Local Couple Fosters Faith Community at Lake Carroll’s Marina

LAKE CARROLL — Robin Wilhelms Saar and her husband Jeff have turned their love for Lake Carroll into a thriving community initiative. They have established an outdoor worship service called Church at the Lake, which invites residents and visitors alike to gather in faith and fellowship every Sunday morning. This service, which began in 2014, aims to create a welcoming environment for people from all denominations.

The couple felt the need for a spiritual gathering closer to home, as they regularly attended services at Bethel United Methodist Church in nearby Shannon. Encouraged by their family’s faith and commitment to the community, the Saars collaborated with Robin’s parents, Omar and Janice Wilhelms, to initiate this new service at the East Marina’s picnic shelter.

Church at the Lake takes place at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday from May 25 to August 31, 2024. The service has attracted dozens of worshippers, who arrive by car, golf cart, foot, and even boat. “It’s as if there’s greater clarity and peace of mind when you hear the words of the Bible surrounded by nature,” Robin said. The outdoor setting enhances the experience, allowing people to connect with their spirituality amid God’s creations.

Pastor Jeremiah Lee is the fourth pastor to lead the service, bringing his experience from previous outdoor congregations. “Church isn’t about a building, but about people,” Lee remarked. He believes that the informal setting encourages those who might feel uncomfortable in traditional church environments to participate. This openness has helped draw a diverse group of attendees, enhancing the sense of community.

The atmosphere is casual, with around 100 cups of coffee and light refreshments available to attendees. Worshippers participate in singing contemporary Christian music using a binder of lyrics instead of projected screens. A unique touch is the collection plate, which is replaced by a bright yellow bait bucket for offerings.

One of the highlights of the summer is the annual patriotic-themed service, scheduled for June 29 this year. This event will include breakfast and special music, fostering a sense of unity as the community prepares to celebrate Independence Day.

The service opens with a modified version of the song “Shall We Gather at the River,” crafted by the late Deborah Endress, a long-time attendee. Her husband, Jim, reflects fondly on the couple’s time at Church at the Lake, stating, “This service definitely deepened our faith and commitment to doing the Lord’s work in a beautiful, casual outdoor setting.”

The music at the service has also inspired creativity among attendees. Two members of the Praise Band, Jeff Norton and Jason Mlakar, formed a secular band named Better Late Than Never, further enriching the local cultural scene.

Many attendees, including Jim, have developed friendships with both full-time and part-time residents seeking a church home. “There are weekenders who miss church while enjoying their time at the lake,” he noted. The early service allows them to participate in worship without interfering with their weekend plans.

As the Saars reflect on their journey, they express gratitude for the impact they’ve made in their community. “I truly believed that God called our family to do this,” Robin said. “We’re here to make a difference in people’s lives, allowing them a chance to share their joys and needs.”

Church at the Lake continues to thrive, serving as a vital spiritual hub for Lake Carroll residents and visitors alike. For more information, individuals are encouraged to reach out via the Bethel-Shannon UMC Facebook page or visit gbgm-umc.org.