Lake Zurich church thinks outside the walls

Dinner rolls and small bottles of Welch's grape juice aren't typical communion elements in most Christian churches.

But then Fusion Church in Lake Zurich is anything but typical.

The small but enthusiastic, nondenominational church celebrated its first Easter service in a new location.

The 5-year-old church was meeting at Isaac Fox Elementary school in Lake Zurich, but now worships at Alpine Chapel, also in Lake Zurich. About 60 people gathered for the Sunday evening service.

Lead Pastor Eric Lerew says the congregation is grateful for their new home, but quickly added a disclaimer.

"Our main focus is on what's happening outside the walls of the church," Lerew said. "We want to live out the gospel in the community where people live and work. What happens inside these four walls is secondary."

"Organic and fluid," is how Lerew, 44, describes the church's ministry model. "There are so many people who won't ever step foot into a church. We want to do church where people do life," he said. "Our Sunday meetings are just a rallying point from which we go out to reach the community."

The church is divided into what Lerew calls "Villages."

Member of the congregation focus on starting friendships and doing service projects in particular geographic locations in and around Lake Zurich.

"Our villages are communities of people committed to a common mission," he said. "Sometimes it's sharing meals with people, phone conversations, anything we can do to show the love of Christ."

Last Christmas, members not only brought presents to needy people in the Round Lake area, but also spent the day with the families getting to know them, hoping to start a friendship. Lerew said that is more meaningful than just dropping off gifts.

Church member Trish Ritchie said the church feels like home in some ways.

"It's like family and very real," the 26-year-old Wauconda woman said. "You don't have to pretend to be someone you're not. It's refreshing."

Fusion's membership is small, but that's OK with Lerew. He said it's not about filling the pews.

"Our influence is larger that it appears," he said. "There many people that are part of our community that don't necessarily show up on Sunday. And that's fine with us as long as we can make a difference in their lives."