This is an open post for those who knew and loved Lakeside Assembly of God. It was originally written for someone close to me and then I thought it might help others:
I understand your nostalgia for Lakeside because we had something great here for many years. In many ways, the history of Lakeside has been a rudder steering us to the future, but at the same time in many ways it has been an anchor that has not allowed us to move forward. Some of my favorite memories will always be of Lakeside. Some of my worst memories are also from Lakeside. No one can take away from the great things that went on there. and we should not hide from the tough things that occurred. It is our shared history and it cannot be rewritten. It should not be edited. It should be remembered just as it occurred.
I realized some time ago that what is happening here is not a continuation of Lakeside's history. The church as it exists now is writing a new history. It has come through the fire and has emerged refined. Comparisons to old Lakeside are unfair. They are two different churches. So when the idea was presented to change the name, I embraced it. The wonderful people who are here now don't know much about the old Lakeside. Some who do remember the old Lakeside have had trouble embracing the newness.
In many ways this name change allows them to put a period on the Lakeside story and protect it. Then it is easier to participate in the building of a new church and be a part of writing a wonderful history for this generation to enjoy and remember fondly in the years to come.
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