Where trespasses are forgiven

Published 9:40 pm Friday, January 16, 2009

LAKE STEVENS — Like it or not, church can hurt.

So John Hayes launched Lost and Found Community Church, a sanctuary for people who are hurting. The first public service took place Jan. 11 at Cedar Springs Camp, 4820 Highway 92, Lake Stevens.

As giant cedars sheltered the small church from the world nearby, Rene Hayes led worship. Holding a microphone, she prompted the six adults and four kids to sing songs to music pouring from a karaoke machine. Behind her, a roughly-shaped wooden cross hung above the fireplace. Someone had arranged folding chairs in impromptu rows. A plate of muffins waited on a table in the back.

In an era when megachurches nationwide are opening self-contained satellite campuses — complete with worship teams, sound systems, electric guitars and salaries for their pastors — Lost and Found is unusual.

Started with just five families — not 100 — its beginnings are humble. But that’s the way John Hayes believes God wants it.

For four years, John Hayes was an associate pastor at the Everett South Church of the Nazarene. He also was a pastor at churches in Wapato, Seattle and Snohomish before serving in Everett. Last May, he got a vision for a new church, said his wife, Rene.

The Hayes’ former church supports their efforts but does not provide a salary. So John Hayes works part-time as a substitute teacher, while Rene Hayes operates a business called Busy Bookkeeper.

The idea for the church came about after several people who had left churches approached John about getting back to church, Rene Hayes said. They were looking for a church to attend but they were afraid to go back.

Those discussions sparked the vision for Lost and Found.

“Instead of going bigger, John was impressed with taking the church to the people,” Rene Hayes said.

By offering a New Testament church structure — similar to those described in the Book of Acts — where meetings are less structured and more intimate than a traditional church service, Lost and Found hopes to attract people who have been disenfranchised by the church, John Hayes said.

To some, Hayes’ notion of people being hurt by a place that’s supposed to help is curious.

In fact, people have been hurt by church gossip, innuendo and by the fact that they may have had a burden on their heart they felt they couldn’t share, even in their small group.

If he could, Hayes said he would run services somewhat like an Alcoholics Anonymous or Al-Anon meeting.

He envisions a church where people can share what has hurt them and find healing in a safe and supportive environment; where everyone from youngest to oldest feels comfortable talking to the pastor and where people are genuine enough to say “I’m sorry.”

“It’s important to ask, ‘How is your pastor going to help you on Wednesday when the school calls and says Johnnie just threw a punch,” he said.

Reporter Leita Crossfield: 425-339-3449 or crossfield@heraldnet.com.

Lost and Found Community Church

Lost and Found Community Church meets at 9:30 a.m. Sundays at Cedar Springs Camp, 4820 Highway 92, Lake Stevens.

Call 425-876-7274 or e-mail lostandfoundchurchccnaz@hotmail.com or go to www.lostfoundchurch.com.