Faith Community | Love Lake Norman has signed a lease for permanent space in the Oak Street Mill in downtown Cornelius. The 5,000 square foot space will be in addition to 2,000 square feet set aside for the children’s ministry.

The non-denominational church led by Rev. Jerel Law has seen attendance suffer like other churches during the pandemic.

Rev. Jerel Law

“We moved our efforts into creating a great online experience, while trying to maintain connections within our church. We definitely have come out of it with a much stronger online presence,” Law said.

Attendance two years ago was in the 150 range. There were 211 for Easter this year, with 120 the week after.

COVID dip

“With COVID, we definitely dipped down, but we are encouraged by the growing attendance the past few weeks,” Law said.

The first service at Love Lake Norman took place four years ago in the Kadi Fit fitness studio, complete with hardwood floors, a couch and a bunch of those heavy punching bags that hang from the ceiling.

People looking for hope

Law, who likes to be called Jerel, attributes growth to personal invitations. “People will come if a friend asks them. We try to keep up a robust social media presence and even do some online marketing occasionally, but it is all about friends inviting friends,” he said.

We’ve actually seen new people come around recently, even during the height of the pandemic, which is encouraging. People are looking for hope,” Law said.

• May 9 services will be held indoors in the new permanent space.