Prayers for Charlie Sheen, Among Other Things

A stack of blue cards sits before Pastor Jon Karn. Each one holds requests for prayers written by congregants who gathered the previous Sunday at . Pastor Jon, as he prefers to be called, passes them out to the ten people gathered in the church library. After a half an hour of food, laughter and catching up with friends, now it’s time to get to the satisfying job of praying.

Every Wednesday evening, a small group of good-hearted congregants led by their warm and gracious pastor, meets for “Eat and Pray,” just like they've been doing for the past five years. The gathering is very much in keeping with the church’s philosophy of not just talking about good deeds, but doing them. In a round robin fashion, appeals to the Lord are made on behalf of those who have made prayer requests. Prayer requests include things like freedom from kidney stones, migraines and Parkinson’s disease, or a new job or good grades. They ask for peace in the Middle East or a positive outcome to the global financial situation. One person wants to see healing and reconciliation in Charlie Sheen’s life. Occasionally, the cards hold thanks for prayers that have been answered, such as an extension on a loan or a new car.

“I see prayers answered weekly,” says Pastor Jon. “People out of work find jobs. People get well. They find answers they hadn’t thought of before. God hears us. He really listens to this congregation.” 

Ryan Murphey, Youth Director for LOCC, comes to “Eat and Pray” as often as he can. “I enjoy coming because it’s an opportunity to have communication with our Father. Also,” he says with a laugh, “I have this mind meld thing going on with Pastor Jon.” 

“I enjoy the funny stories at the beginning of the hour and I like to read the cards,” says 12-year old A.J. Olive. A.J. is not the only young person at the table. Pastor Jon and his wife, LeLani, have a vivacious daughter, Kiana, age 12, whose favorite place in the world is church. “I love it here. And my dad is the best,” she says. “I think what makes our church different is our purpose statement.”

"We are a growing family, driven by love to make authentic followers of Jesus Christ."

Family is key at Light on the Corner Church. According to A.J.’s mom, Jessica Olive, “Coming here is like going to a family’s house. It’s very casual and comfortable. There’s no slipping into the back row. You will be found and greeted, but not in an uneasy way.”

Everyone is welcome at Sunday services in their recently renovated sanctuary. “Not everyone knows this is a church,” says Pastor Jon, speaking of the building on the corner of Montrose Avenue and Waltonia Drive, “but it is, and all are welcome.” It used to be a Baptist church, then it became the Church of Angeles Crest. Around five years ago, Pastor Jon changed it to Light on the Corner Church. The church has roots in Baptist traditions, but are a completely independent Christian church. In addition to church services and "Eat and Pray," the pastor has just begun leading weekly lessons called “The Masterlife Course” about how to live like Jesus. 

 If this sounds like your kind of place, you're invited to attend their Sunday service at 10:45 a.m. As Pastor Jon says, “If I didn’t work here, I’d go here.”