New partnership

CAROLINE SAVOIE | East Texas Writer
carosavo@storydustsearch.com

MABANK, Texas — Celebration on the Lake Church, founded more than two decades ago as a haven for LGBTQ+ worshippers at Cedar Creek Lake, has officially joined the United Church of Christ (UCC) after years as an independent congregation.

The church received its charter on Oct. 12, 2024, formally becoming part of the progressive Christian denomination known for its advocacy on social justice issues, including women’s rights, racial equality and environmental justice.

“This gives us legitimacy and visibility,” said Bradley Scott, board chair and worship ministry leader at Celebration on the Lake. “We’re no longer just sitting out here as this independent little church. Now people who know UCC and are visiting the area have a congregation they can recognize and trust.”

The congregation traces its origins to Fort Worth’s Celebration Community Church, founded in 1993 as a satellite of Dallas’ White Rock Community Church. Under the leadership of the Rev. Carol West — who became senior pastor of Celebration Community in 1998 — the church grew from about 35 members to more than 500, establishing itself as a vital part of North Texas’ LGBTQ+ community.

During West’s tenure, Celebration Community purchased its own building on Pennsylvania Avenue in Fort Worth, launched ministries such as the Barron House Counseling Center and even started this satellite congregation on Cedar Creek Lake. That satellite church eventually became Celebration on the Lake, which has since carried forward the mission of providing an affirming worship space in East Texas.

Scott said that for years, Celebration on the Lake operated independently, often referred to locally as “the gay church.” He said affiliating with UCC helps counter that stigma while strengthening the congregation’s footing.

While Scott said Sunday attendance has not dramatically increased since affiliating with the denomination, community interest and visibility have. The church was featured on the front page of a local newspaper after receiving its charter.

“Especially in this day and age, there’s safety in numbers,” Scott said. “It gives us cohesion and recognition as an established church, not something we threw together.”

Celebration on the Lake continues to operate with its own board and rotating ministers, though Scott said the church is currently searching for a permanent pastor. Its UCC charter allows the church to participate in denominational conventions, vote on issues and direct resources toward global and local causes.

Beyond worship, Scott said the congregation remains deeply involved in the community, supporting food pantries, animal shelters and low-cost veterinary clinics. It also hosts an annual Red Tie Gala to benefit local organizations and offers its lakeside building for weddings and gatherings.

Scott said the charter offers something particularly vital in Cedar Creek Lake’s stretch between Dallas and Tyler: a spiritual anchor for LGBTQ+ Christians.

“If you are an LGBTQ Christian, one of the first things you’re going to look for is the United Church of Christ,” he said. “You know it’s a safe haven where you belong.”

Celebration on the Lake holds worship services each Sunday at 10 a.m., preceded by coffee and donuts at 9 a.m. For more information, visit Celebration on the Lake’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/COTLChurchTx.