Maddie and Farai Piloto came to Lake Avenue Church in August 2018. They knew Brandon Waybright (Pastor Greg’s son!) from George Fox University where they attended college, and visited Lake soon after moving to Pasadena. They very quickly found that this church family was the right place for them.
As a young married couple new to the area, they knew they needed community. In March last year they were invited to host a short term small group for Lent. They were a little nervous about the responsibility in leading a group themselves, but they took a leap of faith! Maddie says, “God was with us and took away any fear or anxiety we had to lead.”
They started small, just four of them meeting faithfully every week, but decided to continue gathering together even after the Lenten series ended. Gradually over time, their group started growing. Now they have about 15 young adults who are part of their community. Maddie says, “Both of us are so happy to open our doors to provide space for other young adults to find community just like we were looking for. Between the deep conversations, time of prayer, and just doing life together, our small group has become a weekly joy in our lives.”
As Maddie and Farai’s story shows, we are made to live together in community and we thrive when we Follow Jesus Together. That’s what our small groups are all about! Starting March 1, we are going to be launching several Lenten Small Groups. We will gather together in people’s homes for Bible study, prayer, and authentic relationship for the seven weeks of Lent.
Is God nudging you to seek out a group to join, or even lead? Answer that nudge! For more information, please contact Annie Neufeld, Pastor of Small Groups at or 626.817.4876.