Why Alpha?

Alpha is an 11-week course that creates a space, online or in person, where people are excited to bring their friends to freely explore the basics of the Christian faith; no pressure, no judgement, no charge.

In an Alpha group, guests are invited to share a meal, listen to a video teaching, share ideas, and participate in an open conversation with others around the table.

When?

We’ll meet from 6-7:30 pm from on Wednesday evenings, from September 3 – November 19

What does an Alpha session look like?

Connect – Whether in person over a meal or virtually with a cup of tea, all sessions start with a time to connect, relax and build friendships. Eating food together creates space for people to connect and share life on a deeper level.

Watch – The Alpha talks are designed to engage people from all walks of life and inspire conversation. They explore the big issues of life and faith and unpack the basics of Christian belief, addressing questions like “Who is Jesus?”, “Why and how do I pray?” and “How does God guide us?”

Discuss – The discussion time is an opportunity for people to respond to the talk, hear from others and contribute their own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.

Please register below.

Kairos Prison Ministry International

Partner with Kairos prison Ministry International in their mission to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of incarcerated men!

Trip Description:

Must be a man over the age of 18

Kairos brings together inmates for a 4 day trip called The Weekend

The Weekend is based on a series of talks, discussions, chapel meditations, and prayer. ​

The concept is to build the Christian community inside the institution where the inmates pray and fellowship together weekly. ​​

Dates: November 6 - 9 | Morganton, NC

Required training: Attend three 4-hour training sessions (beginning in September)

Cost: $125 which will contribute to pay for food for volunteers and participants.

Lodging: Men can either stay in a hotel or they can sleep at a nearby church for free.

Learn more or register by emailing Trip Leader Michael Esparza at dal1boys@gmail.com

As kids forge ahead to middle school, it’s a great time for them to focus on how special God made them and how He wants a relationship with them!

This class is for parents of 6th graders - to equip them to have spiritual discussions with their kids and to prepare for middle school. We'll also talk about Lake Forest Youth and the role that the church will play in this important season of their life!

No registration is required.

🎉 Youth is Back! 🎉

Mark your calendars—Youth kicks off for the Fall on Sunday, September 7 from 6–8PM

All 6th - 12th grade students, and their parents, are invited!

We’re launching the semester with all the things we love most: fun, faith, friends, and family. The night starts with some lighthearted competition—youth vs. adults 👀—then we’ll gather for a powerful message. After that, students will break out into small groups while parents and adults get the inside scoop from our Youth Team about what’s ahead this fall.

It’s going to be the perfect mix of energy, connection, and vision for the season ahead—you don’t want to miss it!

No registration is required.

Are you ready to go on mission?

Join the team for the Appalachian Service Project in Jonesville, VA this October! This trip is perfect for everyone, regardless of your missions experience, so long as you are 7th grade and up (Middle schoolers must be accompanied by an adult; high schoolers may attend with an accompanying adult.)

Our team will be assigned to home projects, designed to make houses safer, warmer, and drier. We’ll be putting siding on homes, re-flooring spaces, and cleaning up damage. Don’t worry if none of this is in your wheelhouse; we’ll be training everyone who goes on the trip during the month of September.

We have space for 50 missionaries on this team; for more information, check out ASPhome.org or e-mail our team at amyeatmon@yahoo.com

THE COST PER PERSON IS $175 – this covers all meals, lodging, and a t-shirt.

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th.

Please be aware of the meeting dates below:

9/10: Interest Meeting at LFC WestLake from 6:30pm-8pm.

9/14: First-time participant meeting at LFC Huntersville at 12:30pm – 1:30 pm.

This is an optional meeting for returning participants, but required for first-time participants. You may attend either the 9/14 or 9/17 meeting.

9/17: First-time participant meeting at LFC WestLake at 6:30pm – 7:30 pm.

This is an optional meeting for returning participants, but required for first-time participants. You may attend either the 9/14 or 9/17 meeting.

10/8: Required all participant meeting at LFC WestLake from 6:30pm-8pm.

Please register below.

A weekend away is the perfect chance for 6th-12th graders to connect with God, their friends, and their small group leaders in a fresh way. Fall Retreat is all about creating space for fun, faith, and unforgettable memories.

Our Fall Retreat is October 24–26 at Camp Cherokee in Blacksburg, SC. Students will experience worship, messages, small group time, canoeing, games, and more.

he cost is $150 with an optional $25 transportation fee.

Please register below.

🌱 Discover Group Life This Fall! 🌱

This September, we’re making it easier than ever to find your place in Group Life—because life is better together.

Right after every worship service, you’ll have the chance to step out and explore what GL is all about. You’ll get to meet our Group Life leaders and discover opportunities that fit your season of life.

This fall, our big emphasis is on Practicing the Way—a journey of learning how to follow Jesus in the everyday rhythms of life. Whether you’re brand-new or looking for a fresh start, this is your chance to plug in, ask questions, and find the right group for you.

Don’t miss it—stop by after church to discover how Group Life can change your story this fall!

No registration is required.

As students step into high school, they’ll face new opportunities and challenges—and parents have a vital role in walking with them through it all. This milestone is a perfect time to prepare for the road ahead with wisdom, faith, and integrity.

Our Navigating the Trail event is designed for parents of 9th graders. Together, we’ll talk through the physical, social, and emotional changes that come with high school, and how teenagers can grow in their faith as they navigate this new season.

This is a chance to pause, look ahead, and step confidently into high school—side by side.

Please register below.

Life after high school is a brand-new trail—and senior year is the time to prepare for the journey ahead. Parents play a vital role in helping their students step into adulthood with confidence and a faith that is their own.

Our Senior Year Trail event is designed for parents of 12th graders. Join us in tackling the meaningful questions seniors are asking, naming the fears they carry, and offering practical tools to help them succeed in what comes next.

Please register below.

Discover your role in God’s story and define your next step through Welcome 101!

During each of the four phases of this class, led by our pastors and completed in one weekend, you will learn more about Lake Forest, identify where you are spiritually, and make new friends who are all seeking to take their next step in this journey that we call faith.

As you discover your role in God’s story, you’ll build relationships, find places to share your gifts and, upon completion of all four phases, you will have the opportunity to become an LFC Ministry Partner.

Class times:
Saturday, October 4 | 9 am - 2 pm
Sunday, October 5 | 4 - 5:30 pm

Registration is required.

Hey, 4th & 5th graders!

Are you ready for some campfire fun?

Join us at the church for an evening of s'mores, games, and time to hang out with friends. Invite a friend, and we'll see you there!

Parents - this is a drop off event. We'll be ready to greet you and your kid(s) at the church.

Please register below.

Explore following Jesus into the waters of baptism through Baptism 101!

At Lake Forest, we celebrate baptism as a part of worship once a month. Before getting baptized, you must attend a Baptism 101 class. You may also want to consider attending our Welcome 101 class to learn more about our faith and Lake Forest Church, although Welcome 101 is not required. You do not have to be a Ministry Partner/Member to be baptized at Lake Forest Church. Read more about what we believe about baptism here.

OUR NEXT BAPTISM 101 CLASS:

Sunday, October 19 at 12:15 pm

We'll gather at the front of the worship center (in front of the platform) after 11 am worship.

Registration is required.

🌱 Discover Group Life This Fall! 🌱

This September, we’re making it easier than ever to find your place in Group Life—because life is better together.

Right after every worship service, you’ll have the chance to step out and explore what GL is all about. You’ll get to meet our Group Life leaders and discover opportunities that fit your season of life.

This fall, our big emphasis is on Practicing the Way—a journey of learning how to follow Jesus in the everyday rhythms of life. Whether you’re brand-new or looking for a fresh start, this is your chance to plug in, ask questions, and find the right group for you.

Don’t miss it—stop by after church to discover how Group Life can change your story this fall!

No registration is required.

Having a baby is a life-changing adventure—and the preschool years are the very start of the parenting trail. Parents play the most important role in helping their children know God’s love from the very beginning.

Our Setting Out On The Trail event is designed for parents of babies through PreK. Join us as we share tools for starting healthy faith habits early, talk about the vital role parents play as the primary spiritual influence in their child’s life, and explain what Lake Forest believes about baby baptism.

Please register below.

Looking for an opportunity to give back this Christmas?

Once again, Lake Forest will be sending 250 Christmas gifts to our missionary partners school in Haiti just in time for Christmas!

Pick up your bag, along with a shopping list and photo of the child you're shopping for, at church on Sunday, November 2. We'll have a collection box in the lobby every Sunday until November 30 for bags that are ready to ship!

Questions? Contact Emily Dennis at edennis@lakeforest.org