Lighthouse Church Begins Project To Build Its Own House of Worship

BURLEIGH — A cloud of blue and white balloons soared aloft into the wild, blue yonder Oct. 12, released from the hands of members of The Lighthouse Church as charter members dug a ceremonial gold shovel into the ground.
Senior Pastor Rudy Sheptock raised his arms toward heaven as balloons drifted southwest and upward while the congregation sang the hymn “On Holy Ground.”
The day was a milestone in the history of the Christian and Missionary Alliance church at 1248 Route 9 South. It marked the beginning of a building project, to be done in phases that should end in 10 months.
That first-phase structure, to be built on the mound of earth behind the church office, will include a multi-purpose room, gymnasium, classrooms and offices.
Before the golden shovel turned over the first spade of earth, Middle Township Committeewoman Susan Atkinson DeLanzo offered words of encouragement on behalf of the governing body, and Regional Team Leader-South Rev. Richard A. Borg wished the family of believers well on their new project.
The odyssey to that point in the church’s life began, according to “Pastor Rudy,” as he is widely known, on Nov. 20, 1994 at 5:43 p.m. when the charter was adopted and The Lighthouse Church began under the leadership of Rev. Tom Brunner.
“Always believing that the church is made up of people and not just bricks and sticks, this local body of Christ has never made their meeting place the main thing,” said the pastor.
“Over the years they have gathered for worship in office buildings, movie theaters, pavilions by the ocean and since 1996,
Middle Township Elementary School No. 2. But in 2003, knowing that this growing church could use a place of their own, they bought property at 1248 Route 9 South, and after a long and challenging journey and with the help of God using many wonderful friends and associates, the time has arrived, the construction has begun,” he said.
Congregation member John Mirenda will oversee the project “with the help of key individuals from the church itself.”
Charter members of the church, who broke ground were: Tony Anzelone, Rick Anzelone, Paul and Dorothy Brant, Nancy James, Deb Czyzewski, Gerald and Peggy Stout and Tom Crouthamel, who offered a prayer just prior to the groundbreaking.
The work will be a joint combination of the effort of professionals and Lighthouse volunteers that will work together to see the church erected.
“I am praying that there is as much ministry in putting the place up as there will be when the church is finally open to all to continue its mission of being a launching pad of taking the treasure of faith to all of Cape May County,” he said.
“Fasten your seatbelts; the best is still yet to come. We’ve only just begun, and we won’t ever get to the goal in these crazy economic times, unless we lean on the Lord all the way,” he added.
“So everybody lean on Him and let’s collectively watch what God is going to do,” the pastor concluded.
Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 Ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com