About
There is a place where rows of single family homes with perfectly manicured lawns line every street. A place where family values are placed at a premium. A place where poverty is virtually non-existent. A place where an overwhelming majority of the population faithfully attend the same church every Sunday, and throughout the week. A place that seems at first glance to be picture perfect. This place is Syracuse, Utah.
Syracuse represents what most of Utah looks like – fast growing, young and Mormon. But Syracuse, like the rest of Utah, is hurting…
Syracuse teenagers are hurting. Drug use is prevalent, and while Utah is the youngest state in the US, the number one cause of death among Utah teens is suicide. Utah leads the nation in suicide deaths for males age 15-24.
Syracuse families are hurting. While Utah has the lowest poverty rate in the nation and one of the lowest crime rates, the majority of police calls in Syracuse have reportedly been for family violence.
Syracuse people are hurting. While family values are considered a hallmark of Utah’s culture, places in Utah lead the nation in internet searches for pornography.
What if there were a place that offered hope for the families of Syracuse?
A few years ago, a group of people who have been radically changed by Christ began meeting together in the city and asking that same question. They are teachers, plumbers, social workers, real-estate agents, nurses, public servants, military personnel – all dedicated to the same goal: to reach the city of Syracuse with the gospel. They are the people of Lakeside Church.
Lakeside Church began in 2002 as a small church plant. Pastor Derek Jones moved his family from Eastern Canada to start Lakeside after seeing the tremendous need here. His passion for sharing the true gospel of salvation by grace alone was contagious, and one-by-one, others in the community bought into the vision.
Today, Lakeside is a strong core of about 100 believers, with strong leaders, passionate members, and good community relationships. We feel that now is the time to press on, and firmly establish a physical presence in the community. A place where the residents of Syracuse can turn to find answers.
If you took a drive down the streets of Syracuse, you would find church after church in every neighborhood. However, you would also find that every single church is a Mormon church. Every one. We’re inviting you to help us build the first non-LDS church building in Syracuse. The very first christian church in one of the fastest growing cities in the US.
In the summer of 2008, Lakeside Church bought a parcel of land in the middle of the city. We are currently in the construction phase, with the goal of finishing as soon as possible. Then the real work will come as we reach out from this “home base” to the residents of Syracuse.
But we can’t do it alone…we need help.
We would like to invite you to help us reach this area. We need partners to help with financial support, construction crews and mission teams. Most of all, we need prayer. Join us by visiting our get involved page and help us reach this city for God!