In a time when it is common to hear that a church has closed its doors due to a lack of attendance and financial support, Liberty Ridge Church has defied the odds and re-opened after nearly five years, with a story that can only be described as a Christmas miracle.
Located in between Lancaster and Fennimore, Liberty Ridge Church closed its doors in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a temporary shutdown turned into a prolonged absence, leaving its members without a regular place of worship. However, on Dec. 15, that all changed, as the church re-opened for regular Sunday services at 9 a.m., marking a moment of hope and renewal for the congregation and the entire community.
The church’s re-opening is a powerful testament to the resilience of both the faith community and the church leadership and of God’s provisions. After years of prayer and a renewed spirit of support from local residents, Liberty Ridge Church was able to re-establish itself as a place of worship and fellowship.
The momentum continued on Christmas Eve, when Liberty Ridge held its first Christmas Eve service since 2019. The Candlelight Christmas Eve service has always been a highly anticipated event for those from and traveling to Lancaster, Fennimore, and Stitzer for the Holiday’s.
For many, this special night celebrating the birth of our Savior in this church—built by German settlers in 1860—is an opportunity to glimpse into the past and experience the timeless tradition of Christmas worship in a historic setting.
The service, which drew 89 attendees, featured a heartwarming Children’s Nativity program. Children dressed as Mary, Joseph, angels, wise men, and shepherds, bringing the Christmas story to life for a captivated audience. Their joyful participation added a special, personal touch to the service, filling the church with a sense of warmth, tradition, and the anticipation of Christmas Day.
The newly appointed Pastor, Nate LaMore, officiated the service, guiding the congregation through a meaningful celebration of the birth of Christ. His words of faith and renewal resonated deeply with those who had waited years for the opportunity to gather together again for a Christmas Eve service. The evening marked not only the celebration of Christ’s birth but also the rebirth of Liberty Ridge Church itself.
“This is truly a Christmas miracle,” said one attendee, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many in the room. The re-opening of Liberty Ridge Church is a powerful reminder that, even in the darkest of times, faith, perseverance, and a supportive community can bring about incredible transformations.
As Liberty Ridge Church begins this new chapter, it is filled with a sense of gratitude and anticipation for what the future holds.
With its doors now open, the church looks forward to continuing its mission of faith, fellowship (Every Sunday at 9 a.m.), and service to the area for many years to come.
