Kevin Greene's relatives are spread throughout two countries. He was born in British Columbia, then his family moved to Wilmington, Del., when he was 5. Kevin's mother's family lives in Manitoba, and his father's sister lives near Niagara Falls. Kevin and his wife, Alisha, moved to Ephrata five years ago. Lancaster County, with its genealogical roots stretching back three centuries for some people, is quite different than Kevin's experience.

"Family connections in Lancaster are a lot," Kevin commented. "(As a newcomer, I) have to make those connections in other ways."

Making connections - forging relationships among people and between God and people - is the mission of ConnectUs Church, which Kevin recently founded. From its beginning as recorded in the biblical book of Acts, the Christian church has been a place where people can find support. ConnectUs Church aims to follow that example.

"We are here to help every person take their next step to becoming the person God wants them to be and do the things God wants them to do," Kevin said. "Everyone's trying so hard to be seen as important or feel valuable, but God offers us a life-changing identity that is received and not achieved."

ConnectUs Church has been about two years in the making. Kevin completed a church planting residency at Life Church Lancaster, and with the support of people he met while earning a digital communications degree from Lebanon Valley College, several Life Church members, and Alisha's parents, who moved to Lancaster from Pittsburgh, he created ConnectUs Church, an independent congregation that is part of Converge. The Northeast Collaborative, which aims to remedy the isolation of leaders from resources and teammates, has helped with funding, accountability, and partnerships.

"COVID has thrown a wrench in (the launch)," Kevin remarked. "There's no book on how to start a church in a pandemic."

COVID-19 delayed the start of worship services, but for the last month, ConnectUs has been meeting at Reel Cinemas, 1500 Christopher Place, Lancaster, on Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon, with gatherings beginning at 10 a.m. The adults gather for worship in one theater, and children meet in another one. A nursery is located in a private hallway. A formal grand opening was held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 31. Kevin delivered a message titled "Meet Jesus: When Real People Meet the Real Jesus." During the following four weeks, the sermons will discuss how listeners can connect to God's next steps for their lives.

Kevin described his preaching style as relevant and biblical. "I like to preach to everyone in the room," he said. "I explain the Bible in a relevant, practical way that will make an impact on your life."

Guests are welcome to attend ConnectUs Church in person or by watching online at http://www.facebook.com/connectuschurch/live.

For more information, readers may visit http://www.connectuschurch.org, email info@connectuschurch.org, or call 717-742-5535.