as our first pastor.
1978	January 29th – We moved our place of worship to the Century Lions Club Medical Building on Trimble Road. April – A successful Building Fund campaign provided us with the funds to proceed with our building program.
1981	January 25th – The Sanctuary and main building were dedicated to the glory of God.
1985	The last year of financial support from the Lutheran Church in America.
1988	We became a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
1993	We celebrated our 20th anniversary.
1999	A Building Committee was organized to plan the next phase of our development. The original mortgage was retired.
2000	The “Living to Serve for Christ” Building Fund began.
2003	February – The Rev. Henry E. Schaefer, Jr. retired.
2003	October – The new Fellowship Hall and renovated areas of the main building were dedicated to the glory of God. December 1st – The Rev. Paige G. Evers began the call as Pastor.
2004	February 8th – The Rev. Paige G. Evers was installed as our second pastor. The “Connecting Christ and Community” Mortgage Reduction Fund began. The congregation’s mission was developed by the Church Council: “Grow in faith, worship God, and reach out to others with the love of Jesus Christ.”
2007	“Our Journey of Faith” Mortgage Campaign was held. The Pony Express traveled from home to home as members made their commitments for giving to the Mortgage Fund in 2007-2010.
2010	October 3rd – Christine Parker was called to serve as Pastor. November 7th – Christine Parker was ordained, and so became The Rev. Christine Parker.
2011	January 9th – The Rev. Christine Parker was installed.